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QatarTribune Qatar_Tribune QatarTribuneChannel qatar_tribune Thursday April 30, 2020 Ramadan 7, 1441 Vol.13 no. 4934 qR 2

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Asr: 3:00 pm Maghrib: 6:05 pm MOST Isha: 7:35 pm PRODUCTS You name it, STARTING FROM we have it! QR Ramadan Timing Sports 11 7 Today Tomorrow P artly Cloudy Hyatt Plaza | Mall of Qatar | Gulf Mall | Al Khor Mall Iftar imsak must hold Olympics as High : 34°C Festival City| Ezdan Mall - Wakrah 4015 6999 a testament to humanity’s LOW : 27°C 6:05pm 3:27am victory, says Shinzo Abe Opening soon in Mirqab Mall

Amir inspects production of Savr-Q ventilators at Barzan Holding Company Amir pardons QNA Doha During my prisoners visit today The Amir HH Sheikh Tamim The Amir HH Sheikh Tamim to the Re- bin Hamad al Thani on bin Hamad al Thani on Wednes- search and Wednesday issued an Amiri day visited the Research and Development gesture pardoning a number Development Center at Barzan Center of of prisoners, on the occa- Holding Company affiliated to the Ministry sion of the Holy Month of the Ministry of Defence at their of Defence, Ramadan. (QNA) headquarters in the Qatar Sci- I got acquainted with ence and Technology Park to the artificial ventilators inspect the production lines for that our engineers have the manufacturing of Savr-Q ventilators. succeeded in developing During the visit, the Amir in cooperation with our Qatar rejects listened to a briefing about the strategic partners, which Haftar’s claims production lines of the Savr-Q are urgently needed ventilators. these days due to the of obtaining Barzan will produce the corona epidemic. ventilators through a strategic mandate to partnership with the Ameri- HH @TamimBinHamad during his visit to Research and Development to the measures taken by the can company, Wilcox, in or- Center at Barzan Holding Company @MOD_Qatar to view production country in combating the novel govern Libya der to cover the health sector’s lines for manufacturing of the (Savr-Q); An advanced step towards coronavirus pandemic. requirements in the country, achieving the strategic goals of utilising state resources for the welfare The Amir was accompanied QNA and to export them in light of of people. — HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al Thani by Prime Minister and Minister Doha the increased global demand estimated to produce 2,000 de- the centre who are working to of Interior HE Sheikh Khalid for the treatment of those af- vices per week. produce devices that comply tration (FDA). pany comes in response to the bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al Qatar has rejected retired fected by the novel coronavirus The Amir also met with a with the standards of the Amer- The production of ventila- Amir’s directives to the Min- Thani, and a number of minis- Major General Khalifa (COVID-19). The company is number of Qatari engineers at ican Food and Drug Adminis- tors by Barzan Holding Com- istry of Defence to contribute ters and senior officials. page 2 Haftar’s declaration to have obtained a “popular mandate” to govern Libya. This is affirmation of his persistent attempt to stage a coup against international Housing over 5 workers at one place ‘Qatar has ample legitimacy and the Libyan national consensus. in family residential areas a violation In a statement on facilities, personnel Wednesday, the Ministry QNA vironment HE Eng Abdullah bin Ab- of Foreign Affairs affirmed Doha dulaziz bin Turki al Subaie issued min- that Haftar’s declaration is isterial decision No 105 of 2020 defining to care for critical based on false pretext and Housing more than five workers at family residential areas and what is con- reflects his disregard for one place within family residential areas sidered workers’ camps within those the sanctity of the loss of is a violation of the law and it will attract areas, in addition to determining those COVID-19 cases’ Libyan blood. legal action, according to a ministerial excluded from this decision. “At a time when the decision. QNA world’s efforts are directed Minister of Municipality and En- Continued on page 2  Doha to stop the bloodshed in Libya and fight the coro- Qatar has sufficient medical navirus pandemic, we see facilities and personnel to the continuation of the provide healthcare for the militarisation of the scene, COVID-19 recoveries reach 1,243 current number of people attacks on civilians and on infected with coronavirus the political track, without Qa tar on Wednesday reported 643 new coro- Industrial Area who were identified through (COVID-19) who need critical any regard for the tragedy of navirus (COVID-19) cases, taking the infected testing by the MoPH tracking teams. The medical care and advanced the children, women, elderly, tally in the country to 12,564, the Ministry of remaining cases have come from citizens respiratory treatment, ac- and displaced persons of Public Health (MoPH) has announced. The and residents who have contracted the vi- cording to a top health sector Libya,” it added. last 24 hours also saw 109 people making rus from members of their families, who in official. The statement called on recovery from the disease, bringing the total turn had contracted the virus through their Dr Ahmed al Muhammad, the international community number of recoveries to 1, 243 in Qatar. workplaces or other places where they had Acting Head of the Intensive and actors in Libyan scene In a statement, the MoPH said most been exposed to infected people. Care Department at the Dr Ahmed al Muhammad to shoulder their respon- of the new cases are due to expatriate All the new cases have been quaran- Hamad Medical Corporation sibilities to prevent Haftar workers in different occupations who have tined where they are receiving the neces- (HMC), and Acting Medical with the possibility of in- and his militias from killing been in contact with previously discovered sary medical care. The MoPH said most of Director for Hazm Mebaireek creasing this number to 560 more innocents and tearing cases, as well as new cases of COVID-19 the COVID-19 cases are experiencing only General Hospital, said the beds (for intensive and non- the Libyan nation apart. among groups of workers from outside the mild symptoms. (TNN) country’s healthcare system intensive care unit) through is ready to provide care for the use of an attached field a high number of cases of hospital that was created for infection. this purpose. He said at the end of last Dr Muhammad pointed month, HMC designated the out that more than 135 Qatar sends urgent medical aid to four countries Hazm Mebaireek General COVID-19 patients have been Hospital (HMGH) as a facil- treated in the Intensive Care QNA cal equipment and supplies Ministry of Foreign Affairs Har- ity for treating patients with Unit of Hazm Mebaireek Doha were sent to the four coun- ishchandra Ghimire. coronavirus due to its ad- General Hospital. More than tries and were transported by Similarly, the medical aid vanced capabilities in terms half of these patients have Qatar, represented by the Qatar Airways. (10 tonnes) arrived in Tunis. of providing high-quality care recovered or their health con- Qatar Fund for Development Meanwhile, the aid arrived It was received by Abdulaziz for those infected with the ditions improved and they no (QFFD), on Wednesday sent at Nepal capital Kathmandu on Mohammed al Sheikh, Acting virus and are in critical condi- longer needed critical health- four shipments of urgent medi- Wednesday. The shipment was Chargé d'Affairs at the Em- tion. care as they were transferred cal aid to Tunisia, Algeria, received by Minister of Health bassy of Qatar to Tunisia, Mo- He said the clinical either to the regular care Rwanda and Nepal in support of and Population of Nepal Bhanu hamed bin Youssef, Director capacity of HMGH has been departments or to the home- the efforts to confront and con- Bhakta Dhakal, Ambassador of of the Department of Arab and increased to nearly three health isolation or quarantine tain the outbreak of the corona- Qatar to Nepal HE Yousuf bin Islamic Affairs in the Tunisian times its previous capacity. facilities. virus (COVID-19) pandemic. Mohamed al Hail, and Director Ministry of Foreign Affairs and The number of beds In a statement, QFFD said of Central and West Asia and a delegation from the Tunisian increased to 330 from 118, Continued on page 2  a total of 45 tonnes of medi- Africa Division at the Nepalese Ministry of Health. page 2 02 Thursday, April 30, 2020

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Jail term or Q100,000 Ansctsmir i pe production of artificial ventilators at Barzan Holding Company fine for housing workers The Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani on in family residential areas Wednesday visited the Research and Development Continued from page 1  and Environment or its rep- Center at Barzan Holding resentative to reconcile in Company affiliated to the The decision is an implemen- exchange for paying half of Ministry of Defence at their tation of the provisions of Law the maximum fine by pay- headquarters in the Qatar No 15 of 2010 on the prohibi- ing QR50,000 in addition to Science and Technology tion of workers camps within evacuating workers from the Park, to inspect the produc- family residential areas amend- violating building. The deci- tion lines for the manu- ed by Law No 22 of 2019. sion No 105 of 2020 excluded facturing of the (Savr-Q) The ministerial decision female worker camps what- ventilators. HH the Amir was defined worker camps within ever the nature of their work, accompanied by Prime Min- family residential areas. If any as well as domestic workers in ister and Minister of Interior violation is detected, a warn- houses and similar categories, HE Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa ing shall be sent to the violator such as maids and drivers. bin Abdulaziz al Thani and -- the lessor or the lessee, or The ministerial decision a number of ministers and both, in addition to issuing a comes within the framework senior officials.(QN A) report of the violation and then of the ministry’s efforts to demanding the eviction of the preserve the health of work- property. In case of non-com- ers and limit the number of pliance, forced eviction of the workers in one accommoda- violating building will be car- tion which must be not more ried out along with cutting off than five workers, in addition power and water supply from to limiting the phenomenon the violating housing. of unregulated housing, which In cases of offence, the does not meet the specifica- Consult your physician before changing penalty is imprisonment for tions of adequate worker a period not exceeding six housing. months and a fine not less The MME called for abid- than QR50,000 and not more ing by the provisions of the medication timing, HMC urges patients than QR100,000 or one of the decision and vacating accom- two penalties. modations that have surplus CATHERINE W GICHUKI Therefore, all patients are ad- disease and atrial fibrillation ing medication for heart- The law authorised the workers in order to avoid legal DOHA vised to consult their doctors who take warfarin to prevent burn should take them before Minister of Municipality accountability. before deciding to fast. This blood clots should take af- Suhour to reduce the acidity If you are on medication, then ensures optimal care during ter an hour of Iftar and keep during fasting. do not change the timings of the Holy Month of Ramadan.” checking their international Patients taking medica- your medication regimen dur- She urged people not to normalized ratio (INR) level to tions for enlarged prostate and ing Ramadan without consult- change their doses without see the effect of fasting on the overactive bladder like tamsu- Deepak Mittal named new ing your physician, Hamad consulting their physicians INR, she advised. losin and Solifenacin should Medical Corporation (HMC) and not to take any medication She warned those with a take their doses after Iftar Indian ambassador to Qatar has urged people. on empty stomach before Iftar heart failure condition who are or after Taraweeh to prevent Those with chronic dis- to avoid gastric irritation. on diuretics (water pill) like drowsiness p and dry mouth, Satyendra Pathak eases and conditions such as Dr Hail said there are treat- Lasix against take the medi- sahe said. According to her, Doha hypertension, coronary artery ments and procedures that do HMC Executive Director of Phar- cation with Suhour as these cancer patients should consult disease, heart valve disease not invalidate fasting such macy Dr Moza Sulaiman al Hail medications usually last for their physicians before decid- Deepak Mittal has been ap- and atrial fibrillation, high as eye and ear drops; oxygen six hours and may result in de- ing to. For thyroid disorders, pointed as the next Ambassa- level of cholesterol, diabetes, and anaesthetic gases, nitro- joints or veins, with the excep- creasing the amount of water she said proper administra- dor of to Qatar, India’s kidney diseases, seizure, thy- glycerin tablets placed under tion of intravenous feeding,” in the body, adding that diu- tion time for Thyroxine is half Ministry of External Affairs an- roid disorders, cancer among the tongue for the treatment she said. retics can decrease the amount an hour before Suhour time nounced on Wednesday. others require daily medica- of angina; mouthwashes or Dr Hail recommended that of magnesium and potassium as it makes it feasible to be in Mittal, presently joint secre- Deepak Mittal tion to manage their condition oral sprays provided nothing those on high blood pressure levels that are important for empty stomach. tary in the Ministry of External and prevent complications. swallowed enters the stomach; medication once a day can take the function of the heart. Corticosteroid medica- Affairs, is expected to take up Mittal will be succeeding me as HMC Executive Director of suppositories/pessaries (rec- their doses after Suhour or If- According to Dr Hail, pa- tions like prednisolone and his assignment shortly. the next ambassador of India to Pharmacy Dr Moza Sulaiman tal/vaginal); nebuliser, enema tar, preferably after Taraweeh tients with high level of choles- hydrocortisone should be giv- In a Facebook post on Qatar. I look forward to hand- al Hail said, “Recent stud- and asthma inhaler. prayer, at the same time every terol using long-acting drugs en after suhoor time, she said. Wednesday, Indian Ambas- ing the baton over to him in a ies show that many patients “Others include all sub- day to avoid dizziness while such as Rosuvastatin and Ator- Those who need further in- sador to Qatar HE P Kumaran few weeks. I am sure he will change their medication regi- stances absorbed into the praying or after Suhour. If the vastatin can take t them after formation about their medica- said, “I am happy that the Min- take the bilateral relationship men without talking to their body through the skin such as medication is more than one, Iftar, while short-acting drugs tions can call HMC’s corporate istry of External Affairs has an- and the profile of the Indian physicians, which can lead creams, ointments and medi- it should be distributed be- such as Simvastatin and Pravas- pharmacy drug information nounced today that my dear community in Qatar to greater to suboptimal management cated plasters, and injections tween Iftar and Suhour. tatin can be taken before sleep. center on 402-60-747/402- friend and colleague Dr Deepak heights in the coming years.” of their medical disorders. through the skin, muscle, Patients with heart valve She added that those tak- 60-760/402-60-759. Katara Engineering Innovation Register for National ‘HMC has contingency Award to help boost creativity plans for intensive care’ As part of its endeavour to encour- jects with a focus on human health Address to avoid fine age creativity in various fields, the and taking into account beauty and Continued from page 1  of the COVID-19 patients Cultural Village Foundation (Kata- sustainability. It also requires joint As an implementation for the provi- tres during the officials working hours who received medical treat- ra) has launched the Katara Award project to address contemporary sions of the law No 24 of 2017 on Na- from 9am to 1pm during Ramadan and He said the state’s healthcare ment in the intensive care de- for Engineering Innovation for the and future challenges with innova- tional Address and Minister of Interior from 6am to 1 pm during the normal system managed to deal with partment at HMGH so far are year 2020. tion and creativity. decree No 96 of 2019 on implementa- working days. The centres are: Musai- all the challenges of the coro- between the ages of 35 and Katara is inviting all engineers In addition, the projects should tion of the law, the Ministry of Interior meer – 2350888; Dhaayin - 2351205; navirus pandemic, thanks to 70 years, and many of them from different parts of be submitted in both Arabic and (MoI) is urging citizens, expatriates and Industrial Area - 2351151; Al Khor – the strategy for tracking the uffer from chronic diseases, to participate in the award by pre- English languages, along with com- legal persons, who have not registered 2351299; Shanmal – 2351900; Hamad virus and allocating enough especially high blood pres- senting their engineering projects, prehensive engineering presenta- for the National Address, to do so be- Medical Corporation – 2350380; Shah- capacity to provide good sure. specifying five categories for the tions of the projects through the fore July 26, 2020, through the min- haniyya - 2352888; Ummu Sulal – healthcare service to all pa- He said those with criti- award that include culture, sports, Katara website www.katara.net. The istry’s ‘Metrash2’ application or web- 2351822; Wakra - 2351090; Dukhan – tients. cal conditions stay in the in- tourism, environment and medicine winner of each of the five categories site (www.moi.gov.qa) to avoid legal 2353131; Rayyan - 2350333; Mesaeed He said the Hazm Me- tensive care department be- fields. will receive $10,000 prize. consequences. – 2351003; Souq Waqif – 2340608; baireek General Hospital is tween two and three weeks, The award aims to enhance ex- Entries to the award are open The ministry urged those who have Onaiza - 2350444; and Pearl Qatar – one of five facilities dedicated but patient who suffers from cellence in completed research pro- until July 31, 2020. (TNN) any query to contact its service cen- 2340404. (TNN) to treating COVID-19, with chronic diseases may need a the hospital having more longer time to recover from than 250 doctors in different the infection with this virus. specialties. Qatar will not witness a Q atar sENDS medical aid to four countries to combat coronavirus He stressed that all parts large numbers of deaths like of the healthcare system in other countries in the world, Qatar consolidated their he added. efforts to prepare for the “We affirm our readiness health crisis, noting the large to provide care for people amount of time dedicated to with critical conditions who training people and manag- are infected with this virus. ing resources to ensure the We call for each of us to work provision of the best service. on their sides to prevent the He also said the HMC has spread of the virus to avoid contingency plans in case of exposing healthcare services more need for intensive care. in hospitals, especially in in- He said many countries tensive care departments, to were facing a difficult chal- severe pressure,” he said. lenge in providing ventilators “Although the terrifying for patients. The healthcare scenarios that have occurred sector and hospitals in Qatar in many countries do not nec- Qatar, represented by the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), on Wednesday sent four shipments of urgent medical assistance to Tunisia, Algeria, Rwanda and Nepal, to support the ef- did not suffer from any short- essarily mean that they may forts of the governments to contain the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. According to the QFFD, nearly 45 tonnes of medical equipment and supplies were sent to the age of these devices or in happen in our country, we four countries and were transported by Qatar Airways. In his statement, Ambassador of Algeria to Qatar HE Dr Mustafa Boutoura has lauded the directives of the Amir HH Sheikh Tamim terms of the number of medi- must work together to com- bin Hamad al Thani to provide urgent medical aid to Algeria to fight the coronavirus outbreak. “Such generous gestures are not strange to brothers in Qatar, reflecting Qatar’s solidarity cal staff. bat this pandemic and put an with the brotherly countries and other countries around the world in general as one of the premise of Qatar’s foreign policy,” he said. (QNA) Dr Muhammad said most end to its spread,” he noted. Nation Thursday, April 30, 2020 03 QF: GU-Q alumni take their master’s exhibition programme at UCL Qatar online

Tribune News Network Cornell Medicine in Qatar. It one else as she experiences this The exhibition, Umoumah, foreseen.” “It took a lot of hours of hibit has the ability to reach Doha seeks to explore the process of transition - the process of be- The team decided to move work and collaboration - to more people around the world becoming a mother and sup- coming a mother.” Hoyas who Arabic for Motherhood, is forward with a virtual exhi- design both the physical and and it’s been really gratifying Five GU-Q alumni enrolled in for expectant mothers were involved in the project a collaboration between bition instead, but the deci- online exhibition. I think we to hear about reactions of fam- the UCL Qatar Master’s (MA) in Qatar through a variety of include Walli Ullah (SFS’18) the QF partner institutions sion to transition to an online all experienced such a major ily, friends and members of in the and Gallery artistic mediums. Originally and Ameni Abida (SFS’19) on UCL Qatar, Sidra Medicine space, said Aleesha, presented shift in the way we work and the museum and cultural her- Practice were part of a team planned for a show, the marketing and evaluation and Weill Cornell Medicine new challenges. “We had to communicate over the last few itage community. I’m really that worked to quickly convert the project has now found a team, and Layal Mashhadi in Qatar think carefully about how to weeks, using so many plat- proud of how it turned out.” the programme exhibit into an new home on its own website. (SFS’19) and Nabilah Asarow balance our original concept forms to stay connected on- For more information interactive online experience Aleesha Suleman (SFS’16), (SFS’19) on the interpretation program’s practical elements with the experience of a user line.” about the virtual exhibition in the aftermath of the corona- who was part of the exhibition and education team. that we were looking forward in the digital world. It wasn’t The experience, she said, please visit the website at viris pandemic crisis. design team, said: “This exhi- Although the exhibition to have changed or canceled a copy-paste exercise but in- gave her the opportunity to www.umoumah.com, follow The exhibition, Umoumah, bition aims to create aware- building was nearing com- were the exhibition project volved a serious back-and- innovate, problem solve, and the Instagram account: @ Arabic for Motherhood, is a ness for the larger community pletion, the pandemic crisis and the work placement. I was forth process with our web ultimately, create something umoumah which features the collaboration between the QF and the family unit, but also meant that it was impossible to really looking forward to these developers to come up with an with its own unique set of ad- exhibition hashtags: #umou- partner institutions UCL Qa- for the mother-to-be who can physically present their hard things, but the situation is not interactive and heartfelt expe- vantages too. “I can see how mah, #uclqatar and #uclqu- tar, Sidra Medicine and Weill be harder on herself than any- work to visitors. “Most of the one that anyone could have rience online. this online version of the ex- rates. Tamuq’s Dr Nayef Alyafei DFC launches virtual gallery for all artists named Energy Influencer in Ramadan period Tribune News Network 15 May with full credit to Doha the artists in an effort to Dr Alyafei’s contributions have strengthened Tamuq’s reputation in Qatar and regionally provide them with exposure In support of the #Stand- and recognition that they Tribune News Network first Tamuq graduate to join challenging engineering and tiphase flow in porous media withCreatives campaign, deserve. Doha the faculty of the branch cam- fundamental concepts in a lu- at the micro and macro scales, Doha Festival City has an- Successful applicants pus. He recently published his cid manner, Alyafei is consid- in particular on wettability nounced the launch of its must ensure that all works A&M University at Qa- first textbook ‘Fundamentals ered an inspirational teacher and spontaneous imbibition community-driven initia- of art are themed under tar’s (Tamuq) Dr Nayef Alyafei of Reservoir Rock Properties’ by his students. In the class- studies both experimentally tive aimed at providing art- ‘Ramadan in Qatar,’ men- has been named an Energy In- and two educational maga- room, his enthusiasm and and numerically. ists with an opportunity to tioning the name of the art- fluencerfor 2020 by The Way zines. teaching skills are readily ap- Dr César Octavio Malavé, showcase their artworks at ist and supported by a dec- Ahead, a publication of the So- Alyafei is considered a role parent, and this creates an in- dean of Tamuq, said Alyafei the Ramadan-themed vir- laration in both English and ciety of Petroleum Engineers model for his students and col- spiring learning environment has taken on the responsibility tual gallery. Arabic languages, together (SPE). leagues due to his outstanding for the students. His contribu- for educating future genera- Under the umbrella of with the title and descrip- Alyafei is a Class of 2009 service in teaching, research tions have strengthened Ta- tions of engineering leaders in the ongoing # QatarUnites tion of the work. Partici- Petroleum Engineering gradu- and outreach. He plays an ac- muq’s reputation in Qatar and Qatar. Community initiative of pants should also provide ate of Tamuq, a Qatar Founda- tive role in providing guidance regionally. He regularly leads “In everything he does — Doha Festival City, both high-quality pictures or tion (QF) partner university, to the student body and is an many of the university’s STEM whether in the classroom or established and up-and- scans of their artwork, their and an assistant professor in advisor to Tamuq’s SPE stu- initiatives, helping the univer- the lab, or when he volunteers coming artists will have social media tools and web- the Petroleum Engineering dent chapter. He has previous- sity recruit the highest quality his time for our ongoing STEM the opportunity to publish site URLs (if applicable). programme. ly won the university’s Teach- Qatari and other students to outreach activities — Dr Nayef their artworks on the high- Robert Hall, general After completing his PhD ing Excellence Award and the Dr Nayef Alyafei enroll in its engineering pro- Alyafei leads by example,” Ma- ly-viewed platforms of the manager of Doha Festival in Petroleum Engineering Texas A&M University Associ- grammes. lavé said. “Nayef truly embod- mall, such as their websites City, said: “We are pleased from Imperial College Lon- ation’s Distinguished Achieve- ceive them. In 2018, he was In a short time, Alyafei ies the Texas A&M core values and social media channels, to give all of Qatar’s artists, don in 2015, Alyafei joined ment Award for Teaching, the named Tamuq’s Alumnus of generated more than $2.5 of excellence, integrity, leader- and to showcase their whether professionals or the Tamuq faculty, becoming youngest faculty member to the Year for his teaching and million in research grants. He ship, loyalty, respect and self- creativity. amateurs, the opportunity the youngest faculty member receive these awards and the mentoring activities. leads a research group that fo- less service, and we are proud Doha Festival City en- to be featured across our in the department and the first assistant professor to re- With his ability to present cuses on understanding mul- to call him an Aggie engineer.” courages all in Qatar to sub- channels. We take pride in mit their Ramadan-themed supporting the #Standwith- works of art, whether paint- Creatives initiative to pro- ing, photography, digital art mote creativity within the or calligraphy, starting from 1 community, and under our May 2020. Participants may ongoing #QatarUnitesUs HBKU Press lists top tips for becoming a better writer submit their artwork on the community program, we following link: https:/forms. hope to be able to give back Tribune News Network But, if you can’t find the time, make it. Put “Write down everything that happens in gle/7ZEk4andDq HeZT- to Qatar’s creative com- Doha down your phone for 10 minutes, ignore the story [in the first draft], and then in Vegc6. The deadline for sub- munity the recognition it the urge to watch “just one more show” your second draft make it look like you missions is 10 May 2020. deserves especially in times Hamad Bin Khalifa University Press in the series you’ve been binge-watching knew what you were doing all along.” All submitted artworks like these.” (HBKU Press) has come up with some and write out one sentence – just one – to Rest: Writer’s block is real. Mental will be carefully reviewed With more than 430 top tips for aspiring writers looking to im- get your creative juices flowing. fatigue, especially now, is something and selected by the desig- stores open at Doha City prove their craft or get a new hobby while Find your voice: Reading is the best we’re all feeling. Sometimes the words nated Doha Festival City Festival and more than 100 practicing social distancing at home to way to become a better writer. Note how simply stop flowing. It’s OK to stop, rest, team. Once successful, restaurants offering food stop the spread of COVID-19. other successful authors use language and and recharge. Step away from the piece the selected artworks will and drinks, shoppers are “We’ve seen a steady increase in sub- techniques to develop plot and characters. you’re writing and take time to get some be posted on the Doha spoilt for choice. There are missions over the past few weeks which Then think critically about how you would clarity and perspective. The best writing Festival City’s dedicated 46 exclusive brands in Qa- tells us that people are prioritising writ- re-write some of your favorite passages to are pieces produced from passion and # QatarUnitesUs Virtual tar’s Doha City Festival. To ing during their time in confinement,” are facing.” reflect your own style. It’s true that the love for the craft. So if writing becomes Gallery on their website learn more about Doha City said Ghenwa Yehia-Malaeb, Content Through her personal experience as saying goes, “Imitation is the sincerest a chore, it’s time to take a break. Come www.dohafestivalcity.com Festival, please visit www. Development Specialist at HBKU Press. a writer and editor, Abou Chakra notes form of flattery,” but, as award-winning back to it when you are ready. as well as on social media dohafestivalcity.com or call “Literacy – both reading and writing – that there are a number of key factors author Meg Rosoff stated, “Your writing “This is a great time to be innovative channels between 11 and + 974 4035 4444. are important tools that help develop that encourage successful writing. voice is the deepest possible reflection of and start thinking about writing as some- our knowledge and understanding of the Be prepared: You never know when who you are. The job of your voice is not thing more than a hobby,” Abou Chakra world around us. By providing these tips, inspiration is going to hit, so always have to seduce or flatter or make well-shaped concluded. “And if you’re not ready to we hope to encourage the wider public to something close to you to record your sentences. In your voice, your readers work on a novel, anything from a poem to continue to invest in their own potential thoughts. Whether it’s a pen and a piece should be able to hear the contents of a personal essay is a great place to start.” and to develop a very useful skill.” of paper on your bedside table, or a note your mind, your heart, your soul.” Hamad Bin Khalifa University Press Souha Abou Chakra, HBKU Press application on your phone, be prepared Write endlessly and edit mercilessly: has also opened a global call for submis- Senior Editor and writer herself, un- to come up with ideas as they come. When you’re in the process of writing, sions for any literary and/or artistic works derstands the very personal experience Some of the best stories are inspired by don’t worry about anything other than inspired by life in confinement due to the that writing can be. “Writing can be a our daily lives. getting your ideas out. Forget the rules, global COVID-19 pandemic and personal cathartic experience,” said Abou Chakra. Find/Make the time: Dedicated forget convention, just write, write, write! changes that have occurred as a result “People may find themselves putting pen writers commit to nurturing their craft. Get that first draft out of your head. Then, of the world in crisis. Reflective pieces to paper in an effort to navigate their Whether it is 10 minutes in the morn- edit without mercy when it comes to the are being accepted until May 6, 2020 in thoughts and feelings during this difficult ing writing in a journal while everyone is second draft – take out anything that Arabic, English and French. For more de- time. It can be a great release. asleep or dedicating one hour each day to doesn’t add to the piece, that doesn’t tails on the requirements and terms and “It’s also a great way to let your im- writing, you need to find time to sit down move the plot forward, or develop the conditions, interested participants are agination run wild – to create a fictional and just do it. This may be harder now in characters further. Best-selling Ameri- welcome to visit this website where you world that allows your mind to take a confinement at home; writing in peace can author Neil Gaimon described this will find the application form and more break from some of the harsh realities we may be a luxury that not everyone has. process best when he said you should: details about the submission process. Five outstanding senior students receive NU-Q’s annual awards

Tribune News Network nessed Manaa’s journey over Both in and out of the Doha the last four years, said she is classroom, Lowe said that “curious, fact-based, critical she excelled. “She is smart, Northwestern Univer- and fair” and “wants to make hardworking, creative and sity in Qatar (NU-Q) has rec- a difference in the world.” committed to excellence, and ognised members of the sen- As the editor of The Daily Q, she has demonstrated true ior class for their academic Dedinsky said that Manaa leadership over the years, es- excellence and leadership has illustrated “her worthi- pecially this year.” skills. ness for this high honour in Keelie Sorel, director NU-Q annually awards many ways: she has always of student affairs said that seniors in five categories, Maha Essid Malek al Manaa Sarah Shaath Hamiean al Hardan put learning first, and she Hardan has consistently with the selection and rec- has travelled far in the digi- demonstrated “exceptional ognition made by the dean, dent Leadership). pressed by Sarah’s poised noted her commitment to her designing for Qatar Muse- tal world, producing videos, leadership, integrity and per- academic programmes and Presenting the Dean’s and calm, directed leader- academic studies as well as ums, as social media editor podcasts and written reports sonal growth.” student affairs. Award, NU-Q Dean Craig ship style,” he said. “I’m sure her work outside of the class- for The Daily Q, producer on issues such as equality Hardan has served as the This year’s winners LaMay described Shaath’s she’ll be successful in what- room. and art director for Studio and equal rights.” student union vice-president were Sarah Shaath (Dean’s many contributions to the ever she does.” “Ayza is an exemplary 20Q, and peer tutor at the Gregory Lowe announced and sports coordinator; stu- Award), Maha Essid (Com- NU-Q, including serving as The faculty’s choice student. In addition to earn- NU-Q Writing Center. Essid as the winner of the dent ambassador; and cap- munication Programme), president of the student un- for the Liberal Arts award ing a high GPA, she is crea- Manaa received her award from the Communica- tain of the women’s foot- Ayza Sheikh (Liberal Arts ion (NUQSU), captain of the was announced by the pro- tive, bold, intellectually curi- award from Mary Dedinsky, tion Programme, presenting ball team. “She genuinely Programme), Malak al Manaa women’s basketball team gramme’s director, Prof ous and an excellent critical professor and director of the her as “a student of remark- cares for the NU-Q commu- (Journalism and Strategic and managing editor for ‘The Kathleen Hewett-Smith. In thinker and writer. She has Journalism and Strategic able abilities who has been nity and is always looking Communication Programme) DailyQ’. describing Ayza, a communi- also excelled outside the Communication programme. a stand-out in every respect for ways to improve things,” and Hemyan al Hardan (Stu- “I have always been im- cations major, Hewett-Smith classroom in digital media Dedinsky, who has wit- over the past four years.” Sorel said. 04 Thursday, April 30, 2020 / Africa Report: PM of Guinea-Bissau tests positive for COVID-19 Tunisia ends school year early due to coronavirus Nairobi The prime minister of the West African country of Guinea-Bissau and several other senior officials Tunis Tunisia said on Wednesday it was ending the school year prematurely due to an outbreak have tested positive for COVID-19, the Lusa news agency reported on Wednesday. of the coronavirus. News Prime Minister Nuno Nabian and at least three other members of his government are infected, Lusa The decision was announced by Tunisian Education Minister Mohammed El Hamdi at a quoted Health Minister Antonio Deuna as saying in a televised address. press conference, the country’s official news agency AT P reported. in brief A government source told Lusa that the other infected officials are Interior Minister Botche Cande and Authorities will allow high school students to resume classes on May 28 before they sit for two secretaries of state, Mario Fambe and Monica Buaro. The cases are related to a senior Interior Minis- final examins.U niversity students will also return gradually to in the north African try official who has died, Lusa reported. Guinea-Bissau had recorded 73 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and country starting early June. one death by Wednesday, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. (DPA) Tunisia so far has reported a total of 975 coronavirus cases, resulting in 40 deaths. (DPA) 79 soldiers injured in Death toll in northern protests over economic Syria blast rises to 52 woes: Lebanese army DPA DPA Beirut Beirut

The death toll in an explo- The Lebanese army said on sion that hit a Turkish-backed Wednesday that 79 of its sol- rebel town in northern Syria diers were injured the previ- earlier this week has risen ous day in violent protests to 52, a war monitor said against the country’s econom- Wednesday. ic problems. The Syrian Observatory Despite a coronavirus for Human Rights said that lockdown, nationwide protests the fatalities included 11 chil- erupted on Tuesday in Leba- dren and 12 rebel fighters. non against the deteriorating On Tuesday, a booby- economic situation and the de- trapped fuel tanker exploded valuation of the local currency. in the northern Syrian town of Violence flared up on Tues- Afrin, which is controlled by day following the funeral of Turkish troops and allied re- Fawaz Samman, a 26-year-old bel groups. The blast initially man who died of wounds he killed 46 people and injured had sustained in clashes be- at least 50 others. tween protesters and the army So far, there has been no in Tripoli on Monday night. Lebanese army soldiers accompany demonstrators as they chant claim of responsibility for the Fifty of the injured sol- anti-government slogans in Beirut. (AFP) attack. diers were wounded in riots in The mainly Kurdish en- Lebanon’s northern port city act professionally and respon- He added that the cen- clave of Afrin was captured by of Tripoli, the army said in a sibly to prevent the country tral bank’s foreign currency the Turkish military and allied statement. from sliding into the uknown,” reserves currently stand at Syrian rebel fighters during The other 25 were injured he added. 22.8 billion dollars, which are an offensive in 2018. Syrian in clashes in Beirut and on Lebanon is experienc- needed to buy basic imports. Kurds blamed for cre- a linking the capi- ing its worst economic cri- Salameh dismissed claims ating the conditions that led to tal with southern Lebanon. sis since the civil war of 1975- that the bank’s policies are to Tuesday’s blast. A photo shows the scene of a fuel truck bomb in the northern Syrian city of Afrin on Tuesday. (AFP) The army added that 90, prompting banks to impose blame for the sharp decline The Kurdish-led Syr- 19 people were arrested in restrictions on the local pound in the value of the Lebanese ian Democratic Forces (SDF) thought, has opened the door demn and denounce this that the person who brought Tripoli for throwing fireworks and dollar withdrawals. pound against the dollar on Council on Wednesday ac- wide open for the terrorist cowardly terrorist act that tar- the truck was captured, but and stones at soldiers and the informal market. cused Turkey of helping “ter- forces to organize their ranks geted innocent civilians and gave no details. torching banks. One more Salameh insisted in a tel- rorist organizations” to re- and carry out cowardly acts threatens the remaining sons The SDF is mainly led by person was arrested in Tripoli Fifty of the injured soldiers evised address that the bank group so they can launch such under Turkish protection,” the of Afrin to move and leave the People’s Protection Units, for allegedly firing live bullets were wounded in riots in has used all its tools to stabi- attacks, a reference to Islamic council said in a statement. their villages and cities,” it which Ankara considers to be at protesters and wounding Lebanon’s northern port city lize the local pound. State militants. Syrian Kurds have played added. linked to the Kurdistan Work- a demonstrator, according to of Tripoli, the army said in a Foreign exchange shops “We confirm that theTurk - a major role in fighting Islam- The governor of the neigh- ers’ Party, a designated terror- the statement. across Beirut have been selling ish occupation, relying on the ic State in Syria. bouring Turkish province ist group fighting an insurgen- Hospital sources in Tripoli statement. the dollar for between 3,800 factions that embrace terrorist “We in the council con- of Hatay said late Tuesday cy on Turkish soil. said around 20 protesters had and 4,000 pounds, a drop that been injured during the vio- The Lebanese pound is expected to further deepen lence in the city. has so far lost more than 60 economic woes in the country. The Arab League on per cent of its value, prompt- Most people prefer to ex- Wednesday warned that the ing a spike in food prices in the change their foreign currency situation in Lebanon is very country. holdings informally as the Turkey vows to ‘defend’ Tripoli against Haftar ‘dictatorship’ critical. Last week, Lebanese Prime banks operating in Lebanon “The rapid developments Minister Hassan Diab criti- are abiding by a two-decade- AFP offensive to seize Tripoli, said in this regard... and aims to to this person, who undoubt- on the Lebanese scene and cized the country’s central old peg that keeps the dollar at Ankara on Monday that his self-styled create a military dictatorship edly exposed his intention to the dangerous escalation wit- bank policies, saying there are 1,507.5 pounds. army had “accepted the will of in the country,” it said. establish a junta regime in nessed on the Lebanese street gaps in its performance, strat- The value of the Lebanese Turkey on Wednesday ac- the people and its mandate”. Turkey backs Libya’s UN- Libya.” between the demonstrators egies, and monetary policy. pound against the dollar has cused Libya’s strongman Turkey’s foreign ministry recognised Government of And it assured in a state- and the Lebanese army, par- On Wednesday, the central been declining since October, Khalifa Haftar of seeking to denounced the claim. National Accord in the capital ment that Turkey would “defi- ticularly in Tripoli, are devel- bank governor, Riad Salameh, when demonstrators took to “create a military dictator- “With this announce- Tripoli, and has dispatched nitely continue to stand by opments that cause concern rejected Diab’s criticism and the streets calling for econom- ship” and vowed to “defend” ment, Haftar has once again troops and pro-Turkish Syr- the brotherly Libyan people and worry,” the bloc’s Assis- said people’s deposits in ic reforms and accusing the the government in Tripoli. demonstrated that he does ian fighters there. in defending the Government tant Secretary General Hus- banks are safe. ruling class of corruption. Haftar, who controls not seek a political solution The ministry urged the in- of National Accord and all sam Zaki said in a statement. Salameh, who has been in The International Mon- swathes of eastern Libya and to the crisis in Libya, does not ternational community to “re- other legitimate institutions “Hopes are particularly the post since 1993, said there etary Fund has projected in April last year launched an support international efforts spond, without further delay, of Libya.” pinned on the command of the is no covert spending by the that Lebanon’s economy will army and security agencies to central bank. shrink 12 per cent in 2020. Turkey virus says reopened for business death toll as no end in sight to virus crisis tops 3,000 AFP as these precautions,” he told a news conference. televised cabinet meeting. Iran has struggled to con- AFP His remarks came as the tain the coronavirus outbreak Ankara Iran reopened for business health ministry announced since reporting its first cases despite its persistent corona- that 80 new deaths from the -- two deaths in the Shiite holy Turkey’s official death toll from the virus outbreak as there was novel coronavirus had taken city of Qom -- on February 19. novel coronavirus rose to 3,081, the no end in sight to the crisis, its the country’s overall toll to The actual numbers of health minister said Wednesday. president said on Wednesday, 5,957. those killed and sickened by In a tweet, Fahrettin Koca said 89 as 80 new deaths were an- Ministry spokesman Ki- the virus are widely thought to more deaths were recorded in the last 24 nounced. anoush Jahanpour said an- be much higher than the Irani- hours while there were 2,936 new cases. “Due to uncertainty about other 1,073 people tested posi- an government’s official tolls. The total number of reported infec- when this virus will end, we tive for the virus in the past 24 Despite still battling the tions is now 117,589, as Turkey remains are preparing for work, activ- hours. virus, the government has the worst hit country in the Middle East. ity and science,” said President All but 20,000 of the allowed many businesses to During a press conference earlier on Hassan Rouhani. 93,657 people who contracted reopen since April 11 after Wednesday, Koca said Turkey was now “We have to follow all the the illness since mid-February shutting most down in mid- in the “peak period”, adding: “We see a medical instructions, but work have been discharged from March to stem the spread of downward trend” in new cases. and production are as essential hospital, he told a televised the disease. He added 7,428 health workers had been infected, which is around 6.5 per- cent of the total number of cases. Turkey has taken a series of meas- ures to prevent the spread of the virus Yemen reports five more coronavirus cases including shutting schools, restaurants and other public spaces. AFP healthcare system. March 2015, when a Saudi-led There are also all-day weekend cur- Aden So far, Yemen has been military coalition intervened fews in 31 cities including Ankara and largely spared from the spread against the rebels who control Istanbul, with a three-day lockdown set Yemen’s internationally of coronavirus, reporting only swathes of Yemen including the to begin Friday, a public holiday. recognised government on a single case in early April in capital Sanaa. Turkish officials in recent days have Wednesday reported five new the southern government-con- Over the past six years, tens sounded a note of optimism that the coronavirus cases amid warn- trolled province of Hadramawt. of thousands of people, mostly situation will improve towards the end ings by health and aid organisa- But five new cases were re- civilians, have been killed in the of May as the Muslim fasting month of tions the pandemic could have ported in the southern city of conflict, according to relief agen- Ramadan also ends. dire consequences in the war- Aden, the interim capital of the cies. More than 24 million Yem- “In the coming period, we can ease ravaged country. internationally-recognised gov- enis, or more than two thirds of the measures in cities where there are The United Nations has ernment, the committee moni- the population, need aid, accord- less cases,” Koca said in Ankara. declared Yemen, where war a toring the outbreak said in a ing to the United Nations. The government has also stepped up conflict erupted in 2014, as “the Twitter post. Millions of Yemenis have the number of tests with nearly a million world’s worst humanitarian The war between Iran- been also displaced within the undertaken since the first recorded case crisis” with millions suffering backed Huthi rebels and pro- country, which has also seen a in March. malnutrition and a crumpling government troops escalated in cholera outbreak. Asia / World Thursday, April 30, 2020 05 COVID-19 spurs ’s biggest Suicide bomber kills three in Kabul blast unemployment jump since SARS AFP US and Taliban agreement in Kabul late February that was sup- DPA during the global financial cri- with COVID-19 and nearly posed to lay the groundwork sis of 2008-9, when trade and 220,000 have died after con- A suicide bomber killed at for a peace process. investment-dependent Singa- tracting the disease, including least three people and wound- Recent attacks have most- Pandemic-stricken Singa- pore was the first East orS outh- 14 in Singapore. ed 15 others after detonating ly been limited to rural areas pore has seen its steepest drop East Asian country to fall into Though its death toll is one explosives near a military out- and small towns. Under the in employment since the Se- recession. of the world’s lowest, Singa- post in Kabul on Wednesday, US-Taliban deal, the insur- vere Acute Respiratory System Singapore has the world’s pore’s COVID-19 caseload has an official confirmed, in the gents have agreed not to at- (SARS) outbreak of 2002-3. fourth-highest gross domestic climbed fifteen-fold in April, first attack to rock the Afghan tack cities. On Wednesday, the Ministry product per capita, accord- with Wednesday’s 690 new capital in weeks. The agreement established of Manpower announced that ing to International Monetary cases taking the total to 15,641, Interior ministry spokes- a framework for bringing to an 19,900 jobs were shed during Fund rankings, and its overall the third-highest in Asia after man Tareq Arian confirmed Security personnel gather near a military outpost at the site where end America’s longest war fol- the first quarter of 2020, many unemployment rate remains a and India. Most of those the toll, calling the blast “a a suicide bomber attack occurred on the outskirts of Kabul on lowing the invasion of Afghan- of them in “consumer-facing low 2.4 percent. The pandemic infected are low-wage migrant crime by the enemy of Afghan- Wednesday. (AFP) istan in 2001 that toppled the food & beverage services and re- and lockdowns have driven un- workers living cheek-by-jowl in istan against civilians during Taliban regime only for them tail trade, and tourism-depend- employment in Western coun- dozens of massive dormitories. the month of Ramadan”. sponsibility for the incident, The blast comes as violence to re-emerge and launch a ent accommodation,” which the tries - many with similar in- The surge has forced Singapore The attack appeared to tar- but Taliban spokesman Zabi- has surged across Afghani- deadly insurgency. ministry stated were among the come levels to Singapore’s to impose an economically- get an Afghan special forces hullah Mujahid said they were stan, with the UN reporting But planned talks between sectors “most severely affected - into double figures. debilitating lockdown on April camp on the outskirts of Ka- investigating whether their earlier this week that attacks the Kabul government and by the COVID-19 outbreak.” Worldwide, at least 3 mil- 7, after the period covered in bul, a security source told AFP. fighters were behind the at- spiked in the country follow- Taliban have derailed in re- The job losses exceed those lion people have been infected today’s new employment data. No group has claimed re- tack. ing the signing of a landmark cent weeks.

News China to hold postponed in brief parliamentary session India virus deaths extends entry ban for starting on May 22 foreigners over DPA Travellers checking into ho- pandemic tels in the capital will no longer Russia on be required to show proof of a pass 1,000, but low Wednesday extended an China plans to hold its previ- negative nucleic-acid test, the entry ban for foreigners to ously postponed parliamentary state-run People’s Daily re- slow the coronavirus as the session starting on May 22, in a ported. country registers a steep sign of confidence that the cor- Delivery agents, housekeep- rise in the number of new onavirus crisis is under control. ers and visitors will be able to toll puzzles experts infections. The standing committee of enter residential communities The decree barring the National People’s Congress once they show proof of good AFP foreigners from entering the on Wednesday approved the health through a code received New country, which was introduced timing of this year’s session, ac- from their local government via in mid-March and set to ex- cording to the state-run Xinhua the messaging app WeChat. India’s confirmed corona- pire Thursday, was extended news agency. Travellers returning to Bei- virus death toll passed 1,000 until Russia has the virus The session - China’s most jing from other “low risk” areas on Wednesday following its under control, Prime Minister important annual political in the country will no longer be highest daily increase, but the Mikhail Mishustin said. event - was supposed to be held required to quarantine at home numbers remain low compared “I have signed a govern- starting March 5 but was post- for 14 days, Chen Bei, deputy with and the United ment resolution on extend- poned due to the coronavirus secretary general of the Beijing States in a phenomenon that is ing it until the fight against outbreak. municipal government, said ac- puzzling experts. the infection is over and Also on Wednesday, the cording to the People’s Daily. With massive slums and a the epidemic situation has city of Beijing announced it was The parliamentary session, shaky healthcare system, there improved,” he told officials lowering the coronavirus emer- however, could be shorter than were fears India would be rav- meeting to discuss Russia’s gency-response level from the in the past, the official tabloid aged by the pandemic that has response to the pandemic. highest to the second-highest Global Times quoted congress killed more than 214,000 peo- Health officials inR ussia level starting on Thursday. deputies as saying. ple worldwide. have registered a steady The latest daily toll of 73 increase in new coronavi- deaths was India’s highest, of- rus cases, with more than fering a warning that the giant 99,000 confirmed infections South Asian nation was not yet and 972 deaths. (AFP) in the clear. ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ actor A lack of testing and many Municipal workers wearing hazmat suits walk in a residencial area for a door to door health survey during At least 37 killed in other factors mean that India’s a government-imposed nationwide lockdown in on Wednesday. (AFP) fire at South Korean Irrfan Khan dies at 53 official toll of 1,007 deaths building site could be far below the real One possible factor is that he speculated. DPA endocrine cancer in 2018 number of coronavirus victims. A lack of testing and many India imposed a lockdown on Still, experts caution that Seoul At least 37 people for which he underwent pro- “We see low numbers but other factors mean that its 1.3 billion people on March no-one has an accurate picture have died in a large fire at a longed treatment in . we do not know how to validate India’s official toll of 25, when there were 606 con- of the pandemic in remote ru- warehouse building site in Indian actor Irrfan Khan, He returned to work in 2019. those numbers or rates,” virol- 1,007 deaths could be far firmed cases and 10 deaths, and ral villages and deep in slums. South Korea, a spokesman known for his roles in “Slum- One of India’s finest ac- ogist T. Jacob John told AFP. below the real number of it has been rigidly enforced. Even in normal times, ac- for the fire brigade said on dog Millionaire,” “Life of Pi” tors, the tall and lanky Khan “Governments desire un- The government says the curately recording deaths or Wednesday. and numerous award-win- was known for expressing a der-reporting and... we are coronavirus victims. number of infections could have causes in India can be a dif- The number of fatalities ning Bollywood films, died in gamut of expressions through flying blind for true rates and reached 100,000 without it. ficult task, where many poor could rise further, as several on Wednesday. He just twitches of his eyebrows numbers.” but there is no definitive expla- There are also other issues people fall sick and die without workers were still missing, was 53. or a movement of the eyes. India appears so far to nation yet. that could also have kept the entering a hospital or seeing a the spokesman said. Khan’s death was con- “An incredible talent ... a have been spared the devasta- “It might well be true that risk low -- including a young doctor. The incident occurred in firmed by a spokesman for the gracious colleague ... a pro- tion seen in , Milan the trajectory of the Indian population and the possible Just under half of the coun- Icheon, a city 50 kilometres Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani lific contributor to the World and other hard-hit parts of the epidemic is very different for positive effects of the BCG tu- try’s estimated 10 million an- south-east of Seoul. At the Hospital where he was admit- of Cinema ... left us too soon world, where hospitals have reasons that we do not under- berculosis vaccine, said John. nual deaths are not recorded, time of the incident, around ted with complications arising ... creating a huge vacuum,” been overwhelmed by cases of stand... but those are all theo- Another factor could be according to Jha, who leads the 78 people were present at from a colon infection. veteran actor actor Amitabh coronavirus. ries right now,” Prabhat Jha, decades of widespread dengue Million Death Study that regu- the site. A further 10 people Khan was detected with Bachchan tweeted. Experts have offered a an epidemiologist at the Uni- fever providing communities larly surveys Indian house- were reported injured in the number of theories and factors, versity of , told AFP. with some “innate immunity”, holds on the issue. fire, which is thought to have been caused by an explo- sion that occurred in one of the lower floors of the multi- Thailand to reopen storey building. Of those Myanmar army again guilty of abuses, possible war crimes: UN expert injured, four are in serious some businesses condition. AFP The military is locked in erupted in January last year. demic, the Myanmar military her tenure after her outspo- Flammable materi- as rate of COVID-19 Yangon an increasingly bloody civil Both the military and the continues to escalate its as- ken criticism of the country’s als were being used at cases drops war against the Arakan Army insurgents accuse each oth- sault in Rakhine State, target- treatment of its Rohingya the building site, enabling Myanmar’s military must (AA), an insurgent group er of abuses, including the ing the civilian population,” Muslims. the fire to spread quickly, DPA be investigated for possi- fighting for moreautonomy killing last week of a World the outgoing UN Special Rap- Some 750,000 Rohingya according to the national Bangkok ble “war crimes and crimes for ethnic Rakhine Buddhists. Health Organization driver porteur on Myanmar, Yang- fledto neighbouring Bangla- broadcaster KBS. The fire against humanity” as a conflict Scores have been killed, transporting coronavirus test hee Lee, said in a statement desh after military operations brigade spokesman said the Thailand will reopen some with rebels in the country’s hundreds wounded and some samples. Wednesday. in 2017 -- for which Myanmar fire took a total of five hours businesses, such as restau- northwest ramps up, a UN 150,000 people have fled “While the world is occu- Lee has been banned from now faces charges of genocide to extinguish. (DPA) rants, markets, barbershops, rights expert said Wednesday. their homes since the fighting pied with the COVID-19 pan- entering Myanmar for most of at the UN’s top court. and sports clubs, now that it sees a decreasing number of daily new coronavirus cases, officials say. Pongsakorn Kwan- muang, spokesperson for Australia marks 250th anniversary of Cook landing in muted fashion Bangkok’s governor, said on AFP centuries of dispossession for Wednesday that public parks, Botany Bay Australia nets 10 mn Chinese virus indigenous Australians. golf courses, and hair sa- tests despite diplomatic row During his voyage, Cook lons for dogs will also reopen The 250th anniversary of declared Australia “Terra Nul- in Bangkok and other prov- Captain James Cook’s conten- An Australian mining magnate on Wednesday unveiled a lius” -- or legally unoccupied inces within the next few days. tious landing in Australia went deal to import 10 million coronavirus tests from China to Aus- land -- and claimed it as Brit- Thailand has been under a largely unmarked on Wednes- tralia, despite a bitter diplomatic spat between the two countries. ish territory despite Aboriginal state of emergency since March day as the coronavirus pan- Andrew Forrest, head of mining giant Fortescue, said he had history stretching back more 26. That is set to last until at demic forced the cancellation used contacts to secure an order for the tests with Chinese than 60,000 years. least May 31. of long-planned commemora- genomics firm GIB Group at a significantly lower cost than from The British later estab- Since issuing the order, it tive events. rival providers, amid fierce competition. lished a penal colony in New has seen the number of daily On April 29, 1770, Captain Australia, which has been one of the most successful South Wales in 1788. new coronavirus cases drop. Cook sailed the Endeavour into countries in containing COVID-19, has so far carried out around Gujaga Foundation chair However, most shops and Botany Bay -- called Kamay in 500,000 tests in a population of 25 million people. Ray Ingrey said the indigenous meeting places have been or- the local indigenous language Delivery of the new tests would dramatically improve the Dharawal people had been dered to close and there has -- an event that is increasingly country’s track-and-trace programme and help build the kind of working with Australia’s Na- been a daily curfew from 1500 being seen through the eyes of monitoring needed to reopen the country’s economy, said Health tional Museum for 18 months to 2100 GMT. the Aboriginal Australians who Visitors at the Captain Cook memorial at Kurnell on the shore of Minister Greg Hunt. (AFP) to showcase their ancestors’ The government reported were on the shore. Botany Bay in Sydney on Wednesday. (AFP) recollections of encountering fewer than 10 cases for the Prime Minister Scott Mor- Cook. third consecutive day this rison said the anniversary cal indigenous community at which we embarked on a 250 years since Cook’s land- Endeavour. “Australian society has ma- week, with nine new cases on represented “a merging of his- Kamay first made contact 250 shared journey which is real- ing due to the COVID-19 out- The first contact between tured quite a lot over last 50 Wednesday. It reported more tories”, calling Cook an “ex- years ago changed the course of ised in the way we live today.” break, including the planned the British navigator and Abo- years since the last anniversary than 100 new cases most days traordinary individual”. our land forever,” he said. Australia’s government was $4.3 million circumnavigation riginals foreshadowed the colo- came around, the 200th anni- last month. “The day Cook and the lo- “It’s a point in time from forced to cancel events marking of Australia by a replica of the nisation of the continent and versary,” he told AFP. 06 Thursday, April 30, 2020

Established September 3, 2006 hamad bin suhaim al thani chairman Opinion adel ali bin ali managing director dr hassan mohammed al ansari editor-in-chief

Joe Biden’s Vice Presidential Running Mate Kim Jong-un Death Rumours With Biden having decided on a woman candidate, the primary criteria should be ability, compatibility Expose ’s Lacking and sound judgement ITH the Democratic presidential nomi- rah Palin as his running mate in 2008. It soon Diplomacy and Strategy nation within his grasp, former Vice emerged that Palin was not only woefully un- WPresident Joe Biden must make a deci- suited for national office, but practiced a style sion that presidential candidates always insist of pandering populist politics that was alien to that they take seriously but often don’t: the McCain’s appreciation of the responsibilities Trump administration should adopt a more realistic stance on the reclusive selection of a running mate. Biden says he will of government. soon announce members of a committee to The Palin fiasco is a reminder of what regime and its nuclear arsenal and a shift away from focus on personality screen potential candidates for that role. happens when novelty or “excitement” be- We already know one thing about Biden’s comes the primary factor in selecting a run- Bonnie Kristian choice: It will be a woman. That commitment ning mate. Tribune News Service still leaves Biden with an array of qualified Nor is it clear that an ideologically or geo- potential partners, but, like every presidential graphically “balanced ticket” is a recipe for ORTH Korean leader Kim Jong- candidate, he will be exhorted to consider at- victory. Some believe that John F Kennedy un is “rumoured to be dead, brain tributes other than the two that should be up- secured a crucial victory in Texas and other dead, or just fine,” as the New permost in his mind: whether his pick would Southern states in 1960 by asking Senator York Post cheekily summarised be qualified to assume the presidency at a mo- Lyndon B Johnson to be his running mate. while speculation swirled about ment’s notice and whether in that event she But Kennedy’s victory in those states also theN dictator’s possible illness or demise. would continue the policies he championed. reflected the lingering dominance of the Pyongyang on Monday published several Some will urge Biden to make a choice Democratic Party in that region. Among the messages from Kim dated to that day and, that would represent another olive branch to conflicting accounts of why Ronald Reagan more credibly, South Korea announced its his defeated rival Bernie Sanders and Sand- chose Bush, a defeated opponent, as his run- intelligence agencies have no reason to be- ers’ passionate, often young, ning mate in 1980 is that lieve Kim is anything other than “alive and supporters. Others will ad- the more moderate Bush well.” Still, CNN continues to report tips vocate that he choose a run- provided ideological balance from unnamed US officials that Kim is in ning mate who would be for the conservative Reagan. some sort of ill health, if not quite the life- likely to deliver voters in her But Reagan’s overwhelm- threatening condition the network first re- home state, especially if it’s ing victory over unpopular ported a week ago. one that President Donald incumbent Jimmy Carter Whatever Kim’s status, Washington’s Trump carried or ran well in undermines the notion that handling of the situation is an indictment four years ago. Reagan’s choice of a running of US policy toward North Korea. This Biden will also be mate made much difference. incident should push the Trump admin- pressed to seek ethnic or ra- Indeed, research sug- istration toward a more realistic stance cial balance, for example by gests that, whether they are on the Kim regime and its nuclear arse- naming an African Ameri- chosen because of gender, nal. That means a shift away from focus clearisation (CVID) so absurd. By choos- bolic accomplishment. But it’s not all sym- can running mate who could geography or ideology, vice on personalities and a new agenda of ing that as the single goal of US-North bolism: With a liaison from Washington in energise a loyal Democratic constituency. presidential candidates probably don’t ex- working-level talks marked by achievable Korea talks, Washington ensures they fail. Pyongyang and vice versa, perhaps com- One such potential choice, former ert significant influence over most voters’ aims, meaningful mutual concessions, This is a self-destructive maximalism with munications that now happen on Twitter gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams, has choice for president, though voters may and establishment of direct communica- no place in diplomacy. and in North Korean state media could disdained false modesty by suggesting that lose confidence in a presidential candidate tions via liaison offices. A more productive approach would be taken private and toned down to avoid she would be an “excellent running mate” for who chooses a running mate perceived as Trump has made a point of building replace head-of-state summits with needless antagonism. Likewise, perhaps the former vice president. incompetent. Even the popular notion that personal rapport with Kim, boasting of working-level negotiations in which US the sort of public and potentially harmful Biden himself has floated an additional vice presidential candidates will carry their their “love” for each other and orienting representatives are authorised to both speculation this past week’s rumours have factor: skills or experience that would com- home states for the ticket has been ques- US-North Korea relations around high- seek and give smaller concessions. For occasioned could be averted. plement his strengths and compensate for tioned, although a recent study suggests profile summits between the two. The Washington, a timeline for progress to- As it is, however, the rumours of Kim’s his weaknesses. According to Biden, that ap- there might be such an advantage. tactic worked to de-escalate the “fire and ward an internationally-verified North death or illness arrived without any of the proach was recommended to him by former We’re not suggesting that Biden should fury”-era war or words in 2017, but that Korean nuclear freeze would be a win. safeguards a more viable diplomatic rela- President Barack Obama. We believe, howev- totally ignore other factors in making his se- was the limit of its usefulness. Since the For Pyongyang, sanctions relief is ob- tionship could provide. For now, Wash- er, that Biden’s primary criteria for a running lection, including personal chemistry, party second summit in Vietnam, the relation- viously the big get, particularly as the ington’s immediate task is to avoid adding mate should be ability and compatibility. unity and the possibility that a particular can- ship has deteriorated, and this month’s COVID-19 pandemic is suspected to be to the chaos. (US allies like South Korea We would urge any prospective presi- didate might make the difference in the out- rumors of Kim’s death have cast that rising spreading in North Korea. and Japan will agree, as will rivals like dential nominee to set these priorities, but come in a particular state or region. But these dysfunction in sharp relief. Rapport has its Lifting sanctions could improve qual- Russia and China which share a border it’s especially important for Biden to do so. should be secondary considerations. Fortu- value, but it is no substitute for effective ity of life for ordinary North Koreans, who with North Korea.) Although in good health, if elected he would nately, the Democratic Party includes many diplomacy and realistic strategy—strategy suffer under the scarcity caused by inter- While anyone of good conscience be 78 when he was inaugurated for what very officeholders with the right amounts of expe- not dependent on a tinpot tyrant’s fleeting national sanctions regimes though they wants to see the end of the Kim regime’s likely would be a single term. If he indeed rience and demonstrated expertise, including feelings about our president. have no control over their government’s unconscionable oppression, a sudden served only one term, his vice president would some of Biden’s primary campaign rivals, who Trump’s interest in personal connec- malfeasance, without endangering the transition shaped by fears of US military be a favourite for the Democratic presidential potentially would be productive partners for a tion seems to be informed by the naïve or our allies. Especially for intervention could too easily descend into nomination in 2024. President Biden. idea that it can override Kim’s perception a dictator so focused on regime survival, horrific violence—and remember, the But Biden’s age isn’t the only reason for When he announced that he would ask of his regime’s vital interests, specifically the threat of overwhelming US retaliation highest goal of US policy toward North him to choose carefully. When presidential Biden to be his running mate, Obama de- nuclear armament to deter US-orchestrat- will serve as indefinite deterrence against Korea is not denuclearisation but peace. candidates have allowed other criteria to drive scribed the longtime Delaware senator as “a ed regime change. It cannot. Kim won’t an unprovoked North Korean attack. Dismantling Pyongyang’s nuclear arsenal the selection of a running mate, the results of- statesman with sound judgment who doesn’t surrender his nuclear weapons while he Whether as a precursor or early re- may one day be part of that project. But for ten have been unfortunate, even disastrous. It have to hide behind bluster to keep America believes his regime is at risk of US attack, sult of such talks, the Trump administra- now, patient diplomacy and direct com- was supposed to be a “game changer” when strong.” Substitute “stateswoman” for “states- and given the United States’ recent his- tion should establish a liaison office in munication are our most urgent needs. Republican presidential nominee John Mc- man” and that is the job description that tory of regime change in the Middle East Pyongyang and allow North Korea to do Cain, a seasoned US senator and foreign pol- should guide Biden in making this momen- and North Africa, that belief is unlikely to the same in Washington. This administra- (Bonnie Kristian is a fellow at icy expert, chose Alaska’s then-Governor Sa- tous decision. shift in the near future. This reality is what tion has considered the idea, as have other Defence Priorities, contributing makes the standard US demand of com- American administrations since the early editor at The Week, and columnist (Tribune News Service) plete, verifiable, and irreversible denu- 1990s, because it could be a useful sym- at Christianity Today) Bill Gates Explains How We Get Past COVID-19 The Microsoft founder and philanthropist says it won’t be quick, and things will look different, but we will get there

Jason Aten to say. Here are three highlights though most of them won’t end “Some of the digital ap- Tribune News Service that I think every business needs up yielding positive results. proaches that were catching on to consider. “I’m hopeful, in fact, in the has been accelerated,” said Gates. ill Gates has been the sub- Normal Doesn’t Happen last few weeks, I’ve seen signs we “Doing these meetings digitally, ject of plenty of criticism of Overnight. The first thing worth might get to the optimistic side for a lot of things, really works Blate, but one thing is hard mentioning is Gates’s observa- of that projection,” Gates said pretty well.” That’s actually true. to argue against: He has made tion that “It’s going to be a while about the amount of time it will Sure, it’s not the same as being in fighting infectious disease his before we can get back to nor- take to see an effective vaccine. person, and there are still plenty life’s work. His foundation has mal.” I think you could extend Currently, most experts predict it of circumstances when tradition- committed hundreds of millions that to include the reality that could be 12-18 months before an- al meetings work better. of dollars to the fight against we’re not exactly sure what ‘nor- ything is widely available. Gates’s But many companies have COVID-19, and he has been vocal mal’ even means. comment seems to indicate that started to figure out creative ways about the potential risk of a viral Even while states begin to things could be on track to see to keep their teams engaged and pandemic for years. loosen restrictions over the next something effective at the shorter connective while getting work Just this week he wrote about few months, we shouldn’t expect end of that timeframe. done. In fact, in many ways, re- what we need to learn from this that we’ll immediately go back to Remote Working. Finally, imagining what it means to be pandemic, and the steps that will our previous lives. In many cases, Gates talked about how the cur- productive--and the way we work- help us get past it. Those steps in- it’s likely that people will be hesi- rent move to working remotely -could be one of the best outcomes clude vaccines, testing, contact trac- tant to go back to crowded spac- may be one of the lasting ef- from what can otherwise only be ing, and what it looks like to open es--at least until there’s a vaccine. fects of the way our world has described as an extraordinarily up businesses across the country. Until then, the best thing you changed. Not every type of work challenging circumstance. Then, Friday morning on can do for yourself, and your busi- can be done remotely, but even Ultimately, we need people The Today Show, Gates shared ness, is to think through how you for the millions of Americans like Bill Gates helping us navi- his thoughts with host Savannah can still meet the needs of your who may be struggling to adapt gate this crisis. We also, however, Guthrie on what it will take to team, your customers, and your Vaccines. Speaking of a vac- particular interest to his foun- to the challenges of working need you and your business, and stop the spread of the coronavi- community. Those needs are dif- cine, Gates shared his thoughts dation, which is literally funding from home, some of what we’ve your community, and your neigh- rus, and I think it’s worth taking a ferent, and the way you serve each about what is currently under the facilities to produce as many learned in the last several weeks bours. After all, the only way we look at a few of the things he had group should also be different. development. This is an area of as seven different vaccines, even may be here to stay. get through this is together.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THE OPINION AND ANALYSIS PAGES ARE THE AUTHORS’ OWN. QATAR TRIBUNE BEARS NO RESPONSIBILITY. Europe / United States Thursday, April 30, 2020 07

US ‘still hopeful’ News for a North Korea in brief deal: Pompeo Coronavirus has now EU launches judicial freedom case AFP against Poland Washington killed more Americans BRUSSELS: The EU on Wednesday launched a new legal chal- US Secretary of State Mike lenge against reforms in Poland that Brussels says threaten Pompeo said on Wednesday he judicial independence. remained hopeful for a nuclear The move is the latest round in a long-running tussle be- agreement with North Korea, tween the European Commission -- the bloc’s executive -- and despite speculation about lead- than the Vietnam War right-wing governments in Eastern Europe it accuses of under- er Kim Jong-un’s health and a mining fundamental EU values. standstill in talks. Wednesday’s case is the fourth lodged by commission Pompeo, whose diplo- COVID-19 claims against Warsaw since the conservative government there be- macy paved the way for a gan seeking new oversight over judges’ work and careers. breakthrough 2018 summit in over 58,300 lives Some of the reforms have been already been softened or Singapore between Kim and in the United States rolled back, but the Polish government is pushing ahead with President Donald Trump, said new disciplinary rules opposed by Brussels. (AFP) for the second time in as many DPA weeks that a leadership change Washington in North Korea would not Germany and France to develop joint change US policy. US coronavirus-related deaths next-generation army tank “We are still hopeful that we’ll reached a somber milestone on find a path to negotiate solution Tuesday, surpassing the num- : France and Germany have signed agreements to to get the outcome that is good ber of Americans killed in the develop a next-generation tank to equip both of their armies for the American people, good for Vietnam War. from the mid-2030s, the German Defence Ministry announced the North Korean people and for More than 58,300 Ameri- on Wednesday. the whole world,” he said. cans have died from COV- Dubbed the Main Ground Combat System (MGCS), the tank ID-19, according to a tally kept project sits alongside a planned future jet fighter as part of by Johns Hopkins Univer- pivotal military cooperation between the two neighbours. US to reopen sity. That compares with the The deal announced Tuesday includes a so-called “frame- National Archives’ figure of work agreement” laying out how the project will be organised, a consulate in 58,220 deaths from the Viet- as well as an “implementing arrangement” setting out the nam War, which lasted more specifications for the new fighting vehicle. Greenland, a year than a decade. Pedestrians walk past a sign in front of the The Anthem, a popular live music venue, displaying a message Both agreements were signed by French Defence Minister Confirmed cases of COV- of support amid the coronavirus pandemic, in Washington, on Wednesday. (AFP) Florence Parly and her German counterpart Annegret Kramp- after a bid to buy ID-19 topped 1 million in the Karrenbauer, the German Defence Ministry said in a statement. DPA US on Tuesday, according to critical data points as the state hotbed of the coronavirus out- nor, who has announced that “With this project, Germany and France are sending an Washington Johns Hopkins. reopens businesses in the break in the US, with 292,000 his state will ease stay-at-home important signal for European cooperation in defence policy,” The novel coronavirus has weeks ahead. Among those cases and nearly 17,300 deaths. restrictions later this week. the ministry said. (AFP) Secretary of State Mike laid siege to health care sys- points, Cuomo said, is wheth- Its stay-at-home requirement Trump, who has said the reo- Pompeo announced the US tems and battered economies er hospital emergency rooms is set to expire May 15, but the pening of states is up to gover- will open a consulate in Green- around the world since health begin to exceed 70 per cent order could be extended. nors, also acknowledged moves Germany extends Switzerland to land, in an apparent bid to officials first identified it in- De capacity. Still, the number of deaths in various parts of the country foreign travel reopen restaurants, shore up Washington’s pres- cember in Wuhan, China. “Don’t overwhelm the hos- in New York has declined in re- to ease restrictions. warning until schools, shops and ence in the Arctic region amid As President Donald Trump pital system,” Cuomo, a Demo- cent days. “Many States moving to June 14 more in May a power competition with Chi- on Tuesday applauded states crat, said during a news confer- The Comfort, a US Navy SAFELY & QUICKLY reopen!” na and Russia. that had reopened during the ence on Tuesday. “If you ever hospital ship that has been he tweeted on Tuesday. BERLIN: Germany is extend- GENEVA: Switzerland plans to The move comes less than pandemic, several governors hit 70 per cent, you can expect docked in New York A day earlier, several states ing a warning against world- end its lockdown sooner than a year after President Don- warned that caution was need- the number to go up for the since last month and has treat- - Colorado, Montana, Ten- wide travel until June 14 as originally planned, with shops, ald Trump said he wanted to ed before allowing people to next two weeks as people who ed virus patients, is set to de- nessee - lifted stay-at-home curbs remain in place in many markets and schools all set buy the territory, a bid that crowd shops and restaurants. just got infected actually get ill part Thursday. requirements. States from the countries to stem the coro- to open on May 11, as well as was promptly rejected. The New York Governor An- and some of them come into On Tuesday, Trump used heartland to the Deep South navirus pandemic, Foreign , libraries and res- US president then cancelled a drew Cuomo said officials the hospital.” social media to laud Greg Ab- are expected to ease restric- Minister Heiko Maas said taurants, the government said state visit to Denmark. would be measuring certain New York has remained a bott, Texas’ Republican gover- tions in the days ahead. on Wednesday. Germany’s on Wednesday. Originally, the Robert Koch Institute disease plan was to reopen restaurants control authority on Wednes- and museums at the begin- day reported over 157,000 ning of June. The government confirmed coronavirus infec- explained its decision was due Antiviral remdesivir showed ‘no significant benefit’ in virus patients tions. to the falling number of new “We have not yet reached virus infections, showing the AFP The Lancet, doctors found no vir did not provide significant group and given standard an- groups in duration of oxygen the point where we can effectiveness of the measures positive effects of administer- benefits over placebo,” said tibiotics. support, length of hospital recommend carefree travel,” imposed to contain the novel ing the drug compared with a Bin Cao from China-Japan The mortality rate was the stay, or time to discharge or Maas said. “Therefore it coronavirus. Treating coronavirus pa- control group of adults. Friendship Hospital and Capi- same in both groups, around death,” the study said. is necessary to extend the Initially, restaurants are tients with the antiviral drug The findings were released tal Medical University in Chi- 14 percent of each. The authors said the trial worldwide travel warning until only to be able to seat four remdesivir showed no “sig- after US pharmaceutical giant na, who led the research. However those patients has several limitations, includ- mid-June”. people at a table and tables nificant clinical benefits” in Gilead, which makes remdesi- “This is not the outcome who required ventilators spend ing the fact that it was stopped Europe’s biggest economy are to be spaced 2 metres the first randomised trial of its vir, said a separate large-scale we hoped for.” far less time on the devices prematurely when patient has brought home 240,000 apart. However, no large kind, according to research re- trial with the drug had showed The Wuhan study was than the control group -- an av- numbers dropped too low to stranded tourists in the last festivals are to be held over leased on Wednesday. positive results. conducted in 237 COVID-19 erage of seven days compared continue as Wuhan got a grip four weeks, Maas said, add- the summer, and larger events In a study among more “Unfortunately, our trial patients, half of whom were with an average of 15 days. on the outbreak. ing, “we’re not going to under- attended by more than 1,000 than 200 COVID-19 patients found that while safe and ad- given remdesivir. The other “No significant differ- But they called for further take such an action again in people are unlikely to be per- in Wuhan, China, published in equately tolerated, remdesi- half were treated as a control ences were noted between the randomised trials of the drug. the coming summer”. (AFP) mitted before September. (DPA)

Spain daily toll slightly up with 325 new virus deaths Swedish town to use ‘stinky’ AFP Since then, the toll has been gradually dropping, and at fertiliser to deter spring revellers the weekend, the government Another 325 people died of moved to ease one of the world’s AFP would also go a step further The park is a popular gath- COVID-19 in Spain in a slight tightest lockdowns, allowing and take the opportunity to ering spot for afternoon and increase in the daily figure, children out for an hour a day spread one tonne of chicken early evening picnics on April pushing the overall toll past for the first time in six weeks. The Swedish university town droppings in the park. 30, before the traditional bon- 24,000, the government said Further easing measures of Lund will spread foul smell- While giving the lawns a fires later in the evening. on Wednesday. are expected on May 2 when the ing chicken fertiliser in its welcome dose of nutrition, Since the festivities -- Despite the rise from Tues- rest of the population will be al- main park this week to deter they also hope it will keep at which can attract up to 30,000 day’s figure of 301, it was the lowed to go for a walk or exer- revellers holding spring cel- bay those who would other- visitors -- are “spontaneous”, sixth consecutive day that the cise alone, with the government ebrations as part of efforts to wise be tempted to defy the the city cannot outright ban number has been below 400 unveiling a four-phase plan to curb the coronavirus outbreak, coronavirus restrictions. them but given the coronavi- in Spain, which has now lost transition out of lockdown by officials said on Wednesday. “Well, chicken manure rus outbreak, Lundblad said 24,275 lives as a result of the A boy rides his bike next to a worker disinfecting a bench in Madrid, the end of June. City officials have asked simply smells awful,” Gustav the city strongly wanted to coronavirus. Spain on Tuesday. (AFP) The latest figures show Spain residents to skip the tradition- Lundblad, chairman of the avoid them. The number of people who has so far counted 212,917 cases al Walpurgis Eve celebrations city’s environment board, told Lund is home to one of have recovered from the virus demic, raising the overall num- after the United States and Ita- of COVID-19, the second-high- on April 30, known in Sweden AFP. Sweden’s largest universities rose by 6,399 over the past 24 ber to 108,947. ly, but experts believe the epi- est figure in the world, although as Valborg, and plan to fence “It’s not very pleasant to sit and many of the municipality’s hours in what was a record daily Spain has suffered the third- demic peaked on April 2 when the health ministry only registers off the Lund city park. around drinking beer in that some 125,000 inhabitants are high since the start of the epi- highest death rate in the world 950 people died over 24 hours. cases confirmed by testing. But they told AFP they smell,” Lundblad added. students. Weeks after virus scare, British PM becomes father again AFP hospitalised, including three the British political spectrum. with his second wife, Marina London nights in intensive care, which UK virus toll up Addressing his “dear Wheeler, from whom he split he later said “could have gone 26,097 as care home friend” on Twitter, Japanese in 2018. British Prime Minister Bo- either way”. deaths included Prime Minister Shinzo Abe He also had a daughter as ris Johnson on Wednesday be- Symonds, a former head of sent Johnson his “warmest a result of an extra-marital came a father again when his communications for the Con- BRITAIN’S official death toll congratulations on the birth of affair while he was mayor of partner Carrie Symonds gave servative party, also reported of people who tested posi- a sweet baby boy”. London, according to a 2013 birth to a baby boy, just weeks having symptoms, although tive for coronavirus jumped Australian Prime Minister court case. after he himself was hospital- she recovered at home. to 26,097 on Wednesday, as Scott Morrison called it “an Johnson and Symonds, ised with coronavirus. “The prime minister and the country began including absolute blessing”, noting the who announced in February The news came as a sur- Ms Symonds are thrilled to an- out-of-hospital deaths for the “tough time” Johnson had re- that they were engaged, last prise, as Symonds, 32, was not nounce the birth of a healthy first time. cently endured as he sent “best year became the first unmar- thought to be due for several baby boy at a London hos- The change, up from wishes from Australia”. ried couple to live in Downing weeks, but both she and the pital earlier this morning,” a 21,678 on Tuesday, comes as In Britain, opposition La- Street. baby were said to be doing spokesman for the couple said. the health officials started ac- bour leader Keir Starmer said However, the new baby “very well”. “Both mother and baby are do- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson with his partner Carrie Symonds counting for deaths in places he hoped the birth would bring will not be the first -- former The couple were recently ing very well.” after attending the annual Commonwealth Service at Westminster such as care homes. (AFP) the couple “incredible relief prime ministers Tony Blair confronted with the realities Johnson was present for Abbey in London recently. (AFP) and joy”, while ’s and David Cameron both be- of the COVID-19 pandemic the birth at an unnamed state- First Minister Nicola Sturgeon came fathers while in office. up close, after both contracted run National Health Service He told reporters the Con- that he would be taking some leave,” the spokesman said. wished “health and happiness Johnson’s spokesman said the potentially deadly virus. (NHS) hospital in London, ac- servative leader had returned paternity leave. Messages of support to the wee one”. the family planned to continue Johnson, 55, only returned cording to his political spokes- to work in Downing Street by “Later in the year, he’ll for the pair poured in from Johnson has at least five living in a flat above his Down- to work on Monday after being man. Wednesday lunchtime, but take a short period of paternity around the world and across other children, including four ing Street offices. Qatar’s virus package, mega projects take centre stage in OBG report page 9 Thursday, April 30, 2020

24,668.64 8,701.06 32,720.16 1,701.31 +567.09 pts +100.55 pts +605.64 pts Gold -0.38% Ooredoo reports revenue of QR7.3 bn Dow QE sensex in Q1, net profit at QR387 mnpage 10 Price percentage Price percentage 15.40 Brent 22.82 +11.53% WTI 15.27 +23.74% Silver +0.44%

QSE continues winning streak, GIS revenue rises 16% to QR 832 mn in Q1 gains over 2020, GIS continued its path Going forward, GIS is con- 100 points The Group’s total assets rise 3% to reach of repositioning its core oil and fident on its resilient funda- QR11 bn at the end of the first quarter gas services segments by mini- mentals and robust business Satyendra Pathak mising cost base, maximising development plans for each seg- Doha Tribune News Network ings before interest, taxes, de- asset utilisation and worked on ment that will back the Group to Doha preciation, and amortisation unlocking further growth oppor- achieve its full potential. Qatari stocks continued its gain- (EBITDA) of QR156 million. tunities in order to enhance its The Group has also em- ing momentum on Wednesday Gulf International Services The Group’s total assets rose market share. barked on the new initiatives following encouraging news for (GIS), one of the largest diver- 3 percent to reach QR11 billion In non-core segments, the to improve the capital and debt an experimental COVID-19 treat- sified services groups in Qatar as at March 31, 2020 when com- insurance segment continued its structures and this is expected ment and surge in oil prices. with interests in oil and gas pared to the total assets on De- efforts to extend its market share to further improve the overall Rising for the fourth day in a drilling, insurance, helicopter cember 31, 2019. On the liquidity and was able to successfully re- operational efficiency and -fi row, the Qatar Stock Exchange transportation and catering front, the closing cash, including price its current contracts, with nancial performance in the near (QSE) main index gained services, on Wednesday an- short-term investments, stood at continued efforts underway to future. 100.55 points, or 1.17 percent, nounced that it reported a net QR1 billion up by QR 94 million. better manage the claims and Commenting on the results, when the bourse closed trading profitof QR8.7 million for the The total debt at Group lev- rationalise the claim exposure to GIS Chairman Sheikh Khalid at 8,701.06 points Wednesday. first quarter of 2020. el stood at QR4.8 billion as at enhance the overall profitability. bin Khalifa al Thani said, “GIS The volume of shares Net profit reported for the March 31, 2020. The drilling segment demonstrated a strong recovery due to rationali- The catering segment was continued the journey towards traded increased to 421.23 first quarter of 2020 increased Operating profits declined sation of operating costs. also able to successfully win new repositioning its segments led million from 251.23 million on compared to the net profit for by 31 percent to reach QR53 mil- catering and manpower con- by the Group’s focus on high Tuesday and the value of shares the fourth quarter of 2019, lion in the first quarter of 2020, Similarly, the drilling seg- tainable debt and capital levels, tracts with higher occupancy utilisation of assets, combined increased to QR449.393 million mainly due to the improved top as compared to QR77 million for ment demonstrated a strong re- along with streamlining the ma- levels at site camps. with a commitment to expand on Wednesday from QR396.127 line performance and marginally the same period last year. covery due to rationalisation of turity profile. All of these achievements re- market share and rationalizing in the previous session. Indices reduced direct costs. The finance cost decreased operating costs and general and The total debt subject to re- flected in the Group’s improved its operating costs, so as to build of six sectors out of seven closed The Group’s revenue grew by 15 percent to reach QR 51 mil- administrative expenses. Going structuring and refinancing will topline performance, where all solid foundations of revenue in the green territory on the by 16 percent to reach QR832 lion in the first quarter of 2020 forward, the drilling segment amount up to $1.3 billion. Under the business segments report- and profit growth. This strat- day that saw the QSE’s market million in the first quarter of as compared to QR60 million will continue to work on identi- the new terms, the Group will be ed growth in revenue, and the egy has particularly helped all capitalisation rise by more than 2020, compared to the same in the first quarter of last year fying further cost saving avenues optimising its finance cost. The Group reported the highest con- the segments to contribute to QR7 billion to QR490.7 billion. period last year. The impressive on the back of the drop in Libor in the future, where the new refinancing exercise will allow solidated revenue as compared the Group’s performance which The transportation sector that growth in revenue was driven rates. joint venture is expected to bring the Group to re-adjust its ma- to any of the previous quarters translated into improved Group gained 3.4 percent was the best by strong growth across all the The financial results reflect- additional growth on the topline. turity profile for a sustainable of 2019. revenues.” performing sector index for the business segments following. ed continued growth in the net GIS is currently in the pro- future. However, the Group’s bot- However, Sheikh Khalid day. The real estate sector, which Revenue for the first quar- income, with exception of the cess of restructuring and refi- Underpinned by manage- tom line profitability was se- said, the bottom line profitability gained 3.1 percent, was also vital ter represented an 8 percent insurance segment. The aviation nancing the debt of its wholly ment business plan, this new verely impacted by the insurance was impacted by the market vol- in lifting the main index higher. increase compared to the fourth segment showed strong opera- owned subsidiary Gulf Drilling debt structure would allow for segment as a result of significant atilities affecting the investment The day saw a number of quarter of 2019. tional and financial performance International (GDI) that would gradual deleveraging of the unrealised losses reported with- portfolio amid unprecedented stocks rising to almost the For the three months of owing to the market expansion allow an opportunity to the Group’s financial position. in its investment portfolio due to dual headwinds of COVID-19 maximum daily limit of 10 2020, the Group reported earn- strategy. Group in terms of optimum sus- During the first quarter of the current market volatilities. and oil price decline. percent.

Interim Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows For the three month period ended 31 March 2020 Interim Condensed Consolidated(In thousands Statement of Qatari Riyals) of Cash Flows For the three month period ended 31 March 2020 In thousands of Qatari Riyals

March 31, March 31, 2020 2019 (Unaudited) (Unaudited) CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Profit for the period 8,720 25,275 Adjustments for: Depreciation of property and equipment 101,579 109,626 Provision for employees’ end of service benefits 4,052 4,218 Gain/Loss on disposal of property and equipment (7) 2,456 Net gain /loss from disposal of financial investments 7,296 (1,802) Net movement of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 56,497 (9,243) Amortisation of finance cost related to borrowings 2,257 1,781 Profit distribution from managed investment funds (955) (1,722) Provision for expected credit loss - 766 Gulf International Services Q.P.S.C. Reversal of provision for ECL (3,630) - Finance income (7,386) (8,476) Finance costs 51,251 59,948 INTERIM CONDENSED UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Dividend income (3,640) (3,740) Movement in unearned premiums 134,169 240,181 FOR THE THREE-MONTH PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2020 Provision for slow moving inventories - 1,711 Other movements (8,077) - 342,126 420,979 Changes in: Interim Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Financial Position Interim Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss Inventories (4,689) (1,704) Interim Condensed Unauditedand Other Consolidated Comprehensive Statement Income of Profit or Loss and Contract assets 517 (29,334) As at 31 March 2020 Contract liabilities (3,379) 43,485 Interim Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Financial Position Other ComprehensiveFor Incomethe three month period ended 31 March 2020 Lease Liabilities (6,582) - (In thousands of Qatari Riyals) For the three month period(In endedthousands 31 March of Qatari 2020 Riyals unless otherwise stated) In thousands of Qatari Riyals AsInterim at 31 March Condensed 2020 Unaudited Consolidated Statement of In Financial thousands of Position Qatari Riyals Right of Use of Assets 5,835 - Trade and insurance receivables, prepayments and due from related parties (296,293) (286,638) As at 31 March 2020 In thousands of Qatari Riyals March 31, March 31, March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Trade and insurance payables, accruals and due to related parties 27,071 45,713 2020 2019 (Unaudited) (Restated) Cash generated from operating activities 64,606 192,501 March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 (Unaudited) (Unaudited) ASSETS Employees’ end of service benefits paid (4,052) (2,782) (Unaudited) (Restated) Net cash generated from operating activities 60,554 189,719 NonASSETS-current assets Revenue 831,715 719,210 Property and equipment 6,421,124 Non-current assets 6,364,654 Direct costs (665,847) (611,250) CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES GoodwillProperty and equipment 6,364,654 303,559 6,421,124303,559 Gross profit 165,868 107,960 Acquisition of property and equipment (14,337) (32,343) RightGoodwill-of-use assets 303,55962,824 303,55968,659 Purchase of financial investments (41,951) (64,392) ContractRight-of- useassets assets 62,8246,864 68,6597,381 Other income (57,325) 21,440 Purchase of fixed assets (36,195) (451) EquityContract-accounted assets investees 13,9066,864 7,3815,235 General and administrative expenses (55,833) (48,491) Net movement in term deposits with maturities in excess of three months 52,946 (180,530) Financial investments 288,316 Equity-accounted investees 250,05013,906 5,235 Other expenses (125) (4,162) Interest received 7,386 5,221 TotalFinancial non investments-current assets 7,001,857250,050 7,094,274288,316 Operating profit 52,585 76,747 Proceeds from disposal and maturity of financial assets 72,027 33,057

Current Total non assets-current assets 7,001,857 7,094,274 Proceeds from written off of property and equipment 7 9,468 InventoriesCurrent assets 220,179 215,491 Finance income 7,386 8,476 Net movement in cash at banks – restricted for dividend 866 2,415 ContractInventories assets 220,1799,529 215,4919,529 Finance cost (51,251) (59,949) Profit distribution from managed investment funds 955 1,025 DueContract from assets related parties 785,6469,529 501,2379,529 Net finance cost (43,865) (51,473) Payment of lease liabilities (6,523) - FinancialDue from investmentsrelated parties 785,646254,425 501,237342,220 Profit for the period 8,720 25,275 Dividend received 3,640 3,740 TradeFinancial and investments other receivables 254,425766,295 342,220766,322 Net cash used in investing activities 38,820 (222,790) Other comprehensive income ReinsuranceTrade and other contract receivables assets 1,051,702766,295 766,322929,964 CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

ShortReinsurance term investments contract assets 1,051,702379,459 929,964229,382 Proceeds from loans and borrowings 291,200 145,600 Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss CashShort andterm bank investments balances 379,459622,904 229,382678,447 Repayment of loans and borrowings (193,778) Equity investments at Fair Value Through Other (190,402) TotalCash andcurrent bank assets balances 4,090,622,139904 3,672,592678,447 Dividends paid (2,415) Comprehensive Income (FVTOCI) – change in fair value (32,420) 3,679 (866) TOTALTotal current ASSETS assets 11,091,9964,090,139 10,766,863,672,5926 Finance cost paid (51,132) (59,948) TOTAL ASSETS 11,091,996 10,766,866 Foreign operations – foreign currency translation (2,997) - EQUITY AND LIABILITIES Totaldifference other comprehensive income /(loss) (35,417) 3,679 Net cash used in financing activities 48,800 (110,541) EQUITY AND LIABILITIES EQUITY Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents 148,172 (143,614) EQUITY Share capital 1,858,409 1,858,409 Total comprehensive income /(loss)for the period (26,697) 28,954 Change in foreign currency reserve 121 - Share capital 1,858,409 1,858,409 Legal reserve 366,295 366,295 Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January 438,601 542,005 Legal reserve 366,295 366,295 General reserve 74,516 74,516 Earnings per share Cash and cash equivalents for the period * 586,896 398,393 General reserve 74,516 74,516 Foreign currency translation reserve (14,575) (11,578) Basic and diluted earnings per share Foreign currency translation reserve (14,575) (11,578) Fair value reserve (33,515) (1,095) (expressed in QR per share) 0.005 0.014 *Cash and cash equivalents excludes deposits maturing after 90 days and the unclaimed dividend amounts. RetainedFair value earningsreserve 1,293,456(33,515) 1,284,735(1,095) Retained earnings 1,284,735 Total equity 1,293,4563,544,586 3,571,282 Total equity 3,544,586 3,571,282 Interim Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity LIABILITIES Interim Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity LIABILITIES For the three month period ended 31 March 2020 In thousands of Qatari Riyals Non-current liabilities Non-current liabilities For the three month period ended 31 March 2020 Lease liability 39,785 45,456 Lease liability 39,785 45,456 (In thousands of Qatari Riyals) Loans and borrowings 3,973,923 3,862,016 Loans and borrowings 3,973,923 3,862,016 Contract liabilities 5,741 5,741 Contract liabilities 5,741 5,741 Provision for decommissioning costs 41,598 41,598 Provision for decommissioning costs 41,598 41,598 Foreign Provision for employees’ end of service benefits 91,281 Provision for employees’ end of service benefits 92,150 91,281 currency 4,046,092 Total non-current liabilities 4,153,197 4,046,092 Share Legal General translation Fair value Retained

Current liabilities capital reserve reserve reserve reserve earnings Total Bank overdraft 8 8 2019 Lease liability 26,565 27,478 Dividends payable 77,622 78,488 Balance at 1 January 2019 (Audited) 1,858,409 364,698 74,516 (11,501) (7,536) 1,253,475 3,532,061 Dividends payable 77,622 78,488 Total comprehensive income: Loans and borrowings 816,360 825,212 Trade and other payables 873,392 851,498 Profit for the period - - - - - 25,275 25,275 Due to related parties 28,834 33,299 Other comprehensive income for the period - - - - 3,679 - 3,679 Reinsurance contract liabilities 1,558,543 1,317,242 Total comprehensive income for the period 1,858,409 364,698 74,516 (11,501) 3,679 25,275 28,954 Contract liabilities 12,889 16,267 Total current liabilities 3,394,213 3,149,492 Balance at 31 March 2019 (Unaudited) 1,858,409 364,698 74,516 (11,501) (3,857) 1,278,750 3,561,015 Total liabilities 7,547,410 7,195,584 TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 11,091,996 10,766,866

2020 These consolidated financial statements were approved by the Company’s Board of Directors and signed Balance at 1 January 2020 (Audited) 1,858,409 366,295 74,516 (11,578) (1,095) 1,294,376 3,580,923 on its behalf by the following on 29 April 2020: Prior year adjustment (Note 6) - - - - - (9,641) (9,641)

Balance at 1 January 2020 (Restated ) 1,858,409 366,295 74,516 (11,578) (1,095) 1,284,735 3,571,282

Total comprehensive income:

Profit for the period - - - - - 8,720 8,720 Khalid Bin Khalifa Al-Thani JassimSaad Rashid Bin Abdullah Al-Muhannadi Al-Thani Other comprehensive (loss) for the period - - - (2,997) (32,420) - (35,416) Total comprehensive income for the period - - - (2,997) (32,420) 8,720 (26,696) Chairman Board Member Chairman Board Member Balance at 31 March 2020 (Unaudited) 1,858,409 366,295 74,516 )14,575( )33,515( 1,293,456 3,544,586

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT WWW.GIS.COM.QA OR EMAIL US AT: [email protected]

Economy & Business Thursday, April 30, 2020 09 Air traffic Qatar’s virus package, mega projects plunges 53% in March, take centre stage in OBG report says IATA AFP Paris Tourism has been identified as one of the sectors of Qatar’s economy with high-growth potential World air trafficsuffered a massive drop of more than Tribune news network covered from the economic half in March compared with doha impact of lower oil prices the same period last year in 2014-16 and the ongoing thanks to coronavirus-related Qatar’s bid to continue di- blockade suggest the coun- travel restrictions, the airline versifying its economy, while try is well placed to reach the industry’s trade body said introducing a QR75 billion longer-term goals outlined in Wednesday. ($20.6 billion) stimulus pack- its development plan, the Na- The 52.9 percent drop age to ease the impact of the tional Vision 2030.” when measured by total rev- Covid-19 pandemic, is ex- Jana Treeck, the Group’s enue per passenger kilome- plored in detail in a new report Managing Director for the tres “was the largest decline by the global research and ad- Middle East, agreed that while in recent history, reflecting visory firm Oxford Business the world currently faces un- the impact of government Group (OBG). precedented challenges from actions to slow the spread of The Report: Qatar 2020 the pandemic, Qatar’s efforts COVID-19”, said the Interna- shines a spotlight on the coun- to keep the fiscal balance in tional Air Associa- try’s list of , many surplus, while also channel- tion (IATA). of which will support the coun- ling funds into areas of the Many of the roughly 290 try as it prepares to host the economy identified as ripe for airlines who are members of 2022 FIFA World Cup. growth, will serve it well. the Association have been It also considers Qatar’s “At $57.8 billion, the 2020 hard hit by the slump in air plans to increase liquefied budget is the highest in over travel demand with much of natural gas (LNG) output by five years, with sectors such as the world in lockdown as gov- around two-thirds, while cush- health and education among ernments fight to limit the ioning the industry against the key beneficiaries,”T reeck spread of coronavirus. the recent fall in demand for said. “With its drive to boost Those airlines together hydrocarbons, fuelled by the LNG production gaining pace represent 82 percent of global coronavirus. and a robust pipeline of ma- air traffic. Key initiatives highlighted Qatar’s decision to sharpen its focus on gas production, after withdrawing from the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries in early jor projects, both for the FIFA US aerospace giant Boe- include the planned expan- 2019, is given wide-ranging coverage. 2022 World Cup and beyond, ing and British Airways Boe- sion of Hamad International Qatar’s push to broaden its ing have notably announced Airport, which is expected to 126mn tonnes per annum by cal sites and medical facilities. It a detailed sector-by-sector that strong fundamentals and economic base at the start of a this week they expect to make begin this year. Projects un- 2027. In addition, the report also charts the progress made by guide for investors. sound diversification plans new decade looks to be main- thousands of job cuts after dertaken at Qatar’s , and considers the key part that Qa- the authorities since the block- It also features a wide had provided firm foundations taining momentum.” traffic volume fell to levels not the part they have played in tar is poised to play in meeting ade to tap new source markets. range of interviews with other for Qatar’s economic develop- The Report: Qatar 2020 seen since 2006. opening up new trade routes growing global demand for The country’s rapidly de- high-profile personalities, in- ment, despite the inevitable, marks the culmination of “March was a disastrous and boosting cruise arrivals, cleaner sources of power gen- veloping education sector is cluding: Ali bin Ahmed al Ku- near-term effects of the Cov- more than 12 months of field month for aviation,” said Alex- are also examined. eration. another focus. OBG considers wari, Minister of Commerce id-19 pandemic. research by a team of analysts andre de Juniac, IATA’s direc- Qatar’s decision to sharpen Tourism has been identi- the key contribution that infra- and Industry; Ali al Waleed al “Qatar has introduced from Oxford Business Group. tor general and CEO. its focus on gas production, fied as one of the sectors of structure investment is mak- Thani, CEO, Investment Pro- swift and effective measures The publication assesses trends “Airlines progressively after withdrawing from the Qatar’s economy with high- ing to the sector’s expansion. motion Agency; Khalid bin to support both its healthcare and developments across the felt the growing impact of the Organisation of the Petroleum growth potential, boosted by It also tracks the growing role Khalifa al Thani, CEO, Qatar- system and the private sector economy, including those in COVID-19 related border clos- Exporting Countries in early improvements to infrastruc- played by the private sector gas; Abdulrahman M Darwish, as the country grapples with macroeconomics, infrastruc- ings and restrictions on mo- 2019, is given wide-ranging ture and hospitality. in boosting activity across the CEO, KBM Group Qatar; and the impact of the coronavirus,” ture, banking and others. bility, including in domestic coverage. There is in-depth OBG’s report documents segments. Khaled Sam Hosn, CEO, Mall he said. The Report: Qatar 2020 markets. analysis of the expansion Qatar’s efforts to increase visi- The Report: Qatar 2020 of Qatar. “While the difficulties it has been produced with the “Demand was at the same planned for the North Field tor numbers by broadening its contains a viewpoint by the Commenting ahead of faces shouldn’t be underesti- Ministry of Commerce and In- level it was in 2006 but we – the world’s largest non-as- offerings to include sporting Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin the launch, Oliver Cornock, mated, analysis from the IMF dustry, the Qatar Chamber and have the fleets and employees sociated gas field – to around events, museums, archaeologi- Hamad al Thani, together with OBG’s Editor-in-Chief, said indicating that Qatar has re- Grant Thornton Qatar. for double that.

Qatar’s producer price index drops in March Tribune news network doha AL RAYAN QATAR ETF Qatar’s Producer Price Index (PPI) of industrial sector for March INTERIM CONDENSED 2020 is estimated at 49.2 points FINANCIAL STATEMENTS showing a decrease of 17.9%, when compared to February 2020. On FOR THE THREE-MONTH PERIOD ENDED year-on-year [Y-o-Y] basis, PPI of March 2020 showed a decrease of 31 MARCH 2020 25.1% when compared to the PPI of March 2019. INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REVIEW REPORT The PPI data released by Plan- TO THE UNIT HOLDERS OF AL RAYAN QATAR ETF ning and Statistics Authority (PSA) Introduction Other matter covers goods relating to “mining” We have reviewed the accompanying interim condensed financial statements The financial statements and interim condensed financial statements of the (weight: 72.7%), “manufacturing” of Al Rayan Qatar ETF (“the Fund”) which comprise the interim condensed Fund for the year ended 31 December 2019 and for the three-month period (weight: 26.8%), and “electricity & statement of financial position as at March 31, 2020, and the related interim ended 31 March 2019, respectively, were audited / reviewed by another condensed statements of income, changes in net assets attributable to unit auditor who expressed an unmodified audit report and review conclusion on water” (weight: 0.5%). “rubber and plastics products” by “basic metals” by 1.5% each, “rub- holders and cash flows for the three-month period then ended, and certain those statements on 20 January 2020 and 17 April 2019, respectively. Mining 0.4%. ber and plastics products” by 0.6%, explanatory notes. The Manager of the Fund is responsible for the preparation Conclusion and presentation of these interim condensed financial statements in The PPI of March 2020 for this However, the increasing prices and “beverages” by 0.5%. Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards issued by the Accounting sector showed a decrease by 21% were noticed in “basic metals” by However, prices increased in believe that the accompanying interim condensed financial statements are not and Auditing Organisation for Islamic Financial Institutions (“AAOIFI”) and the presented fairly, in all material respects, in accordance with the Financial when compared with PPI of Feb- 5.5%, “cement and other non-me- “paper and paper products” by applicable provisions of Qatar Central Bank regulations (“QCB”). Our Accounting Standards issued by AAOIFI and applicable provisions of Qatar responsibility is to express a conclusion on these interim condensed financial ruary 2020, primarily due to the tallic products” by 2.9%, “grain mill 3%, followed by “juices” by 2.6%, Central Bank regulations. price decline of “crude petroleum and other products” by 1.4%, and “grain mill and other products” statements based on our review. Emphasis of matter Scope of review and natural gas” by 21.1%. On y-o- “beverages” by 0.1%. No changes are decreased by 1.5%, “dairy We draw attention to disclosure in note 12 to the interim condensed financial We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on y basis the PPI of March 2020 de- were noticed in “juices”, “dairy products” by 0.3%, and “cement statements, which describe the effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic Review Engagements 2410, “Review of Interim Financial Information and their detrimental effect on the financial position and performance of the creased by 29.9%. products”, and “paper and paper and other non-metallic products” Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity”. A review of the interim Fund. Our conclusion is not modified in respect of this matter. Manufacturing products”. 0.2%. financial information consists of making inquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and A decrease of 11.1% has been re- Comparing with the index of Electricity and water For Deloitte & Touche other review procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit Qatar Branch corded in March 2020, when com- counterpart in the previous year The PPI of this group showed conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing and pared with the previous month’s (March 2019), “manufacturing” PPI a decrease of 7.7% compared to consequently does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become Walid Slim manufacturing index (Febru- of March 2020 showed a decrease February 2020, resulting from the aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Partner ary,2020). of 14.7%. decrease in “electricity” prices by Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion. License No. 319 Doha – Qatar QFMA Auditor The decrease in prices are seen The major groups which explain 8.2%, and “water” by 7.2%. On Y- April 19, 2020 License No. 120156 in: “refined petroleum products” this price fall are: “basic chemicals” o-Y basis, a decrease of 5.5% was by 14.1%, followed by “basic chemi- by 18.4%, followed by “refined pe- noted, affected by prices fall in “wa- cals” by 13.5%, “other chemical troleum products” by 17.2%, “other ter” by 7.7%, and “electricity” by INTERIM CONDENSED STATEMENT OF INTERIM CONDENSED INCOME STATEMENT products and fibers” by 2.1%, and chemical products and fibers”, and 4.1%. FINANCIAL POSITION For the three-month period ended 31 March 2020 As at 31 March 2020 In Qatari Riyals In Qatari Riyals

31 March 31 December For the For the 2020 2019 three-month three-month (Reviewed) (Audited) period ended period ended 31 March 2019 Boeing to cut staff, plane output as ASSETS 31 March 2020 Bank balances 17,851,689 2,080,193 (Reviewed) (Reviewed) Investment securities 396,846,424 521,645,857 OPERATING (LOSS) / INCOME pandemic batters airline industry Trade settlements 25,551,788 – Net loss from investment securities (125,793,916) (4,169,864) Other receivables 242,301 – Net dividend income 17,166,334 23,368,345 Profit on bank balances 22,923 25,444 TOTAL ASSETS 440,492,202 523,726,050 AFP years to return to the levels of traf- ter was $38.9 billion, up from $27.3 Total (loss) / income (108,604,659) 19,223,925 New York LIABILITIES fic we saw just a few months ago,” billion at the end of December. Trade settlements 26,117,117 – EXPENSES Calhoun said. “We have to prepare Calhoun said the belt-tightening Accrued expenses 644,216 1,225,735 Expenses (594,846) (679,762) Boeing announced sweeping cost- for that.” was needed to maintain adequate TOTAL LIABILITIES 26,761,333 1,225,735 Total expenses (594,846) (679,762) cutting measures on Wednesday af- Calhoun said the job cuts would liquidity at a time its revenues are NET ASSETS ATTRIBUTABLE CHANGE IN NET ASSETS ter reporting a first-quarter loss of be deeper -- more than 15 percent -- depressed, adding that the com- TO UNIT HOLDERS 413,730,869 522,500,315 ATTRIBUTABLE TO UNIT HOLDERS (109,199,505) 18,544,163 $641 million following the hit to the in commercial airplanes and servic- pany is “exploring potential govern- NUMBER OF UNITS IN ISSUE 225,200,000 225,000,000 airline business from the coronavi- es, as compared with defense and ment funding options” in the wake NET ASSET VALUE PER UNIT 1.8372 2.3222 rus pandemic. space systems, where the business of COVID-19. The aerospace giant plans to has been more stable. Potential US government aid These interim condensed financial statements for the three-month period ended 31 March 2020 were authorised for issue by the Founder and the reduce its workforce by 10 percent The company had 160,000 em- -Boeing has previously called for Fund Manager on 19 April 2020. through a combination of voluntary ployees prior to the announcement, $60 billion in government support and involuntary layoffs and will putting the downsizing at some for the US aerospace industry. The Adel Mustafawi Haithem Katerji slash production of its main com- 16,000 jobs. federal “Cares Act” legislation in- Group Chief Executive Officer Chief Executive Officer Masraf Al Rayan Q.P.S.C. Al Rayan Investment L.L.C. mercial planes, including the 787 The quarterly loss of $641 mil- cludes $17 billion aimed at Boeing. The Founder The Fund Manager and 777, Chief Executive David Cal- lion compared to profits of $2.1 In an interview with CNBC houn said in a message to employ- billion in the year-ago period. Rev- Wednesday, Calhoun said the com- ees that accompanied an earnings enues fell 26.2 percent to $16.9 bil- pany would weigh potential support Note: The above published financial information is not the full set of financial statements. The published audit report of the independent auditors is issued on the release. lion. from the US Treasury against pri- full set of financial statements which are available on the ETF website: https://www.alrayan.com/ “The aviation industry will take Total debt at the end of the quar- vate sources. 10 Thursday, April 30, 2020 Economy & Business Ooredoo reports revenue of QR7.3 billion in Q1 2020, net profit at QR387 million

Tribune news network lion (Q1 2019: QR1.03 bil- the running of 4G and 5G Ooredoo Group has increased Doha, lion). Customer numbers Ooredoo Qatar traffic simultaneously on the our revenue and we have de- stood at 3.3 million. The com- same frequency. livered good results. Growth Ooredoo Group reported pany saw an increase in digi- reported stable Sheikh Faisal said, “At was driven by strong perfor- a net profit of QR387 million tal sales and digital service revenue of QR1.8 Ooredoo our key priorities are mances in most of our mar- for the first quarter (Q1) of revenue during the period. clear: the health and safety of kets, and in particular in In- 2020, a decrease of 8 percent Network innovation con- billion. EBITDA our employees and customers, donesia and Tunisia where compared to the same period tinued to be a priority. stood at QR966 as well as the continued pro- revenues grew 7 percent and last year, the company an- Ooredoo Qatar’s con- vision of uninterrupted and 16 percent respectively, sup- nounced in a statement on tent and entertainment ser- million, while high-quality services for our ported by Indosat Ooredoo’s Wednesday. vices saw good growth, with customer num- consumer and business cus- refreshed strategy and the The group reported reve- a growing customer base for tomers. Now more than ever, implementation of Ooredoo nue growth of 1 percent year- Ooredoo tv. The company bers reached it is imperative that we adhere Tunisia’s value creation plan. on-year to QR7.3 billion sup- also continued to drive 5G to our vision of “Enriching Business in Myanmar has ported by robust growth in progress with more than Ooredoo Group Chairman 3.3 million Oordeoo Group CEO Sheikh people’s digital lives” as our been growing as well. Oore- Indonesia, Tunisia, Myanmar 100,000 customers signing Sheikh Faisal bin Thani al Thani Saud bin Nasser al Thani networks play a vital role in doo Qatar continues to be our and other markets, which up to the new Shahry 5G and connecting communities and highest revenue generator, was partially offset by a COV- Qatarna 5G plans. empowering businesses. reporting QR1.8 billion in to- ID-19 impact, a reduction in Towards the end of the “Across all our opera- tal revenues for Q1 2020.” handset sales and macroeco- period, Ooredoo Qatar saw tions, we have optimised He said, “The implementa- nomic weakness in some of some business impact from network capacity and have tion of nationwide lockdowns our other markets. the COVID-19 outbreak, par- managed the flow of data across many of our geogra- EBITDA declined by 5 per- ticularly on B2B revenue. traffic from business centres phies impacted EBITDA as cent year-on-year to QR3.0 The company launched the to residential areas to en- margins came under pressure billion, impacted by meas- #StayHomeWithOoredoo sure uninterrupted and high- due to changing customer be- ures to contain the spread of campaign, which included speed connectivity for all our haviour. We continue to imple- COVID-19 in many territories dedicated offers and services customers. ment strong cost optimisation as well as challenging market for customers, and increased “For our office employees, programmes across all our conditions in Algeria, bandwidth allowance for we have adopted work from OpCos to manage some of the and Oman. school and university cus- home policies, and for our impact from the pandemic and Data revenues accounted tomers for free, to support frontline workers we have weakening economic activity. for more than 50 percent of distance learning. implemented strict health “Our leading digital in- total revenue. Commenting on the re- and safety measures which frastructure and focus on Ooredoo said the group sults, Ooredoo Chairman are in line with directives re- customer experience enabled has healthy cash reserve and Sheikh Faisal bin Thani al ceived from government and us to grow our user base by 6 liquidity levels to be able to Thani, said, “Ooredoo Group health authorities. Many of percent during the first quar- absorb the impact of COV- delivered a healthy set of re- the communities in the terri- ter of 2020 compared to the ID-19 for the year 2020. sults for the start of the year. tories that we operate in have same period last year. Our “As the COVID-19 lock- The world is going through an been severely impacted by digital platforms and home downs continues, it is ex- unprecedented challenge as the pandemic. Across all our deliveries enabled our cus- pected to result in economic we all come together to tack- Ooredoo Qatar continued to drive 5G progress with more than 100,000 customers signing up to the new operations, we have launched tomers to avail our services weakness in most of our mar- le the COVID-19 pandemic. Shahry 5G and Qatarna 5G plans. several initiatives to ease the and manage their accounts kets with a corresponding While the telecom sector is burden on the groups im- from the safety of their impact on the performance defensive and more resilient graphically and a diversified formation have ensured our upgraded our 4G network pacted the most, by offering homes. In Oman, we contin- of our operations,” Ooredoo than others, we do expect to customer mix across prepaid, business continuity and ena- in Myanmar to the most ad- free data packages, making ued to deliver double digit said in the statement. see some negative impact on postpaid and enterprise, all bled us to provide essential vanced level in the country donations, and contributing growth in fixed revenues, in Ooredoo Qatar our operations, similar to oth- of which will help us navigate services and uninterrupted and in our home market of to raising awareness of pre- Iraq, we increased our cus- Ooredoo Qatar reported er global telecom operators. these challenging times.” connectivity for our custom- Qatar we took another step vention measures. “ tomer base, while in Tunisia stable revenue of QR1.8 bil- “However, Ooredoo Group He said, “The investments ers during these uncertain towards nationwide 5G cov- Oordeoo Group CEO we maintained our number 1 lion (Q1 2019: QR1.8 billion). has a strong balance sheet, a we have made and continue times. erage by deploying Spectrum Sheikh Saud bin Nasser al position by customer market EBITDA stood at QR966 mil- well-diversified portfolio geo- to make in our digital trans- “During the period we Sharing sites which enables Thani, said, “In Q1 2020 share.”

Stay fit while staying at home with Huawei gadgets

Tribune news network wei Y7p comes with a 48MP In addition, Huawei Doha AI Triple camera, a massive Smart Scale helps custom- 6.39-inch Punch FullView ers keep track of weight loss Working and staying at Display. This means users not targets with 9 parameters, home is not only considered only get a great camera, but including weight, body fat as the new normal but comes also get a massive screen for percentage and muscle mass. with new benefits. People now a more immersive viewing ex- All these devices connect to spend more time with their perience along with a power- Huawei Health, which is a families, are becoming more ful processor for carrying out must have to keep track of all physically active and are try- everyday tasks. physical activities. ing to find ways of being more On the other hand, the With the entitre family at productive. In order to truly Huawei Y9s comes with a home, there are several de- master working from home, 48MP AI Triple camera and vices that will be connected the right tools are necessary a 6.55-inch Ultra FullView to the network. Be it for work, to stay connected. Display with no notches and streaming movies and videos To ensure that users can minimal bezels and re-en- and e-learning requirements perform their daily tasks and gineering the front camera for children, the Internet have the right working from into an auto pop up mecha- router at home is up for some home experience, a smart- nism along the top edge of the heavy duty tasks. The Huawei phone that can be relied on phone. The device is aestheti- WiFi Q2 Pro can maintain is necessary. Huawei nova 7i cally pleasing with its glass stable network connections (File photo) A nearly empty street is seen in Chinatown in New York. (AFP) and Huawei’s Y series, are all back panel and side finger- and even allows for full cover- smartphones that are capable print sensor. age around the house with the of handling everyday office With all the live fitness help of its satellite stations. tasks efficiently. videos on Instagram, getting It is also quite easy to install US decade of growth ends as The Huawei nova 7i’s in shape has been on people’s with a simple plug and play powerful 48MP AI Quad cam- Work from Home agenda. functionality. The best part era setup is perfect for taking The Huawei Watch GT 2, is, the router is beautiful in photos with family whilst at which has a long up to two design, which adds to your virus contracts GDP by 4.8% home and even take videos. week battery life, gives users home decor. Its long lasting battery and comprehensive readings on In changing times like AFP “But these data capture sacrifices to defeat this in- reopen, though many other powerful hardware like the all workouts, and provides this, being connected through Washington only the squall before the sec- visible enemy,” Ross said in areas have committed to keep- Kirin 810 with 8GB of RAM tips on how to improve. Addi- our everday devices is even ond quarter hurricane, so it’s a statement, predicting the ing the confinements in place ensures all-day performance tionally, it gives detailed heart more important as they are The US economy’s decade of not going to change anyone’s country would come back for now. no matter how intense the rate, sleep and your stress an integral part of our daily expansion ended dramatically mind on the future trajectory “stronger and healthier than The new GDP data is a task be it work-related, enter- level information to ensure lives. With the right tools and in the first quarter as the coro- of the economy.” ever.” sharp reversal from the last tainment or even gaming. that all of them are in check. equipment, working from navirus pandemic caused GDP The grim numbers under- quarter of 2019, when the Bringing to the table pow- Pair it with the Huawei Free- home and everyday needs to shrink by 4.8 percent, and score the damage done to the economy grew by 2.1 percent erful cameras and perfor- Buds 3 with its open-fit active such as e-learning, home second quarter growth is set to world’s largest economy by the The coronavirus outbreak and analysts were more con- mance with a more affordable noise cancellation features for entertainment fitness and plummet even further. pandemic, which has already in United States has cerned with whether Trump’s price tag is the Huawei Y7p a powerful work out combina- health management will be The decline -- the biggest caused an estimated 26 mil- grown into the world’s trade policies would contin- and Huawei Y9s . The Hua- tion. easier and more convenient. . fall in GDP in 12 years and lion job losses and sent Con- largest and deadliest, with ue to weigh down growth in slightly worse than analysts gress and President Donald the country’s caseload ris- 2020. had expected -- came after the Trump scrambling to cut the ing to 1,011,877 on Personal consumption pandemic forced businesses losses. Tuesday and deaths hitting fell by 7.6 percent in the first to close and halted purchases The coronavirus outbreak quarter, the data said, due and investments, the Com- in United States has grown 58,351 to decreases in spending in a merce Department said on into the world’s largest and wide variety of sectors, includ- Wednesday. deadliest, with the country’s In Washington, Democrat- ing healthcare, motor vehicles Yet the report noted it caseload rising to 1,011,877 ic and Republican lawmakers and parts. could not quantify the full eco- on Tuesday and deaths hitting are negotiating over aid to Worrying as the report nomic effects of the virus, and 58,351. state and local governments is, the lockdowns, travel cur- the figures are expected to sink - A sharp reversal -Com- after last month passing a tailments and quarantine well into the double digits in merce Secretary Wilbur Ross massive $2.2 trillion stimulus restrictions necessitated by the second quarter, when the acknowledged the numbers measure that included direct the virus only came in the impacts from the shutdowns were “weak” but in line with payments to Americans and last few weeks in March, are fully felt. expectations. loans and grants for struggling which were the tail end of the “Thus ended the expan- “We continue to have the small businesses. quarter. sion which began in the third most resilient economy in the Meanwhile, states across That means next quarter’s quarter of 2009; killed by world, driven by innovative the country are eyeing lift- numbers will be even worse, COVID-19,” Ian Shepherdson and hardworking Americans ing lockdown measures, with analysts say, with Oxford of Pantheon Macroeconomics who have shown that they are Georgia recently allowing Economics projecting growth said. willing to make the needed beaches and restaurants to plunging by 40 percent. QMMF to host second Qatar Online Racing Championship for riders Thursday, April 30, 2020 page 13

Khelaifi requests recusal of Swiss public prosecutors Files separate criminal complaint

Tribune News Network Doha

Following new evidence that has come to light, and in the context of the continuing scandal affecting the Swiss prosecution system, Nasser al Khelaifi - Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) president - has requested the recusal of the fed- eral prosecutors in charge of his final technical and flawed Swiss case, while also filing a criminal complaint. Over recent weeks, the impar- tiality, propriety and Paris Saint-Germain president credibility of the Nasser al Khelaifi. Swiss Office of the Attorney General has been thrown into major question as it has been revealed that the lead prosecutor in Switzerland, Swiss Attorney General Michael Lauber, had been sanc- tioned by its Supervisory Authority for lying and various Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe wearing a face mask speaks during a budget committee session at the parliament in on Wednesday. (AFP) breaches of conduct in connection with the conduct of the various FIFA-related cases, prompting major new counter- actions by Khelaifi. The sanctions against Swiss Attorney General Michael Lauber are available here: https://www.admin.ch/gov/fr/accueil/documentation/ communiques.msg-id-78309.html Japan must hold Olympics Attorney General Lauber had already been recused from Khelaifi’s file last June due to questions of partiality – a decision that was upheld by the Swiss Supreme Court this month. However the recent announcement by the seven-mem- ber supervisory authority of the Federal Prosecutor’s Office as a testament to humanity’s revealed new facts and has prompted Khelaifi to request the recusal of the other federal prosecutors in charge of his case. In addition, Khelaifi has also filed a criminal complaint after confidential information pertaining to the file was -re peatedly leaked. A criminal investigation for suspicion of breach of official secrecy has been opened against unknown victory, says Shinzo Abe and, for obvious conflict of interest issues, assigned to an ex- traordinary prosecutor outside of the Office of the Attorney General. It is currently pending. AFP kan Sports daily whether the In February 2020, after an exhaustive three-year inves- Tokyo Games could be delayed until tigation by Swiss authorities, all charges of bribery against 2022 if the pandemic remains Khelaifi– which were in connection with media rights for Japanese Prime Minister a threat next year, to which he the 2026 and 2030 World Cups – were definitively and con- Shinzo Abe said on Wednes- said: “No.” clusively dropped. While a secondary technical charge re- day it would be “difficult” to “In that case, it’s can- mains outstanding, this charge was suddenly created by the hold the postponed Tokyo celled,” he said in the inter- Public Prosecutor in December (some three years after the Olympics if the coronavirus view published on Tuesday. original charge), when it became clear that the primary case pandemic is not contained. A Tokyo 2020 spokesman was flawed.N ot only has Khelaifi not been The premier’s remarks told reporters also on Tues- afforded a full right of reply to this secondary charge, but came a day after Tokyo 2020 day that Mori’s remarks were the charge is manifestly artificial and lacks any basis in law president Yoshiro Mori said in based on “the chairman’s own or fact. an interview with a local sports thoughts”. Commenting on the developments, lawyers represent- daily the Olympics will have to Postponing the Games is ing Nasser al Khelaifi said, “There appears to be a recurring be cancelled if the coronavirus an enormous logistical and fi- theme regarding the Swiss prosecution’s cases, and our cli- pandemic isn’t brought under nancial challenge, with the fi- ent’s case is no different. As we have said from day one, the control by next year. nal price tag for the delay still prosecution’s recently-submitted secondary charge is mani- Abe told parliament: “We unclear. festly artificial and lacks basis in must hold the Olympics as a The pandemic has caused law or fact. While hearing dates have recently been ear- testament to humanity’s vic- 217,000 deaths around the marked, our client’s position has not changed in any way tory over the coronavirus.” globe. In Japan, the virus has – this secondary case is completely unfounded, just like the “If we’re not in such situa- infected around 14,000 and primary case which was dropped. Further, and in the con- tion, it’s difficult (to hold) the killed almost 400. text of the findings against the Swiss Attorney General of Games,” he said, insisting the The country is under a lying and breach of conduct, we have importance of developing vac- pics and Paralympics in which Olympics) cannot be held in a forced a year-long delay of the month-long state of emer- requested the recusal of the prosecutors and also filed a cines and drugs. athletes and spectators can complete form if the pandemic Games, which are now sched- gency and officials have asked criminal complaint in relation to the leaks – making it un- He added: “We’ve been participate safely and in a is not contained.” uled to open on July 23, 2021. non-essential businesses to certain whether the case will proceed at all.” saying we will hold the Olym- complete form. I think (the The pandemic has already Mori was asked by the Nik- shut their doors. Postponing Games will cost IOC ‘several hundred million dollars’: Bach

AFP and review all the services that on Tuesday. A task force, “We can fairly assume Lausanne we provide for these postponed which brings together the IOC that, in the post-coronavirus Games,” he said. and various partners, includ- society, public health will The postponement to 2021 “The IOC will continue to ing COJO, “has established play a much more important of the in To- be responsible for its share of the priorities and management role. Sport and physical ac- kyo because of the coronavirus the operational burden and its strategies to make these post- tivity make a great contribu- pandemic will cost the Inter- share of the costs for these post- poned Olympic Games feasible tion to health,” he wrote. national Olympic Committee poned Games.” and successful”, Bach said. Bach also said the Olympic (IOC) “several hundred million The IOC, which has ap- These include creating “a movement should consider its dollars”, its president Thomas proximately $1 billion (€926 safe environment with regard to relationship with esports in Bach said on Wednesday. million) in reserves, took the health for all participants”. light of social distancing. At this moment, nobody “We already know that historic decision to postpone “At this moment, nobody “Whilst maintaining our knows what the realities of we have to shoulder several the Games, scheduled to open knows what the realities of principles by respecting the the post-coronavirus world hundred million US dollars of on July 24, until July 23 to Au- the post-coronavirus world red line, with regard to the will look like postponement costs,” the Ger- gust 8, 2021. will look like,” he said. “What Olympic values, we encour- man wrote in a letter to the If the coronavirus pandem- is clear, however, is that prob- age all our stakeholders Thomas Bach Olympic movement, warn- ic is not brought under control ably none of us will be able to even more urgently to ‘con- ing that, while the IOC would within a year, the Games can- sustain every single initiative sider how to govern electron- honour its financial obliga- not be postponed again and or event that we were planning ic and virtual forms of their tions to Tokyo, it would prob- will be cancelled, the head before this crisis hit.” He add- sport and explore opportuni- ably have to make cuts. of the organising committee ed that the IOC should also view ties with game publishers’,” “We also need to look into (COJO) Yoshiro Mori warned the crisis as an opportunity. he said. Thomas Bach warned the IOC might have to make cuts. 12 Thursday, April 30, 2020 Sports Manchester Utd given permission to trial safe standing at Old Trafford AFP London Resuming football season Manchester United have been granted permission to ‘definitely possible’, claims install 1,500 safe-standing seats for use in a trial when UEFA medical committee Old Trafford is opened again to supporters. AFP The use of barrier seating Lausanne has been approved following a change in regulations and a UEFA’s medical committee All football organisations feasibility study carried out by believes restarting seasons which are planning the the club. suspended because of the restart of their competi- Fans are not expected to be coronavirus pandemic “is tions will produce permitted to attend matches definitely possible”, just as comprehensive protocols... for at least a number of months several European countries with English football indefinite- are ruling out attempts to ensuring that the health of ly suspended due to the corona- return to action. those involved in the virus outbreak. “All football organisations games is protected and Even when matches do re- which are planning the restart the integrity of public turn, they will likely take place of their competitions will policy is preserved. behind closed doors for the for- produce comprehensive proto- seeable future. cols... ensuring that the health -- UEFA’s medical committee However, United insist of those involved in the games chairman, Tim Meyer, in a work can be carried out on is protected and the integrity statement the project whilst respecting of public policy is preserved,” social distancing guidelines said UEFA’s medical commit- to ensure it is ready for when tee chairman, Tim Meyer, in a possible, avoid playing com- fans can return. statement on Wednesday. petitive football in the coming “It may seem strange to “Under these conditions weeks. Try to be prepared for talk about stadium plans at this and in full respect of local leg- the start of good competition time, but football and our fans islation, it is definitely possible next season,” he told the BBC. will return when it is safe, and to plan the restart of competi- The Dutch league season our preparations for that must tions suspended during the has been abandoned, with no continue in the background,” 2019/20 season.” promotion or relegation, while said United’s managing direc- The comments come a the French Prime Minister on tor Richard Arnold. day after the chairman of Tuesday poured cold water on “This announcement is the Manchester United’s Old Trafford will trial safe standing when supporters can return to matches. (AFP) FIFA’s medical committee, the the idea that the Ligue 1 and latest step in what has been a Belgian Michel D’Hooghe, said Ligue 2 seasons may resume long journey with our fans. Arnold added that the bar- develop the installation, com- been mandatory in the top two But there has been a re- he was “sceptical” about re- by saying no major sport in the “We have listened to their rier seats can enhance specta- pliance and licensing plan for tiers of English football since newed push in recent years for starting league football during country could take place until feedback, in particular, the rep- tor safety in areas of the ground the trial, with a view to hav- 1994/95, following recom- safe standing to be brought into the pandemic and suggested the end of the summer. resentations made by MUST where fans persistently stand ing the new seats installed mendations on stadium safety the top levels of English football national competitions concen- In addition, Belgium is (Manchester United Support- anyway and that the trial could for when we can welcome our made in the Taylor Report, with United set to follow fellow trate on getting ready for next expected to officially end its ers’ Trust), and worked with be extended to other areas of supporters back to Old Traf- which was commissioned af- Premier League clubs Totten- season instead. league season at a meeting Trafford Council to develop and the stadium. ford,” said Arnold. ter 96 people died in the 1989 ham and Wolves in installing “My proposal is if it is next week. approve this proposal.” “We will now move on to All-seater stadiums have Hillsborough disaster. rail seating. ‘How many have to French football ponders next steps after die?’: Neville voices fears over Premier being told season cannot restart AFP The season could in theory what will happen to a record Paris still be played to a conclu- TV rights deal with Chinese- League plans sion, somehow. Jean-Michel owned group Mediapro due French football clubs are Aulas, the president of Lyon, to kick in next season. The AFP conditions. bracing themselves for a ma- insists as much. four-year deal is worth €1.15 London “If health comes first, there jor financial hit after Tues- “I wonder if we can’t billion annually. is only one outcome at this day’s government announce- come up with a format which The group do not even Gary Neville fears Premier moment in time. How many ment that the current season would allow us to finish the have a channel in France as yet League players’ lives will be put players have got asthma? How would not be allowed to re- season in July or maybe Au- and it seems to be the worst at risk if football is rushed back many players have diabetes? start, with the uncertainty gust,” Aulas said. possible timing for them to set too soon after the coronavirus- “Have they assessed all of leaving even all-powerful However, it is worth re- up in a new market. enforced lockdown in Britain. these things and are they will- Paris Saint-Germain facing membering that Lyon were In the meantime, Eu- Premier League chiefs are ing to put those people at risk?” potentially serious conse- seventh when the season was rope’s other leading leagues aiming for a return to action in The UK is among the worst- quences. suspended and so stand to will be closely following de- June and several clubs opened hit countries in the global COV- Clubs had been optimis- miss out on European quali- velopments. their training grounds to play- ID-19 pandemic, with more tic that the season -- sus- fication for the first time in Germany remains hope- ers this week as they work on than 21,000 deaths so far. pended in mid-March with 24 years if no more games ful of restarting the Bun- “Project Restart”. The country is on lockdown 10 games remaining -- would are played. A child playing football outside Paris Saint-Germain’s Parc des Princes. desliga in mid-May, and in The English top flight is un- until at least May 7, but govern- be allowed to resume in mid- In contrast, Nice president PSG were 12 points clear at the top of Ligue 1 when the French season there is government derstood to be aiming to run a ment officials have spoken in June behind closed doors. Jean-Pierre Rivere said the was suspended. (AFP) support for the idea of get- huge testing operation to keep positive terms about a potential That would have guaran- government had made “a wise ting the Premier League up footballers safe, with reports of return for football if the virus is teed revenue from television, decision, very responsible”. Champions League qualify- top of lost gate receipts and and running again “as soon 26,000 tests being lined up for under control. but Prime Minister Edouard ing berths. sponsorship. as possible”. players and staff. - ‘No football for months’ Philippe delivered a hammer Will PSG get title? France had reported Spanish football is hop- But FIFA’s medical chief -Germany’s sports ministers blow in an address to the Assuming no more 23,660 deaths from Covid-19 What future for Neymar, ing to return possibly in early Michel D’Hooghe said on have said the Bundesliga could National Assembly as he de- matches take place, the by Tuesday, one of the high- Mbappe? June, with La Liga president Tuesday that football should return next month but Dutch tailed plans to ease the strict league must decide how to est totals worldwide. How- PSG, whose wage bill last Javier Tebas saying “football not be played until September football chiefs have called an lockdown introduced to curb end the season. It is under- ever, the determination to year pushed €350 million, is an important economic and former Manchester Unit- end to the Eredivisie season and the spread of the coronavi- stood that France will not get football up and running are reportedly in discussions driver that we need to reacti- ed defender Neville is worried the Belgian campaign is in the rus. follow the lead of the Neth- again was an economic one. with their squad over pay vate like many others.” that Premier League stars will balance. “The 2019-2020 profes- erlands, who decided to void With UEFA eager to start cuts. They reportedly stand Nevertheless, Italian be put in danger by the rush French Prime Minister Ed- sional sports leagues, nota- their season with no champi- next season in good time, to lose up to €215 million in sports minister Vincenzo to return. ouard Philippe said football bly football, cannot restart,” on, relegation or promotion. Ligue 1 appears in an impos- the crisis. Spadafora has warned that “The FIFA medical officer would not return in his country Philippe said, while adding Final placings could sible situation. It raises the question of Italy may now have to follow said that football should not until at least September. that gatherings of over 5,000 be attributed based on the Sports daily L’Equipe whether it will be sustainable the lead of France and the take place before September. I In the Premier League, full people would remain out- standings as they are, or us- calculates that the top two for PSG to retain both Kylian . think if it was a non-economic training is reportedly slated for lawed until September. ing an average of points per divisions could now miss out Mbappe and Neymar going “The decisions being tak- decision there would be no foot- mid-May, with the plan to be The French league will game. on 243 million euros ($264 forward. The latter is spend- en by other countries, like ball for months,” Neville told discussed at a meeting of stake- now meet on Thursday “to PSG were 12 points clear million) from broadcasters ing lockdown back home in France... could push Italy to the Sky Sports Football Show holders on Friday. analyse the sporting and eco- with a game in hand when Canal Plus and beIN Sports, Brazil. follow this line too, which on Wednesday. However, Neville is con- nomic consequences” of the the campaign stopped, with plus 35 million euros for in- All French clubs will now would then become a Euro- “People are now assessing cerned that the Premier government announcement. Marseille and Rennes in ternational rights. That is on be anxiously waiting to see pean line,” he said. risk. How many people have to League’s desire to conclude the die playing football in the Pre- campaign is being driven by fi- mier League before it becomes nancial motives, with the Eng- unpalatable? One? One player? lish top flight facing a huge hit One member of staff goes into if the 92 remaining fixtures are intensive care? What risk not played. Beckenbauer corruption trial ends without verdict do we have to take? The former England in- The discussion is ternational said if it were AFP FIFA said on Tuesday it was disap- made from FIFA accounts without a purely economic.” a non-economic decision Geneva pointed that the trial would not proceed. proper reason.” Neville voiced there would be no foot- “FIFA is deeply disappointed that Beckenbauer was a World Cup win- his particular ball for months but he ac- German football great Franz Beck- the trial related to the FIFA World Cup ner as a player in 1974 and coach when concerns over knowledged that players enbauer’s trial on corruption charges Germany 2006 will not take place be- West Germany won in 1990. the risk to play- at lower levels would want linked to the 2006 World Cup has end- cause it has now become time barred,” In Switzerland, criminal proceed- ers with exist- to play because the alterna- ed without a verdict after previously world football’s governing body said in ings concerning a fraud allegation must ing medical tive was “bad”. being put on hold because of the coro- a statement. take place within 15 years. Because navirus pandemic. “The fact that the case has now Beckenbauer’s case dates back to an Former Manchester The five-year-long trial, held inS wit- ended without a result of any kind is incident in 2005, courts no longer have United defender zerland, of 74-year-old Beckenbauer very worrying, not only for football jurisdiction over the case. Gary Neville fears and three other men was suspended be- but also for the administration of jus- Beckenbauer has denied he paid Premier League cause of the health crisis and the statute tice in Switzerland.” Franz Beckenbauer. money to anyone “to buy votes” to players will be put of limitations has now expired. FIFA said it hoped the “truth” help Germany win the right to host the at risk if matches Beckenbauer, who headed the or- around the payment of 10 million Swiss “For FIFA this case is certainly 2006 finals. resume. (AFP) ganising committee for the 2006 World francs at the centre of the accusations not over as we cannot and will not ac- Germany beat the pre-vote favour- Cup, had denied the allegations. would come to light one day. cept that a CHF 10 million payment is ites 12-11 in the ballot. Sports Thursday, April 30, 2020 13 QMMF to host second QORC for riders The two-week competition is to be held in the second week of the Holy Month of Ramadan

Tribune News Network Khalid al Kuwari secured The second challenge will DOHA the third spot, while Rashid be run over two weeks. There Lebdah and Sheikh Soud al will be three races in the open- Building on the momentum Thani grabbed the fourth ing week to find the qualifiers. and buzz created by the first and fifth spots. The next three races will deter- event for drivers, the Qatar Three weeks of online launched the official logo of mine the top riders. Motor and Motorcycle Federa- car racing challenge turned the QORC on Wednesday and “At the moment, the second tion (QMMF) has planned to out be a big event in Qatar, said that the QORC would be QORC event is undergoing the launch the second Qatar Online with all real sporting activi- a permanent feature in the last technical checks in terms Racing Championship and this ties being either postponed 2020-2021 calendar. of regulations and the game’s time, it is meant for riders. or scrapped due to the “After the success of the capacity to host multiple riders In the recent first vir- ongoing coronavirus cars tournament and the huge at the same time. Once all these tual racing endeavour, 45 pandemic. Buoyed by demand, we are giving the issues are clear, we will start drivers competed with the success of the auto final touches to the launch- the competition during the sec- all intensity. After the challenge, the QMMF ing of the second edition of ond week of the Holy Month of intense battle for the cov- announced that it will the championship during the Ramadan,” the QMMF execu- eted title went to the third hold the second event second week of Ramadan. tive director clarified. and last final, Ahmad in the second This event will be held for the Entries are open to all. Kholy emerged week of the motorbikes enthusiasts,” he Forty-two riders are expected the champion, Holy Month said after releasing the official to compete and they will be beating Ham- Ramadan. logo of the championship. divided into three groups of ad al Sulaiti. QMMF “The championship has 14 each. On the basis of the Executive been approved and would be a first week of qualifying, the QMMF Executive Director part of the annual calendar of finalists will battle it out for Director Amro al Amro al the QMMF from the next sea- the title over three races in the Hamad Hamad son,” Hamad added. second week.

Quick read Stay active with Evolution Sports for free Smith is ‘strange’ but a Moeen Ali calls for DOHA: Considering the tough measures being taken everywhere to curb Hundred delay the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, Evolution Sports Qatar is offer- ‘genius’, praises Stokes ing remote learning and workout video content free to everyone! Evolu- AFP tion Sports, awarded ‘Best Youth Multi Sports Coaching Company Qatar London 2019”, is the country’s largest and most establish sports coaching AFP provider for children and young adults aged 18 months and 18 years. New Delhi England all-rounder Moeen Most of sports lovers and fitness enthusiasts are missing playing Ali called for a year’s delay to sports or participating in healthy activities. 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Cricket Board (ECB) have long England’s Moeen Ali Sports is giving away free access to 100 different workout videos over “He’s still strange to play insisted the new 100-balls-per- the next 12 weeks at its website https://www.evosportsqatar.com/ against and he’s still strange to side format, to be played by dred, meant to start in July, remote-learning-menu This step by Evolution Sports aims to show its play with. And the best thing eight franchises rather than would be on the agenda for a commitment to the wider community of Doha. (TNN) about it is that he admits it,” English cricket’s established meeting on Wednesday. Stokes said in a podcast broad- 18 first-class counties, is vital There is now an increas- cast by their Indian Premier England’s Ben Stokes (left) and Australia’s Steve Smith: Both are in a in attracting a new audience to ing acceptance that if the ICC slaps corruption Women’s PGA League side Royals class of their own. the game. 2020 English season does get ban on Indian owner Championship on Tuesday. But with world cricket at under way, matches will have of T10 franchise moved to October “But I feel to be a genius scorer in the 2019 Ashes in ent level with something to be a standstill due to the pan- to be played behind closed you have to be a bit strange and England, retained by Australia like those guys when it comes demic, Moeen fears that even doors, which would prevent : Indian businessman Berlin: The women’s PGA Cham- you know he’s certainly both,” after the series finished 2-2, to batting.” if the Hundred does get the the Hundred achieving one Deepak Agarwal, who owned a pionship has been postponed from Stokes said from Britain. with a whopping 774 runs in The flamboyant all-round- go-ahead, health and travel re- of its stated aims of drawing team in the 2018 T10 league, has June to October 8-11 because of “Personally, I could not four matches. er also threw his backing be- strictions may make it impos- fresh crowds to cricket. been banned for two years on cor- the coronavirus pandemic. The think about cricket in the way “Even though he plays for hind Test cricket, saying the sible to bring in high-profile The ECB had planned to ruption charges, the International major championship was due to that he does when it comes to Australia, biggest rivals Eng- five-day format is the “pin- overseas stars. use the enthusiasm generated Cricket Council said on Wednes- be held June 25-28, at Aronimink batting. I could never be like land and Australia, you’ve nacle” for him and there is no “It is better for it to be de- by England’s dramatic 2019 day. As a co-owner of the discon- Golf Club in Newtown Square, that. Obviously, he’s on all the just got to hold your hands up room to tinker with it. layed,” Moeen, set to captain World Cup win as a spring- tinued Sindhis franchise, Agarwal . The ANA Inspira- time but that’s why he aver- sometimes to players like that The International Cricket the Phoenix in the board for promoting the was charged with “obstructing tion and the US Women’s Open, ages 60-plus in Test cricket.” and go ‘yeah you’re on a differ- Council has floated the idea Hundred, said during a confer- game this year. or delaying an investigation”, the two other US-based women’s The 30-year-old Smith av- ent level when it comes to bat- of four-day Tests to deal with ence call on Wednesday. World Cup-winning squad including concealing, tampering or majors, had already been resched- erages over 62 in 73 Tests and ting,’” said Stokes, who scored the cluttered cricket calen- “As players we want the member Moeen was asked if destroying documents and other uled, to September and December improves to 65.11 when playing 441 runs in five matches dur- dar, but the plan met with Hundred played with all the it would be harder to attract a information. He accepted breach- respectively. Two other of the against arch-rivals England. ing the series. intense criticism from many best players around the world new audience if the Hundred ing the ICC anti-corruption code in five women’s majors, theE vian Smith was the leading “You have to be on a differ- within the game. available to come and play so were held over until 2021. the event held in the United Arab Championship in France and the it makes more sense that way. “I’m not sure,” he said. “The Emirates, in lieu of an anti-corrup- women’s British Open, are both set It is probably going to be too mood and wave cricket was on tion tribunal hearing. Six months for August. The Evian was moved much to squeeze in the last in England last year made it an of the ban is suspended. Agarwal back two weeks to August 6-9, couple of months of the season. amazing opportunity this year will be free to rejoin the game while the British Open is sched- Gayle blasts Sarwan after Tallawahs exit “It would be hard work to play the Hundred, but obvi- from October 27, 2021 if he does uled for August 20-23 at Royal to squeeze in the Hundred as ously with what has happened not commit further offences. (AFP) Troon, Scotland. (DPA) AFP the Tallawahs last week and “You are a snake, you are well. It is such a big deal for us around the world that is going London the big-hitting opener held so vindictive still immature, in this country and we want it to be harder now.” assistant coach Sarwan still stabbing people in the to be played when everything The 32-year-old Worces- Warner says England tour ‘highly unlikely’ Chris Gayle said Ramnaresh responsible during a re- back. is right and there are no prob- tershire star added: “If we Sarwan was “worse than the markable 15-minute “What transpired lems around the world.” can get other international Sydney: Veteran batsman David Warner believes Australia’s upcom- coronavirus” as he blamed video posted on his with the Tallawahs, players who were not avail- ing limited-overs tour of England will be scrapped because of the his “evil” former West Indies YouTube channel. you had a big part Season start delayed able this year to make the coronavirus pandemic. The Australians were scheduled to play three team-mate for his exit from the “Right now Sar- to play,” said Gayle, Last week, the ECB fur- Hundred even stronger for one-dayers and three Twenty20 matches against England in July. But Jamaica Tallawahs team in the wan, you are worse the all-time lead- ther delayed the start of the next year through a mini- last week the England and Wales Cricket Board delayed the start of Caribbean Premier League. than the corona- Chris ing run-scorer in 2020 season until July 1 at draft then we can attract a their season until July 1 at the earliest and players may need some The 40-year-old Gayle was virus right now,” Gayle Twenty20 interna- the earliest. new audience to come and warm-up cricket before returning to the international arena. (AFP) released by Twenty20 franchise said Gayle. tionals. It said the inaugural Hun- watch cricket.” Pro golf in China on upswing despite a few stumbles AFP 1988 US Masters champion lifted. Now the country has golf was largely a game for while golf’s readmission to the Hong Kong Sandy Lyle. more than 500. the business elite. Olympics saw the CGA em- Later that year, millions Zhang won the China Ama- BMW moved its flagship brace partnerships with the Eu- Twenty-five years ago across the world tuned in to see teur Open three times, but his Asian Open from Taiwan to ropean Tour and US PGA Tour professional tournament golf Davis Love III and Fred Cou- professional ambitions met a in 2004 and the to give Chinese golfers a route took its first steps in China ples lift the 1995 World Cup of great wall of bureaucracy. next year the European Tour to the game’s top levels. and, despite a few stumbles, Golf for the US at China’s newly “I had to wait a very long co-sanctioned the Volvo Chi- It all helped develop players paved the way to establish- opened Mission Hills resort. time to turn professional be- na Open. Also in 2005, Tiger such as 2014 PGA Tour China ing the sport in a country Zhang and another new cause of procedures with the Woods drew huge galleries to a Series order of merit winner where it was once banned as pro, Cheng Jun, represented China Golf Association and the new $5 million invitational, the Li Haotong, who went on to be a “bourgeois pursuit for mil- China and finished a monster government,” said Zhang, the HSBC Champions in Shanghai. third at the 2017 Open Cham- lionaires”. 45 shots adrift, 27th in a 32-na- only player to have competed in In 2009 it was elevated pionship at Royal Birkdale be- An unlikely alliance be- tion field. every Volvo China Open. to World Golf Championship hind Spieth. tween the China Golf Associa- But it mattered not. China It was worth the wait for the status and its roll of honour But the boom also tion and a Swedish carmaker was on the golfing map and pioneering Zhang, who became includes some of the game’s spawned many gaudy exhibi- with an eye on an emerging it has stayed there ever since, China’s Li Haotong (left) chats with Tiger Woods during the first round the first Chinese player to win a greats -- Phil Mickelson, Dus- tion events -- including the al- market resulted in a tentative attracting the game’s biggest of the US Masters at Augusta last year. Woods went on to win his European Tour event in 2003, tin Johnson, Justin Rose and most farcical “Duel at Jinsha toe being dipped into oriental stars and multi-million dol- 15th major at the event. and the first from his country to last year, world number one Lake” between Woods and waters in April 1995 for the first lar prize pots, and nurturing a play the US Masters in 2004. Rory McIlroy. Rory McIlroy in Zhengzhou in Volvo China Open. handful of world-class players. HISTORIC EFFORT kids coming through now. I The WGC-HSBC Champi- 2012, which was designed to China’s firstprofessional Zhang was already 30 in Guan Tianlang became the started playing golf at the age of RUSH OF SPONSORS ons now carries the largest prize promote luxury homes. golfer, Zhang Lianwei, who had 1995 but these days Chinese youngest player to make the cut 20,” Zhang told AFP. Rapid economic growth, fund of any tournament outside While elite guests arrived given up his amateur status just golfers start young, some- in the US Masters as a 14-year- China’s first course had meanwhile, was attract- the majors at $10.25 million. by helicopter, Ferrari or Rolls- a few months before, finished times swinging toddler-sized old amateur in 2013. opened only 12 months before ing sponsors keen to push Other megabucks events fol- Royce, a mob of less well-heeled third behind Paraguay’s Raul clubs from the moment they “It’s a different era and a Zhang started playing, when brands in a country where, lowed, including the $7 million spectators invaded the driving Fretes in a field that contained can walk. different environment for these Mao Zedong’s ban on golf was despite Mao’s best efforts, BMW Masters in Shanghai, range to steal balls as souvenirs. 14 Thursday, April 30, 2020 The Last Word QF’s Doha Debates spotlights COVID-19 challenges for people with disabilities

forward and that is a huge pos- She said, “People with dis- I would see the House of Lords Call for 20% representation to people with itive for us.” abilities don’t have equality go online, and if you can do disabilities in every domain of the society According to Qatar-born and coronavirus is showing that with one of the oldest in- comedian, model, athlete and that some of the things we stitutions in the world, you can Tribune News Network who has cerebral palsy and disability rights campaigner thought we did have are under do it elsewhere,” she said. Doha has championed equal access Nawaal Akram, global society threat. With this pandemic, “I’m hoping that one thing to education for children with must avoid “putting new bar- people with disabilities are to come out of this pandemic Disability rights advocates disabilities worldwide, claim riers in the way of people with often not allowed family mem- will be more understanding of from the Middle East, the US that coronavirus is “twice as disabilities” while battling bers in with them if they go disability rights and the chal- and the UK fear public atti- difficult” for people with dis- COVID-19, but added: “We into hospital, and very often lenges people with disabili- tudes toward people with dis- abilities. also have people’s attention on it’s those family members who ties face, and a willingness to abilities have hardened during Zayid said, “First, we tend social media, and if we want to are fighting for their rights think differently. But we have the COVID-19 pandemic but to be placed in the category of raise a campaign or topic, peo- even then. So, there is a real to keep challenging govern- the crisis is also showing how ‘medically vulnerable’ or hav- ple are seeing it. fear that they won’t have any- ments, authorities and those technology can make the world ing ‘underlying health condi- “People don’t need to have one standing up for them. making decisions on behalf of more inclusive, Qatar Founda- tions’ and second, accessing A screenshot of Doha Debates DearWorld Live session. a disability to champion disa- “The assumption can be people with disabilities, be- tion’s Doha Debates has heard. healthcare is nightmarish, bility rights. Anyone can do it, that people with disabilities cause it’s really tough on many The barriers and percep- with symptoms often being ing. Too many disabled people which COVID-19 has benefited and everyone should be aware have no value, can’t contribute of us right now, and we have to tions that people with dis- dismissed, especially mental have been convinced that they those with disabilities. of it – because we matter.” and are disposable, and coro- take strength from each other.” abilities have to overcome in a health issues. are a burden and their lives are “Things that we asked for The episode also heard navirus is adding to that.” #DearWorld Live can be coronavirus-dominated world “There have even been con- not worth living.” and everyone said were too from Baroness Tanni Grey- However, she agreed that watched every Tuesday at 3pm were tackled in the latest edi- versations about whether the Zayid told the episode that expensive or technologically Thompson, whose athletic ca- the lockdown has shown what Doha time on Doha Debates’ tion of #DearWorld Live, a lives of people with disabilities she believes “just as there is a impossible have now been reer saw her win 16 Paralym- technology can achieve and Twitter feed, Facebook page, weekly online discussion show are worth saving – imagine global goal for 50 percent fe- implemented overnight,” she pic medals, including 11 golds. that lessons can be learned and YouTube channel, with that focuses on the different what that does to the morale male representation, people said. “It was said we couldn’t She now sits in the UK’s from this. each episode focusing on how ways COVID-19 is affecting of our community. The per- with disabilities should have do remote learning, remote House of Lords as an inde- “We’ve been asking for COVID-19’s impact on our people’s lives. ception that we have a lower 20 percent representation in lectures, remote medical ap- pendent peer, focusing on is- technology to be used for things lives and the world. For more The episode saw comedian quality of life is demoralising, every walk of life”. pointments. Suddenly, we can sues on disability rights and for years and have been told information, visit www.do- and writer Maysoon Zayid, dangerous and even terrify- She identified one way in do it all. Technology is racing social welfare. ‘we can’t do it’. I never thought hadebates.com Trust Qatar’s efforts in fighting QC and UNICEF sign $2mn deals to mitigate COVID-19 COVID-19 spread: WCM-Q dean impact in Jordan and Syria Tribune News Network QC and UNICEF hold a solid and The session covered issues related to handling fear and anxiety in the time of crisis Doha long history of cooperation in sup- port of vulnerable children and needy Ailyn Agonia Qatar Charity (QC) and the United adults. On September 22, 2019, a stra- DOHA Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) tegic memorandum of understanding have signed two grant agreements (MoU) was signed in New York by Dean of Weill Cornell Medi- for a total of $2 million to address CEO of QC Yusuf al Kuwari and the cine–Qatar (WCM-Q) and world- the humanitarian needs caused by Executive Director of UNICEF Henri- leading psychiatrist Dr Javaid I. the spread of the coronavirus (COV- etta Fore to ramp up the existing co- Sheikh has urged Qatar residents ID-19) outbreak in Syria and Jordan. operation efforts and better serve the to have faith in the authorities on QC allocated $1 million to provide needs of children and young adults their tireless efforts to slow down water, sanitation and hygiene servic- living in difficult conditions. the spread of coronavirus (COV- es for Syrian refugees in Jordan and The MoU enables the two organi- ID-19) in the country. an additional $1 million to support sations to maximise the impact of Dr Sheikh made the call dur- UNICEF’s efforts to improve COV- the projects implemented through ing a live questions and answer ID-19 preparedness and response in knowledge sharing, capacity build- (Q&A) session streamed on the Syria. ing and joint funding. For instance, Sahtak Awalan Facebook page on Henrietta Fore, UNICEF execu- a project to provide water, sanita- Wednesday. tive director, thanked QC for its sup- tion and hygiene services for 44,000 He stressed that so far things port and contribution. households in 98 villages in have been very much under con- The agreements reflect the com- Province, , is currently be- trol in Qatar as opposed to many mitment of QC and UNICEF to ing jointly implemented by the two countries all over the world. teamwork and partnerships in the organisations. “It is important to recognise humanitarian sector, which are more Child care and protection remains that these are unprecedented important than ever to protect the central to QC work since its incep- times. A pandemic like this has vulnerable, she said. tion in 1982 as a community initiative not occurred in hundred years The agreements come in line with known as ‘The Qatar Committee for and in fact we are very fortunate QC’s Coronavirus Prevention and Re- the Orphan Sponsor Project’ before that we are in Qatar where the The hour-long session covered an array of issues related to handling fear and anxiety in the time of crisis. sponse Plan to support and scale up expanding its activities and chang- authorities are doing all the right vulnerable countries’ preparedness ing its name to Qatar Charity in 1992. things. What we need to do is to these risks, Dr Sheikh underlined solutely essential while abiding be structured. Otherwise, they and response efforts. In the begin- QC’s work in child care and protection take care of our own responsibili- the importance of establishing a by the physical distancing that will not only feel bored but they ning of March, QC urgently scaled has evolved over more than three dec- ties to making sure that we slow routine on a daily basis, including we stay connected with family, will get lost and we want to pre- up relief efforts across 27 countries ades, and it became one of the largest down the spread of virus at the waking up and going to bed at a friends, peers and loved ones on vent that.” where the charity is supporting local umbrellas of orphancare across the same time take care of ourselves,” certain time. a regular basis. Once we do that, For people with pre-existing governments’ efforts by mitigating world with more than 163,000 spon- he said. the risk of isolation, demoralisa- mental health condition, par- the socio-economic impacts of the sored children, in addition to many The hour-long session cov- tion or depression which can oc- ticularly depression, Dr Sheikh measures taken by these countries to qualitative projects and integrated ered an array of issues related A pandemic like this has not cur with loneliness will disap- advised them to continue their curb the spread of the virus. care programmes for orphans. to handling fear and anxiety in occurred in hundred years pear,” he added. medication and prescribed ther- the time of crisis such as impact and in fact we are very fortu- The expert also advised par- apy, establish a routine, exercise of physical distancing on mental nate that we are in Qatar ents to set up a schedule for their even more than usual as anti-de- health, calming and preventing children to prevent them from pressant. children from getting bored and where the authorities are getting bored and restless. He also advised those with motivating them on their online doing all the right things He said, “You really need friends or family members who studies, helping a loved one who to give the children a routine. have pre-existing mental health has pre-existing mental health Activities need to be scheduled conditions to check on them reg- condition, among others. He also stressed the need both academic and non-academ- ularly and establish a virtual sup- The session was moderated to stay connected with family, ic. Set it up in a way that if they port network. by WCM-Q Office of Communica- friends and peers through phone do their homework then reward The expert also reminded the tions Associate Editor John Hay- calls and technology. them with social activities, call- public, especially those suffering ward. “Given the current technol- ing their friends, video games from anxiety disorder, to mini- On the risks to mental health ogy, we can be connected no mat- or healthy snack. The principle mise their exposure to news me- associated with physical isolation ter where we are. Video chats, of taking charge of things apply dia and to turn to reliable sources Qatar Charity and UNICEF hold a solid and long history of cooperation in support of and how people can protect them- audio chats, cellphones have all to kids even more so than adults for updates and information on vulnerable children and needy adults. selves and their families against kinds of apps these days. It is ab- because their time really need to the prevailing situation. Sidra Medicine offers advice on maternal mental health in the time of pandemic Tribune News Network or women who have recently given  Prepare a plan in case you soothing music, watch an enjoyable isolation continues. Doha birth are getting adequate sleep, need to visit the hospital urgently, movie or show, try slow breathing, (iii) As her husband, help her eating well and exercising regularly. including: prayer, reading your holy book or with baby care and ensure that she Sidra Medicine, a member of Qa- With May 1 observed as World Ma- (i) Keep important phone other books with wise words. and her newborn baby get enough tar Foundation (QF), has offered ternal Mental Health Day, to mark numbers ready and easy to call such 4. Relaxing and mindfulness: sleep. perinatal mental health advice for the occasion the Women’s Wellbe- as: ambulance service, family and  Find ways to relax such as: (iv) Some pregnancy and/or pregnant women and women who ing Clinic at Sidra Medicine has pre- friends who you will need to call yoga, meditation, slow breathing childbirth-related rituals may not be have recently had a baby during the pared a leaflet offering guidance to in case of emergency and let them and mindfulness. You can practise possible due to the social isolation COVID-19 pandemic. pregnant and postpartum women in know they are on your list. them anywhere and anytime you requirements. Try to find simple Dr Felice Watt, division chief of Qatar on how to support their emo- (ii) Once the baby is born keep prefer. and memorable ways to celebrate Adult Psychiatry for Women’s Men- tional well-being. We hope they and the paediatricians or family doctors 5. The supporting role of at home, such as creating a memory tal Health at Sidra Medicine, said: their families and friends will find number accessible. family and friends: book of the baby’s first month, writ- “While pregnancy and the period the information useful,” continued Dr Felice Watt 3. Reducing anxious  Family and friends can play a ing down messages from friends after having a baby is an emotional Dr Watt. thoughts: key role in supporting women dur- and family or get them to record time, we have noticed increased lev- Sidra Medicine suggests the fol- video calls. Make time each day to  Talk to someone. Not neces- ing their prenatal and postpartum music or lullabies or messages and els of anxiety in many pregnant and lowing steps for women to manage connect with someone you love and sarily about your worries. Just chat period by looking out for signs of send them to the mother and baby. postpartum women as well as their their anxiety during pregnancy or if who you know is supportive. about anything that will help you worry or distress and listening to These small activities will help the families during the COVID-19 pan- they have just given birth:  Stay away from disturbing so- take your mind off things. their concerns. Here are a few more mother to feel connected even if her demic. Anxiety is a normal response 1. Connecting cial media and TV programmes and  Choose an enjoyable activity recommendations: parents or husband or relatives can- to a difficult, stressful or threatening  Talk to your doctor or midwife request your friends and family to or allow yourself to be creative for (i) Encourage her to follow a not be nearby. situation, and there are some basic during face to face or a telephone avoid sending you messages that are example, reading, solving a puzzle, routine and engage her in interest- As with the current situation re- things that we can all do to maintain consultation and ask how you can negative. playing with your children, cooking ing conversations or activities (for lated to COVID-19, Sidra Medicine our mental and physical wellbeing contact them if you feel anxious or 2. Preparation and planning: a new recipe or craft work or writing example, playing a game, doing a advises pregnant women to follow during this pandemic.” worried about yourself or your ba-  Some women find it helpful to a diary. crafts or cooking together). the instructions from Qatar’s Min- “In addition to proper hand by’s health. Ask if they can refer you divide their day into four parts: rest,  If you feel overwhelmed, (ii) Discuss her plan for han- istry of Public Health (MoPH) and washing and applying social and for mental health support. enjoyable activities, work and exer- find ways to comfort yourself and dling situations like: if she has pain, call the hotline number 16000 if physical distancing measures, it is  Talk with your family and cise. Set a certain time of the day for remember the things that bring bleeding or goes into labor. Create they have any COVID-19 related important that pregnant women friends over the phone and through each part. joy to your life. You could listen to a plan for support with baby care if questions or concerns.