Vodafone Shastri backs Qatar ‘fabulous showcases five’ quicks to digital rule Down expertise Under

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WEDNESDAY 25 NOVEMBER 2020 10 RABIA II - 1442 VOLUME 25 NUMBER 8452 www.thepeninsula.qa 2 RIYALS Recharge using the app and get health insurance as a gift! Qatar and Turkey to sign several new pacts: Envoy

IRFAN BUKHARI Supreme Strategic Committee THE PENINSULA had been held since 2015 alter- nating between the two coun- The regular holding of Qatar- tries (the first was held in Doha Turkey Supreme Strategic in 2015, the second in Trabzon, Committee meetings at the Turkey in 2016, the third in highest level annually is an Doha in 2017, the fourth in important indicator of strong Istanbul in 2018 and the fifth in bilateral relations, said Ambas- Doha in 2019). sador of Turkey to Qatar, H E Ambassador Göksu said Mustafa Göksu. that during the fifth meeting of “It also reflects the desire of the Qatar-Turkey Supreme both countries in expanding Strategic Committee, held on and diversifying fields of coop- November 25, 2019, seven eration,” said Mustafa Göksu, agreements had been signed in adding that the upcoming sixth the fields of economy, urbani- session of Qatar-Turkey sation, trade, finance and Supreme Strategic Committee investment, industrial and tech- to be held in Turkey will nological cooperation. FIFA President H E Gianni Infantino during a visit to the under-construction Lusail Stadium in Lusail witness signing of a number of On the ongoing Gulf crisis, City yesterday. He was given a brief on the construction of the 80,000-seater stadium set to stage new agreements between the the Ambassador said that the 2022 FIFA World Cup final. two countries. Turkey has made every effort “They are in addition to the to lift the unfair blockade already existing 52 agreements The Supreme Strategic imposed on Qatar. “Upon the Fantastic feeling to be at Lusail signed in the previous meetings. outbreak of the crisis, Turkey With the new ones, the total Committee has placed stood by Qatar and supported number of agreements is the relations between the Qatari brothers through the Stadium, says FIFA President expected to exceed 60,” Qatar and Turkey on provision of food and resources, Mustafa Göksu said in an inter- an institutional path such as fruits, vegetables and RIZWAN REHMAT broadcast on social media plat- who will see it on TV — will see action with media persons on that guarantees the dairy products via cargo planes. THE PENINSULA forms yesterday. what a magnificent stadium this Monday. fortification of We hope that this crisis of 3 “About 70 percent of the is,” he added in his impromptu He said that the new agree- years will be resolved as soon FIFA President H E Gianni work of the stadium is done but chat held on the pitch. ments cover a range of fields previous as possible.” Infantino yesterday visited the when you come here, you feel Infantino had a message for such as economy, culture, trade, achievements and He noted that Qatar and under-construction Lusail the positive vibes. This is not a visitors planning to watch the education, Islamic and family broadens its horizons Turkey are strategic allies coop- Stadium - where the final of the normal stadium. This is the 2022 FIFA World Cup matches. affairs, and water management. surpassing political erating on many issues at 2022 FIFA World Cup will be held stadium where the final of the “Well, just come to Qatar. “The details of the agreements success. bilateral, regional and interna- — and said the brand new venue World Cup will take place,” Visit Qatar, visit the whole will be released during the tional levels. will vow visiting football fans. Infantino said yesterday. region — there are beautiful committee’s meeting.” H E Mustafa Göksu The Ambassador said that “It is a fantastic feeling to be “A captain of the winning countries around Qatar — and He added: “The Supreme Ambassador of Turkey to Qatar the trade volume between the here in this beautiful Lusail side will lift the iconic trophy discover a new way of living. Strategic Committee has placed two countries recorded a Stadium merely thinking that here, a trophy which is a When they visit Qatar, they will the relations between Qatar and growth of about six percent in after two years, the final of magical trophy in the world of see Qatar and they will discover Turkey on an institutional path as economy, commerce, 2019, reaching approximately 2020 FIFA World Cup — the sports. You can see what I mean the Arab world. They will also that guarantees the fortification investment, culture and $1.6bn. most important match of the since we are here. You can feel discover that the prejudices of previous achievements and security.” “Qatari companies are 2022 edition — will be held it and the world can feel it as they have about this part of the broadens its horizons sur- Sharing historical back- among the largest investors in exactly in this place. So it is an well. This is incredible and all world are completely wrong. passing political success and ground of meetings, he said that the field of construction in amazing feeling to be here,” those who will come here and This is a welcoming country. expanding it to other areas such five meetings of Qatar-Turkey Turkish markets. `P2 Infantino said in a short chat see it in person — and the ones This is an open country. `P4 MME launches phase 2 of waste segregation at source SANAULLAH ATAULLAH the launch event at the head- the environment and will be first environment- economic benefits from recy- THE PENINSULA quarters of Al Rayyan achieving sustainability for friendly international cling and protect the natural Municipality. current and future generation championship. resources to achieve Qatar To enhance the State’s efforts He said that the pro- especially for hosting the “The programme will help National Vision 2030,” said Al TODAY’S SCHEDULE to achieve sustainable devel- gramme aims at protecting 2020 FIFA World Cup which reduce quantity of waste, bring Shammair. GROUP STAGE opment goal and host eco- He said that under the pro- 11:00pm friendly, carbon neutral 2022 gramme, the Ministry will Atlético Madrid MME will provide separate Lokomotiv Moscow FIFA World Cup, the Ministry colour-coded containers provide blue containers for of Municipality and Envi- recyclable wastes like paper, 11:00pm for recyclable wastes and Bayern Munich ronment (MME) represented by plastic, aluminium and glass FC Red Bull Salzburg General Cleanliness food waste and other and another type container for Department yesterday organic materials. food waste and organic Borussia Mönchengladbach launched second phase materials. 8:55pm Shakhtar Donetsk programme of sorting wastes The programme will help “It is mandatory for banks Inter Milan11:00pm at source. and malls and other such reduce quantity of waste, Real Madrid “The programme in the bring economic benefits entities to ask cleaning com- second phase will cover all panies operating inside their Olympiakos 8:55pm Man City from recycling and banks, financial institutions, facilities to help with recycling Marseille 11:00pm FC Porto commercial complexes and protect the natural process by putting the recy- malls,” said Director of General resources to achieve clable materials in the desig- Ajax 11:00pm FC Midtjylland Cleanliness Department at Qatar National nated container placed there,” Liverpool 11:00pm Atalanta MME, Muqbil Madhour Al Al Shammari told The Vision 2030. Full report `Sport 12 Shammari while speaking at Peninsula. `P5 COVID-19: MoI deploys foot patrols to check violations Final Phase of Census Qatar SIDI MOHAMED has deployed foot patrols in the same family. announcing the number of vio- 2020 to start on December 1 THE PENINSULA public areas, mostly Al Qahtani pointed out that lators to discourage others from commercial complexes, to the recent period witnessed an these violations.” QNA — DOHA to carry out the census. In that Head of the Ehteraz Committee check people’s compliance with increase in the violation for non- He said that the authorities context, the authority reiterated at the Ministry of Interior (MoI), coronavirus precautionary compliance with wearing masks concerned are doing this to The Planning and Statistics its commitment to the precau- Major Masoud Jamaan Al measures. and the limit allowed in a vehicle. implement the cabinet’s deci- Authority announced yesterday tionary measures taken to Qahtani, has said that the MoI Since the Ministry started its “This has led the authorities sions regarding preventing that it will begin the final phase contain the coronavirus during drive two weeks ago, more than to take measures including infectious diseases. of the census’ field work, which the final phase of the census. 1,500 people were referred to the The cabinet issued several was suspended as a precau- The Planning and Statistics Cars and motorcycles Electric car from sharing the road recycled material Public Prosecution for non-com- important decisions, including tionary measure against the Authority had concluded all the

PAGE 04 PAGE 06 WEDNESDAY 25 NOVEMBER 2020 SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT pliance with wearing masks in a set of precautionary spread of the coronavirus preparatory steps required for Tesla plans longer-range cars and places where they are measures aimed at preventing (COVID-19). the census, the final phase hatchback for European market Legal actions are mandatory. the spread of coronavirus. The authority said the final would see census workers taken against the In the same period, more Al Qahtani, while speaking phase of the census will begin collect remaining data on the than 90 people were referred violators for to a local TV channel, said that starting December 1 to January population, houses, and facil- Included with today’s to the Public Prosecution for non-compliance violators are caught through 7 of 2021 electronically, with ities. It would simultaneously with wearing edition is a violating the limit allowed in a checkpoints carried out by the field work starting December allow heads of family to fill vehicle, which is specific as masks authorities departments in the 13 to mid-January of 2021. The their data online securely and special supplement four persons, including the MoI throughout the week. authority was granted approval easily without the need to meet driver, expect for members of `P4 by the Ministry of Public Health field researchers. 02 HOME WEDNESDAY 25 NOVEMBER 2020

Morocco Speaker Qatar takes part in Geneva conference on Afghanistan hails Shura Council QNA — DOHA polls announcement

The State of Qatar took part in Minister of State for QNA — RABAT Geneva international ministerial Foreign Affairs H E Sultan conference on Afghanistan, bin Saad Al Muraikhi noted Speaker of the House of Repre- which was held virtually sentatives of the Kingdom of yesterday. Minister of State for that the State of Qatar has Morocco H E Habib El Malki Foreign Affairs H E Sultan bin realised the futility of any praised the announcement of Saad Al Muraikhi represented military solution to the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin the State of Qatar at the Afghan crisis. Based on its Hamad Al Thani regarding the conference. belief in the necessity of Shura Council elections in In statement of the State of October 2021. Qatar to the conference, H E the resolving and settling The Speaker of the House Minister of State for Foreign disputes by peaceful of Representatives of the Affairs said that the wide partic- means, the State has made Kingdom of Morocco said that ipation by the international unremitting efforts the elections would be an community in the conference through mediation and important step strengthens in affirms the joint international enhancing the participation of conference will achieve the aspi- good offices in order to lay citizens in the legislative rations of the Afghan people for the foundations for peace process, and would constitute stability, security and in Afghanistan. a new building block in the development. process of development and Al Muraikhi noted the State modernisation that the State of of Qatar’s appreciation for the Qatar has known under the participation of President of the The Minister noted that the wise leadership of H H the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan State of Qatar has realised the Amir. H E Dr. Ashraf Ghani and the UN futility of any military solution This came during a meeting Secretary-General H E Antonio to the Afghan crisis. Based on its of Habib El Malki with Charge Guterres, and extended thanks belief in the necessity of d’Affaires of the Embassy of the to all participants and organisers resolving and settling disputes State of Qatar to the Kingdom Minister of State for Foreign Affairs H E Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi takes part in Geneva international of this important conference. by peaceful means, the State has of Morocco Khalid bin ministerial conference on Afghanistan. The Minister of State for made unremitting efforts Mohamed Al Dossari. During the Foreign Affairs said that the con- through mediation and good meeting, they reviewed the ference is being held at an offices in order to lay the foun- Afghanistan. appreciates and supports all various forms of support to the bilateral cooperation and issues important stage in the history of dations for peace in The Minister indicated that international and regional Afghan people, noting that this of joint interest. the Islamic Republic of Afghan- Afghanistan. the Islamic Republic of Afghan- efforts aimed at helping the support was embodied recently istan as it coincides with the In this regard, the Minister istan faces various security, eco- Afghan people realise peace, sta- by joining the Core Group of the ongoing Afghan peace negotia- of State for Foreign Affairs nomic, social, institutional and bility and development, and Solutions Strategy for Afghan Greece welcomes tions hosted by Doha, which stressed the need for all Afghan other challenges, expressing the stresses the need for the inter- Refugees Support Platform, represent a real opportunity to parties to assume their respon- appreciation of the State of Qatar national community to continue based on the belief that the Shura Council polls end the decades-long conflict, sibilities, give priority to the for the efforts exerted by the providing the necessary support solution to Afghan refugee and announcement violence and instability, and to supreme national interest, move Afghan government to address to ensure the implementation of displacement issues depends on fulfil the aspirations of the forward in the political process, these challenges in spite of all strategic national programs and achieving peace, and that peace QNA — ATHENS Afghan people for security, sta- achieve consensus and national difficulties. plans is also promoted by finding bility, prosperity and sustainable reconciliation, preserve the unity In this context, Al Muraikhi Al Muraikhi reiterated that durable solutions for refugees The Government of Greece development. and sovereignty of said that the State of Qatar Qatar will continue to provide and displaced persons. welcomed the announcement of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to hold elec- tions for the Shura Council in Qatar strongly condemns Work plan of pension agencies reviewed October next year in a statement by the Greek Ministry of Foreign QNA —DOHA represented in the meeting by binding on employers to pay Affairs. H H the Amir announced attacks in Afghanistan President of Retirement and contributions, the unified holding Shura Council elections QNA — DOHA Ministry of Foreign Affairs reit- The State of Qatar partici- Social Insurance Authority H visual media campaign, in at the inauguration of the 49th erated Qatar’s firm position of pated in the 19th meeting of E Turki Al Khater. addition to the statistical indi- ordinary session of the Shura Qatar has expressed its strong rejecting violence and terrorism, the GCC Heads of Civil The participants discussed cators for the application of Council on November 3. condemnation and denunciation regardless of the motives and Retirement and Social the work plan of the pension the unified system according of the two attacks that took place reasons. The statement Insurance Agencies, which agencies to study reform in to direct coordination, the at the capital of Bamyan expressed the condolences of was held yesterday through the systems of civil retirement challenges related to the Panama Parliament Province in Afghanistan, which Qatar to the families of the visual communication tech- funds and social insurance. payment of bank contribu- led to the deaths and injuries. In victims and the government and nology. The meeting also tions, and other topics on the welcomes Shura a statement issued yesterday, the people of Afghanistan. The State of Qatar was reviewed the procedures agenda. Council polls

Qatar, Turkey to sign several pacts QNA — PANAMA FROM PAGE 1 investment. The Parliament in the Republic The Ambassador further said of Panama welcomed the “In return, Turkish com- that there is cultural harmony announcement of Amir H H panies obtained contracts worth between the peoples of the two Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al $1.5bn in 2019 to implement countries, pointing to the desire Thani to hold elections for the projects in the State of Qatar. In of the citizens and residents of Shura Council in October next the tourism sector, the number Qatar to learn the Turkish lan- year. HH the Amir announced of Qatari visitors to Turkey guage at the Turkish cultural holding Shura Council elec- reached about 30,000 Qataris institute ‘Yunus Emre’ in Qatar. tions at the inauguration of the in 2014, and figures grew to “30% of the total students, 49th ordinary session of the about 110,000 Qatari visitors in which have reached 1650 since Shura Council on November 2019, reflecting a growth of the establishment of the center 3. about 450 percent.” in 2015, are Qatari citizens. In Göksu said, “Turkey is a safe addition to the Turkish School haven for Qatari investments. in Qatar, the center contributes Shura Council panel Over 170 Qatari companies to Turkish language training in operate in Turkey and the a number of Qatari institutions, studies decree law volume of Qatari investment in such as Qatar University, the regulating entry, Turkey has reached to $22bn.” Languages Institute of the Qatari He added that Qatari Armed Forces, Qatar National exit of expatriates investment did not focus on one Library and the Qatari Women sector (in Turkey) but focused on Association.” QNA — DOHA all sectors, like commerce, Regarding Qatar’s prepara- tourism, agriculture, energy, tions for hosting FIFA World The Internal and External defense industries, real estate or Cup Qatar 2022, he said, Affairs Committee of the Shura banking. “Despite the slowdown in global Council held yesterday a The Turkish Ambassador economic and commercial meeting chaired by its stated that there are great oppor- activities due to COVID-19 epi- rapporteur H E Abdullah bin tunities for Turkish investors in demic, Qatar’s preparation for Fahad bin Ghorab Al Marri. Qatar, as Doha in recent years the 2022 World Cup did not During the meeting, the has done an excellent job at stop, thanks to the good man- Committee studied Decree Law encouraging foreign investment, agement of the Qatari author- No. 19 of 2020 amending some and has introduced many ities and the determination of provisions of Law No. 21 of reforms to attract foreign our Qatari brothers.” 2015, regulating entry, exit and residency of expatriates, and decided to further review it in Qatar ranks 2nd in FAI classification its next meeting. of paramotor competitions 93 referred to QNA — LAUSANNE general assembly meeting of the Microlight and Paramotor Com- prosecution for not The State of Qatar ranked second mission (CIMA) at the Federa- wearing masks at the individual level and third tion’s headquarters in at the team level in the interna- Switzerland. tional classification of paramotor As for the teams competi- QNA — DOHA competitions of the World Air tions, Qatar achieved third place Sports Federation (FAI). with 21 points in the interna- The designated authorities Qatar’s second place at the tional classification of para- referred 93 people to the individual level came after motor competitions during the Public Prosecution for not player Hayyan Al Ahbabi general assembly meeting, wearing face masks in places achieved this position in the which lasted for three days, where they are mandatory. men’s paragliding category (PL1) during which technical and The measure is in line with 21 points in the interna- organisational matters for par- with the cabinet decisions, tional classification, which was amotor activities were decree law no. 17 of 1990 on adopted on the sidelines of the discussed. communicable diseases, and the precautionary measures in force to contain the spread 227 new virus cases, 212 recoveries: MoPH of the coronavirus (COVID-19). THE PENINSULA — DOHA confirmed COVID-19 cases. The authorities called on Also, 212 people have recovered the public to adhere to the The Ministry of Public Health from the virus, bringing the total precautionary measures to (MoPH) yesterday announced number of recovered cases in ensure their safety and the the registration of 227 new Qatar to 134,698. safety of others. WEDNESDAY 25 NOVEMBER 2020 HOME 03 Heya Exhibition to showcase over 150 Qatari designers

THE PENINSULA — DOHA Over the years, Heya has become one of and will showcase over 150 code which must be shown at the exhibitors including local entrance. This registration will be Qatar National Tourism Council country’s top cultural events, anticipated by its designers and entrepreneurs valid for entry throughout the five (QNTC) has announced the 17th along with two Kuwaiti designers days of the exhibition. Walk-in Edition of Heya Arabian Fashion wide following of Arabian and traditional Tahani Alotabi and Basayel Style. guests without prior registration Exhibition, set to take place from fashion fans from Qatar and across the region. It The returning local brands may also register in the foyer area. November 27 to December 1 at include Almotahajiba, Harlienz, Heya is open for women only; Doha Exhibition and Convention has played a vital role in nurturing local talent, Hamadis, 1309 studios and Terzi, except on the opening day Center (DECC). launching numerous local brands that went on among others. (November 27), during which Held under the patronage of Visitors can enjoy a safe men can accompany family H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint to become leading names in modest fashion. shopping experience at DECC, members. Children below the age Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the which follows hygiene and safety of 13 are not permitted to enter exhibition will be organised by H E Akbar Al Baker, Secretary-General of QNTC and guidelines put forth by the Min- the exhibition. Qatar Business Events Corpo- Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive istry of Public Health (MOPH). Proud partners of this edition ration (QBEC), a subsidiary of Safety measures include limiting of Heya are: Bentley (Official QNTC. the visitor capacity to 30 percent, Sponsor), W Doha (Official Hotel Heya is Qatar’s longest high-street apparel, haute commented: “As our thriving local talent, launching numerous mandatory use of masks, pre- Partner), Mada Centre (ICT running exhibition showcasing couture and luxury, to the latest Business Events sector resumes local brands that went on to senting the Ehteraz application Accessibility Partner), Virginia the latest in Arabian and modest modest evening gowns. It will activity, I welcome visitors to our become leading names in modest on entrance, and following social Commonwealth University (Edu- fashion, and with only one also feature a rich programme of first exhibition of the season. fashion. We are taking all nec- distancing measures. cation Partner), Education Above edition taking place this year, events including four fashion Over the years, Heya has become essary measures and precautions To better manage visitor All (CSR Partner), Bedaya (Career Heya 2020 is expected to be truly shows, ten talk shows, and one one of country’s top cultural to ensure the safety and well- traffic, all visitors are required to Partner). Other partners include unique with significant partici- workshop taking place on the events, anticipated by its wide being of Heya visitors, and we register at https://app.contactless. Maison de Joelle, H.E.N.K.S, pation from local brands. With a sidelines of the event. following of Arabian and tradi- advise them to follow all instruc- io/public/workspaces/qbec/ Bioskin Spa, Walters, and Halo. new logo and identity, the exhi- Secretary-General of QNTC tional fashion fans from Qatar tions to fully enjoy the event.” events/heya/forms/vis prior to the Media partners are: ILoveQatar, bition will offer visitors an array and Qatar Airways Group Chief and across the region. It has This year’s edition sheds light event. Upon confirming regis- Marhaba, Dunes and T of unique collections, from Executive H E Akbar Al Baker played a vital role in nurturing on Qatar’s home-grown talent tration, they will receive a QR Magazine. Smart cities vital in tackling global challenges

AYENI OLUSEGUN Mansoori; Secretary-General of Al Thawadi noted the con- THE PENINSULA Supreme Committee for Delivery We are currently working nection between sustainability & Legacy, Hassan Al Thawadi; on finalizing several smart and legacy while emphasising the Speakers at the Doha Smart Cities and Vodafone CEO Sheikh initiatives which will FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022’s role. Summit yesterday discussed the Hamad Al Thani spoke on ‘How ensure that our visitors (for He also stated that the SC is vital role of smart cities in tackling a smart downtown district, city, Qatar 2022) will enjoy an working on finalising more initi- different challenges, with the and country take on a pandemic exceptional, unparalleled atives to promote sustainability. current coronavirus pandemic the using the Qatar model.’ experience in 2022. “It has been ten years since focal point. Organised by Al Mansoori highlighted the we won the right to host the FIFA Msheireb Properties, the summit government’s various initiatives World Cup Qatar 2022, and there Hassan Al Thawadi (left) and Reem Mohammed Al Mansoori aimed to highlight smart cities and to create a knowledge-based Hassan Al Thawadi are only two years left to deliver their roles in supporting sustain- society through technological Secretary-General of Supreme the first World Cup in the region CEO Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah commitment to accelerating ability in all aspects of daily lives. advancement and Committee for Delivery when it kicks off at the Al Bayt Al Thani said smart cities are now Qatar’s journey towards The speakers discussed the sustainability. & Legacy Stadium. It is no secret; there is a a necessity and not a luxury. He becoming one of the most tech- vital role of smart cities for “Our passion for innovation close connection between sus- reiterated Vodafone’s com- nologically advanced countries current and future generations will leave a legacy for generations tainability and legacy. We have mitment to Msheireb Downtown in the world,” he said. and its high capabilities to tackle to come. Today digital transfor- sports,” she said. “This year, to affirmed our commitment to Doha through its 5G network Other speakers at the summit different challenges during pan- mation is at the top of government help reduce the strain on our them both since we started pre- installation. discussed cybersecurity in smart demic times, and its role in sup- agendas worldwide. The unprec- health sector, due to COVID-19, paring the World Cup bid. We “The transformation to smart cities and the importance of porting sustainability and water edented challenges brought by we accelerated the implemen- continue to work to host the first cities is no longer a luxury but a implementing digital systems and energy efficiency. Repre- COVID-19 forced many countries tation of one of our existing smart version of the World Cup that is necessity that is required to solve services, mobility, and auton- sentatives from Amsterdam and and organisations to accelerate solutions in healthcare, in collab- eco-friendly as far as carbon some of the greatest challenges omous vehicles, and creating a Singapore also shared their their digital strategies. The MoTC oration with the Ministry of emissions are concerned. the world is facing. We have new transportation business smart cities experiences. launched the TASMU Smart Qatar Public Health (MoPH), we “We are currently working on invested heavily in building the model. Other topics were inno- Acting CEO Msheireb Prop- Program. TASMU harnesses launched virtual consultation finalizing several smart initiatives foundation of a smart digital city vation and sustainability from erties, Ali Al Kuwari; Asst Under- advanced technology and inno- services at PHCC, HMC, and which will ensure that our visitors that enables integration, analysis, lifestyle shift to climate change, secretary of Digital Society vation to deliver smart solutions Sidra. In addition to that and to (for Qatar 2022) will enjoy an and data sharing. Our invest- and a pandemic-ready smart city Development, Ministry of and applications across five pri- combat the virus, we, alongside exceptional, unparalleled expe- ments also include a 5G network. model, outlining smart cities’ Transport and Communications ority sectors transport, healthcare, MoPH and MoI, launched the rience in 2022,” Al Thawadi said. Our partnership with Msheireb readiness and preparedness in (MoTC), Reem Mohammed Al logistics, environment, and Ehteraz application,” she added. Meanwhile, Vodafone Qatar Downtown Doha reflects our the stages of lockdown. Qatar attends OPCW Asian group meeting QNA — THE HAGUE the Netherlands and Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the OPCW, H E Abdullah The State of Qatar participated yesterday in the bin Hussein Al Jaber. virtual meeting of the Ambassadors of the Asian The meeting focused on coordinating the group of members of the Organization for the positions of the member countries regarding the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). topics that will be on the agenda of the OPCW’s The State of Qatar was represented in the Conference of the States Parties, set to take place meeting by Ambassador of the State of Qatar to at the end of the month. Msheireb Downtown Doha to adopt autonomous vehicle

AYENI OLUSEGUN ation projects utilising the THE PENINSULA latest in sustainable technol- ogies. Msheireb Downtown Msheireb Properties Acting Doha has become a new social CEO, Eng Ali Al Kuwari, has and civic hub in the heart of announced that the Msheireb Doha with the tram system that Downtown Doha is adopting an eases movement and the “autonomous vehicle” concept. Msheireb Museums, which The vehicle is a driverless hosts a variety of community- concept to be deployed in centric events. delivery services around the Al Kuwari also highlighted smart city. Al Kuwari revealed how smart cities worldwide this while addressing the virtual have and are still playing a “Doha Smart Cities Summit” Msheireb Properties Acting CEO, massive role in tackling the yesterday. Eng Ali Al Kuwari coronavirus pandemic Self-driving vehicles are challenges. cars or trucks that do not “This is a perfect time to require human drivers to much better than conventional discuss how to tackle the operate them safely. They cities in remote learning, current challenges. combine sensors and software working from home, and deliv- Undoubtedly, smart cities are to control, navigate, and drive ering services that rely on no longer a matter of choice the vehicle. robots or unmanned but rather a global trend “Smart Cities proved they equipment. adopted by companies and were capable of meeting indi- “In light of this, I have the corporations to cope with the vidual and company needs honour to announce that demands. Since the pandemic Msheireb Properties still impacts us, we need to col- Msheireb Downtown Doha is conducting further is adopting an “auton- laborate to find a suitable tests on the driverless vehicle technology omous vehicle” framework to face future chal- before it is deployed in the smart city. concept that can be lenges and develop appro- used in many ways, priate solutions. especially delivery “Since its inception, services without a Msheireb properties took the driver. Further tests responsibility of building an are being conducted affordable and smart City, in Msheireb which is the Msheireb Downtown Doha, and Downtown Doha, one of the once they are com- smartest and most sustainable pleted, the vehicle cities in Qatar and the world. will serve residents Now is the time to raise and tenants,” Eng Al awareness about smart cities, Kuwari said. promote sustainability and Msheireb encourage organisations to Downtown Doha is adopt these trends as they will one of the world’s benefit our nations and com- smartest and most munities and provide solutions sustainable especially during a crisis,” he downtown regener- said. 04 HOME WEDNESDAY 25 NOVEMBER 2020 QU honours KIYO 2020, Akhlaquna contest winners Global press photo exhibition

THE PENINSULA - DOHA University, won gold and a begins with QNA participation special award in the “Best of Qatar University (QU) honoured Best” category from individual QNA - SEOUL the winners of the 5th Korea entries. In addition to a special The exhibition, titled “At International Youth Olympiad award presented by the Indo- An exhibition of press photos the Scenes of the (KIYO) in 2020 and the winners nesian Invention and Inno- zooming in on life during the of the Akhlaquna Competition vation Promotion Association new coronavirus pandemic Pandemic”, features 120 at Ibn Khaldoon Hall in the for research titled “Marine began at a Seoul museum on photos taken by presence of Qatar University Degradable Plastic Based on yesterday with participation of photographers at 47 news President Dr. Hassan Al Derham Soybean By-Products.” Qatar News Agency (QNA) and agencies around the and the Korean Ambassador to High school students Sara 46 news agencies from around world. It is taking place at Qatar H E Chang-Mo Kim. QU President Dr. Hassan Al Korean Ambassador H E Al Maadeed and Sham Al Homsi the world. The winning students Derham Chang-Mo Kim won the bronze prize and a The exhibition, titled “At the the National Museum of consist of two groups with five special award in the category Scenes of the Pandemic”, fea- Korean Contemporary prizes, including a gold and a competitions, winners of the and encouraged them to of “Team Competition for Cre- tures 120 photos taken by pho- History in central Seoul bronze, and three special fifth Korea International Youth present their innovative ativity” for submitting a project tographers at 47 news agencies awards. The Olympiad is one of Olympiad 2020. They have ini- projects confidently to the titled “Fabricate Biodegradable around the world. It is taking until March 1, according to the internationally known com- tiated humanitarian initiatives international stage. I have no Polymer Nanocomposites for place at the National Museum organisers. petitions to attract young with noble goals; our students’ doubt that Qatar University and Transparent and Eco-friendly of Korean Contemporary researchers and inventors and achievement of these privileged innovative young scientists will Electronics.” History in central Seoul until prepare them to be future world awards is a source of pride for continue to play a very Director of the Young Sci- March 1, according to leaders, and refine their skills Qatar and Qatar University.” important role in further devel- entists Center, Dr. Noora Al organisers. hope that the exhibition would and talents to lead the era of the In his speech, the Korean oping science of this country.” Thani, commented, “The center The exhibition, co-hosted offer a message of hope during knowledge-based economy. ambassador said, “I would like “I look forward to seeing always seeks to provide oppor- by the national museum and bleak times. The competition also aims to congratulate the awarded various ways in which the tunities and full support for Yonhap News Agency, South “As we go through the to expand the participants’ students on winning the gold young generation of our two students to participate in inter- Korea’s key newswire, is photos, we are reminded of our horizons and perceptions by and bronze medals and special countries will work together to national conferences and com- designed to share a message of responsibility to overcome the sharing their experiences and awards at the fifth Korea Inter- make our common future better petitions to present their hope and alliance during bleak crisis and herald a post-corona expertise with inventors from national Youth Olympiad this and, by doing so, to further inventions and projects that times. era through coalition and coop- all over the world. year. You showed your bril- strengthen our bilateral rela- have been developed at Qatar The photos were curated eration of the entire world as a In a statement, Dr. Al liance and creativity. I would tionship in the years to come,” University. This is of great into four themes: A Beginning united community,” president Derham said, “Today we cele- also extend my congratulations he added. benefit to them to give them Without an End; Control vs. and CEO of Yonhap News brate a group of our students to Qatar University Young Sci- Sherifa Al Mohannadi, a the experience in project Freedom; World in Standstill, Agency, Cho Sung-boo said who have made outstanding entists Center. These brilliant student at the College of development and Contact-free is New Norm; during the opening achievements, in International students must have inspired Chemical Engineering at Qatar presentation.” and Cooperation, ceremony. Togetherness. Chief of the Korea Disease The photos taken in 70 Control and Prevention Agency cities around the world -- (KDCA) Jeong Eun-kyeong, also Aster raises awareness on antimicrobial resistance ranging from Prague to Mar- voiced gratitude to everyone rakesh -- portray how people who is taking part in the anti- and cancer are living their lives and virus fight. chemo- engaging in acts of care and “Photos that capture truth therapy, devotion despite the risks of have the power of empathy. would be at infection and death. The press photos not only increased One photo, taken in the depict the intensity of the risk. It is high central South Korean city of scenes but also a message of time we unit Daegu, shows an exhausted hope that (asks us to) share together to health worker taking a rest, pain and not lose courage,” preserve while another photo, taken at Jeong said in a video antimicro- a care home at the Spanish city message, “The KDCA will bials” he of Valencia, shows an elderly also strive to prevent and added. mother and her son embracing control (the virus) in a pro- Talking through a plastic curtain. fessional and systematic about other The participants voiced manner.” activities, Dr. Patel said resistance Fantastic feeling to be at Lusail grows to a Dr. Nazar Moopan, Dr. Binoy Kurian, Dr. Mahesh Patel and other officials during the AMR awareness activity held at Aster Hilal. wider range Stadium, says FIFA President of drugs, THE PENINSULA - DOHA Nursing Service, Regina Pinto and other hence this year Aster Hospital & Medical officials of Aster Qatar. Centers have broadened the focus of this FROM PAGE 1 would prove to be ‘compact’ for Aster Medical Centers and Aster Hospital A series of AMR awareness activities campaign from antibiotics to all antimicro- “This is a beautiful the fans attending the matches. Doha, a division of Aster DM Healthcare, was executed for outpatient, in-patient and bials. Weeklong camping was based on country,” Infantino said. “You can attend four has observed World Antimicrobial healthcare professionals including Con- theme “United to preserve antimicrobials” “Everyone who comes here matches in same day using a Awareness Week (WAAW) across their tinuing Professional Development (CPD) with slogan “Antimicrobials: handle with - during or after the World Cup motorbike ride, the brand new healthcare facilities in Qatar. activity specially designed for physicians, care” shared on World Health - will enjoy legendary Qatari metro service and other WAAW is an international campaign nurses and pharmacists. Organization. hospitality,” Infantino said. friendly means of transpor- aimed to increase awareness of global anti- During his inaugural address, Dr. Dr. Kurian briefed that antimicrobial “When you see the work tation. It will will be unique and microbial resistance (AMR) and to Moopan reiterated antimicrobial resistance resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, that is going on and the feeling magical for all fans,” Infantino encourage best practices among the com- (AMR) is a global health and development viruses, fungi, and parasites resist the (that you get) about the stadium said. munity and health professionals to avoid threat. “Misuse and overuse of antimicro- effects of medications, making common at this stage, it feels like magic,” The FIFA President has the further emergence and spread of drug- bials are the main drivers in the devel- infections harder to treat and increasing Infantino added. visited Qatar a number of times resistant infections. opment of drug-resistant pathogens. The the risk of disease spread, severe illness On Monday, the FIFA Pres- in recent years overseeing the The week-long campaign was launched cost of AMR to the economy is significant. and death. ident met with the Amir H H development undertaken by SC by Chief Executive Officer - Aster Qatar, In addition to death and disability, pro- Also, misuse of antibiotics during Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al to complete its facilities for the Dr. Sameer Moopan and Medical Director longed illness results in longer hospital COVID-19 pandemic could lead to accel- Thani at the Amiri Diwan. game’s premier tournament. - Aster Qatar, Dr. Nazar Moopan, in the stays, the need for more expensive medi- erated emergence and spread of antimi- That meeting was also Infantino was present when presence of Chief Operating Officer - Aster cines and financial challenges for those crobial resistance. COVID-19 is caused by attended by the Special Repre- Qatar staged two Amir Cup Hospital, Kapil Chib; Microbiologist & impacted.” a virus, not by bacteria and therefore anti- sentative to the Amir H H finals - in 2017 and 2019 - when Infection Control Officer - Aster Qatar, Dr. “Without effective antimicrobials, the biotics should not be used to prevent or Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al they inaugurated the iconic Binoy Kurian; Head of Quality Assurance success of modern medicine in treating treat viral infections, unless bacterial infec- Thani. Khalifa International Stadium - Aster Qatar, Dr Mahesh Patel; Head of infections, including during major surgery tions are also present. Infantino yesterday said the and Al Janoub Stadium. 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar The Education City will have a positive impact on Stadium, another venue built AAB launches 14th Toyota the country, the region and the from scratch, was inaugurated world. this year in June with a special Dream Car drawing contest “It (the World Cup always) ceremony applauding the has great impact. The credit services of health workers bat- THE PENINSULA - DOHA goes to 2022 FIFA World Cup tling the COVID-19 pandemic and people in Qatar (for hosting around the world. Abdullah Abdulghani & Bro. Co. (AAB), the it) but the impact of the event Qatar will inaugurate the exclusive dealer for Toyota vehicles in Qatar, has will be felt on the entire region new Al Rayyan Stadium with launched the 14th Toyota Dream car drawing because as I said earlier that the Amir Cup final between Al competition. The local competition began on this FIFA World Cup is not only Sadd and Al Arabi on December November 20 and will continue until December for Qatar but GCC, the Arab 18, Qatar’s National Day. 15. world and the entire world,” Last month, Infantino The competition is open for children residing Infantino said in the company visited the Al Bayt Stadium and in Qatar of three age groups, namely, under 7 of officials from the Supreme played football with SC years old, 8-11 years old and 12-15 years old. Committee for Delivery & officials. Dream Car is a global competition that allows Legacy (SC). He said at the time: “Al Bayt emerging youth talents to unleash their creative “I am very happy to see Stadium is incredible: a true imaginations and express their ideas in shaping what has been achieved so far football stadium. It has a real the future of the transportation sector. and what all will be done football feel and a local touch. The top 3 artworks from each age category during next two years,” The tented shape makes it truly in Qatar national contest will be announced on Infantino, 50, said. unique, and the Arabic patterns Toyota Qatar website and prizes will be awarded The FIFA President said the in the roof are just beautiful. I to the winners. Artworks created on a computer 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar am speechless.” or similar device will not be accepted. Collabo- rative artwork drawn by multiple individuals will not be accepted. Drawing that resemble the previous Toyota COVID-19: MoI deploys foot Dream Car Art contest or famous paintings will not be accepted. Multiple submission are allowed patrols to check violations from the same person, however, only one prize FROM PAGE 1 will be awarded per person. Application forms and rules & regulations of “Legal actions are taken against the violators for non-compliance the competition can be found in the Toyota Qatar with wearing masks in places where they are mandatory.” website www.toyotaqatar.com/ToyotaDreamCar. Those caught flouting the limit of persons allowed in a vehicle, All drawings should be submitted to Toyota specified as four, including the driver, except for the same family Showroom City center branch (Ground floor) on members, are also arrested. or before December 16. These actions are being taken as part of the continuing efforts of AAB Acting CEO RK Murugan highlighted on the competent authorities at the Ministry of Interior to ensure com- the keenness of AAB and Toyota Motor Corpo- pliance with preventive and precautionary measures to limit the ration to sharpen imagination and creative spread of the coronavirus. thinking among young people. Qatar has regis- The Ministry has urged people that “wearing a mask, observing tered distinguished participation in the past edi- physical distancing in public places and keeping the Ehteraz app tions of the competition through many prom- active are essential measures to safeguard you and others from the ising drawings, and we are always happy with risk of coronavirus.” what young minds offer in terms of their visions It added: “Compliance with precautionary measures to curb the about the future of mobility. spread of coronavirus is our obligation.” WEDNESDAY 25 NOVEMBER 2020 HOME 05 WISH succeeds in putting health on global agenda

FAZEENA SALEEM organisations who share our 300 global speakers including THE PENINSULA dream of creating a healthier health ministers, scientists, aca- world and that WISH is not “WISH has made a great demics, public health leaders, World Innovation Summit for limited to a summit but has and policymakers. Also, more Health (WISH), a global ongoing activities imple- impact across than 15 policy-focused research healthcare initiative of Qatar menting best practices across communities – be that the reports were released over the Foundation, has succeeded in the world. international healthcare course of the five-day summit. putting healthcare challenges “WISH has made a great community or our local “WISH 2020 was indeed on global agenda. impact across communities – community here in very different. While it is with The journey of WISH since be that the international great sadness that we could not its inception in 2012 has ‘been healthcare community or our Qatar.” welcome our community to a fast one’ in terms of growth local community here in Qatar,” Doha in person, I am delighted and impact, said Sultana Afdhal, said Sultana. Sultana Afdhal that the switch to a virtual CEO of WISH. “Friendships and partner- CEO of WISH format allowed us to be more “Since 2012, we’ve ships forged at WISH are inclusive than ever before – CEO of WISH, Sultana Afdhal. expanded every subsequent coming to the fore now. Much reaching parts of the world that year not only in terms of the of this was demonstrated at we otherwise would remain out number of global WISH com- WISH 2020, as we had several continues to feed into the healthcare systems. cited in the Australian Par- of reach. munity members but also in meaningful discussions and decision making and policy “A number of our reports liament, whereas our diabetes "It is certainly the case that terms of the subjects of dia- sessions going on in partnership making process in Qatar. had fed into policy making report led to policy change in moving to a virtual platform logue – the topics that our with local and international “Our community work such deliberations, and that is where Panama. We also have a strong presented us with different summits tackle, are very rel- partners such as the Ministry of as including those with autism we like to feel they add value. focus on nursing and our challenges. For example, with evant and are truly urgent. I Public Health, Hamad Medical in social activities, or how to For example, our Autism and Nursing and Midwifery report a global audience, we have to would say there are three major Corporation, Qatar Charity, US- provide better care for those Dementia reports have con- was the first publication under factor different time zones,” contributing factors to WISH’s based The Carter Center, UK with dementia, continues on an tributed to national strategies the global Nursing Now initi- said Sultana. growth,” she told The based Save The Children, ongoing basis,” she said. here in Qatar, and we have ative,” she said. She said that the Doha Peninsula. Italian NGO EMERGENCY and Sultana also highlighted received similar feedback WISH 2020 brought Healthcare Week held ahead She said that the strong many more,” she said. about the WISH commissioned internationally – for example together more than 60,000 of the WISH 2020 summit local and international partner- According to Sultana, at a reports authored by leading a report on delivering people from more than 180 attracted may participants to ships with people and local level, WISH research experts and the impact on affordable cancer care was countries. It featured more than virtual activities. QF researchers develop AI technologies to enhance food security in Qatar

THE PENINSULA — DOHA Dr. Chawla added that AI- based projections regarding The emerging field of artificial food production and distri- intelligence can help countries bution are strengthened with improve their food security, the amount of real-time data especially in places like Qatar they are based on. His team and that import majority of their peers at HBKU are actively fos- Ooredoo launches Nokia food products from outside, tering collaborations to according to Assistant aggregate more data in Qatar Professor at Hamad Bin Khalifa and strengthen its AI device for faster University’s College of Science capabilities. and Engineering, Dr. Tareq Al One such partnership is home Wi-Fi delivery Ansari. HBKU’s research collaboration “While Qatar has signifi- with Norwegian-based firm Dr. Tareq Al Ansari Dr. Sanjay Chawla THE PENINSULA — DOHA Director PR at Ooredoo cantly ramped up its pro- Yara International ASA, the Sabah Rabiah Al Kuwari said: duction of vegetables, meat, world’s leading crop nutrition Ooredoo, Qatar’s Supernet “Ooredoo is delighted to deploy and dairy products, a large per- Al Ansari is closely working minimization and reverse company and provider of envi- pioneer, is now making the Nokia FastMile 5G Gateway, centage of our food products with the Qatar Center for Arti- logistics,” added Dr. Al Ansari. ronmental solutions. available the Nokia FastMile 5G which provides reliable Wi-Fi are still being imported. The ficial Intelligence (QCAI) at One of the projects QCAI “We are developing auto- Gateway to all customers. This performance that can be easily availability and stability of food Qatar Foundation’s Hamad Bin and HBKU’s College of Science mation and artificial intelli- customer-premises equipment expanded with Nokia Wi-Fi supply are still of particular Khalifa University (HBKU) to and Engineering are working gence systems with the support (CPE) device is designed to bring beacons if needed. Its contem- concern. Therefore, it’s develop latest AI tools and collaboratively on is related to of Yara International through the best quality Wi-Fi signal to porary clean, and modern important to develop data- technologies to enhance food farm boundaries, which the ‘water saving greenhouse’,” all corners of the home. design lets it blend seamlessly driven strategies to secure production in Qatar. involves using AI to detect said Dr. Al Ansari. “Data related The Gateway is sold with a into the home environment, multiple sources from where This involves using satellite boundaries of farms and cal- to the micro-climate, plant unique visual aid to help with bringing closer Ooredoo’s food is acquired through robust imaging through drones, data culate crop yields. According to health and diseases, and water- the initial installation and dream of ensuring all house- and diversified supply chains,” sets from large farms, and Research Director at QCAI, Dr. related parameters are being create optimal conditions for holds are equipped to make the said Dr. Al Ansari, whose analysis of food supply chains Sanjay Chawla, AI-generated acquired. This will ensure high 5G throughout a place of resi- most of the 5G revolution.” research focuses on the water- to identify risks and data about food systems help productivity of nutritious food dence. As a plug-and-play Other device features of energy-food nexus and sus- opportunities. governments around the world in a resilient manner all year solution, the Nokia FastMile 5G this fully self-contained, full- tainable development. “There is scope for new make wise decisions and round.,” he said. Gateway is simple to install. A featured indoor residential “There is a need for opportunities within the AI- policies. Dr. Al Ansari added that powerful piece of CPE, it max- gateway include a 5G New informed, insightful, and pre- enabled food system in Qatar, “Reports about yield esti- while Qatar is advancing in the imises spectral assets and uses Radio WAN connection with 11 emptive decision-making including (a) precision agri- mates are routinely created and field of AI and food security, the industry’s highest gain (11 dBi high gain antenna 4G WAN; processes in the field of food culture to manage large farms sent to different government there is still a lot more dBi) antenna to deliver up to carrier aggregation across sup- security, and we strongly efficiently; (b) high-quality and officials, aggregated up to the investment needed in this twice the indoor coverage, ported 4G/5G bands; a 1 Gigabit believe artificial intelligence nutritious crop breeding; (c) political leadership, and deci- rapidly transforming field and three times the downlink Ethernet (GigE) WAN; a 3 GigE (AI) can enable this and play early warning of pest invasion sions made based on them, like various challenges to be capacity, and five times the LAN; and a Wi-Fi (3x3 an important role for a more and crop diseases, and (d) what to import, how much to tackled, especially in regard to uplink capacity than that of tra- 802.11b/g/n, 4x4 802.11ac sustainable and resilient future increased transparency in food import, and how much export overcoming data scarcity and ditional CPE designs. MU-MIMO) LAN. in the local food sector.” supply chains, with waste to allow,” said Dr. Chawla. accessibility in the region Al-Ahli Hospital performs life changing surgery on 43-year-old

FAZEENA SALEEM several factors may influence THE PENINSULA their formation, however, hor- mones, family history, late A team at Al-Ahli Hospital’s pregnancies tend to play a role Obstetrics and Gynecology in developing fibroids. Department has performed a “Although fibroids can grow life changing surgery on a with different sizes, many Director of General Cleanliness Department at MME, Muqbil Madhour Al Shammari, with other MME woman presented with huge people with fibroids are officials during the launch of ‘Sorting Wastes from Source’ programme at the Theatre of Rayyan uterus (25cm) due to sixty (60) unaware that they have them. Municipality yesterday. PIC: SALIM MATRAMKOT/THE PENINSULA pieces of multiple fibroids. People with asymptomatic After the life changing over fibroids do not require surgery three hours operation and brief or other treatments,” said Dr. MME launches phase 2 of waste segregation at source stay at the Al-Ahli Hospital, the Alamooti. 43-year-old woman was able “However, other people FROM PAGE 1 to return to work and daily experience abdominal pain, the country,” said Al Shammari, activities, said consultant obste- Dr. Zahra Alamooti pressure, bloating, frequent uri- Speaking at the launch cer- Al Shammari said that adding that the service will be trician and gynecologist, Dr. nation, and heavy or painful emony, Al Shammari said the second phase of the available through the website of Zahra Alamooti. around three and half hours, periods. These individuals may programme is being imple- programme, which the Ministry or the application of “The lady presented at our and I removed the fibroids one require surgery,” she said. mented in four phases from 2019 began yesterday, will ‘Oun’ and people will be able to clinic with unusual pain and by one with the total count of “Surgery can be life to 2022. “First phase which was cover all banks, financial use an app ‘nearest recycle con- bleeding with huge abdominal 60 fibroids and the largest was changing for people whose launched in 2019 covered 590 tainer of my home’. mass. After examinations and 9 cm in size. Other important fibroids interfere with their schools and 48 health centres institutions, commercial He said that all the establish- tests, we found that she has steps were also followed to quality of life, as it can improve where new containers were pro- complexes and malls ments, playgrounds and facilities huge uterus measuring 25 cm control the bleeding during the many aspects of their health vided to sort the wastes from the where 2,000 containers of 2022 FIFA World Cup shall with multiple fibroids,” said Dr. surgery and blood loss was “she added. source,” said Al Shammari for recyclable materials contribute to achieve an eco- Alamooti. minimal,” she said. According to Dr. Alamooti, adding that about five tonnes of will be placed during friendly tournament. “She was advised by other According to Dr. Alamooti, all surgeries present some recyclable materials are being “During phase four pro- centers to do hysterectomy as the patient has regained normal risks, however, so it is vital to collected on daily basis at these the phase. gramme, the recyclable materials this is a huge mass but the life after the surgery and she explore all treatment options. places. He said that second phase collection containers will be pro- patient desired to keep her needs only some follow up “A doctor can provide advice of the programme, which began vided in front of the houses a the uterus, considering her age and checks. Myomectomy is a sur- on which surgeries might be yesterday, will cover all banks, the programme, which will begin rate of one container for each five that she is unmarried, so I gical procedure that removes appropriate. As recently, financial institutions, commercial in 2021, will cover universities, houses,” said Al Shammari. decided to do open myo- fibroids and it preserves the uterine fibroids are no longer complexes and malls where hotels, public parks, bus stations, Head of Awareness Section mectomy without any consid- uterus. indicated to have a hyster- 2,000 containers for recyclable governmental and semi-govern- at General Cleanliness eration of hysterectomy” Dr. Uterine fibroids are ectomy in the world. We materials will be placed during mental organisations, Corniche Department, Mona Al Saai said Alamooti added. common that grow inside the should try to keep woman’s the phase. “The General Clean- and Doha City. that the section will be held asso- “At the time of operation, uterus with different location uterus as we can, except with liness Department will deploy 24 “Fourth phase of the pro- ciated awareness programme in we found a huge uterus and presentation and usually it any malignancy issues. A vehicles to transport the recy- gramme will begin in 2022 when cooperation with targeted entities (anatomy of the uterus was is noncancerous (1% tends to be person may also wish to con- clable materials under the pro- electronic services will be to educate people about mech- completely distorted) with mul- malignant). It’s unclear why sider seeking a second opinion gramme,” said Al Shammari. launched to collect the recyclable anism of sorting wastes at sources tiple fibroids. The surgery took uterine fibroids develop, but before agreeing to surgery.” He said that third phase of materials from all the houses in and those related to containers. 06 MIDDLE EAST WEDNESDAY 25 NOVEMBER 2020

Bomb blasts Khamenei dismisses new kill 8 in north negotiations with West Syria: Monitor AFP — BEIRUT REUTERS — DUBAI In remarks reported by state television yesterday, Supreme Two separate car bomb blasts Iran’s supreme leader dismissed President-elect Joe Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Turkish-controlled north the prospect of new negotiations Biden’s victory has expressed scepticism about the Syria yesterday killed eight with the West yesterday, even as raised the possibility entire project of negotiating with people, including two civilians, the Tehran government spoke the West. a Britain-based war monitor optimistically about the return of that the United States “We once tried the path of said. foreign companies in “the could rejoin a deal Iran having the sanctions lifted and On the outskirts of the absence of Trump” and his sanc- reached with world negotiated several years, but this town of Al Bab, explosives tions. powers in 2015, under got us nowhere,” he said. planted in the car of a police President-elect Joe Biden’s which sanctions were “They interfere in regional chief from another district det- victory has raised the possibility affairs, they tell us not to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks during a meeting onated and killed him, two that the United States could rejoin lifted in return for curbs intervene. And while Britain and with Iranian government over the economic crisis, in Tehran, policemen accompanying him, a deal Iran reached with world on Iran’s nuclear France have nuclear missiles, yesterday. and two civilians, the Syrian powers in 2015, under which programme. they tell us not to have missiles. Observatory for Human Rights sanctions were lifted in return for What does it have to do with you? would improve the quality of life. presence of foreign companies said, adding 19 people were curbs on Iran’s nuclear You should first correct Government spokesman Ali and a willingness to invest in Iran wounded. programme. yourselves.” Rabiei said yesterday that foreign will increase.” And in the town of Afrin, a President Donald Trump additional commitments. Khamenei has long criticised companies were already pre- A European diplomat said car bomb went off near a abandoned the deal in 2018, and Washington wants Iran to negotiations with the West. Nev- paring to return. companies were still wary of a bakery, killing three people Tehran responded by scaling curb missile programmes which ertheless, he gave his ultimate “Recently, contacts about lack of transparency in Iran and and wounding 16 others. down its compliance. are not covered by the nuclear blessing to the nuclear agreement opening offices and the presence that Biden lifting sanctions would There was no immediate Biden’s staff says the former deal, and reduce its interventions when it was reached. of foreign companies in Iran have not be enough to lure them back. claim of responsibility for vice president aims to restore the in the Middle East. Iran has long The US sanctions restored increased,” Rabiei told a news “There’s just no benefit for a either bombing. deal provided that Iran again said it will not negotiate over under Trump have since hit Iran’s conference that was streamed major company to play around But there have been a abides by it. But diplomats and missiles, and no talks can begin economy hard, undermining live on a government website. in a market with so little financial string of attacks in Al Bab since analysts have also said this was unless Washington returns to the pragmatist President Hassan “Certainly, with the... lifting transparency. No compliance its capture by Turkish troops unlikely to happen overnight, as nuclear agreement and lifts sanc- Rouhani’s argument that opening of the oppressive sanctions and officer is going to sanction such from IS in 2017. the adversaries would both want tions unconditionally. the country up to the world the absence of Trump, the a move.” Several have also hit Afrin, which Turkey and its Syrian proxies seized from Kurdish fighters in 2018. Erdogan ally says governing coalition strong UN humanitarian official Mark Cutts deplored “another horrific car-bomb in Al Bab REUTERS — ANKARA years of growing criticism from is Turkey’s only hope, its only minister Bulent Arinc had called bilateral ties with Turkey. today with more civilian opponents at home and allies guarantee against the world,” he for the release of the two, Sela- But Bahceli yesterday casualties”. President Recep Tayyip abroad. The MHP has attracted said. “Our relationship with our hattin Demirtas and Osman slammed the comments by “Car-bombs remain a Erdogan’s nationalist ally criticism from opposition parties president is so consistent, bal- Kavala, after Erdogan last week Arinc, after Erdogan himself dis- deadly scourge in Syria,” he pledged his loyalty to their in recent days over their nation- anced, uncalculating, unplanned, promised judicial reforms would missed them on Sunday. tweeted. US-backed Kurdish government coalition yesterday alist rhetoric while several principled, and based on mutual come in the new year. In the face of the criticism forces seized the last scrap of and dismissed media specu- newspaper reports have sug- respect that enemy heads cannot The comments by Arinc — a directed at him, Arinc said on that territorial proto-state lation about cracks in the gested there were problems in understand.” member of the Presidency’s yesterday he had resigned from from the militants in eastern alliance amid a recent reform their alliance with Erdogan’s AK Bahceli also described as a High Advisory Board — had the presidential advisory board. Syria in March last year. push as “incomprehensible dirty Party (AKP). “terror lover” a former top gov- raised expectations that “It is clear that Turkey needs But the militant group con- rumours”. In a speech to MHP law- ernment figure who called last Erdogan’s AKP was intent on reforms in the judiciary, tinues to carry out attacks Nationalist Movement Party makers in parliament, Bahceli week for the release of two high- burnishing its approach to the economy and other areas,” Arinc through a network of sleeper (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli’s said “cowards, plotters and profile prisoners charged sepa- rule of law, which opposition said in a statement on his Twitter cells operating in some regions attack on critics of the gov- swindlers” were targeting the rately after a failed coup in 2016: parties and Western allies say is account, but said he had quit his it used to control. ernment came after Erdogan so-called People’s Alliance a Kurdish political leader and a influenced by politics. post over concerns that the con- Syria’s civil war has killed vowed earlier this month a new between his party and the AKP. philanthropist. US President-elect Joe Biden troversy would obstruct reform more than 380,000 people era of judicial reforms, after “The People’s Alliance Former deputy prime is also expected to toughen work. since it started with the repression of anti-government Uphill battle ahead protests in 2011. Locals want but Tehran aims to Syrians evicted from Lebanese become bike-friendly town after killing AFP — TEHRAN That is why the municipality is supporting a bike-sharing AP — BEIRUT One sunny day, Tehran’s mayor start-up called Bdood and foreign diplomats rode (“fumeless” in Farsi), the mayor Locals in a northern Lebanese bicycles through the Iranian said. town called on authorities capital to promote cycling — no The company’s signature yesterday to evict all Syrians mean feat in a city of steep orange bikes can now be seen from the area a day after a roads, heavy traffic and toxic in 147 stations across Tehran, Syrian citizen allegedly shot fumes. according to the company’s dead a local man in a personal The metropolis of over eight website. dispute. million at the foot of the Alborz For the mayor, Tehran res- The announcement in the mountains is choked with idents would ideally commute Christian mountain resort town vehicles running on subsidised to work by cycling to the of Bcharre came after a night of fuel and has limited infra- nearest metro station then riots against Syrians in the town structure for alternative modes riding the train. during which some homes of of transport. The municipality is Syrians were reportedly torched Iranians ride their bicycles around the artificial Chitgar lake in the capital Tehran. But its mayor Pirouz “increasing cycling paths and and individuals were attacked Hanachi believes trying to make trying to make bicycles more in the streets. The Lebanese a dent in the city’s traffic and accessible,” he added. is needed for regular cycling to Mahboubeh Kohanzad. uphill. Animator Nastaran army said that as of Monday pollution problem by promoting Yet cyclists say a lack of be a thing,” Rezayi said, adding Bdood co-founder Gholam- Jabarnia, 29, said Bdood’s bikes night, troops had begun con- a bike-sharing initiative is dedicated infrastructure makes that motorists and pedestrians hossein Qasemi said he dreams inspired her to repair her own ducting patrols in the town, worth the effort. it difficult for the city to be mostly regard cyclists as big, imagining an Iran with old one, although she said adding the accused killer sur- Hanachi has tried to bike-friendly. “intruders”. electric vehicles and “clean being a woman cyclist in rendered to security forces and promote cycling by launching “Not at all,” laughed Farshad “Sometimes drivers harass transportation”. Tehran posed certain addi- an investigation had begun. “Tuesdays without cars” when Rezayi when asked if Tehran you, pedestrians get nasty — In the meantime, the bike- tional challenges. The army said the killing he and other team members use was accommodating to cyclists. from snide remarks to physical sharing service costs about 10 “Being cat-called, whistled came amid a dispute between pedal power to get to and from “Like, no way!” The 32-year- stuff, dangerous moves that US cents for 30 minutes — at, or even cars tailing you and resident Joseph Tawk and a the office. old chef, who said he is could get you killed.” roughly the same as a short passing at high speed” were Syrian citizen who worked at a “We are not saying this is “addicted” to cycling, said he Tragedy struck in June shared-taxi ride — and can be some of the problems she home near a plot of land owned the solution, but it’s a short- rides over 30 kilometres a day when a professional cyclist died accessed via an app. faced, she said in a phone by the victim. Officials only term, accessible, cheap and to get to and from work. in the capital after she was hit Sarfaraz, unlocking a Bdood interview. identified the Syrian with his ini- productive” one to help “ease He crosses highways and by a car. bike at Tehran’s bustling Valiasr “And then there’s the hijab,” tials, M K, and released no addi- traffic and pollution a bit,” he streets with few dedicated bike In her memory, a group of Square, said he’d been using the she added, referring to the tional details on the dispute. said. lanes. Where they do exist, he Tehran residents have launched service for over a year and a mandatory head covering for At some point, angry resi- “It won’t be like Amsterdam, said, they have mostly been a campaign called “White half and was “very satisfied”. women. Aside from the dents surrounded the town’s but it can be a new experience.” taken over by motorbikes. Pedal” to raise awareness about Cleaning the handles with physical and environmental main government building Downtown Tehran is notorious It is commonplace in Tehran cycling and promote it by a sanitising swipe, the 30-year- hurdles, there is another chal- Monday night demanding that for its traffic jams and regularly to see motorcycles speeding sharing articles online. old marketer said he preferred lenge for Iranian women security forces hand the Syrian covered in vehicle exhaust down sidewalks or taking up Part of the initiative the orange, gearless bikes to cyclists: ultra-conservatives citizen over to them. smog worsened by pollution empty space not occupied by involves the campaign pur- taxis, particularly during the consider it to be immoral. After the killing, church bells from factories around the city cars. chasing bikes for impoverished novel coronavirus pandemic “I go out fully covered but tolled and some residents went limits. “A lot more infrastructure children, said its co-manager — but not for long distances or still get stressed,” she said. down to the streets demanding that all Syrian citizens be evicted. “All Syrians who are staying Iranian film writer-director Kambuzia Partovi dies of coronavirus in the town illegally must leave immediately,” Bcharre Mayor AFP — TEHRAN Partovi began his directing career (PBUH) the most expensive film widow who decides to run her late Iran is the country worst-hit Freddy Keyrouz said in a in the 1980s with Mahi (The Fish) in the history of Iranian cinema. husband’s truck-stop restaurant, in the Middle East by the statement. He called on security Movie director Kambuzia Partovi, and quickly became an important The biopic, which portrays the was selected to represent Iran at pandemic. forces to search the homes of who scripted the only Iranian film figure in Iranian children’s cinema childhood of the Muslim prophet, the Oscars in 2007. It has officially recorded Syrians in the town after it was to win a Golden Lion in Venice, — but he did not limit himself to was slammed as a “hostile act” In 2013, Panahi and Partovi 45,738 deaths and 880,542 virus reported the alleged shooter had died on Tuesday of the novel coro- the genre. and a “distortion of Islam” by the won the Silver Bear for best cases, though some officials, a pistol. navirus, the Islamic republic’s film As a scriptwriter, Partovi top cleric in Saudi Arabia, Iran’s screenplay at the Berlin film fes- including from the health min- Tensions are common in body said. worked with several well-known regional rival. tival for Parde” (Closed Curtain), istry, have expressed concern that Lebanon between locals and Partovi, one of the “most Iranian filmmakers, including In 2000, Partovi co-wrote made secretly in defiance of a ban the real toll is likely to be higher. Syrian refugees who have fled influential filmmakers of Iranian Abbas Kiarostami, Jafar Panahi The Circle, which tackles diffi- by the Tehran authorities. Partovi Tehran announced on Sat- the war in their country. children’s cinema”, died in and Majid Majidi. culties facing Iranian women. It is not the first Iranian filmmaker urday it had shut non-essential Lebanon at one point was Tehran’s Dey hospital aged 64, the He won four scriptwriting was the first and so far only to die of the novel coronavirus. businesses in over half its cities hosting refugees equaling nearly Farabi Foundation said in a awards from Tehran’s Fajr Fes- Iranian film to win the Golden Iranian media announced in and towns for up to two weeks a quarter of the country’s pop- message of condolence on its tival, the most among his peers. Lion at the Venice Film Festival. August that renowned filmmaker and introduced movement ulation of 5 million, burdening website. He also co-wrote the script for Partovi’s later film Cafe Khosro Sinai had also died from restrictions in order to rein in the Lebanon’s crumbling Born in Rasht in northern Iran, Majidi’s 2015 epic Muhammad Transit, which tells the story of a COVID-19. outbreak. infrastructure. WEDNESDAY 25 NOVEMBER 2020 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 07 Call to protect civilians in Ethiopia as battle looms AFP — GONDAR humanitarian law, and consti- tutes war crimes,” said Deprose International pressure mounted The prospect of a Muchena, head of Amnesty yesterday on the warring devastating bombardment International’s east and parties in northern Ethiopia to of Mekele, a city of half a southern Africa office. cease fighting and protect million people and a “Indiscriminate and dispro- civilians in Tigray, whose portionate attacks are also pro- leaders Prime Minister Abiy refuge for many more hibited.” Amnesty appealed to Ahmed has been given a fleeing the conflict, has both sides of the conflict not to deadline to surrender. alarmed rights groups who use heavy artillery in crowded The UN Security Council warn such an attack on a areas, and not to use human cancelled its first meeting on the civilian centre could shields or place military camps conflict in Ethiopia's dissident near civilian sites that could be Tigray region that was due to contravene international targeted. be held yesterday, diplomatic law. The 55-member AU, head- sources said. quartered in the Ethiopian South Africa, Niger, Tunisia capital Addis Ababa, has dis- and Saint Vincent and the Gren- patched three former African adines withdrew their request resisted calls for mediation and presidents as special envoys to for the behind-closed-doors insists the conflict has reached try and broker talks on the discussion because envoys have a decisive final stage, on Sunday Tigray crisis, joining an inter- not yet travelled to Ethiopia, gave the TPLF 72 hours to sur- national chorus calling for an said one African diplomat. render — an ultimatum rejected urgent resolution. The forces loyal to the by the dissident region’s leader, But on Monday a region’s ruling party have been who says his people are “ready spokesman for an Ethiopian battling Ethiopian soldiers for to die” for the homeland. committee handling the con- A humanitarian worker from UNHCR documents Ethiopian refugees fleeing from the ongoing fighting nearly three weeks, sparking a The prospect of a devas- flict, Redwan Hussein, again in Tigray region, at the Um-Rakoba camp, on the Sudan-Ethiopia border, in the Al Qadarif state, Sudan, refugee exodus, civilian deaths tating bombardment of Mekele, ruled out negotiations with the and fears of broader instability a city of half a million people TPLF but said the government on Monday. in the Horn of Africa. and a refuge for many more would meet the AU envoys “as Abiy, last year’s Nobel Peace fleeing the conflict, has alarmed a matter of respect”. The fighting has already The TPLF on Monday said following the issuance of Prize winner, ordered troops, rights groups who warn such The US National Security driven more than 40,000 it routed an army battalion Abiy’s 72-hour ultimatum. tanks and warplanes into Tigray an attack on a civilian centre Council on Monday called for people into Sudan and and claimed responsibility for Long-running tensions on November 4 in response to could contravene international mediation and extended its reportedly killed hundreds and a rocket attack on Bahir Dar, between Addis Ababa and the an alleged attack on federal mil- law. support to Ramaphosa and the forced many more to flee within the capital of Amhara region TPLF, which dominated Ethiopia itary camps by the Tigray Peo- “As Ethiopian federal troops AU diplomatic effort “to end this Tigray, though the true extent to the south of Tigray, whose for nearly three decades before ple’s Liberation Front (TPLF). begin preparations to encircle tragic conflict now”. of death and displacement is not local forces are fighting Abiy came to power in 2018, The army says it has Mekele, Amnesty International France also condemned the yet known. A communications alongside Ethiopian troops. boiled over in September when encircled Mekele, the regional reminds all parties that delib- violence, with foreign ministry blackout and restrictions on The government said yes- Tigray proceeded with regional capital, ahead of a threatened erately attacking civilians and spokeswoman Agnes von der reporting in the region have terday that “a large number of elections in defiance of the all-out assault. civilian objects is prohibited Muhll calling for urgent made claims from both sides Tigray militia and special federal government, which The prime minister, who has under international measures to protect civilians. difficult to verify. forces are surrendering” declared the vote illegal. Libya lawmakers participate in Tangiers talks Cameroon women’s AFP — TANGIERS administrations and an array of member of the legislature who delegates selected by the UN militias now dominating the is based in the western city of held a week of talks in Tunisia, Dozens of lawmakers from country. Misrata, said on Monday. where they agreed to hold opposition figure across war-torn Libya’s political A government resulting from Asmahan Belaoun, another national elections on December spectrum are taking part in previous UN talks in 2015 is HoR member, said lawmakers 24 next year. consultations in the Moroccan based in the capital. The east is were holding “consultative They did not specify if the jailed for 6 months city of Tangiers as part of efforts dominated by the forces of meetings to bring together polls would be presidential, par- to resolve the country’s political strongman Khalifa Haftar, who points of view”. liamentary or both. AFP — YAOUNDÉ crisis. backs a parliament elected in The meetings, which were The talks ended without for peaceful demonstrations The meetings come as 2014 and based in the city of organised by HoR members agreement on appointing an for the departure of 87-year- Libyan delegates on Monday Tobruk. themselves and will run until interim administration to A Cameroonian military old Biya. resumed separate UN-led virtual The House of Representa- Wednesday, were welcomed by prepare for the elections and tribunal has jailed the head of The military tribunal on talks on a selection mechanism tives, which has refused to ratify the United Nations’s Libya govern the country, hard-hit by the main opposition party’s Monday convicted Awasum for an executive to help lead the the Tripoli administration, is mission UNSMIL. economic crisis and the coro- women’s wing for six months Mispa, who is training to country out of conflict and deeply divided internally. “That such a diverse range navirus pandemic as well as a for “plotting revolution”, practise law, of being an prepare for elections. “We are working here to put of Parliamentarians from Libya’s decade of conflict. according to an order. accomplice to “plotting rev- Libya has been riven by vio- in place a road map before an three regions is meeting under Monday’s virtual meeting Fri Awasum Mispa of olution and rebellion” and lence since a 2011 Nato-backed official session in Libya to... unify one roof is a positive and focused on “selection criteria” Maurice Kamto’s Movement placed in “provisional uprising that toppled and killed the House of Representatives welcome step,” UNSMIL said on for the future administration, for the Rebirth of Cameroon custody for six months veteran dictator Muammar and bring the country out of Twitter. and the UN said the delegates (MRC) was arrested on Sat- renewable” according to the Gaddafi, with two rival crisis,” Mohammed Raied, a Earlier this month, 75 would continue talks today. urday in the capital Yaounde court order. along with around 20 other The other women who women who took part in a took part in Saturday’s march calling for the release march were held for several Nigerian from house arrest of oppo- hours before being released. sition leader Kamto. On Monday, a court in MRC officers and the country’s economic court jails activists are frequent targets capital Douala gave six of the government of Pres- month suspended sentences ident Paul Biya, who has to two lawyers including seven for ruled the central African Richard Tamfu, an MRC country with an iron fist for officer, for contempt of oil theft 38 years. court. Many have been jailed Kamto had said in a for long periods without due statement on Sunday: “The REUTERS — YENAGOA process since Kamto con- dictatorial Yaounde regime tested Biya’s re-election in has decided to decapitate the A Nigerian court has sentenced a 2018 vote. MRC and destroy its capacity six foreigners and one Nigerian Kamto, who was runner- to carry out its political to seven years in prison for oil up in the vote, himself spent activities in order to silence theft, the Economic and nine months behind bars last it.” Financial Crimes Commission year without having been Aside from the tug-of- (EFCC) said yesterday, three tried after peacefully dem- war between Biya and the years after the navy arrested onstrating against Biya’s opposition, Cameroon has 10 suspects with a vessel re-election. been in the throes of a carrying crude oil off the Niger He was released after bloody separatist conflict in Delta. intense international the country’s mainly anglo- The suspects — a Nigerian, pressure, but is now under phone western regions for two Pakistanis, three Gha- house arrest, with police the past four years. naians, one Indonesian, one surrounding his home for the International humani- Beninois and two Ukrainians A busy life past two months. tarian groups and the UN — had siphoned about two Kamto has not been have accused both sides of People walk as they head to work at Banex area in Abuja, Nigeria, on Monday. thousand metric tonnes of informed of any charges committing atrocities against crude oil from a loading facility against him after he called civilians. belonging to Shell Petroleum, the navy said in 2017. The court on Monday sen- tenced seven of the 10 suspects Convicted Libyan militant in fatal to seven years imprisonment, Uganda death toll after oppn EFCC spokesman Wilson Uwu- jaren said in a statement. Benghazi attack seeks new trial leader’s arrest rises to 45 Uwujaren said the suspects KAMPALA were convicted on four counts AP — WASHINGTON at Khattala’s trial. The motion also Khattala of heading an extremist AP — Police accused him of of conspiracy, dealing in says there is additional infor- militia and directing the attack but flouting COVID-19 guidelines petroleum products without a Lawyers for a Libyan militant mation that emerged during the acknowledged that they lacked The death toll from last week’s that require presidential can- licence and tampering with oil convicted in the Benghazi attack trial of an alleged co-conspirator evidence of him firing any protests over the arrest of didates to address less than 200 pipelines alongside Asztral that killed Ambassador Chris that has not been provided to the weapons. The motion for a new Ugandan opposition presi- people. He was later charged Shipping Corporation SA, and Stevens and three other Amer- defence. A federal defender for trial comes just before the three- dential hopeful and musician with negligent conduct likely a vessel MT. TECNE (a.k.a MT icans have asked for a new trial, Khattala declined to comment year anniversary of the guilty Bobi Wine has risen to 45, to cause spread of an infectious STAR). citing what they say is “recently beyond the motion. A spokes- verdict, the deadline under police say, with more than 800 disease. He added that the ship did disclosed exculpatory evidence.” woman for the US attorney’s federal rules of criminal pro- people arrested. Wine, who has been not have clearance from Ahmed Abu Khattala is office in Washington did not cedure for such a request. Police spokesman Fred arrested many times in recent Nigerian authorities to navigate serving a 22-year prison sentence immediately return an email In the motion, defence lawyer Enanga told reporters on years, has captured the imag- in Nigerian waters and the after being convicted of multiple seeking comment Tuesday. Michelle Peterson says that Monday that “our hearts go to ination of many Ugandans with foreign crew did not have valid terrorism-related charges in con- Khattala was captured in “newly disclosed evidence relates the families” of those killed. It his persistent calls for President documents to enter the nection with the 2012 attack on 2014 and was put on trial for an to classified evidence that Counsel was Uganda’s worst unrest in Yoweri Museveni to retire after country. Nigeria is the world’s diplomatic compounds in attack that became a divisive does not presently have access to a decade. The election is early 36 years in power. eighth biggest exporter of crude Benghazi. political flashpoint during the due to the COVID-19 pandemic.” next year. The United Nations sec- oil, but a sizeable proportion of The motion filed on Monday tenure of former Secretary of She asked the judge in the case to Enanga said the arrests retary-general condemned the its output is stolen by thieves in Washington’s federal court State Hillary Clinton. allow “counsel to engage with occurred during the two days violence last week and called who either drill into pipelines does not detail the newly dis- A jury convicted Khattala of government counsel to ensure of protests that broke out on on Ugandan authorities to or hijack barges loaded with oil, closed evidence but says it con- multiple terrorism-related that all relevant information has November 18 after Wine was ensure that all ” perpetrators theft that is known locally as cerns a key government witness charges but found him not guilty been disclosed prior to fully arrested again in the eastern of human rights violation are “bunkering”. who testified under a pseudonym of murder. Prosecutors accused briefing the motion.” town of Luuka. held accountable. 08 VIEWS WEDNESDAY 25 NOVEMBER 2020 Qatar International Court celebrates Established in 1996 CHAIRMAN 10 years of legal excellence DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI THE PENINSULA The Court has bolstered Qatar’s EDITOR-IN-CHIEF safe investment environment, DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI The Qatar International Court and providing the necessary [email protected] Dispute Resolution Centre (QICDRC) is celebrating its 10-year anniversary. In guarantees to protect the the past decade, QICDRC has achieved a ACTING MANAGING EDITOR considerable reputation as a specialist rights of various parties in MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED international court at the heart of Qatar’s civil, commercial, financial [email protected] growing and thriving business envi- and investment disputes, ronment. Since its foundation in 2009, the in accordance with the DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR Court has upheld international best prac- principles of justice, integrity MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI tices within Qatar’s vibrant commercial [email protected] environment, inspired by the idea of cre- and equality and in line with ating a unique model for the resolution of applicable laws in this regard. international civil and commercial dis- putes within the country’s judicial system. The Court has been under the Minister of Commerce and Industry H E Ali EDITORIAL leadership of three former Lord Chief bin Ahmed Al Kuwari Justices of England and Wales - Lord Embracing the future now Woolf, Lord Phillips and, as its current President, Lord Thomas, who have each in this regard.” litigation. The QICDRC has issued its QATAR has yet again reiterated its commitment to been supported by distinguished judges Remarking on QICDRC’s 10-year own Mediation Rules and has assembled protect the eco-system and help mitigate climate change who come from a variety of civil and anniversary, Lord Thomas, President of an expert panel of local and interna- by promoting electric vehicles in the country. In the common law jurisdictions. In 2020, the QICDRC said: “The QIC has achieved a tional mediators to assist parties reach a recent days, Doha has come out with several guide- Court and Tribunal have the most diverse considerable reputation in both its com- consensual outcome in respect of their lines for setting up the necessary infrastructure for representation to date with judges from mercial and regulatory work. It has given disputes. electric vehicles in the country. Qatar, Kuwait, England and Wales, judgments on matters in disputes at the In 2019, the Court became an Asso- On Monday, Qatar General Electricity and Water Cor- Scotland, Cyprus, South Africa, India, heart of international finance and com- ciate Member of the International Con- poration (Kahramaa) represented by National Programme Singapore, Hong Kong, New Zealand, and merce and judgments that reinforce the sortium for Court Excellence (ICCE) for Conservation and Energy Efficiency (Tarsheed) launched the United States of America. The court’s highest regulatory standards applied by having adopted the International the Electric Vehicle and Charging Infrastructure Guideline. the QFC. Its judgments are widely Framework for Court Excellence (IFCE). The guideline is aimed at supporting establishment of respected internationally and have The Court has not only invested in its infrastructure regulations for electric vehicles in the country therefore strengthened the position of judicial work, but has also focused on the which will encourage the spread of such vehicles. The Qatar as a leading international financial development of the judicial sector in move is expected to result in the diversification of energy and business centre. It has been a priv- Qatar and beyond. It has, for example, sources and the reduction in carbon emissions. ilege to work not only with judges of the founded the Qatar Law Forum, an inter- The guideline specifies the requirements for the highest international reputation but with national event that brings together key installation of charging units at different locations, types the Chief Executive, Registrar and Staff of international legal figures to discuss of charging equipment, charging capacity, charging the Court who have done so much for the topics concerning the rule of law. current, payment and collection options etc. A team of successful achievements of the QIC.” The Court has also placed a strong Kharamaa’s Tarsheed and Ministry of Transport and As a result of the enactment of Law emphasis on national, regional and inter- Communication’s (MoTC)Technical Affairs Department No 2 of 2017 issuing the Arbitration Law national agreements to enhance has been assigned as the nodal authority for receiving in Civil and Commercial Matters, the knowledge sharing, legal education and requests for installing charging units and ensuring all jurisdiction of the Court was significantly training. QICDRC’s key local partnerships the requests comply with the standards and specifica- expanded. This law allows parties who include the Ministry of Justice, the Qatar tions and are in line with state’s plan set out in the seat their arbitrations in Qatar to elect Sports Arbitration Foundation, the Min- electric vehicles strategy. President of QICDRC, Lord Thomas the Court as the ‘Competent Court’ of the istry of Public Health, Qatar University, In a few decades to come, the transport scenario arbitration, fulfilling various supportive and Hamad Bin Khalifa University College of the world is expected to undergo fundamental judgments on commercial and financial and supervisory functions as required. of Law. Internationally, QICDRC has changes as the countries across the world are strug- issues are now reported and used The past 10 years have seen many signed key agreements with the Interna- gling to meet the emission reduction targets. Vehicles worldwide. milestones for the Court, with this year, tional Centre for Settlement of Investment without internal combustion engines are expected to QICDRC has played an instrumental for example, the launch of the Pro Bono Disputes, LexisNexis, Wolters Kluwer, the be replaced by electric vehicles which are acclaimed role within the Qatar Financial Centre to Service to ensure that individuals with Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, and the for their zero emission quality. attract foreign direct investment and limited financial means, whose civil and Supreme Court of Singapore. Even though the plug-in vehicles come with more continues to contribute to Qatar’s eco- commercial disputes, regulatory appeals Commenting on QICDRC’s 10-year advantages such as quick reaction of the electric motors, nomic diversification plans. Over 1000 or other legal issues that fall within the anniversary, Faisal Al-Sahouti, CEO of excellent responsiveness and very good torque com- QFC-registered firms are now serviced jurisdiction of the Court or QFC Regu- QICDRC said: “As an integral part of the pared to the conventional ones, they have to overcome by QICDRC, in order to resolve disputes latory Tribunal have access to justice. state-court-system, QICDRC’s contri- several challenges to steal the heart and minds of between them and those they do business This is a particularly significant devel- bution to the delivery of credible, fair and motorists such as battery capacity, efficiency, quick with. Commenting on QICDRC’s 10-year opment during the COVID-19 pandemic, efficient justice in Qatar has been para- charging options etc. Several countries have announced anniversary, His Excellency Ali bin enabling access to legal assistance for mount. We have been met with unprece- to ban the sale of conventional vehicles in the coming Ahmed Al-Kuwari, Minister of Commerce individuals and companies that have dented challenges this year, which tested years, but no state has come up with any legislation in this and Industry, emphasized the important faced unexpected legal disputes. our resilience, digital capabilities and regard. The sector needs more research and development role that the Court plays in promoting Another major milestone for QICDRC adaptability. I am proud of our team for to make it a viable option for users. Qatar as a leading regional and global that has proven essential during the meeting these challenging times with an Qatar has always been at the forefront of embracing investment hub, noting that the directives pandemic, was the launch of its state-of unwavering dedication to the delivery of new technology in all fields. The country has come up of Qatar’s wise leadership to cement the-art eCourt case management system justice, guided by the Court’s core values with a strategy for electric vehicles sector. On February transparency, good governance and in February 2018. The eCourt system of Justice, Teamwork, Innovation, 15, 2020, the MoTC announced that the country was accountability based on the rule of law, offers clients access to a fully remote Integrity, and Service Excellence.” in the final stages of developing the strategy. It aims to contributed to bolster investor confi- court proceeding cycle – from filing a The Court hosted a webinar during replace 25 percent of the public transport bus fleet with dence in the national economy, espe- case to the issuance of a judgment. the yearly International Bar Association electric vehicles by 2022 and use them as the main cially following the establishment of the Through the use of this high-end tech- event to commemorate the 10-year anni- transport option for the FIFA World Cup. The strategy Qatar International Court, which worked nology, the Court held its first fully versary on the 18 November 2020. An is becoming a reality and soon we can see several on streamlining dispute resolution pro- remote hearing in April 2020, allowing esteemed panel of judges and academics electric vehicles plying on Doha roads. cedures by relying on a distinguished parties, witnesses, lawyers, judges, and has discussed the rise of specialist inter- group of competent international judges court staff from a variety of different national commercial courts and their with international experience. countries to contribute to efficient impact on the resolution of international Al-Kuwari added that “the Court has judicial proceedings in a safe and secure commercial disputes. bolstered Qatar’s safe investment envi- environment. The QICDRC has recently Following a fruitful and successful D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR ronment, providing the necessary guar- established a mediation service which first decade, QICDRC is proudly looking affords parties the opportunity to forward to the next ten years of achieve- EMAIL: [email protected] antees to protect the rights of various parties in civil, commercial, financial and resolve their disputes amicably, in a ments, which will be marked by jurisdic- investment disputes, in accordance with confidential setting, and without tional growth and the impactful delivery EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 the principles of justice, integrity and recourse to more formal dispute reso- of fair and efficient justice that strongly FAX: +974 4455 7758 equality and in line with applicable laws lution methods, such as arbitration or supports Qatar National Vision 2030. MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 The world needs to head off the worst in Ethiopia

LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 BLOOMBERG toward disaster. Tens of thou- to postpone regional elections well-armed and populated sands of refugees are fleeing during the pandemic, and then with hardened fighters. The BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 Less than a year ago, while the fighting. There are fears of allegedly assaulted a military arrest of their chosen leaders accepting the Nobel Prize for ethnic massacres (at least one base. Federal officials say they would almost certainly SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 his role in bringing peace to appears to have taken place are nearing the Tigrayan provoke a fierce and pro- the Horn of Africa, Ethiopian already) and of spreading capital and will soon arrest tracted insurgency. ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed famine. The spiraling hostil- renegade local leaders and Nor would the subjugation email: [email protected] offered a reminder to his ities threaten to draw in other restore order. of Tigray, even if it were pos- audience: “War makes for ethnic groups and even In fact, Abiy should under- sible, address volatile and PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 bitter men. Heartless and neighboring countries. stand better than anyone that growing ethnic tensions email: [email protected] savage men.” He should need A breakdown in Ethiopia there can be no military across Ethiopia. A national no further reason to call off would dwarf in scale the col- solution to this conflict. While dialogue is desperately ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 the war he has started in his lapses of Syria and Libya. Yet Tigrayans only account for needed to work out a new FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] own country. that’s where hostilities might about 6% of Ethiopia’s 110 constitutional balance The offensive that Abiy well lead if not checked million people, they domi- between federal and regional CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 launched on Nov. 4 against swiftly. Abiy says he had no nated the government and the authorities. Instead, Abiy’s email: [email protected] the rebellious northern Tigray choice but to act after Tigrayan military for decades under government has in recent region is pushing his nation, leaders defied the central gov- strongman Prime Minister months been charging oppo- SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 Africa’s second-largest, ernment, ignored its decision Meles Zenawi. The region is sition figures with terrorism. FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar

/ThePeninsulaQatar The world had come together to express emphatic support... when Afghanistan begins to /Peninsula_Qatar turn that critical corner toward peace.

/ThePeninsulaNewspaper Deborah Lyons, UN Special Envoy for Afghanistan

+974 6698 6188 WEDNESDAY 25 NOVEMBER 2020 OPINION 09 Decades of work, and half a dose of fortune, drove Oxford vaccine success

ALISTAIR SMOUT, KATE KELLAND “The reason we had the One possible explanation was and we need to make a new & LUDWIG BURGER — REUTERS half dose is serendipity,” that lower antigen levels to vaccine. We’d done some Mene Pangalos, head of Astra- begin with triggered an work preparing for that.” Zeneca’s non-oncology overall better immune system 2020: ‘Avery long year’ It took Oxford University’s research and development, build-up, he added. Andrew Pollard, head of brightest minds decades of told Reuters. The unprecedented Even though good fortune the Oxford Vaccine Group and work to give them the The plan was for trial par- played its part, the devel- a professor who has spent two expertise to develop a ticipants in Britain to receive urgency and opment of what Oxford scien- decades running clinical COVID-19 vaccine. In the end, two full doses, but researchers resources given tists hailed as “a vaccine for trials, said this experience it was a momentary error - were perplexed when they the world” was built upon 30 gave him confidence in the and a dose of good fortune - noticed that side effects, such to Oxford to prove years of testing and tweaking prospects for Oxford’s new that carried them over the as fatigue, headaches or arm the platform’s of methods. vaccine, known initially as line. aches were milder than effectiveness The adenovirus “viral ChAdOx1 nCoV-19. The Oxford vaccinologists expected, Pangalos said. vector” platform that their “I think we knew right were exhilarated on Monday “So we went back and against COVID- candidate uses has been from the beginning of the year when drugmaker Astra- checked ... and we found out 19 meant it around since 1991, said Hill of that if we could go through Zeneca, with whom they that they had underpredicted the university’s Jenner this development, we may developed the shot, the dose of the vaccine by half.” leap-frogged the Institute. well have something which announced that it could be He said the team none- vaccines against He had been working can make a difference,” The Oxford around 90% effective, citing theless decided to press ahead with Sarah Gilbert, another Pollard told Reuters. vaccinologists data from late-stage trials. with that half dose group, and those other vaccinologist, to fine-tune the But there was an issue. were exhilarated “It can only happen if to administer the second, full pathogens, which technology. This has involved Limited interest in Oxford’s on Monday extraordinary support is pro- dose booster shot at the using a chimpanzee cold virus vaccines for other pathogens vided,” Adrian Hill, director of scheduled time. are still in early- as the vector to deliver the before this year meant they when drugmaker Oxford University’s Jenner The results showed the stage trials. instructions, in trials with dis- didn’t have the funding to AstraZeneca, Institute which developed the vaccine was 90% effective eases such as flu, MERS and prove the platform’s efficacy: with whom they shot, said. “We had pretty well among this group, while a harmless adenovirus to Ebola over the last decade. until now. developed the shot, the whole institute in Oxford larger group who had received deliver genetic material that The hope was that it would “You either need a working on this vaccine.” two full doses produced an tricks the human body to one day prove its potential massive amount of money, or announced that it While skill and hard work efficacy read-out of 62%, produce proteins known as against one or more such a pandemic to bring in that could be around 90% drove development, Astra- leading to an overall efficacy antigens that are normally deadly diseases. resource, and it’s tremendous effective, citing data Zeneca said it was a minor of 70% across both dosing pat- found on the coronavirus They turned their that we’ve had this oppor- from late-stage trials. mistake that made the team terns, Pangalos said. surface, helping the immune attention to the new corona- tunity to validate that chim- realise how they could signifi- “That, in essence, is how system develop an arsenal virus, SARS-CoV-2, in panzee adenovirus tech- cantly boost the shot’s success we stumbled upon doing half against infection. January. Oxford Vice-Chan- nology for this coronavirus,” rate, to as much as 90% from dose-full dose (group),” he Pangalos said more cellor Louise Richardson said Hill said. around 60%: by administering told Reuters. “Yes, it was a analysis was needed to she was told of Gilbert’s work “If you’d said to me a year a half dose, followed by a full mistake.” explain why an initial lower and that it looked promising ago that in 2020 anybody dose a month later. The vaccine uses a dose bolstered protection. for the new coronavirus, but would make a vaccine for a was operating on a global pandemic - and in shoestring. months rather than years - I The university then would have thought that was offered a million pounds to hugely challenging.” underwrite the research until Pollard said that while more funding came on board, speed of the COVID-19 vac- Richardson told reporters, cine’s development was in which duly arrived when the some ways extraordinary, government and AstraZeneca 2020 had “been a very long became involved in May. year” since the team started The unprecedented work on the vaccine in urgency and resources given January. That culminated this to Oxford to prove the plat- past weekend, Pollard said, in form’s effectiveness against having “an enormous COVID-19 meant it leap- mountain to climb to pull all frogged the vaccines against of the information together” those other pathogens, which to be able to issue Monday’s are still in early-stage trials. data release showing the Gilbert said the experience vaccine can be up to 90% with MERS, or Middle East effective. Respiratory Syndrome, which “The last few weeks have is caused by a different type of been pretty exhausting. The coronavirus, was especially feeling is absolutely one of instructive. extreme fatigue and tiredness “It showed us that we at this point,” he told Reuters, could make a vaccine with speaking before he briefed the this technology that would office of British Prime Min- induce good immune ister Boris Johnson on the responses against the corona- findings. virus spike protein,” she told “If the results have not reporters. met those regulatory require- “We’d also been thinking ments, they would have told A technician working on the University’s COVID-19 candidate vaccine, known as AZD1222, co-invented by the University of Oxford and about how to go really quickly us just to carry on with the Vaccitech. when a new pathogen arises trial. So it was a great relief.” Cases rise in East Asia amid pandemic fatigue anticipated experiment that Tohoku University’s Graduate floored by the pandemic, but In South Korea, which was set to herald a reopening School of Medicine who is a it also helped the virus to pen- won praise for effectively of quarantine-free travel in member of the government’s etrate new corners of this tamping down the first major Asia - after the virus found coronavirus advisory team. island nation. epidemic outside China, offi- gaps in the territory’s “And it’s getting more difficult On Monday, the governors cials have continued to fight defenses to stage a comeback. to persuade people to change of the northern prefecture of small but persistent The numbers of new behavior. Even though the Hokkaido and the western outbreaks. SIMON DENYER infections here are a fraction number of cases is much, prefecture of Osaka Believing it had a second THE WASHINGTON POST of those in West, with Japan much higher than in March or announced they were with- wave under control, the gov- recently reporting more than April, people are quite drawing their regional capital ernment eased social dis- 2,000 new cases a day, South relaxed.” cities from the subsidy tancing rules last month. Over Compared with the United Korea more than 300 a day, Kang Do-tae, South program, a decision the the past two weeks, however, States and Europe, countries and Hong Kong recording 73 Korea’s vice health minister, central government reluc- more than 60 infection in East Asia have been held up new confirmed cases on warned Tuesday of a “triple tantly endorsed the next day. clusters emerged across the as success stories in the battle Monday - compared with bind” of asymptomatic Tokyo Governor Yuriko country, including at schools, against the coronavirus more than 150,000 a day in patients, transmission among Koike also raised concerns military bases and churches. pandemic. the United States. young people, and colder Tuesday. “Infections from the first Japan is But in Japan, South Korea Yet the infection rates are weather in which the virus “It is clear that the and second waves left lin- scaling back and Hong Kong, governments still high enough to ring alarm thrives because of increased movement of people is having gering transmission risks are reimposing restrictions bells, especially given the high indoor activity. an impact on this increase in across the South Korean a contentious this week, as public compla- proportion of elderly people “The unforeseen devel- cases,” she said at a news society, which caught fire as subsidy program cency, policy blunders and in places like Japan, as winter opment of the third wave conference. “And we are social distancing rules were colder weather fuel a new approaches and doors and forewarns an even harsher seeing these situations where lifted without proper prepara- designed to surge in virus cases. windows close against the and harder winter,” Kang said in times of eating out, the tions,” said Kim Yoon, a pro- encourage Japan is scaling back a chill. at a meeting. As the peak of virus does spread. This is then fessor at Seoul National Uni- domestic contentious subsidy program Pandemic fatigue is a key flu season approaches and brought home into the versity’s College of Medicine, designed to encourage ingredient, experts say. After hospital beds fill up, that com- household, where perhaps warning the outbreaks could tourism and domestic tourism and dining many months of restrictions placency is increasingly dan- there are elderly members of overwhelm South Korea’s dining out, after out, after it became clear the and with cases seemingly gerous, experts say. the family who have lower contact-tracing regime. enticements were helping to under control for a while, But there have also been immunity.” “Unlike previous out- it became clear fuel a third wave that has people have become tired of policy blunders, U-turns and Opposition politicians breaks which stemmed from the enticements resulted in record new the rules, bored with staying misfires that have given the slammed the government, few big clusters, the third infections. at home and complacent virus the opportunity to saying it was acting too late. wave consists of dozens of were helping to In Seoul, officials ordered about the risks. spread. Yoshimasa Suenobu, a small clusters that are harder fuel a third wave bars and nightclubs to close On Tokyo’s streets this To rescue its economy veteran journalist and a pro- for contact tracers to track,” and limited dine-in service at past week, everybody has from a record slump, the Jap- fessor of media studies at he added. that has resulted cafes and restaurants this been wearing a mask. But anese government launched Tokai University, said it was In Hong Kong, a cluster of in record new week, after an earlier easing bars and restaurants have the Go to Travel and the Go to as though the government infections originating from infections. of restrictions allowed the been packed with people who Eat subsidy programs in July was driving a car “without dance clubs has shattered a virus to roar back. have cast their face coverings and October, respectively, thinking about how to brake.” weeks-long streak of low to Hong Kong also closed aside. offering to repay consumers “A car won’t drive well zero local cases. That cluster bars and nightclubs, days “Our control measures up to half the costs of flights, unless both the accelerator has emerged as one of the after officials postponed the rely on voluntary behavior hotels, meals and other and the brake perform biggest Hong Kong has seen, launch of a travel bubble with change,” said Hitoshi expenses. The aid brought equally well,” he said on with more than 130 confirmed Singapore - a highly Oshitani, a professor at welcome relief to industries Nippon Broadcasting System. cases. 10 ASIA WEDNESDAY 25 NOVEMBER 2020 Virus vaccination for air travellers in the offing AP — WELLINGTON Encouraging news restrictions in the world since the pandemic began. It has International air travel could about vaccine closed its borders to most inter- come booming back next year development has national visitors and allowed but with a new rule: Travellers given airlines and its own citizens to travel inter- to certain countries must be nationally only under special vaccinated against the corona- nations hope they circumstances. virus before they can fly. may soon be able New Zealand has also Encouraging news about closed its borders, while South vaccine development has given to revive suspended Korea has imposed a two-week airlines and nations hope they flight routes and dust quarantine on all arriving may soon be able to revive sus- passengers. pended flight routes and dust off lucrative tourism Australia, with 26 million off lucrative tourism plans. But plans. people, has reported about 900 countries in Asia and the deaths since the pandemic Pacific, in particular, are deter- began, fewer than many nations mined not to let their hard-won Korean Air, said yeserday its size. South Korea, with 51 gains against the virus there’s a real possibility that million people, has reported a evaporate. airlines will require that pas- little over 500 deaths. And New A research scientist works inside a labor atory of India’s Serum Institute, the world’s largest maker In Australia, the boss of sengers be vaccinated. She said Zealand, with 5 million people, of vaccines, which is working on vaccines against the coronavirus disease in Pune. Qantas, the country’s largest that’s because governments are has reported just 25 deaths. airline, said that once a virus likely to require vaccinations Chung said there are vaccine becomes widely as a condition for lifting quar- already a variety of discussions As India readies vaccine strategy, available, his carrier will likely antine requirements for new within the industry to ensure require passengers use it before arrivals. safer travel during the pan- they can travel abroad or land While Korean Air is demic. These include trials of Modi warns of possible side-effects in Australia. reviewing several possibilities “Common Pass,” an app Qantas Chief Executive Alan for screening, any change by endorsed by the World Eco- REUTERS — NEW DELHI firms to secure shots. vaccine makes it through the Joyce said he’s been talking to the company or other airlines nomic Forum that aims to Indian officials have not world’s certified processes, we his counterparts at other air- would be the result of coordi- provide a standardized format Indian Prime Minister Narendra commented on who would be will have to accept them and lines around the world about nation with governments, for airlines to evaluate the coro- Modi warned yesterday that any held responsible if any vaccine move ahead.” the possibility of a “vaccination Chung said. navirus test results of pas- COVID-19 vaccine could lead to led to serious unwanted con- Modi said it was not yet passport” for international “This is not something for sengers to determine whether side-effects in some people, as sequences. Brazil has said it will known which vaccine would be travelers. airlines to independently they should travel. even popular medicines do, and not exempt vaccine makers launched in India and at what “We are looking at changing decide,” she said. “With the world coming that the government would only from liability, but Mexico could price, but urged states to work our terms and conditions to say Air New Zealand echoed closer to coronavirus vaccines go by science in finalising one share some of the burden with with the federal government to for international travellers, that Chung’s position. and negative tests also for the country. laboratories. keep distribution infrastructure we will ask people to have the “Ultimately, it’s up to gov- becoming requirements for The comments came ahead Modi said both speed and such as cold storages ready. vaccination before they get on ernments to determine when lifting travelers from self- of the possible launch of the safety were equally important After the AstraZeneca vac- the aircraft,” Joyce told Aus- and how it is safe to reopen quarantines in countries Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine by in launching a vaccine, but that, cine’s third-stage trial results tralia’s Network Nine borders and we continue to across the world, airlines are early next year in India, the once established scientific proc- were revealed on Monday, its television. work closely with authorities feeling the need for an country with the world’s esses had determined the right Indian manufacturer the Serum He said they were looking on this,” Air New Zealand said effective system to screen pas- second-highest number of path, India would follow it. Institute of India said it would at ways to electronically verify in a statement. sengers for vaccinations and coronavirus infections after the “Even medicines popular first focus on supplying its that people have the necessary Australia, South Korea and tests,” Chung said. United States. for 20 years and used by hun- home market in the next few vaccine for their intended des- New Zealand have all managed Australian Health Minister The question of who pays dreds of thousands of people months. tination, a difficult task. to minimise the spread of the Greg Hunt told reporters yes- any claims for damages for lead to reactions in some, even The other experimental vac- “But certainly for interna- virus. They are seen interna- terday there had not been a unexpected side-effects has today,” Modi said in a video cines on trial in India are the gov- tional visitors coming out, and tionally as success stories, and decision yet on border or re- been a tricky point in supply conference with state chief ernment and Bharat Biotch’s people leaving the country, we a big part of their containment entry rules around potential negotiations between countries ministers. COVAXIN; Russia’s Sputnik-V; think that’s a necessity,” he said. effort has focused on keeping vaccines. and drug makers over potential “It’s possible with vaccines Zydus Cadila’s ZyCoV-D and one South Korea’s largest airline infectious people out. “Our task is to provide the vaccines. Some richer countries too. Any decision on them that Biological E Ltd is developing has a similar message. Jill Australia has imposed some vaccine to all Australians,” he have agreed full or partial should only be weighed on a with Baylor College of Medicine Chung, a spokesperson for of the most severe border said. exemptions from liability for scientific scale. Whatever and Dynavax Technologies Corp. Another man charged under Thailand protest leaders to face royal insult charges REUTERS — BANGKOK against Prime Minister Prayuth on the charges and he was not The summonses came a day violent day of more than four HK national Chan-ocha have increasingly worried. before protesters have said they months of demonstrations. Thai police have summoned turned to demands to curb the “This will expose the bru- will march to the office that Among protesters’ demands security law seven leaders of anti- powers of King Maha Vaji- tality of the Thai feudal system manages the royal fortune to is the reversal of changes that government protests to face ralongkorn, breaking a long- to the world,” he said. “We will demand that the king give up gave the king personal control AFP — HONG KONG charges of lese majeste over standing taboo on criticising the keep fighting.” Others named personal control of the assets. over a royal fortune valued in comments made at demonstra- monarchy. included human rights lawyer Police said yesterday that no the tens of billions of dollars. A Hong Kong man was tions that demanded reforms to The police source, who Arnon Nampa, who became the protesters would be allowed The FreeYouth protest dragged from a court shouting the monarchy, a police source declined to be named because first to call for royal reforms on within 150 metres of the Crown group said in a Twitter post that democracy slogans and and a rights group said he was not authorised to speak August 3, and Panusaya “Rung” Property Bureau, where roy- they would demonstrate on remanded into custody yesterday. to the media, said the protest Sithijirawattanakul, a student alists have also said they plan Wednesday to “reclaim the yesterday after becoming the It will be the first time such leaders had until November 30 leader who set out 10 demands to gather in defence of a mon- property that is meant to belong third person to be charged charges have been brought to answer the summonses, for royal reforms. archy that faces its biggest chal- to the people”. under a sweeping new under so-called lese majeste which were brought over com- Neither was immediately lenge in decades. The Royal Palace has made national security law. laws relating to insults to the ments made at protests on Sep- available for comment. More than 50 people were no comment since the protests The man’s detention is a royal family in more than two tember 19 and 20. Thai Lawyers for Human hurt last week when police used began, although the king said the stark illustration of how the years. They can carry up to 15 One of the seven, Parit Rights said that police had water cannon and tear gas protesters were loved “all the new legislation, imposed by years in prison. “Penguin” Chiwarak, said his notified the protest leaders’ against thousands of protesters same” when asked for comment Beijing this summer, has Protests that began in July family had received a summons lawyers. at parliament in the most on the demonstrations. created a host of speech crimes with stiff consequences for those accused of breaching the rules. Indian state braces for Ma Chun-man, 30, was bundled away by police as he severe cyclonic storm shouted “Spread the word, democracy is cultivated with IANS — NEW DELHI Teams have been kept blood and sweat” after being reserve at Guntur (Andhra charged with “inciting Cyclone Nivar is very likely to Pradesh), Thrissur (Kerala) and secession”— one of the new intensify further into a severe Mundli (Odisha) to meet addi- national security crimes — cyclonic storm during the next tional requirements, it said. according to a reporter in 12 hours and is centred about All teams have reliable court. 380 km east by southeast of wireless and satellite commu- Prosecutors said Ma was Puducherry and 430km nications, tree cutters, pole arrested seven times by police southeast of Chennai, the Union cutters for post landfall resto- between 15 August and 22 Home Ministry said yesterday. ration, if need arises. November and that he had Sharing the information In view of the current chanted slogans calling for based on inputs received from COVID-19 scenario, the Min- Hong Kong’s independence the India Meteorological istry said that the NDRF teams from China. Department (IMD), the Ministry are equipped with appropriate Defence lawyers said Ma said the cyclone is very likely Personal Protective Equipment was a food delivery driver who to cross Tamil Nadu and (PPE). lost his job last month and Puducherry coasts between “NDRF is working in close lived at home with his parents Karaikal and Mamallapuram coordination with district and and brother. around Puducherry during late local administrations. Their request for bail was Wednesday evening as a severe Awareness programmes are denied and Ma was remanded cyclonic storm with a wind being conducted for all citizens into custody until his next Putting out a blaze speed of 100-110 kmph gusting in the form of information court appearance in February to 120kmph. about cyclones, do’s and don’ts next year. Firefighters and civilians try to extinguish a fire that broke out in a slum in Dhaka, Bangladesh, yesterday. “A close watch is being kept and information about over the system,” it said. Covid-19 in affected areas and The Ministry said that prevention measures.” National Disaster Response All deployed teams are Dhaka to speed up efforts to convict human traffickers Force (NDRF) headquarters and assisting the local adminis- commandants of battalions tration in evacuation of people REUTERS — DHAKA of trafficking cases — some of “By establishing these anti- the first case and judgement located at Tamil Nadu and from areas that are likely to be which have been pending for trafficking tribunals, we have shows our eagerness to deal Andhra Pradesh are in coordi- affected by the cyclone, said the Bangladesh is accelerating years — and improve its low let people know of our with these problems quickly.” nation with the respective state Ministry. efforts to bring human traf- conviction rate. intention, that this is one of our At least 4,000 cases are authorities. Meanwhile, the Ministry fickers to justice, the law In the first verdict delivered priority issues... we have expe- pending investigation or pros- In view of the IMD forecast said, NDRF is spreading a sense minister said yesterday, after a by the tribunal in Dhaka, a dited the cases,” Law Minister ecution under a 2012 law that and requirements projected by of security amongst the com- special court set up to clear a woman was found guilty last Anisul Huq told the Thomson criminalised trafficking, gov- the state authorities, 22 teams munities that teams are backlog of cases secured its first week of kidnapping her neigh- Reuters Foundation by ernment data shows. The con- (12 in Tamil Nadu, three in available at their service and conviction. bour’s baby and selling the girl telephone. viction rate under the law Puducherry and seven in will remain present in the area The nation established to a trafficking syndicate. Sathi “We want to quickly dispose stands at 1.7 percent, found the Andhra Pradesh) have been until the situation returns to seven tribunals nationwide in Akter, 27, was jailed for 10 years them and set an example to the annual US flagship report on pre-positioned at areas likely normal, so that the public does March to deal with thousands and fined 20,000 taka ($230). world,” he added. “The trial of trafficking. to be affected. not panic. WEDNESDAY 25 NOVEMBER 2020 ASIA 11 Donors pledge Afghan aid with strings attached AFP — GENEVA At a global donor September 12 but no progress conference in has been announced so far. The international community “Our commitment to nego- yesterday pledged another four Geneva, countries tiations with the Taliban years of aid for Afghanistan, began reaffirming remains firm,” Afghan President despite the COVID-19 crisis, but Ashraf Ghani said via video-link tied its money to rights being their commitment to from Kabul. upheld in stuttering peace talks propping up a country But he said violence had with the Taliban. “skyrocketed” since a US- At a global donor con- beset by violence Taliban deal in February paved ference in Geneva, countries between the Taliban the way for the withdrawal of began reaffirming their com- foreign forces by May 2021. mitment to propping up a and government “Plans to achieve peace did country beset by violence forces, rampant not materialise as imagined. between the Taliban and gov- corruption and an Suffering and killing continues ernment forces, rampant cor- to plague Afghans on a daily ruption and an imminent with- imminent withdrawal basis. It is unbearable,” Ghani drawal of US troops. of US troops. said. “Aid will continue to be Deborah Lyons, the UN critical to our growth for the special envoy for Afghanistan foreseeable future,” he added. said the world had come and human rights -- notably those Summing up the mood of together to express “emphatic of women, minorities and the Geneva conference, Foreign support... when Afghanistan children. “In spite of the fact that Minister Pekka Haavisto of co- begins to turn that critical we are seeing very strong hosts Finland said the 66 corner toward peace”. pledging... this money does not nations and 32 international Donor nations meet every come freely,” said Lyons, organisations involved would four years to pledge aid to summing up the conference so far. strike a conclusion with “strong Afghanistan’s Economy Minister Abdul Hadi Arghandiwal and Foreign Minister Mohammad Haneef Afghanistan, which is almost “It comes with conditions support” for a “permanent and Atmar speak prior to the plenary session of the 2020 Afghanistan Conference at the United Nations entirely reliant on foreign that the money will be well- comprehensive peace”. in Geneva, Switzerland, yesterday. assistance despite years of spent and the government will The ongoing peace talks in promised reforms and attempts be held accountable.” Doha were uppermost in announced last week that to avoid leaving an opening for Afghanistan’s economy is set to to grow the economy. The conference was also donors’ minds and “respect for another 2,000 US troops will international terrorist groups”. contract by between 5.5 percent Efforts to rebuild Afghanistan issuing “a strong call for an democracy, human rights, the exit Afghanistan by January 15 The previous 2016 con- and 7.4 percent in 2020 due to the began soon after a US-led immediate humanitarian rule of law and gender equality — less than a week before Joe ference in Brussels raised pandemic, exacerbating poverty invasion ousted the hardline ceasefire”, she added, saying are pre-requisite for future Biden is set to take over as pres- $15.2bn, but the 2020 donor and leading to a sharp decline in Taliban regime from power in the that the donations showed that cooperation”, Haavisto added. ident — leaving just 2,500 conference could see less aid government revenues. wake of the September 11, 2001 peace was not only possible but Concerns are high that behind. pledged as countries battle to The largely virtual Geneva attacks on the United States. was being actively supported advances, especially in the area Liu Jian, the Chinese Foreign recover from the economic conference also considered The conference hosts under- by the global community. of women’s rights, could be lost Ministry’s special envoy on crisis triggered by the corona- tackling corruption, aid effec- lined that the gains made over the The Taliban and the Afghan as the Taliban unleashes further Afghanistan, said foreign troops virus pandemic. tiveness, safeguarding human last 19 years must be secured, government have been engaged violence. “should be pulled out in an The World Bank said in a rights and reintegrating namely democracy, the rule of law in peace talks in Qatar since The United States orderly and responsible manner report earlier this year that returning refugees. Attack on police Japan and China to restart travel, coordinate on East China Sea station near REUTERS — TOKYO economic reliance on China “I hope this agreement Wang stood by Beijing’s China, Japan and South Korea Lahore foiled with security concerns, will contribute to the revital- stance. “We will of course keep have been in a single free-trade Japan and China agreed including Beijing’s claims over isation of the economies of protecting our country’s sover- bloc. AP — MULTAN yesterday to restart corona- the disputed isles that are con- Japan and China, and promote eignty,” he said. Wang, who will fly to South virus-hit business travel this trolled by Japan. mutual understanding,” “Through the joint effort by Korea after Japan, said on Pakistan’s counter-terrorism month and to continue talks on While Suga has steered Motegi said. both sides, we would like to Tuesday China and Japan police yesterday said they disputed isles in the East China clear of the harsh anti-China While the maritime dispute make the East China Sea the sea agreed to move forward nego- foiled a possible militant Sea, in the first high-level rhetoric used by Japan’s ally the over the East China Sea isles of peace, friendship and tiations on a free trade deal attack by killing a suspected dialogue since Japan picked a United States, he has moved to called Senkaku in Japan and cooperation.” between only the three would-be suicide bomber new leader in September. counter its influence by deep- Diaoyu in China remains unre- China, which is Japan’s countries. when he tried to sneak into a The two-day visit to Tokyo ening ties with Australia and solved, the sides have made largest trading partner, this Wang’s visit to Japan reaf- police station near the eastern by Chinese Foreign Minister choosing Vietnam and Indo- tentative moves closer through month signed the Regional firmed their economic part- city of Lahore. Wang Yi comes amid growing nesia for his first overseas trip. trade agreements. Comprehensive Economic Part- nership, but it still lacked According to a statement concerns over Beijing’s assert- “It’s important to interact Japan’s government has nership (RCEP) with other 14 progress on the territorial released by police, the sus- iveness in the region. Talks with with people and talk directly complained of China’s economies including US allies dispute said Toshiya Takahashi, pected militant was killed in Japanese counterpart with each other,” Motegi told a “relentless” intrusions in waters Japan and South Korea, but the an associate professor of inter- an exchange of fire early yes- Toshimitsu Motegi covered news briefing after the talks. around the islets claimed by United States was not party to national relations at Shoin terday when he shot at guards maritime tensions, trade and He was referring to both nations. the deal. University. after being asked to halt at the the pandemic response. schemes streamlining travel for Motegi called on China to It was the first multilateral “Out of the bilateral talks, premises of the police station Today, Wang will make a business travellers and those take a “forward-looking trade deal for China, the first what can be called ‘progress’ is in the village of Burki. courtesy call on Prime Minister residing in each country, which stance”, and said he would con- bilateral tariff reduction only the easing of business The man was wearing an Yoshihide Suga, who has so far has been restricted due to the tinue to communicate with arrangement between Japan travel curbs between Japan and explosive vest and he had two sought to balance Japan’s deep coronavirus pandemic. China. and China, and the first time China,” Takahashi said. grenades in his pockets, the statement said. Police released pictures of an explosive vest, two grenades and a pistol, China launches Moon probe saying the suspect was car- rying them. to shovel up lunar rocks, soil Police provided no further details and said a search oper- AFP — BEIJING known as Oceanus Procellarum ation was underway in the — or “Ocean of Storms” — area. A rocket heading for the Moon which consist of a vast lava The latest development to bring back the first lunar plain, according to the science comes a day after Pakistan’s samples in four decades blasted journal Nature. military said troops killed two off from China yesterday in the The probe is expected to militants during a raid on a latest milestone for Beijing’s land in late November and militant hideout in a former spacefaring ambitions. collect material during one tribal area of Bajur near China has poured billions lunar day — equivalent to Afghanistan. into its military-run space pro- around 14 Earth days. gramme, with hopes of having The samples will then be Two explosions a crewed space station by 2022 returned to Earth in a capsule and of eventually sending programmed to land in northern in Bamiyan humans to the Moon. China’s Inner Mongolia region The mission’s goal is to in early December, according claim 14 lives shovel up lunar rocks and soil to US space agency Nasa. to help scientists learn about The mission is technically REUTERS — KABUL the Moon’s origins, formation challenging and involves and volcanic activity on its several innovations not seen Twin explosions in the central surface. during previous attempts at Afghan province of Bamiyan State TV footage of the collecting moon rocks, said killed at least 14 people and launch showed the rocket Jonathan McDowell, an wounded 45 more, provincial Collecting swab samples blasting off into a dark night astronomer at the Harvard- officials said yesterday, as the and carrying the Chang’e-5 Smithsonian Center for international community Medical workers wearing personal protective equipment in a swab chamber collect a sample from probe — named for the Astrophysics. pledged assistance for Afghan- a man for the coronavirus disease test, as the outbreak continues in Jakarta, Indonesia, yesterday. mythical Chinese moon “The US never did a robotic istan at a conference in Swit- goddess — with huge clouds of sample return. The Soviet one zerland. smoke billowing out was very limited and could only The two bombs, hidden at underneath. land at certain restricted spots,” the side of a road in a main Taiwan expanding submarine fleet The eight-tonne spacecraft McDowell said. bazaar in Bamiyan city, killed took off at 430am (2030 GMT “China’s system will be the 12 civilians and two traffic AFP — TAIPEI island is part of “one China”. It has made significant Monday) at the Wenchang most flexible and capable policemen, said Zabardast “We are letting the world progress on missiles and built Space Center on the southern robotic sample return system Safai, the police chief of the Taiwan began construction on see Taiwan’s strong will to its own fighter jet, but its mil- island province of Hainan. yet.” A Chinese lunar rover province. The other 45 people a fleet of indigenous subma- defend its sovereignty,” Tsai itary might is dwarfed by Crowds watched the launch landed on the far side of the injured were mostly from a rines yesterday, the latest move said at a ceremony marking the China’s People’s Liberation from the beach on the tropical Moon in January 2019, in a nearby restaurant and shops, by the out-gunned island to start of construction in a Army. Chinese island, holding mobile global first that boosted Bei- Safai added. bolster its defences against shipyard in southern Kaohsiung Washington initially phones aloft to film as the jing’s aspirations to become a Bamiyan has been seen as increasingly bellicose threats city. approved an offer back in 2001 rocket blasted into the sky. space superpower. the country’s safest province from Beijing. The long-mooted project to supply eight conventional The original mission, It was the second Chinese due to its remote location in Democratic Taiwan lives aims to deliver eight new sub- submarines, but the sale never planned for 2017, was delayed probe to land on the Moon, fol- the central mountains. The under the constant threat of marines, with the first expected came to fruition. due to an engine failure in the lowing the Yutu (“Jade Rabbit”) dominant local tribe, the invasion by communist China, by 2025 according to officials. Over the same period China Long March 5 rocket. rover mission in 2013. Hazara, opposed the Taliban, which views the self-ruled Taiwan’s navy currently has has built itself one of the world’s If successful, China will be Chen Lan, an independent mostly ethnic Pashtuns who island as part of its territory and four submarines, including two largest navies, with nuclear- only the third country to have analyst at GoTaikonauts, which massacred thousands of has vowed to one day seize it, built by the United States in the powered submarines, aircraft retrieved samples from the specialises in China’s space pro- Hazara during their rule. by force if necessary. 1940s. carriers and latest-generation Moon, following the United gramme, said the latest launch The Taliban, which has Beijing has piled on mil- In recent decades Taiwan hypersonic missiles within its States and the Soviet Union in was a chance for China to been waging an insurgency itary, economic and diplomatic has had to ramp up its own arsenal. the 1960s and 1970s. develop technology that would against the Kabul adminis- pressure since the election of defence industry as China pres- Chinese President Xi Jinping The Chinese probe will be used in a future manned tration since being toppled in President Tsai Ing-wen in 2016, sures other countries against has adopted the most openly collect two kilogrammes (4.5 space landing and described it late 2001, denied involvement in part due to her refusal to selling it major weapon hostile stance towards Taiwan pounds) of surface material in as “one of the most risky mis- in the bombings. acknowledge its stance that the platforms. since Mao Zedong. a previously unexplored area sions launched by China”. 12 EUROPE WEDNESDAY 25 NOVEMBER 2020

In 6th vaccine Shorter quarantine spell deal, EU secures 160 million for travellers to England Moderna shots AFP — LONDON “Our new testing strategy will allow us to travel more AP — BRUSSELS Travellers to England from Currently, new arrivals freely, see loved ones and drive abroad could face a shorter have to self-isolate for international business,” said The European Union’s exec- spell in quarantine from mid- 14 days but starting Transport Secretary Grant utive said yesterday it will sign December, the UK government December 15, travellers Shapps. “By giving people the a contract for up to 160 million announced yesterday in a move can end their quarantine choice to test on day five, we doses of the experimental coro- welcomed by the battered are also supporting the travel navirus vaccine developed by aviation sector. From December if testing negative for industry as it continues to Moderna. 15, travellers arriving by air, COVID-19 at least five rebuild out of the pandemic.” Ursula von der Leyen, the ferry or train can end their days after their arrival. The UK government sets president of the EU Com- quarantine if testing negative transport policy for England. mission, said the deal will be for COVID-19 at least five days The devolved administrations approved today (Wednesday) after their arrival. in Scotland, Wales and as the EU tries to build “one of New arrivals currently have the need for self-isolation alto- Northern Ireland set their own. the most comprehensive to self-isolate for 14 days, while gether, as quickly as possible”. London changed course COVID-19 vaccine portfolio in Britain has recorded more than This was echoed by Johan Lun- after seeing evidence that a test the world.” The deal with 55,000 deaths of people testing dgren, chief executive of British after five days of self-isolation Moderna is the sixth secured by Police officers speak to a protester during an anti-vaccine demonstration positive for coronavirus, the no-frills airline EasyJet. “provides materially better the EU Commission with phar- in central London, yesterday. highest figure in Europe. “We have always said that results” than just having a test maceutical companies, “This is a hugely welcome implementing an effective on arrival. allowing its 27 member coun- step that will begin the process testing regime which reduces “The aviation industry is tries to buy more than one same time on a pro rata basis. apps in addition to rapid tests of opening up international the length of quarantine is key vital to our economy — creating billion doses once the shots are Meanwhile, a group of air- for air passengers to reduce the travel and restarting UK avi- to getting people travelling jobs and driving growth,” said ready. lines and airport operators said need for post-arrival quaran- ation,” trade body Airlines UK again,” he said in a statement. finance minister Rishi Sunak. Earlier this month, Moderna they will join in December an tines and to give airlines a said in a statement, as the gov- Under the relaxed plans, “This new package of support said its vaccine appears to be initiative to adopt the use of a boost. ernment prepares also to lift passengers will have to book a for airports, alongside a new 94.5% effective, according to digital health pass for pas- The European Commission England’s lockdown next week. private screening and quar- testing regime for international preliminary data from the com- sengers that can demonstrate has also been encouraging its Airlines UK however added antine beforehand. arrivals, will help the sector take pany’s study. travellers’ COVID-19 status. 27 members to use a common that it wanted to see “a pre- Those who choose not to be off once again as we build back The commission said that The hard-hit aviation set of COVID-19 tests to facil- departure or domestic testing tested will have to observe a better from the pandemic,” the once a vaccine is ready, all EU industry has been pushing for itate cross-border travel during regime that can remove safely two-week quarantine. chancellor of the exchequer said. countries will receive it at the the implementation of such the pandemic. Italy virus deaths French police probe ‘brutal’ dispersal of Paris migrants surge by 853 AFP — PARIS not harming anyone. And there is this intervention which is totally dispropor- REUTERS — ROME French authorities yesterday ordered an tionate,” he said. investigation into the forceful removal After receiving a report from Paris Italy reported 853 COVID by police of a camp of migrants in central police chief Didier Lallement confirming 19-related deaths yesterday, Paris that prompted outrage over the “several unacceptable facts”, Darmanin soaring from 630 the day “brutal” tactics used. — who had earlier described some of the before and the highest daily Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin images of the camp’s removal as toll since March 28. said he had agreed to a proposal by the “shocking” — said that the IGPN would The health ministry also Paris police chief to immediately refer submit its findings within 48 hours. registered 23,232 new coro- the issue to the National Police Inspec- Paris prosecutors meanwhile opened navirus infections, up mar- torate General (IGPN), which investigates a criminal probe into alleged use of vio- ginally from 22,930 the day officers’ conduct. lence by a person in authority after before. There were 188,659 The government is already facing a images posted on social media showed coronavirus swabs carried out storm of criticism over new security leg- one policeman tripping up a migrant as in the past day, compared with islation being debated in parliament that he ran away. a previous 148,945. opponents say will erode police Paris’s Socialist mayor Anne Hidalgo Italy was the first Western accountability. wrote a letter to Darmanin denouncing country to be hit by the virus Officers used tear gas to break up the the “brutal and disproportionate use of and has seen 51,306 COVID-19 Migrants and associations install tents on Republique square in Paris on Monday, Paris camp, which was set up to protest force” by the security forces, which she fatalities since its outbreak one week after migrants were evacuated from a makeshift camp in the northern against earlier forced evacuations of said was “unfortunately not without emerged in February, the hundreds of migrants from other camps. Paris suburb of Saint-Denis without being relocated. precedent” in the city. second highest toll in Europe Volunteers had helped erect about Paris is a key stop-off point on the after Britain’s. It has also reg- 500 blue tents at Republic Square that media showing one officer tripping a “The state has made a lamentable European migrant route with thousands istered 1.455 million cases. were quickly filled by migrants, the man as he ran, and another officer show,” Ian Brossat, a Paris deputy mayor passing through, often heading to While Italy’s daily death majority from Afghanistan. slamming into a man who tried to in charge of housing, told AFP. England. The latest camp removal came tolls have been the highest in Police arrived shortly afterwards to intervene. CFDT trade union chief Laurent as the government is pushing a security Europe over recent days, the remove the tents, sometimes with people The controversy comes a week after Berger told France 2 TV that the actions law through parliament that would rise in hospital admissions and still inside, in the face of protests from migrants were evacuated from make- of the police were “scandalous and restrict the publication of photos or intensive care occupancy has migrants and jeers from activists. shift shelters in the northern suburb of astounding.” “People occupy a square videos of police officers’ faces which the slowed. The number of people Police later used tear gas and rough Saint-Denis, including some who were peacefully with tents, simply because lower house was due to vote on it later in hospital with COVID-19 tactics, with videos posted on social not provided with alternative shelter. they have a housing problem, they are yesterday. stood at 34,577 on Tuesday, a decline of 120 from the day before. That compared with a Nursing homes in daily increase of 418 on Macron poised to soften lockdown as caseload drops Monday. Spain will first get The number in intensive AFP — PARIS leaders of Macron’s LREM party have stabilised. end-year holidays and then care rose by 6, following an virus vaccine hours before the president’s Shops are widely expected again from January 2021,” he increase of nine on Monday, French President Emmanuel primetime appearance, partic- to be cleared for reopening next told JDD. and now stands at 3,816. REUTERS — MADRID Macron was yesterday expected ipants told AFP. week, in time for the Christmas The two-week school When Italy’s second wave to announce lighter coronavirus Beyond practical measures, shopping period which is holiday around Christmas and of the epidemic was acceler- Elderly residents and staff in restrictions thanks to a recent a longer-term plan for dealing crucial for many retailers who New Year is a peak travel ating fast in the first half of nursing homes will be the first drop in new infections, paving with coronavirus is now have been lobbying hard for a period in France, not just for November, hospital admis- to get vaccinated against the the way for shops to reopen needed, Macron himself said at return to business. extended family gatherings, but sions were rising by around coronavirus in Spain, starting swiftly and allow travel for the weekend. Castex said last week that a also for ski trips to popular 1,000 per day, while intensive as early as January, Health Christmas. “Nothing is worse than reopening of shops “around resorts in the Alps and the care occupancy was increasing Minister Salvador Illa said In an evening television uncertainty and the impression December 1” was on the cards Pyrenees. by about 100 per day. yesterday, unveiling a national address, Macron will also of ambient gloom with no end thanks to the falling number of Ski resorts will be told The northern region of vaccination plan. outline France’s strategy to in sight,” he told the JDD Sunday new cases, but added that strict “within 10 days” whether they Lombardy, centred on Italy’s Other healthcare workers procure coronavirus vaccines newspaper. health protocols would have to can kick off the season, Castex’s financial capital Milan, will be next in line, with a total as trial successes reported by The second virus wave be followed. office said on Monday. remained the hardest hit area of 18 groups of citizens being, some laboratories spark a reached its peak last week, Government spokesman Some opposition politicians on Tuesday, reporting 4,886 one after the other, allowed to worldwide scramble for French health authorities said, Gabriel Attal, meanwhile, traced have pushed for a much faster new cases. The central region get the vaccine in one of COVID-19 shots. with numbers of new infections, “three stages” in the govern- lifting of restrictions, but of Lazio, around Rome, which 13,000 local public health “At this point, we will see a new hospital admissions and ment’s coming strategy to ease Macron’s coronavirus policies has a far smaller population, centres. slight relaxing of the lockdown,” new intensive care patients all virus restrictions: “First around appear to be gaining support chalked up the second highest Spain expects to cover a Prime Minister Jean Castex told declining, while death figures December 1, then before the among voters. number of new cases, at 2,509. substantial part of the popu- lation within the first six months of 2021. “The COVID-19 vaccine Germany plans to limit social will be free,” Illa told a news conference, adding vacci- gatherings in December end nation would not be com- pulsory. “We’re convinced that AFP — BERLIN new infections continue to a vaccine is better accepted if climb in the EU’s most pop- it’s voluntary.” The gov- Germany’s 16 states have ulous country. The new ernment hopes to get the first agreed to guidelines limiting measures, which foresee an doses in January, he said, but social contact over Christmas, extension of closures for res- availability will be limited for according to a draft deal, taurants and cultural venues, the first few months. dashing hopes for large holiday also include recommendations The government’s aim is gatherings. against using fireworks on busy for 2.5 million priority people State leaders agreed to cap streets and squares in order to — nursing home staff, the gatherings to 10 people over prevent groups gathering. elderly and other vulnerable the December 23 to January 1 Some politicians had persons — to be vaccinated in holiday — double the limit for argued for a total ban on fire- a first phase. Illa said the gov- the rest of December. Children works because of the large ernment would spell out later are exempted from the rules. number of injuries they cause who the other priority groups The measures mark a com- each year, in a bid to relieve would be. promise on the politically overstretched hospitals coping A dedicated registry will charged issue, with some less- with coronavirus patients. record who has been vacci- affected regions calling for Germany has had some nated, and make sure people lighter restrictions. success in flattening the curve get the second dose for vac- Notre-Dame fire-damaged scaffolding cleared They will be presented at a of new infections since tighter cines that require it. meeting today with Chancellor social restrictions were put in A view of Notre-Dame cathedral during reconstruction works in Paris, yesterday. The reconstruction In Madrid, several elderly Angela Merkel, who last week place on November 2. reached a turning point yesterday with the removal of the last portions of scaffolding that melted citizens welcomed the news failed in a bid to gain unan- It has registered a total of and said they would get vac- during last year’s blaze, which will allow crucial protective and stabilisation work to proceed. imous approval from the states 942,687 coronavirus cases and cinated as soon as possible. for a tightening of measures as 14,361 deaths. WEDNESDAY 25 NOVEMBER 2020 EUROPE 13 Russia says Sputnik V virus vaccine 95% effective

AFP — MOSCOW second dose. The two-dose vaccine The statement said that Russia’s Sputnik V coronavirus 22,000 volunteers had been vaccine is 95 percent effective will be available on vaccinated with the first dose according to a second interim international markets and more than 19,000 with both analysis of clinical trial data, its for less than $10 (€8.40) doses. Overseas trials of the developers said yesterday. per dose, they said, and vaccine are also taking place in The two-dose vaccine will will be free for Russian the United Arab Emirates, Ven- be available on international ezuela, Belarus and other markets for less than $10 (8.40 citizens. countries. euros) per dose, they said, and Russia in August became the will be free for Russian citizens. first country to register a coro- It can be stored at between two first dose, a figure based on 39 navirus vaccine but did so and eight degrees Celsius cases. Forty-two days later, ahead of the large-scale clinical (between 35.6 and 46.4 degrees after a second dose, data trials that are still underway. Fahrenheit), they said, instead showed “an efficacy of the Last month, President of the temperatures below vaccine above 95 percent.” It Vladimir Putin announced that freezing required for some did not note the number of Russia had registered a second other vaccines. coronavirus cases used to make coronavirus vaccine, EpiVac- The calculations of its effec- the final calculation, however. Corona, as a global race heats tiveness were based on prelim- “The second analysis was up in producing an effective inary data obtained 42 days conducted a week after volun- vaccine to combat the pan- after the first dose, Russia’s teers got the second dose, demic, which has now claimed health ministry, the state-run meaning that their bodies have the lives of nearly 1.4 million A worker unload oxygen cylinders at the Vologda City Hospital Number 1, where patients suffering Gamaleya research centre and partially reacted to both doses,” people. from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) are treated, in Vologda, Russia, yesterday. the Russian Direct Investment Gamaleya’s director Alexander Putin last week said that Fund (RDIF) said in a statement. Gintsburg said in the statement. Russia had manufacturing The statement said that the He said the centre expects agreements in place with China mass produce Russian-made BioNTech announced that their Moderna said last week early vaccine had shown 91.4 percent the efficacy rate to be “even and India and encouraged vaccines. virus vaccine is 95 percent results showed its candidate effectiveness 28 days after the higher” three weeks after the Brazil and South Africa to also Pharma giants Pfizer and effective, while US company was 94.5 percent effective. Russia chases off US warship in row over waters in Sea of Japan Czech Republic to offer free REUTERS — MOSCOW destroyer, and threatened to international waters throughout statement about this mission is relations between Russia and ram it in order to force it to as it carried out a “freedom of false,” he said. “USS John S. the United States whose ties are antigen testing Russia said yesterday one of its leave the area, prompting it to navigation” operation to assert McCain was not ‘expelled’ from languishing at a post-Cold War warships caught and chased off return to neutral waters, its rights and challenge what it any nation’s territory.” The US low. The last remaining major for COVID-19 a US destroyer operating ille- Moscow said. said were Russia’s excessive destroyer made no further arms control pact between the gally in its territorial waters in Russia said its Pacific Fleet maritime claims. attempts to enter Russian former Cold War foes is due to REUTERS — PRAGUE the Sea of Japan, but the US warship had been tracking the “...the United States will waters after leaving the area, expire in February despite Navy denied wrongdoing by its American destroyer in the Peter never bow in intimidation or be Moscow said. The Admiral months of talks to find a Czech Prime Minister Andrej vessel and accused Moscow of the Great Gulf, and that the US coerced into accepting illegit- Vinogradov was continuing to replacement. Babis said yesterday he making excessive maritime vessel had violated Russia’s ter- imate maritime claims, such as observe its movements and Also, President Vladimir aimed to offer free antigen claims. ritorial waters at 0317 GMT by those made by the Russian Fed- another vessel, a corvette, was Putin has yet to congratulate US testing for COVID-19 by The Admiral Vinogradov, a going two kilometres beyond eration,” said Lieutenant Joe dispatched to the area, it added. Democratic President-elect Joe Christmas for any citizens Russian destroyer, verbally the sea border. Keiley, 7th Fleet Such incidents at sea are Biden with his November 3 who want it. warned USS John S. McCain, a But the US Navy said its spokesperson. rare, but they underscore the election victory over President The Czech Republic has US Navy guided-missile warship had been in “The Russian Federation’s poor diplomatic and military Donald Trump. been one of the worst-hit countries in Europe in the second wave of the pandemic but COVID-19 infections are Mayors of Warsaw, Budapest falling after weeks of lockdown measures and the government lowered its risk criticise EU budget veto level on Monday. REUTERS — WARSAW The country has already In a letter to the EU’s Committee of started using targeted antigen The Mayors of Budapest and Warsaw Regions, Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trza- testing — which is faster and criticised the Polish and Hungarian skowski and Budapest Mayor Gergely logistically easier than national governments for vetoing the Karacsony accused their countries’ standard PCR tests but not as EU budget and COVID-19 recovery leaders of placing their “egotistical accurate — in homes for the fund, and said the EU should cooperate political interests” ahead of the EU’s elderly. directly with regions of member coun- handling of the coronavirus crisis. A “I would very much like tries. copy of the letter was provided to us to meet this challenge to Hungary and Poland blocked the Reuters by Trzaskowski’s office. allow all citizens, at least a adoption of the 2021-2027 budget and Trzaskowski, a member of Poland’s week or 10 days before recovery fund last week over a clause largest opposition group, the Civic Coa- Christmas, to be able to be making access to money conditional lition, and the losing candidate in a tested voluntarily and for free on respect for the rule of law. presidential election this year, told a with antigen tests,” Babis The nationalist Polish and Hun- news conference yesterday: “We said. garian governments both face formal believe this veto is completely unjusti- Voluntary mass testing EU investigations into whether they fiable.” “There is a clear stance (among could be part of a strategic Renovated museum undermined the independence of regional governments) that is different plan the Health Ministry is Dutch Queen Maxima attends the opening of the renovated Museum of the Spirit in courts, media and non-government from the ruling government,” he said, preparing, he added. Haarlem, the Netherlands, yesterday. bodies. They have long opposed a link appearing alongside mayors from a Neighbouring Slovakia between EU funds and such issues. number of smaller Polish towns. has already carried out mil- lions of antigen tests in a campaign at the start of Suspended November that covered most Lithuania parliament OKs new PM of its population. Those that sentence sought did not take the test were AP — VILNIUS, LITHUANIA her top priorities would be to curb the required to go into for Belgian cop spread of virus and accelerate the coun- quarantine. Lithuania’s parliament approved try’s economy. Czech testing would have who shot child yesterday conservative Ingrida The COVID-19 surge had been a hot no conditions attached, Babis Simonyte as the Baltic country’s next potato during the election campaign and said. The risk level was moved AFP — BRUSSELS prime minister before shutting down the former government had faced strong on Monday from the fifth, or for a week because of a recent COVID-19 criticism over soaring virus-related highest, rung on the govern- Belgian prosecutors asked a spike in the country. unemployment. ment’s coronavirus danger court yesterday for only a Simonyte, 46, will head a three- Her Homeland Union party has scale, to the fourth. That suspended sentence against a party centre-right coalition after already agreed with two liberal parties, means restaurants, some police officer who opened fire winning in a 62-10 vote in the 141-seat the Freedom Party and the Liberal schools and most shops on a vanload of migrants and legislature, which is called the Seimas. Movement, to form a governing coa- remain closed but may reopen killed a two-year-old Kurdish Another 41 lawmakers abstained, and lition. The three parties hold 74 seats, as soon as next week if current girl. 28 others were absent mostly due to the just three more than the 71 needed for trends continue and allow Victor-Manuel Jacinto coronavirus resurgence. a majority in parliament. another shift on the scale. Goncalves, 48, was charged The southernmost Baltic country of Her Cabinet, which t is expected to The country of 10.7 million with “involuntary homicide”, nearly 3 million has seen 49,393 be presented in few weeks, must be people has carried out 2.9 and protested that he would COVID-19 cases and 409 deaths — most approved by the president and par- million standard lab tests not have shot at the vehicle if of these recorded in October and liament. In 2019, she lost the presi- since the pandemic started in he had known migrants were November. dential race to former banker Gitanas the spring and has confirmed inside. He could have faced up A former finance minister and pres- Nauseda. 496,638 infections. to five years in prison for such idential candidate, Simonyte led her Lithuania, a member of the On Monday, it registered Lithuania’s newly-elected Prime Minister Ingrida a charge, but prosecutors told conservative Homeland Union to victory European Union and Nato, has kept 4,377 new cases, a third of the Simonyte delivers her speech at the parliament in the court in Mons on the at the parliamentary elections in strong democratic traditions and sus- daily peaks seen at the turn of second day of his trial that they October. tainable economic growth since Vilnius, Lithuania, yesterday. October and November. Total would seek only one year, Simonyte, a trained economist who declaring independence from the Soviet deaths have doubled in suspended. is widely known for her fondness for Union in 1990. It has also played a major Belarus, its southern against that nation’s November to 7,360 after cases The death of Mawda, on ice hockey, soccer and rock music, said diplomatic role as the protests in neighbour, unfold authoritarian leader. surged. the night of May 17 to 18, 2018 has become a symbol for migrant rights activists arguing against what they see as Bel- Helsinki to shut high schools, ban public events gium’s “dehumanisation” of undocumented migrants. AFP — HELSINKI “We propose to use the full demonstrated the need for government. On Monday, Prime Covid-19 cases in the capital Goncalves, a former com- range of measures within the stricter measures, Vapaavuori Minister Sanna Marin warned this week, compared to 992 the puter engineer who joined the Finland’s capital will introduce city’s powers,” Vapaavuori said, said, adding that “too many that a new state of emergency previous week. police in 2008, insists he fired tough new coronavirus restric- warning that healthcare and people” have been ignoring the could be declared if current Finland’s nationwide inci- the shot to give the van a "slow tions, the city’s mayor said contact-tracing services were recommendations so far. regional measures are not dence rate continues to be by far puncture" and end a high- yesterday, after a sharp uptick at risk of being overwhelmed. Helsinki is currently under effective. That would allow for the lowest in the EU, with 69 new speed motorway chase he felt in coronavirus cases. He said further details of the a light-touch regime of controls a repeat of measures such as the cases per 100,000 people put him and a fellow officer in High schools, libraries and restrictions, such as the date which include voluntary limits blockade of the Helsinki region detected in the last fortnight, danger. swimming pools will be closed they will take effect, would be on private indoor events and between March and April this although it has risen from the low Instead, his bullet hit and public events banned out- announced at the end of the recommended use of masks in year. forties at the start of November. Mawda, a two-year-old Iraqi right in Helsinki due to the week. Large-scale infections in some situations. Restrictions on Juha Tuominen, head of the However the rate in and around Kurd who was in the vehicle “worrying” situation, Mayor Jan institutions such as care homes restaurants, or on freedom of capital region’s health authority, the capital is currently signifi- with her parents and two Vapaavuori told a press and homeless shelters in Hel- movement, will have to be noted “a sizeable jump in infec- cantly higher, at 155.8 new cases dozen fellow migrants. conference. sinki in recent days have also introduced by central tions” with 1,533 new confirmed per 100,000 population. 14 AMERICAS WEDNESDAY 25 NOVEMBER 2020 UN decries ‘structural racism’ in Brazil after death of Black man

AFP & REUTERS — peacefully following Silveira GENEVA/BRASILIA Freitas’s death and hold those Black Brazilians endure responsible to account.” The UN said yesterday the structural and More broadly, she said, deadly beating of a black man institutional racism, there was an urgent need for by white guards in Brazil exem- Brazil to reform its laws, insti- plified “structural racism”, and exclusion, marginalisation tutions and policies to address called for an independent and violence, with, in “deeply engrained racial investigation and urgent many cases, lethal stereotypes.” reforms in the country. consequences. Meanwhile, supermarket Several days of protest have chain Carrefour Brasil said yes- erupted in Porto Alegre, southern terday that it deeply regretted Brazil, after video footage last Ravina Shamdasani that a Black man was beaten to week showed 40-year-old UN Rights office death by security guards last welder Joao Alberto Silveira spokeswoman Thursday at one of its Brazil Freitas being punched in the face stores, after hundreds of dem- and head by a supermarket onstrators again protested the security guard while another discrimination and violence killing. guard held him. people of African descent face Black activists in the Ravina Shamdasani, a in Brazil is documented by southern city of Porto Alegre spokeswoman with the UN rights official data.” where the killing occurred have office, told reporters during a She pointed to statistics organised demonstrations virtual briefing in Geneva that his showing that “the number of outside of Carrefour stores killing was “an extreme but sadly Afro-Brazilian victims of hom- since Friday, with another Mexico marks Navy Day all too common example of the icide is disproportionately major protest being held on Mexico President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, flanked by Secretary of the Navy, Admiral Rafael violence suffered by Black people higher than other groups. Monday night. Ojeda Duran, and Secretary of Defence, Luis Sandoval, applaud during an event to mark the Navy in Brazil.” “Black Brazilians endure The hundreds of protesters Day, in Mexico City yesterday. “It offers a stark illustration structural and institutional waved flags and chanted of the persistent structural dis- racism, exclusion, marginali- outside a Carrefour store in the crimination and racism people sation and violence, with, in east of the city at dusk, holding of African descent face,” she many cases, lethal conse- signs such as “Black Lives Matter. said. She said government offi- quences,” she said. Stop killing us.” Stickers calling Amazon to conduct counterfeit cials had a responsibility to “Afro-Brazilians are for a boycott against Carrefour acknowledge the underlying excluded and almost invisible were circulated widely. Shares problem of persisting racism as from decision-making struc- in Carrefour plummeted more inspections with US govt agency the first essential step towards tures and institutions.” than 5% on Monday, erasing solving it. Acknowledging that Brazil 2.16bn reais ($400m) in market BLOOMBERG — NEW YORK data and conduct targeted whack-a-mole with counter- Brazilian President Jair Bol- had opened an investigation value. In mid-morning trading inspections aimed at preventing feiters. Amazon’s spotty record sonaro has downplayed struc- into Freitas’s death, Sham- yesterday, shares were down Amazon.com Inc. is partnering counterfeit products from in controlling the scourge has tural racism in Brazil, where dasani called for the probe to 0.6%. with a US government coun- entering the US supply chain,” turned off customers and around 55 percent of its popu- be “prompt, thorough, inde- The Brazilian unit of terfeit watchdog to conduct Amazon said yesterday in a brands that otherwise might put lation of 212 million identifies pendent, impartial and trans- France-based Carrefour SA said inspections of suspected fake statement. The initiative is called more of their products on the as black or mixed-race. parent,” and insisted it should in a securities filing yesterday, goods, the company’s latest Operation Fulfilled Action. site. Bolsonaro has insisted he “examine if racial bias played its first public notice to attempt to excise bogus More than half of the The Seattle-based company himself is “colour blind”, while a role.” investors on the killing, that it products from its web store. products for sale on Amazon’s in recent years has touted its his Vice-President Hamilton The UN rights office, she would donate all the profit that The world’s largest online site are listed by independent efforts to rid itself of fake Mourao also caused an outcry said, was also urging Brazilian stores nationwide made on retailer is teaming up with the sellers. products, announcing the cre- on Friday when he said “there authorities to “investigate any November 20 to projects National Intellectual Property The embrace of such third- ation earlier this year of its Coun- is no racism” in Brazil. allegations of unnecessary and fighting racism, and 25m reais Rights Coordination Center, a party merchants and a highly terfeit Crimes Unit, which sup- Shamdasani, however, disproportionate use of force ($4.6m) to a fund promoting group led by the Department of automated store mean the ports law enforcement insisted that “structural racism, against people protesting racial inclusion. Homeland Security, “to analyze company is constantly playing investigations.

Inmates killed Trinidad and Tobago deports 16 Venezuelan minors in Colombia riot AFP — PORT OF SPAIN exodus of millions of people concern and called on Trinidad being detained on entering the back to Venezuela to help his shot intentionally, from Venezuela in recent years. and Tobago to guarantee entry country last Tuesday and sent wife take care of their four Trinidad and Tobago has “There is need for an inves- for Venezuelans seeking pro- to a police station. children remaining in the report says deported 16 Venezuelan minors, tigation to be done into how this tection for humanitarian She said she asked for a country. “Every day it is more separating some of them from unfolded and how the systems reasons. video-link hearing on Sunday critical and difficult for them to AP — BOGOTA their parents, a lawyer trying to are being used,” she said. After hours of uncertainty, afternoon, when a court survive, so I told my wife to stop their repatriation said “We know we have opposition deputy Omar demanded that the head of the come here with our oldest New evidence indicates most Monday together with leaders irregular migrants and the Gonzalez said the deportees Defense Staff — the highest mil- daughter,” he said. of the 24 inmates killed during of the Venezuelan opposition. time has come for the state to were found in the Amacuro itary position in Trinidad and “Things are getting worse a prison riot in Colombia’s The minors were deported improve the system to manage delta, a remote region in Tobago — present the migrants in Venezuela. No food, no med- capital earlier this year over on Sunday, hours before a court the flows... These are western Venezuela. He said the to court. ication. Even though I send the fears that crowded, unhygienic hearing in which lawyers were children.” children would return to the However, she said that money they cannot buy conditions would fuel a virus due to demand permanent resi- Venezuela opposition leader island at the request of a Trini- when the hearing resumed on anything.” outbreak were shot to death dence for the young Venezuelan David Smolansky, tasked by the dadian judge. Monday, the commander of the The UN estimates that more intentionally, according to a migrants in the country, attorney Organization of American States The government of Vene- Coast Guard reported that the than five million Venezuelans report released yesterday by Nafeesa Mohammed said. with monitoring migrants from zuelan President Nicolas minors had already been have fled the economic and Human Rights Watch. She called for an investi- his country, said the group of Maduro did not comment on the escorted to the country’s mar- social collapse that has unfurled The organization said gation into the operation and 29 deported migrants included case. Nafeesa Mohammed, the itime boundary. in their homeland since 2015, autopsy reports it commissioned demanded that the government 16 minors, one of them a baby lawyer, said she had asked The father of one of the with some 24,000 seeking from independent forensic of Prime Minister Keith Rowley of just four months. immigration authorities last children said that he had lived refuge in Trinidad and Tobago, experts shed light on one of the re-examine its handling of the The Inter-American Court week for the children to be reu- in Trinidad and Tobago for two an island just off the coast of the deadliest prison uprisings in the migrant crisis triggered by the of Human Rights expressed its nited with their parents after years and was sending money South American country. nation’s recent history. The Independent Forensic Expert Group and the Interna- tional Rehabilitation Council Mudslide claims 7 lives for Torture Victims concluded that none of the dead were shot in a way that indicates in northern Colombia whover fired only wanted to injure them. AP — BOGOTA have killed at least 33 people “Most of the gunshot in Colombia this month, wounds described in the A mudslide destroyed a club according to the country’s autopsy reports are consistent and killed seven people in National Risk Management with having been produced northern Colombia on Monday Agency. Officials said at least with the objective of killing,” as the country reels from heavy 61,000 people have been the experts found. rains. forced to abandon their homes The report does not The disaster management this month due to the relentless determine who fired in the agency for Antioquia state said rains. chaotic moments of the March that the landslide occurred The mountainous state of 21 uprising, but it raises new around 1 am while about 20 Antioquia has been particularly questions about compliance people were inside the small hard hit by mudslides, which with international human club, located near the town of have killed at least 12 people so rights law and the importance Valdivia. It said seven bodies far, including those reported on of a thorough investigation. had been recovered and nine Monday, and blocked a “This new report is based injured people were taken for highway that connects its on official documentation treatment. Rescue workers capital of Medellin to the Car- pointing to the intentional were searching for any missing ibbean coast. The Colombian killing of detainees, yet there people. island of Providencia east of is little sign of progress in the The governor of Antioquia Nicaragua last week lost 80% A man looks at the rubble of houses destroyed after the passage of Storm Iota, in Providencia, investigation,” said José Miguel urged locals to stay away from of its homes when Hurricane Colombia, yesterday. Vivanco, Americas director at disaster site in order to avoid a Iota hit. Human Rights Watch. mass gathering that could Clubs were ordered to close But the measure has not been registered more than 1.2 million most restrictions on economic The Colombian attorney unleash coronavirus across Colombia on November fully enforced, particularly in infections of the new corona- activity in Septermber and is general’s office did not imme- infections. 17, for several weeks, in a bid rural areas like Valdivia, where virus and 35,000 deaths. The now registering about 8,000 diately respond to a request for Heavy rains and Storm Iota to slow coronavirus infections. policing is scarce. Colombia has South American nation lifted new cases each day. comment. Peruvian journalist recognised for harrowing COVID-19 report AFP — LONDON/LIMA Galdos’ report laid bare the immigrants, who collected an confusion and fears because we natural disasters all over the immigration. The award was ravages of the pandemic on the average of 20 corpses a day, knew that our health system world but I never saw so much launched by the Rory Peck Trust Peruvian Guillermo Galdos Peruvian capital by following a said in the report. was not going to cope with the death in my life,” the journalist in 1995 and rewards the best yesterday won the prestigious team of workers as they passed Galdos explained how the pandemic,” he said. said after receiving his award. independent image reporters in Rory Peck Award for freelance through poor Peruvian health system was The team was one of many Galdos has made television the world of news. visual journalists for a report on neighbourhoods. quickly overwhelmed by the created to collect bodies from documentaries in South The London-based foun- Venezuelan immigrants forced Britain’s Channel 4 News pandemic, with only 500 homes in the capital and America for the past 20 years, dation was created in memory to pick up the bodies of broadcast the report in July. intensive care beds for a popu- transport them to already full focusing on human rights vio- of freelance cameraman Rory COVID-19 victims in Lima for a “I wouldn’t wish it on my lation of 32 million. mortuaries. lations, police corruption, Peck, who was killed in Moscow living. worst enemy,” one of the “There was a lot of “I have covered wars and human trafficking and in 1993. WEDNESDAY 25 NOVEMBER 2020 AMERICAS 15

Biden certified Biden fills out as winner of Pennsylvania national security presidential vote team as transition AP — HARRISBURG Democrat Joe Biden was certified yesterday as winner of power begins of the presidential election in Pennsylvania, culminating three weeks of vote counting BLOOMBERG & REUTERS — “The election is over. and a string of failed legal WILMINGTON, DELAWARE It’s time to put aside challenges by President Donald Trump. US President-elect Joe Biden the partisanship and Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf focused on building his the rhetoric designed first disclosed in a tweet that incoming administration and the Department of State had offered a message of healing to demonize one certified the vote count for yesterday as his transition team another. We have president and vice president. began contacting federal to come together,” Wolf sent a “certificate of agencies to prepare for a ascertainment” to the national handover of power in January Biden, due to office US President-elect Joe Biden with Vice-President-elect Kamala Harris participating in a virtual meeting archivist Washington with the from President Donald Trump. on January 20, said with the United States Conference of Mayors at the Queen in Wilmington, Delaware, yesterday. slate of electors who support The Democratic former President-elect Biden and Vice vice-president has been moving on Twitter. a former head of Citizenship Serving as the nation’s top dip- released a name. The President-elect Kamala Harris. swiftly to assemble his team and and Immigration Services who lomat, Blinken will meet appointees will work with Biden Pennsylvania’s 20 electors, make Cabinet choices after security during the transition. would become the first Latino directly with foreign leaders on his goal of restoring US rela- a mix of elected Democrats, defeating the Republican Trump fired Defence Secretary and immigrant to lead an around the world and will fill tions with international organ- party activists and other incumbent in the November 3 Mark Esper on November 9. agency that has played a central an especially important job for izations that Trump spurned in staunch Biden backers, will election. Trump has waged a In a small but symbolic role in Trump’s widely criticized Biden, the former chair of the his “America First” approach to meet in the state Capitol on flailing legal battle to try to move hours after the transition border crackdown. Mayorkas Senate Foreign Relations foreign policy and seeking mul- December 14. overturn the results, falsely announcement on Monday also served as deputy secretary Committee. tilateral approaches to common One of them, state Demo- claiming that the election was night, Biden opened a “.gov” of the department. National security adviser is problems like climate change, cratic Party chair Nancy Patton stolen from him. website available only to gov- Former Secretary of State a key post in the White House, the coronavirus pandemic and Mills, said she will also lead the “The election is over. It’s ernment agencies for his tran- John Kerry, who served under serving as the gatekeeper of arms control. Electoral College’s meeting in time to put aside the parti- sition, launching buildback- Obama, will be named climate information from dozens of In an essay in Foreign Harrisburg next month. sanship and the rhetoric better.gov. envoy, a move to highlight experts in military, diplomatic Affairs magazine earlier this Patton Mills said she was designed to demonize one Joe Biden is set to introduce Biden’s commitment to the and intelligence agencies. UN year, Biden laid out a blueprint gratified that Pennsylvania another. We have to come the team of foreign policy issue. Biden has close relation- ambassador is also an important for “diplomacy as the United was “the state that made it together,” Biden, due to office experts he plans to nominate to ships with Blinken, who is 58, post, serving as the voice of the States’ principal tool of foreign possible” for Biden to win. on January 20, said on Twitter. his administration, led by and Sullivan, 43, who served administration on major global policy,” laying out a process- Biden’s win in the state, Trump has said he will Antony Blinken as secretary of stints as advisers on national issues. oriented approach that would giving him its haul of 20 elec- never concede the election but state, as the president-elect security when he was vice pres- Notably absent from the list lean on “experienced and toral votes, put him over the after weeks of limbo his admin- seeks to calm international ident and worked with his is a nominee for defence sec- empowered professionals.” 270 needed and led The Asso- istration on Monday finally gave relations after a tumultuous campaign. retary. Former Undersecretary Blinken and Thomas- ciated Press to declare him the the green light for the formal four years under President Secretary of state is of Defence for Policy Michele Greenfield are the first Biden president-elect four days after transfer of power to begin. That Donald Trump. regarded as one of the most Flournoy has been long dis- nominees announced who will Election Day. Biden has col- process had been held up A former deputy secretary prestigious cabinet posts and is cussed as a favorite for the job, need Senate confirmation. lected 306 overall electoral despite Biden emerging as the of state in Barack Obama’s fourth in line for the presidency. but the Biden transition has not In a tweet on Monday, votes to Trump’s 232. clear winner and world leaders administration, Blinken will be Blinken said the messages from The Pennsylvania results recognizing him as the next tasked with rebuilding an friends and colleagues since it show Biden and Harris with president. agency hollowed out by a loss became public that he would be 3.46 million votes, Trump and Monday’s announcement of top diplomats under Trump nominated “have been hum- Vice President Mike Pence with meant the Biden team qualifies while reassuring longtime allies bling,” and that he would take 3.38 million, and Libertarian Jo for $6.3m in funds and among of the US commitment to inter- on the role “with my full heart.” Jorgensen with 79,000. Demo- other things can officially coor- national relationships. In similar posts, Sullivan cratic Secretary of State Kathy dinate with the 17 agencies that Biden is also planning to wrote that he would “do every- Boockvar, in a news release, are part of US intelligence gath- name former Hillary Clinton thing in my power to keep our called the state’s election offi- ering, according to the nonpar- aide Jake Sullivan as national country safe,” while Thomas- cials and poll workers “the true tisan Partnership for Public security adviser and veteran Greenfield said she would “work heroes of our democracy.” Service. The Biden team also foreign service officer Linda to restore America’s standing in “We are tremendously gets access to federal office Thomas-Greenfield as ambas- the world and renew relation- grateful to all 67 counties who space, secure facilities for intel- sador to the United Nations. ships with our allies.” have been working extremely ligence briefings and the suc- For his director of national A graduate of Harvard and long hours to ensure that every cession plans for executive intelligence, Biden has selected Columbia law School, Blinken qualified voter’s vote is agencies. In addition, the State Avril Haines, a former top CIA worked for Biden on the Senate counted safely and securely,” Department typically supports official with years of experience Foreign Relations Committee Boockvar said. Trump made a transition team’s discussions in the espionage community who and his 2008 presidential cam- Pennsylvania a centerpiece of with foreign leaders. would fill a job that Trump had paign. After advising Biden as his unsuccessful legal attempts One of the first depart- largely reserved for people better CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: New US Ambassador to the United vice president, he served as to invalidate the election ments that Biden’s team known for their loyalty to him. Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield; Treasury Secretary, Janet Yellen; deputy secretary of state and results, launching legal attacks reached out to was the Pen- And as homeland security Director of National Intelligence, Avril Haines; Special Presidential later co-founded WestExec on vote counting rules and tagon, underscoring the impor- secretary, the president-elect Envoy for Climate, John Kerry; Secretary of State, Antony Blinken; Advisors, a political strategy county election procedures. tance of emphasizing national has picked Alejandro Mayorkas, and Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas. firm. A federal judge on Sat- urday dealt a serious blow to the Trump campaign’s legal efforts by dismissing a lawsuit US plans to release 6.4 million vaccine doses in first distribution that he said lacked evidence and offered “strained legal REUTERS — WASHINGTON had been informed on Friday authorization (EUA) of a German partner BioNTech SE to these jurisdictions, but gov- arguments without merit and of their estimated vaccine allo- COVID-19 vaccine after and others involved in shipping ernors are expected to speculative accusations.” US officials said yesterday they cations in the first shipments so releasing data that showed it and handling of the vaccines determine how best to dis- plan to release 6.4 million they can begin planning for how was 95% effective at preventing have begun rehearsed dry-runs tribute it within their states. Biden win in COVID-19 vaccine doses to best distribute it to their high- the illness in a large, Phase III so that they can ensure the dis- States have developed indi- nationwide in an initial distri- risk populations. trial. tribution infrastructure is func- vidual plans that prioritize who Nevada made bution after the first one is The officials had previously The US Food and Drug tioning properly, the officials said. will be among the first to cleared by regulators for emer- said they anticipate 40 million Administration is expected to States and US territories are receive vaccine doses as they official by court gency use. doses will be distributed by year rule on the EUA after an expert in charge of how the corona- become available. Many states Officials from the govern- end, a number they reiterated advisory committee meets to virus vaccine will be distributed have said they plan to vaccinate AP — LAS VEGAS ment’s Operation Warp Speed yesterday. discuss the vaccine on to their populations. The drug- frontline healthcare workers program told reporters that Pfizer Inc last week filed for December 10. Pfizer, which makers, in concert with federal and nursing home residents in The Nevada Supreme Court states and other jurisdictions the first US emergency use developed its vaccine with officials, will ship their vaccines their first push. made Joe Biden’s win in the state official yesterday, approving the state’s final canvass of the November 3 LA to consider stay-home election. The unanimous action by the seven nonpartisan justices order as virus cases rise sends to Democratic Gov. Steve Sisolak results that will AP — LOS ANGELES Hospitalisations have increased 77% over deliver six electoral votes from the past two weeks. “At this rate, our hos- the western US battleground Officials in the nation’s largest county pitals won’t have any spare beds by state to Biden. The court action will discuss a possible stay-home order Christmas time,” said Los Angeles Mayor drew extra scrutiny amid legal just days before Thanksgiving after a Eric Garcetti about the situation in his city. efforts by the state GOP and spike of coronavirus cases surpassed a Medical centers are prepared to Trump campaign to prevent threshold set by Los Angeles public increase capacity and the city has plans sending vote-by-mail ballots health officials to trigger one. to set up field hospitals if necessary, to all 1.82 million active regis- An “impressive and alarming surge” Garcetti said. tered voters and then to stop of more than 6,000 new cases put Los Newsom has issued a 10 p.m. to 5 the counting of the 1.4 million Angeles County over a five-day average a.m. curfew for almost all state residents votes that were cast. of 4,500 cases per day, Public Health and urged residents to avoid nones- The South Beach Psychiatric Hospital in New York City. Governor Andrew Cuomo Nevada’s six Democratic Director Barbara Ferrer said Monday. sential travel during what is typically the reopened a temporary hospital on the grounds of the South Beach Psychiatric presidential electors are She declined to take action until county busiest travel period of the year. Anyone Hospital due to a surge of coronavirus (COVID-19) positive cases. scheduled to meet Dec. 14 in supervisors meet today. entering California is advised to quar- the state capital of Carson City. If the county orders residents to stay antine for two weeks. Biden won by Nevada home, it would be the first such action If another stay-home order is issued, Francisco International Airport were down through November 13, average daily 33,596 votes, according to since mid-March when Democratic Gov. it could create conflict for people 75% from the same period last year, airport cases increased 108% - which is a much results approved by elected Gavin Newsom followed the lead of planning to spend Thanksgiving together. spokesman Doug Yakel said. more rapid surge in cases than what we officials in Nevada’s 17 several counties and issued a statewide Officials have urged people not to meet In Los Angeles, the county of 10 saw in the summer,” Ferrer said. counties — including Clark order that closed schools and severely with more than two other households million residents has had a dispropor- A week ago, Ferrer said she was County, which encompasses restricted movement, except for essential and to celebrate outdoors and follow tionately large share of the state’s cases hopeful the county wouldn’t hit an Las Vegas, and Washoe workers and for people buy groceries or physical distancing rules. and deaths. Although it accounts for a average of 4,000 cases until early County, which includes Reno. pick up food. Newsom on Monday said gathering quarter of the state’s 40 million resi- December and didn’t think that it was Biden got 50.06% of the Coronavirus cases and hospitaliza- at Thanksgiving is risky and Ferrer went dents, it has about a third of the cases inevitable. But newly confirmed cases vote and Trump 47.67%. tions have been rapidly rising across Cal- a step further by urging people to only and more than a third of the deaths. passed that threshold on Sunday, trig- Nevada Secretary of State ifornia in November. The state recorded gather with members of their households. The rapid rise has taken public health gering an order shutting down restaurant Barbara Cegavske, a Republican its highest day of positive test results on Despite the advisory, millions of Califor- officials by surprise, outpacing a trou- dining for three weeks starting today at who has avoided the public eye Saturday with more than 15,000. It had nians are expected to travel on Thanks- bling summer surge when average cases 10 p.m. and further crippling an industry in recent weeks, presented the more than 14,000 cases Sunday. giving, mainly by car. Flights at San increased 43%. “From October 31 that has reeled from the virus. results to the court. WEDNESDAY 25 NOVEMBER 2020 16

Consumption of QA Privilege Club cuts Qmiles required flavanols can make to book award flights by up to 49% you smarter IANS — LONDON PRAYER THE PENINSULA — DOHA Earlier this year, Qatar TIMINGS Airways Privilege Club revised Researchers have revealed PRAYERPRAYRRAAAY TIMINGSMING Qatar Airways Privilege Club its Qmiles policy to offer more that increased consumption of has cut the number of Qmiles flexibility — when a member flavanols — a group of mole- required to book award flights earns or spends Qmiles, their cules which occur naturally in FAJR 04.27 am by up to 49 percent in a major balance is now valid for 36 fruit and vegetables — can SUNRISE 05.59 am development in its transfor- months. increase your mental agility. mation to provide more and Additionally, Privilege Club Flavanols, a sub-group of DHUHR 11.21 am better rewards to its loyal recently removed booking fees plant flavonoids, are present ASR 02.23 pm members. for award flights. Members in cocoa, grapes, apples, tea, MAGHRIB 04.45 pm Privilege Club’s Qmiles booking Business Class award berries and other foods. They ISHA 06.15 pm requirements will be reduced for flights will continue to receive are known to have a beneficial award flight for all members trav- flights from Sao Paulo (GRU) to you further when you travel complimentary lounge access effect on cardiovascular elling with Qatar Airways on con- Tokyo (HND) are reduced by 49 with us on medium, long and —including to Al Mourjan health, but their effects on necting flights through the Best percent from 391,000 to ultra-long haul flights. We have Business Class Lounge at HIA – brain health are not well Airport in the Middle East, Hamad 200,000 Qmiles, from increased their power in an and seat allocation. understood. International Airport (HIA), as well Auckland (AKL) to Los Angeles important effort to ensure that Members of Privilege Club The study, published in the as those travelling to or from Doha (LAX) by 45 percent from our valued Qatar Airways Priv- will continue to earn Qmiles journal Scientific Reports, to Africa, the Americas, Asia, 434,000 to 240,000, from Paris ilege Club members will be when travelling with Qatar found that people given a Europe, and Oceana. (CDG) to Bangkok (BKK) by 40 amply rewarded for their Airways, oneworld® airlines, cocoa drink containing high Privilege Club members percent from 251,000 to loyalty. or any of the airline’s partners. levels of flavanols were able booking flexi award tickets – 150,000 and from Doha (DOH) This step is a part of the wider They can also earn Qmiles by to complete certain cognitive which require twice the number to London (LHR) by 26 percent transformation of our loyalty using Qatar Airways credit tasks more efficiently than WEATHER of Qmiles as award flights – will from 116,000 to 86,000. In programme that has seen a cards and when shopping with when drinking a non-flavanol TODAY also benefit from these reduc- Economy Class, return award number of enhancements this Privilege Club retail and life- enriched-drink. tions. Members can use Privilege flights from Mumbai (BOM) to year—with more exciting style partners. Qmiles can be “We used cocoa in our Club’s Qcalculator to find out the New York (JFK) are reduced by changes to follow in the coming redeemed for a rage of exciting experiment, but flavanols are number of Qmiles required for 39 percent from 131,500 to months. Our aim is to establish benefits including award flights, extremely common in a wide award flights for their preferred 80,000 Qmiles. and cement ourselves as the upgrades or extra baggage on range of fruit and vegetables,” route and choice of cabin. Qatar Airways Chief Com- leading airline loyalty pro- Qatar Airways, shopping in said study lead author Catarina o o Under the new policy, in mercial Officer Thierry Antinori gramme in the Middle East and Qatar Duty Free as well flights Rendeiro from the University 20 C 27 C Business Class, return award said: “Your Qmiles now take among the best in the world.” and hotel stays with partners. of Birmingham in the UK. Minimum Maximum Moderate temperature daytime with some clouds. Twitter plans to relaunch verification programme next year

W ALRUWAIS : 21o → 25o REUTERS — NEW YORK relaunch its verification pro- been clear about who can standards such as being one of W ALKHOR : 19o → 27o gramme, including a new public become verified and when, why the top-followed accounts in Twitter Inc yesterday released application process, in early 2021. an account might be unverified, the user’s country and having W DUKHAN : 20o → 25o plans for its new policy on how It said a public feedback period or what it means to be verified,” “off-Twitter notability,” which W WAKRAH : 14o → 27o people are “verified” on the site, for the new policy would open Twitter said in the blog post. The could be assessed through W MESAIEED : 14o → 27o an area the company has long today and run until December 8. company laid out more detailed Google search trends, Wiki- W ABUSAMRA : 15o → 25o promised to revamp to address Twitter said it paused public criteria https://help.twitter.com/ pedia references or coverage in confusion and criticisms over submissions for verification in en/managing-your-account/ news outlets. The company said the blue check-mark badges it 2017 after hearing feedback that about-twitter-verified-accounts it may cut the blue badge from uses to authenticate the identity the program “felt arbitrary and verification programme on the for the “core types” of notable, accounts that severely or HIGH TIDE 03:58 – 12:40 of prominent accounts. confusing to many people.” It back burner to focus on issues active accounts it will verify, such repeatedly violate rules, such The social media company said at the time the check mark like election integrity, though it as government officials, com- as its policies on hateful LOW TIDE 06:49 – 21:02 said in a blog post https://blog. was being confused with “an has continued to verify some panies, nonprofits, news organi- conduct, civic integrity or glo- twitter.com/en_us/topics/ endorsement or an indicator of accounts, such as medical zations, entertainers, sports teams, rification of violence. But it said company/2020/help-us-shape- importance.” experts tweeting about athletes and activists. these removals would not be our-new-approach-to-verifi- A year later, Twitter said it COVID-19 this year. Twitter said it also may automatic and would be cation.html that it plans to was putting fixes to the “Since then, we haven’t verify accounts that meet other assessed case by case.