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Amir and Belarus Qatar-USA 2021 Year of Culture officially launched President

THE PENINSULA — DOHA exchange

In the presence of H E Sheikha greetings Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson QNA — DOHA of Qatar Museums, the Qatar- USA 2021 Year of Culture was Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin officially inaugurated at the Hamad Al Thani exchanged Katara Cultural Village Opera greetings with President of the House on Friday with a special Republic of Belarus H E concert by the Qatar Philhar- Aleksander Lukashenko on the monic Orchestra (QPO) and the occasion of the 25th anni- US Air Forces Central Band versary of the establishment (AFCENT Band). of diplomatic relations The event was hosted by between the two friendly Qatar Museums and the United countries. States Embassy. Minister of The Qatar-USA 2021 In the two cables of mutual Culture and Sports, H E Salah greetings on this occasion, bin Ghanem Al Ali; Ambassador Year of Culture is H H the Amir and H E the Bela- of the State of Qatar to the intended to enhance rusian President expressed United States, H E Sheikh cultural and artistic their satisfaction with the level Meshal bin Hamad Al Thani; exchange and exem- of the close Qatari-Belarusian and Chargé d’Affaires, United relations over the past States Embassy in Qatar, plifies the renewed decades, confirming their H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani (centre), Chairperson of Qatar Museums, at Ambassador Greta C Holtz were commitment of the two keenness to continue sup- the official launch of the Qatar-USA 2021 Year of Culture at Katara Opera House on Friday. also present at the concert. The nations to foster mutual porting and strengthening concert marked the beginning understanding and these relations in various fields of a year of specially curated The Year of Culture pro- Khalifa Al Thani said: “Music and friends in the United States, for the benefit of the two exhibitions, festivals, bilateral promote intercultural gramme was first launched in truly is a universal language, whose distinguished Ambas- friendly countries and peoples. exchanges, and events to be dialogue. 2012 with Qatar-Japan 2012 fol- speaking directly to the heart, sador Greta C Holtz honoured held in both nations. lowed by Qatar-UK 2013, as we learned once again us with her presence at the The Qatar-USA 2021 Year Qatar-Brazil 2014, Qatar- through this stirring inaugural concert, we expect this Year of Saudi to reopen of Culture is intended to enhance signing of a cooperative Turkey 2015, Qatar-China 2016, concert for the Qatar-USA 2021 Culture to deepen the under- cultural and artistic exchange agreement on September 14, Qatar-Germany 2017, Qatar- Year of Culture. With the warm standing between the people of embassy in Qatar and exemplifies the renewed 2020 between the State of Qatar Russia 2018, Qatar-India 2019, collaboration of our Embassy in our two nations, expressing our commitment of the two nations and the United States of America and Qatar-France 2020. Washington, DC, under the lead- shared humanity and strength- soon: Saudi FM to foster mutual understanding during the 2020 Qatar-United Commenting on the ership of H E Sheikh Meshal bin ening the already substantial and promote intercultural dia- States Strategic Dialogue in concert, H E Sheikha Al Hamad Al Thani and with the ties between Qatar and the REUTERS — RIYADH logue. The launch follows the Washington, DC. Mayassa bint Hamad bin partnership of our colleagues United States.” `P2 Saudi Arabia said it will reopen its embassy in Qatar in the coming days, according to a HMC resumes face-to-face outpatient appointments statement by foreign minister yesterday. THE PENINSULA — DOHA HMC will continue to offer we made the decision to distancing and appropriate time required to show their Ehteraz It is just a matter of virtual clinics for some follow- conduct outpatient appoint- between appointments.” status and have their body tem- logistics, Saudi Arabia’s As the country continues its up appointments or repeat pre- ments and other services vir- “Follow-up appointments, perature taken prior to entry. Foreign Minister Faisal bin gradual lifting of restrictions scriptions. Patients will be con- tually, this was essential to for example for medication Only patients with an Farhan told journalists in due to the COVID-19 pandemic, tacted by Nesma’ak about their protect our patients, visitors and refills, will continue to be con- appointment will be admitted Riyadh when asked about Hamad Medical Corporation appointment and whether their the wider public from the ducted virtually through tele- to HMC facilities. embassy reopening. Full dip- (HMC) has announced a return upcoming appointment is face- spread of COVID-19,” said Dr. phone consultations. We would If a patient is experiencing lomatic relations will resume, to face-to-face appointments to-face or a virtual Al Ansari. like to thank our patients and any COVID-19 symptoms on the he added. for outpatient clinics. appointment. “As we start to gradually the community for their support day of your appointment Riyadh on January 5 As part of the gradual return HMC’s Chief Medical Officer return to normal, it has been and patience during the including fever or chills, announced a breakthrough to normal, HMC outpatient Dr. Abdulla Al Ansari said it was decided to resume in-person pandemic.” shortness of breath or cough, deal to end the row with Doha. appointments will be conducted the appropriate time to return appointments where clinically All patients attending HMC has requested them to not The countries have opened up face-to-face with physicians in to face-to-face appointments. appropriate. Measures will be appointments in HMC Outpa- attend and call 16060 to their air spaces to each other clinics. “Early on in the pandemic in place to ensure social tients Departments will be reschedule. `P3 and flights have also resumed. MoPH urges parents to ensure flu vaccine shots for children FAZEENA SALEEM known as seasonal flu. The Ministry recommends a THE PENINSULA According to Dr. Alkohji, flu vaccine by the end of children of ages below 5 years, October, before flu begins The Ministry of Public Health especially those who are under spreading in the community. (MoPH) has reminded the public 2 years are most vulnerable to Getting vaccinated later, that this year is more important more complications due to the however, can still be beneficial than ever to get the flu vacci- flu. and vaccination should continue nation, especially for children. “Vaccinate your children to be offered throughout the flu “Children are more suscep- against the flu to prevent from season, even into later, officials tible to flu. Protect your children getting serious symptoms and said during the launch of the flu from getting the virus, and spreading the virus among vaccination campaign. spreading it. Get them vacci- others. Studies reveal that flu The World Health Organi- nated,” said National head for vaccination leads to reducing sation has urged global wide- Children and Adolescent Health the risk of flu infections, visit to spread flu vaccinations this year, Strategy, Dr. Sadriya Alkohji. hospital and absentee from amid concerns the same people “This year is more important schools,” she said. who are most vulnerable to than ever to get flu vaccination The flu vaccination cam- severe symptoms from Grand Hamad Street Signal opens for traffic due to the COVID-19 pandemic. paign is a joint initiative of the COVID-19, such as those aged Changing seasons and kids Ministry, and Hamad Medical over 50 and those with chronic The Grand Hamad Street Signal opened for traffic with a new look as part of Doha Central Development interacting with each other in Corporation (HMC). health conditions regardless of and Beautification Projects. PIC: ABDUL BASIT/ THE PENINSULA school may lead to spread of The vaccine is available for their age are also at greatest risk seasonal flu during the coming free across all PHCC’s health from the flu and its months,” she said in a video centers, HMC (for patients complications. Qatar Custom Show draws around 3,000 car enthusiasts message posted by the Ministry attending clinic appointments) Also it was recommended on its social media accounts. and at more than 50 private for children aged between six SIDI MOHAMED motorcycles in different hues and motorcycles Dr. Alkohji urged parents to clinics and hospitals as well as months and five years of age and THE PENINSULA and shapes. Also it has wit- enthusiasts. take an appointment for and semi-governmental health pregnant women to be vacci- nessed a wide participation of He added that the last day children at any of Primary care facilities. nated against the seasonal flu. With the participation of a Qatari enthusiasts of cars and witnessed the distribution of Health Care Corporation number of Qatari teams, the motorcycles, especially of encouraging prizes among the (PHCC)’s health centre to receive 8th edition of Qatar Custom classic cars. participants. the free flu vaccination. Changing seasons and Show 2021 concluded The event included com- Officials from different car Influenza is a highly infec- kids interacting with yesterday after around 3,000 petition in various categories dealers in Qatar were on hand tious acute respiratory illness car and motorcycle enthusiasts for motorcycles and cars. to brief visitors about different caused by the influenza virus. each other in school visiting the three days of the Speaking to The Peninsula models and modifications made Influenza affects people of all may lead to spread of event. Abdullah Aziz Al Hadad, one on them. Small versions of ages. Flu spreads rapidly and seasonal flu during The Show, which concluded of the organisers, said that the motorcycles were a special outbreaks of influenza occur the coming months. yesterday, included more than three days of the event attraction for children during almost every year, usually in 100 customised cars and attracted around 3,000 cars the event. `P2 winter. This is why it is also 02 HOME SUNDAY 17 JANUARY 2021 Qatar-USA 2021 Year of Culture officially launched FROM PAGE 1 tools to instil morality.” countries that has extended Ambassador Greta C Holtz, Aisha Ghanem Al Attiya, beyond economics and grown said: “The Year of Culture pro- Head of Year of Culture, said, into a true friendship and com- gramme provides an extraor- “These beautiful performances munity,” he added. dinary framework within by the Qatar Philharmonic The concert was led by Joo which our two nations can Orchestra and U.S. Air Forces Young Oh, the recently come together to celebrate our Central Band have given us our appointed Concertmaster of the longstanding relationship and first experience of the rich and Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, forge new connections through extensive slate of programs, who performs internationally people-to-people exchanges. exhibitions, and events planned as a violin soloist and member Nothing could better symbolise over next twelve months, as our of the New York Philharmonic. the Year of Culture’s spirit of platform for new dialogues and The program, which began with harmony than this musical col- bilateral exchanges.” the national anthems of both laboration between the Qatar “I am pleased to join our countries, featured a variety of Philharmonic Orchestra and partner Qatar Museums today Qatari and American composi- the US Air Forces Central at the official launch of Qatar- tions, including Rising and Band.” USA Year of Culture 2021, and Spirit of Thunder (Dana Al The Minister of Culture and to announce ExxonMobil Qatar Fardan), Take Me Home, Sports said, “It is important to as its platinum sponsor.” said Country Road (John Denver), nurture arts and culture as they Dominic Genetti, President and Fanfare for the Common Man play a key role in uplifting the General Manager for Exxon- (Aaron Copland), Lullaby and values of human dignity based Mobil Qatar. Porgy and Bess Suite (George on freedom, justice and the “As a US company and an Gershwin), My Heart Will Go On Education Minister participates in ABEGS meeting acceptance of others regardless active participant in the local from the film Titanic (James of their colour, religion and eth- community for over three Horner), Al – Haneen (Nasser Minister of Education and Higher Education H E Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulwahed Al Hammadi led the nicity. Arts and culture assist in decades, Qatar-USA Year of Sahim Nasseb), Adagio for delegation of the State of Qatar participating in 10th special session of the General Conference of the the continuous discovery and Culture 2021 is particularly Strings (Samuel Barber), and Arab Bureau of Education for the Gulf States (ABEGS), which was held on January 14, 2021 through promotion of knowledge and, important to us. It emphasizes Tonight from the musical West video conference. The conference aimed at seeking approval for appointing the Director General alongside religion and social the strong partnership between Side Story (Leonard of ABEGS to succeed Dr. Ali bin Abdul Khaliq Al Qarni, whose term as Director of the ABEGS ended. values, can be used as effective our people and our two Bernstein). Qatar-USA 2021 Year of Culture concert enthralls audience RAYNALD C RIVERA a treat with an encore where THE PENINSULA they performed the popular The concert was the first “E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial” The Qatar-USA 2021 Year of public event in Qatar of theme composed by John Culture’s first public event the year-long celebration Williams. marked a fitting start to the expected to be filled with The concert was the first cultural year with the musical specially curated public event in Qatar of the collaboration between the year-long celebration Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra exhibitions, festivals, expected to be filled with spe- (QPO) and the US Air Forces bilateral exchanges, and cially curated exhibitions, fes- Central Band (AFCENT Band) events to be held in Qatar tivals, bilateral exchanges, and symbolising harmony and and the US. events to be held in Qatar and friendship that exist between the US. the two countries. The Qatar-USA 2021 Year The opening concert wit- “Porgy and Bess Suite” from an of Culture is aimed at enhancing nessed a diverse repertoire English-language opera by cultural and artistic exchange comprising American classics George Gershwin, “Tonight” by and exemplifies the renewed and works by Qatari Leonard Bernstein from the commitment of the two nations The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra acknowledges the ovation from the audience at the end of the composers. musical “West Side Story” and to foster mutual understanding Qatar-USA 2021 Year of Culture opening concert at Katara Opera House yesterday. The show took off with the PIC: RAYNALD C RIVERA/THE PENINSULA “My Heart Will Go On” James and promote intercultural AFCENT Band’s rendition of Horner from the blockbuster dialogue. “Take Me Home, Country film “Titanic” among others. The Year of Culture pro- Roads” recorded by the late It was followed by the world Led by recently appointed vice-president Henry A. Wallace “Spirit of Thunder” by Dana gramme was launched nine prolific American singer-song- premiere of “Rising” — a video QPO concertmaster Joo Young who had stated that the post- Al Fardan and “Al – Haneen” by years ago with Qatar-Japan writer John Denver. An inter- collaboration between Qatari Oh, the orchestra played Qatari war century “can and must be Nasser Sahim Nasseb were 2012 followed by Qatar-UK national staple, the iconic singer-songwriter Dana Al and American pieces starting off the century of the common among the Qatari compositions 2013, Qatar-Brazil 2014, Qatar- American classic aroused a Fardan, the AFCENT Band and with “Fanfare for the Common man.” performed by the Orchestra Turkey 2015, Qatar-China 2016, feeling of nostalgia among those the Qatar Concert Choir spe- Man” composed by Aaron The orchestra played during the hour-long concert. Qatar-Germany 2017, Qatar- present at the show with the cially made for the Year of Copland. According to Copland, famous American songs from The well-applauded show Russia 2018, Qatar-India 2019, song’s universal theme of home. Culture. the title came from a speech by the stage to the screen including saw the QPO give the audience and Qatar-France 2020. Qatar Custom Show draws MoPH: 204 new around 3,000 car enthusiasts COVID-19 cases, FROM PAGE 1 177 recoveries Racing Club witnessed partic- Regarding the massive ipation from many Qatari THE PENINSULA — DOHA motorcycle parade named teams. ‘Thank You Kuwait’ which was It also said on its Instagram The Ministry of Public Health organised on Friday evening, account that the Show was (MoPH) yesterday announced he pointed out that about 500 organised by Soul Riders Motor- the registration of 204 new motorcycles had took part in cycles Club. confirmed cases of COVID-19. it. Al Hadad also said that the The Club posted a number Among the new cases, 40 were parade started from Qatar of pictures of some vintage cars travellers coming from abroad. Sports Club and ended at Qatar that attracted most visitors to Also 177 people have Racing Club covering Corniche the Show, and cars production recovered from the virus, and G-Ring Road. may dates back to the 1950s, bringing the total number of Qatar Racing Club said in a 1960s. recovered cases in Qatar to Children take a look at a customised car on display at the Qatar Custom Show. statement that the activities of For its part, Discover Qatar PIC: SALIM MATRAMKOT/THE PENINSULA 143,612. All new cases have the Custom Show 2021 which tweeted: “The Show organized been introduced to isolation organised under the patronage by Qatar Racing Club included and are receiving necessary of Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al more than 100 customised cars A number of awareness and presented to educate visitors themselves in mechanical and healthcare according to their Thani, President of the Qatar and motorcycles.” educational lectures were and participants to rely on logistical matters. health status. The total number of pos- itive COVID-19 cases recorded in Qatar is 147,089 and there MME officials join children to plant trees at Al Ebb Park are 3,231 active cases under treatment. While the first phase of COVID-19 vaccinations has started in Qatar and in the coming months it will be available for the public for free, the Ministry has stressed it is important for everyone to play their role in controlling the virus by following precau- tionary measures including adhering to physical dis- tancing; avoiding close contact with others, crowded places, and confined closed spaces where other people con- gregate; wearing a face mask and washing hands regularly. The Ministry further said that measures to tackle COVID-19 in Qatar have suc- ceeded in flattening the curve Officials from the Ministry of Municipality and Environment and children from the locality during a tree planting activity at AlEbb Park yesterday. and limiting the spread of the virus. Also Qatar’s proactive THE PENINSULA — DOHA Million Trees' campaign in Qatar, which have great 3,000-sqm Al Ebb Park will Abdulla bin Saeed Al Nuaimi, and extensive testing of sus- coordination with the Ministry benefit in providing a healthy greatly benefit the area’s said: “It is nice to see area’s pected cases has enabled us to Supervisory Committee of of Municipality and Envi- outlet for families, preserving people as it includes a residents planting trees, beau- identify a high number of pos- Beautification of Roads & ronment (MME). environment and improving walkway and other facilities. tifying the area and protecting itive cases in the community. Public Places in Qatar and Director of Al Rayyan quality of life.” I thank the team members of it through this campaign. I also The Ministry asked people residents of Al Ebb area Municipality, Rashid Saeed Al A member of Central this campaign for their efforts thank those in charge of Al Ebb to be careful and protect the planted trees at Al Ebb Park Nuaimi, said: “We thank those Municipal Council (CMC) from in protecting the Park as the area needed a park most vulnerable, while with participation of 26 in charge of establishing parks Constituency No.18, Meshaal environment.” that allows families to COVID-19 restrictions are children, as part of 'Plant and afforestation around Abdulla Al Nuaimi, said: “The A resident of Al Ebb, exercise, play and walk.” being lifted. SUNDAY 17 JANUARY 2021 HOME 03 MoTC and Ooredoo Qatar sign agreement to expand GDC THE PENINSULA — DOHA expenditure. We’re proud to be logistics and to shorten the ‘time chosen by the Ministry of to service’ as much as The Ministry of Transport and The new GDC will allow Transport and Communications possible.” Communications (MoTC) and various government for such a crucial aspect of its Officially launched in 2006, Ooredoo Qatar have signed an entities to host their operations, and look forward Ooredoo Qatar Data Centre was agreement to expand the to working together.” the first facility in Qatar to offer Government Data Centre (GDC). mission-critical IT and On the occasion, MoTC’s businesses a full suite of enter- The new GDC, also known network infrastructure Assurance standards, high extensibility within a managed, Acting Assistant Undersecretary prise services. It has since as GDC2, will allow various gov- in Ooredoo’s QDC5 availability hosting and 24/7 on-demand service. GDC2 can of Government Information evolved into a critical tech- ernment entities to host their purpose-built secure support, provided by a dedi- be used as the primary Data Technology Affairs, Mashael Ali nology asset as part of Qatar’s mission-critical IT and network Tier III Data Centre cated team of Ooredoo experts. Centre or as a Disaster Recovery Al Hammadi, said: “We are drive to become a truly smart infrastructure in Ooredoo’s GDC2 provides highly site by Government pleased to have signed this nation, supporting a wave of QDC5 purpose-built secure Tier facility in Qatar. resilient carrier-grade facilities organisations. agreement with Ooredoo Qatar breakthrough technologies. III Data Centre facility in Qatar. with enterprise-class power, Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad as part of MoTC’s keenness to Ooredoo Qatar Data Centre Connected to the Gov- space and security, operated by Al Thani, Chief Business Officer, extend the capabilities of the facilities supply total control of ernment Network (GN), GDC2 expenditure. a team of skilled staff. Thanks Ooredoo, said: “This agreement Government Data Centre by and security for customers’ provides hosting as well as basic For Government entities, to the innovative modular provides further evidence of the engaging with all service pro- digital and data assets, having and advanced monitoring GDC2 brings multiple benefits. approach that Ooredoo Qatar emergence of Ooredoo as a viders in Qatar to ensure resil- been designed in compliance services to hosted government These include the flexibility to has developed, Government trusted data centre service pro- ience and high availability of the with Tier-3 standards. These entities. This will further activate additional managed entities with any size of opera- vider for government entities, service as well as to enable all facilities provide local and enhance the ability of the public services quickly, high speed tional footprint in Qatar can giving them access to a host of government entities and organ- regional organisations with a sector as a whole to acquire connectivity to the official Gov- take full advantage of Ooredoo’s cloud, infrastructure and isations to broaden their data- full range of services, including data centre capacity, without ernment Network, compliance flexibility and adaptability while managed services without centres’ footprints without the Hosting & Co-location and ICT the need for additional capital with National Information ensuring security, reliability and incurring major capital need for investing in capex/opex Managed Services. Vaccine clearest route to pre-pandemic life: Recipient MoI to hold virtual seminar FAZEENA SALEEM leading infectious disease evident that the Ministry of THE PENINSULA I feel privileged to live in a experts and colleagues in the Public Health had not only on traffic law scientific research field. In developed robust protocols for Given the ability of vaccines to country that values high- short, I went the extra mile to the vaccine’s rollout, but they for public prevent disease and save lives, quality, timely, and accessible educate myself and made sure had also been thoughtful in the having accurate information healthcare for all its citizens that the information I was con- campaign’s implementation,” THE PENINSULA — DOHA about COVID-19 vaccine is and residents. I am proud to suming came from trusted and he said. important, according to Exec- have done my part and hope vetted sources such as the Min- “Getting the COVID-19 The General Directorate of utive Director of Qatar Com- istry of Public Health and the vaccine was important for me Traffic of the Ministry of puting Research Institute Dr. you will consider doing yours, World Health Organization, personally, but I am just one Interior will organise today a Ahmed Elmagarmid. too. among others,” he said. individual. Not unlike viruses virtual awareness seminar on Widespread vaccination Dr. Elmagarmid, as the first that preceded this one, the most Traffic Law No. 19/2007. will play an essential role in Dr. Ahmed Elmagarmid person in his family to receive significant inroads we can make The targeted audience of controlling the pandemic, said Executive Director, QCRI-HBKU the vaccine, was eager to lead toward building personal and this virtual seminar are the Dr. Elmagarmid, who was the way and relay the expe- communal protection from the people in-charge of transport among the first category of the rience to his family in prepa- coronavirus will stem from our and traffic safety in com- public to receive vaccine ration for their eventual collective actions. It is imper- panies, establishments and against COVID-19 in the approval of several COVID-19 only surefire way to tackle the appointments. ative that we think not only of schools, as well as community country. effective vaccines, developed pandemic,” he added. “As conveyed to them, I was ourselves but also of others, not members. Sharing his experience of simultaneously by leading With this view in mind, impressed by the professional the least of which are the most During the seminar, the being vaccinated against pharmaceutical companies and when Dr. Elmagarmid recently and efficient operation from vulnerable among us. Ulti- officers from the Traffic COVID-19, Dr. Elmagarmid said experts in their fields, hope became eligible to receive the start to finish. From the flexible mately, the COVID-19 vaccine Department will be sharing as the year 2020 came to a emerged for 2021,” he said. COVID-19 vaccine, he accepted scheduling, to the adept in- is the clearest route to a return valuable information related close, he felt fortunate to have “While the promise of a the opportunity. office processing, to the immac- to pre-pandemic life. to Traffic Law No. 19/2007 to made it through relatively lasting solution is exciting, it “Despite some of the uncer- ulately clean facility, to the “I feel privileged to live in a raise awareness of road safety unscathed but was also looking does not come without obli- tainty surrounding the vaccine’s administration of the vaccine country that values high- among the road users and forward to an elixir in the form gation. Our collective respon- new mRNA technology, I exer- and monitoring for adverse quality, timely, and accessible general public. of a vaccine that would provide sibility is to remain vigilant in cised due diligence and, in time, reactions, it is hard to imagine healthcare for all its citizens and The admission to the some long-term assurance that limiting the existing spread of was assured of the vaccine’s having had a more positive residents. I am proud to have seminar is restricted for 1,000 things would one day return to COVID-19 and educating our- efficacy. My decision was sup- experience. I was back to work done my part and hope you will persons only on the first come normal. selves on the importance of ported by extensive reading and within an hour and suffered no consider doing yours, too,” said first serve basis. The seminar “With the year-end widespread vaccinations as the countless discussions with notable side effects. It was Dr. Elmagarmid. will be an opportunity to interact with officers from the Traffic Department, and clear doubts related to the Traffic Milaha signs partnership contract with Law No. 19/2007. The Public Relations Malomatia to enhance cybersecurity Department of the Ministry has urged those concerned and THE PENINSULA — DOHA day-to-day network security to strengthen the cybersecurity interested persons to attend operations and information system, protect the information this important seminar to Under its commitment to data security assurance, in order for infrastructure and combat increase their knowledge of protection and cybersecurity Milaha to realize its cyberse- cybercrime. traffic laws in Qatar. resilience, Milaha, Qatar’s curity objectives and to fulfil its Al Mannai further said: “We leading Maritime and Logistics commitment for reliable at Milaha are pleased with this Service provider, has signed a services to its customers. strategic partnership with Malo- HMC resumes 3-year partnership contract Such managed cyberse- matia and its innovative solu- with Malomatia, the leading curity services will be delivered tions in IT and Cybersecurity; face-to-face provider of Information Tech- in Malomatia’s in-country and thanks to its expertise in the nology Services and Solutions, secured Security Operations local market’s requirements outpatient for the provision of cyberse- Center (SOC), which is designed and mindfulness of Qatar curity managed services to for efficiency and scalability for National Vision 2030 objectives appointments enhance protection of Milaha continuous improvement or and aspirations to build a FROM PAGE 1 information infrastructure growth. knowledge-based economy and against cyber threats. Abdulrahman Essa Al the crucial importance of infor- HMC continues to offer a Under the partnership Mannai, Milaha President and mation technology to achieve range of virtual services via the business agreement, signed at CEO, spoke on the importance the same.” 16000-helpline including, Milaha headquarter, Malomatia of this crucial partnership: “In Yousef Al Namaa, Chief medication delivery but Under the deal, Malomatia will provide a suite of critical managed will provide a suite of critical light of the rapid transition into Executive Officer, Malomatia, patients can also still opt to cybersecurity services to Milaha. managed cybersecurity services the digital world and the said, “This partnership comes have their medication refills which includes 24/7 real-time resulting threats and challenges, within the framework of Malo- delivered to their homes for a cybersecurity monitoring and Milaha endeavours to ensure matia’s strategic vision in con- advanced Information Security them to monitor and assess small fee to save visiting an response, data protection and the highest levels of cyberse- tributing to the strengthening systems and protocols to protect threats within a well-planned, HMC pharmacy. In the mental cyber threat detection and curity to staff and clients alike, of cybersecurity for our valued their revenue, productivity, and reactive, and anticipatory tech- health helpline: A team of management; in addition to in line with the state’s efforts clients, through providing them brand reputation thus enabling nology framework.” mental health professionals is available to support people experiencing stress and anxiety and other emotional SundanceTV celebrates annual Sundance Film Festival distress and for urgent consul- tation service people with THE PENINSULA — DOHA camaraderie of a local gang, he Became a Chair’ by Nicolas International, broadcaster of urgent but non-life-threat- becomes entrenched in the vio- Fattouh (4th place, Lebanon) a SundanceTV outside of North ening conditions can call the Every January, film buffs await lence of its world. Dayveon SundanceTV (available grandmother slowly loses her America. service and speak to a team of the annual Sundance Film (2017) airs 9pm Makkah/6pm in the Middle East and senses as her family abandons In addition to these inde- doctors who can provide Festival, Robert Redford’s long- GMT. North Africa on beIN her, until she discovers a true pendent favourites and out- health-related advice and running celebration of inde- On January 25, ‘Terri’ (2011) Channel 75) has cherry- familial bond. standing short films, viewers information and assess pendent film. This year, the invites viewers into the world ‘Beit Byoot’ by Palestinian can enjoy the 2006 film ‘Walker symptoms. festival will be held virtually of a misfit teen. Mercilessly picked some of the best filmmaker Mayar Hamdan Payne’. Set in the late 50s, the from January 28 to February 3. teased by his peers for his independent films. received an honorable mention movie follows an out of work In the spirit of the festival, quirks, and for coming to school by the judges and will also be miner in a small-town who is 142 referred to SundanceTV (available in the in pajamas, Terri is resigned to shown during this segment. The forced to take a heartbreaking Middle East and North Africa on his outsider status. The tough- grooves, cuts and lines on a film is set in a dystopian doll decision to save his two prosecution for beIN Channel 75) has cherry- talking vice principal, Mr. Fit- woman’s hand, which tell the house and follows the story of daughters when his ex-wife picked some of the best inde- zgerald takes an interest in him, story of how she single- young Jameela as she chooses threatens to leave town. The not wearing pendent films. Viewers can tune and his sometimes clumsy, handedly raised her five between fitting in and making film will air on January 22 at in for festival gems as well as sometimes professionally children. true friends. 9pm Makkah/6pm GMT. masks winners of the SundanceTV dubious efforts help Terri In ‘The Red Mountain’ by In 2020, MENA hosted the ‘I’m Still Here’ (2010) will Shorts competition, held in the through this tough time. This Kamel Harb (2nd place, first ever SundanceTV Shorts show on January 30 9pm QNA — DOHA Midde East and North Africa for film will air at 9pm Lebanon), a group of boys competition, attracting 371 sub- Makkah/6pm GMT, and follows the first time in late 2020. The Makkah/6pm GMT. dream of escaping their missions from the region. The Joaquin Phoenix in the fall of The designated authorities thought-provoking competition Winners of the SundanceTV boarding school. Among the jury included Golden Globe 2008 as he announces his yesterday referred 142 people entries gave the opportunity for Shorts competition will be aired obstacles in their way: the Red winner, Academy Award and retirement from a successful to the Public Prosecution for fresh voices and perspectives on January 30. Viewers are Mountain. Primetime Emmy Award film career and sets off to not wearing masks in places to be heard, whilst taking invited to tune in between 8pm In ‘Huit Ans – 8 Years’ by nominee Uma Thurman, Pal- reinvent himself as a hip hop where they are mandatory. viewers on a journey through to 9pm Makkah for the debuts Ziad Mazraany (3rd place, estinian filmmaker and poet musician. Alternately funny and The measure is in line with time and space. of groundbreaking talent from Lebanon), war, childhood Annemarie Jacir, Qatari- shocking, and always riveting, the Cabinet decision, Decree On January 18, viewers can across the Middle East. Films events, and a passion for American writer and artist the film is a portrait of an artist Law No. 17 of 1990 on infec- follow the titular Dayveon as he include ‘As You Can See’ by cinema keep Najla stuck in her Sophia Al-Maria and television at a crossroads. It deftly tious diseases, and the precau- spends the sweltering summer director Ghada Fikri (Egypt), childhood until Ziad uses films industry veteran, Harold Gro- explores notions of courage and tionary measures in force in days roaming his rural Arkansas which won first place. Told to remind her of the moments nenthal, Executive Vice Pres- creative reinvention, as well as the country to contain the town in the wake of his older through the eyes of a daughter, which changed her life. ident, Programming and Mar- the ramifications of a life spent spread of coronavirus brother’s death. Drawn to the the movie zooms in on the In ‘How My Grandmother keting for AMC Networks in the public eye. (COVID-19). 04 HOME SUNDAY 17 JANUARY 2021 VCUarts Qatar extends Gifts for pre-ordering new Samsung Galaxy S21 series from Vodafone application deadline THE PENINSULA —DOHA Series 5G empowers THE PENINSULA — DOHA To further enhance their Galaxy users to share experience, customers will get their world and Virginia Commonwealth gifts of total value worth up to connect with University School of the Arts in QR1,088 with every pre-order the things and Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) has had for devices part of the latest people that a tremendous reception to its next-generation product range. matter most. 2020-21 applications season. Starting at QR3,259, pre- With Vodafone Therefore, they have orders can be made at Vodafone Qatar’s GigaNet decided to extend their appli- stores in Doha Festival City, Vil- 5G network, cation deadline to ensure that laggio and Landmark malls as customers can Vodafone Galaxy 21 Series all students who are keen to well as online at www.vf.qa/ enjoy instant study at VCUarts Qatar can s21preorder. Giga fast 5G speeds across a wide The Galaxy S21 Series will have the opportunity to learn The gifts include a free footprint of the country. Com- support you all day long - It more about the innovative Edu- Admissions portal of VCUarts Qatar Samsung Galaxy Buds Live or prising the Galaxy S21 5G, Galaxy does not matter if you text, cation City-based art and Galaxy Buds Pro, a free Galaxy S21+ 5G, and Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, email, call, play the Samsung design school. fun, and explore new ways of Shawkat, Rami Al Ali, Naeem Smart Tag and a free Samsung these next-generation flagships Galaxy S21 Series is built with “The final day for new stu- studying and learning in QF’s Khan, and Hector Ayuso. Care+ for one year. On top of this, bring together innovative tech- a battery life that can last for a dents to submit an application unique multiversity VCUarts Qatar’s Materials customers will get up to 24GB of nology and features from the whole day. The Galaxy S21 Ultra for admission to VCUarts Qatar environment. Library is the only one of its free local data to their mobile Galaxy Ecosystem. comes equipped with the is Monday, February 15 for the VCUarts Qatar is located kind in the Arab Gulf region and plan and 25% discount voucher The revolutionary design of Contour Cut Camera Design, a Fall 2021 semester,” within easy reach of collabo- houses a circulating collection from Clear Coat. Vodafone Qatar the Samsung Galaxy S21 Series new quad camera featuring a Recruitment and Admissions ration-friendly facilities of thousands of diverse material announced yesterday that offers the very best viewing dual pixel 12MP Ultra-wide Director at the University, including Education City’s samples from around the world. all-new Samsung Galaxy S21 experience and super-smooth lens, an improved 108MP wide Katherine Mangum said. Oxygen Park recreational The University, state-of-the-art Series 5G is now available for scrolling. The device also comes lens, and the enhanced 108MP VCUarts Qatar, a Qatar complex and nearby Multaqa facilities include a Fabrication pre-order for customers in Qatar with the fastest chip ever in a sensor with laser auto focus Foundation (QF) partner uni- Student Center, the Qatar Lab, Woodshop, Print Lab, and until February 4. Galaxy handset, effortlessly provides 64 times richer colour, versity, which is the overseas Science & Technology Park Analogue Photography Specially made for the way facilitating speedy performance more than 3 times wider branch campus of the pres- technology hub; the state-of- darkroom. It also hosts biennial people live today, the Galaxy S21 and smoother multitasking. dynamic range. tigious Virginia Commonwealth the-art Sidra Medicine women’s international events such as the University School of the Arts in and children’s hospital, Mathaf: Tasmeem Doha art and design Richmond, Virginia, offers five Arab Museum of Modern Art; conference, and the Hamad bin undergraduate degree pro- and the Al Shaqab equestrian Khalifa Symposium on Islamic Mega Draw of Lulu-Unilever Promotion grams: Bachelor of Fine Arts in center, to name but a few. Art, both of which attract vis- Fashion Design, Bachelor of Works by students and itors and speakers from around Fine Arts in Graphic Design, alumni from VCUarts Qatar the world. Mangum said that a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior have featured in exhibitions substantial number of students Design, Bachelor of Fine Arts everywhere from Doha and have already submitted their (BFA) in Painting and Print- Dubai, and from Paris to applications and portfolios, and making and Bachelor of Arts Moscow to Hong Kong, and at she encouraged other students (BA) in Art History. There is also its home campus in Richmond, follow suit and submit their a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Virginia. applications before the Feb- program. It was established in The students’ creativity and ruary 15 deadline if they hope 1998 through a partnership inspiration is fueled by partic- to begin their studies at VCUarts with QF and now has more than ipation in world class events, Qatar in August 2021. 330 students representing 21 and field trips to study, work According to Mangum, nationalities. and network, as well visits by admissions counsellors are Collaborations between internationally acclaimed available daily for consulta- Education City universities, designers and artists such as tions, and the University’s such as the Art and Medicine Valentino, Hassan Hajjaj, website includes information exhibition, or the Battle of the Richard Serra, Shirin Neshat, on application requirements, Officials from Lulu Hypermarket Qatar and Unilever during a Mega Draw pertaining to Lulu-Unilever Bands competition, for Jeff Koons, Lawrence Abu portfolio requirements, cross example, bring students from Hamdan, Diane von registration, answers to fre- Promotion which was held on January 14, 2021 at Lulu Hypermarket, D-Ring Road branch under the different countries and cultures Furstenberg, Reza Abedini, quently asked questions, and supervision of an inspector from the Consumer Protection Department of the Ministry of Commerce together to share ideas, have Marina Abramović, Wissam program information. and Industry, whereby Lulu Gift Vouchers for a total sum of QR100,000 were given away to 45 winners. Exhibition of Al Badel Championship showcases animals, birds

THE PENINSULA — DOHA The Department of Pro- clinics run by the Livestock displayed, with the aim of tection and Wildlife displays a Affairs Department and its instilling a culture of waste The pavilion of environmental number of stuffed animal and importance for the detection of sorting and recycling from the sector at the associated exhi- birds such as bustards, cur- diseases to which animals are source which have an environ- bition of Al Badel Championship rants, goats, some animal skins, exposed. mental and economic impact is showcasing animals and birds coral reefs that fall under the The Youth Hobbies Center on everyone, and the need to to educate visitors about the CITES agreement to create participated in the associated adhere to hygiene laws to importance of biodiversity. The awareness among the visitors exhibition by displaying a set of ensure the public health and event is being held by at the in this regard. The Department rare postage stamps that focus achieve environmental sus- Ministry of Municipality and also showcasing the first bird on Qatar Environment such as tainability goal. Environment (MME) at Sealine transit document (passport) in animals, plants, birds and A tent is also set up with a until January 22. Qatar. butterflies. board explaining the conditions The environmental sector The Agricultural Affairs The activities of the asso- of the camping season to represented by Department of Department at MME showcases ciated exhibition aim to famil- educate people about wild her- Monitoring and Environmental agricultural produce from local iarise the public with the most itage. A miniature of fisher- Laboratory and Department of farm including variety of veg- A pavilion of environmental sector at the associated exhibition of important activities and envi- men’s council is also set up Protection and Wildlife also etables, organic produce, honey Al Badel Championship. ronmental laws, in addition to inside the tent to display some demonstrate projects and activ- and beehives. the public hygiene law, where old and modern marine fishing ities for protecting the The Department is also and the mechanism for pro- The exhibition also have a ded- two grey and blue containers tools and to introduce the environment. introducing the apiaries project ducing honeybees to the people. icated section for veterinary for waste sorting were public to the marine heritage. Alwadi Hotel MGallery offers guests IEI and LCI sign MoU to enhance cooperation a truly personalised experience THE PENINSULA — DOHA The Institution of Engineers THE PENINSULA — DOHA India (IEI) Qatar Chapter and Lean Construction Institute Situated in a unique location (LCI) Qatar signed a Memo- with access to the booming randum of Understanding Msheireb Downtown, Alwadi (MoU) to enhance the cooper- Hotel MGallery is a refined yet ation for the welfare of society opulent oasis offering guests a on January 11, 2021 at Hotel truly personalised experience. Radisson Blu. Blending modern design The MOU signed ceremony with the traditional and was conducted in hybrid mode renowned Qatari hospitality, owing to the unusual circum- Alwadi Hotel MGallery is the stances and prevailing restric- perfect location to immerse tions due to COVID-19 pan- yourself in Doha’s history and demic.Dignitaries and office Officials from IEI and LCI during the signing ceremony. future as well as enabling you bearers joined in person at the to write your own story with venue, with over 100 members profession in a big way. He engineering community bespoke memorable moments. – Alwadi Hotel MGallery is the weddings and other special and engineers from Qatar, India, highlighted the importance for through excellent events and “Each boutique hotel in the perfect location to provide our occasions. Flooded with natural and other parts of the world engineers to be aware of and meaningful themes despite the MGallery collection tells a guests with their own memo- light and elegant decoration, it joining in via zoom online. prepared for the ever- challenges posed by COVID-19 unique story and perfectly rable moment, an exclusive can accommodate various con- Chairman of IEI Qatar changing engineering throughout this difficult year. blends cutting edge design with experience that inspires lifelong figurations according to the Chapter, Eng Abdul Sathar wel- paradigms. The event was felicitated local history and heritage - memories,” said Akkari. needs of the guests. comed the delegates with an The MOU was signed by Dr. by CEO, Coastal Qatar, Nishad steeped in the story and culture Alwadi Hotel Doha has 213 Hani Akkari said the Alwadi inspiring address, calling upon Abdulla Al Sayed from LCI- Azeem; Vice President, LCI of each location,” said General rooms and suites, each with MGallery team works tirelessly all members of the engineering Qatar and Eng Abdul Sathar Qatar, Abdulla Mohamed Al Manager of Alwadi Hotel thoughtful, personalised amen- to ensure each and every guest profession as well as the wider from IEI. In this historical tie-up Baker; General Secretary, LCI MGallery, Hani Akkari. ities, luxurious fit-outs and a has a unique and truly luxurious community to utilise their skills, the ceremony was addressed by Qatar, Dr. Luai EL Sabek and “Our special location – vibrant colour scheme to bring experiences from the moment knowledge, and efforts for the Angelina Premalatha Consular former president Qatari Society bridging between the regen- a touch of heritage to its con- they enter our hotel to the time welfare of society and of Indian Embassy and lauded of Engineers, Eng Ahmed Jassim erated Msheireb Downtown and temporary design. Both Souq the leave, helping them to humankind. the contribution of IEI Qatar Al Jolo. the beating heart of Doha, Souq Suites and the Royal Suite offer create memorable moments to President Lean Con- Chapter to the Indian com- They highlighted the impor- Waqif, gives visitors and guests balconies with views over- add to their own stories. struction Institute-Qatar, Dr. munity resident in Qatar, tance for engineers to be aware the best of both worlds and a looking Souq Waqif, while the “At Alwadi Hotel MGallery Abdulla Al Sayed highlighted including its engineers, towards of and prepared for the ever- traditional meets modern expe- superior, deluxe and executive you can either experience an the efforts of IEI Qatar chapter strengthening and furthering the changing engineering para- rience. Whether it be a stay in rooms offer spectacular views indulgent wellbeing break, as a high performing chapter friendly relations between Qatar digms. They all congratulated one of our beautifully designed of the West Bay skyline. enjoy a lively dinner in one of of the organisation, and also and India through their work. LCI Qatar and IEI for their suites or helping to plan a The stunning Alwaha our renowned restaurants or complimented the Government She commended the dedi- mutual agreement and coop- wedding in our spectacular, yet Ballroom is a sublime location live a true memorable of Qatar for supporting the cated efforts of IEI Qatar eration for the benefit of Engi- intimate Alwaha Ballroom for special events including moment,” said Akkari. cause of the engineering chapter in bringing together the neers community in Qatar. SUNDAY 17 JANUARY 2021 HOME 05 QBRI, Qatar University to provide Ezdan Real Estate rewards tenants with free ‘Ezdan research analytical services My Book’ subscription THE PENINSULA — DOHA access to cutting-edge research facilities designed tenants setting to renew their In line with its commitment to specifically for making break- tenancy contracts. This is an improve and transform through discoveries in the pre- initiative from our part to healthcare across the country, vention, diagnosis and enhance the customer loyalty, Qatar Biomedical Research treatment of diseases”. and the idea stems from our Institute (QBRI) at Hamad Bin “We’re therefore delighted incessant efforts to provide Khalifa University’s (HBKU) is to be providing laboratory state-of-the art smart promo- collaborating with Qatar services and facilities to QU at tional offers and maximise the University (QU) to help advance such an important time for the benefits of our customers, “ said its capabilities to conduct high nation’s health. Both organiza- Hani Dabash, Deputy CEO of quality and innovative tions are confident that we can Ezdan Holding Group. biomedical research in Qatar. learn from each other’s core “The activation key code The collaboration will strengths and specialisms and can be used on multiple bases enable QU to utilize QBRI’s core The collaboration will enable QU to utilise QBRI’s core services build on our partnership in the by the user and his family on services with the aim of facili- and facilities. years ahead.” their smartphones, which pro- tating access to advanced Vice President for Medical vides a more general benefit to analysis locally, which will help The services provided by Dr. Omar El Agnaf, said: “In and Health Sciences and Dean Hani Dabash, Deputy CEO of the tenants,” he added. QU conduct more advanced QBRI core services include but keeping with the wider HBKU of College of Medicine, Qatar Ezdan Holding Group Dabash pointed out that research. As a result, QU will be are not limited to genomics, community, QBRI is focused University, Prof. Egon Toft, Ezdan Real Estate is preparing able to carry out biomedical structural biology, flow on developing partnerships commented: “QU is determined THE PENINSULA — DOHA to launch a package of unique analysis in Qatar without the cytometry, stem cells and pro- with like-minded organiza- to foster its relationship with advantages, which bear sur- need to send samples overseas. teomics. This collaboration tions. To this end, the affin- partners in Qatar. Research is Ezdan Real Estate has launched prises for existing tenants as In parallel, the partnership will will enhance interaction ities between QU and our- essential to QU Health to its rewards and savings well as new customers, and will support QU’s graduate students between researchers from selves are apparent. Both nurture new scientific program ‘Ezdan My Book’ for be revealed during the forth- and enable them to access both entities and pave the way institutions are focused on endeavors in the region; fur- the best interest of its tenants coming period. QBRI’s advanced core labora- for the two entities to coop- improving the health and thermore, with the help of and customers. ‘Ezdan My All new tenants or upon tories, to conduct advanced bio- erate on research projects in well-being of the people of HBKU, QU can create ever- Book’ is a new branded appli- renewing a rental contract for medical research and obtain the future. Qatar and the wider region. evolving synergies that will cation that provides tenants a residential unit can obtain the more analysis options. Executive Director, QBRI, This necessitates consistent serve the nation.” with opportunities to obtain key to activate the application, special and free offers at more so that the tenant can use all than 500 outlets of diversified the offers available on the ARTIC signs six property deals in Doha with Marriott International brands and categories including application when downloading eateries, luncheonettes, cafes, from the application library THE PENINSULA — DOHA Tarek M. Al Sayed, ARTIC’s hotels and hostels, and recre- available on both the Android Managing Director and CEO, ational outlets in Qatar. Each and iOS platforms. Al Rayyan Tourism Investment added: “As we build on our new tenant or renewing The new application is pro- (ARTIC), one of the leading long-term relationship with resident will be granted a free duced as part of cooperation international hotel investment Marriott International, we con- subscription during the year between Ezdan Real Estate companies, is pleased to tinue to bring distinctive new 2021, with specialty keys Company and (My Book Qatar), announce that it has signed an brands to Qatar’s hospitality distributed on every new one of the leading Qatari com- agreement with Marriott Inter- scene. This showcases our contract at leasing offices, panies providing loyalty and national to operate six prop- ongoing commitment to the where the tenants and their digital rewards solutions. erties in prime locations across Qatari market and our uncom- families can enjoy this priv- It should be noted that the Qatar. promised focus on the quality ilege, discounted prices and application includes a large The hotel openings are of assets and premium expe- offers. number of classy restaurants, anticipated to mark the intro- rience they provide to our “This new branded appli- fast food outlets, hotels, parks, duction of five new brands in guests.” cation will serve a large cat- cafes, beauty centres, health the country – Autograph Col- “These six new agreements egory of Ezdan Real Estate and fitness, spas, sports clubs, lection, Delta Hotels by Mar- were signed in line with our Company clientele and the shopping centres and others. riott, Element by Westin, Le reputation of always being Meridien, and Marriott Exec- committed to maintaining the utive Apartments. highest standards of quality The six properties will and design in all our assets, Activities of Marmi include five new-build hotels making ARTIC a preferred col- - Le Méridien City Center Doha, laborator for a well-estab- Festival 2021 continue Delta Hotels City Center Doha, lished, world-leading operator Element City Center Doha, such as Marriott International. THE PENINSULA — DOHA A championship was held Element Doha West Bay, and It is with pleasure that we for the age group of 6 to 10 years Al Samriya, Autograph Col- announce that with the The activities of the Marmi dealing with information about lection - in addition to a con- expected completion of these Festival 2021 has continued at falcons and how to deal with version property that will be new hotels in 2021, the Sabkht Marmi in the Sealine them. The performance was rebranded to become Marriott majority of ARTIC’s portfolio area, where the young Falconers good, showing the enthusiasm Executive Apartments City of properties will be opera- Championship was held of the youth and their love to FROM RIGHT: Muhammed Abd Hameed, Deputy General Council- Center, Doha. tional, supporting our future yesterday with the participation this Qatari sport heritage sport. ARTIC; Tarek M Al Sayed, CEO & Managing Director – ARTIC; Jerome Five of the properties will growth through new develop- of a large number of young Chairman of the Organising be located in one of the most Briet, Chief Development Officer Middle East and Africa Marriott ments and acquisitions.” people who were keen to partic- Committee of the 12th Marmi vibrant and commercial areas International; Ziad Abi Raad, Director, Lodging Development, Ziad Abi Raad, Director of ipate and be present in the area. Festival 2021, and Chairman in the Qatari capital, West Bay, Middle East & Pakistan, for Marriott International, during the event. Lodging Development - Middle The competitions represent Qatari Society of Al Gannas, Ali while Al Samriya, Autograph East & Pakistan for Marriott a practical preparation to carry bin Khatem Al Mehshadi, Collection will be located in the Qatar’s hospitality sector and ARTIC and for all our stake- International, commented: “We forward this heritage from gen- affirmed the keenness of the Al Al-Shahaniya district, an ideal will further enhance ARTIC’s holders. Our ongoing are delighted to strengthen our eration to generation. The fes- Gannas in all the tournaments sanctuary for quality time with position as a leading player in investment and commitment to relationship with ARTIC and tival is being held under the it organises to involve young the family and loved ones. All the sector and supporter of the these partnerships remains a further enhance our footprint patronage of H E Sheikh Joaan people and teenagers with the six hotels are expected to open development of Qatar’s tourism priority for us, and we are in the country with six addi- bin Hamad al Thani, and aim of confirming that this her- in 2021. industry.” extremely proud to be an tional hotels. Qatar is a key organised by the Qatar Society itage belongs to future genera- To mark the occasion, “These agreements will integral part of Qatar’s growth market that continues of Al Gannas until January 30. tions and they must learn it from Sheikh Mohammed bin Faisal bring ARTIC’s total number of attractive local market, based to present great opportunities Marmi Festival is considered a young age. Al Thani, Vice Chairman of hotel keys in Qatar to over on our country’s strategic for us to expand our portfolio. one of the important features of He pointed out that the ARTIC, commented: “We 3,260, further enhancing location in the region, attractive We look forward to introducing the original Qatari culture. It Qatar International Falconry welcome the signing of these ARTIC’s investment portfolio as investment climate and these new brands into this presents various aspects of tra- and Hunting Festival ‘Marmi’ six new agreements. The com- they represent established excellent track record of organ- market and remain committed dition and heritage, and this fes- has worked for 12 years to doc- pletion of five new projects international brands known for izing successful prestigious to supporting the growth of the tival is aimed at reviving them ument and promote the falconry within 2021 will be a first for their quality, adding value to events.” country’s tourism sector.” among the new generations. heritage. Mall of Qatar announces winners of QND School Art Competition THE PENINSULA — DOHA students from 8 to 10 years, platforms. Artist: Shaden AlKhateeb from The contest attracted a con- Mall of Qatar has concluded Al Manar International School siderable number, with more Qatar National Day School Art Al Saad Branch won the first than 30,000 voters selected Competition held during the place. Mohamed Qarni from their favorite drawings for the celebration of the day and Mesaieed Primary International top places. In the group of 8 – embraced students from 16 School won the second place. 10 years, the award went to the different schools in Qatar. Elias Al Shyab from Phoenix student Mohamed Qarni from The winners in the compe- Private School won third place. Mesaieed Primary International tition were announced yes- In the category from 11 to 13 School, while Maya Ahmed terday, with winning students years, Naila Zahra Azka Mirag from Al Manar International received valuable prizes from from Mesaieed International School – Al Thameed Branch Mall of Qatar management, School got the first place; Maya got the award in the second cat- including Mall of Qatar gift Ahmed from Al Manar Interna- egory (11 – 13 years), and Kinda cards worth QR5,000, QR2,500, tional School – Al Thameed Al Bahri from Al Manar Inter- and QR1,000 for the first, Branch won the second place; national School – Al Saad second, and third place winners, Hafsa Aamer, Anoosh Khan, & Branch received the highest respectively. Fabiha Saeed from Mesaieed number of voters in the third For the third consecutive Primary International School category (14 – 16 years). year, the Qatar National Day won the third place. In the third The participating schools School Art Competition was ded- category for students for 14 to are Al Manar International icated to school students to 16 years, Karthika Purayil from School, Al Thameed Campus, encourage them to express their MES Indian School won the first Al Manar International School, talents and skills. It is part of the place; Sandi Aljaber from GEMS Al Saad Campus, American A winner of Qatar National Day School Art Competition organised by Mall of Qatar receiving a certificate. Mall of Qatar’s social responsi- American Academy won the School of Doha, ASC Doha bility programme that promotes second place; and Raghad International School, Doha emerging talents and encourages skills. upcoming FIFA World Cup 2022 their artistic skills. The students Adbellatif Abdalla from Doha Academy Al Waab Campus, artistic and cultural initiatives. General Manager, Mall of in Qatar. Our thanks and grat- were divided into three age Academy – Al Waab Campus Doha Academy, Doha British Besides, the annual compe- Qatar, Emile Sarkis said: “This itude to the participating schools groups: group 1 included stu- got the third place. Schoool, Doha College, GEMS tition is recognised as one of the art competition is one of the and students who submitted cre- dents from 8 – 10 years, group Mall of Qatar gave students American Academy, MES most awaited events during main activations held annually ative artworks, and our deep 2 from 11 to 13 years, and group and social media followers the Indian School, Mesaieed Inter- Qatar National Day celebrations by Mall of Qatar to celebrate congratulations to all winners”. 3 from 14 to 16 years. chance to vote for the best national School, Mesaieed and receives massive partici- Qatar National Day with stu- Held under the theme ‘How The jury panel consisted of drawing via an interactive Primary International School, pation every year. Furthermore, dents. We aim to encourage our does Qatar 2022 look like to Qatari artists Hanadi Al Darwish voting portal shared among all Phoenix Private School, Qatar the winning artworks were dis- young generations to express you’, students from sixteen dif- and Abdulaziz Sadiq, who eval- participant schools, while added International School, Royal played in one of the Mall’s their thoughts and dreams ferent schools submitted 40 uated the drawings and decided new ‘People’s Choice’ award for Grammar School Guildford in hallways as a gesture to through art. This year’s theme drawings that reflect the theme the winners after a tough com- followers to vote also through Qatar and Sherborne School in acknowledge the young talents’ reflects our passion for the of the contest and demonstrate petition. In the first category for Mall of Qatar social media Qatar. 06 MIDDLE EAST SUNDAY 17 JANUARY 2021 Palestinians sceptical about poll prospects REUTERS — GAZA/RAMALLAH A December poll the umbrella Palestine Liber- ation Organisation. Beset by political infighting, split by the Palestinian It is unclear what mech- between three territories and Center for Policy and anism would be put in place to distrustful of their institutions, ensure a free election, whether many Palestinians are sceptical Survey Research international observers would that their first national elections found 52 percent of take part and whether Abbas, in 15 years will bring change - aged 85 and in poor health, or even happen at all. Palestinians think would run. President Mahmoud Abbas elections held under The United States, Israel said on Friday that parlia- present conditions and European Union would mentary and presidential elec- likely refuse dealings with any tions would be held later this would not be fair and Palestinian government that year in a bid to heal long- free. included Hamas, which is des- standing divisions. His main ignated by the West as a ter- rival, the militant Islamist group rorist group. Hamas, welcomed the move. by Abbas — would not accept Israeli officials did not imme- The announcement is the result and 58 percent diately comment and it was Chairman of the Palestinian Central Election Committee, Hanna Nassir, speaks during a news conference widely seen as a gesture aimed believed Hamas would reject a unclear whether Israel would in Ramallah, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, yesterday. at pleasing US President-elect Fatah victory. permit election activity to take Joe Biden, with whom the Pal- “We have taken an place in East Jerusalem, as it did surprise win by Hamas in their groups have accused both of sup- any hopes,” said one Gaza man, estinians want to reset relations important step but we still have previously. Palestinians want to first-ever national elections, pressing political opposition. who asked not to be named after they reached a low under a long way to go,” said veteran hold the elections there, as well creating a rift with Fatah that Abbas said the parlia- because he was breaking a Donald Trump. West Bank political analyst Hani as the West Bank and Gaza. plunged into civil war when mentary election will be held coronavirus lockdown. But a December poll by the Al Masri. “We have other alterna- Hamas seized control of Gaza on May 22 and the presidential Zuheir Al Khatib, a 57-year- Palestinian Center for Policy “Great obstacles remain and tives, and what is important is the following year. Gaza is now vote on July 31. He won in 2005 old doctor from Bethlehem, was and Survey Research found 52 without overcoming these that people from Jerusalem can a Hamas stronghold, while but his term was only meant to more optimistic. percent of Palestinians think obstacles the whole operation take part in the election,” Hanna Abbas’s power base is in the last four years. “This is a 100 percent good elections held under present will be doomed to fail.” Nasir, Chairman of the Pales- Israeli-occupied West Bank. Many ordinary Palestinians decision, merited for over 15 conditions would not be fair and Palestinian observers said tinian Central Election Com- The two groups have failed are sceptical. “They will find a years, if not more, we are sup- free. those hurdles include disagree- mittee, said yesterday. to achieve lasting reconciliation, thousand reasons to call it off; posed to be initiating a state and If Hamas won, 76 percent ments within Hamas and Fatah The last parliamentary and previous pledges to hold Israel, the resistance, power- thus should have democracy,” thought Fatah— the party led — long the dominant faction in ballot, in 2006, ended in a elections went unfulfilled. Rights sharing, anything. I don’t have he said. European powers press Iran to Iran fires long-range missiles into Indian Ocean in drill AP — TEHRAN division launched surface-to- nuclear deal with world reported, under surveillance of Baghdad, Tehran retaliated by back off latest surface ballistic missiles and powers. what appeared to be a US firing a barrage of ballistic mis- Iran’s paramilitary Revolu- drones against “hypothetical Amid Trump’s final days as nuclear submarine. Iran’s navy siles at two Iraqi bases housing nuclear move tionary Guard conducted a drill enemy bases.” president, Tehran has recently did not identify the submarine US troops, resulting in brain yesterday launching anti- Iranian state television seized a South Korean oil at the time, but on Saturday, a concussion injuries to dozens AP — BERLIN warship ballistic missiles at a described the drill as taking tanker and begun enriching news website affiliated with of them. simulated target in the Indian place in the country’s vast uranium closer to weapons- state television said the vessel Trump in 2018 unilaterally Germany, France and Britain Ocean, state television reported, central desert, the latest in a grade levels, while the US has was American. withdrew the US from Iran’s pressed Iran yesterday to back amid heightened tensions over series of snap exercises called sent B-52 bombers, the USS Helicopter footage of the nuclear deal, in which Tehran off the latest planned violation Tehran’s nuclear program and amid the escalating tensions Nimitz aircraft carrier and a exercise released Thursday by had agreed to limit its uranium of its 2015 nuclear deal with a US pressure campaign against over its nuclear program. nuclear submarine into the Iran’s navy showed what enrichment in exchange for world powers, saying that the Islamic Republic. Footage also showed four region. resembled an Ohio-class the lifting of economic Tehran has “no credible Footage showed two mis- unmanned, triangle-shaped In recent weeks, Iran has guided-missile submarine, the sanctions. civilian use” for uranium siles smash into a target that drones flying in a tight for- increased its military drills as USS Georgia, which the US Navy Trump cited Iran’s ballistic metal. Iranian state television mation, smashing into targets the country tries to pressure last month said had been sent missile program among other The International Atomic described as “hypothetical and exploding. President-elect Joe Biden over to the Persian Gulf. issues in withdrawing from the Energy Agency said on hostile enemy ships” at a dis- Tensions between Wash- the nuclear accord, which he Iran has missile capability accord. Thursday Iran had informed tance of 1,800km. The report ington and Tehran have has said America could of up to 2,000km, far enough When the US then increased it that it had begun installing did not specify the type of mis- increased amid a series of reenter. to reach archenemy Israel and sanctions, Iran gradually and equipment for the production siles used. incidents stemming from Pres- Iran fired cruise missiles US military bases in the region. publicly abandoned the deal’s of uranium metal. It said In the first phase of the drill ident Donald Trump’s uni- Thursday as part of a naval drill Last January, after the US killed limits on its nuclear Tehran maintains its plans to Friday, the Guard’s aerospace lateral withdrawal from Iran’s in the Gulf of Oman, state media a top Iranian general in development. conduct research and devel- opment on uranium metal production are part of its “declared aim to design an Vaccine blitz in Turkey improved type of fuel.” Uranium metal can also be used for a nuclear bomb, tops 600,000 in 2 days however, and research on its production is specifically pro- REUTERS — ANKARA conducting this programme hibited under the nuclear deal in a controlled way. We will — the so-called Joint Compre- Turkey has vaccinated more win the battle with the pan- hensive Plan of Action — that than 600,000 people in the demic together,” Health Min- Tehran signed with Germany, first two days of administering ister Fahrettin Koca said on France, Britain, China, Russia COVID-19 shots developed by Twitter. and the United States in 2015. China’s Sinovac, health Some 3.23 million people Since the unilateral ministry data showed on have been inoculated in Britain American withdrawal from the Friday, among the speediest and, according to the Our World deal in 2018, the other members rollouts globally. in Data website, 2.16 million in have been working to preserve Ankara launched the Israel. In Russia, the RDIF sov- the accord. Iran has been using nationwide programme on ereign wealth fund said on violations of the deal to put Thursday, vaccinating health Wednesday 1.5 million Russians pressure on the other signa- workers first, and inoculated had been inoculated with the tories to provide more incen- more than 285,000 people on Sputnik V vaccine. tives to Iran to offset crippling the first day. As of 1601 GMT, Indonesia, which is also American sanctions re-imposed the total was 600,040. using the Sinovac shot, has after the US pullout. The government has inoculated 15,301 people over A joint statement from the credited its nationwide distri- the past two days, a senior German, French and British bution of the vaccines earlier health ministry official there A social distancing sign is seen at the entrance of the main shopping and pedestrian street of Istiklal foreign ministries said they are this week, as well as its digitised said. The official rollout began during a nation-wide weekend curfew which was imposed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus “deeply concerned” by the health records and hospital Wednesday, but medical latest Iranian announcement. services for the rapid workers and selected public disease, in central Istanbul yesterday. “Iran has no credible operation. workers were injected on civilian use for uranium “We are an experienced Thursday and Friday. leading to some criticism. Thursday and urged other pol- infections and 23,000 deaths metal,” it said. “The production country in implementing Worldwide trials of the shot Turkish President Tayyip iticians to endorse the since March. After a month of of uranium metal has poten- nationwide inoculation pro- made by Sinovac Biotech Ltd, Erdogan called on Turks to programme. weekend lockdowns and tially grave military grammes. Our infrastructure called CoronaVac, have shown ignore the criticism. He received Turkey has reported more nightly curfews, the daily death implications.” is more than capable of wide-ranging efficacy rates, his first dose of the vaccine on than 2.3 million COVID-19 toll has dipped to 169. Syria sanctions inflict suffering as Assad regime marches on

AL JAZEERA — DAMASCUS bakeries and fuel stations have with hyperinflation, food agriculture goes, his literal production fell by half, the gov- economy, Syria needs to import become the new normal while shortages and joblessness with scorched earth tactics in oppo- ernment turned to Russia – an one million tonnes of wheat a Syrian President Bashar Al a shortage of electricity has no end in sight. sition areas. However, they also ally and the world’s biggest year to meet its requirements, Assad is going nowhere. He adversely affected local busi- Last year, as Lebanon went hold Russia and the US respon- grain exporter. Russia offered and most of it used to come from withstood the military threat nesses and exacerbated bankrupt, many Syrians who sible for aggravating the crisis. 100,000 tonnes in aid, but not Russia. But in 2020, Russia posed by a decade-long war unemployment. put their money in Lebanon’s Russia supported the Syrian more. The rest would have to reduced its supplies. It is not yet and even as the country faced Ahmad and his brother take banks lost their savings, too. government in the military con- be bought or exchanged for clear how much it exported but its worst food and economic turns to queue outside a bakery Their misery compounded as flict while the US condemned Al something in return from Syria. reportedly Syria’s overall wheat crisis over the last few months in Damascus to buy subsidised the price of bread shot up, the Assad. But the policies of both have Bassam Barabandi, a former imports fell by half. he has managed to cling to bread. United States imposed sectoral added to peoples’ suffering. Syrian diplomat who currently This year rainfall has been power. “Today was my turn and, I sanctions, and Russia cut down Until 2008, Syria exported lives in the US in exile, said the sufficient and yet the gov- Some in the West had hoped kid you not, I stood in the line on the export of wheat to wheat to neighbouring nations. Syrian government had no more ernment will still need to import the economic pressure, exac- for six hours, again,” Ahmad maintain domestic supplies Grain sufficiency was a corner- money so it instead offered the more to feed all its people. erbated by sanctions, would said. “Electricity, we have com- during the coronavirus stone of Hafez Al Assad’s regime country’s resources to Russia. Russia could come forward but force his own Alawite com- pletely forgotten about it. Our pandemic. and worked on the premise that “Russia opened a credit line so far it has not. munity to overthrow him, but uncle who is a tailor has shut Syrians like Ahmad attribute if the population was well-fed to the regime to buy grain with An additional reason for the the discontent has not culmi- down his shop because he the lion’s share of blame to it would remain pliant. Syria a sovereign guarantee and in wheat shortage is that Syria’s nated in a second uprising. cannot function with this three President Al Assad’s ruthless grew 3.6 million tonnes of return gave access to oil northeast, the breadbasket of The lives of Syrians in hours on, five hours off elec- bombing of the country, wheat in a good year. [reserves] and phosphate the country that produced 60 regime-controlled territory, tricity supply.” including crucial infrastructure But a drought in 2008 and mines,” said Barabandi. percent of the total requirement, however, have worsened The Syrian economy is in such as farm machinery and a decade-long civil war turned According to the Syria Report, is under the control of Wash- immeasurably. Queues outside tatters. Syrians are grappling power plants and, as far as Syria into a wheat importer. As a regular study of the country’s ington’s Kurdish allies. SUNDAY 17 JANUARY 2021 AFRICA 07 Museveni wins sixth term; rival alleges fraud AP — KAMPALA The Electoral military spokeswoman denied. Wine, whose real name is Uganda’s electoral commission Commission said Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, was said longtime President Yoweri longtime President roughed up and arrested several Museveni has won a sixth term times while campaigning but while top opposition challenger Yoweri Museveni was never convicted, and even- Bobi Wine alleges rigging and received 58 percent of tually he campaigned wearing officials struggle to explain how ballots while and top a flak jacket and said he feared polling results were compiled for his life. amid an Internet blackout. opposition challenger A heavy presence of security In a generational clash Bobi Wine received forces remained around his widely watched across the home, where he has said he was African continent, with a 34 percent and voter alone with his wife and a single booming young population and turnout was 52 security guard. a host of aging leaders, the Uganda’s electoral com- 38-year-old singer-turned- percent. mission has said Wine should lawmaker Wine posed arguably prove his allegations of rigging, the greatest challenge yet to and it has deflected questions Museveni. International Criminal Court about how countrywide voting He had strong support in this month over alleged torture results were transmitted during urban centres where frustration and other abuses by security the Internet blackout by saying with unemployment and cor- forces. “we designed our own system.” ruption is high. While the president holds It could not explain how it The electoral commission on to power, at least 15 of his worked. said Museveni received 58 Cabinet ministers, including the Monitoring of the vote was percent of ballots and Wine 34 vice president, were voted out, further complicated by the Polling agents from the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party celebrate the victory of Uganda percent, and voter turnout was with many losing to candidates arrests of independent monitors President Yoweri Museveni in the general elections in Kampala, Uganda, yesterday. 52 percent. from Wine’s party, local media and the denial of accreditation The top United States dip- reported. to so many members of the US lomat to Africa has called the Wine claimed victory observer mission that the US Museveni, once praised as could not say whether the security forces, the Internet electoral process “fundamen- Friday, asserting that he had called it off. Another major part of a new generation of election had been free and fair, shutdown, some late-opening tally flawed.” video evidence of vote-rigging observer, the European Union, African leaders, still has support noting the “limited” AU mission polling stations and isolated Thursday’s vote followed and saying “every legal option said its offer to deploy electoral among some in Uganda for which largely focused on the cases of failure in biometric kits the East African country’s worst is on the table” to challenge the experts “was not taken up.” bringing stability. A longtime US capital, Kampala. Asked about to verify voters. But it called the pre-election violence since the official election results, “Uganda’s electoral process security ally, he once criticised Wine’s allegations of rigging, he vote largely peaceful and said 76-year-old Museveni took including peaceful protests. has been fundamentally flawed,” African leaders who refused to said he could not “speak about it “demonstrated the level of office in 1986. Wine and other Candidates can challenge the top US diplomat for Africa, step aside but has since things we did not see or maturity expected of a opposition candidates were election results at the Supreme Tibor Nagy, tweeted Saturday, overseen the removal of term observe.” democracy.” often harassed, and more than Court. calling for the immediate and full limits and an age limit on the The East African Com- Uganda’s elections are often 50 people were killed when Hours later, he tweeted that restoration of Internet access and presidency. munity observer team in its pre- marred by allegations of fraud security forces put down riots the military had entered his warning that “the US response The head of the African liminary statement noted issues and abuses by security forces. in November over Wine’s arrest. home compound and “we are hinges on what the Ugandan gov- Union observer team, Samuel including “disproportionate use The previous election saw spo- Wine petitioned the in serious trouble,” which a ernment does now.” Azuu Fonkam, told reporters he of force in some instances” by radic post-election riots. Nigeria govt UN peacekeeper killed, two others wounded in CAR ambush yet to buy AL JAZEERA — BANGUI attacks “may constitute a war attacks on the outskirts of the and trucks and supplies have announcement of Touadera’s crime” and called for the per- capital, according to UNHCR. not entered into Central African victory, the rebel coalition coronavirus One peacekeeper was killed in petrators to be brought to However, Cameroon has Republic for several days, said threatened to take the capital. an ambush by rebels near the justice, UN spokesman also seen an increase in the Ngoh Ada. They also seized towns in other vaccines town of Grimari in the Central Stephane Dujarric said. number of families, especially “It means that the liveli- parts of the country before the BLOOMBERG — ABUJA African Republic (CAR) as The UN chief also reiterated women and children, coming hoods of people in the Central vote. deadly violence continues after “his deep concern over the con- from Central African Republic, African Republic are threatened, The army is supported in its Nigeria hasn’t bought any a disputed election last month. tinued destabilisation efforts by it added. and that will be one of the battle against the rebels by COVID-19 vaccines yet as Two other soldiers were armed groups throughout the “In the beginning when they reasons why people would be forces from Rwanda, Russia, Africa’s most populous nation wounded when fighters from a country”, and called on all came in, they said it was a pre- crossing over into Cameroon,” France and the United Nations. is still assessing the prices of coalition of rebel groups carried parties ”immediately to stop the ventive movement, they were she added. Mineral-rich Central African different shots, their availa- out two ambushes on peace- violence and resolve their dif- afraid because they remem- On Wednesday, security Republic has faced deadly inter- bility and the logistics keepers from Burundi and ferences through peaceful bered the violence that they forces repelled attacks by rebels religious and inter-communal required in a nationwide roll- Bangladesh, the United Nations means”. experienced in 2013,” said trying to seize Bangui after fighting since 2013, when pre- out. Mission in the country A sharp increase in violence Helen Ngoh Ada, spokeswoman intense fighting on the city’s dominantly Muslim Seleka Minister of State for (MINUSCA) said in a statement. in the past few weeks has forced for the UN refugee agency in outskirts in a major escalation rebels seized power from former Health Adeleke Olurunnimbe The peacekeepers were car- more than 60,000 people to Cameroon. of violence that has rocked the president Francois Bozize after Mamora said once the gov- rying out a security operation flee the country, seeking refuge “Lately, those who have country since last month. long claiming marginalisation. ernment determines which around Grimari, 200km in Cameroon, Democratic been coming in have been At least one Rwandan peace- Resistance to Seleka rule vaccines are accessible and northeast of the capital Bangui, Republic of the Congo, and saying that they came trauma- keeper was killed and another eventually led to Muslims being affordable, authorities then it added. other neighbouring countries, tised basically, and they expe- injured, said the UN. The Prime targeted en masse, with some have to consider storage and The Burundian peacekeeper the United Nations refugee rienced some form of abuse, Minister of Central African beaten to death, mosques distribution issues as they was killed in the second agency (UNHCR) said. human rights violations, and Republic, Firmin Ngrebada, said destroyed and tens of thousands prepare to give shots to 200 ambush, and two Bangladeshi DR Congo has received the that’s why they fled,” she said at least 30 rebels also died. forced from the capital in 2014. million people. peacekeepers were injured highest number of refugees — in an interview with The Asso- The rebels are protesting Bozize has been blamed for “We haven’t made any during the attacks and receiving about 50,000 since December, ciated Press. against the re-election on inflaming the violence in the purchases at this point in treatment. which includes 10,000 who People are allowed to cross December 27 of President last weeks, which erupted after time,” Mamora, who is the UN Secretary-General arrived on Wednesday when from CAR to Cameroon, but the Faustin-Archange Touadera. the constitutional court rejected second most senior official at Antonio Guterres warned the the rebel coalition staged borders are closed for traders Following the January 4 his candidacy in December. the ministry, told Bloomberg in a phone interview. “We’re not restricting our- selves to a particular vaccine. Sudan imposes curfew We’ll be guided by a lot of factors.” An ambitious plan to vac- in West Darfur province cinate as much as 40 percent of Nigeria’s population this AP — CAIRO diately clear. year has been put into question His body was taken to the by experts and official, who Sudanese authorities yesterday Genena hospital, where his said the government lacks the imposed a round-the-clock family clashed with police at resources and infrastructure curfew in the entire West the morgue, said Salah Saleh, in a country plagued by daily Darfur province after tribal a former medical director at the power outages and derelict clashes between Arabs and hospital. roads and bridges. non-Arabs killed at least six The violence then ramped Faisal Shuaib, Chief Exec- people and wounded at least up on Saturday morning, with utive Officer of Nigeria’s 28 others. armed men attacking the camp, National Primary Health Care Governor Mohammed according to Adam Regal, a Development Agency, said on Abdalla Al Douma said the spokesman for a local organi- Thursday the country expects curfew began yesterday and zation that helps run refugee to receive 100,000 doses of would last until further camps in Darfur. Pfizer Inc’s shot at the end of notice, and includes the Salah, the physician, said at January through the Covax closure of all markets and a least six people were killed, initiative. ban on gatherings across the including the first victim, and In an interview with province. 28 others were wounded. He Bloomberg TV, Shuaib said Al Douma also granted warned that the causality toll the West African nation has COVID-19 testing for travellers in South Africa security forces and soldiers a was likely much higher. secured services for ultra- mandate to use force to control He also shared footage cold storage facilities to Travellers wait in a queue ahead of testing for the coronavirus disease amid a nationwide COVID-19 the situation, according to showing women and children keep and distribute the lockdown, at the Grasmere Toll Plaza, in Lenasia, South Africa. decrees obtained by The Asso- carrying their belongings, vaccines. ciated Press. allegedly fleeing clashes in the Although the number of The violence comes two camp. infections in Africa has paled weeks after the UN Security West Darfur was the scene in comparison to other Vehicle hits explosive device in Council ended the joint UN- of deadly clashes over a year regions, a spike in cases has African Union peacekeeping ago between Arabs and non- raised fears the pathogen force’s mandate in the Darfur Arabs that killed at least 54 could be spreading more northern Mali, peacekeeper dead region, following pressure from people and displaced about rapidly in a continent ill-pre- AP — DAKAR mission in Mali said late on six were wounded. Sudan’s transitional gov- 40,000 people, with thousands pared for it. Friday. The peacekeeping mission ernment, Russia and other crossing to neighbouring Chad. Hospitals across Africa, A United Nations peacekeeper UN Secretary-General has been in Mali since 2013, African nations. The clashes pose a signif- from Senegal to Nigeria and from Egypt was killed in Mali’s Antonio Guterres yesterday after Islamic extremists took The Darfur region remains icant challenge to efforts by Zimbabwe, are struggling with northern Kidal region on strongly condemned the attack control of major towns in the scarred by war after a rebellion Sudan’s transitional gov- a surge in infections that’s Friday, and another was seri- and said attacks against peace- north. A French-led military in the early 2000s was brutally ernment to end decades-long overwhelming health facilities ously injured, after their vehicle keepers may constitute war operation dislodged them, but suppressed. rebellions in some areas. that already lack beds, basic hit an explosive device during crimes, spokesman Stephane the militants have since The clashes erupted Friday The country is on a fragile equipment and staff. a logistics convoy, the UN said. Dujarric said. regrouped in rural areas and in Genena, West Darfur’s pro- path to democracy after a Nigeria has officially It brought the toll to five UN Four peacekeepers from expanded their reach. vincial capital, when a man was popular uprising led the mil- reported 107,345 cases, with peacekeepers killed in northern Ivory Coast died from an The UN says more than 231 killed at a market in the itary to overthrow longtime 1,413 deaths, but testing is not Mali in just a week. improvised explosive device peacekeepers in Mali have been Krinding camp for internally autocratic President Omar Al easily accessible for most people. Another explosive device and an attack Wednesday by killed due to hostile incidents, displaced people. Bashir in April 2019. A military- Only about 1.1 million tests have was found at the scene in Tes- unidentified gunmen in the in what has become known as The circumstances that led civilian government is now in been performed so far. salit and disabled, the UN Timbuktu region. The UN said its most dangerous mission. to his death were not imme- power. 08 VIEWS SUNDAY 17 JANUARY 2021 Too many companies are banking Established in 1996

CHAIRMAN on carbon capture to reach net zero DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED KATE MACKENZIE BLOOMBERG [email protected] As governments and DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR companies jostle to show how MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI committed they are to fighting [email protected] global warming, plans to take carbon dioxide out of the air are becoming a giant loophole - just as experts have warned for years. EDITORIAL The UN Principles for Responsible Investment esti- Beauty in diversity mates that some 42 com- panies announced net-zero AS part of its foreign policy and the strategy to narrow targets in 2019 and 2020. gaps between nations by adopting cooperative and More than half of those plan Emissions from fossil fuels and deforestation will cause CO2 to continue to accumulate in the cultural exchange programmes, the State of Qatar runs to plant trees, preserve forests atmosphere in 2021, according to the UK’s Met Office. every year a cultural exchange programme that aims or capture CO2 in order to get at introducing Qatar, its heritages and culture to the there, even as their own busi- projection, Greenpeace published in 2016 titled “The Mercator Research Institute, international audience. In order to materialize this vision nesses continue to warm the warns. Trouble with Negative Emis- an expert on the real-world through a variety of cultural activities including exhibi- atmosphere. The IPCC also estimates sions” has had almost 500 potential of negative emis- tions, festivals, competitions, events; Qatar launched These measures, and that there’s only about 500 citations, according to Google sions, cautions against in 2012 the Years of Culture initiative which started with other technologies to capture million hectares of land left Scholar. The same year, attempting to set a limit on the Qatar-Japan Year of Culture. greenhouse gases, are collec- that can be dedicated to new climate scientist James global CDR efforts, let alone The following year 2013 was marked as Qatar-UK tively known as carbon forests for carbon capture. Hansen warned that negative allocating it by sectors, Year of Culture then Qatar-Brazil Year of Culture in 2014, dioxide removal (CDR). But Royal Dutch Shell Plc alone, emissions had “spread like a company, and country. “The Qatar-Turkey Year of Culture in 2015, Qatar-China Year CDR shouldn’t be a get-out- Greenpeace says, has pro- cancer” in the climate issue is probably not so much of Culture in 2016, Qatar-Germany Year of Culture in of-jail-free card for polluters. posed planting a tenth of that scenarios. about getting budgets right 2017, Qatar-Russia Year of Culture in 2018 and Qatar- There’s a limit to how much amount to achieve its net- Few dispute that neg- and distributing them exactly, India Year of Culture in 2019. Qatar-France Year of CO2 can plausibly be zero target. ative emissions will be but the fear that is implicit Culture was scheduled for 2020, but unfortunately the removed. There’s only so Some company plans look needed, and not all plans here is that removals could be repercussions of the coronavirus cast a shadow over much land available to plant even worse when you con- that include negative emis- used as an excuse by com- all aspects of life, including cultural activities. new trees, and most other sider their industries. For sions look irresponsible. panies not to proceed with On Friday, Qatar-USA 2021 Year of Culture was offi- methods are expensive and example, power generation Some emissions - like those decarbonization of their cially inaugurated at the Katara Cultural Village in the difficult. has long been considered so produced by heavy industry existing processes or that presence of the Minister of Culture and Sports H E Salah As net-zero plans prolif- easy to decarbonise with and transport - will be so their allocation could lead to bin Ghanem Al Ali, and Chairperson of Qatar Museums erate, some companies wind and solar that the IPCC difficult to cut that double-counting,’ she told me H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani assume they can rely dispro- and the International Energy researchers and policy- via e-mail. and other officials. The event was hosted by Qatar portionately on CDR to offset Agency assume it can get to makers believe they should It’s still likely that tree- Museums and the United States Embassy and witnessed their own emissions. It’s not zero emissions without any get priority in using CDR to based measures will remain a special concert by the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra just about planting trees. CDR. That that hasn’t stopped mitigate their climate a tempting solution. (QPO) and the US Air Forces Central Band (AFCENT Band). There are even plans to create US electricity companies like impact. Growing demand is set to The Qatar-USA 2021 Year of Culture is intended to “negative emissions” by gen- Duke Energy Corp and And not all companies boost the market for offsets. enhance cultural and artistic exchange and exemplifies erating energy from burning Southern Co. from planning to with net zero plans are The simplicity of planting the renewed commitment of the two nations to foster biomass, then capturing the offset the equivalent of 5% grasping for more than their trees is appealing and the mutual understanding and promote intercultural dia- emissions produced, a little- and 10% respectively of their share. Steel producer Thys- pressure to set net-zero logue. The launch follows the signing of a cooperative used process that also current annual emissions with senKrupp AG aims to targets will mean more agreement on September 14, 2020 between Qatar and requires large amounts of CDR. produce carbon-neutral steel companies turn to using the United States during the 2020 Qatar-United States land. In a way, this is a problem by 2050, and shipping large swaths of land to Strategic Dialogue in Washington, DC. In a new report, Green- of the scientific community’s company AP Moller-Maersk bolster their climate credi- The cultural programmes every year are intended to peace UK points out that the own making. CDR features in A/S says it will have carbon bility. Charlie Kronick, who promote mutual understanding, recognition and appre- Intergovernmental Panel on virtually every pathway laid neutral ships within a decade leads finance work at ciation between countries while inviting people to explore Climate Change estimates out in IPCC reports to keeping without offsets. Greenpeace UK, said the their cultural similarities, as well as their differences. They between 500 and 3,600 global warming to well below Others maintain they’ll risk comes from “trum- also promote cultural diversity and protect and enhance million metric tons of CO2 2 or 1.5 degrees Celsius. Some lean on CDR, but will avoid peting headline pledges” of the diversity of cultural expressions. could be removed annually of the roadmaps assume forest-based measures net zero without reading the “We expect this Year of Culture to deepen the under- through planting new amounts of negative emis- because it’s so hard to tell if fine print. The onus is on standing between the people of our two nations, expressing forests by 2050. British sions that vastly exceed the they’re genuinely making a regulators, investors, con- our shared humanity and strengthening the already sub- Airways operator Interna- best estimates of what’s eco- difference. Occidental sumers and the media to stantial ties between Qatar and the United States” said tional Airlines Group and nomically feasible. Petroleum Corp hopes to remember that net-zero Sheikha Al Mayassa commenting on the event. Italian oil company Eni each Researchers have been make a profitable business climate targets are only as A similar comment was made by H E Ambassador claim they’ll offset 30 critical of these pathways’ out of direct air carbon good as the ‘net.’ Greta C Holtz, Chargé d’Affaires of the US Embassy in million metric tons per year reliance on carbon capture for capture, a technically chal- Kate Mackenzie writes the Qatar, saying, “The Year of Culture program provides by then. That could be as years now. A paper by Kevin lenging proposition. Stranded Assets column for an extraordinary framework within which our two nations much as 12% of the IPCC’s Anderson and Glen Peters Sabine Fuss of the Bloomberg Green. can come together to celebrate our longstanding rela- tionship and forge new connections through people- to-people exchanges.” Pandemic must not disrupt launch of new entrance exam

JAPAN NEWS-YOMIURI early spring, a second order to avoid confusion, it is the spread of the virus, while common test will be set on important for examinees and others have canceled indi- D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR A new university entrance Jan. 30 and 31. There is also a staff members in charge of vidual examinations and will EMAIL: [email protected] examination will be launched makeup exam for special the test sites to confirm the only select students based on in the midst of a tense situ- cases. Examinees who are not procedures in advance. the results of the common ation over the coronavirus in good physical condition Public health centers are test. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 pandemic. The utmost efforts should not push themselves expected to be busy with the If the infection situation FAX: +974 4455 7758 must be made to avoid too hard, and they should increase in the number of worsens further, a series of confusion by implementing consider taking the test on infected people. It is hoped universities may take such MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 thorough preventive one of these different dates. that PCR testing will be imple- measures. If the content of measures against infections at Infection prevention mented as soon as possible to these separate examinations DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 the test sites. measures are important at the prevent a situation in which is to be changed suddenly, The Common Test for test sites. It is necessary to examinees who have been necessary information must LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 University Admissions, which have enough space between identified as having had close be provided promptly. replaces the conventional seats, and also ventilate and contact with infected people After many twists and BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 National Center University disinfect the test sites fre- will not be able to take the turns, the use of English tests Entrance Examination, will be quently. It is also important to test. prepared by private entities SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 held on Jan. 16 and 17. The have doctors and nurses A total of about 530,000 and the introduction of implementation of this new present and prepare for people applied to take the descriptive questions in the ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 university entrance exami- examinees in poor physical common test. It is essential for common test were canceled. email: [email protected] nation comes as a state of condition. all examinees to cooperate in However, it is likely that the emergency has been declared Infected people are not order to prevent the occur- questions will still place more PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 in 11 prefectures due to the allowed to take the test, but rence of coronavirus clusters emphasis on thinking, email: [email protected] spread of the coronavirus. those who have had close through such measures as judgment and other abilities Examinees must be very contact with infected persons thoroughly wearing masks than in the conventional ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 anxious. It is hoped that they are allowed to take it in a sep- except at lunchtime. national center test. FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] will be successful. arate room if they meet such From now on, separate In order to cope with the In order to give consider- conditions as being confirmed examinations will be held at rapid changes in society, CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 ation to third-year high to be negative in a PCR private universities and future human resources will email: [email protected] school students who have (polymerase chain reaction) national and public univer- need the ability to discover been delayed in their studies test and also being asympto- sities. Some universities have and solve problems by SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 due to long school closures in matic on the day of the test. In canceled interviews due to themselves. FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

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/ThePeninsulaQatar China plays a very key role in reviving our region's economy. Let us do all we can to /Peninsula_Qatar revive economic activities between the /ThePeninsulaNewspaper Philippines and China.

+974 6698 6188 Rodrigo Duterte, President of the Philippines SUNDAY 17 JANUARY 2021 OPINION 09 Africa’s Great Green Wall aims for fresh growth spurt after sluggish start nitrous oxide from the soil. local leaders and entrepre- agricultural yields could fuel At Bazongo’s village, more neurs’ capacity to use the migration and conflict, IFAD than 160 km (99.4 miles) from money well and bring about warned in a statement. the capital Ouagadougou, change at the community “(With the Great Green local people have identified level, she said. Wall) you will be addressing forest areas where tree- World Bank The initial idea for the the climate dimension, the cutting is forbidden, Group President Great Green Wall, launched in food-security dimension, the THIN LEI WIN developed soil and water con- David Malpass 2007, was to plant an human-security dimension REUTERS servation methods, and diver- 8,000-km band of trees and the job-creation sified crops, he said. told the Paris spanning 11 key nations from dimension,” Houngbo said. Now, even though his summit investing Senegal in the west to Djibouti Lars Laestadius of the Growing up in a village in family there has swelled from in the east. Global EverGreening Alliance, Burkina Faso, Georges 16 members to 36 and climate in landscape Its aim was to halt the a coalition of aid and environ- Bazongo remembers his shocks continue, they get restoration “makes march of desertification in a mental groups working on parents and neighbours enough food from agriculture, region already hit by rising land restoration, said the cutting down trees each year livestock and forest produce - economic sense”. In temperatures, flooding and Great Green Wall must focus to expand their farmland so and no longer need to expand Niger, for example, conflict. on boosting the prosperity of they could “grow enough food their farmland, he added. After early criticism of very poor people where every for our families to eat”. The village is part of the every dollar aspects such as its narrow tree counts for someone’s He also noticed some trees Great Green Wall initiative, a invested brings focus on reforestation, the livelihood. becoming drier in the drought- regional programme that scheme widened to include There are questions over prone region, an indication too aims to rein in climate change a return of $6, he other approaches, like cre- what type of restoration will that the soil was deteriorating impacts, cut hunger, create noted. ating multi-purpose gardens be prioritised, he noted - as heavy rains washed away jobs and reduce conflict by and stabilising sand dunes to using costly tractors to dig its fertile layer. restoring land across the support vegetation, and also into arid soil to plant new More than one in five Some of his relatives width of Africa in a belt below up Great Green Wall work. expanded to 20 countries. trees, or protecting young sub-Saharan Africans moved to Ivory Coast in the Sahara desert. At the One Planet Summit This week’s new funding shoots that sprout from trees search of a better life, “We’re lucky to learn in Paris, French President is a much-needed shot in the that have been cut down and went hungry last Bazongo, 48, said. these new skills,” said Emmanuel Macron hailed arm for the initiative, which then left to regenerate. year, and with the But things started Bazongo, whose organisation donors for beating an initial aims to restore 100 million “This is very cheap and improving a decade ago when supports the initiative in five $10-billion target and said hectares of degraded land, there are cases of that in Sahel’s population the government and environ- countries. France would ensure com- sequester 250 million tonnes Niger,” he said. “You can predicted to double mental groups helped vil- “But what about the other mitments were upheld. of carbon and create 10 cover very big areas at very lagers understand the causes millions of families living in “We are now standing million green jobs by 2030. low cost.” More diversified by 2050, millions of and risks of their degraded poverty? That means they still shoulder to shoulder with ... The Great Green Wall has financing, including from rural youth facing land, said Bazongo, director of continue to expand (farm) the entire African continent,” so far covered only 4 percent private sources such as falling agricultural operations at international land, cut trees, and destroy he said. Niger-born Salima of its target area - 4 million impact investors, will be charity Tree Aid. plant and animal habitats Mahamoudou, a research hectares - despite being more needed for land restoration to yields could fuel About a quarter of the because they can’t see any associate with the US-based than halfway towards its final become a business carried out migration and Earth’s land area is in a bad alternatives,” he said. World Resources Institute deadline. A UN status report by local companies - some- condition due to natural proc- Getting funding to change (WRI) who has seen firsthand last year said restoration thing that is starting to conflict, IFAD warned esses such as erosion and that behaviour has been a the benefits of land resto- work needed to speed up to happen, said WRI’s in a statement. human practices like defor- challenge, he noted, adding he ration in the Sahel, said the cover 8 million hectares a Mahamoudou. estation and overgrazing, sci- was “very happy” to hear promised funding must be year, at an annual cost of $3.6 World Bank Group pres- entists say. France’s announcement on turned into “concrete actions billion-$4.3 billion. ident David Malpass told the Degraded land is less pro- Monday that development on the ground”. Projects had not been Paris summit investing in ductive, and releases climate- banks and governments had To do that, donor govern- well-monitored nor inte- landscape restoration “makes warming carbon dioxide and pledged $14.3 billion to speed ments should help strengthen grated with national environ- economic sense”. In Niger, for mental priorities, it added. example, every dollar invested “I want to be crystal clear: brings a return of $6, he noted. All those issues will be Louise Baker, head of the addressed,” Gilbert Houngbo, operational arm of the United president of the Rome-based Nations Convention to International Fund for Agri- Combat Desertification, said cultural Development (IFAD), ministers outside of the envi- told the Thomson Reuters ronment had yet to take the Foundation in an interview. Great Green Wall as seriously On Monday, the UN as they should, but COVID-19 agency launched a new recovery plans offered an investment programme with opportunity to change that. the Green Climate Fund to “You can argue that our accelerate the Great Green relationship with nature got us Wall’s completion, with in this mess in the first place - projects to help small-scale so putting nature at the heart farmers and agribusinesses, of (recovery) really solves mul- and create jobs. tiple problems,” she said. The projects will include In places like the Sahel, installing irrigation, devel- where 70-80% of people are oping climate-resilient infra- farmers, supporting local structure - such as roads and agricultural value chains can crop processing or storage reduce dependence on both facilities that are protected imported goods and humani- from floods - and expanding tarian aid by making incomes solar energy. more secure, she added. More than one in five sub- “We can invest this Saharan Africans went hungry (money) better ... and give last year, and with the Sahel’s people some different choices population predicted to and different opportunities if A file photo of cows belonging to Samburu tribesmen grazing near bushfire which is set up according to witnesses by cattle herders double by 2050, millions of we do something like the in Mugui Conservancy, Kenya. rural youth facing falling Great Green Wall,” she said. Why North Korea could become one of Biden’s biggest challenges the Biden administration. On North Korea still claims there vaccine diplomacy is focused desperate enough to the contrary, Kim laid out a are no covid-19 cases in the on Africa and Latin America. undertake such measures, it pretty ambitious agenda for country, it has completely All this means there is no could find itself confronting weapons modernization locked down its borders, not end in sight. Our independent congregations of angry North including hypersonic missiles, unlike the lockdowns it study found that in response Koreans that could in turn solid-fuel intercontinental imposed in response to the to the MERS virus in 2015, become covid-19 super- ballistic missiles, unmanned Ebola outbreak in West Africa North Korea stayed locked spreader events, com- VICTOR CHA aerial vehicles, nuclear- in 2014 and SARS in 2003. down for twice the amount of pounding the crisis. THE WASHINGTON POST powered submarines capable The economy has suffered time as South Korea, where A breakdown of such of launching ballistic missiles, dearly as a result, registering the outbreak happened. Can order could mean that the and tactical nuclear weapons. an economic downturn in the North Korean economy government in Pyongyang President Joe Biden and his Kim also said he wants to 2020 comparable to the Great really survive being shut may be tempted to lash out team will have a plethora of develop ICBMs with precision Famine in the 1990s, when 10 down for another year or militarily at external enemies urgent issues to address upon targeting up to nearly 10,000 percent of the population longer? I don’t think so. to justify consolidating taking office, above all the miles, which would more than perished. North Korea may respond control at home through pandemic, economic recovery cover the continental United Normally, China and to this predicament by trying brutal crackdowns. In the and race relations. Yet States. South Korea would help out, to take control of the bur- worst case, the combination chances are good that, just as And if Kim gets to work but the North Koreans have geoning private markets of disease and a deteriorating in past presidential transi- early, Biden could soon find closed off almost all border inside of the country. The economy could lead to tions, North Korea will find a himself confronting missile trade for fear of the virus recent party congress sug- internal chaos that might All these variables way to put itself on the front provocations - just as he did entering the country. Year- gests that such measures endanger government mean that the new burner. In the past, the Kim as vice president, when North on-year trade with China, far might include forcing hard- control over its nuclear regime drew attention to itself Korea launched a rocket and and away the North’s leading working North Korean cit- arsenal. A loose-nukes crisis US administration with provocations involving exploded a nuclear device trade partner, is down over 70 izens to hand over precious could end up making a few could face a North missiles and nuclear tests, and soon after President Barack percent. Indeed, when a dis- dollars, renminbi and euros missile launches look tame. that could be the case in 2021 Obama took office. turbed South Korean gov- gotten through black markets All these variables mean Korean crisis unlike as well. Yet Biden and his But there’s a difference ernment official tried to in return for worthless North that the new US adminis- any confronting the team should be on their guard this time. Kim has issued this defect to the North last year, Korean won. tration could face a North against another form of North latest round of threats amid a the North Korean military not Our research interviewing Korean crisis unlike any con- United States before. Korea crisis - one involving a raging global pandemic that only shot him but also burned North Korean defectors sug- fronting the United States Biden would be catastrophic mix of covid-19, has shut down the country the body to avoid any virus gests that most social before. Biden would be well- well-advised to keep nuclear weapons and a and crippled an already weak transmission. resistance against the iron advised to keep a close watch. collapsing economy. economy. This could become Vaccines are a long way hand of the state has taken Cha is senior adviser at a close watch. North Korean leader Kim the real source of crisis. Kim off. South Korea, the most place whenever the gov- the Center for Strategic and Jong Un’s speech at the should fear US military power likely source, does not have ernment has attempted anti- International Studies, a pro- Workers’ Party Congress far less than the prospect of a them yet and isn’t likely to get market activities like cur- fessor at Georgetown Uni- earlier this month made pandemic raging across a vir- any earlier than April. China rency reform, extraordinary versity and author of “The pretty clear that denucleari- tually nonexistent public has its own problems with the taxes or market shutdowns. Impossible State: North zation is not in the cards for health infrastructure. While new virus variant, and its Should the regime become Korea.” 10 ASIA SUNDAY 17 JANUARY 2021 India starts world’s largest COVID-19 vaccination drive AP — NEW DELHI public health experts point out that the Internet remains patchy India started inoculating health The recipients include in large parts of the country, with workers yesterday in what is 30 million doctors, some remote villages entirely likely the world’s largest nurses and other unconnected. COVID-19 vaccination front-line workers, to be Around 100 people were to campaign, joining the ranks of be vaccinated in each of the wealthier nations where the followed by 270 million 3,006 centres across the country effort is already well underway. people who are either on the first day, the Health Min- India is home to the world’s over 50 years old or istry said. largest vaccine makers and has have illnesses that make News cameras captured the one of the biggest immunisation them vulnerable to injections across hundreds of programmes. But there is no hospitals, underscoring the playbook for the enormity of the COVID-19. pent-up hopes that vaccination current challenge. was the first step in getting past Indian authorities hope to the pandemic that has devastated give shots to 300 million people, the lives of so many Indians and roughly the population of the US Sciences in the capital. New bruised the country’s economy. and several times more than its Delhi, after Prime Minister India on January 4 approved A healthcare worker reacts as he receives an AstraZeneca’s COVISHIELD vaccine during the vaccination existing programme that targets Narendra Modi kickstarted the emergency use of two vaccines, campaign at a medical centre in Mumbai, India, yesterday. 26 million infants. The recipients campaign with a nationally tel- one developed by Oxford Uni- include 30 million doctors, nurses evised speech. versity and UK-based drugmaker and other front-line workers, to “We are launching the AstraZeneca, and another by complete trial” for the home- rising global COVID-19 death toll and Brazil, with 152,000. be followed by 270 million world’s biggest vaccination drive Indian company Bharat Biotech. grown vaccine. - it topped 2 million on Friday — Over 35 million doses of people who are either over 50 and it shows the world our capa- Cargo planes flew 16.5 million “Right now, we don’t have the the clock is ticking to vaccinate various COVID-19 vaccines have years old or have illnesses that bility,” Modi said. He implored shots to different Indian cities last option to chose between the vac- as many people as possible. But been administered around the make them vulnerable to citizens to keep their guard up week. But doubts over the effec- cines,” said Dr. Nirmalaya Moha- the campaign has been uneven. world, according to the Uni- COVID-19. and not to believe any “rumours tiveness of the homegrown patra, vice president of the hos- In wealthy countries versity of Oxford. For workers who have pulled about the safety of the vaccines.” vaccine is creating hurdles for the pital’s Resident Doctors Associ- including the United States, While the majority of the India’s battered healthcare It was not clear whether Modi, ambitious plan. ation. India’s Health Ministry has Britain, Israel, Canada and COVID-19 vaccine doses have system through the pandemic, 70, had taken the vaccine himself Health experts worry that the bristled at the criticism and says Germany, millions of citizens already been snapped up by the shots offered confidence that like other world leaders as an regulatory shortcut taken to the vaccines are safe, but main- have already been given some wealthy countries, COVAX, a UN- life can start returning to normal. example of the shot’s safety. His approve the Bharat Biotech tains that health workers will measure of protection with at backed project to supply shots to Many burst with pride. government has said politicians vaccine without waiting for con- have no choice in deciding which least one dose of vaccines developing parts of the world, has “I am excited that I am among will not be considered priority crete data that would show its vaccine they will get developed with revolutionary found itself short of vaccines, the first to get the vaccine,” Gita groups in the first phase of the efficacy in preventing illness from themselves. speed and quickly authorized for money and logistical help. Devi, a nurse, said as she lifted rollout. the coronavirus could amplify According to Dr. SP Kalantri, use. As a result, the World Health her left sleeve to receive the shot. Health officials haven’t spec- vaccine hesitancy. At least one the director of a rural hospital in But elsewhere, immunisation Organization’s chief scientist, Dr. “I am happy to get an India- ified what percentage of India’s state health minister has opposed Maharashtra, India’s worst-hit drives have barely gotten off the Soumya Swaminathan, warned made vaccine and that we do not nearly 1.4 billion people will be its use. state, such an approach was wor- ground. Many experts are pre- this week that it is highly unlikely have to depend on others for it,” targeted by the campaign. But In New Delhi, doctors at Ram rying because he said the regu- dicting another year of loss and that herd immunity — which said Devi, who has treated experts say it will almost certainly Manohar Lohia Hospital, one of latory approval was hasty and not hardship in places like Iran, India, would require at least 70% of the patients throughout the pan- be the largest such drive the largest in the city, demanded backed by science. Mexico and Brazil, which globe to be vaccinated — will be demic in a hospital in Lucknow, globally. they be administered the Astra- “In a hurry to be populist, the together account for about a achieved this year. the capital of Uttar Pradesh state The sheer scale has its Zeneca vaccine instead of the one government (is) taking decisions quarter of the world’s COVID-19 “Even if it happens in a in India’s heartland. obstacles. For instance, India developed by Bharat Biotech. A that might not be in the best deaths. India is second to the US couple of pockets, in a few coun- The first dose was adminis- plans to rely heavily on a digital doctors union at the hospital said interest of the common man,” with 10.5 million confirmed tries, it’s not going to protect tered to a sanitation worker at the platform to track the shipment many of its members were a “bit Kalantri said. cases, and ranks third in the people across the world,” she All Indian Institute of Medical and delivery of vaccines. But apprehensive about the lack of Against the backdrop of the number of deaths, behind the US said. Malaysia glove maker reports virus outbreak at 4 factories Sherpas successfully complete REUTERS — KUALA LUMPUR coronavirus. “We wish to assure our Co, is the tenth biggest share- All employees at one of the stakeholders that we are doing holder in Top Glove, holding first winter summit of K2 Malaysia’s Top Glove Corp, the four facilities have undergone our utmost to ensure the con- 1.07% of its shares. REUTERS — ISLAMABAD “Dismayed by the news of world’s largest medical grade screening and those affected tinued safety and well-being of It was reported last month the accident that has ended the glove maker, said yesterday are under quarantine, while a our employees, and to mitigate that Top Glove fired a whistle- A team of climbers from Nepal life of a magnificent athlete,” some employees at four mass screening is ongoing at the spread of COVID-19,” it said. blower who raised concern yesterday become the first Spain’s Minister of Health Sal- factories had tested positive for another yesterday, the company Last week, the world’s about the firm’s lack of mountaineers to successfully vador Illa wrote on Twitter, COVID-19 recently. said in a statement. largest asset manager COVID-19 mitigation efforts. complete a winter attempt on describing Mingote as “a per- While the company did not Contact tracing and BlackRock chided the manu- Workers have also told Reuters the summit of K2, the world’s sonal friend.” Mingote, 49, had say how many tested positive screening of close contacts are facturer’s board of directors for that they lived in crowded second tallest peak. climbed seven mountains over or when it received the test being carried out at the other failing egregiously in protecting dormitories. The group of Sherpas had 8,000 meters without supple- results, the news comes after two factories, it added. its workers from the virus, The company has acknowl- paused at a point 70 metres mental oxygen in less than two more than 5,000 foreign The company said its board voting against the re-election edged that more needs to be short of the 8,611 metres peak years. workers at Top Glove were of directors was closely moni- of some directors. But Top done to raise its standard of to wait for each other before First climbed in 1954 by infected late last year and one toring the situation and having Glove defended its board. employee welfare and has climbing into the world’s Italian Achille Compagnoni, K2 died in what became Malaysia’s discussions with the man- A BlackRock unit, promised to rectify history books together at is notorious for its sleep slopes biggest cluster of the agement team daily. BlackRock Institutional Trust shortcomings. 4:56pm. and high winds, and in winter K2 is the only mountain its surface becomes slick ice. over 8,000 metres that had not Of the 367 people that had Aftershock rocks been summitted in the winter. completed its ascent by 2018, The group were named as 86 had died. quake zone Nirmal Purja, Gelje Sherpa, The Pakistani military is Mingma David Sherpa, Mingma regularly called in to rescue in Indonesia G, Sona Sherpa, Mingma Tenzi climbers using helicopters, but Sherpa, Pem Chhiri Sherpa, the weather often makes that REUTERS — JAKARTA Dawa Temba Sherpa, Kili difficult. Pemba Sherpa, and Dawa The previous highest An aftershock hit Indonesia’s Tenjing Sherpa. altitude achieved on K2 in Sulawesi island yesterday as Their success was marred winter was 7,750 meters by rescue workers searched for by the death on the mountain Denis Urubko and Marcin people trapped under rubble of renowned Spanish climber Kaczkan, set nearly two after an earthquake killed at least Sergio Mingote, who fell down decades ago. 45 people, injured hundreds and a crevasse as he attempted to The coronavirus pandemic sent thousands fleeing in terror. make his way down to Base had meant restrictions on Indonesia’s disaster miti- Camp, Karrar Haidri, secretary travel severely impacted the gation agency said no damage of the Alpine Club of Pakistan, traditional summer mountain- or casualties were reported told Reuters. eering season in the Karakoram from the Magnitude 5.0 after- Around 49 climbers in range and Pakistan in par- shock in the West Sulawesi dis- several teams are on K2 ticular, which is home to five tricts of Mamuju and Majene a making attempts on the of the world’s 14 peaks over day after the Magnitude 6.2 summit, weather permitting. 8,000 metres. earthquake. Agency head Doni Monardo told Kompas TV the search con- tinued for victims who could China strips licence of lawyer Mourners react during the funeral of Isti Yudha Prastika, a flight attendant of NAM Air who was still be trapped under rubble. on board the Sriwijaya Air flight SJ 182 which crashed into Java sea, in Depok, on the outskirts of More than 820 people were of HK pro-democracy activist Jakarta, Indonesia, yesterday. injured and about 15,000 people have been evacuated, the agency AP — TAIPEI tough new security law they say US team in Indonesia to probe jet crash said. Some have sought refuge is destroying the territory’s in the mountains, while others A Chinese lawyer who repre- Western-style civil liberties. AP — JAKARTA during heavy rain on Jan. 9. The barred from entering. went to cramped evacuation sented a Hong Kong pro- Since the law was introduced in jet crashed into the Java Sea, The 26-year-old Boeing centres, witnesses said. democracy activist was stripped response to anti-government A team from the US National killing all 62 people on board. 737-500 was out of service for Friday’s quake and its after- of his licence amid efforts by protests that began in 2019, Transportation Safety Board has Divers found parts of the almost nine months last year shocks damaged more than 300 Beijing to crush opposition to its dozens of pro-democracy arrived in Indonesia’s capital to cockpit voice recorder on Friday because of flight cutbacks caused homes and two hotels, as well tighter control over the territory. activists have been arrested or join the investigation into the as more personnel joined the by the pandemic. The airline and as flattening a hospital and the Lu Siwei, who represented detained. crash of a Sriwijaya Air Boeing search for wreckage and victims. Indonesian officials say it office of a regional governor, one of 12 Hong Kong activists The law has been denounced 737-500, the head of Indonesia’s Investigators have already down- underwent inspections, including where authorities said several who tried to flee to Taiwan, had by European nations, the US and National Transportation Safety loaded information from the for possible engine corrosion that people had been trapped. his licence revoked by the others. Committee said yesterday. plane’s flight data recorder, could have developed during the Access to the neighbouring Sichuan Provincial Justice Beijing says the legislation The team also comprises rep- which was recovered earlier this layoff, before it resumed com- city of Makassar remains cut off, Department in a formal notice allows Hong Kong to “enjoy resentatives from the US Federal week. mercial flying in December. Arianto Ardi of the search and given on Friday. more social stability, economic Aviation Administration, Boeing “There are 330 parameters Indonesia’s aviation industry rescue agency in Mamuju said, Ten of the 12 activists caught development and greater and General Electric. They joined and everything is in good con- grew quickly after the nation’s adding that the search will focus at sea in August were sentenced freedom.” Foreign Ministry personnel from Singapore’s dition. We are learning about it economy was opened following on the hotels. Dwikorita by a Shenzhen court in spokeswoman Hua Chunying Transportation Safety Investi- now,” said Soerjanto Tjahjono, the fall of dictator Suharto in the Karnawati, the head of Indone- December to prison terms called the 12 activists “elements gation Bureau at the search and chairman of the National Trans- late 1990s. Safety concerns led sia’s meteorology and geo- ranging from seven months to attempting to separate Hong rescue command centre at portation Safety Committee. the United States and the physics agency, told Metro TV three years for illegally crossing Kong from China,” not demo- Tanjung Priok port in Jakarta to Indonesia’s government European Union to ban Indo- yesterday that another quake the border and organising illegal cratic activists. Beijing, which see some of the plane debris. granted a waiver allowing the nesian carriers for years, but the was possible and could reach a border crossings. requires lawyers to swear an The plane lost contact with NTSB team to enter the country bans have since been lifted due magnitude of 7.0, urging resi- They are part of an exodus oath of loyalty to the ruling Com- air traffic controllers minutes during its coronavirus-related to better compliance with inter- dents to keep out of the water of Hong Kong residents fol- munist Party, has tightened after taking off from Jakarta travel ban in which foreigners are national aviation standards. because of the tsunami risk. lowing Beijing’s imposition of a control over the profession. SUNDAY 17 JANUARY 2021 ASIA 11 China builds 1,500-room hospital in 5 days; virus cases rise

AP — BEIJING what it says is the discovery of the virus on imported food, China yesterday finished building Virus clusters also have mostly frozen fish, though foreign a 1,500-room hospital for been found in Beijing scientists are skeptical. COVID-19 patients to fight a and the provinces of Also yesterday, the city gov- surge in infections the ernment of Beijing said travellers government said are harder to Heilongjiang and arriving in the Chinese capital contain and that it blamed on Liaoning in the from abroad would be required infected people or goods from northeast and Sichuan in to undergo an additional week abroad. the southwest. of “medical monitoring” after a The hospital is one of six with The latest infections 14-day quarantine but gave no a total of 6,500 rooms being built details. in Nangong, south of Beijing in spread unusually fast, Nationwide, the Health Com- Hebei province, the official the National Health mission reported 130 new con- Xinhua News Agency said. Commission said. firmed cases in the 24 hours China had largely contained through midnight Friday. It said the coronavirus that first was 90 of those were in Hebei. detected in the central city of Yesterday, the Hebei gov- Wuhan in late 2019 but has suf- “Community transmission ernment reported 32 additional fered a surge of cases since already has happened when the cases since midnight, the December. epidemic is found, so it is difficult Shanghai news outlet The Paper A total of 645 people are to prevent.” reported. being treated in Nangong and the The Commission blamed the In Shijiazhuang, authorities Hebei provincial capital, Shi- latest cases on people or goods have finished construction of jiazhuang, Xinhua said. A 3,000- arriving from abroad. It blamed 1,000 rooms of the planned hos- room hospital is under con- “abnormal management” and pital, state TV said yesterday. People wearing protective face masks walk along Nanluoguxiang alley following the coronavirus struction in Shijiazhuang. “inadequate protection of Xinhua said all the facilities are disease outbreak, in Beijing, China, yesterday. Virus clusters also have been workers” involved in imports but due to be completed within a found in Beijing and the prov- gave no details. week. A similar program of rapid inces of Heilongjiang and “They are all imported from hospital construction was Xianghong. It said 247 locally two-week quarantine but was secretive ruling party’s orders to Liaoning in the northeast and abroad. It was caused by entry launched by the ruling Com- transmitted cases were found. due to talk with Chinese experts scientists not to talk publicly Sichuan in the southwest. personnel or contaminated cold munist Party at the start of the Meanwhile, researchers sent by video link. about the disease, have raised The latest infections spread chain imported goods,” said the outbreak last year in Wuhan. by the World Health Organization The team’s arrival was held questions about whether Beijing unusually fast, the National statement. More than 10 million people were in Wuhan preparing to up for months by diplomatic might try to block discoveries that Health Commission said. The Chinese government has in Shijiazhuang underwent virus investigate the origins of the wrangling that prompted a rare would hurt its self-proclaimed “It is harder to handle,” a suggested the disease might have tests by late Friday, Xinhua said, virus. The team, which arrived public complaint by the head of status as a leader in the anti-virus Commission statement said. originated abroad and publicised citing a deputy mayor, Meng on Thursday, was under a the WHO. That delay, and the battle.

Laos Communist Party names Pakistan approves AstraZeneca vaccine for emergency use REUTERS — ISLAMABAD “DRAP granted emergency The Chinese vaccine is is nearing completion of Phase 45 deaths on Friday, taking the PM Thongloun as use authorisation to Astra- awaiting approval from the III clinical trials in Pakistan. total number of cases to more AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 Zeneca’s COVID vaccine,” the Drug Regulatory Authority of Efficacy is a key factor, said than 516,000 and deaths close Secretary-General vaccine has been approved for health minister, Faisal Sultan, Pakistan (DRAP), which has Sultan. “We have and are to 11,000. emergency use in Pakistan, the said. received and reviewed its data. watching the evolving stories “Our aim is that the bulk of REUTERS — VIENTIANE health minister said yesterday, Approval has been given to Pakistan is speaking to a around efficacy of a number of the population will be covered making it the first coronavirus get more than a million doses number of vaccine makers, and vaccines.” Sultan said prelim- free,” the minister said, adding The Communist Party of Laos vaccine to get the green light for of Sinopharm’s vaccine from Sultan said the country could inary results of the Cansino may that private sectors could also on Friday named Prime use in the South Asian country. China, he said. get “in the range of tens of mil- come in by mid-February. He be allowed once supply was Minister Thongloun Sisoulith Pakistan, which is seeing “We are in the process to lions” of vaccine doses under added that Pakistan was con- available to an authorised as its new secretary general, rising numbers of coronavirus obtain Western origin and other an agreement with China’s sidering to engage with Russia’s company. Sultan added that replacing retiring chief infections, said its vaccines vaccines both via bilateral pur- CanSinoBio. Sputnik V vaccine. Pakistan had adequate cold Bounnhang Vorachit, state would be procured from mul- chase agreements as well as via The vaccine company’s Pakistan reported 2,432 chain facilities for most kinds media reported as the long- tiple sources. the COVAX facility,” he said. Ad5-nCoV COVID-19 candidate new coronavirus infections and of vaccines. ruling party wrapped up its three-day congress. Thongloun, 75, was elected to a five-year term as head of Philippines, China vow cooperation the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central Committee —the top post in the country. for post-pandemic recovery Its party congress also REUTERS — MANILA Manila wrapped up a week-long Indonesia, but Manila has trailed chose 13 members of the visit to four Southeast Asian neighbouring countries in Politburo, Laos’ top political China promised yesterday to nations. securing vaccine doses. body, and 71 party Central donate 500,000 COVID-19 Duterte has sought warmer Duterte has said he prefers Committee members, it said. vaccine doses to the Philippines ties with Beijing since taking to source COVID-19 vaccines as the two countries signed infra- office in 2016, setting aside a ter- from either China or Russia, and structure deals aimed at boosting ritorial spat in exchange for the country is buying 25 million Azerbaijan to post-pandemic recovery efforts, pledges of aid, loans and grants. doses of the experimental officials said. “China plays a very key role vaccine developed by Chinese start inoculations Philippines President in reviving our region’s economy,” vaccine maker Sinovac Biotech, Rodrigo Duterte imposed one of he said yesterday. “Let us do all with the first 50,000 expected to with 4 million the world’s longest and strictest we can to revive economic activ- arrive in February. lockdowns to contain the virus ities between the Philippines and Yesterday, officials from the Sinovac shots in March last year - bringing one China.” China said it would donate two countries signed a deal for a of Asia’s fastest-growing econ- 500,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses 500 million yuan ($77m) grant People wearing face masks due to the coronavirus disease outbreak REUTERS — BAKU omies to a standstill. to the Philippines, without saying from China to fund infra- walk in Nagoya, Japan. “As a friend of the Philippines which vaccines would be offered, structure, livelihood and other Azerbaijan will begin vacci- and your closest neighbour, we the presidential palace said in a projects in the Philippines. nating citizens against will firmly stand with the people statement. They also signed the com- COVID-19 tomorrow, using a of the Philippines until the defeat With nearly 499,000 coro- mercial contract for a $940 Suicide rate in Japan batch of 4 million doses from of this virus,” senior Chinese dip- navirus cases and almost 9,900 million, 71km railway scheme China’s Sinovac Biotech Ltd, lomat Wang Yi said during a deaths, the Philippines has the north of the capital, Beijing’s the health ministry said meeting with the Philippines’ region’s second-highest number ambassador to Manila said in a jumps 16% during yesterday. foreign minister. Wang’s talks in of infections and fatalities after statement. “Medical workers will be vaccinated first, and then pandemic second wave over-65s from February 1,” presidential aide Shahmar REUTERS — TOKYO - as the prolonged pandemic Movsumov added. hurt industries where women The doses will be trans- Suicide rates in Japan have predominate, increasing the ported first to Turkey, he said, jumped in the second wave of burden on working mothers, where they will be checked the COVID-19 pandemic, while domestic violence and packaged, before arriving particularly among women increased, the report said. in batches to Azerbaijan. and children, even though they The study, based on health A further 2 million vaccine fell in the first wave when the ministry data from November doses from various producers government offered generous 2016 to October 2020, found are expected to reach handouts to people, a survey the child suicide rate spiked Azerbaijan via the World found. 49% in the second wave, cor- Health Organization’s COVAX The July-October suicide responding to the period after programme, the main global rate rose 16% from the same a nationwide school closure. scheme to vaccinate people in period a year earlier, a stark Prime Minister Yoshihide poor and middle income coun- reversal of the February-June Suga this month issued a tries around the world against decline of 14%, according to COVID-19 state of emergency the coronavirus. the study by researchers at for Tokyo and three sur- As of yesterday, the Hong Kong University and rounding prefectures in a bid country of about 10 million Tokyo Metropolitan Institute to stem the resurgence. He people in the South Caucasus of Gerontology. expanded it this week to seven had registered 226,549 con- “Unlike normal economic more prefectures, including firmed cases of the new coro- circumstances, this pandemic Osaka and Kyoto. navirus and 2,983 deaths. disproportionately affects the Taro Kono, administrative Earlier yesterday Baku’s psychological health of and regulatory reform min- People wearing face masks as protection against the coronavirus disease pass by a mural reminding government said it would children, adolescents and ister, told Reuters on Thursday people to wear masks, in Caloocan City, Metro Manila, Philippines. extend most coronavirus females (especially house- that while the government lockdown restrictions until wives),” the authors wrote in would consider extending the April but allow cafes and res- the study published on Friday state of emergency, it “cannot taurants to open their doors to in the journal Nature Human kill the economy.” customers from February 1. 12 Afghan militiamen killed in insider attack Behaviour. “People worry about Measures to stem the spread The early decline in sui- COVID-19. But a lot of people of the virus were introduced AP — KABUL Abdul Ahad Walizada said the place late on Friday. cides was affected by such have also committed suicide in late March and have been attackers fled with the slain mili- Meanwhile, a sticky bomb factors as government sub- because they have lost their extended several times, with At least two members of an tiamen’s weapons and ammu- attached to an armoured police sidies, reduced working hours jobs, they have lost their borders closed as the number Afghan militia opened fire on their nition, adding that Afghan gov- Land Cruiser SUV exploded yes- and school closure, the study income and couldn’t see the of new cases keeps rising. fellow militiamen in the western ernment forces had regained terday in the western part of the found. hope,” he said. Shopping malls will stay Herat province, killing 12, in what control of the area. A Taliban capital, Kabul, killing two But the decline reversed - “We need to strike the closed and the metro service provincial police yesterday spokesman Yousaf Ahmadi in a policemen and wounding with the suicide rate jumping balance between managing in the capital Baku will remain described as an insider attack. tweet claimed responsibility for another, Kabul police spokesman 37% for women, about five COVID-19 and managing the suspended. Herat police spokesman the insider attack, which took Ferdaws Faramarz said. times the increase among men economy.” 12 EUROPE SUNDAY 17 JANUARY 2021 Germany: Merkel party elects pragmatic Laschet as leader AP — BERLIN be able to work smoothly with Her decision in 2015 to a more liberal partner, too. allow in large numbers of Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Current polls point to the envi- The vote isn’t the final migrants caused major tensions centre-right party yesterday ronmentalist Greens as a likely word on who will run as on the centre-right and chose Armin Laschet, the prag- key to power in the election. the centre-right strengthened the far-right matic governor of Germany’s Laschet pointed yesterday candidate for chancellor Alternative for Germany party. most populous state, as its new to the value of continuity and in Germany’s September Yesterday’s vote ends a leader — sending a signal of moderation, and cited the nearly year-long limbo in Ger- continuity months before an storming of the US Capitol by 26 election, but Laschet many’s strongest party since election in which voters will supporters of President Donald will either run himself or outgoing leader Annegret decide who becomes the new Trump as an example of where have a big say in who Kramp-Karrenbauer, who nar- chancellor. polarisation can lead. does. rowly beat Merz in 2018 to Laschet will have to build “Trust is what keeps us succeed Merkel as CDU leader unity in the Christian Demo- going and what has been but failed to impose her cratic Union, Germany’s broken in America,” he told del- authority, announced her res- strongest party, after beating egates before the vote. “By leadership, by 521 votes to 466. ignation. A vote on her suc- The newly-elected Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party leader more conservative rival Frie- polarising, sowing discord and A third candidate, prominent cessor was delayed twice Armin Laschet gestures as he gives a speech following his election drich Merz. And he will need to distrust, and systematically lawmaker Norbert Roettgen, because of the coronavirus plunge straight into an electoral lying, a president has destroyed was eliminated in a first round pandemic. during the second day of the party’s 33rd congress, in Berlin, yesterday. marathon that culminates with stability and trust.” “We must of voting. Laschet called for unity the September 26 national vote. speak clearly but not polarise,” Merz’s sizeable support sug- after yesterday’s vote and said And at some point, he will supported Laschet and was Yesterday’s vote isn’t the Laschet said. “We must be able gests that a strong contingent Merz remains “an important confer with allies in Bavaria on elected as one of his deputies, a final word on who will run as to integrate, hold society would like a sharper conserv- personality for us.” “All the who runs for chancellor. The possible contender. the centre-right candidate for together.” ative profile after the Merkel questions that will face us after CDU is part of the Union bloc Laschet has garnered mixed chancellor in Germany’s Sep- He said the party needs “the years. Merkel has led Germany the pandemic need a broad along with its sister party, the reviews in the pandemic, par- tember 26 election, but Laschet continuity of success” and “we since 2005 but said over two consensus in our party,” he said. Bavaria-only Christian Social ticularly as a vocal advocate of will either run himself or have will only win if we remain years ago that she wouldn’t “And we will need this con- Union, and the two parties will loosening restrictions after last a big say in who does. He didn’t strong in the middle of society.” seek a fifth term as sensus for all the elections that decide together on the can- year’s first phase. address his plans at the party Laschet said that “there are chancellor. are ahead of us, too. Everyone didate. The Union currently has “It’s very good that a year- convention yesterday. many people who, above all, Merkel, 66, has enjoyed will be against us.” Laschet, a a healthy poll lead, helped by long discussion process is over,” Laschet, 59, was elected in find Angela Merkel good and enduring popularity with voters miner’s son who served as a positive reviews of Merkel’s han- Soeder said. “I am sure that 2017 as governor of North only after that the CDU.” He as she steered Germany and member of the European Par- dling of the pandemic. Armin Laschet and I will find a Rhine-Westphalia state, a tra- added that ”we need this trust Europe through a series of liament from 1999 to 2005, CSU leader Markus Soeder, joint, wise and united solution ditionally centre-left now as a party” and that “we crises. But she repeatedly aban- shouldn’t expect much of a hon- the governor of Bavaria, is to all other pending questions.” stronghold. must work for this trust.” doned orthodox conservative eymoon in his new job. In widely considered a potential Yesterday’s result will now be He governs the region in a Laschet beat Merz, a former policies, for example by accel- addition to the national candidate after gaining in officially endorsed in a postal coalition with the pro-business rival of Merkel who was making erating Germany’s exit from election, Germany is holding six political stature during the pan- ballot. That is expected to be a Free Democrats, the CDU’s tra- his second attempt in recent nuclear energy and ending mil- state elections this year, the first demic. Some also consider formality but is required by ditional ally, but would likely years to win the CDU itary conscription. two in mid-March. Health Minister Jens Spahn, who German law. Spain confident of vaccine France starts 6pm curfew to programme despite delay contain virus AP — BARCELONA duction capacity. Illa said that despite this REUTERS — PARIS Spain’s health minister said hiccup “there is no change to yesterday that his government our supply calendar. Between People across France started is standing by its pledge to now and the summer we will heading home late yesterday vaccinate a large part of its ensure that 70% of Spaniards afternoon to meet a new, 6 pm population by the summer receive the vaccine.” curfew intended to help stem despite the delay in the distri- He said that the following the spread of coronavirus bution of the Pfizer-BioNTech week the allotment of the infections, especially a more vaccine. Pfizer-BioNTech should return infectious variant. Minister Salvador Illa said to 100% of the expected The virus has killed 70,000 that even though Spain will amount. people in France, the seventh only receive 56% of the Spain has administered highest toll in the world, and expected doses next week from 768.000 doses of the Pfizer- the government is particularly Pfizer, Spain’s vaccination BioNTech vaccine. worried by the more transmis- program has reached “cruising It is also rolling out the sible variant first detected in speed.” Moderna vaccine, with fewer Britain, which now accounts US pharmaceutical than 500 doses administered for about 1% of new cases. company Pfizer announced on so far. The curfew was brought Friday it will temporarily Spain reported 49,197 new Protest against farm policies forward two hours to 6 pm and reduce deliveries to European cases on Friday, its highest runs until 6 am. People attend a protest against Germany’s current agricultural and food policies in front of the countries of its COVID-19 daily figure since the start of the In addition, from Monday, Chancellery in Berlin, yesterday. vaccine while it upgrades pro- pandemic. anyone travelling to France from outside the European Union will have to show a neg- ative COVID-19 test and self- Catalonia postpones parliamentary election to May 30 isolate for a week upon arrival. “These measures were AGENCIES — BARCELONA over 50% of the vote for the first Catalonia is one the Catalonia has been oper- Catalonia on Thursday was at necessary given the situation. time in what is expected to be hardest-hit regions in Spain, ating without a president since 561 per 100,000 inhabitants, While worsening, it remains Spain's Catalonia region has a tight race, opinion polls show. with over 400,000 cases and former leader Quim Torra was which is high but still below relatively better than many postponed a parliamentary Politics in the wealthy almost 9,000 deaths. barred from public office last Spain's national average of countries around us, but I took election scheduled for February region has been dominated in Postponing the vote has year for disobeying the coun- 575. them because the context, 14 until May 30 because of a recent years by a push for inde- repercussions for the central try’s electoral law in 2019 — The region has imposed notably with the evolution of surge in coronavirus cases that pendence, which in 2017 trig- government in that Health Min- when he displayed banners in strict movement restrictions the virus, means we have to has pushed hospital occupancy gered one of Spain’s biggest ister Salvador Illa, who is a public building calling for the between towns and non- have utmost vigilance,” Prime in the region to one of the political crises in decades when running as the Socialist can- imprisoned separatists to be essential stores can only open Minister Jean Castex said in a highest levels in the country. the Catalan parliament issued didate for the regional lead- released. Monday to Friday. speech. “The current evolution of a short-lived declaration of ership, had said he would leave The new date was agreed on Critics of the date change The number of daily infec- COVID-19 shows that to con- independence following a ref- the cabinet once the electoral by the region’s parliamentary say pro-independence gov- tions has hit a plateau at tinue with the election is an erendum declared illegal by campaign starts. parties on Friday and formally erning parties in Catalonia hope around 20,000, but the unacceptable risk,” acting courts. A poll by La Vanguardia announced later by the regional it might weaken the electoral number of people entering regional chief, Pere Aragones, The region’s population is newspaper placed leftist sepa- government. impact of highly popular hospitals and in particular told a news conference on fairly evenly split on the issue ratists Esquerra Republicana de It says the change will give Spanish Socialist Health Min- intensive care units is still Friday. of independence from Spain Catalunya ahead, while another authorities more time to bring ister Salvador Illa, who recently rising steadily. The election is considered and it is unclear whether the poll by El Periodico showed the virus spread under control announced his candidacy. The government has also a litmus test for the Catalan sep- pandemic makes a victory for Spain’s ruling Socialists leading and people a better chance to Polls suggest Illa could upset been criticised for the slow aratist movement, as pro-inde- the separatists more or less following the designation in vote. the balance of power in the pace of Frence’s vaccine pendence parties hope to garner likely. December of Illa as candidate. The virus incidence rate in region. rollout. Suspected gas UK airports call for ‘urgent’ govt leak leaves 5 dead in nursing support after travel rules tightened home near Rome REUTERS — LONDON for plans to relax rules during prompted in part by a third the peak spring and summer wave of the disease that has AP — MILAN British airports called for urgent period. “Easter is a date that we caused record daily death tolls government support and an have got in mind for when we in Britain, as well as concern Five elderly residents of a airline industry representative can start to have an aviation about a new coronavirus nursing home near Rome have said the sector was heading for sector again. If we don’t start variant discovered in Brazil. died of suspected carbon a “very difficult” place after bringing revenue into the Karen Dee, chief executive monoxide poisoning and Britain tightened its COVID-19 sector, we’re going to be in a of Britain’s Airport Operators another five residents and two rules for international travellers very difficult place indeed,” he Association, said the gov- workers have been hospitalised on Friday. told BBC radio. ernment needed to go beyond in serious condition, Italian From 0400 GMT on “Airlines have been staying existing support that includes media reported yesterday. Monday, all travellers to Britain in business by taking on billions a temporary exemption from Firefighters confirmed the must have a recent negative of pounds of debt which will local property taxes. deadly incident in the town of COVID-19 test and quarantine need to be paid back,” he “The UK and devolved gov- Lanuvio, with the hypothesis of at home for 10 days on arrival, added. ernments (for Scotland, Wales a gas leak. A worker in the home unless they test negative a Britain’s current lockdowns and Northern Ireland) now found the residents and workers Firefighters stand outside a care home where at least five people second time five days after ban most international travel need to set out as a matter of unconscious early yesterday, the died in Lanuvio, Italy, yesterday. arrival. meaning that airline schedules extreme urgency how they will news agency ANSA reported. Tim Alderslade, chief exec- are currently minimal, but the support airports through this All residents and employees utive of industry body Airlines withdrawal of any quarantine- deepening crisis,” she said. of the home had been tested this residents and three staff testing been scheduled to be transferred UK, said the first three months free travel from Monday will be Relief from regulatory, week for COVID-19 after one positive. to a specialised COVID-19 of the year were typically a slow a further blow for the industry. policing and air traffic control worker tested positive, with nine The positive residents had facility yesterday. period for the sector, but called The latest restrictions were costs would help, she added. SUNDAY 17 JANUARY 2021 EUROPE 13 Norway raises concern over vaccine jabs for elderly

BLOOMBERG — OSLO Pfizer said in an disorders,” it said. “Most people frailty, even relatively mild medicines agency said. “There have been a contributing factor e-mailed statement have experienced the expected vaccine side effects can have are also differences between to a serious course or fatal Norway has registered a total side effects of the vaccine, such serious consequences. For those countries in who is prioritised outcome,” the agency said. of 29 deaths among people over that the agency found as nausea and vomiting, fever, who have a very short for vaccination, and this could Norway’s recommendation the age of 75 who’ve had their that “the number of local reactions at the injection remaining life span anyway, the also affect the reporting of side doesn’t mean that younger, first COVID-19 vaccination shot, site, and worsening of their benefit of the vaccine may be effects, including death.” healthier people should avoid raising questions over which incidents so far is not underlying condition.” marginal or irrelevant.” “The Norwegian Medicines being vaccinated. But it’s an groups to target in national alarming, and in line Norway’s experience has Pfizer and BioNTech are Agency has communicated, early indication of what to inoculation programmes. with expectations”. prompted the country to suggest working with the Norwegian prior to the vaccination, that watch as countries begin to The latest figure adds six to that COVID-19 vaccines may be regulator to investigate the when vaccinating the oldest and issue safety monitoring reports the number of known fatalities too risky for the very old and deaths in Norway, Pfizer said in sickest, it is expected that deaths on the vaccines. in Norway, and also lowers the response to Bloomberg terminally ill, the most cautious an e-mailed statement. The will occur in a time-related Emer Cooke, the new head age group thought to be affected yesterday. statement yet from a European agency found that “the number context with vaccination. This of the European Medicines from 80. “There are 13 deaths that health authority as countries of incidents so far is not does not mean that there is a Agency, has said tracking the Until Friday, Pfizer/ have been assessed, and we are assess the real-world side alarming, and in line with causal link between vaccination safety of COVID-19 vaccines, BioNTech was the only vaccine aware of another 16 deaths that effects of the first shots to gain expectations,” Pfizer added. and death. We have also, in con- especially those relying on available in Norway, and “all are currently being assessed,” approval. “We are aware that deaths nection with the reported novel technologies such as mes- deaths are thus linked to this the agency said. All the reported The Norwegian Institute of have also been reported in other deaths, conveyed that it is pos- senger RNA, would be one of the vaccine,” the Norwegian Med- deaths related to “elderly Public Health judges that “for countries, but do not have full sible that common and known biggest challenges once shots icines Agency said in a written people with serious basic those with the most severe details of this yet,” Norway’s side effects of the vaccines may are rolled out widely. Serbia receives 1 million Slovenia oppn doses of Sinopharm vaccine launches ouster bid against PM REUTERS — BELGRADE More than 20,000 Serbians have so far been vaccinated BLOOMBERG — LJUBLJANA A plane carrying one million since the mass inoculation doses of Sinopharm’s COVID-19 began in late December, mainly Slovenia’s opposition filed a vaccine arrived yesterday in elderly people in retirement no-confidence motion against Serbia, making it the first homes and medical workers. Prime Minister Janez Jansa for European country to receive the Most have received the pursuing an nationalist Chinese vaccine for mass inoc- vaccine developed by Pfizer and agenda. ulation programmes. BioNTech or Russia’s Sputnik Jansa, a vocal supporter of President Aleksandar Vucic vaccine. US President Donald Trump, was accompanied by Beijing’s Vucic said Serbia expects to has faced months of anti-gov- ambassador to the Balkan get another 250,000 doses of ernment protests over alleged country at Belgrade’s airport as the Sputnik vaccine and 20,000 corruption, attacks on the containers carrying the vac- doses of Pfizer vaccines next media and moves to consol- cines were unloaded from an week. He also said the Balkan idate power in the European Air Serbia plane. country expects to get ship- Union member state. “I would like to thank Pres- ments of AstraZeneca and Now his minority ruling ident Xi Jinping and Chinese Moderna vaccines by June. coalition, which lost a key leadership for sending us one Neighbouring Hungary member party last month, is million doses of the vaccine,” expects its medical regulator to suffering from a plunge in Vucic, who has helped forge approve use of the Sinopharm popularity after a spike in close ties with China in recent vaccine for mass inoculation, A man holds China flag next to Serbia flag as a plane transporting one million doses of Sinopharm’s deaths from coronavirus and years, told reporters. after the European Commision China National Biotec Group (CNBG) vaccines for the COVID-19 arrives at Nikola Tesla Airport, in criticism over how his admin- He said Serbia’s medical gave its clearance for it to nego- Belgrade yesterday. istration has handled the regulator was expected to tiate Sinopharm vaccine supply. pandemic. approve the Sinopharm vaccine In the Western Balkan and North Macedonia have not developed by Sinopharm’s BIBP data has been released but BIBP “The government is loosing in the next few days, allowing region, inoculation has started yet received supplies of any in late December, its first has said the vaccine is 79.34 support, people are loosing vaccinations with the doses to only in Serbia and Albania. vaccine. COVID-19 vaccine for general percent effective based on patience and our Slovenia is start within a week. Bosnia, Kosovo, Montenegro China approved the shot public use. No detailed efficacy interim data. loosing it’s future,” said Tanja Fajon, an EU parliament member and leader of oppo- Russia to pull sition Social Democrat party. Denmark logs 256 cases of contagious virus variant Opposition parties led by out 300 military Karl Erjavec, the leader of the REUTERS — COPENHAGEN the spread of the new variant, and January 10, 256 Danes were tests with the mutation was 3.6 former coalition partner instructors from which authorities expect to be infected with the new variant, percent, a growth rate which DeSuS, submitted the no-con- Denmark has registered 256 the dominant one by the State Serum Institute (SSI) worried authorities and fidence motion on Friday. Central Africa cases of infections with B117, a mid-February. said in its report published prompted lockdown extension. Erjavec is now trying to muster more contagious coronavirus The Nordic country has yesterday. Preliminary data showed 11 votes to form the nation’s third AP — UNITED NATIONS variant first identified in Britain, become a front-runner in mon- That corresponds to 1.3 of those infected with the majority-backed cabinet since health authorities said itoring coronavirus mutations percent of all positive tests variant had travelled prior to 2018 elections. Russia has informed the yesterday. by running most positive tests genetically analysed in that infection, including five in The outcome of the ouster United Nations that it is Denmark extended a through genome sequencing period. Britain, but SSI said it was bid remains uncertain. Even if sending home 300 military lockdown for three weeks on analysis. In the first week of January, unclear whether they had been successful, it could lead to instructors it sent to the Wednesday in a bid to curtail Between mid-November the percentage share of positive infected abroad or in Denmark. early elections . Central African Republic to help train its army, which was facing an offensive by rebel groups ahead of last month’s Ally of Navalny jailed elections. A letter from Russia’s UN REUTERS — MOSCOW He was detained on Friday, Mission to the Security Council the head of Agora, a Moscow- committee monitoring sanc- Pavel Zelensky, a member of the based human rights group, said tions against the conflict- Anti-Corruption Foundation on social media, and will now wracked country said its team of Kremlin critic Alexei spend over a month in pre-trial assistance in the run-up and Navalny, was jailed by a Moscow detention. during the election was court yesterday until February Zelensky’s case revolves ending. 28 on charges of inciting around a tweet posted last “The departure of four hel- extremism on the Internet, October, Agora cited the icopters and additional according to a court statement. camera operator’s lawyer as instructors, which have been His detention by the Pres- saying. sent to the CAR to support nensky District Court comes a The tweet contained a FACA (the country’s armed day before Navalny’s planned photo of Irina Slavina, a forces) and national security return to Russia since being Russian journalist who died forces, is planned starting from poisoned in August and evac- after setting herself on fire in January 10, 2021,” the letter uated to Germany where he has front of a branch of the Interior said. been recuperating. Ministry a day after her The mineral-rich nation Zelensky is a camera apartment was searched by saw a spike of violence in the operator for the opposition police. run-up to presidential and leg- leader’s Anti-Corruption Foun- The social media post islative elections set for dation, which specialises in expressed anger at the gov- December 27 and Russia’s publishing high-impact inves- ernment and called for people Foreign Ministry said the tigations into what it says is to take any feelings of protest instructors were sent at the Medical workers and patients are seen in a hospital hallway amid the coronavirus disease outbreak official graft. offline. request of the Central African at Santa Maria hospital, in Lisbon, recently. Republic’s government. It blamed the opposition Berlin hands transcripts to Moscow led by former President Francois Bozize for destabi- Rise in virus infections worries Portugal for probe into Navalny poisoning lizing the country by rounding up rebel forces for a march on REUTERS — LISBON Disease Prevention and Control the Observador newspaper. REUTERS — BERLIN in Russia. This requires inves- the capital, Bangui and said the showed. Media images of ambulances tigations commensurate with recent events had led to the Portugal’s fragile health system The health system, which with coronavirus patients Germany has given transcripts the seriousness of this crime,” “degradation of the security is under growing pressure due prior to the pandemic had the queuing outside hospitals in of interviews with Alexei the spokesman added. situation in the country.” to a worrying rise in corona- lowest number of critical care Lisbon and elsewhere as they Navalny to Russia as part of Navalny, who has been Violence in CAR has not virus infections, with the beds per 100,000 inhabitants waited for beds to vacate have Moscow’s probe into the receiving treatment in abated. country reporting 10,947 new in Europe, can accommodate a raised fears the health system is poisoning of the Kremlin critic, Germany, plans to fly back to On Friday, members of a cases and 166 deaths yesterday, maximum of 672 COVID-19 close to reach its limit. a Justice Ministry spokesman Russia today for the first time coalition of rebels carried out the worst surge since the patients in ICUs, according to “I have received infor- said, demanding a thorough since he was poisoned, despite two attacked UN peacekeepers pandemic started last year. Health Ministry data. mation of a patient who died investigation into the crime. the risk of being jailed on his carrying out a security oper- The cases, which come a There are currently 638 inside an ambulance,” Jaime The ministry said Russia now return. ation around Grimari, more day after a new lockdown was people in ICUs and the Portu- Soares, the head of the Portu- had all the information needed He accuses Putin of than 200km northeast of put in place, bring the total guese Association of Hospital guese Firefighters League, told to carry out a criminal investi- ordering his poisoning with the Bangui, killing a peacekeeper number of cases in a country of Administrators said the number Lusa news agency, adding hos- gation into Navalny’s poisoning deadly nerve agent Novichok, from Burundi and injuring two just over 10 million people to of coronavirus patients needing pitals are also running out of in August last year, including and some supporters have others from Bangladesh. 539,416, with the death toll hospitalisation was likely to emergency stretchers. blood and tissue samples. urged him to stay abroad for Bozize has been blamed increasing to 8,709. dramatically increase over the In Porto, the country’s “The German government his own safety. for inflaming violence since The number of infections next week. second biggest city, the Sao Joao assumes that the Russian gov- Putin has denied the the election in the Central per 100,000 people measured A group of three major hos- hospital is already receiving ernment will now immediately authorities tried to poison African country as well. It over the past 14 days is 901, pitals in Lisbon only had three “various” patients from Lisbon take all necessary steps to Navalny and said Russian erupted after the constitutional nearly double that in hard-hit intensive care beds left for as hospitals in the capital clarify the crime against Mr. agents would have finished the court rejected his candidacy neighbouring Spain, data from coronavirus patients on Sat- struggle to cope, a spokesman Navalny,” the spokesman said. job if they had wanted him in December. the European Centre for urday morning, according to said. “This crime must be solved dead. 14 AMERICAS SUNDAY 17 JANUARY 2021 Maduro ally presses for dialogue with Biden AP — CARACAS “All points and Venezuelan oil assets that he all issues are on said have harmed regular Ven- A close ally of Venezuela Pres- ezuelans amid a pandemic. ident Nicolás Maduro said the table,” Jorge “If you resort to amnesia Friday that he’s hopeful the Rodríguez said, while launching a reconciliation Biden administration will roll including the future process, you run the risk that back a “cruel” sanctions policy these events did not happen,” and instead give room for of six Venezuelan- said Rodriguez, a psychiatrist diplomacy that could lead to the American oil by training. “You run the risk of reopening of the US Embassy executives arrested grave situations reoccurring.” and the release of several jailed Rodríguez, 55, was among American citizens. on corruption charges candidates loyal to Maduro who Jorge Rodríguez’s com- and two former Green won more than 90 percent of ments came in his first the seats in a December 6 interview since taking the helm Berets caught in a election boycotted by Guaidó of Venezuela’s National failed attempt to and the major opposition Assembly over strong protests overthrow Maduro. parties. The United States, the from the US, European Union European Union and several Honduras’ soldiers check the identifications of nationals taking part in a new caravan of migrants, and domestic opponents. Latin American neighbours set to head to the United States, at a checkpoint near the El Florido border crossing point with Rodriguez, extending an head of the outgoing congress, rejected the election as a Guatemala, in El Florido, Honduras, on Friday. olive branch to the incoming US whom the Trump adminis- undemocratic after several president, said the ruling tration recognizes as Vene- parties were barred from socialist party is eager for a new zuela’s rightful leader. running. Turnout was a paltry 6,500 Honduran migrants in caravans start after four years of endless Past attempts at gov- 31 percent, the lowest in years. attacks by the Trump adminis- ernment dialogue with the Nonetheless, Rodríguez tration that he believes not only opposition have failed to end rejected criticism that he was travelling north to Guatemala: Officials exacerbated suffering among the country’s stalemate and leading a rubber-stamp legis- Venezuelans and failed to Maduro has tightened his grip lature — the final branch of Ven- REUTERS — TEGUCIGALPA Alejandra Mena, estimated that elect Joe Biden takes office. unseat Maduro but also pun- on power. Rodriguez refused to ezuela’s government that had there were some 6,500 Hon- While Biden has promised a ished US investors who histor- endorse calls from his red- been out of the ruling party’s Small skirmishes broke out durans making their way north, more humane approach to ically have been important in shirted supporters to jail Guaidó grasp before the recent vote. between Honduran security with 3,000 to 3,500 of them migration, in contrast to outgoing the Opec nation. and instead said he’s willing to Analysts say Biden has forces and migrants trying to already in Guatemalan territory. President Donald Trump’s “All points and all issues are talk to the 37-year-old former limited options to undo crippling cross the border into Guatemala A Honduran police officer told hardline policies, Guatemala, on the table,” he said, including head of the National Assembly. oil sanctions imposed as part of on Friday night, with Guate- local television that “more or less Honduras, El Salvador and the future of six Venezuelan- “This new National Trump’s “maximum pressure” malan officials estimating 5,000 people” had walked past Mexico are coordinating security American oil executives Assembly is taking the broadest campaign. But the failure of the around 6,500 people to be a checkpoint along a highway as and public health measures to arrested on corruption charges approach possible toward dia- hardline policy to unseat the heading north to the United they formed a caravan. contain unauthorized crossings and two former Green Berets logue,” said Rodriguez from the South American leader could States. A video seen by Reuters across the region. caught in a failed attempt to neoclassical legislature in the leave space for diplomacy. Groups of Hondurans con- showed hundreds of Hon- That will likely provide overthrow Maduro. heart of Caracas. The US and Venezuela tinued to trickle past the border, durans, chanting and holding some relief for Biden, whose It’s unclear if the Biden But he warned that talks broke ties in 2019 shortly after even as the Guatemalan mil- up the Honduran flag, crossing aides have privately expressed administration will accept the would only succeed if Guaidó the White House recognized itary detained hundreds of the border at El Florido into concerns about the prospect of overture or continue with the and his allies seek forgiveness Guaidó as Venezuela’s rightful migrants, including many fam- Guatemalan territory. growing numbers of migrants hardline policy of regime for plotting to overthrow president, arguing that ilies with young children. The first migrant caravan seeking to enter the United change it inherits. A lot hinges Maduro and for backing foreign Maduro’s recent re-election had The spokeswoman for Gua- of the year comes less than a States in the early days of his on its treatment of Juan Guaidó, government freezes on been invalid. temala’s immigration authority, week before US President- administration. US blacklists Mexico President backs Cuban interior ministry over dropping of case against 'rights abuses' former defence minister REUTERS — MEXICO CITY of alleged Blackberry commu- REUTERS — WASHINGTON nications. The fallout from the Mexico President Andres case has soured relations with The United States slapped Manuel Lopez Obrador on Washington ahead of US Pres- sanctions on Cuba’s interior Friday backed the decision by ident-elect Joe Biden’s ministry on Friday, accusing his country’s Attorney- swearing in next week. it of serious human rights General not to charge former Lopez Obrador said the US abuses as Washington kept up defence minister General Sal- investigation had not been con- sanctions into the final days of vador Cienfuegos with drug ducted with “professionalism”. President Donald Trump’s crimes, in a case that has roiled A US Department of Justice administration. US-Mexico relations. spokeswoman said the United In a statement, the US Cienfuegos, who was min- States reserved the right to Treasury Department men- ister from 2012 to 2018 during restart the prosecution of Cien- tioned Cuban dissident Jose the government of former Pres- fuegos if Mexico did not do so. Daniel Ferrer, saying he had ident Enrique Pena Nieto, was Mexico said the failure to been detained in a prison Relatives of patients hospitalised or receiving healthcare at home, mostly suffering of COVID-19, arrested in October at Los alert officials before the arrest controlled by the ministry gather to buy oxygen and fill cylinders at a private company in Manaus, Brazil, on Friday. Angeles airport on charges he marked “a before and after” in and was reportedly beaten worked with a powerful drug bilateral ties. In December it and tortured. cartel. US prosecutors later created new rules governing “The United States will dropped the case and returned how foreign agents, including continue to use all the tools at Amazonas gets respirators, oxygen him to Mexico to be prosecuted, the US Drug Enforcement its disposal to address the dire citing diplomatic sensitivities. Administration, operate in the human rights situation in Cuba from Brazil military and Venezuela Mexico’s government country. and elsewhere around the vowed to thoroughly inves- A watered-down, final world,” Treasury Secretary REUTERS — MANAUS/BRASILIA of the pandemic last year. Har- Arreaza said the Venezuelan tigate Cienfuegos’ case but on version of those rules was pub- Steven Mnuchin said. rowing scenes are again government “will supply Thursday, less than two months lished hours before the decision Washington also black- The Brazilian jungle state of emerging in the second wave, oxygen for the duration of the after his return from the United to drop the Mexican case listed Cuban Interior Minister Amazonas received more of doctors and relatives running emergency situation in the state States, Mexico’s Attorney- against the former general, in Lazaro Alberto Álvarez Casas. emergency supplies of oxygen out of supplies and equipment of Amazonas”. General office concluded that a sign that security cooperation Cuban Foreign Minister and respirators yesterday, as trying desperately to keep alive Brazil is now dealing with a Cienfuegos had no contact with between the neighbouring Bruno Rodriguez on Twitter the military and neighboring patients struck by the virus. snowballing second wave of the members of the criminal countries will continue. denounced the Trump admin- Venezuela scrambled to alle- Brazil’s Air Force said yes- virus and a new, potentially more organization. It also said it had The manner in which the istration’s move as “a coercive viate an unfolding humani- terday that a second flight had contagious, coronavirus variant found no evidence that Cien- Cienfuegos case was handled measure against our country”. tarian crisis caused by a devas- landed in Manaus with eight that originated in Amazonas and fuegos’ wealth had increased by Mexican authorities sent a “The willful determination to tating COVID-19 outbreak. tanks of liquid oxygen, fol- prompted Britain on Thursday in any untoward manner. worrying signal about the rule single out Cuba comes from a The army also said it had lowing an earlier emergency to bar entry to Brazilians. “It’s a decision the attorney of law and impunity within the regime that is leaving a legacy evacuated 12 patients from hos- delivery of five tanks, and the The government of Pres- general’s office makes, but one armed forces, with whom of isolation and defeat in pitals in the state capital Navy said in a statement that it ident Jair Bolsonaro, a far-right that the government I represent Lopez Obrador has developed foreign policy,” he wrote. Manaus to the northern city of is sending 40 respirators. former army captain and supports,” said Lopez Obrador. close ties, analysts said. Trump reversed his pred- Sao Luis overnight, with hos- Venezuela, meanwhile, said COVID-sceptic, has come under On Lopez Obrador’s “This is not only giving ecessor Barack Obama’s dip- pitals at breaking point with no it has sent the first batch of heavy criticism for its handling instructions, Mexico’s foreign them impunity but also lomatic opening to Havana, oxygen supplies and over- oxygen supplies on the 1,500km of the crisis and its failure so far ministry on Friday published a allowing extended and deeper tightened restrictions on US flowing intensive care wards. road trip to Amazonas, which to roll out a vaccination 751-page document showing impunity,” said Falko Ernst, a travel and remittances to Cuba Mass graves were dug in should arrive in Manaus today. program, while the death toll the US evidence against Cien- senior International Crisis and imposed sanctions on Manaus during the first wave Foreign Minister Jorge marches higher. fuegos, including detailed logs Group analyst for Mexico. shipments of Venezuelan oil to the Caribbean island. Trump’s policy was popular among the large Argentina receives second Canada to get most people inoculated Cuban-American population in South Florida, helping him batch of Sputnik vaccine win the state in the November by the end of September: Minister election though he lost the REUTERS — BUENOS AIRES arrive in Argentina later this REUTERS — OTTAWA production in late January and - some 4 million by the end of national vote to Joe Biden, who month and in February. early February due to changes March, he said. “I understand the was Obama’s vice president. The second batch of Russia’s Paraguay this week became Pfizer’s reduction of its to manufacturing processes disappointment. I share the dis- Biden, who will take office Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine the eighth country outside Russia COVID-19 vaccine shipments aimed at boosting production, appointment,” Fortin said, on January 20, said during the arrived in Argentina yesterday, to approve the Sputnik V will not delay Canada’s goal of but would provide a “significant echoing the frustration expressed campaign he would promptly allowing the South American vaccine, developed by Moscow’s getting most people inoculated increase” in doses in late Feb- by many Canadians about the reverse Trump policies that he country to apply the second Gamaleya Institute. Other coun- by the end of September, the ruary and March. slow pace of inoculations, said have harmed Cubans and part of the two-dose program tries to approve emergency use country’s procurement minister Canada’s Major-General including Prime Minister Justin “done nothing to advance aimed at inoculating front-line of the vaccine include Bolivia, said as the country battled a Dany Fortin, who is in charge Trudeau earlier this month. democracy and human rights”. health workers. Venezuela, Algeria and Serbia. second surge in infections. of coordinating the country’s Canada is struggling to contain The Trump administration Some 300,000 doses of the Argentina’s Minister of “This is a temporary delay vaccine rollout, said that a second wave of the novel coro- announced on Monday that it vaccine arrived from Moscow Science Roberto Salvarezza and we remain on track to have Canada will receive about half navirus. On Friday, the health min- was returning Cuba to the US on a special flight of flag carrier wrote on Twitter that the highly enough approved vaccines for the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine istry said there could be a spike of list of state sponsors of ter- Aerolineas Argentinas. They contagious variant of SARS- everyone who wishes to get over the next four weeks than more than 100,000 new cases in rorism, a move that could will be used to complete the CoV-2 from the United vaccinated by the end of Sep- had been previously expected. the next nine days. That means complicate any efforts by Sputnik treatment program Kingdom had been detected in tember 2021,” Procurement However, Pfizer/BioNTech almost 12,000 new cases per day, Biden to revive Obama-era that began in late December. a traveler who arrived in Minister Anita Anand said. will “offset” the shortfall and still compared with the 7,565 new detente with Havana. More doses are expected to Argentina from abroad. Pfizer said it would slow deliver — as had been planned cases reported on Thursday. SUNDAY 17 JANUARY 2021 AMERICAS 15 Biden lays out plan to get America vaccinated REUTERS — WILMINGTON Under Biden’s plan, literally at stake,” said Biden, federal disaster- who takes office on Wednesday. US President-elect Joe Biden on Speaking near his home in Friday said he would order relief workers would Wilmington, Delaware, Biden increased production of set up thousands of called for increasing vaccine syringes and other supplies to vaccination centers, distribution in lower-income ramp up vaccinations against neighbourhoods not currently COVID-19 and improve upon where retired doctors well served by hospitals and the Trump administration would administer pharmacies. Biden also plans a rollout that he called a “dismal shots to teachers, marketing campaign to failure”. encourage those sceptical of the Under Biden’s plan, federal grocery store vaccine to get inoculated. disaster-relief workers would workers, people over His transition team said he set up thousands of vaccination will reorganise the vaccine dis- centers, where retired doctors 65 years old and tribution team currently called would administer shots to other groups who do “Operation Warp Speed” and teachers, grocery store workers, not currently qualify. has asked former Food and people over 65 years old and Drug Administration chief US President-elect Joe Biden speaks about his plan to administer COVID-19 vaccines to the US population other groups who do not cur- David Kessler to work with during a news conference at Biden’s transition headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware, US, on Friday. rently qualify. Guard in the effort would be manufacturers to boost vaccine The Democrat would invoke reimbursed by the federal gov- availability. which he said would ultimately The stimulus proposal faces million doses distributed to the Defence Production Act to ernment, the transition team Biden said his adminis- serve millions of people. Neigh- an uphill battle in Congress, states, according to data from increase production of said. The coronavirus has killed tration will release the vast borhood pharmacies would also however. When Biden takes the US Centers for Disease equipment needed to distribute more than 390,000 people in majority of doses when they be enlisted as vaccination sites, office, Democrats will control Control and Prevention. the vaccines, such as glass vials, the United States, and a top become available, rather than he said. both the Senate and the House Federal officials have needles and syringes, according Biden adviser said on Friday holding back a large portion to Even with these changes, of Representatives but by largely left states to manage dis- to a document released by his that the death tally could reach ensure that recipients can get a Biden said it will take time for narrow margins. Some Repub- tribution, resulting in big differ- transition team. He would also 500,000 by February. second dose, which had been the United States to beat back licans have balked at its cost, ences in vaccination rates. The use the law to support vaccine Biden has promised to do the Trump administration’s the virus. “The honest truth is while liberals have pushed for Trump administration has said refrigeration and storage. better than President Donald approach for much of the this: Things will get worse more spending on direct pay- it expects 1 million shots to be Biden said his team has Trump to curb the virus and get rollout. States will get regular before they get better,” he said. ments to individuals. delivered per day by the end of identified companies that are 100 million vaccine shots into updates to know how many Biden unveiled a $1.9 trillion The Trump administration next week. ready to be activated under the the arms of Americans during doses are coming to ensure they stimulus plan on Thursday that had aimed to give vaccine doses A Trump administration law, which enables the pres- his first 100 days in office. can distribute them efficiently. includes $20bn for vaccine dis- to 20 million Americans by the official, speaking on condition of ident to order businesses to “This is a time to set big He said he will order the tribution as well as $50bn for end of 2020. But only 12.3 anonymity, said the United States produce items necessary for goals and pursue them with Federal Emergency Man- coronavirus testing, which million coronavirus shots had is on track to have 300 million national defense. courage and conviction because agement Agency to set up 100 experts and officials said should been administered as of Friday doses available by the end of States that use their National the health of the nation is vaccine centers within a month, help speed the process up. morning out of more than 31 Biden’s first 100 days in office. US capitals on edge National Rifle Association for armed protests files for REUTERS — WASHINGTON have trained much of their bankruptcy focus today, when the anti-gov- Washington, DC, was locked ernment “boogaloo” movement REUTERS — NEW YORK down and US law enforcement flagged plans to hold rallies in officials geared up for pro- all 50 states. The National Rifle Association Trump marches in all 50 state In Michigan a fence was on Friday filed for bankruptcy, capitals this weekend, erecting erected around the Capitol in a sudden development that barriers and deploying thou- Lansing and troopers were could help the gun rights group sands of National Guard troops mobilized from across the state escape a lawsuit by New to try to prevent the kind of to bolster security. The legis- York’s Attorney-General violent attack that rattled the lature cancelled meetings next seeking its dissolution. nation on January 6. week, citing concern over The NRA filed for Chapter The FBI warned police credible threats. 11 protection in federal bank- agencies of possible armed pro- “We are prepared for the ruptcy court in Dallas, and said tests outside all 50 state capitol worst but we remain hopeful it plans to reincorporate in buildings starting yesterday that those who choose to dem- Texas to escape “a corrupt through President-elect Joe onstrate at our Capitol do so political and regulatory envi- Biden’s inauguration on January peacefully,” Michigan State ronment” in New York, where 20, fueled by supporters of Police Director Joe Gasper said. Members of the National Guard secure the area near the Capitol for possible protest ahead of US it is now incorporated. President Donald Trump who The perception that the President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration, in Washington, DC, yesterday. “Texas values the contri- believe his false claims of elec- January 6 insurrection was a butions of the NRA, celebrates toral fraud. success could embolden serve as an ongoing catalyst for Pennsylvania and Arizona are demonstration on the holiday on our law-abiding members, and Michigan, Virginia, Wis- domestic extremists motivated extremist groups. among those at most risk of vio- Monday in Virginia, where joins us as a partner in consin, Pennsylvania and by anti-government, racial and Thousands of armed lence. But even states not seen authorities were worried about upholding constitutional Washington were among states partisan grievances, spurring National Guard troops were in as likely flashpoints are taking the risk of violence as multiple freedom,” Chief Executive that activated their National them to further violence, the streets in Washington in an precautions. groups converged on the state Wayne LaPierre said in a letter Guards to strengthen security. according to a government unprecedented show of force Illinois Governor J B Pritzker capital, Richmond. to members. “We seek pro- Texas closed its Capitol through intelligence bulletin dated after the assault on the US said that while his state had not Others told the Washington tection from New York offi- Inauguration Day. Wednesday that was first Capitol. Bridges into the city received any specific threats he Post they wanted the protest cials who illegally abused and Steve McCraw, Director of reported by Yahoo News. were to be closed, along with was beefing up security around organized in response to new weaponized the powers they the Texas Department of Public The Joint Intelligence Bul- dozens of roadways. The the Capitol in Springfield, state gun rules to be peaceful. wield against the NRA and its Safety, said that intelligence letin, produced by the FBI, National Mall and other iconic including adding about 250 Some militias in other parts of members.” indicated “violent extremists” Department of Homeland US landmarks were blocked off state National Guard troops. the country have told followers The NRA was sued in August may seek to exploit planned Security and National Counter- into next week. Following the January 6 vio- to stay home this weekend, by New York Attorney General armed protests in Austin to terrorism Center, further Experts say that the capitals lence in Washington, some militia citing the increased security or Letitia James, who accused “conduct criminal acts”, warned that “false narratives” of battleground states such as members said they would not the risk that the planned events LaPierre and other senior Law enforcement officials about electoral fraud would Wisconsin, Michigan, attend a long-planned pro-gun were law enforcement traps. leaders of self-dealing and mis- management, and said the group’s activities violated state laws governing nonprofits. Biden fills out State Department Geneticist Lander named James said NRA officials diverted millions of dollars to for new Cabinet-level post fund luxury lifestyles, team with Obama veterans including vacations and AP — WASHINGTON private jets, and to buy the AP — WASHINGTON Among the others are: serve as the public face of the silence and loyalty of former — longtime Biden Senate department, taking on the role President-elect Joe Biden employees, costing the group President-elect Joe Biden yes- aide Brian McKeon, to be deputy of spokesman. announced on Friday that he $64 million over three years. terday filled out his State secretary of state for man- — Jalina Porter, communi- has chosen a pioneer in “The NRA’s claimed Department team with a group agement. That deputy position cations director for Rep Cedric mapping the human genome financial status has finally met of former career diplomats and has been vacant for some time Richmond, D-La, who is leaving — the so-called “book of life” its moral status: bankrupt,” veterans of the Obama admin- and McKeon and Sherman are Congress to work in the White — to be his chief science adviser James said. “We will not allow istration, signalling his desire expected to share duties as the House, will be Price’s deputy. and is elevating the top science the NRA to use this or any to return to a more traditional department’s No. 3 official. Price and Porter intend to job to a Cabinet position. other tactic to evade account- foreign policy after four years — former senior diplomats return to the practice of holding Biden nominated Eric ability and my office’s over- of uncertainty and unpredict- Bonnie Jenkins and Uzra Zeya, daily State Department press Lander (pictured), founding sight.” In its own statement, ability under President Donald to be under secretary of state for briefings, officials said. Those director of the Broad Institute of the NRA pledged no immediate Trump. arms control and undersecretary briefings had been eliminated MIT and Harvard, who was the changes to its operations or Biden will nominate of state of democracy and human under the Trump administration. lead author of the first paper workforce and said it was not Wendy Sherman as deputy rights, respectively. Jeffrey Prescott, a former announcing the details of the insolvent, with LaPierre secretary of state and Victoria — Derek Chollet, a familiar national security aide when human genome, as director of scientists to co-chair the Pres- adding that it was “as finan- Nuland as undersecretary of Democratic foreign policy Biden was vice-president, is Office of Science and Technology ident’s Council of Advisors on cially strong as we have been state for political affairs — the hand, to be State Department Biden’s pick to be deputy Policy and adviser on science. He Science and Technology. in years.” The group said it second- and third-highest counselor. ambassador to the United is the first life scientist to have Frances Arnold, a California would continue to defend its ranking posts, respectively. — former UN official Nations, He would serve under that job. His predecessor is a Institute of Technology chemical members’ constitutional rights They were among the 11 offi- Salman Ahmed, who also UN envoy-designate Linda meteorologist. engineer who won the 2018 under the Second Amendment, cials announced to serve served as head of strategic Thomas-Greenfield. Saying “science will always Nobel Prize in chemistry, and which guarantees the right to under the incoming secretary planning in the Obama National Sherman led the Obama be at the forefront of my MIT vice-president for research keep and bear arms. of state, Antony Blinken. Security Council, as director of administration’s negotiations administration,” Biden said he and geophysics professor Maria Critics say the NRA is an The team “embodies my policy planning. leading to the 2015 nuclear deal is boosting the science adviser Zuber will co-chair the outside enabler of gun violence. In her core belief that America is — Suzy George, who was a with Iran, from which Trump post to Cabinet level, a first in science advisory council. Lander lawsuit, James said the NRA’s strongest when it works with senior aide to former Secretary withdrew, and had engaged in White House history. held that position during Obama incorporation as a nonprofit in our allies,” Biden said in a of State Madeleine Albright, will talks over ballistic missiles with The president-elect also administration. New York gave her authority to statement. He said he was be Blinken’s chief of staff. North Korea during President said he is retaining National Biden chose Princeton’s seek its dissolution. The NRA confident “they will use their — Ned Price, a former Bill Clinton’s second term. Institutes of Health Director Alondra Nelson, a social sci- filed a countersuit in federal diplomatic experience and Obama NSC staffer and career Sherman, McKeon, Nuland, Dr. Francis Collins, who entist who studies science, court in Albany, New York, skill to restore America’s CIA official who resigned in Jenkins and Zeya will require worked with Lander on the technology and social ine- accusing her of violating its free global and moral leadership. protest in the early days of the Senate confirmation to their human genome project, and quality, as deputy science speech rights because she dis- America is back.” Trump administration, will posts while the others will not. named two prominent female policy chief. liked its politics. SUNDAY 17 JANUARY 2021 16

WHO cites human behaviour for rise in virus cases

AP — GENEVA calls from public health officials widespread and that it remains America and Portugal — a key for people to respect measures “It’s just too easy to unclear whether they prevent gateway of flights from Brazil — The World Health Organization’s like physical distancing, regular lay the blame on the transmission between people. to try to keep the variant in PRAYER emergencies chief said on Friday hand hygiene and The recommendations came Brazil from reaching Britain and that the impact of new variants mask-wearing. variant and say, ‘It’s after the committee’s first derailing its vaccination TIMINGS the virus that did it,’” PRAYERPRAYRRAAAY TIMINGSMING of COVID-19 in places like Also Friday, the WHO’s meeting in nearly three months. programme. Britain, South Africa and Brazil Emergencies Committee issued World Health To little surprise, the panel The committee said it would remains to be seen, citing human new recommendations that Organization agreed that the outbreak encourage states “to implement FAJR 05.00 am behaviour for some recent rises countries should not require emergencies chief Dr. remains a global health emer- coordinated, time-limited and SUNRISE 06.21 am in infection counts. proof of vaccination by incoming gency, nearly a year after it evidence-based approaches for “It’s just too easy to lay the travellers amid the pandemic, Michael Ryan told declared it as one. health measures in relation to DHUHR 11.44 am blame on the variant and say, saying decisions on international reporters. “Well The advice comes as coun- international travel.” ASR 02.46 pm ‘It’s the virus that did it,’” Dr. travel should be coordinated, unfortunately, it’s tries grapple with how to combat It also called on vaccine MAGHRIB 05.09 pm Michael Ryan told reporters. limited in time, and based on also what we didn’t the new variants that have manufacturers to make data ISHA 06.39 pm “Well unfortunately, it’s also both the risks and the science. do that did it.” fanned concerns about an accel- about the products more what we didn’t do that did it.” “If you look at the recom- erated spread of the virus – and available to the WHO, saying That was an allusion to mendation made by the com- have prompted new lockdown delays can affect its ability to holiday merrymaking and other mittee around vaccination for measures in hard-hit places like provide emergency-use listings social contacts plus loosening travellers, it says ‘at the present that such recommendations Europe. The British government that could allow for “equitable adherence — in pockets — to time,’” Ryan said. He pointed out noted that vaccines are still not has banned travel from South vaccine access.” Prince Harry happy despite WEATHER TODAY royal split heartbreak REUTERS —LONDON there? No, I don’t think that’s right, I think they are pretty Britain’s Prince Harry is heart- happy actually, but I think they broken over his split with the wrestle with their position in royal family but he and his wife life, I think they all do.” o o Meghan are happy in their new Bradby’s interviews with 18 C 28 C lives in the United States, the couple during a 2019 tour Minimum Maximum broadcaster and confidant to of Africa provided insight into Misty to foggy at places at first the couple Tom Bradby said in growing tensions within the becomes moderate temperature an interview to be aired royal family since their 2018 daytime with some clouds, yesterday. wedding and the birth of their relatively cold by night. Harry and Meghan, the son, with a tearful Meghan W ALRUWAIS : 16o → 24o Duke and Duchess of Sussex, describing the difficulty of W ALKHOR : 14o → 25o moved to Los Angeles with baby being a new mother and W DUKHAN : 13o → 27o son Archie last year after they dealing with incessant scrutiny. W WAKRAH : 12o → 26o gave up their official royal roles Harry also admitted to dis- following disagreements with agreements with elder brother W MESAIEED : 12o → 26o other family members and in Prince William, who is second W ABUSAMRA : 11o → 29o the face of huge media attention. in line to the throne. “I think he is heartbroken “Well, just the situation with HIGH TIDE by the situation with his the family clearly isn’t ideal and 07:21 – 18:39 family,” Bradby said in an it has been a very difficult year interview for ITV’s “Love Your for them all,” Bradby said. LOW TIDE 01:27 – 15:18 Weekend with Alan Titch- “There are still a lot of hurt Sunset over Marmara Sea marsh” show. feelings on all sides and it’s very A ferry sails as the sun sets over the Marmara Sea in Istanbul, Turkey. “But are they unhappy out difficult,” he added. Nasa’s Boeing moon rocket set for Pandemic reduced number of migrants by 2 million: Report ‘once-in-a-generation’ ground test AP — UNITED NATIONS the number of international migrants has been robust. REUTERS — WASHINGTON “This is a once-in-a-gener- transition from the rocket’s Delta IV Heavy. A new UN report estimates that Wilmoth said that according ation kind of test,” Jim Maser, shuttle-era core technologies, While newer, more reusable the COVID-19 pandemic reduced to the latest estimates, “the Nasa’s Boeing-built deep space Aerojet Rocketdyne’s Senior which have launch costs of $1bn rockets from both companies - the number of international number of international migrants exploration rocket, Space Vice President of Space, told or more per mission, to newer SpaceX’s Starship and United migrants by 2 million by the worldwide reached 281 million Launch System (SLS), was set Reuters. “This will be the first commercial alternatives prom- Launch Alliance’s Vulcan - middle of 2020 because of border persons in 2020, up from 173 to fire its behemoth core stage time four RS-25s fire together ising lower costs. promise heavier lift than Falcon closings and a halt to travel million in 2000,” They account for the first time yesterday, a at the same time.” By comparison, it costs as Heavy or Delta IV Heavy poten- worldwide — an estimated 27% for just 3.6% of the total global crucial test for a years-delayed The expendable super little as $90m to fly the massive tially at lower cost, SLS backers decrease in expected growth. population, he said. US government project facing heavy-lift SLS is three years but less powerful Falcon Heavy argue it would take two or more Clare Menozzi, principal Liu Zhenmin, undersec- mounting pressure from behind schedule and nearly from Elon Musk’s SpaceX, and launches on those rockets to author of the report by the UN retary-general for economic and emerging private sector tech- $3bn over budget. Critics have some $350m per launch for launch what SLS could carry in Department of Economic and social affairs, said, “The report nology. long argued for Nasa to United Launch Alliance’s legacy a single mission. Social Affairs’ Population affirms that migration is a part of Space Launch System’s hot Reuters reported in October Division, told a news conference today’s globalized world and fire test, was expected to begin that President-elect Joe Biden’s on Friday that for the second half shows how the COVID-19 pan- at 5pm EST (2200 GMT) yes- space advisers aim to delay of 2020 “we have a sense that it demic has impacted the liveli- terday at Nasa’s Stennis Space Trump’s 2024 goal, casting will be probably comparable, if hoods of millions of migrants and Center in Mississippi, caps a fresh doubts on the long-term not more so.” She said interna- their families” and undermined nearly year-long ‘Green Run’ fate of SLS just as SpaceX and tional migration had been pro- progress on achieving UN devel- test campaign to validate the Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin scramble jected to grow by 7 to 8 million opment goals for 2030. rocket’s design. to bring rival new heavy-lift between mid-2019 and The economic fallout from It is seen as a vital step capacity to market. mid-2020. the pandemic is expected to before a debut unmanned Nasa and Boeing engineers But the border closures and reduce remittances from people launch later this year under have stayed on a ten-month travel clampdown starting in working abroad to low- and Nasa’s Artemis programme, the schedule for the Green Run March, as the pandemic circled middle-income countries from Trump administration’s push to “despite having significant the globe, meant zero growth for $548bn in 2019 to $470bn in land humans on the moon again adversity this year,” Boeing’s four months, and an estimated 2 2021, according to projections by by 2024. Space Launch System manager million reduction in the expected the World Bank. Yesterday’s test will see the John Shannon told reporters number of international migrants, Wilmoth said the data con- rocket’s four Aerojet Rock- this week. Shannon cited Menozzi said. firmed that nearly two-thirds of etdyne RS-25 engines ignite for timeline hiccups that included By August 2020, Population all international migrants were roughly eight minutes, gener- five tropical storms and a hur- Division Director John Wilmoth living in high-income countries. ating 1.6 million pounds of ricane that swept over Stennis, noted, “there had been more than The report said the United thrust and consuming 700,000 as well as a three-month 80,000 travel restrictions States continued to top the des- gallons of propellants on a test closure after some engineers imposed by 219 countries or ter- tination list with 51 million inter- Nasa’s Space Launch System mobile launcher stands atop Launch stand to simulate internal con- tested positive for the corona- ritories across the world.” Over national migrants in 2020, rep- Pad 39B at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, US. ditions of liftoff. virus in March. the last two decades, growth in resenting 18% of the global total. Stretching more effective than walking to lower high blood pressure: Study

QNA — OTTAWA should be part of a well-rounded shown stretching can reduce Chilibeck and colleagues they shouldn’t be doing some of the weather and it’s easy on A new study has found that treatment plan for people wres- blood pressure, the USask measured participants’ blood form of aerobic activity. Things your joints - a big plus for people stretching is superior to brisk tling with hypertension. research is the first to pit walking pressure while they were sitting, like walking, biking, or cross- with osteoarthritis. And it doesn’t walking for reducing blood “Everyone thinks that against stretching in a head-to- lying down, and over 24 hours country skiing all have a positive require a big commitment of pressure in people with high stretching is just about stretching head comparison in the same using a portable monitor - widely effect on body fat, cholesterol time, another barrier to exercise blood pressure or who are at your muscles,” said kinesiology group of study participants. considered the gold standard for levels, and blood sugar.” While for many people. “When you’re risk of developing elevated professor Dr. Phil Chilibeck (PhD), Chilibeck and colleagues ran- accurate blood pressure meas- the study protocol had partici- relaxing in the evening, instead blood pressure levels. a co-author of the study, in the domly assigned 40 older men and urement. Stretching resulted in pants stretching for 30 minutes of just sitting on the couch, you Walking has long been the University of Saskatchewan women (mean age 61) to two bigger reductions in blood at a time, Chilibeck suspects the can get down on the floor and prescription of choice for physi- (USask). groups for the eight-week study pressure across all three types of same benefits can be achieved by stretch while you’re watching cians trying to help their patients “But when you stretch your period: one did a whole-body measurement. The walkers did, doing a shorter routine that TV,” he said. bring down their blood pressure. muscles, you’re also stretching all stretching routine for 30 minutes however, lose more body fat off emphasizes the larger muscle Chilibeck and colleagues are High blood pressure (hyper- the blood vessels that feed into a day, five days a week, and the their waist in the eight-week groups in the legs, particularly the now seeking funding to do a tension) is a leading risk factor for the muscle, including all the other group walked briskly for the study. People who are walking to quadriceps and hamstrings. Yoga larger study involving more par- cardiovascular disease and arteries. If you reduce the stiffness same amount of time and fre- reduce their high blood pressure produces similar reductions in ticipants. They’d like to expand among the top preventable risk in your arteries, there’s less quency. All participants had ele- should continue to do so, but also blood pressure, he said. the scope beyond blood pressure factors affecting overall mortality. resistance to blood flow,” he said, vated blood pressure, or stage 1 add in some stretching sessions, The beauty of stretching, said measurement to explore some of This new finding, published in the noting that resistance to blood hypertension, at the start of the according to Chilibeck. Chilibeck, is that it’s so easy to the physiological reasons behind Journal of Physical Activity and flow increases blood pressure. study. “I don’t want people to come incorporate into a person’s daily why stretching reduces blood Health, shows that stretching While previous studies have Before and after the study, away from our research thinking routine. You’re not at the mercy pressure.