Growth in Xavi predicts private tough game as sector Al Sadd take on continues Al Sailiya

Business | 01 Sport | 12

THURSDAY 7 JANUARY 2021 23 JUMADA I - 1442 VOLUME 25 NUMBER 8495 www.thepeninsula.qa 2 RIYALS Share unused data and

minutes with the family Terms & Conditions Apply Trump supporters storm Capitol, disrupt proceedings

REUTERS — WASHINGTON irregularities. Lawmakers had been debating a last-ditch effort by pro- Police in the US Capitol yesterday Trump lawmakers to challenge the responded with drawn guns and tear results, an effort that was unlikely to gas as swarms of protesters stormed in succeed. and sought to force Congress to undo Vice-President Mike Pence, who had President Donald Trump’s election loss presided over the joint session of Con- shortly after some of Trump’s fellow gress, had already been escorted from Republicans launched a last-ditch effort the Senate. to throw out the results. Capitol Police told lawmakers in the Police evacuated the House of Rep- House chamber to take gas masks from resentatives and the Senate after pro- beneath their seats and prepare to put Trump protesters marched through the them on. Officers at the front door of halls of Congress, forcing both chambers the House chamber had their guns to suspend deliberations as they were drawn as someone attempted to enter meeting to certify President-elect Joe the chamber. Biden’s victory in the November 3 Officers ordered people in the election. chamber to drop to the floor for their One protester occupied the Senate safety. dais and yelled, “Trump won that Election officials of both parties and election.” Video showed police independent observers have said there deploying tear gas inside the building. was no significant fraud in the The chaotic scenes unfolded after November 3 contest, which Biden won Trump, due to leave office on January by more than 7 million votes in the 20, addressed thousands of protesters, national popular vote. Trump’s extraor- Thousands of supporters of US President Donald Trump, including members of far-right groups, gather in repeating false claims that the election dinary challenges to Biden’s victory have Washington, DC. INSET: Police confront supporters of President Donald Trump as they demonstrate on the was stolen from him due to widespread been rejected by courts across the second floor of the US Capitol near the entrance to the Senate. election fraud and country. `P15 First batch of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to arrive soon

FAZEENA SALEEM Communicable Disease Control “The two companies Qatar in Qatar, it will become the Qatar approved the Pfizer weeks after the first dose, THE PENINSULA Department at the Ministry of has made partnership with are second vaccine against and BioNTech COVID-19 and then the vaccine is Public Health (MoPH), Dr. Soha Pfizer-BioNTech, which is COVID-19 authorised for use in vaccine for emergency use, expected to be 94 percent The second COVID-19 vaccine Al Bayat, told a live Instagram available in Qatar at present, the country. received the first shipment of efficacious. is expected to arrive in Qatar session that Qatar is just weeks and Moderna. We hope to As reported earlier, Qatar the vaccine and started the first Dr. Bayat also clarified that within a few weeks, a senior away from receiving vaccine receive the first batch from has signed agreements with phase of vaccination campaign at present the COVID-19 vaccine health official has said. against COVID-19 developed by Moderna in the coming weeks,” Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna on December 23. is not available for children. Head of the Vaccination the US pharmaceutical said Dr. Bayat. to procure CCOVID-19 The Moderna vaccine has “So far clinical trials for Unit, Health Protection and company Moderna. If Moderna vaccine arrives vaccines. already been approved by the the COVID-19 vaccine have US, Canada and the European been conducted among those Union. above 16 years. So, it is The US gave the green light approved for the age of 16 and Qatar is just weeks away from receiving vaccine against COVID-19 for emergency use in people above. As we speak clinical developed by the US pharmaceutical company Moderna. over 18 years on December 18, trials are being done for those followed by Canada on aged 12 and above. Once we Dr. Soha Al Bayat, Head of the Vaccination Unit, Health Protection December 23 with an interim have sufficient data of its and Communicable Disease Control Department at MoPH authorisation also for people safety and effectiveness, the over 18. younger group will be The European Union’s med- included in vaccination cam- How mRNA Lipid coating icines agency gave the green paign. As more and more Vaccines mRNA light yesterday to Moderna trials happen lower ages will sequence mRNA vaccine Work: The COVID-19 vaccine. be included,” she said. vaccine spurs Both Moderna’s and Pfizer- Dr. Bayat re-emphasised healthy cells Spike protein BioNTech’s shots are mRNA that there are no major side 1 2 vaccines, made with a ground- effects reported among those to produce Scientists gen- The RNA sequence, a breaking new technology. They received the Pfizer-BioNTech viral proteins erated an mRNA blueprint for making the don’t contain any coronavirus COVID-19 vaccine. that stimulate sequence that spike, is swathed in a – meaning they cannot cause “So far there has been 3 codes for the virus lipid coating for delivery infection. Instead, they use a million or more vaccinated a potent CORONAVIRUS spike protein piece of genetic code that trains with Pfizer-BioNTech and immune the immune system to rec- other vaccines. We speak response The protein fragments spur the Once it arrives, cells read ognise the spike protein on the about Pfizer-BioNTech and we 4 immune system to produce anti- 3 the information in the mRNA surface of the virus, ready to have only very mild side Moderna and Pfizer- bodies that can protect when a real sequence to produce millions attack if the real thing comes effects. virus enters the body of copies of the along. No major or significant BioNTech’s COVID-19 spike protein According to Moderna, its side effects were reported on vaccine shots are mRNA phase 3 clinical trials showed those in Qatar, even when it the vaccine had an efficacy rate comes to the world. Some vaccines, made with a Cell of approximately 92 percent had allergy to the compo- groundbreaking new Antibodies Spike proteins two weeks after the first dose is nents of the vaccine. Oth- technology. Cell administered. erwise, no significant side The second dose of Mod- effects were reported,” she THE PENINSULA GRAPHIC SOURCES: PFIZER, BLOOMBERG RESEARCH erna’s vaccine is given four said. `P4 GCC summit praises Qatar’s achievements Vaccination eligibility criteria to

QNA — AL-ULA to fulfil the aspirations of the GCC cit- State of Qatar on the election of be updated every two weeks izens, confirming the unity of all GCC Speaker of the Shura Council H E The 41st session of the Supreme Council countries in the face of any threat to Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Mahmoud as FAZEENA SALEEM campaign will expand. Every two of the Cooperation Council for the Arab any of the Council’s members. President of the Global Organization THE PENINSULA weeks or so you will see change in States of the Gulf (GCC), which was held The council praised the sincere of Parliamentarians Against Corruption the age group, health situation and in the Al-Ula Governorate in the efforts and good endeavours exerted (GOPAC) from 2019 to 2021. The eligibility criteria in first phase people entitled for the vaccine Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with the by late Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah The Council also praised the State of COVID-19 vaccination campaign accordingly,” she added. participation of Their Highnesses and Al Ahmed Al Jaber Al Sabah to heal of Qatar’s preparations for hosting the in the country will be updated every Dr. Bayat asked the public to Excellencies heads of the delegations the rift among the member states, World Cup 2022, reiterating their com- two weeks, Head of Vaccination at monitor the announcements made participating in the session, issued its expressing thanks and appreciation mitment to supporting Qatar to ensure the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), by the Ministry about COVID-19 vac- final communique. for the efforts made by the Amir of the success of the World Cup. They also Dr. Soha Al Bayat, said yesterday. cination campaign. The final communique affirmed the Kuwait H H Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad welcomed Doha’s hosting of the Inter- “We are in phase one of the vac- The age limit for COVID-19 vaccine keenness of the Supreme Council on Al Jaber Al Sabah and the friendly national Association of Horticultural cination campaign for COVID-19. At in Qatar in the first phase was reduced the strength and cohesion of the Gulf United States of America in this Producers’ (AIPH) Expo 2023 under the this stage people who are 65 and from 70 years to 65 years and above on Cooperation Council, and the unity of regard. theme of “Green Desert, Better above, those with chronic illnesses January 3. People who are eligible for its members which are linked by special The communique took note of the Environment.” with complications, for example dia- the vaccination at this stage will be con- relations and common features based decision of the Amir of Qatar H H The Council welcomed the signing betes with renal failure or severe tacted directly by the Primary Health on the Islamic religion and the Arab Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to of Al-Ula Declaration which aims at bronchial asthma and frontline Care Corporation (PHCC) by SMS or culture, the common destiny and the hold Shura Council elections in strengthening the unity of ranks and healthcare workers are eligible,” said phone call to arrange their appointment. unity of purpose that unites its peoples, October, praising the move and cohesion among the GCC countries, Dr. Bayat during a live Instagram People aged 65 years and above who as well as its common desire to achieve stressing the importance of coordi- restoring the joint GCC action to normal question and answer session hosted have not yet been contacted can now more coordination, integration and nation between the GCC legislative track, and maintaining security and sta- by the Ministry of Public Health. call the PHCC hotline 4027 7077 to book interdependence in all fields, in order bodies. They also congratulated the bility in the region. “Soon in the coming phases the an appointment. 02 HOME THURSDAY 7 JANUARY 2021 Al-Ula Declaration establishes new phase in joint Gulf work: Cabinet QNA — DOHA Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with the par- Al Thani; his brother the Custodian of Sabah for the sake of the unity and within the framework of modernizing ticipation of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman cohesion of the Gulf, besides efforts of legislation to keep pace with develop- Prime Minister and Minister of Interior bin Hamad Al Thani. bin Abdulaziz, King of the sisterly the friendly US. ments in this regard. H E Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin The Cabinet affirmed that Al-Ula Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; and HRH The cabinet listened to the expla- The Cabinet also gave approval of Abdulaziz Al Thani chaired yesterday summit, with the fraternal spirit that Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister nation provided by H E Minister of a draft agreement for cooperation the Cabinet’s regular meeting held at prevailed in it, the positive efforts and and Minister of Defence of the Public Health on the latest develop- between Qatar and Portugal in the field its seat at the Amiri Diwan. steps that preceded it, and what was Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Prince ments to limit the spread of the coro- of education, science, technology and Following the meeting, Minister of included in its final statement and the Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz navirus (COVID-19), and the council higher education and a draft MoU of Justice and Acting Minister of State for Declaration issued by it, established Al Saud, which had the greatest impact affirmed the continuation of work with joint cooperation in the field of health Cabinet Affairs H E Dr. Issa bin Saad Al a new phase in the joint Gulf work, on the convening and the success of regard to the precautionary measures care between Qatar and Ukraine. Jafali Al Nuaimi said that at the entitled solidarity, mutual under- the summit. that have been taken in order to combat Third, the cabinet reviewed the fol- beginning of the meeting, the Cabinet standing, mutual trust, mutual respect, The Cabinet expressed his great this pandemic. lowing topics and took the appropriate welcomed the outcomes of the 41st and institutional work to achieve the appreciation to fruitful efforts exerted After that, the Cabinet approved a decisions: Outcomes of the 30th session of the Supreme Council of the Council’s goals, and to meet the aspi- by H H the late Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad draft law on endowment and to refer it meeting of the GCC Agricultural Coop- Cooperation Council for the Arab States rations of its people. The Cabinet Al Jaber Al Sabah and continued by Amir to the Shura Council. The preparation eration Committee and outcomes of of the Gulf (GCC), which was held on praised the vision and the wisdom of of the sisterly State of Kuwait H H of the draft law comes to replace Law the 18th meeting of ministers in charge Tuesday in Al-Ula Governorate in the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al No. (8) of 1996 regarding endowment, of the housing affairs of GCC. World leaders, governments welcome Al-Ula Declaration QNA — DOHA parties to continue building on And the EU remains ready for developments will further borders with Qatar. Turkey this positive dialogue.” the strengthening of our long- promote peace, progress and Sudan expressed the hope The United Nations, the Turkey also welcomed the “The UK has long standing partnership with a stability in the region. We will that the 41st GCC Summit would European Union, the UK, reconciliation agreement to end encouraged all parties to find a reinvigorated GCC and its continue to work with GCC result in the desired successes, Turkey and several other the Gulf crisis. The Turkish resolution to this dispute. The member states,” stressed the EU countries for the strengthening thanking the State of Kuwait for countries have welcomed the Foreign Ministry said in a GCC is our third largest export spokesperson. of our bilateral cooperation. We the great efforts it made to heal Al-Ula Declaration announced statement that the expression market outside of the EU and He noted that the also look forward to enhance the rift. at the Summit of the Gulf of common will to resolve the we look forward to continued 27-member European Union our institutional dialogue and Cooperation Council (GCC) in Gulf dispute and the collaboration with all our has always been supporting an partnership with the GCC.” FIFA President the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announcement of restoration friends in the Gulf to strengthen intra-Gulf solution, negotiated FIFA President Gianni on Tuesday. of diplomatic relations with our shared security and pros- solution to this crisis by Morocco Infantino has also welcomed Qatar at the end of the 41st GCC perity interests.” engaging with all the main The Kingdom of Morocco the signing of the historic dec- United Nations Summit is a welcome devel- stakeholders and by continu- expressed its satisfaction fol- laration between the GCC The Secretary-General of opment, expressing the hope European Union ously calling for dialogue. lowing the positive develop- member states at the 41st GCC the United Nations Antonio that Al-Ula Declaration signed The European Union (EU) “This is an important step. ments in relations between the summit, FIFA said on its Guterres welcomed the Al-Ula at the end of the summit will praised Kuwait’s mediation This will hopefully lead to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and website. Declaration on “solidarity and lead to ultimate resolution of efforts for the successful recon- restoring the unity of the GCC the State of Qatar, and the President Infantino said: stability”. the conflict. ciliation among the GCC coun- and towards the resumption of signing of Al-Ula Declaration. “FIFA congratulates all the GCC A statement issued by the The Ministry reiterated the tries, which have resulted in an the full cooperation within this The Ministry of Foreign members for today’s decla- UN Spokesperson noted that the importance Turkey attaches to agreement to open airspace and regional grouping,” he added. Affairs said in a statement that ration, which is a very positive declaration recognises the the unity and solidarity within land and sea borders between given the strong ties and sincere step for the region on the path importance of unity among the the GCC, noting that with the the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia India affection uniting HM King to reconciliation. Football has GCC states and aims to restoration of mutual confi- and the State of Qatar. Meanwhile responding on Mohammed VI and his brothers, shown throughout this crisis strengthen regional security, dence among the Gulf countries, “This is a very welcome the development, the Official the leaders of the countries of that it is a unique platform of peace, stability and Turkey stands ready to further news. This is a very good piece Spokesperson of Ministry of the Arab Gulf, Morocco exchange for people of the Gulf prosperity. develop the institutional coop- of positive news because for External Affairs of India, Anurag expresses the hope that these and I am sure the game will The Secretary-General eration with the GCC of which over three years this prolonged Srivastava said: “We were developments constitute the continue to unite the region in expresses his gratitude to those Turkey is a strategic partner. crisis within the Gulf Cooper- pleased to note the positive beginning for the reunification the near future.” from the region and beyond, ation Council has been under- developments at the recently and the establishment of mutual He added: “The FIFA Arab including H H late Amir of The UK mining the unity and the coop- concluded GCC Summit in trust as well as for overcoming Cup at the end of 2021 will bring Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad British Foreign Secretary eration within the GCC. It had Al-Ula, Kingdom of Saudi this crisis in order to consolidate 22 Arab countries together, Al Jaber Al Sabah and Sultan Dominic Raab also yesterday also had a negative spill over Arabia. We welcome the recon- the unity within the Gulf family. uniting millions of fans from the Qaboos bin Said of Oman, who welcomed the Al-Ula Decla- beyond the Gulf region,” EU ciliation and rapprochement entire region, and it will be an worked tirelessly towards ration. In a statement on GCC lead spokesperson for foreign between countries in the Sudan important step in the prepara- resolving the Gulf rift. summit, UK Foreign Secretary affairs and security policy Peter region.” The Government of Sudan tions for the FIFA World Cup Antonio Guterres expressed Dominic Raab said, “Yesterday’s Stano told an online press con- He added: “India shares also expressed satisfaction over 2022 in Qatar. This will be the his trust that all countries con- GCC Summit announcement is ference in Brussels. excellent relationship with all the breakthrough in the rela- first FIFA World Cup in the cerned will continue to act in a a significant development on “We continue supporting the countries in the GCC which tions between the GCC coun- Middle East and in the Arab positive spirit to strengthen the path to restoring Gulf unity. Kuwait’s ongoing mediation is in our extended neigh- tries, mainly the decision by world, a unique opportunity for their relations. I pay testament to Kuwaiti efforts to achieve the final bourhood and we hope that Saudi Arabia to open its air- the entire region to unite and mediation efforts, and urge the solution in ending this crisis. such encouraging space and its land and sea shine on the global stage.” THURSDAY 7 JANUARY 2021 HOME 03 Summit's final communique praises Qatar's achievements

FROM PAGE 1 as an international business In the final communique of hub. 41st session of the Supreme On US election Council of the Cooperation The council also congratu- Council for the Arab States of lated President elect Joseph the Gulf (GCC), the council Biden on winning the presi- expressed deep feelings of dential elections, adding that sorrow and sadness over the they look to enhancing historic death of HM Sultan Qaboos bin and strategic ties with the US Said bin Taimur of Oman and further during his term in order the late Amir of Kuwait Sheikh to establish peace and stability Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- in the region and the world. The Sabah who passed away last council also expressed their year. The council praised the hope of further prosperity and achievements of both leaders progress to the American people and the contributions they under his leadership. made to their respective coun- On the pandemic tries, as well as to the Arab and The council then discussed Muslim world. The council also their efforts to tackle the coro- expressed its sadness and navirus pandemic, and thanked offered its condolences to the frontline workers for their Leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries attending the 41st session of the Supreme Council of the GCC in Al-Ula, on Tuesday. Kingdom of Bahrain over the efforts in that regard. The death of Prime Minister of council also reviewed the pre- Bahrain HRH Prince Khalifa bin cautionary health measures also praised the success of the combat ISIS. The Supreme Salman Al Khalifa, paying taken, praising the policies of joint military exercise Arabian GCC Supreme Council expressed deep feelings of sorrow and Council also welcomed the tribute to the efforts he made in the designated authorities for Gulf Security 2 that was hosted sadness over the death of HM Sultan Qaboos bin Said bin ceasefire agreement in Libya, advancing joint GCC work. their efforts in limiting the by the UAE in February 2020. Taimur of Oman and the late Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al expressing hope that political The council also welcomed impact of the virus. They talks between all Libyan parties HM Sultan Haitham bin Tarek stressed the importance of On counter-terrorism Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah who passed away last year. The will be successful. of Oman and the Amir of Kuwait cooperation with regional and On counter-terrorism, the council praised the achievements of both leaders and the H H Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al international organizations, in supreme council reiterated its contributions they made to their respective countries, as well On Sudan Jaber Al Sabah, expressing full order to exchange expertise in position of rejecting terrorism as to the Arab and Muslim world. On Sudan, the Supreme confidence in their abilities to the field of combating the coro- regardless of its motives. The Council congratulates the advance the work of the navirus pandemic and council also praised the efforts people and leadership of the council, and lead its citizens addressing its economic and of the international coalition country on reaching the Juba towards further stability and social impacts. that is led by the United States and Iran, based on the prin- Reconstruction Program for peace agreement, stressing that prosperity. The council also adopted a in its efforts to fight ISIS, saying ciples set by the council and of Yemen in the Yemeni governo- GCC member states are keen on The council also congratu- general framework for a public the latter has tarnished the which Iran was informed. The rates. The council noted that supporting efforts that main- lated HRH Crown Prince, health plan to respond to emer- image of Islam. It also con- council also expressed its humanitarian and develop- tains Sudan’s unity and safe- Deputy Prime Minister and Min- gencies, and directed the des- demned any cartoons that rejection of Iran’s interference mental aid provided by GCC guards it from foreign inter- ister of Defence of the Kingdom ignated authorities to undermine the Prophet in the internal affairs of other member states to Yemen vention. The council also wel- of Saudi Arabia Prince implement the plan in cooper- Muhammad (Peace be upon countries in the region, and reached $13 billion since 2015. comed the US lifting of Sudan’s Mohammed bin Salman bin ation with the ministries of him) saying it was a clear hate condemned all terrorist attacks The council also praised the name from the list of countries Abdulaziz Al Saud for chairing health of member countries. crime and a form of racism, carried by Iran with the goal of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for sponsoring terrorism, the 41st meeting of the council, The council also adopted the stressing the importance of pro- instigating sectarian strife. They hosting a donors’ conference for expressing hope that the expressing their appreciation establishment of a GCC center moting a culture of tolerance also called on it to stop sup- Yemen, that raised $1.35 billion country can move to a new for his opening speech, which for protection and combatting and peaceful coexistence. The porting sectarian and terrorist to humanitarian agencies oper- stage of progress and reflected the commitment to diseases. It also agreed to council also welcomed the US organizations, by providing ating in the country. The funds prosperity. activating cooperation among extend work with a unified law decision to label Al Ashtar and them with ballistic missiles and would enable those agencies to the council’s member states in to empower people with disa- drones that target civilians. The respond to the urgent human- On Afghanistan all fields. The council also bilities. They also adopted the council also stressed that any itarian aid to contain COVID-19. On Afghanistan, the expressed their appreciation to GCC strategy in the field of civil The Council also negotiations with Iran must The council condemned the Supreme Council renewed its the efforts made by President service and human resources congratulated President- ensure it changes its behavior Iranian-backed Houthi militia position of its commitment to of the UAE H H Sheikh Khalifa for 2021-2025. that has destabilized the region, blocking the arrival of the the security and stability of bin Zayed Al Nahyan during his On the vision of the Cus- elect Joseph Biden on in addition to its ballistic mis- United Nations technical team Afghanistan. The council chairmanship over the 40th todian of the Two Holy winning the US siles and nuclear program. In to conduct inspection and expressed appreciation to the session and the important Mosques, the council expressed presidential elections, that regard, the council con- maintenance of the floating oil efforts of the State of Qatar in achievements he oversaw its satisfaction regarding the adding that they look to demned Iran’s failure to honor tank (Safer) in the Red Sea off signing a peace agreement during that time. The council progress made in that regard enhancing historic and its commitments with the Inter- the coast of Hudaydah, which between the United States and then congratulated HM King and called on all GCC author- national Energy Agency (IEA). contains more than a million the Taliban Movement in Feb- Hamad bin Eissa Al Khalifa after ities and ministerial committees strategic ties with the US The council also welcomed the barrels of crude oil, which could ruary 2020, and the launch of the Kingdom of Bahrain to intensify their efforts to com- further during his term United States decision to con- cause an environmental and the Afghan peace negotiations assumed the chairmanship of plete the remaining steps on in order to establish sider the revolutionary guard a economic disaster And dan- in Doha in Sep. 2020, expressing the 41st session, wishing the schedules in order to complete peace and stability in the terrorist organization. The gerous humanitarian impacts hopes that these efforts can country well in its efforts to all the necessities for economic region and the world. council also expressed its far beyond Yemen. yield a permanent ceasefire and enhance joint cooperation unity, the joint defense and support to all measures taken regain security and stability to among the members in all security system, and develop a by GCC countries to protect On Iraq Afghanistan. fields. united foreign policy. The themselves from Iranian inter- On Iraq, the supreme supreme council also requested vention and its support for council reiterated its com- On Rohingya Muslims On G20 Summit that the general secretariat Al Mokhtar Brigades in Bahrain terrorism. mitment to the unity of the On the Rohingya Muslims in The Supreme Council con- prepare a comprehensive report as a terrorist organisation, country, and its support to it in Myanmar, the council con- gratulated the Kingdom of Saudi on the progress made in imple- which are supported by Iran. It On Yemen the face of terrorist groups. The demned the treatment of Arabia on the success of the G20 menting the vision. also praised the decision of On Yemen, The Supreme council echoed the same sen- Rohingya Muslims and of other summit it hosted virtually in On joint GCC work, the some countries to label Hez- Council affirmed its firm timent with regards to Syria, minorities in Myanmar, that 2020 under the presidency of council was updated on the bollah as a terrorist organi- position regarding supporting adding that it supports a included savage attacks and the Custodian of the Two Holy implementation of the proposal sation, reflecting the com- legitimacy in Yemen, repre- political resolution based on systematic displacement. The Mosques King Salman bin of the late Custodian of the Two mitment of the international sented by President H E Abd Geneva 1 principles, and UN council also highlighted the Abdulaziz Al Saud. The Council Holy Mosques King Abdullah community to tackle all forms Rabbo Mansour Hadi, and his Security Council resolution no. humanitarian aid provided by expressed their appreciation to bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on of terrorism. government, to end the Yemeni 2254. The council also voiced its member states to Rohingya the exceptional efforts made by moving from the cooperation On Palestinian issue crisis and reach a political its support of UN efforts to help Muslims and Rohingya refugees the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia phase to the union phase. It also On the Palestinian issue, it solution, in accordance with the Syrian refugees return to their in Bangladesh. during its presidency of the G20, directed that the designated reiterated its firm position of references represented by the cities, and provide them with On strategic partnerships, as it proved its leadership and GCC authorities and organiza- supporting the Palestinian Gulf initiative and its imple- support in their city of refuge. the council directed the Sec- pivotal role In the preparation tions intensify cooperation cause as it remains the most mentation mechanism, the out- The council also renewed its retary-General to prepare and management of the summit efforts in that regard. important issue for Arabs and comes of the comprehensive condemnation of the Iranian regular reports on the progress and the meetings that took Muslims. It also reiterated its national dialogue conference, presence in Syrian land, and its of negotiations on a free trade place at all levels, despite the GCC economic integration support for a Palestinian state and Security Council Resolution interference in Syrian affairs. agreements with China, India, health precautions imposed by On economic integration, based on the borders of June 2216 in a way that preserves The council called on all Iranian Pakistan, Australia, New the coronavirus (COVID-19) the council stressed the impor- 1967 with East Al Quds as its Yemen’s unity, integrity, sover- forces and Hezbollah and other Zealand, the UK, and other pandemic, and resulted in tance of focusing on strategic capital, while also guaranteeing eignty, and independence They sectarian militias to leave Syria. countries. The Supreme Council important decisions in the economic projects. The most the rights of refugees in line thanked UN envoy Martin Grif- directed to intensify efforts to health, economic, political and prominent of which were the with the Arab Peace Initiative. fiths, for the efforts he exerted On Lebanon strengthen the strategic part- social fields, which will posi- requirements of a customs The council condemned the to reach a political solution in On Lebanon, the council nership with the United States tively reflect on supporting and union, establishing a joint GCC Israeli occupation’s demolishing accordance with those said it was following develop- of America, in all fields, praising strengthening international market, and a railway project. of Palestinian homes in East Al references. ments in the country and the efforts made by the United cooperation in facing crises and The council also stressed on the Quds, calling on the interna- The council praised the remains committed to its States to strengthen its presence working for a better future for importance of working on tional community to interfere sincere efforts of the Kingdom security and stability. The in the region to enhance the everyone. establishing food and water and end the targeting of Pales- of Saudi Arabia and the United council expressed hope that the security of the region, The Council also com- security, adopting the fourth tinians in the city. It also Arab Emirates that resulted in people of Lebanon can respond waterways and freedom of mended raising the level of the industrial revolution goals in the rejected any moves to annex the the signing of a mechanism to to the challenges facing the Leb- navigation. Presidency of the Saudi-Bah- field of information technology illegal settlements in the West accelerate the implementation anese state. The council also directed to raini Coordinating Council to and artificial intelligence. Bank to Israel, saying it was a of the Riyadh Agreement enhance cooperation, relations the level of their Royal High- The Supreme Council also severe violation of the UN between the legitimate Yemeni On Egypt and strategic cooperation with nesses Crown Princes in the two reviewed the report on the Charter and UN Security government and the Southern On Egypt, the council the UK, France, Russia, the countries, and welcomed the follow-up to the implemen- Council resolution no. 2334 for Transitional Council on July 29, expressed appreciation for its European Union, the European positive results of the Coordi- tation of the work program of 2016. 2020. counter-terrorism efforts. The Free Trade Association (EFTA), nation Council meeting on Dec. the Economic and Development On Iran’s occupation of The Supreme Council wel- council also expressed its South America’s Southern 24, 2020 on developing joint Affairs Authority, and directed three UAE islands, the council comed the arrival of the Yemeni support to Egypt in its efforts to Common Market (Mercosur), bilateral cooperation in a way the speedy implementation of repeated its condemnation and government to the temporary resolve the Grand Ethiopian and other organizations in that enhances integration what was agreed upon in the said that the UAE must have full capital, Aden, on December 30, Renaissance Dam. Europe and the Americas. between the two brotherly Road Map, and the completion sovereignty on all of them, and 2020, to carry out its work and The Supreme Council countries. of studies and projects to reach that any actions taken by Iran launch the wheel of devel- On Jordan directed to take the necessary economic unity among the there do not change the his- opment in the liberated areas, On Jordan, the Supreme measures to complete the On UAE’s Mars mission countries of the Cooperation torical and legal facts that show in order to achieve the aspira- Council stressed its com- implementation of the action The council also welcomed Council by 2025. that UAE must exercise full sov- tions of the brotherly Yemeni mitment to the country’s plan on the African continent the UAE’s launch of a mission ereignty over the islands, and people and restore security and security and stability. The and the joint action plans for to Mars, adding that such On defence cooperation called on Iran to respond to the stability throughout Yemen. He council also called on intensi- cooperation with the states and projects reflects the interest in On joint military and UAE’s efforts to resolve the issue condemned the terrorist attack fying efforts to implement the organizations active in them. science, technology, alternative security work, the Supreme either through direct negotia- that targeted the government agreement of strategic cooper- The Supreme Council fuels, and space exploration. Council approved the tions or through the Interna- upon its arrival at Aden airport, ation between the GCC and extended its deep appreciation The council stressed the impor- amendment of Article 6 of the tional Court of Justice. which resulted in many Jordan. and gratitude to the Custodian tance of exchanging expertise Joint Defense Agreement The council also renewed its innocent civilian casualties. of the Two Holy Mosques, King between member states in those changing the name of the statement regarding the impor- The council also praised the On Libya Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, fields. They also stressed their command from Al Jazeera tance that Iran must commit to achievements made by the King On Libya, the council his wise government, and to the support to the UAE in its efforts shield forces to the unified mil- the UN charter, resect other Salman Center for Relief and stressed its firm support of a people of the Kingdom, for the to host the 2020 Expo Dubai, itary command of the GCC. The countries’ sovereignty, and Humanitarian Center through political resolution that main- hospitality and warm welcome adding that they are committed council also ratified the deci- avoid interfering in their its field branches in the Yemeni tains the unity of the Libyan that the meeting had. to ensuring the success of the sions of the joint defense internal affairs. The council also governorates, and the devel- land and guarantees security The Supreme Council international event that council in its 17th session on stressed the importance of opment projects implemented and stability. It also expressed agreed that the 42nd meeting strengthens the region’s status military integration. The council building trust between the GCC by the Saudi Development and support for all efforts made to takes place in Saudi Arabia. 04 HOME THURSDAY 7 JANUARY 2021 NHRC welcomes Al-Ula Declaration, reopening of borders Chief of Staff receives phone QNA — DOHA conference at the conclusion and ensure that what happened of the summit on the Gulf rec- The National Human Rights Committee urged the Cooperation will not be repeated. calls from The National Human Rights onciliation and the end of the Council for the Arab States of the Gulf to intensify efforts to The committee affirmed Committee (NHRC) of the State crisis. It also welcomed the establish effective mechanisms for mediation and resolution that the bitter experience that British, Turkish of Qatar welcomed Al-Ula reopening of the airspace and of disputes between its members in order to protect the rights the Gulf region has suffered Declaration announced at the the land and sea borders by the necessitates serious consider- counterparts Summit of the Gulf Cooper- Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. of the Gulf peoples and ensure that what happened will not be ation of concerted efforts of ation Council (GCC) — “Sultan The NHRC considers this repeated. governments, national human QNA — DOHA Qaboos and Sheikh Sabah declaration an essential step in rights institutions and civil Summit” — held on Tuesday on the right direction towards society organizations to face Chief of Staff of Qatar Armed strengthening the unity of solving the Gulf crisis and the crisis, especially in the field of Committee urged the Cooper- the challenges surrounding the Forces H E Lieutenant-General ranks and cohesion among the complete lifting of the individual and group rights, ation Council for the Arab region and spare people the (Pilot) Ghanem bin Shaheen GCC countries and the return measures resulting from it. which contribute to supporting States of the Gulf to intensify scourge of political crises by Al Ghanem received a phone of joint Gulf action to its normal The Committee also the aspirations of the Gulf efforts to establish effective establishing a comprehensive call from British Chief of the course. reminds all parties of their peoples towards stability, mechanisms for mediation and dialogue to present proposals Defence Staff H E General Nick The Committee hailed the responsibilities towards peace and respect for human resolution of disputes between and initiatives that support the Carter. positive atmosphere and addressing the implications of rights. its members in order to protect Gulf cohesion and civil peace During the phone call, official statements in the press the restrictions imposed by the The National Human Rights the rights of the Gulf peoples and harmony. General Carter expressed pleasure at the success of the “Epic Skies” exercise which Qatar-UK joint was held recently by pilots of PSA extends Census data e-registration period the UK Royal Air Force and counter-terrorism Qatar Amiri Air Force. THE PENINSULA — DOHA citizens or residents, to take Further, the statement required data. The Planning General Carter congratu- committee holds advantage of this extension indicated that completing sta- and Statistics Authority has lated H E the Chief of Staff on Considering the continuous and fill in their data before tistical data electronically is called on all citizens and res- the success of the exercise, first meeting interest and turnout of house- mid-January via the link: easy and convenient, as indi- idents to cooperate to accom- looking forward to meeting QNA — DOHA holds and individuals to (www.psa.gov.qa/census2020. viduals and households can plish this national project, him soon and increasing the complete the census data elec- aspx) in order to make it easier provide the required statistical which bears the slogan “A Suc- joint exercises between the The Qatar-UK joint committee tronically, the Planning and for them by using technology data and information at any cessful Census For Sustainable two countries. to combat terrorism held on Statistics Authority (PSA) in completing the data. time and from anywhere, and Development” and to take the Talks during the phone call Tuesday its first meeting via yesterday announced the PSA hailed the huge with complete initiative to electronically reg- also touched on a number of video conference, in the extension of data e-regis- turnout for the Census E-Reg- confidentiality. ister and provide the required issues of mutual concern, in framework of the cooperation tration period for “Qatar istration Service, which PSA has allocated the toll- correct and accurate data, as particular the Joint Qatar-UK between the two sides in this Census 2020” until mid- reflects the community free number 8000800 from the census is one of the main Squadron, and ways of pro- field. The meeting was January 2021. awareness towards the impor- 8:00 am until 8:00 pm to pillars in setting up the five- moting them. co-chaired by Director of the In a statement, PSA called tance of this project and the respond to public inquiries year national development H E the Chief of Staff of International Cooperation on the rest of households and role of technology in its about this electronic form and strategic plans based on the Qatar Armed Forces also Department at the Ministry of individuals in Qatar, whether implementation. how to complete it with the Qatar National Vision 2030. received a phone call from Interior and Chairman of the Turkish Chief of the General National Counter Terrorism Staff General H E Yasar Guler. Committee Maj. Gen. Eng. During the phone call, the Abdulaziz Abdullah Al Ansari Qatar’s first self-driving two sides discussed issues of and Ambassador of the United joint interest and ways of Kingdom to the State of Qatar enhancing them. H E Jonathan Wilks. delivery vehicle arrives The meeting reviewed means of enhancing aspects First batch of of the joint cooperation by at QF’s Education City activating the letter of intent Moderna vaccine signed between the two sides. THE PENINSULA — DOHA The meeting also discussed During the trial, students to arrive soon a number of topics including Through a partnership with and staff at the FROM PAGE 1 the preparations for the FIFA talabat, sponsorship of World Cup Qatar 2022, com- Vodafone Qatar, and support Education City campuses “Most common side effect bating terrorist financing, from Qatar Foundation can use the talabat due to COVID-19 vaccine are Qatar’s preparations to assess Research, Development and platform to have their pain at the sight of the the Financial Action Task Innovation (QF RDI), Airlift orders delivered via the injection lasting for few hours Force, aviation and maritime Systems has announced the driverless vehicle. to 24 hours, increase in tem- security, threat and risk man- introduction of the Middle East perature, and some may have The self-driving delivery vehicle drives at a maximum speed of 6 agement, and other related and North Africa’s first pilot of headache. Nothing beyond the km/hr, equivalent to human walking pace. issues that were discussed in a self-driving delivery vehicle. first 24 hours,” she added. a way that enhances the role The vehicle will be very grateful for the continued Dr. Bayat stressed that of the counter-terrorism equipped with a real-time low support from Qatar Science& latency, and the high levels of triggers the pickup alarm, the here is no food, or antibiotic working group. Maj. Gen. Al latency feedback system Technology Park that was pro- security Airlift’s driverless Airlift vehicle will drive to the component in the vaccine, but Ansari underlined that the dia- powered by Vodafone’s 5G vided to Airlift since inception.” vehicles need to function effi- restaurant location and initiate people with allergies should logue was successful, adding network and monitored Managing Director of ciently. The Airlift project is a a loading sequence. Once com- consult a physician and that many recommendations remotely in a control room at talabat Qatar, Francisco Miguel perfect example of how 5G is pleted, the order status will be confirm that they are not were reached and a plan was Education City. This will allow Sousa said, “For the coming enabling the digital transfor- changed to ‘en-route’ and the allergic to any components of developed to follow up the the operator to have access to time, the local startup Airlift mation of mobility and other customer will be notified as the vaccine. implementation of the axes control the vehicle in emer- team has been at the forefront areas that are already shaping soon as the vehicle arrives at Dr. Bayat emphasised that that were discussed by the gency cases and to stop the of this effort — and in joining an exciting future for us all.” the nearest parking location or COVID-19 vaccine is not com- competent authorities in the vehicle when needed. forces with Talabat, the team is Industry, Investment and delivery point, which can be pulsory in the country but it is two countries, within the During the trial, students now in pole position to look for Business Development Manager viewed on talabat’s map. To recommended to take the framework of exchanging and staff at the Education City solutions to deliver on that at QF RDI, Dr. Azza Al Tawashi ensure the food is delivered vaccine for safety. “Vaccine is information and campuses will have the oppor- promise even faster. I’m looking said, “Through the financial and securely, customers are pro- elective but we do encourage experiences. tunity to use the talabat forward to start working with technical support of Innovation vided QR codes, which they will taking the vaccine to protect platform to have their orders Airlift, Vodafone and Qatar Coupon Program under Qatar use to unlock the vehicle’s com- you and your loved ones,” she delivered via the driverless Foundation to bring to the Foundation Research Devel- partment and retrieve the said. About travellers, Dr. MoPH: 209 new vehicle. Talabat network and its cus- opment, and Innovation lead package. Bayat said, “There is no con- CEO of Airlift Systems, tomers the latest innovation our by Dr. Richard O’Kennedy, With delivery trips starting sideration to make the vaccine COVID-19 cases Ahmed Mohamedali, said, industry has seen.” Airlift has demonstrated inno- from Multaqa (Education City compulsory for travelling. But “We’re eager to work with Chief Operating Officer of vation in their design of a self- Student Center), the vehicle will some countries might make it THE PENINSULA — DOHA enterprises to experiment with Vodafone Qatar, Diego Cam- delivery autonomous vehicle service three locations — compulsory, but until now no our self-driving technology beros, said, “Vodafone Qatar with an integrated disinfecting SouthNest (male student country has made the vacci- The Ministry of Public Health which is cost effective and agile understands the critical role of system designed specifically to housing), NorthNest (female nation compulsory to enter a yesterday announced the to capture its value and innovation in building a diver- combat COVID. We are pleased student housing), and The country.” In reply to a question registration of 209 new augment their staff produc- sified and competitive to support Airlift in conducting Campus - Education City Guest about the new COVID-19 confirmed cases of COVID-19. tivity. And we’re very glad to economy, which is why we are a pilot study at Education City.” Residence. It will drive at a strain, Dr. Bayat said, “New Among them 42 were trav- have formed this unique part- committed to supporting inno- Education City residents can maximum speed of 6 km/hr, strain is the same as COVID-19 ellers returning from abroad. nership with Talabat Qatar and vative Qatari startups such as place orders on talabat and pay equivalent to human walking but it spreads fast. There are Another 126 people have thankful for the support from Airlift. Our extensive 5G online through the usual pace, and will be strictly limited clinical trials ongoing to recovered, bringing the total Vodafone and QF RDI office to network provides extremely process to get their deliveries. to sidewalks, using roadways approve that the vaccine cover recoveries in Qatar to 142,182. enable this pilot. We’re also high bandwidth, ultra-low As soon as the restaurant only for crossings. all strains of the virus.” Papa John’s launches two new outlets Vandals of Richard Serra sculpture apprehended RAYNALD C RIVERA preserving installations across THE PENINSULA — DOHA THE PENINSULA Qatar Museums had the country, encouraging the carried out a clean-up wider community to share in Leading pizza franchise Papa Amid an anti-vandalism the responsibility to take own- John’s has announced the campaign on public art operation to restore ership of the public art. opening of two new stores in launched by Qatar Museums, Serra’s sculpture after it As part of the campaign, Lagoona Mall and Al Khor Mall persons who recently was defaced by unsightly Qatar Museums installed anti- with the highest regard for vandalised the famous “East tags and graffiti. vandalism signage at the safety and satisfaction of their West/West East” installation by location of Richard Serra’s customers, taking the number renowned artist Richard Serra installation at the Brouq nature of Papa John’s outlets in Qatar in Zekreet have been appre- emphasises our collective social reserve in Zekreet. The signage, to 30. hended and legal action taken responsibility to preserve public installed in collaboration with Commenting on the brand's against them. art.” Qatar Museums had Ashghal, serves to educate the concept, Joseph Joseph, General “Qatar Museums carried out a clean-up oper- community on what constitutes Manager, Papa John’s Qatar, announced a new incident of ation to restore Serra’s vandalism of public art: said, “Our ‘Better Ingredients, vandalism to the “East West/ sculpture after it was defaced drawing, marking, spray Better Pizza’ concept, which West East” sculpture by inter- by unsightly tags and graffiti. painting, scratching, or any Ahmed Mahdi A Al Majid, Chairman of Al Majed Group and Joseph means we only use the freshest, nationally acclaimed artist, Spanning over a kilometre other act that damages or Joseph, GM Papa John’s Pizza Qatar, inaugurating Papa John’s finest ingredients to create a Richard Serra, on 28 and comprising four steel defaces an installation. better pizza, has proved Lagoona Mall branch. December,” Qatar Museums plates, the sculpture has Qatar Museums is com- popular all over Qatar. We said in a post on its official become a major attraction for mitted to nurturing a thriving would like to reach each and cheese. The deliciously hot and with sliced Philly steak, fresh- Facebook account yesterday. art enthusiasts and tourists public art scene through the every corner of Qatar.” creamy rolls, which are cut onions and green peppers, “The vandals were appre- alike. The unique sculpture is hashtag #OurPublicArt that A major highlight is that available in servings of eight are real cheese made from mozza- hended by authorities, and an imposing structure as each reflects the artistic expression Papa John’s is adding two new served up with a side of Papa rella and our Ranch sauce. were referred to Public Prose- of the four plates stands over of the wider community. flavours to the menu. Papa John’s tasty ranch sauce. Pizza lovers will be able to cution for the necessary legal 14 metres in height in stark con- Qatar Museums has just John’s is turning up the heat Wrapped in fresh Papa get their hands on the Jalapeño action to be taken against trast to the topography of the concluded the Jedariart public with the launch of its New John’s dough and baked to a Popper Rolls & New Philly them,” wrote Qatar Museums. land and the desolate space in art initiative, a month-long pro- Jalapeño Popper Rolls & Philly crispy golden brown, the Cheese Steak Pizza from any With this incident, Qatar the heart of the desert. gramme, in which 18 locally- Cheese Steak Pizza. Jalapeño Popper Rolls are a hot Papa John’s Store. To order Museums has reminded the In September last year, based artists added meaning to Jalapeno Poppers is filled new addition to the menu. from Papa Johns, customers can public that “vandalism of all Qatar Museums launched an the city’s walls through diverse with spicy Jalapeño’s and Philly Cheese Steak Pizza is call on 44247272 or visit the kinds is a crime punishable by anti-vandalism campaign murals and street art executed oozing with super soft cream made from original fresh dough www.papajohns.qa. law, and Qatar Museums aimed towards protecting and at 10 locations across Doha. THURSDAY 7 JANUARY 2021 HOME 05 Submissions for Engineering consultants briefed about building DFI Spring 2021 permit requirements grants cycle open QNA — DOHA detailed explanation of the recent updates of the proce- Represented by the Building dures in force in the building RAYNALD C RIVERA Submissions for the Permit Complex, the Ministry permit system, as well as the THE PENINSULA Spring 2021 cycle of Municipality and Envi- updates in progress, while per- ronment (MME) held its periodic spectives of the engineering Doha Film Institute (DFI) is opened on Monday meeting with the engineering consultancy offices regarding inviting filmmakers seeking for and closes on consultancy offices in the these improvements were taken support for their projects to country to discuss the Building into consideration. apply for the spring 2021 cycle January 17 midnight. Requirements Guide in the State At the end of the meeting, of the Institute’s grants The grantees included of Qatar 2020, which was Assistant Director of the programme. 22 Mena projects, 16 launched recently, in addition Building Permits Complex “The Spring 2021 cycle of to the updates that are still in Department at MME stressed Representatives of engineering consultancy offices attending a our grants programme is now projects directed by progress in the electronic the necessity of completing late meeting organised by the Ministry of Municipality and Environment. open! Aimed at supporting both women, eight non- building permit system. construction requests and pro- emerging and established film- During the meeting, viding all the engineering con- makers from the Mena region Mena projects, seven Assistant Director of the sultancy offices a deadline up consultancy offices to adhere in the State of Qatar, as well as across the entire development, Qatari projects, and Building Permits Complex to seven days to work on their to the planning and design the keenness to provide engi- production and post-pro- Department at MME, Eng. Saad status. He also stressed the requirements set forth in the neering schemes that are com- duction cycles as well as story- two GCC projects. Abdul Karim Al Qahtani gave a necessity for engineering Building Requirements Guide patible with the guide. tellers and creators of TV series in development and web series in production, the grants cycle from the Mena region for web is your opportunity to bring series. Established Menadi- QM invites community members to join January activities your film/TV project to life,” rectors can apply for post-pro- DFI has tweeted. Submissions duction funding for feature- THE PENINSULA — DOHA gain basic knowledge of contact whatsonatmia@ buildings in Qatar. Each illus- for the Spring 2021 cycle length projects. Post-pro- Ottoman islimi design, painting, qm.org.qa tration is accompanied by ques- opened on Monday and closes duction funding is also Qatar Museums has launched gilding and brushwork tech- Book lovers can join Majlis tions, with the answers hidden on January 17 midnight. available to first- and second- several events and activities niques. To sign up, visit www. Book Club for Adults on January in the drawing itself. Fun facts The DFI Grants programme time non-Mena filmmakers for catering to a wide array of qm.org.qa/en/programs-cal- 27 from 5pm to 7pm to read and are also included to help stu- has evolved as a key initiative for feature-length projects. interests and artistic passions, endar If Ministry of Public discuss a wide variety of books dents expand their knowledge identifying new cinematic voices Since its establishment, to be hosted across its cultural Health restrictions regarding –whose topics link with Islamic and pinpoint elements they and talent and discovering uni- DFI’s Grants programme has institutions this month. activities for children continue, Art history, museums and col- might not have recognised. versally resonant stories. The already helped numerous film Members of the community then the programmes may need lections, and regional artistic Suitable for all ages, the down- programme is focused on sup- projects in the region and can look forward to a range of to be cancelled. themes. This year, the Book loadable pages can be found in porting the region’s filmmakers around the world become a culturally enriching programs MIA’s fourth floor galleries Club will be focusing on books http://qm.org.qa/en/ to realise their storytelling aspi- reality. Recently, the Institute designed to promote creativity have been hosting the Photog- related to the diverse subjects colour-your-world-tour-1 rations by elevating original announced the recipients of its and take art beyond four walls raphy and Camera section of in the Sheikh Saoud Exhibition, The Museum of Islamic Art voices in cinema, promote cre- Fall 2020 grants which com- such as drawing classes, pho- the A Falcon’s Eye: Tribute to whilst also revisiting old (MIA) organised “Nasta’liq ative interaction and provide prised 39 projects by first-and- tography and exhibition tours. Sheikh Saoud exhibition. Join favourites.To sign up, visit Beginners for Adults” from creative support throughout the second-time, and established The Museum of Islamic Art exhibition curator Dr Giles www.qm.org.qa/en/ January 3 to 6. This course was filmmaking cycle to establish a Mena filmmakers from around (MIA) offers “Drawing for Hudson for an informal tour of programs-calendar most suitable for those who have robust film ecosystem in the the world and emerging names Adults” from January 17 to 20 the galleries and learn more Meanwhile, Mathaf: Arab already completed MIA’s Arab world. from the region have been from 5pm to 7pm. In this about the fascinating art of pho- Museum of Modern Art is con- beginner Ruq’ah or Kufic courses. First- and second-time selected for the region’s leading workshop, participants will tography and its early history, ducting art lessons with artist MIA also offered “Clay directors from the Mena region film funding programme that learn the basics of drawing and as well as seeing some very Ismael Azzam every Tuesday and Inspired by A Falcon’s Eye: are eligible for DFI’s devel- cultivates the next generation shading techniques through unusual cameras for A Falcon’s Wednesday from 4pm to 7pm. Tribute to Sheikh Saoud Al opment, production and post- of voices in film. The grantees sketching in the exhibition and Eye: Photography for Adults on Lessons are offered free of charge Thani” from January 4 to 6. production funding for feature- included 22 Mena projects, 16 drawing in the Studio. To sign January 20 from 6pm to 7pm. to people with basic to interme- Inspired by an inscribed jar length projects. Production projects directed by women, up, visit www.qm.org.qa/en/ To sign up, contact diate sketching and drawing skills. from A Falcon’s Eye exhibition, funding is available to short eight non-Mena projects, seven programs-calendar [email protected] To sign up, visit: https://www. in this course students will films from the Mena region; Qatari projects, and two GCC “Ottoman Design for MIA is also holding a tour mathaf.org.qa/en/ismael-azzam work with clay, using coiling development funding for projects. More information can Children aged 8 to 11” will be of A Falcon’s Eye exhibition on Mathaf also offers “Colour techniques, and practice on the screenwriters from the Mena be had at https://dohafilmin- held on January 19 and 20 January 26 from 12 noon to Your World” which is a series proportions, starting with the region for TV series; and pro- stitute.com/financing/grants/ January from 4pm to 5pm at 1pm with exhibition curator Dr of educational colouring pages basic form and ending up duction funding to directors guidelines MIA, during which students will Mounia Abudaya. To sign up, depicting the many wonderful working on the details. Sidra Medicine and HMC to host 5th Qatar Ta’allum student wins gold medal in Scientific Pediatric Emergency Medicine Conference Excellence Award

THE PENINSULA — DOHA Medicine’s leading pediatric possible,” said HMC’s Acting THE PENINSULA — DOHA emergency medicine experts Chairman of Pediatrics and Sidra Medicine and Hamad including Dr. Barbara Blackie; Dr. Director of Pediatric Emergency Shahd Bahzad, a student of Medical Corporation (HMC) will Amrita Sarpal. Dr. Khalid Alyafei; Centers, Dr Mohamed al-Amri. Al Jazeera Academy, has jointly host the 5th Qatar Pediatric Dr. Colin V.E Powell, Dr. Sud- The conference will also won the gold medal in the Emergency Medicine (Q-PEM) hakar Adusumilli, Dr. Lisa Golds- feature international speakers primary stage of the Ministry Conference 2021 from January 15 worthy, Dr. Graeme Francis including Dr. Ian Maconochie of Education and Higher to 17. The annual conference is Hadley and Dr. Kevin Enright. from St. Mary’s Hospital, Imperial Education’s ‘Scientific being held virtually this year. HMC experts at the conference College London; Dr. Sami Excellence Award’ compe- Q-PEM’s goal is to provide a include Dr. Mohammed Alamri, Dr. Sulaiman Al Farsi from the Royal tition for 2021. high-quality, evidence-based Bashir Ali Youssef, Dr. Fatihi Hospital in Oman; and Professor She won in the ‘Out- update for healthcare practi- Toaimah, Dr. Magda Barkat, Dr. Franz Babl, from Royal Children’s standing Preparatory Student’ tioners involved in the urgent and Dr. Khalid Al Ansari Mark Dimon Santos, Dr. Nasser Ali Hospital in Melbourne, Australia category. As winner, Shahd emergent care of children. A. Haidar, Dr. Rafah Al Sayyed, Dr. who is also the head of emer- received a cash prize of Shahd Bahzad, the winner Q-PEM 2021 Conference towards keeping current devel- Walid AbouGalala, Dr. Yasser gency research at the Murdoch QR15,000, a gold medal and Chairman, Dr. Khalid Al Ansari, opments in PEM as well taking Mahmoud Al Deeb, Anan Al Badawi, Children’s Research Institute. a certificate of excellence. implementation of the who is also the Chair of Emer- into account the pediatric emer- Ian Ronald Howland, Kirsten Ann Q-PEM 2021 has also invited This remarkable outcome National Development gency Medicine at Sidra Medicine gencies related to COVID-19.” Uhde and Neha Mariam Babu. Dr. Damien Roland, an experi- continues a tradition of Strategy. Ta’allum’s Director said, “Q-PEM this year promises Topics this year will range “This year’s Q-PEM Con- enced PEM clinician from Ta’allum success. It follows of Education, Dr Mohammed to be a memorable one, both in from infectious diseases, pain ference provides a valuable Leicester University whose on from Al Maha Academy for Saefan said, “This is an the quality of scientific discourse management, surgical emer- opportunity for doctors, nurses, research interests include the cre- Boys’ student Nasser Al exceptionally prestigious and its impact equipping frontline gencies, respiratory emergencies allied health professionals and ation and evaluation of interven- Naimi’s 2017 award, when he award of the highest order. healthcare providers to related to the care of acutely ill support staff involved in the pro- tions which improve the recog- won the Platinum medal in This success places Ta’allum improving the quality of care for or injured children. There will vision of care for pediatric nition of ill children in emergency the 10th competition. Haya Academies at the forefront children with urgent and emer- also be a segment on COVID-19 patients in Qatar to come and acute care settings. Dr. Roland Al Kuwari of Al Maha of high academic gency health issues. It will cover and its diverse features. Other together to discuss the key topics is the developer of Paediatric Academy for Girls, won Gold achievement across Qatar.” the fundamentals of pediatric topics on the agenda include in the field and to share best Observation Priority Score (POPS), in the 2020 competition. Ta’allum CEO, Ahmed Al emergency medicine relevant to “Recognizing the deteriorating practice. HMC is committed to available as an app, which has The competition stresses Mannai, said: “Shahd is a all clinicians providing emer- child”; “Resuscitation Care: working with Sidra Medicine, the been shortlisted for two healthcare the importance of hard work, role model for other stu- gency or urgent care to children, Translating Knowledge & Airway Ministry of Public Health, technology awards. He was also part determination and perse- dents. This success signals a and also current best evidence Management” and toxicology and Primary Health Care Corporation of the team that delivered http:// verance, and of investing in very bright, optimistic, and for common and critical pediatric trauma management. and other healthcare partners to www.spottingthesickchild.com, a achieving excellence, as the exciting future for her. We emergencies. We have prepared Q-PEM will include presen- ensure children in Qatar receive patient safety award winning State of Qatar moves confi- congratulate Shahd and her a program agenda geared tations and insights from Sidra the very best quality of healthcare educational website. dently towards the family.” QCRI awarded Facebook grant for project on privacy personas THE PENINSULA — DOHA media privacy concerns and The use of personas is well of personas in online analytics attitudes. established in human-computer is combining numbers and Qatar Computing Research The QCRI team responsible interaction (HCI) as a method human attributes to create Institute (QCRI) at Hamad Bin for developing the data-driven for understanding user seg- dynamic, accurate, and con- Khalifa University (HBKU) has persona system and method- ments. With APG, the QCRI stantly updated data-driven been awarded a major research ology known as Automatic Per- team has demonstrated that the persona profiles. Moreover, grant from Facebook for a new sonal Generation (APG) will lead data from these online analytics when making and using user collaborative study examining the collaborative research platforms can be used to gen- personas for security, it is best digital privacy concerns in 21 project. The APG team of Dr. Jim erate personas in real-time pro- to ensure you are highly specific Middle Eastern and North Jansen, principal scientist; Dr. viding insights for decision- to different populations’ con- African (Mena) countries. Joni Salminen, scientist; and makers. Since the data provided cerns. Therefore, we look QCRI secured one of only Soon-gyo Jung, software by the platforms is at an aggre- forward to advancing this work five awards for their project engineer, will partner with Dr. gated group level, only non- and updating the persona cre- titled “Privacy Personas in the Lene Nielsen, associate professor The Automatic Personal Generation team leading the project. personally identifiable infor- ation concept through this cross- Mena Region: A Large-Scale at IT University of Copenhagen, mation is used, protecting the disciplinary collaborative effort Analysis of 21 Countries” under Dr. David Yang, associate pro- residence at Northwestern Uni- from several online analytics privacy of individual users. with our esteemed research Facebook’s ‘People’s Expecta- fessor at the College of Science versity in Qatar (NU-Q). platforms and tools (e.g., More details of the project are partners. We also express our tions and Experiences with and Engineering at HBKU, Developed through YouTube Analytics, Google Ana- available at https://persona.qcri. thanks to Facebook Research for Digital Privacy’ research call. Kareem Darwish, principal sci- extensive research over the past lytics, and Facebook Insights) org/ and https://quecst.qcri.org/ their support and the opportunity The project outcome will be entist at QCRI’s Arabic Language four years, APG is a robust tool to automatically generate user Commenting on the award, to collaborate and contribute to data-driven online personas of Technology Group, and Dr. Justin for turning online data into per- personas representing the most Dr. Jansen said: “We found, the collective knowledge of user segments based on social D. Martin, associate professor in sonas. It currently pulls data engaged user segments. through APG, that the best use global privacy expectations.” DOHA TODAY 06 THURSDAY 7 JANUARY 2021 Families welcome reopening of amusement parks

SIDI MOHAMED children could enjoy outings at THE PENINSULA the playgrounds in all the public parks. After months of restrictions and To ensure visitors’ safety lockdown on recreational activ- and prevent the spread of coro- ities, the Ministry of Commerce navirus, Al Khori said the facil- and Industry’s gradual opening ities would be sanitised at of amusement parks has been intervals. He stressed the need welcomed by families and for everyone to cooperate with children. Many families have the measures issued by the since flocked to these recrea- MoCI to prevent the spread of tional outlets in parks and malls coronavirus and to ensure its to let their children enjoy the continued opening as well. available facilities after months Commenting on the reo- of lockdown. pening, Ghadi Mohamed, a Mohammed Ali Al Khori, Director The recreational activities in parent who visited playgrounds of Public Parks at the Ministry of amusement outlets and parks at public parks regularly with Municipality and Environment. have been closed since March last his children before the year due to the State of Qatar’s lockdown, said: “To ensure the The play area at the 5/6 Family Park in West Bay. PICS: SALIM MATRAMKOT/THE PENINSULA precautionary measures to limit Speaking to The Peninsula, safety of children and their fam- the spread of the coronavirus. Mohammed Ali Al Khori, ilies, these places have been announcement. The children closed. and the Ministry of Adminis- The children play areas at parks Director of Public Parks at the closed for a long time. They are happy with this opening, A visit by The Peninsula to trative Development, Labour were re-opened on January 3, Ministry of Municipality and have recently returned to life especially since they have been several Malls yesterday and Social Affairs (MADLSA). with a 50% capacity limit. Environment (MME), said after the Ministry’s indoors a lot for a long time,” revealed preparations are In a statement announcing said Ghadi. ongoing as most of their play the reopening, the Ministry “We hope for a full opening sections will start receiving vis- stated that the resumption of of these places, even the ones itors only from January 11. entertainment activities would at malls, because they are likely An official said, “We expect take place in three stages; the to witness crowds in the few a large turnout, in the next days, first stage begins as of January next days. These places are the but we have a limited capacity. 3 and includes outdoor play- only outlet for children to spend So far, only bowling and karting grounds, kids’ outdoor games, their time in with their friends,” sections are open.” billiards, and bowling. The he added. Meanwhile, the MoCI con- second stage starts on January Another parent Aisha said tinues to stress the importance 11 and includes electronic the opening of these places is of the recreational activity man- games and trampolines, while important. She said parents find agers’ adherence to the precau- the third stage begins on it challenging to convince their tionary and preventive January 24 and includes children that the public parks measures defined by the Min- bouncers, inflatable games, and and recreational areas were istry of Public Health (MoPH) ball pits. Envoy distributes ‘New Year’ books at Bangladesh MHM School and College THE PENINSULA - DOHA

Bangladesh Ambassador to Qatar Md. Jashim Uddin distributed New Year books to students of Bangladesh MHM School and College in Qatar. Referring to the education-friendly ‘free book distribution’ programme undertaken by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to ensure edu- Ultra-modern operating cation for all, the Ambassador said the gov- theaters ernment has been distributing New Year books free of costs among students through the book festival on January 1 every year since 2010. During the book distribution ceremony, the Ambassador advised the students to contribute to both Bangladesh and Qatar’s society as good human beings and responsible citizens. Ambassador Jashim Uddin said that pro- grammes would be organised to mark the birth Bangladesh Ambassador to Qatar Md. Jashim Uddin (third left) with other officials and students centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu during the book distribution ceremony. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the golden jubilee of Bangladesh independence in 2021 with the participation of Bangladesh expatriates living dream of Sonar Bangla envisioned by Father of of Bangladesh School Md. Anwar Khurshid, in Qatar. He also called upon all to participate the Nation. Principal Md. Jasim Uddin, Vice-Principal in the vision-based development activities of Embassy Counsellor (Political and Economic Zulfiqar Azad, teachers, and a limited number State-of-the-art ambulance Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to realize the affairs) Md. Mahbur Rahman, Director of students attended the event. fleet

THROUGH THE LENS

Highly-advanced patient information systems

Cutting-edge treatments for cancer

At Hamad Medical Corporation we are utilizing advanced technology and The Legtaifiya Station on the Red Line is a new innovative systems to deliver the highest addition to Doha Metro. With the opening of its quality care to Qatar’s population. 37th station, Doha Metro has been completed. The station is one of the interchange stations with Lusail Tram and is located near key destinations such as Katara and The Pearl-Qatar. The Legtaifiya Station www.hamad.qa lies in between Katara and Qatar University stations. Passengers travelling between The Pearl-Qatar and Legtaifiya Metro station benefit from the free M110 Metrolink service.

PICS: ABDUL BASIT / THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 7 JANUARY 2021 DOHA TODAY 07 ALF Foundation Education Excellence Award winners provides food inspired to pursue higher studies baskets to needy THE PENINSULA - DOHA SANAULLAH ATAULLAH more prominent award next THE PENINSULA year. Al Faisal Without Borders Sheikah Zaid Hasan Al Foundation (ALF Foundation) As Qatar develops infrastructure Ajmi, a student of First Al carried out various activities aimed at sustainability in all Bayan Primary School for Girls in December including fields, the education sector is one who won a gold medal in the ‘Wajba’ social project, which of the most important drivers for Excellent Student Primary is one of the major activities growth and long-term success. School Category, said: “I am implemented by the Foun- Teaching young minds about proud to win this prize. I want dation under the supervision modern technology, especially to gift this prize to my parents. of the Regulatory Authority for in a global and digital world, is I am also proud to meet H H Charitable Activities. the backbone of some of the the Amir. I want to be an This is part of the human- world’s biggest economies and interior design engineer in the itarian role that the Foun- societies. Maha Nasser Abdurraham Al Thani Al Jawhara Thani Ali Al Thani Al Anud Moharak Al Hitmi future.” dation plays, through different In Qatar, the Education Another student of First Al community projects and initi- Excellence Day (EED) Award’s Bayan Primary School for Girls, atives to inculcate social introduction seeks to encourage Aisha Ali Al Khulaifi, who responsibility and provide participation in education and received a gold medal, said: “My decent life for every member research. achievement is for my parents, of society in Qatar, The award honours out- country, teacher and school. My In this version of ‘Wajba’ standing Qatari individuals in mother provided great support Project, and knowing the various fields to promote a for me to win this prize, and I current condition that the culture of creativity and excel- am very happy to get a chance country is going through due lence among the Qatari society, to shake hands with H H the to the COVID-19 pandemic, push students to more excel- Amir.” and as part of the directions of lence and outstanding educa- CEO of Education Excellence the State of Qatar to help and tional attainment, and promote Award Dr. Hamda Hassan Al lift the impairment that has integration between individual Sulaiti said the 14th Education befallen many families, ALF and institutional efforts to Excellence Award winners Foundation has targeted the improve scholarly outputs and would get cash prizes according needy families by distributing Sheikah Zaid Hasan Al Ajmi Rawda Mansour Al Qassabi Aisha Ali Al Khulaifi bring them to global standards. to the categories, medals, and food baskets over 2,400 Recently, the 14th edition of certificates and honour from H beneficiaries. the award recognised 71 winners Speaking to The Peninsula, Maha received a platinum medal H the Amir. In addition, ALF Foun- who have expressed their hap- 11-year-old Abdullah Hilal Al in the Excellent Student Primary She said that the award meets dation has also targeted a piness on the achievements, Mohannadi, a student of Qatar School Category. international standards, which group of workers in the Indus- showing more determination to Academy Al Khor who won a Al Jawhara Thani Ali Al helped raise contestants’ per- trial Area and provided more pursue higher education to platinum medal in Excellent Thani, a student of Al Bayan formance, improve their personal than 600 integrated healthy further contribute to Qatar’s Student Primary School Cat- School for Girls, said: “I partici- development, intellectual quality, meals for them. development at an even faster egory, said, “First I would like to pated in the education excel- and reveal their hidden talents. Al Faisal Without Borders pace. thank Allah for blessing me with lence award and with the “We made remarkable Foundation will be always The winners also thanked this fantastic prize and my blessing of Allah, I received a achievements in terms of the keen to implement regular Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin mother who supported me to platinum medal. I want to be a number of participants for this programs and projects to Hamad Al Thani for attaching win this award.” lawyer so I can defend Qatar.” edition of the award. We recorded empower the needy by estab- great importance to education. Another student Al Anud Meanwhile, Rawda Mansour 374 contestants in which 71 won lishing charitable and devel- They expressed gratitude to their Moharak Al Hitmi, who won a Al Qassabi from Qatar Academy the prizes in different categories,” opment activities that provide schools, teachers, and parents platinum medal in the Excellent Abdullah Hilal Al Mohannadi Al Wajba, who won a gold said Dr. Hamda. education, training, health, for support. Student Primary School Cat- medal, said that her family was She said that the number of social, and cultural care The young students aim to egory, said that this prize would proud of her achievement. The participants increased opportunities. ALF Foun- be professionals in the future, not be the last one she’d win as giving such importance to edu- young activist said she wants to remarkably this year due to dation will continue its social like doctors and engineers. A she wanted to participate again cation,” Al Hitmi, a Qatar protect endangered animals awareness campaigns and con- responsibility path by reha- little girl, a winner in one of the and again for more awards and Academy student – Al Wajba from extinction. tinuous communication with bilitating individuals, families, categories, said she wants to be achievements. said. “White tigers are among the school management. and poor people to enable a lawyer to defend her country. “I am delighted and proud Maha Nasser Abdurraham endangered species, so I would Dr. Hamda said that the them to rely on themselves Another student, raising concern of myself for where I reached Al Thani of Qatar Academy – Al like to build a haven for them,” organisers launched an online and develop their opportu- about environmental protection today. I want to thank my Wajba said that she wants to be Rawda said. system to receive entries, which nities in life for the sake of and biodiversity, wants to parents for their support for me. a doctor to help her community However, the youngster also helped attract more righteousness, charity, and protect endangered animals. I want to thank H H the Amir for and help develop Qatar faster. noted that she would aim for a participants. public welfare. NIA Hindi Toastmasters organises Sur Sandhya Bayanat Engineering Qatar: this period, they have scaled great Providing high-quality heights and brought lots of happiness to all Air Traffic Control systems its members. The high- lights of this hen the human musical evening flight was were superlative developed (by performances Wrigth Brothers) by Abhijit Sarkar Wthey did not envision the scale and Moksha the technology has reached to Gupta and a the modern-day society. It is Participants in the event organised by NIA Hindi Toastmasters. musical Antak- impossible to imagine our lives shari contest without planes. Planes play THE PENINSULA - DOHA involving five important role in society now- dynamic teams. The winners of this musical adays to transport goods and NIA Hindi Toastmasters heralded the arrival contest were Sameer Moosa and Latika Pant. people from one place to of 2021 by successfully organising a programme The event witnessed enthusiastic partici- another. As traffic is controlled titled ‘Sur Sandhya’ an evening with melody. pation by DTM Sunita Saini, DTM Riana, Area 7 on the ground (by traffic police, NIA Hindi Toastmasters had successfully Director C S Kumaran as well as contestants traffic lights and signage) – it is organised a number of activities including Rajeev Talwar, Dr. Trilok Sharma, Sameer as important to control the ‘Kavi Sammelan’, ‘Hindi Divas’ and ‘Children’s Moosa, Sunita Saini, Shalini Verma, Sara Ali traffic in airspace. Poetry Recitation’ during the past three Khan, Latika Pant, Uttam Vaidya, Chandra How do you do that? Air months. Gururani and Asha Sehgal. traffic control. The first air traffic The event aimed at promoting Hindi lan- The event was hosted by K P Murali, control began at Croydon Airport guage and what better medium to use for this Moksha Gupta, Dr. Meenu Parashar ‘Mansi’ and started as a simple wooden programme than music. and Abhijit Sarkar and supporting role hut that could tell planes their NIA Hindi Toastmasters has been in players were Alka Choudhary and Avaneesh location, the weather and what existence for the last four years and during Agarwal. air traffic was like. As the number of flights grew by demand, tech- nology became more developed. Simulation Systems; Remote Hamad International What is Air Traffic Control Control Tower; Airport Collab- Six-year-old Doha resident sets new in the modern society? Air orative Decision Making Airport receives a high traffic control is “the activity of (A-CDM); SWIM & ATM Grade amount of traffic and organizing the routes that air- Networks and many other. record in solving Sudoku puzzles craft should follow, and telling Bayanat Engineering Qatar Qatar’s Air Traffic pilots by radio which routes provides high-quality air traffic Control is clearly they should take”. By using control systems to ensure that THE PENINSULA - DOHA multiple equipment, ATC con- flights remain safe and con- doing a great job. trollers maintain safe distance trolled, in combination with the Bayanat Engineering Standard 1 pupil Mohammed and height and provide safer provision of navigational and Qatar provides Aahil Faisal Mubarak from Birla landing and departure instruc- communication technologies in Public School has set the record tions to the pilots to make sure a variety of industries including solutions as per the of being the youngest achiever they depart and land the plane aerospace. ICAO requirements in the India Book of Record to safely and on time. solve 6X6 Sudoku Puzzles. Air traffic innovative solu- and always monitors The child prodigy displays tions that can be provided: and follows the exceptional talent in math and Electronic flight strip system; science. He has an extremely Departure/Arrival Manager updates on the high intellectual curiosity level (DMAN/AMAN); ATC / Driving requirements. and can do operations of In Qatar, Air Traffic addition, subtraction, multipli- management follows the receives a high amount of cation, and divisions of big procedures of International traffic and Qatar’s Air Traffic numbers and an expert in Civil Aviation Organization Control is clearly doing a great reciting squares till 125. He world countries and can rec- He has the potential to set (ICAO). It controls and job, as no fatal accidents has understands Roman numerals, ognize the countries and con- himself apart from other guides organizations on the been reported in over 25 years. area, and perimeter of a tri- tinents by shapes. children and has an insatiable flight to remain safe and Bayanat Engineering Qatar angle, circle, and Algebraic Mubarak has good need for knowledge. He con- secure and uses all the tech- provides solutions as per the expressions. knowledge about the solar tinues to immerse himself in nologies that has previously ICAO requirements and always He is also well versed with system and binary codes of finding new solutions to math- been approved. Hamad monitors and follows the flags and capitals of all the alphabets and numbers. ematical operations. International Airport updates on the requirements. 08 VIEWS THURSDAY 7 JANUARY 2021

Established in 1996

CHAIRMAN DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI [email protected]

EDITORIAL People wearing face masks arrive at a vaccination site following an outbreak of the coronavirus disease, in Beijing yesterday. A new beginning When I look at you, I only

THE historic 41st GCC summit, hosted by Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, has proven to be a breakthrough in the three years long regional crisis during which Saudi see a part of you! Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain as well as Egypt imposed a land, sea and air embargo on Qatar. The Al-Ula summit has brought détente not only in the Qatar-Saudi ties contact images is much better rely on visual cues, such as who unfortunately are at risk but it promises the end of the crisis and full restoration than nothing. Perhaps it is the movement of another of anger and depression as a of diplomatic ties between the quartet and Doha. nice to see their live faces person’s lips, to communicate result of their condition. Qatar’s Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani breathing in real time. Here, I and thus masks can hide this On other hand, people was accorded a warm welcome by Saudi Crown Prince am certain that we missed the and hide speech (unless he here tend to interact with HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al smile and the degree of com- uses the transparent types of faces as a whole, rather than Saud, who also took his guest on a tour of historical munication after the mask masks!). This in fact evident focusing on the individual sites in Al-Ula region. The breakthrough was achieved closed it, especially during the when you bypass or interact traits of the person. Forgetting through continues mediatory efforts made by Kuwait past months. with someone, however they the fact - if you agree with me as well as the US. The UN, Arab League, the European DR.YOUSUF ALI AL MULLA What I mean here, while cannot see that smile because - that we do not have to be Union, the US, and several regional countries including masks save lives they also of the mask, so you lose happy to smile and that in the Turkey, Pakistan, Jordan, Iraq, Sudan and Morocco create social challenges. something that conveys to first place we do not always have welcomed the development. A few months after COVID-19 Words alone are not sufficient others that you are friendly smile when we are happy! At the Al-Ula summit, the leaders affirmed the noble spread and wearing face to express our attitudes, and polite. Actually extensive studies objectives of the GCC, to realise cooperation, inter- masks for a long time and feelings, thoughts, and all the Interestingly at other have confirmed that there are connectedness and integration among the member adhering to measures that other things important to times, when you make eye 19 different types of smiles; states in all domains. The bloc also envisages regional reduce the spread of virus, create social and emotional contact with someone and only six of them are asso- unity, and working as one political and economic group perhaps people have begun to bonds between people. Not to feel happy or warm towards ciated with feelings of hap- to contribute to realising security, peace, stability and breathe now with hope for mention, trying to interact them from the inside, this piness and pleasure. As for the prosperity in the region. the vaccine. But it is strange with other people without will undoubtedly create the rest, we use it when we feel Saudi Foreign Minister H H Prince Faisal bin Farhan that when I wanted to return being able to smile is the true and sincere smile that is fear, embarrassment and Al Saud said the Al-Ula summit — named Sultan to the past months through equivalent of communicating more likely to spread on your pain, among other scenarios Qaboos and Sheikh Sabah Summit — will restore full pictures, for instance, I via text messages. It’s easy to face. While wearing masks of course. diplomatic ties between the GCC members and Egypt. realized at the time that not be misunderstood. Your may also create some com- At end, as the pandemic Terming the summit a ‘new page’ in achieving security everyone can be identified by expression and words lack munication challenges. continues, it seems unlikely and stability in the region, he said the member states those pictures taken while we context and here the person However, with a little extra that face masks will leave affirmed their solidarity in not infringing any member put on face masks! It is like may ask: Are you disturbed effort and some increased anytime soon. Given this state’s sovereignty or threatening their security, or tar- today, when I see people; I with me? Is what you said an awareness of these chal- fact, may be an adaptation to geting the national cohesion of their peoples and their only see a part of the face, insult or a joke? lenges, you can learn to make wearing it is best option now social fabric in any way. The top Saudi diplomat said from forehead till nose. I Remarkably, we must be sure you get the message, just beside vaccine. Perhaps the the member states also affirmed their solidarity against really miss seeing people’s aware that it is difficult to dis- ask those you talk to if you important thing is to be direct or indirect intervention in internal affairs of any faces. I miss seeing sideways tinguish between different are making sense or if they more aware of what might member country. crooked mouths in indecision, smiles, if for example, you understand what you are be lost during your commu- The State of Qatar welcomed the declaration issued exposed teeth with multiple cannot see the lower half of saying. Although it may take nication while wearing a after the Al-Ula summit, saying Doha shared the vision smiles, jagged upper lips in the face. In these situations, some time and effort to clear face mask. And undoubtedly and objective of strengthening the bonds of friendship confusion, all of it. the person has to rely on things up, in the end there in some cases a face mask and brotherhood between the peoples of the region, Are you not with me that other evidence -if I can say may be fewer miscommuni- can create some kind of joint and the principle of good neighbourliness and mutual we loved those masks at some so-. Of course, masks do not cations even with a face bond, you wear a mask and I respect. point because it keeps us all just hide smiles; it can even mask on. Especially with the wear a mask ... we’re in it Qatar said Al-Ula Declaration complements the safe and at the same time make it difficult for people to realization that people may together! sincere and dedicated efforts led by Kuwait’s late Amir allows parents and their show a full range of feelings misunderstand what other Dr.Yousuf Ali Al Mulla is a Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, which grandchildren to launch including discomfort, dread people are saying if they physician, medical innovator were continued by H H the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh beautiful conversations in the or contempt. On the other cannot see people’s mouths & writer. For any queries Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, praising at the same place? However, seeing hand for many, face masks moving as they speak. This is regarding the content of the same time the efforts exerted by the US in conver- the faces of family and friends can make life especially dif- especially true for those who article can be contacted at: gence of views. virtually and through multiple ficult, as many deaf people suffer from hearing loss and [email protected] 2021 should mark turn away from trade protectionism

D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR JAPAN NEWS-YOMIURI globalization that allowed the How to contain this situ- is unclear whether the gov- EMAIL: [email protected] free exchange of people, ation is a common issue for ernment will be able to To overcome the novel coro- goods and funds. each country. completely break away navirus pandemic and put the However, the benefits have Biden has made from protectionism, since EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 global economy back on a slanted toward multinational redressing disparities a pri- the new administration is FAX: +974 4455 7758 full-fledged growth track, it is companies that can operate ority policy. Aiming for a “big unlikely to change the essential to rebuild the free across national borders and government” that emphasizes current policy of prioritizing MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 trade system. The year 2021 wealthy people, leading to the active fiscal spending, he has domestic employment and should be a turning point for side effect of widened income come out with a four-year industries. DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 that purpose. gaps. The combined assets of plan to spend $2 trillion The focal point will be The new administration of the world’s top 26 richest (about ¥200 trillion) on infra- whether the United States will LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 US President-elect Joe Biden people are reportedly almost structure and the envi- return to the Trans-Pacific will be inaugurated this the same as those owned by ronment. The new US gov- Partnership (TPP) multilateral BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 month. It is important for about the poorest 3.8 billion ernment also intends to raise free trade pact. Although Japan, in cooperation with people. the minimum wage Biden has not clearly men- SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 Europe and other countries, Protectionism has spread significantly. tioned the issue, some of the to heighten its efforts to due to opposition to globali- The Biden administration people around him have ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 encourage the United States zation, and as a result, the aims to secure financial deep-rooted cautious email: [email protected] to change the “America first” Trump administration was resources for this investment opinions, and whether the protectionist stance adhered born in the United States. by raising taxes on wealthy United States will return to PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 to by the administration of US Under these circum- people and large companies. It the TPP remains to be seen. email: [email protected] President Donald Trump, and stances, the coronavirus has apparently aims to boost the Japan, along with Aus- become an economic driving poured salt on the wound. income of the middle class tralia and other TPP member ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 force through the promotion The infectious disease has through such measures, but countries, should persistently FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] of free trade. battered the service industry, coordination between the explain to the United States The world economy has which has many low-paid ruling and opposition parties in that its participation in the CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 developed through interna- workers, such as dining Congress will be a challenge. TPP would be useful in email: [email protected] tional cooperation since the establishments and tourism, On the trade front, Biden restraining China, which is end of World War II, with the and is further widening has announced a return to trying to take the initiative in SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 liberalization of trade and disparities. multilateralism. However, it the field of trade. FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar

/ThePeninsulaQatar Our main goal is to approve the climate law. This is definitely our top priority. However, tough /Peninsula_Qatar negotiations are ahead, since EU institutions /ThePeninsulaNewspaper still do not see eye to eye.

+974 6698 6188 Joao Pedro Matos Fernandes, Environment Minister of Portugal THURSDAY 7 JANUARY 2021 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 09 Russia, West clash over Syria chemical weapons sanctions

AP — UNITED NATIONS The confrontation in the UN Security Council concern at Syria’s failure to who seek to discredit OPCW” the sponsors... and give them explain an unnamed chemical and its findings about Syria’s the necessary means to escape Syria and close ally Russia foreshadowed a showdown when the 193 that can be used in chemical attacks. through the occupied Golan clashed with the US and other member states of the Organisation for the weapons but also has non- “There is simply the reality area through Israel to the cap- nations yesterday over a weapons uses. It was detected of the facts,” he said. “We all itals of Western states where Western initiative to suspend Prohibition of Chemical Weapons meet in The at the Barzah facilities of the know them: the regime used they can live.” Syria’s voting rights in the global Hague, Netherlands, in April. Syrian Scientific Studies and weapons of war prohibited by Russia’s Polyansky said chemical weapons watchdog Research Center. international law against its Syria could not meet the for failing to provide details of Russia’s deputy UN Ambas- own population, and since then OPCW’s anti-Syria demands on three chemical attacks in 2017 accountability for Syrian are not “minor” as some would sador, Dmitry Polyansky, again we have seem chemical Latamneh because it “simply that investigators blamed on chemical attacks and highlight portray, alluding to Russia. accused OPCW investigators of weapons re-emerge and doesn’t have” the chemical President Bashar Assad’s claims that Assad’s government “Over those seven years, the being “unscrupulous” and become commonplace in Syria weapons and facilities the government. is secretly continuing its number of issues that need to alleged they used “forgeries” and elsewhere.” organization is seeking. The confrontation in the UN chemical weapons program. be addressed has expanded and “manipulations” to blame British Ambassador Barbara “Hopefully, the majority of Security Council foreshadowed Syria joined the Chemical from five to 19,” Byrne Nason Syria. Woodward said OPCW inves- delegations at the member a showdown when the 193 Weapons Convention in Sep- said. “There have been 17 He called the chemical tigators, alone and initially with states’ conference in April will member states of the Organi- tember 2013, pressed by Russia amendments to Syria’s decla- watchdog “seriously ill with a UN team, determined Syria reject this provocation, and the sation for the Prohibition of after a deadly chemical ration including the addition of politicisation.” And he accused used chemical weapons on at West-initiated decision, which Chemical Weapons meet in The weapons attack that the West a production facility, four a number of unnamed countries least six occasions. is `punitive’ by nature, will not Hague, Netherlands, in April to blamed on Damascus. research and development of “playing this 'chemical card’ “These are not hypothetical pass,” he said. consider a French-drafted By August 2014, the Assad centres, and doubling of the to step up pressure on the issues for the thousands of US deputy ambassador measure, on behalf of 46 coun- government declared that the amount of declared agents and Syrian government that they Syrian civilians who have suf- Richard Mills said neither the tries, to suspend Syria’s “rights destruction of its chemical chemicals.” failed to overthrow in the wake fered the horrifying effects on Security Council nor the world and privileges” in the body. weapons was completed. But In addition, she said, there of the so-called Arab Spring.” the body of nerve agents and “is fooled” by Russia’s accel- The French proposal was a Syria’s initial declaration of its are issues related to “hundreds As for the initial Syrian decla- chlorine,” she said. erated campaign to discredit the response to Syria’s failure to chemical stockpiles and of tons of missing agents and ration, Polyansky said Syria’s deputy foreign min- OPCW. meet a 90-day deadline set in chemical weapons production munitions reported destroyed” Damascus was not “an extraor- ister and former UN ambas- He urged council members July by the OPCW’s executive sites has remained in dispute. before Syria joined the chemical dinary case,” pointing to sador, Bashar Ja’afari, accused to call on all countries to council for Damascus to declare Ireland’s UN Ambassador, convention as well as recent amended declarations by some unnamed Western nations support the French draft against the nerve agent sarin and Geraldine Byrne Nason, a new reports of a production facility Western countries including of using the OPCW “as a Syria in April “aimed at pro- chlorine, which OPCW investi- council member, said it was that Damascus declared as France and Germany as well as platform to fabricate allegations moting accountability for the gators said last April were “deeply disturbing” that the never having been used, “where Libya. He accused Western del- and then justify an assault and Assad regime’s actions.” “It is dropped by the Syrian air force OPCW still cannot determine there is clear evidence to the egations of trying to “inflate agi- aggression on Syria.” time that the Syrian people, and on the central town of whether the initial declaration contrary.” tation” around Syria. The aim, he said, is “to indeed all the globe’s people, be Latamneh in late March 2017. was accurate or complete Norwegian Ambassador French Ambassador Nicolas frame the Syrian government allowed to live in a world free The Western effort reflects because of gaps and inconsist- Mona Juul, another new council De Riviere expressed regret at for the use of chemical weapons of the threat of chemical a much broader effort to obtain encies. She said the problems member, also expressed “the false accusations of those and exonerate the terrorists and weapons,” he said. Europeans press Iran to back Turkey to revise down on uranium enrichment regulations to control market AP — BERLIN - something Tehran insists it doesn’t want to do. The three manipulation Germany, France and Britain European powers have pressed Iran yesterday to expressed hope that with the REUTERS — ANKARA reverse a decision to start change of administrations in enriching uranium to levels Washington, the US might Turkey’s BDDK banking beyond the limits of a 2015 rejoin the agreement. watchdog is working on a nuclear agreement, a move President-elect Joe Biden revision of last year’s market which they said “risks compro- has said he hopes to return the manipulation regulations to mising” chances of diplomacy US to the deal. increase their clarity after crit- with the incoming US admin- Complicating that goal is icism from the banking sector istration. that Iran — which is seeking on the grounds that they were The foreign ministers of the relief from crippling US sanc- vague and open-ended, five three European nations said in tions — is now in violation of sources said. a joint statement that the most major restrictions set out The revision, which the Iranian activity “has no credible in the agreement. sources said aimed to comply civil justification.” They said the The uranium enrichment with European Union enrichment was a clear vio- move “undermines the joint standards, is the latest in a lation of the 2015 deal between commitment” made on series of market-friendly steps Iran and six world powers and December 21 by participants in taken by authorities since an “further hollows out the the deal to preserve the overhaul of top economy agreement.” agreement, the European min- Turkish President welcomes Albania PM policy makers in November. The United States unilat- isters said in their statement In May, under then- erally withdrew from the yesterday. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey and Albania Prime Minister Edi Rama review a guard of finance minister Berat agreement in 2018, and the “It also risks compromising honour during a welcoming ceremony, in Ankara yesterday. Albayrak, Turkey adopted reg- remaining countries that signed the important opportunity for ulations to punish institutions it with Iran - Germany, France, a return to diplomacy with the spreading false or misleading Britain, China and Russia - have incoming US administration,” information in financial been trying to keep the accord the statement said. Palestinian activist convicted markets. from collapsing. “We strongly urge Iran to “Work is being conducted On Monday, Iran began stop enriching uranium to up on last year’s BDDK regulations enriching uranium to levels to 20 percent without delay, by Israeli military court identifying manipulation, mis- unseen since the 2015 deal. The reverse its enrichment program leading transactions and prac- decision appeared aimed at to the limits agreed in the tices in financial markets,” one increasing Tehran’s leverage (agreement) and to refrain from AP — JERUSALEM one count of assault. The confrontations with settlers in economy official told Reuters. during US President Donald any further escalatory steps charges date back to 2010, which he says he was attacked “What is on the agenda is Trump’s waning days in office. which would further reduce the An Israeli military court yester according to a statement put and beaten. The Palestinian changing measures which Iran informed the Interna- space for effective diplomacy,” day found a prominent Pales- out by his supporters, which Authority detained him for a have created tension and tional Atomic Energy Agency the ministers added. tinian activist guilty on six said sentencing is scheduled for week in 2017 over a Facebook caused problems in imple- of its plans to increase A decision to begin charges related to his partici- February 8. post critical of President mentation,” the official said, enrichment to 20% last week. enriching to 20 percent purity pation in demonstrations in the It was not clear what kind Mahmoud Abbas. adding that the BDDK was Increasing enrichment at its a decade ago nearly triggered occupied West Bank city of of sentence he might receive. Hundreds of hard-line working on it in cooperation underground Fordo facility an Israeli strike targeting Iran’s Hebron against Jewish settle- The Israeli military and Amro’s Jewish settlers live in the heart with other institutions and the puts Tehran a technical step nuclear facilities. The tensions ments and alleged human rights lawyer did not immediately of Hebron in enclaves guarded banking sector. away from weapons-grade only abated with the 2015 deal, violations. respond to a request for by Israeli troops. The city has a The BDDK declined to levels of 90 percent. which saw Iran limit its Issa Amro was convicted on comment. population of over 200,000 comment on the issue. The purpose of the deal was enrichment in exchange for three counts of protesting Amro is a well-known Palestinians, and there is a long The 11-article regulation to prevent Iran from devel- the lifting of economic without a permit, two counts of activist who has been detained history of tensions between the gives sweeping definitions of oping a nuclear bomb sanctions. obstructing security forces and multiple times, often after two communities. what would be deemed manipulation and market speculation and there have been concerns in the market 20 Mali fighters killed that regular foreign exchange transactions could be affected. The regulations, for in French air raid example, deemed as manipu- lation transactions that can AL JAZEERA — BAMAKO such a link “does not correspond potentially result in “false or to information collected prior to deceptive” impressions France said it killed dozens of the air strike”. regarding the issuance, demand fighters in a weekend air raid Barbry told The Associated or price of a financial instrument. in central Mali, while several Press the operation followed Albayrak abruptly villagers and a local group said an intelligence mission of resigned in November, soon up to 20 wedding guests were several days that showed a after President Tayyip Erdogan killed by fire from a helicopter. “suspicious gathering of replaced the central bank gov- Villagers in Bounti said a people”. ernor. Sources said Erdogan lone helicopter opened fire in The French military was took that step after briefings broad daylight on Sunday, able to conclude it was a “ter- on the economy’s fragility as sowing panic among a crowd rorist armed group based on the lira slumped and forex gathered for a wedding. individuals’ attitudes, their reserves dwindled. “It was run for your lives,” equipment and other intelli- The central bank has since resident Ahmadou Ghana said. gence information”, he said. raised interest rates sharply Another villager, Mady Dicko, Guillaume Nguefa, the head and taken other steps which added: “We were surprised by the of the human rights section of have boosted the lira, while intensity of the strike. The heli- the UN mission in Mali, con- Erdogan has pledged eco- copter was flying very low.” On firmed the incident but did not nomic reforms to revitalise an Sunday, Tabital Pulakuu, an asso- provide more details. economy hit by the corona- ciation that promotes the culture The village lies in the Mopti virus pandemic. of Mali’s Fulani ethnic group, region, where armed groups Sources said planned revi- reported an “air strike that have a significant presence. The sions to the market manipu- claimed the lives of at least 20 region is the epicentre of a lation regulations, which Drone launch during combat exercise in Iran civilians” during a wedding. deadly military offensive that would take the form of new A French military spokesman, began in northern Mali in 2012 bylaws rather than a com- A drone is being launched during a large-scale drone combat exercise of Army of the Islamic Republic Colonel Frederic Barbry, denied and then advanced into neigh- pletely new law, would be of Iran, in Semnan, Iran, yesterday. a connection between the raid bouring Burkina Faso and aimed at clarifying vague ele- and the wedding party, saying Niger. ments of the legislation. 10 AFRICA THURSDAY 7 JANUARY 2021 US, Sudan agree to settle country’s World Bank debt

AP — CAIRO US Treasury Secretary democracy after a popular uprising led the military to The US and Sudan yesterday Steven Mnuchin’s overthrow Al Bashir in April agreed to settle the African’s one-day visit 2019. The county is now ruled country’s debt to the World focused on Sudan's by a joint military and civilian Bank, widely seen as a key step government that seeks better toward the nation’s economic struggling economy ties with Washington and the recovery after the 2019 over- and possible US West. throw of longtime autocrat The government has been Omar Al Bashir. economic assistance, struggling with a huge budget The move came during including debt relief, a deficit and widespread Treasury Secretary Steven shortages of essential goods, Mnuchin’s visit to Khartoum, statement said. Sudan including fuel, bread and making him the first senior today has more than medicine. American official to land there Annual inflation soared past since President Donald Trump’s $60bn in foreign debt. 200 percent in the past months administration removed the as prices of bread and other African country from the list of taking historical leaps towards staples surged, according to state sponsors of terrorism. a better future. We’re planning official figures. Mnuchin arrived at Khar- to make tangible strides today Last month, Trump’s toum’s international airport, as our relations enter a administration finalized the where he received by acting #NewEra,” Hamdok tweeted. removal of Sudan from the US Jordan-Germany diplomacy Finance Minister Heba Mnuchin’s one-day visit list of state sponsors of Jordan Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi meets with German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, in Amman Mohammed Ali, and US Charge focused on the country’s strug- terrorism. yesterday. d’Affaires in Sudan Brian gling economy and possible US Sudan’s economy has suf- Shukan, the prime minister’s economic assistance, including fered from decades of US sanc- office said in a statement. debt relief, the statement said. tions and mismanagement It is the first visit by a sitting Sudan today has more than under Al Bashir, who had ruled US treasury chief to Sudan, the $60bn in foreign debt. Relief the country since a 1989 10 presidential candidates call statement said. Secretary of from its arrears and access to Islamist-backed military coup. State Mike Pompeo in August foreign loans are widely seen The designation dates back became the first top American as its gateway to economic to the 1990s, when Sudan diplomat to visit Sudan since recovery. briefly hosted al-Qaida leader for election re-run in CAR 2005, when Condoleezza Rice Sudan’s Finance Ministry Osama bin Laden and other visited. Pompeo was also the said it inked a “memorandum wanted militants. Sudan was REUTERS — BANGUI Ten of the 17 candidates are opposition politicians has also most senior US official to visit of understanding” with the US also believed to have served as now rejecting this result, saying called for the vote to be the African country since last treasury department to to facil- a pipeline for Iran to supply Ten defeated presidential turnout of registered voters was repeated, including former year’s ouster of Al Bashir. itate the payment of Sudan’s weapons to Palestinian mili- candidates in the Central just 37 percent and that the president, Francois Bozize. Mnuchin’s visit came after arrears to the World Bank. tants in the Gaza Strip. African Republic (CAR) are insecurity disrupted cam- Touadera and the United a one-day-visit to Cairo, where The ministry said the set- Mnuchin’s visit came amid calling for the result of a paigning and the electoral Nations, which has over 12,800 he met with Egypt’s President tlement would enable Sudan’s rising tensions between military December 27 election to be process. “We demand an uniformed peacekeepers in Abdel-Fattah El Sissi, a close US government to have more than and civilian members of annulled and the vote repeated, annulment pure and simple and CAR, have accused Bozize of ally. The stops are part of a $1bn annually from the World Sudan’s transitional gov- citing irregularities and low a rerun of the election,” they being behind the rebel flurry of activity during the final Bank, for the fist time since ernment. That tensions, which turnout, according to a joint said in the statement. offensive, which briefly seized days of the Trump adminis- nearly three decades when resurfaced in recent weeks, statement late on Tuesday. There was no immediate the country’s fourth-largest city tration. Democrat Joe Biden Sudan was designated as pariah have largely centered on the On Monday, the electoral comment from the electoral ahead of the election. becomes president on Jan. 20. state. It did not provide further Sudanese military’s economic commission declared President commission or Touadera. Bozize has not been The US treasury secretary details. assets, over which the civilian- Faustin-Archange Touadera the A disputed election could reachable for comment. met with Prime Minister The Justice Ministry, run finance ministry does not winner of the race, with voter further destabilise the gold and His party has previously Abdalla Hamdok, and is however, announced last have control. turnout of over 76 percent diamond producer, whose pop- denied the government’s accu- scheduled to meet with other month that the US would play John Prendergast, co- despite an offensive by rebel ulation of 4.7 million has sations, but some in the party Sudanese leaders including a $1bn bridge loan to the World founder of The Sentry watchdog groups seeking to derail the endured waves of militia vio- have suggested they are General Abdel-Fattah Burhan, Bank to help clear Sudan’s group, urged The US treasury vote. lence since 2013 that has killed working with the rebels. head of the ruling sovereign arrears with the institution, in secretary to pressure the mil- However, only half of the thousands and forced more Touadera came to office in council. addition to $1.1bn direct and itary and security apparatus to country’s 1.8 million eligible than a million from their 2016 after Bozize was over- The visit came “at a time indirect aid from the US. allow “independent oversight” voters were able to register for homes. thrown in a rebellion three when our bilateral relations are Sudan is on a fragile path to to businesses they control. the vote due to the violence. A powerful coalition of years earlier. Over 2 million displaced by conflict in Tigray Ethiopia accuses Sudan REUTERS — NAIROBI official was more than double Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, higher than its current tally. a previous estimate for the who won the 2019 Nobel Peace A UN refugee agency official troops of killing civilians About 2.2 million people have number of people displaced of Prize, can hold together frac- also said on Tuesday that Ethi- been displaced within Ethio- 950,000, which included tious ethnic groups in the opians were still crossing into BLOOMBERG — ADDIS ABABA land in the Al Fashqa area. He pia’s Tigray region since 50,000 who had fled to neigh- country. neighbouring Sudan from played down the prospect of fighting erupted there in bouring countries. An official from Ethiopia’s Tigray. Ethiopia accused Sudanese the conflict escalating, saying November with about half Ethiopia’s federal gov- National Disaster Risk Man- “Some 800 people crossed troops of killing “many the government will use diplo- fleeing after their homes were ernment restricted access to agement Commission told from Ethiopia’s Tigray region civilians” in recent fighting over matic channels to resolve the burned down, a local Tigray after fighting began on Reuters on Wednesday that the into eastern Sudan in just the contested land at the nations’ dispute. government official said. November 4 between its troops figures cited by the adminis- first few days of the new border. Both sides met last month Gebremeskel Kassa, a and the Tigray People’s Liber- trator in Tigray were not year,” spokesman Andrej Tensions between the two to discuss the border issue, but senior official in the interim ation Front (TPLF), a political official. Mahecic told reporters in countries have escalated since made no progress. administration in Tigray party that was governing the The commission’s Mitiku Geneva. conflict erupted in Ethiopia’s Amhara Militia Foreign dip- appointed by the federal gov- province. The government Kassa said 110,000 people A spokeswoman for Abiy’s northern Tigray region on lomats and Sudanese officials ernment, made the comments declared victory in late were displaced within Tigray office did not immediately November 4, with several who have been following the in an interview broadcast by November though the TPLF has and 1.8 million were in need respond to a request for deadly clashes occurring on talks said that while Sudanese state-run ETV’s Tigriniya lan- vowed to fight on. of assessment, though he comment on the report that ref- fertile farming land in the al- troops moved to the Al Fashqa guage channel late on Tuesday. The conflict in Tigray has said the actual number of ugees were continuing to cross Fashqa area that straddles the area after Ethiopian federal The figure given by the called into question whether displaced was likely to be far into Sudan. border. troops left to help with the con- The dispute risks drawing flict in Tigray, large groups of a third nation into a regional Ethiopian ethnic Amhara mili- Authorities fear conflict that has already tiamen have mobilized in the involved troops from neigh- area. 40 dead in east boring Eritrea. Amhara state, whose Ethiopian authorities have fighters backed the Ethiopian Congo after observed Sudanese military federal army’s incursion into forces carrying out organized Tigray, claims ownership of boat capsizes attacks using heavy machine parts of al-Fashqa, including guns and armored convoys at areas that are within Sudanese AP — BENI their border, Dina Mufti, territory. spokesman for Ethiopia’s Amhara militias are Authorities in eastern Congo Foreign Ministry, told reporters “asserting a renewed aggres- fear more than 40 people are on Tuesday. siveness on the border that dead after a motorised Ethiopian farmers in the could result in further provo- wooden boat capsized on region have had their prop- cations,” said Cameron Hudson, Lake Kivu overnight, officials erties looted, while “many senior fellow at the Atlantic said yesterday. civilians have been murdered Council’s Africa Center. The boat was headed and wounded,” he said. “If left unchecked, it repre- toward the regional capital of Sudanese Foreign Minister sents the kind of ‘low proba- Goma when it sank near Omar Qamar Al Din didn’t bility, high impact’ scenario Kalehe in South Kivu province. respond to requests for that could have devastating and Three bodies have been comment and calls to the North far-reaching consequences.” recovered and more than 40 African nation’s Information Sudan says the border other people are still missing, Ministry and the Sudanese area around Al Fashqa was according to Delphin Birimbi, Quenching thirst army went unanswered. demarcated under colonial-era head of a civil society group Al Din said last week that treaties dating back to 1902, in Kalehe. Authorities also Zebras drink from a water hole while a crocodile looks by inside the Nairobi National Park, Kenya, Sudan’s army have taken putting the land firmly inside its said that 56 people had been yesterday. control of most of the disputed international borders. rescued. Eastern Congo has long been plagued by disastrous boat accidents since vessels South Africa officials press for harsher measures to curb virus are often overloaded with passengers and cargo. Road BLOOMBERG — JOHANNESBURG was hosting a meeting of the have recommended the country closing of the nation’s beaches, in May, travel between prov- networks in the country’s far National Coronavirus move to virus alert level 4 for the people said. inces was banned, with the east are poor and often under South African government offi- Command Council yesterday to 30 days, the people said. They The government announced exception of transporting goods, the control of armed groups cials have called for stricter assess the spread of the disease. asked not to be identified as no on December 28 it was moving and borders remained closed so many choose to travel by measures to curb soaring coro- With the number of infec- decision has been taken. the country to virus alert level to international travel, “except water despite the risks of navirus infections at a meeting tions now over one million and Other officials concerned 3 from level 1, banning alcohol for the repatriation of South drowning. to discuss the state’s response more than 30,000 people about the impact harsher sales and extending a African nationals and foreign Birimbi said the vessel to the pandemic, according to having died from the disease, restrictions might have on the nationwide curfew to slow the citizens.” that sank should not have had two people familiar with the Cooperative Governance Min- economy called for the relax- spread of the pandemic. The discussions by the more than 100 people aboard matter. ister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma ation of measures including the Travel Ban Under level 4 NCCC may continue today, said it. President Cyril Ramaphosa and Police Minister Bheki Cele ban on alcohol sales and the restrictions that were in place one of the people. THURSDAY 7 JANUARY 2021 ASIA 11 Hong Kong arrests 53 for plot to ‘overthrow’ govt

REUTERS — HONG KONG a collision course with the United States just as Joe Biden Hong Kong police arrested 53 Hong Kong’s most prepares to take over the people in dawn raids on prominent pro- presidency. democracy activists yesterday The White House did not in the biggest crackdown since democracy advocates immediately respond to a China last year imposed a new were arrested in raids on request for comment. Biden’s security law which opponents 72 premises as the pick for secretary of state, say is aimed at quashing dissent authorities said last Antony Blinken, said on Twitter in the former British colony. year’s unofficial vote to the arrests were “an assault on Hong Kong’s most prom- those bravely advocating for inent pro-democracy advocates choose opposition universal rights”. were arrested in raids on 72 candidates in city Beijing’s top representative premises as the authorities said elections was part of a office in Hong Kong said in a last year’s unofficial vote to plan to “overthrow” the statement it firmly supported choose opposition candidates the arrests. Members of the in city elections was part of a government. democratic camp held a news plan to “overthrow” the conference to call for the government. release of “political Pro-democracy activists attend a news conference after over 50 Hong Kong activists were arrested The arrests were linked to prisoners”. under the national security law in Hong Kong, yesterday. an unprecedented, independ- constrain the Chinese Com- Police did not name those ently organised and non- munist Party,” Patten said. arrested, but their identities suspected of making use of Research Institute which helped governments say it is vital to binding vote to select opposition Hong Kong Secretary for were revealed by their social what they call a ‘35+’ plan... to organise the primaries. The plug holes in national security candidates for a since-post- Security John Lee said those media accounts and their somehow paralyse the Hong organisers destroyed the data defences exposed by months of poned legislative election. arrested had planned to cause organisations. They included Kong government,” Lee said, of the more than 600,000 sometimes violent anti-gov- About 1,000 police took part “serious damage” to society and former lawmakers, activists and adding the government would people who voted immediately ernment and anti-China pro- in the raids, which included that authorities would not tol- people involved in organising not tolerate any “subversive after ending the count. tests that rocked the global searches of the offices of a erate subversive acts. the 2020 primaries, among acts”. American lawyer John financial hub in 2019. pollster and a law firm. “The operation today targets them James To, Lam Cheuk- Police cited a rule that if the Clancey was arrested during a In response to the law, “The Chinese Communist the active elements who are ting, Benny Tai and Lester legislature fails to pass the raid of law firm Ho, Tse, Wai & Washington imposed sanctions Party has further turned the suspected to be involved in the Shum. annual budget twice, the city’s Partners, a source at the firm on local and Beijing officials and screw in Hong Kong,” said Chris crime of overthrowing or inter- Police said campaigning to chief executive must step down. said. several countries suspended Patten, the last British governor fering seriously to destroy the win a majority in Hong Kong’s The national security law pro- Visits to four media outlets, extradition treaties. of Hong Kong. Hong Kong government’s legal 70-seat Legislative Council with hibits disrupting and interfering including anti-government Since its imposition, leading “Liberal democracies execution of duties,” Lee told the purpose of blocking gov- with the city’s administration. tabloid Apple Daily, were about activists such as media tycoon around the world must continue reporters. ernment proposals to increase The legislative election was “transactions” with pro- Jimmy Lai have been arrested, to speak out against the brutal The arrests will further raise pressure on democratic reforms due in September last year but democracy groups and unre- some democratic lawmakers destruction of a free society.” alarm that Hong Kong has taken could be seen as subversive. was postponed, with authorities lated to reporting matters, have been disqualified, activists Patten said the West should get a swift authoritarian turn. The city’s leader is not citing coronavirus risks. It is police said. have fled into exile and protest tougher with China and scolded Critics say the June 2020 directly elected and only half unclear who could run for the The security law punishes slogans and songs have been the European Commission for security law crushes wide- the legislative seats are open to opposition in any future polls what China broadly defines as declared illegal. seeking a trade deal with ranging freedoms promised democratic vote, with the other following the mass arrests. secession, subversion, terrorism Taiwan’s government said Beijing. when the city returned to half stacked mostly with pro- In yesterday’s operation, and collusion with foreign Hong Kong had changed from “We should not be seeking Chinese rule in 1997 and the Beijing figures. police searched the offices of forces with up to life in jail. the “pearl of the Orient” to “pur- to contain China but to arrests place China further on “The people involved are Hong Kong Public Opinion The Hong Kong and Beijing gatory of the Orient”.

Four dead at India India: Protesting farmers plan ‘Tractor March’ today steel plant after IANS — NEW DELHI Punjab farmer leader and 26. After the seventh round of January 6 to January 20. the Essential Commodities suspected gas leak General Secretary of the talks with the Central gov- The SKM said the death (Amendment) Act 2020 enacted The protest by farmers camping Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU), ernment on Monday remained anniversary of Sir Chhotu Ram by the Central government and at the borders of the national told IANS that preparations were inconclusive, the farmers will be observed on January 9. the legal guarantee for pro- REUTERS — BHUBANESWAR capital continued for the 42nd on to intensify the agitation and decided to take out a ‘Tractor Sir Chhotu Ram is remembered curement of crops at the day yesterday. The leaders of the make the programme on March’ today. Earlier the as a farmer leader. After this, the Minimum Support Price is being Four contract workers at the farmers unions demanding the Thursday a success. He informed Samyukta Kisan Morcha had farmers will celebrate Lohri on demanded by the farmers, who Steel Authority of India repeal of the three new farm that farmers from Punjab are scheduled the rally for January January 13 and Makar Sankranti have been camping at the Limited’s Rourkela steel plant laws and the procurement of coming with their tractors for the 6 but due to the bad weather on January 14 as ‘Sankalp Diwas’. borders of Delhi since November in eastern India died yesterday crops at the Minimum Support march. Farmers from Haryana, forecast the march was post- Withdrawal of the Farmers’ 26, 2020. after a suspected gas leak, the Price (MSP) are now readying for Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan are poned to January 7. Produce Trade and Commerce After the seventh round of state-owned company said in a ‘Tractor March’ announced by also joining the rally. The Samyukta Kisan (Promotion and Facilitation) Act talks between the farmers- a statement. the Samyukta Kisan Morcha on Farmers leaders said the Morcha (SKM) has also 2020, the Farmers (Empow- Central government failed to The four men were the Eastern and Western ‘Tractor March’ would be a announced a public awareness erment and Protection) arrive at a consensus on employees of private firm M/S Peripheral Expressways today. trailer of the ‘Republic Day campaign as well as several Agreement of Price Assurance Monday, the next round of talks Star Constructions and were Harinder Singh Lakhowal, Parade’ scheduled on January other programmes from and Farm Services Act 2020 and has been fixed for tomorrow engaged in maintenance work at the plant’s coal chemicals department, SAIL said. “The workers felt unwell at Nepal top court begins hearing on around 9am on 06.01.2021 and were immediately rushed to the ICU of Ispat General Hospital dissolution of parliament amid protest (IGH) at Rourkela for treatment,” the company said REUTERS — KATHMANDU dissolve the parliament and The five-member constitu- in a statement. order fresh elections, 18 months tional bench of the Supreme “A high-level committee Nepal’s top court began before schedule. Court, including the chief has been formed to inquire into hearings yesterday on petitions His colleagues and oppo- justice, is hearing at least 13 the cause of the incident and challenging Prime Minister KP sition political parties have petitions questioning the rights all emergency protocols have Sharma Oli’s sudden decision blamed Oli for derailing a stable of the prime minister, court been immediately activated in to dissolve parliament, as government amid a pandemic official Bhadrakali Pokharel the plant.” The inspector protesters against his move that has triggered an economic said. general of police Kavita Jalan marched nearby. downturn. Seven ministers Dinesh Tripathi, one of the said that the police were inves- Oli, 68, has cited internal have quit Oli’s government to petitioners, said the constitution tigating the deaths. squabbling within his ruling oppose his move and protesters laid down the limits of the North Korea leader Kim Jong-Un speaks on the first day of the 8th Communist party and lack of last month burnt effigies of him. powers of the prime minister. Congress of the Workers’ Party, in Pyongyang yesterday. political unity as reasons behind Yesterday, dozens of “It does not give Oli the pre- Indonesia police his December 20 decision, peaceful protesters carrying rogative to cause an untimely which has triggered public lanterns marched near the par- death to parliament at his will,” kill 2 suspected outrage and has been labelled liament building. Displaying he said. The court could take Kim admits policy unconstitutional. objects such as lanterns and several days to give its verdict, militants in raid In their plea before the torches is common in Nepal as legal experts say. Supreme Court, politicians, a mark of protest. “We are fully prepared to failures at meeting AP — JAKARTA activists and lawyers are ques- “Cancel the unconstitu- face the challenge in the court,” tioning whether it is the legit- tional coup,” protesters shouted said Rajan Bhattarai, an aide to REUTERS — SEOUL a series of meetings with US Members of Indonesia’s anti- imate right of the leader to referring to Oli’s move. Oli. President Donald Trump. terrorism police squad yesterday North Korean leader Kim Jong But the five-year economic shot and killed two suspected Un said his five-year economic strategy unveiled in 2016 had militants who they believe were plan had failed to meet its goals failed to deliver, he said, urging connected to a deadly suicide “on almost every sector” as he North Korea’s greater attack at a Roman Catholic kicked off a congress of the self-reliance. cathedral in the southern Philip- ruling Workers’ Party, state “The strategy was due last pines, and arrested 18 others, offi- media KCNA reported year but it tremendously fell cials said. yesterday. short of goals on almost every The two men, Muhammad The rare political gathering, sector,” Kim said, according to Rizaldy, 46, and his son-in-law, which Kim last hosted in 2016, KCNA. Sanjai Ajis, 23, were fatally shot has drawn international Kim had sought to accelerate by police after they resisted arrest attention as he is expected to economic growth and boost by wielding a machete and an air- unveil a new five-year economic electricity supplies but UN rifle during a raid at a house in plan and address inter-Korean agencies reported chronic power Makassar, the capital of South ties and foreign policy. and food shortages, exacerbated Sulawesi province, said National The congress, attended by by sanctions, the coronavirus Police spokesperson Ahmad 250 party executives, 4,750 del- pandemic and severe floods. Ramadhan. egates and 2,000 spectators, While consolidating power The suspects were linked to comes just two weeks before US with a series of military provo- a banned militant organisation President-elect Joe Biden takes cations and ruthless purges, Kim responsible for a series of attacks office. has been trying to build a “man in Indonesia, a local affiliate of the In his opening speech, Kim of the people” persona by openly Islamic State group known as said the country had achieved a admitting some of his failures - Jemaah Anshorut Daulah, Ram- “miraculous victory” by bol- once a taboo in a country that adhan said. stering its power and global reveres an errorless, godlike “The two slain suspects were prestige, referring to military leader. involved in sending funds to the advances that culminated in suc- Kim was even seen shedding suicide bombers for the attack at cessful tests in 2017 of intercon- tears as he thanked people for a cathedral in the southern Phil- Demonstrators affiliated with a faction of the ruling Nepal Communist Party carry lanterns as they tinental ballistic missiles capable their sacrifices at a military ippines’ Jolo town,” Ramadhan protest against the dissolution of parliament, in Kathmandu yesterday. of striking the US mainland and parade in October. said of Rizaldy and Ajis. 12 ASIA THURSDAY 7 JANUARY 2021 China steps up curbs near Beijing as infections rise

REUTERS — BEIJING patients as confirmed COVID-19 cases. Chinese authorities yesterday Hebei’s capital, China continues to take imposed travel restrictions and aggressive measures to prevent banned gatherings in the capital Shijiazhuang, a city of 11 another wave of the disease that city of Hebei province, which million that reported 19 has killed 4,634 people in China surrounds Beijing, in the latest confirmed and 41 and nearly 1.9 million globally. escalation of measures to stave asymptomatic cases, Authorities in Dalian, in off another coronavirus wave. ramped up Liaoning province where new The province, which local COVID-19 infections have entered a “wartime mode” on countermeasures. It will been reported in recent days, Tuesday, accounted for 20 of require all travellers to also barred residents of areas the 23 new locally transmitted present a negative designated medium or high-risk COVID-19 cases reported in nucleic acid COVID-19 for the disease from leaving the mainland China on January 5, test within the past 72 city. Residents who do not live more than the total of 19 cases in such areas were told to refrain in the province in the three pre- hours before boarding a from unnecessary trips out of vious days. train or an aeroplane. Dalian. Hebei also accounted for 43 Provincial and city govern- of 64 new asymptomatic cases ments frequently implement a — people infected with the combination of measures SARS-CoV-2 virus but not yet main long-range bus terminal, including mass testing, closing showing symptoms of banned gatherings and ordered schools and restricting travel for COVID-19. residential compounds to keep those in areas with new patient Hebei’s capital, Shi- out non-residents. The head of clusters. Chinese customs offi- jiazhuang, a city of 11 million China’s National Health Com- cials also conduct routine that reported 19 confirmed and mission led a team to the city inspections of imported goods 41 asymptomatic cases, ramped on Tuesday, the official Xinhua to check for traces of the People arrive at a vaccination site following an outbreak of coronavirus disease in Beijing. up countermeasures. It will news agency said on Tuesday. coronavirus. require all travellers to present The total number of new At the same time, China has the COVID-19 outbreak in the virus into the country. were still in talks about dates a negative nucleic acid mainland cases, including those tried to reshape the narrative country. The 10-person team was due and arrangements for the visit. COVID-19 test within the past originating from overseas, fell about when and where the pan- The head of the World to set off in early January in “There’s no need to over- 72 hours before boarding a train to 32 from 33 a day earlier — a demic began, with top officials Health Organization on Tuesday order to probe early cases of the interpret this,” she said, adding or an airplane, the Shijiazhuang small fraction of what China saw highlighting studies they claim said he was “very disappointed” coronavirus. that China’s experts were also Zhengding International Airport at the height of the outbreak that show the disease emerged in that China still had not Chinese foreign ministry busy dealing with a renewed said yesterday. emerged from the central city of multiple regions. Beijing has authorised a team of interna- spokeswoman Hua Chunying spurt of infections, with many The city has also launched Wuhan in late 2019. The country also rejected accusations of tional experts tasked with exam- said the problem was not only locations entering a “wartime a mass testing drive, shut its does not count asymptomatic wrongdoing or mishandling of ining the origins of the corona- over visas, and that the two sides footing”. Pakistan PM urges protesting Hazaras to bury slain miners Indonesia awaits halal ruling INTERNEWS — ISLAMABAD claimed by the militant Islamic “I want to reassure the soon to offer prayers and State (IS) group. Hazara families who lost their condole with all the families per- before mass vaccination Prime Minister Imran Khan Since then, thousands of loved ones in a brutal terrorist sonally,” he said while yesterday urged the protesting Hazaras have staged a protest attack in Machh that I am cog- addressing the mourning REUTERS —JAKARTA “Hopefully the edict can be members of Balochistan’s Shia along with coffins containing the nisant of their suffering & their Hazaras. declared before the government Hazara community to bury the miners’ bodies in the western demands,” the premier said on “I will never betray my peo- Indonesia’s highest Muslim starts its vaccination program,” bodies of the miners killed in a bypass area in Quetta, while Twitter, adding that the gov- ple’s trust. Please bury your clerical council hopes to issue a said Muti Arintawati, an official brutal attack in Mach, promising members of their community ernment was taking steps to loved ones so their souls find ruling on whether a COVID-19 at MUI in charge of analysing he would visit them “very soon”. have also held protests in prevent such attacks in the peace.” vaccine is halal, or permissible food and drugs to assess whether On Sunday, armed attackers Karachi. The protesters have future and knew that “our Hashtags criticising Prime under Islam, before the country they are halal. slit the throats of 11 miners in a said they will not bury the neighbour is instigating this sec- Minister Imran for not visiting is due to start a mass inoculation She said data was still being residential compound near a miners’ bodies until Prime Min- tarian terrorism.” the protesters and stressing programme using a Chinese gathered before MUI could make mine site in Balochistan’s Mach ister Imran meets them and the “I share your pain and have ‘Hazara Lives Matter’ have been vaccine next week. a final edict. Indonesia is strug- coalfield area, filming the entire killers are brought to justice, come to you before also to stand the top trends on Twitter in The world’s largest Muslim- gling with the worst COVID-19 incident and later posting it continuing their protest on yes- with you in your time of suf- Pakistan during the last three majority country plans to launch outbreak in Southeast Asia and online. The gruesome attack was terday for a fourth straight day. fering. I will come again very days. vaccinations on January 13 after authorities are relying on a obtaining 3 million doses from vaccine to help alleviate dual China’s Sinovac Biotech. health and economic crises rav- Controversy over whether aging the country. Asked about Daily virus cases vaccines adhere to Islamic prin- the risk of public resistance, a ciples has stymied public health health ministry official said the hit record in Japan responses before, including in government would wait to see 2018, when the Indonesian how MUI handled the issue. In a REUTERS — TOKYO Ulema Council (MUI) issued a bid to boost acceptance, Pres- fatwa declaring that a measles ident Joko Widodo has said he Japan’s COVID-19 cases reached a new vaccine was forbidden under will be the first to receive a daily record yesterday, as the government Islam. vaccine shot next week. faced mounting pressure from health experts to impose a strict state of emer- gency for the Tokyo greater metropolitan area. Australia to bring forward Rising infections have driven Tokyo and surrounding areas to the highest level vaccine rollout plans of a four-stage alert, prompting regional governors to call for a declaration of emer- REUTERS — SYDNEY available...our number one pri- gency that Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga ority is safety,” the spokesperson is expected to announce on Thursday. Australia will bring forward its said in an emailed response. The health ministry held a meeting of COVID-19 vaccine rollout plans The vaccination campaign infectious disease experts yesterday, the by two weeks to early March, will begin with doses from Pfizer second in as many days. health authorities said yesterday Inc, officials said, while the Pedestrians wearing protective face masks walk past decorations at a shopping district They have called for stricter and longer as the country seeks to contain AstraZeneca PLC vaccine is in Tokyo, Japan, yesterday. countermeasures, while Suga has sought fresh cases in its two largest expected to be in use by March- a more limited response to avoid dam- cities. end. Australia has committed to aging the economy. on Tuesday it should be imposed for one infections reached what was then a daily Australia has repeatedly buy 10 million doses from Pfizer “Even if we take strong measures month, and extended if necessary. The record of 4,915 on Tuesday, while deaths resisted pressure to expedite its and 85 million from AstraZeneca immediately, it will be difficult to bring government is anxious about the economic were also an all-time high of 76. vaccination distribution time- as it aims to complete a mass the Tokyo metropolitan area down to stage impact as it prepares to host the Olympics Shiraishi estimated that a one-month table, citing low coronavirus inoculation programme by the 3 by the end of January,” Takaji Wakita, this summer. state of emergency in the Tokyo area cases in the country though new end of this year. chief of the National Institute of Infectious The government’s top spokesman, Kat- would push consumer spending down 1.1% clusters in Sydney and Mel- The updated vaccine rollout Diseases, told reporters after the meeting. sunobu Kato, said a decision would likely and first-quarter GDP by about 0.5 per- bourne have sparked fears of a schedule was first reported by New infections nationwide reached at come today on whether and for how long centage points. That would double to 1 wider outbreak. the Daily Telegraph newspaper. least 6,001, a new daily record according to impose the second state of emergency point if extended to two months, and to 2 “As data and regulatory The United States, UK, Canada, to a tally by national broadcaster NHK. since the start of the pandemic. points if expanded nationally, he guidance have been provided, the European Union and a Tokyo reported 1,591 cases, also an all- Economists warned of a big hit to gross predicted. we have progressively been able handful of other countries have time high. domestic product (GDP) if restrictions are Tokyo and the three surrounding pre- to bring forward our provisional been inoculating people with Without new measures, daily infec- prolonged or expanded, but said that could fectures have asked residents to refrain rollout from mid-year to the COVID-19 vaccines since last tions in Tokyo could nearly triple to 3,500 be unavoidable. from non-essential, non-urgent outings second quarter to late March and month, with aims to bolster dis- per day by February and hit 7,000 by “If you consider the current number after 8pm from Friday until at least the now early March,” a spokes- tribution as they struggle to March, according to simulations by Kyoto of infected, and weather-related factors, end of the month, and said restaurants and person for Health Minister Greg contain the pandemic. University scientist Hiroshi Nishiura. An it may be difficult to end it in one month,” bars must close by that time. But measures Hunt said. Australia has largely avoided emergency declaration would need to last said BNP Paribas Securities senior econ- are likely to be far less sweeping than they “We will continue to follow the high number of cases and at least two months to bring infections to omist Hiroshi Shiraishi. were during last year’s six-week state of the safety and medical advice deaths from the new coronavirus manageable levels, he said. “The probability of it running longer emergency, during which schools and non- and will update our plans where helped by border closures and A senior ruling party lawmaker said is not low.” Nationwide, COVID-19 essential businesses shut down. new evidence or advice is infection tracking systems.

South Korea police chief apologises South Korea rolls out mass testing in prisons

REUTERS — SEOUL ministry official, told a briefing. of a new strain of the corona- over death of adopted child The justice ministry is sepa- virus were found. South Korea rolled out mass rating the infected inmates by The country had extended REUTERS — SEOUL young child who suffered the police about the girl before testing for 52 prisons in the transferring them to a desig- a ban on direct flights from abuse,” Kim Chang-yong, the her death. country after a massive prison nated hospital, said Yoon. Britain until Jan. 7, and required South Korea’s police chief apol- commissioner general of the Kim said the case was being outbreak and decided Authorities will complete any passengers arriving from ogised yesterday amid an Korean National Police Agency, investigated but said nothing yesterday to extend flight mass testing on some 70,000 that country or South Africa to outpouring of grief and anger told a news conference. about any charges. He did not suspensions from Britain for prison inmates and staff undergo testing before over the death of an adopted The apology came a day comment on media reports the two weeks as part of efforts to nationwide, as the number of departure. child in a country with a long after President Moon Jae-in adoptive parents were being prevent the spread of corona- confirmed cases linked to The country reported 840 history of adoption both expressed regret over the girl’s investigated. virus infections. prisons throughout the country new cases as of midnight on domestically and abroad. fate and called on authorities The hashtag “Sorry, Jeong- Over half of the total 2,292 surged to 1,191. Tuesday, a slight uptick from The 16-month-old girl, who to make the welfare of adopted in” has trended on Korean inmates and personnel in a Authorities decided later 715 a day before, bringing the media have identified by just children a priority. Twitter this week and several prison in southeastern Seoul yesterday to extend flight sus- national tally to 65,818 infec- her given name, Jeong-in, died Kim vowed to reform the actors and singers, including a tested positive after a first pensions from Britain until Jan. tions with 1,027 deaths. The on October 13 after being taken response to child abuse and he member of top band BTS, Jimin, cluster infection was reported 21, according to the Korea number of deaths linked to the to hospital with injuries. also removed the local police posted the hashtag on their within the prison last month, Disease Control and Prevention coronavirus in South Korea “I deeply apologise for chief from his post. Media said social networks and made Yoon Tae-ho, a senior health Agency, after at least 12 cases passed 1,000 on Tuesday. failing to protect the life of a reports had been lodged with donations to childcare agencies. THURSDAY 7 JANUARY 2021 EUROPE 13 Assange denied bail by London court AP — LONDON The district judge She noted that Assange had spent seven years inside Ecua- A British judge yesterday said Assange “has an dorian Embassy in London after denied bail to WikiLeaks’ incentive to abscond” seeking refuge there from a founder Julian Assange, Swedish extradition request in ordering him to remain in a and there is a good 2012. high-security prison while UK chance he would fail Dobbin said Assange had courts decide whether he will the “resources, abilities and be sent to the United States to to return to court if sheer wherewithal” to evade face espionage charges. freed. justice once again, and noted District Judge Vanessa that Mexico has said it will offer Baraitser said Assange must him asylum. remain in prison while the he has been held since he was But Assange’s lawyer, courts consider an appeal by US arrested in April 2019 for Edward Fitzgerald, said the authorities against her decision skipping bail during a separate judge’s decision to refuse extra- not to extradite him. legal battle seven years earlier. dition “massively reduces” any The judge said Assange “has Assange’s partner, Stella motivation to abscond. an incentive to abscond” and Moris, said the decision was “a “Mr. Assange has every A woman holds a placard outside the Westminster Magistrates Court as lawyers for WikiLeaks founder there is a good chance he would huge disappointment.” reason to stay in this jurisdiction Julian Assange seek bail for their client in London, yesterday. fail to return to court if freed. WikiLeaks spokesman Kristinn where he has the protection of On Monday, Baraitser Hrafnsson said “it is inhumane. the rule of law and this court’s where there is “a very grave WikiLeaks’ publication of thou- Amendment protections of rejected an American request It is illogical.” decision.” crisis of COVID.” sands of leaked military and freedom of speech for pub- to send Assange to the US to Lawyers for the US gov- Fitzgerald said it’s also But the judge ruled that diplomatic documents. The lishing documents that exposed face spying charges over ernment have appealed the unclear whether the incoming Assange still had a strong charges carry a maximum sen- US military wrongdoing in Iraq WikiLeaks’ publication of secret decision not to extradite Joe Biden administration will motive to flee. tence of 175 years in prison. and Afghanistan. military documents a decade Assange, and the case will be pursue the prosecution, ini- “As far as Mr. Assange is American prosecutors say The judge rejected that ago. She denied extradition on heard by Britain’s Hugh Court tiated under President Donald concerned this case has not yet Assange unlawfully helped US argument in her extradition health grounds, saying the at an unspecified date. Trump. been won,” she said. “Mr. Army intelligence analyst ruling, saying Assange’s actions, 49-year-old Australian was Clair Dobbin, a British Fitzgerald added that Assange still has an incentive to Chelsea Manning steal classified if proven, would amount to likely to kill himself if held lawyer acting for the US, said Assange would be safer abscond from these as yet unre- diplomatic cables and military offenses “that would not be pro- under harsh US prison Assange had shown he would awaiting the outcome of the solved proceedings.” files that were later published tected by his right to freedom conditions. go “to almost any length” to judicial process at home with US prosecutors have by WikiLeaks. of speech.” The ruling means Assange avoid extradition, and it was Moris and their two young sons indicted Assange on 17 espi- Lawyers for Assange argue She also said that the US must remain in London’s high- likely he would flee if granted — fathered while he was in the onage charges and one charge that he was acting as a journalist judicial system would give him security Belmarsh Prison where bail. embassy — than in prison, of computer misuse over and is entitled to First a fair trial. Slow vaccine rollout stokes tensions among EU states One dead, 18 injured in Spain REUTERS — BRUSSELS he would call a video-con- were still at development stage. talks with vaccine makers, but headline saying “France pre- ference summit before the end “We always knew that it declined to comment on vented more German vaccine”, care home fire Frustration over the slow of January to discuss the “tre- would be a complex operation whether Germany had a sep- referring to the Sanofi/GSK shot rollout of COVID-19 vaccines mendous” vaccination chal- and this is precisely why the arate deal with BioNTech. and that of Pfizer with the REUTERS — MADRID has sparked tensions within the lenge they face. European Commission was so Separately, Karl Lauterbach, German biotechnology European Union, echoing The European Commission, adamant that it was important an epidemiologist and law- company BioNTech SE. A fire at a Spanish care home disarray within the bloc at the the EU’s executive, has signed that we could sign contracts maker with German Chancellor Lauterbach declined to killed an 89-year-old woman beginning of the pandemic over six supply deals with vaccine with different companies,” Angela Merkel’s Social Dem- comment yesterday. and injured 18 people, emer- sharing of protective medical makers for nearly 2 billion spokesman Eric Mamer said ocrat coalition partners, French European Affairs gency services said yesterday. equipment and the closure of doses to be distributed on a pro- yesterday. accused France of trying to Minister Clement Beaune The blaze began on the borders. rata basis to members states The German government is influence the EU’s clutch of con- rejected accusations against third floor at the Domusvi- There are concerns that a based on their populations. facing criticism at home for not tracts in favour of a vaccine France as “unacceptable and Adorea home in Seville in separate order of Pfizer- Of those, only the Pfizer- ensuring greater supplies of the being developed by France’s false”. southern Spain just before BioNTech vaccine shots BioNTech vaccine has been vaccine developed by Ger- Sanofi and GlaxoSmithKline. “It is absurd to play coun- midnight on Tuesday, fire- Germany made for itself could approved for use so far. The many’s BioNTech and US “France took care that not tries and laboratories off against fighters said. cut into supplies for bloc-wide European Medicines Agency company Pfizer. too much German vaccine was each other because all countries “This was the inter- distribution, and a spat has recommended yesterday the However, in September it purchased in relation to the need all the vaccines to vac- vention of the emergency erupted over contracts awarded approval of the Moderna reached a bilateral deal — sep- French vaccine,” he told cinate the maximum number services in the residence for “French” and “German” vaccine. arate from the EU’s contracts - German TV on Monday. “I do of people between now and the home in which an 89-year- vaccines. The European Commission for an additional 30 million believe that other issues rather summer,” he said in a statement. old woman died and 18 European Council President this week defended its strategy, doses, German officials said. than purely health-related The tensions over the vac- people were hospitalised,” Charles Michel, who represents saying it had been important The European Commission matters played a role here.” cination campaign come as the Seville Emergency the 27 EU member states’ gov- not to put all its eggs in one said that EU countries com- Echoing him, Germany’s coronavirus infections quicken Services said in a tweet. ernments, said late on Tuesday basket when various vaccines mitted not to conduct parallel biggest tabloid Bild ran a in many member states. Neighbours brought blankets and offered refuge in their own homes to elderly residents who were forced to England’s lockdown will be leave the building. Many residents were taken slowly unwrapped: Johnson by council workers to a sports centre to spend the night. REUTERS — LONDON we should remain extremely cautious about the timetable British Prime Minister Boris ahead,” he said. Ukraine seizes Johnson warned parliament “And as was the case last yesterday that ending England’s spring, our emergence from the 1 tonne of heroin latest lockdown would require lockdown cocoon will be not a a “gradual unwrapping” over big bang but a gradual bound for Europe time, pledging that schools unwrapping.” would be the “very first things Britain has been among the AP — MOSCOW to reopen”. countries worst-hit by Addressing parliament COVID-19, with the highest Ukrainian officials say they before lawmakers vote on the death toll in Europe. With the have seized about 1 tonne of measures introduced earlier appearance of the new variant, heroin that smugglers this week, Johnson defended it has seen case numbers intended to take into European his decision to implement the repeatedly reach record highs, Union countries and that four new lockdown at the time he stretching the country’s health Turkish citizens have been did, saying the new, more con- service. detained in the case. tagious, coronavirus variant Johnson, who has been crit- A statement late Tuesday offered little choice. icised for being too slow to from the national prosecutor- Trying to head off criticism introduce strict regulations in general’s office said the heroin that his decision to close the first wave of the corona- was seized in the city of Lviv, primary schools a day after he virus pandemic, is not expected about 50km from the Polish told them they should open, to face a large rebellion from border. Johnson said he did “everything his Conservative Party in the It added that the heroin in our power to keep them vote on the lockdown. originated in Pakistan and People queue in a row as they enter the COVID-19 vaccination centre in Hamburg, Germany, on Tuesday. open” until “every other option But his seeming reluctance came into the country via the had been closed off”. to introduce tougher measures Black Sea port of Odesa. “And when we begin to to combat surging cases and his The heroin, whose value is Germany not to delay second vaccine shot move out of lockdown I mixed messages on whether to estimated at $81m, was to be promise they will be the very open primary schools have taken into the EU under the REUTERS — BERLIN was in line with the initial vaccine this year, of which 2 first things to reopen. That prompted criticism, not only in guise of diplomatic cargo, the feedback he had received from million doses are expected in moment may come after the the opposition Labour Party but statement said, but didn’t give Germany intends to stick to the vaccination experts. the first quarter, he said. February half-term, although also among Conservatives. further details. recommendations by BioNTech He also spoke out against Germany had conducted and Pfizer regarding the admin- mixing or switching between 317,000 COVID-19 injections istration of a second dose of COVID-19 vaccines, which by late Tuesday, of which their COVID-19 vaccines rather some nations are also consid- 132,000 were administered in Portugal begins talks on EU migration pact than delaying it, Health Minister ering to stretch scarce care homes. Jens Spahn said yesterday. supplies. In Britain, where more than REUTERS — LISBON Last September, the be voluntary”. Germany has asked an Germany’s 83 million resi- 1 million people have been European Commission initially “Flexible” but “mandatory independent expert panel for dents will receive more than inoculated, nursing home res- Portugal started a round of talks put forward a proposal for the solidarity” between EU coun- advice on whether to allow a 130 million COVID-19 vaccine idents can receive a COVID-19 with ministers from various migration pact during Ger- tries is the key concept Portugal delay in administering the doses, enough for everybody shot immediately after giving European Union (EU) nations many’s EU presidency. The is pushing for, the ministry said, second dose to make scarce who needs to receive the shots, their consent. The same is true on the new pact to tackle the most sensitive part of the pact adding solutions must be found supplies go further, after a Spahn said. in Spain and Italy. bloc’s long-standing migration obliges each member state to to two main issues: regular similar move by Britain last He added that he expects While France, like many issues, its government said on host some refugees. A final deal migration flows and migration week. first deliveries of the vaccine European countries, is strug- Tuesday. on the pact is yet to be reached. crises. “My impression is that it developed by Moderna next gling to contain the pandemic As part of its six-month In a statement, Portugal’s “The goal of these meetings makes a lot of sense, especially week. The European Medicines which has claimed more than rotating EU presidency, which Internal Affairs Ministry said (...) is to find points of conver- with these sensitive issues, Agency earlier yesterday 65,000 lives there, the world's began this month, Portugal held problems related to migration gence between member states where trust and reliability are approved the US drugmaker’s seventh highest toll. an initial consultation with from outside the EU could only and the paths that will allow us important, that we stick to the vaccine for emergency use. The bureaucratic hurdles Greece, a country on the be solved with “solidarity to overcome aspects that gen- approval,” Spahn told a news Germany will receive 50 have left some French doctors frontline of Europe’s migrant between countries” but high- erate less consensus in the conference, adding that this million doses of the Moderna feeling overwhelmed. crisis in 2015 and 2016. lighted “such solidarity cannot pact,” said the ministry. 14 EUROPE / AMERICAS THURSDAY 7 JANUARY 2021

Russia inoculates Europe greenlights Moderna vaccine 1 million people against COVID-19 REUTERS — VEGHEL, NETHERLANDS The European Medicines REUTERS — MOSCOW Authority’s (EMA) green A second COVID-19 vaccine light for Moderna Inc’s Russia has inoculated one won regulatory approval in vaccine was a big boost million people against Europe yesterday and the Neth- for Europe’s hopes of COVID-19 with its Sputnik V erlands belatedly started its vaccine, according to a vaccination campaign as containing a disease that statement on the Sputnik V European countries accelerated has infected more than Twitter account yesterday. a patchy drive to defeat the 85 million people Russia, which has the coronavirus pandemic. globally and killed world’s fourth highest number The European Medicines nearly 1.9 million since of COVID-19 cases, started Authority’s (EMA) green light for large-scale vaccinations last Moderna Inc’s vaccine was a big the first cases were month. No new adverse reac- boost for Europe’s hopes of con- identified in China in tions have been reported, RIA taining a disease that has December 2019. news agency quoted Alex- infected more than 85 million ander Gintsburg, director of people globally and killed the Gamaleya Institute which nearly 1.9 million since the first to hundreds of thousands of developed the vaccine, as cases were identified in China Europeans since rollout began saying. Earlier yesterday, in December 2019. a week ago but the campaign Russia reported 24,217 new The vaccine, which has been has been uneven, with officials coronavirus cases, including approved for use on people aged in Germany and France frus- 5,142 in Moscow, taking the over 18, still requires the approval trated at the slow rate of A 39-year-old nursing home worker Sanna Elkadiri talks to the media after receiving the first Pfizer/ national tally to 3,308,601. of the European Commission, but progress. The Moderna vaccine BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in the Netherlands, the last country in the European Union to start Authorities said 445 people the European Union executive is will help accelerate vaccination vaccinations against the coronavirus disease, as Dutch Health Minister Hugo De Jonge takes a picture, had died over the past 24 expected to give it the go-ahead campaigns in Europe as con- in Veghel, Netherlands, yesterday. hours, taking Russia’s official soon. “This vaccine provides us cerns grow about two more death toll to 59,951, though with another tool to overcome infectious variants of the virus, 39-year-old nurse who looks developed by Oxford University the Pfizer-BioNTech shot, leaving excess mortality data suggests the current emergency,” said detected in South Africa and after dementia patients at a care and AstraZeneca to be approved it lagging the United States, the actual figure is much Emer Cooke, EMA executive Britain, which have driven a home in the south of the first, and this had reduced the Britain, Israel and Switzerland in higher. director. surge in cases.. country, received a shot of the Dutch authorities’ flexibility. The approving and administering the The EMA gave conditional Countries where govern- Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine. roll-out has been a test for first vaccines. The regulator has US Air Force deploys marketing approval two weeks ments are facing public crit- “This is the beginning of the Brussels’ ability to unify Europe given conditional marketing ago for a similar vaccine from icism include the Netherlands, end of this crisis,” Health Min- amid political pressure to speed approval, rather than the ultra- airmen, drones to US company Pfizer Inc and which started its vaccination ister Hugo de Jonge said at a up the process. fast emergency use approval base in Romania German partner BioNTech SE. drive on Wednesday, a week brief ceremony. Prime Minister Some EU member states issued by Britain, which it says The Pfizer/BioNTech after many other EU member Mark Rutte said his government were frustrated at the length of requires more detailed study of AP — BUCHAREST, ROMANIA vaccine has been given states. DuSanna Elkadiri, a had been preparing for a vaccine time the EMA took to decide on the data. The US Air Force has deployed about 90 airmen and an unspecified number of drone EU should share vaccines aircraft to a base in central Romania, boosting its military with Balkan neighbours, presence in the region where there are allied concerns that Russia is trying to display its 13 governments say military strength. The Romanian Defense REUTERS — BRUSSELS Balkans and other regions”. Ministry said yesterday that the EU countries launched a US deployment in its Campia The European Union should mass COVID-19 vaccination Turzii Air Base will be for “a few send coronavirus vaccines to drive on December 27, but months” to conduct information its Balkan neighbours and do Balkan nations — poorer than gathering, surveillance and more to combat the virus in EU member states — have not research missions in support of Ukraine, 13 of the EU’s foreign been able to negotiate the same Nato operations. ministers said in a joint letter access to COVID-19 vaccines Nato-member Romania to the bloc’s executive with drugmakers. Other neigh- shares the Black Sea border yesterday. bouring governments have no with Russia, and Moscow has Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech clear schedule for their national lately been arming its Republic, Denmark, Estonia, inoculation programmes. neighbour Serbia with military Finland, Hungary, Latvia, The European Commission aircraft, tanks and other Lithuania, Poland, Romania, said it received the letter and armoured vehicles. “The Protest against police killing Slovakia and Sweden said the would reply to those govern- forward and ready positioning EU would not be safe from ments, telling reporters in a of our MQ-9s (Reaper drones) Carla Roberta, widow of Marcelo Guimaraes, who according to residents was shot to death by police in COVID-19 until countries on its regular news briefing that it at this key strategic location an armoured vehicle while riding a motorcycle next to Cidade de Deus slum, and their daughter Vitoria borders could also recover was looking at ways to help reassures our allies and attending a protest against his death at the site where he was shot in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, yesterday. from the pandemic. Balkan countries and other partners, while also sending a “We strongly support the neighbours, including Georgia message to our adversaries, efforts and initiatives by and Ukraine. that we can quickly respond Ukraine probes reports of illegal vaccinations member states and the The six Balkan countries to any emergent threat,” Gen. European Commission to of Albania, Bosnia, Kosovo, Jeff Harrigian, US Air Forces REUTERS — KIEV the law to import a vaccine for contract in December to buy 1.9 share the vaccines from the Macedonia, Montenegro and in Europe and Air Forces sale, the reaction should be as million doses of China’s Sinovac allocated contracts with the Serbia, all of which apart from Africa commander, said. Ukrainian police are investi- harsh as possible,” President jab, and the shots are expected closest EU neighbours, such Albania emerged from the The statement said the gating reports that some Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on to be delivered soon. as the Western Balkan coun- 1990s break-up of Yugoslavia, Reapers will boost surveillance citizens have been illegally the Telegram messenger Some Ukrainian media tries,” the ministers said in the are considered future EU and reconnaissance capabilities inoculated against COVID-19 service. outlets reported on Wednesday January 6 letter, which was members. in the Black Sea region, where with vaccines that have not Ukraine, which has regis- that a clinic in Kyiv had begun made public. Like much of the continent, the US has regularly accused been officially approved, and tered more than 1 million inoculating people, probably Lithuanian Foreign Minister COVID-19 infections have Russia of dangerous intercepts charged up to ¤3,000 per dose, COVID-19 infections and 19,357 with the vaccine developed by Gabrielius Landsbergis said rocketed across the Western of its military aircraft and other senior officials said. deaths, has yet to approve any Pfizer and BioNTech, at a separately that it was “our duty Balkans since October, with incidents that have caused ten- “If someone really thought of the newly developed vac- charge of up to ¤3,000 ($3,683) to extend a helping hand to EU hospitals close to being over- sions to flare between the two of secretly and in violation of cines, though it signed a per dose. partners in the east, Western whelmed by incoming patients. superpowers. Brazil syringe makers to supply Hospitals overflow as virus cases rise in Peru, Bolivia

30 million units REUTERS — LA PAZ/LIMA because many are waiting until for vaccine rollout symptoms are severe to take The critical-care wards of major tests. REUTERS — BRASILIA hospitals in Peru and Bolivia Cases in Chile have also stand at or near collapse after crept upward through the Brazil’s syringe manufacturers end-of-year holidays, reflecting holiday season, hitting 26% of said on Tuesday they will wider regional public health the country’s June peak. supply 30 million syringes and capacity concerns as much of Authorities in Chile say a needles for the country’s Latin America struggles to second wave of infections has COVID-19 vaccination secure adequate COVID-19 yet to arrive across most of the program after the government vaccine supplies. country. said it would requisition While infection counts But rapidly filling hospitals surplus supplies. remain below last year’s peak, in some regions, including Executives of the three main depleted resources, weary mine-rich Antofagasta, have manufacturers met with Pres- medical workers and a recent been forced to fly patients south ident Jair Bolsonaro at the rush of severe cases are taxing to the capital, Santiago, where Health Ministry and it was already ailing healthcare more hospital beds are still agreed that each would supply systems from Chile to Mexico, available. 10 million syringes to cover the officials say. In the Colombian capital, initial stages of the vaccination In Bolivia, long lines of Bogota, where three neighbor- plan. patients seeking tests snaked hoods entered a 14-day quar- The government has not along the street outside a hos- antine to slow coronavirus approved any vaccine yet and pital complex in the Andean city infections on Tuesday, the hopes to start inoculating pri- of La Paz, prompting fears of occupancy rate of ICUs for ority groups with imported worsening contagion amid the COVID-19 patients was at Women sit as they wait for information on a relative who was admitted to a ward for patients with vaccines before the end of the chaos. 81.8%, according to local gov- the coronavirus disease at the Hospital de Clinicas in La Paz, Bolivia, yesterday. month, well behind some of “How can we not see ernment figures. Brazil’s neighbours such as another massive outbreak if In Mexico City, 85% of Argentina and Chile. we’re all standing here together of official data. La Paz and Santa hospitals in the capital, Lima, behavior of the past few weeks,” general hospital beds, or 4,630 “There will not be any and no one knows who has Cruz, two of the country’s and nearby Callao, which Fernando Padilla, a regional beds, and 85% of hospital beds shortage of syringes for the COVID?” said Rocio Gonzalez largest cities, have been espe- together service a population health chief in northern Peru, with ventilators, or 1,688 beds, vaccines that will arrive in the as she waited for medical cially hard hit. of 10 million, had only 16 ICU told reporters. He said Peru- are now filled. country,” said Paulo Henrique attention. Oscar Romero, director of beds with ventilators available vians had become too relaxed, In Brazil´s Amazon, refrig- Fraccaro, head of Brazil’s Cases in Bolivia have spiked the Clinicas Hospital in La Paz, early this week, according to a failing to take proper precau- erated containers have again medical supplies and in the past two weeks, with an said the difference now was that report from the Peruvian tions to avoid contagion. been placed outside the main equipment industry lobby average of 1,153 infections more patients were requiring Ombudsman’s Office. Farther The daily caseload in Peru hospitals to store bodies in the group ABIMO. Brazil has the reported daily, around 68% of intensive care, calling the north along the coast, hospitals remains at just 20% of its August city of Manaus, where ceme- world’s second deadliest out- the country’s July peak, second wave “far more serious.” were full, the report said. peak, but authorities say more teries could not keep up during break after the United States. according to a Reuters analysis In neighboring Peru, “We’re now paying for the people have been hospitalized the pandemic’s peak in April. THURSDAY 7 JANUARY 2021 AMERICAS 15

Vice-President Mike Pence Guns and teargas in US Capitol as Trump left the floor of Congress as hundreds of protesters swarmed past barricades supporters attempt to overturn his loss surrounding the building where lawmakers were AP & REUTERS — WASHINGTON debating Joe Biden’s Angry supporters of President Donald victory in the Electoral Trump stormed the US Capitol College. yesterday in a chaotic protest aimed at thwarting a peaceful transfer of power, forcing lawmakers to be rushed someone attempted to enter the from the building and interrupting chamber. challenges to Joe Biden’s Electoral Officers ordered people in the College victory. chamber to drop to the floor for their One person was shot at the Capitol safety. Election officials of both parties as dozens of supporters of President and independent observers have said Donald Trump violently clashed with there was no significant fraud in the police. Trump issued a restrained call November 3 contest, which Biden won for peace but did not call on his sup- by more than 7 million votes in the porters to leave. Police also used national popular vote. Weeks have teargas to disperse Trump passed since the states completed cer- supporters. tifying that Biden, a Democrat, won the The ordinarily mundane procedure election by 306 Electoral College votes to of certifying a new president was Trump’s 232. Trump’s extraordinary chal- always going to be extraordinary, with lenges to Biden’s victory have been rejected Republican supporters of Trump by courts across the country. Trump had vowing to protest results of an election pressed Pence to throw out election results that they have baselessly insisted was in states the president narrowly lost, reversed by fraud. though Pence has no authority to do so. The deliberations inside were still The certification in Congress, nor- in their early stages when they were mally a formality, was expected to overcome by raucous demonstrations stretch for several hours as some outside, as protesters who clashed with Republican lawmakers mounted an police entered the building, shouting effort to reject some state tallies, and waving Trump and American flags. starting with Arizona. They abruptly interrupted the pro- Police with guns drawn watch as protesters try to break into the House Chamber at the US Capitol in Washington, Senate Majority Leader Mitch ceedings in an out-of-control scene yesterday. McConnell denounced the effort, that featured eerie official warnings saying, “If this election were over- directing people to duck under their Senators were being evacuated. Trump egged them on to march to Congress, had already been escorted turned by mere allegations from the seats for cover and put on gas masks. Some House lawmakers tweeted they Capitol Hill. Lawmakers had convened from the Senate. Capitol Police told losing side, our democracy would enter With the crowds showing no signs were sheltering in place in their offices. for an extraordinary joint session to lawmakers in the House chamber to a death spiral.” McConnell helped give of abating, Trump tweeted, “Please Demonstrators fought with Capitol confirm the Electoral College results. take gas masks from beneath their Trump some of the biggest accomplish- support our Capitol Police and Law Police and then forced their way into effort that was unlikely to succeed. seats and prepare to put them on. ments of his presidency, including deep Enforcement. They are truly on the side the building, not long after a huge rally Vice-President Mike Pence, who Officers at the front door of the House tax cuts and confirmation of conserv- of our Country. Stay peaceful!” near the White House during which had presided over the joint session of chamber had their guns drawn as ative judicial nominees. Pence defies Trump, says he can’t reject electoral votes

AP — WASHINGTON

Defying President Donald Trump, Vice-President Mike Pence said yesterday that he Democratic US Senate candidates Raphael Warnock (left), and Jon Ossoff speaking after the runoff does not have the power to election against Republican Senators in Atlanta, Georgia, US, yesterday. discard electoral votes that will make Democrat Joe Biden the next president on January 20. Warnock makes history with Pence said in a statement issued minutes before he was to begin presiding over a joint Senate win as Dems near majority session of Congress to count AP — ATLANTA those votes that it was “my con- The focus now shifts to the other race between sidered judgement that my oath Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Vice-President Republican David Perdue and Democrat Jon to support and defend the Con- Mike Pence talk before a joint session to certify the 2020 election Democrat Raphael Warnock won one of Geor- Ossoff. Ossoff held a small lead as of early stitution constrains me from results, at the Capitol in Washington, US, yesterday. gia’s two Senate runoffs yesterday, becoming the afternoon, though it was too early to call the race. claiming unilateral authority to first Black senator in his state’s history and putting Under Georgia law, a trailing candidate may determine which electoral votes has been promoting leading up House and Senate to voice the Senate majority within the party’s reach. request a recount when the margin of an election should be counted and which to the congressional session. objections, and states’ electors A pastor who spent the past 15 years leading is less than or equal to 0.5 percentage points. should not.” Trump repeatedly pressured were chosen in accordance with the Atlanta church where Martin Luther King If Ossoff wins, Democrats will have com- In the days before the joint Pence to act during his more state law, not fraudulently. Jr. preached, Warnock defeated Republican plete control of Congress, strengthening Pres- session, Trump has pressured than 75-minute speech to sup- Beginning at 1 pm, Pence incumbent Kelly Loeffler. It was a stinging ident-elect Joe Biden’s standing as he prepares his vice-president to toss porters. “Mike Pence is going to began to open the certificates rebuke of outgoing President Donald Trump, to take office on January 20. A Democratic electors from battleground have to come through for us,” of the electoral votes from each who made one of his final trips in office to sweep would also make it more difficult for states that voted for Biden to Trump said, “and if he doesn’t, state and present them to the Georgia to rally his loyal base behind the state’s Republicans to block Biden’s ambitious pro- overturn the will of voters in a it’s a sad day for our country.” appointed “tellers” from the Republican candidates. gressive agenda, along with his Cabinet picks desperate and futile bid to undo Shortly before the 1 pm start House and Senate in alpha- In an emotional address early Wednesday, and judicial nominations. President-elect Joe Biden’s of the joint session and even as betical order. At the end of the he vowed to work for all Georgians whether This week’s elections mark the formal finale victory in the November Trump continued his verbal count, Pence, seated on the they voted for him or not, citing his personal to the turbulent 2020 election season more than election. haranguing, Pence made clear in House of Representatives’ experience with the American dream. His two months after the rest of the nation finished “If Mike Pence does the right a three-page letter that he would rostrum, has the task of mother, he said, used to pick “somebody else’s voting. The unusually high stakes transformed thing we win the election,” follow the Constitution, not the announcing who has won the cotton” as a teenager. Georgia, once a solidly Republican state, into one Trump told thousands of sup- commander in chief. While majority of votes for both pres- “The other day, because this is America, the of the nation’s premier battlegrounds for the final porters who rallied yesterday Trump was speaking, Pence’s ident and vice-president. 82-year-old hands that used to pick somebody days of Trump’s presidency - and likely beyond. on the Ellipse, just south of the motorcade carried him through Despite his largely cere- else’s cotton picked her youngest son to be a Warnock’s victory is a symbol of a striking White House, an hour before the a heavily-secured Washington monial assignment, Pence has United States senator,” he said. “Tonight, we shift in Georgia’s politics as the swelling number count in Congress was to begin. towards the Capitol, where thou- faced intense pressure from the proved with hope, hard work and the people of diverse, college-educated voters flex their “All Vice-President Pence sands of Trump supporters were president and legions of sup- by our side, anything is possible.” power in the heart of the Deep South. It follows has to do is send it back to the marching. porters who want the vice-pres- His victory marks a “reversal of the old Biden’s victory in November, when he became states to recertify and we Pence has no unilateral ident to use the moment to southern strategy that sought to divide people,” the first Democratic presidential candidate to become president and you are power under the Constitution overturn the will of the voters Warnock told ABC’s “Good Morning America.” carry the state since 1992. the happiest people,” Trump and congressional rules that in a handful of battleground said, repeating a falsehood he govern the count. It is up to the states. Biden selects judge Merrick US officials report more severe allergic Garland for attorney-general reactions to COVID-19 vaccines REUTERS — WASHINGTON Prior to becoming a judge, he worked as a President-elect Joe Biden federal prosecutor where REUTERS — NEW YORK the coronavirus that has already Moderna’s vaccine. Officials will nominate federal he helped secure a con- claimed more than 357,000 lives attributed the difference largely to appeals judge Merrick viction against Timothy The US Centers for Disease Control in the United States alone. the fact that the Pfizer/BioNTech Garland (pictured), to be the McVeigh for the Oklahoma and Prevention (CDC) said yesterday The CDC said it is monitoring vaccine was authorised earlier than next US attorney general, a City bombing. He was also it is carefully monitoring allergic allergic reaction incidents closely the Moderna shot, and said the pre- Biden transition official said, on the team that helped reactions to the coronavirus vaccines and plans to post weekly updates cautions apply to both. a choice most Americans secure a conviction of from Pfizer Inc and Moderna Inc and on its website. A study published yesterday in know as the Supreme Court former District of Columbia urged individuals who had a serious The agency is also urging that the CDC’s weekly report on death nominee of President Barack Mayor Marion Barry for reaction not to get the second dose. venues that deliver the vaccine be and disease looking at cases Obama memorably blocked cocaine possession. In a conference call with prepared not only to recognize between December 14 and by Republicans. nominate Justice Garland held other key reporters, the US public health serious allergic reactions, known as December 23, identified 21 cases of Garland serves as a Department veterans Lisa posts at the Justice agency said allergic reactions are anaphylaxis, but be trained on how anaphylaxis after the administration judge on the US Court of Monaco as deputy Department, including occurring at a rate of 11.1 per 1 to treat them and recognize when of 1,893,360 doses of the Pfizer/ Appeals for the District of attorney-general and serving as principal deputy million vaccinations. That com- individuals need to be referred to BioNTech vaccine. Of these, Columbia Circuit. Obama, Kristen Clarke as the associate attorney general pared with flu vaccines, in which hospitals for additional care. 71%occurred within the first 15 a Democrat, nominated assistant attorney general to Deputy Attorney General such reactions occur at a rate of 1.3 CDC officials said 28 people minutes after vaccine him to the Supreme Court to the Civil Rights Division, Jamie Gorelick starting in per 1 million shots. who received the coronavirus administration. while Biden was vice -pres- according to a source with 1994. Obama nominated The severe reactions are still vaccine developed by Pfizer and Britain’s medical regulator has ident, but the Republican- knowledge of his decision. Garland in March 2016 to “exceedingly rare,” they said, BioNTech had severe allergic reac- said that anyone with a history of controlled US Senate Garland, who has served on replace long-serving con- stressing the need for people to get tions. They also noted one case of anaphylaxis, or severe allergic reac- refused to hold hearings on the federal appeals bench servative justice Antonin vaccinated when the shots become anaphylaxis, which can cause tions to a medicine or food, should the nomination. since 1997, is no stranger to Scalia, who died on Feb- available to them, given the threat throat swelling and breathing dif- not be given the Pfizer/BioNTech Biden also intends to the Justice Department. ruary 13, 2016. of death and serious disease from ficulty, after an individual received vaccine. THURSDAY 7 JANUARY 2021 16

QU signs MoU with IMA THE PENINSULA — DOHA The partnership will have appropriate development You Ask, help IMA and QU paths in place for those aspiring Qatar University (QU) signed a to build a career in this sector.” officials answer PRAYER memorandum of understanding optimise students’ “Through such partnerships, TIMINGS (MoU) with Institute of higher education we are striving to empower PRAYERPRAYRRAAAY TIMINGSMING Management Accountants (IMA) finance and accounting students Learn the Signs, Act Early — to further academic, educational, and professional to pursue globally-relevant and and professional initiatives for development in current professional qualifica- Child Development - Part 5 04.59 am both institutions. tions to enhance their future FAJR the finance and SUNRISE 06.21 am The event was opened by Dr. career prospects. Qatar Uni- Mustafa Kamal, Department Head accounting program. versity is one of the leading edu- What is the traditional DHUHR 11.40 am of Accounting and Information cational institutions in the region, way of treating your ASR 02.40 pm Systems, College of Business and and we are confident that this child with behaviour, MAGHRIB 05.01 pm Economics, followed by QU Vice positive contribution to regional initiative will help to bridge the learning, and sensory President of Academic Affairs, Dr. economies,” said QU skills gap further by presenting challenges? ISHA 06.31 pm Omar Al Ansari, and remarks by representative. tremendous benefits to students When your child is strug- -Dyslexia; Dyscalculia, IMA Senior Vice President, Jim “We are delighted to partner and the overall profession in the gling and you seek professional Dysgraphia Gurowka. with IMA to provide a holistic region,” he added. help, the traditional model is to -Unable to sit still during Dr. Omar AlAnsari and Jim educational experience that The partnership, which is in go to specific therapies for spe- class Gurowka signed the MoU. This empowers our students by better line with IMA’s Higher Education cific problems or medication -Visual tracking difficulty, agreement establishes IMA’s rela- preparing them for the workplace Endorsement Program, will help in some cases. But the biggest poor handwriting, speech tionship with Qatar University to when the time comes. This initi- IMA and QU optimise students’ mistake made is they all delay enable ongoing collaboration and ative will help our students under- higher education and profes- overlook the root cause of the In motor skills: knowledge exchanges. As part of stand how the CFO’s role is sional development in the child’s struggle and don’t -Unable to ride a bike, the partnership, Qatar University changing and equip them with the finance and accounting program. realize the “gaps” in the foun- catch a ball, jump with two feet WEATHER will begin offering CMA (Certified accounting and finance skills they As part of the agreement, IMA dation of their nervous system - Difficulty with fine motor TODAY Management Accountant) courses will need to succeed in the future,” has committed to providing CMA creating a disconnection skills beyond typical age and materials to support students the representative added. scholarships to the top ten dis- between their brain growth and -Poor balance and with their respective certification IMA Senior Director of Oper- tinguished QU students from all body growth coordination exams. ations, Middle East, Africa and specialisations within the uni- What are the founda- -Bumps into people, “At Qatar University, we India Hanadi Khalife said: “The versity. Furthermore, IMA and tions for behaviour and objects, falls easily endeavour to nurture the intel- role of finance and accounting QU will be working together to learning? o o lectual development of indi- professionals sees a fundamental support and enhance various The foundation In sensory aspects: 17 C 23 C viduals so they may graduate to evolution in the current scenario. research programs for faculty skills can be split into four tires: -Hyper-sensitive to touch, Minimum Maximum be leaders and go on to making a The need is to ensure that we members. -Inhibition of baby reflexes sound, smell, movements Misty to foggy at places at first and maturation of postural -Hypo-sensitive to pain, becomes moderate temperature reflexes temperature daytime with scattered clouds, -Adequate sensory -Craves movements, deep relatively cold by night. processing of all seven senses pressure; constantly moving; of the body crashing into things; fight or ALRUWAIS 19o → 21o W : -Language and motor skills flight; irrational fears; overly W ALKHOR : 16o → 22o -Auditory and visual skills emotional W DUKHAN : 14o → 21o What are the common What are the possible W WAKRAH : 12o → 23o signs of your child’s reasons for a discon- neurological foun- nection between the MESAIEED : 12o → 23o W dation has gaps? brain and body? W ABUSAMRA : 14o → 21o As long as the neurological There are many factors that foundation remains with gaps, can cause a disconnection your child will never reach between the brain and the HIGH TIDE 00:09 – 10:01 their optimal functioning body. Many children have a through traditional medical combination of factors contrib- LOW TIDE 04:37 – 18:16 models. The disconnection uting to their disconnection, for between the brain and body example, needs to be corrected in order -Lack of movement to have optimal functioning. -Trauma These are the common signs of -Toxins Rapper Dr. Dre disconnection between the -Chemicals brain and body: -Food sensitivities says he is -Stress In behaviour: ‘doing great’ -Frequent tantrums/ (If you have any queries, meltdowns you can send it to REUTERS — LOS ANGELES Search for extinct animals -Hyperactivity/ [email protected]) hypo-activity Veteran rapper and record A diver walks on the ice-covered Tobol River in Kurgan, Russia. Russian divers, together with scientists -Poor attention and focus Answers provided by: producer Dr. Dre said on and palaeontology enthusiasts, explore the bed of the Tobol River in search of bones and teeth of -Picky eaters Sathish Chandra Segar, MSc, Tuesday he was admitted to extinct animals, including mammoths and sharks. OT — Clinical Director, hospital and was getting care In academics: QISH, Doha from his medical team after media reports claimed that he suffered a brain aneurysm and Hollywood losing ground to Chinese movies Neil Young joins rights harvest with sale of half his songbook was in intensive care. TMZ reported earlier that BLOOMBERG — BEIJING After China aggressively contained REUTERS — LONDON company said yesterday. Young, 75, famed Dre suffered the aneurysm on the virus within months, movie the- for songs including “Heart Of Gold”, “Rocking Monday and was rushed by Box office collections by foreign films atres on the mainland reopened as Singer-songwriter Neil Young has sold a half In The Free World” and “Devil’s Sidewalk”, ambulance to the Cedars-Sinai in China more than halved in 2020, early as mid-July, offering a bevy of share of the rights to his entire catalogue of has released over 50 studio albums and 20 Medical Center in Los Angeles. posing a tough challenge for local fare including the world’s top- 1,180 songs to London-listed specialist live albums, of which seven went platinum “Thanks to my family, Hollywood in one of the few major grossing movie last year, “The Eight investment firm Hipgnosis Songs Fund, the and three multi-platinum. friends and fans for their markets to be recovering from the Hundred,” a historical war drama. In interest and well wishes. I’m pandemic. contrast, the US and Europe are still doing great and getting In the year China took the crown struggling to contain the pandemic. . excellent care from my medical from the US as the world’s No. 1 movie “China is the fastest to walk out of team”, Dre said in a post on market with a revenue of 20.4 billion the pandemic impact and Chinese Instagram. yuan ($3.2bn), overseas films accounted people are very willing to go out and “I will be out of hospital and for only 16% of the ticket receipts. That watch movies in cinemas,” said Wilson back home soon. Shout out to compares with 36% in 2019, according Chow, global technology, media and all the great medical profes- to data from local ticketing platform telecommunications industry leader sionals at Cedars”, he added. Maoyan Entertainment. at PwC China. Albert Roux, major influence on UK dining habits, dies at 85

AP — LONDON At 14, Albert became an apprentice pastry chef, and four years Albert Roux, the French-born chef and later he moved to England where he restaurateur who along with his late soon found work at the French brother Michel had a profound Embassy. After his military service in influence on British dining habits, has Algeria, Albert Roux became deputy died at 85. head at the British Embassy in Paris. Roux died on Monday after being When he returned, along with his unwell for a while, his family said in a brother, to Britain in 1967, they statement yesterday. The family did brought their classical skills, partic- not reveal the location or cause of ularly in pastry-making, to a res- death. taurant scene that was old-fashioned In 1982, the brothers’ restaurant and staid. The legendary La Gavroche in London, Le Gavroche, became the was created, appealing to those who first British restaurant to be awarded wanted to broaden their culinary three Michelin Stars. It was frequented Albert Roux horizons. by a loyal clientele that included many In addition to Le Gavroche, the of the icons of the Swinging Sixties. The the coronavirus pandemic is awaited brothers also opened a series of suc- brothers took turns in the kitchen and by many. cessful restaurants. Then, in 1972, they dining room, seeking “to achieve a “(My father was) a mentor for so stumbled upon the Waterside Inn, global reputation for service and the many people in the hospitality west of London, which they turned quality of their cuisine.” industry, and a real inspiration to into their flagship restaurant outside Over the years, well-known chefs budding chefs, including me,” said the capital. such as Gordon Ramsay, Marco Pierre Michel Roux Jr. In 1985, the Waterside Inn White and Marcus Wareing trained at Albert Roux was born in 1935 in received its third Michelin star. It is the restaurant that served French food the village of Semur-en-Brionnais in the only restaurant in the world, in the well-heeled neighbourhood of the central French region of Bur- outside France, to have retained three Mayfair. Although it lost one star in gundy. After World War II, the family stars ever since. 1993, Le Gavroche, which is now run moved to Paris to run a new charcu- In 2002, the brothers were by Albert’s son, Michel Jr., is still con- terie and it was in the French capital awarded the Order of the British sidered one of London’s most coveted where both brothers really forged Empire honour by Queen Elizabeth II places to dine and its reopening after their passion for cooking. for their contributions to the field.