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THURSDAY 4 MARCH 2021 20 RAJAB - 1442 VOLUME 25 NUMBER 8551 www.thepeninsula.qa 2 RIYALS

Qatar ranks 2nd in People aged 50 and above can Arab World in GEMS now get vaccine Maturity Index THE PENINSULA — DOHA QNA — DOHA The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has further lowered The State of Qatar has been the age threshold for ranked second at the level of COVID-19 vaccine eligibility Arab countries on the to 50 years of age. The change Government Electronic and The index measures comes as the Ministry ramps Mobile Services (GEMS) maturity of government up the national COVID-19 Maturity Index 2020, among 15 services provided online in vaccination campaign. Arab countries covered by a the Arab region. “With the initial imported report issued recently by the supply of vaccines limited, United Nations Economic and Qatar has embraced a fast- the early stages of our Social Commission for Western paced digital transformation National Vaccination Asia (ESCWA). under Qatar Digital Program focused on pro- GEMS indicator aims to Government Strategy. Prime Minister meets Ghana Foreign Minister tecting members of our com- measure the maturity of gov- Currently there are more than munity who were most at risk ernment services provided Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, H E Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, met from severe complications 1,200 digital services under yesterday with Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration of the Republic of Ghana, H E through the portal and through the umbrella of Qatar Digital due to COVID-19. Shirley Ayorkor Botchway, and the accompanying delegation on the occasion of their visit to Qatar. mobile applications in the Arab Government Training "We have recently They reviewed the relations between the two countries, and ways to enhance and develop them, in region. It seeks to bridge the programme. received regular supply of the gap in most of the international addition to discussing a number of issues of common interest. vaccine more than before and indicators, related to service with the availability of maturity, its use and user sat- satisfaction, and public Moderna vaccine along with isfaction. It measures and com- outreach. Pfizer vaccine, we can signif- pares the year-on-year per- Commenting on the news, Vaccination proof or weekly COVID-19 test icantly expand the scale of formance. It also allows to track Acting Assistant Undersec- our vaccination programme the progress in the switch to retary of Government Infor- must for school staff from March 21 and open the eligibility cri- e-services, by annually com- mation Technology at the Min- teria to include more people paring the national istry of Transport and Commu- THE PENINSULA — DOHA starting March 21, no employee from vaccination as per in line with the MoPH Stra- performance. nications (MoTC), Mashael Ali will be allowed to enter school MoPH recommendations will tegic Vaccination Plan The index also allows com- Al Hammadi, said that the The Ministry of Education and premises without having the be exempted from this against COVID-19,” said Dr. parison between various coun- e-Government Steering Com- Higher Education has golden frame and vaccination decision. Abdullatif Al Khal, who is tries and entities in e-services mittee, chaired by MoTC, has announced a set of measures stamp on their Ehteraz app or The Ministry has called on Chair of the National Health transformation. The evaluation since its inception been taken in coordination with the a vaccination card, or a proof all school employees to take the Strategic Group on COVID-19 process is based on three main embracing a fast-paced digital competent authorities for the of having COVID-19 test on a vaccination on the arranged and Head of Infectious Dis- pillars: service availability and transformation and enabling vaccination of school staff. weekly basis. dates to ensure their safety and eases at Hamad Medical Cor- sophistication, service use and advanced technology. `P3 The Ministry said that However, staff exempted the safety of students. `P3 poration (HMC). `P4

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PM receives message from UK Premier

PM meets Chinese Ambassador Prime Minister and Minister of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani received yesterday a verbal message from the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, H E Boris Johnson, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani met pertaining bilateral relations between the two friendly countries. The message was conveyed by the yesterday with the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the State of Qatar, H E Zhou Ambassador of the United Kingdom to the State of Qatar, H E Jonathan Paul Wilks, when the Prime Jian. They reviewed the friendship and cooperation relations between Qatar and China and aspects Minister met him with the accompanying delegation. of their development. Cabinet approves draft decision to form AI Committee

QNA — DOHA the Ministry of Commerce and Nuaimi said following provide massage and non-ther- Industry, Qatar Science and According to the project, an “Artificial Intelligence statement. At the outset of the apeutic massage services. The Cabinet which met Technology Park, Hamad Bin Committee” will be established at the Ministry of Transport meeting, the Cabinet listened The Cabinet also gave yesterday with Prime Minister Khalifa University, Qatar National to the explanation provided by approval of a draft memo- and Minister of Interior H E Research Fund and Qatar Devel- and Communications, consisting of three representatives of HE Minister of Public Health randum of understanding in the Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin opment Bank as members. the Ministry, among them the head of the committee, a on the latest developments to field of diplomatic education Abdulaziz Al Thani in the chair The Committee specialices representative of Qatar Computing Research Institute as a limit the spread of the corona- and training between the Dip- approved its draft decision in: Establishing follow-up virus (COVID-19), and affirmed lomatic Institute of the Ministry establishing the Artificial Intel- mechanisms and implementing vice-president, and a representative from each of the the continuation of imple- of Foreign Affairs in the State of ligence (AI) Committee. the Qatar Artificial Intelligence Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Education and Higher menting the precautionary Qatar and the Diplomatic According to the project, an Strategy, in coordination with measures in order to combat Academy of the Ministry of “Artificial Intelligence Com- the ministries and relevant Education, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Qatar this pandemic. Foreign Affairs in the Republic of mittee” will be established at authorities in the country, Science and Technology Park, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, The Cabinet gave approval Serbia. the Ministry of Transport and towards achieving the goals of Qatar National Research Fund and Qatar Development Bank of the Minister of Commerce and The Cabinet reviewed the fol- Communications, consisting of the strategy, supervising the pro- Industry’s draft decision lowing issues and took appro- three representatives of the Min- grams and initiatives related to as members. amending some provisions of priate decisions in their regard: istry, among them the head of the artificial intelligence launched by Resolution No. 161 of 2017 1- The ninth report on the results committee, a representative of the state and ensuring their plans and programs for preparing of artificial intelligence and sci- regarding the general and special of the work of the National Civil Qatar Computing Research access to, completion and review human cadres in the field of arti- entific research in this field. requirements that must be met Aviation Security Committee Institute as vice-president, and a of sectors, in coordination with ficial intelligence applications, in Following the meeting, Min- in similar commercial, industrial during the period from 1/7 to representative of each of the Min- the ministries and relevant coordination with various ister of Justice and Acting Min- and public shops. The draft res- 31/12/2020. 2- The annual report istry of Interior, the Ministry of authorities in the country, and authorities, and supporting ister of State for Cabinet Affairs olution aims to lay down special of the Permanent Population Education and Higher Education, developing recommendations for emerging companies in the field H E Dr. Issa bin Saad Al Jafali Al requirements for places that Committee for the year 2020. THURSDAY 4 MARCH 2021 HOME 03

Foreign Minister OFFICIAL NEWS Amir sends highlights agreement congratulations to President of Bulgaria on issues related Doha: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Deputy Amir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad to joint Arab action Al Thani sent yesterday cables of QNA — CAIRO congratulations to the President of the Republic of Bulgaria, H E Rumen Deputy Prime Minister and H E Sheikh Mohammed Radev on the occasion of his coun- Minister of Foreign Affairs H E bin Abdulrahman Al try’s National Day. Prime Minister and Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul- Thani said that they Minister of Interior, H E Sheikh Kha- rahman Al Thani said that the discussed many issues of lid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani meetings of the regular session concern to Arab also sent a cable of congratulations to of the Arab League Council held the Prime Minister of Bulgaria. -QNA yesterday at the ministerial countries, foremost Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al level discussed many issues and among which is the UNWTO Chief receives files related to the affairs of Palestinian issue and Thani with the Foreign Minister of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Sameh Shoukry, on the sidelines of Arab countries. joint Arab action. the 155th session of the Council of the Arab League at the ministerial level in Cairo yesterday. They credentials of Qatar’s At a joint press conference reviewed the bilateral cooperation, the course of joint Arab action and the ways to enhance it. representative with the Secretary-General of the Arab League, H E Ahmed Aboul was characterised by a positive and the resilience of the Pales- international gatherings, such Madrid: Secretary-General of Gheit, at the end of the 155th affairs of Arab countries, he said spirit and optimism for the return tinians, the Arab Water Security as the process of Arab-African the World Tourism Organization session of the Arab League Council there is confusion between of relations to normalcy. and Israel’s stealing of the water cooperation and Arab- (UNWTO) H E Zurab Pololikashvili, at the ministerial level which was bilateral relations of countries Meanwhile, the 155th on the occupied Arab lands. European dialogue, and the received the credentials of perma- chaired by the State of Qatar, His and relations within the session of the Council of the The draft agenda also cooperation between the Arab nent representative of the State of Excellency said that there was framework of the Arab League, Arab League at the ministerial includes solidarity with League, the United Nations and Qatar to the organization H E Abdullah agreement on many issues related and we reject interference in the level, chaired by the Foreign Lebanon, discussing the latest the UN Security Council. bin Ibrahim Al Hamar, at its head- to the joint Arab action, hoping internal affairs of the State of Minister H E Sheikh Mohammed developments in Syria, Libya The agenda also included an quarters in the Spanish capital, that they represent a tangible Qatar or that of any other country bin Abdulrahman Al Thani , dis- and Yemen, security of navi- item on supporting the inter- Madrid. The Secretary-General beginning that meets the aspira- and each state has the right to cussed the draft agenda and gation and energy supplies in nally displaced people in the Arab of the World Tourism Organization tions of the Arab peoples. preserve its security and sover- approval of decisions submitted the Arab Gulf region, and sup- countries, particularly the Iraqi wished the permanent delegate He described the atmos- eignty and take appropriate by the permanent delegates porting peace and development displaced people, and the draft success in his work assignments, phere in which the meetings measures to achieve this. during their meeting that was in Sudan, which fall under the Arab strategy to prevent and and for the relations between the were held as positive, and con- On the Qatari-Egyptian rela- held on Monday with Qatar item on the Arab affairs and the combat all forms of violence organization and the State of Qatar gratulated Ahmed Aboul Gheit tions and the meeting he held presiding. Arab national security. against refugees, especially abuse further development and growth in on the Council’s approval to with the Minister of Foreign The draft agenda consisted Among the items is another against women and underage the tourism field. -QNA renew his appointment as Sec- Affairs of the Arab Republic of of nine main items, at the fore- on international political affairs, girls, in addition to the draft retary-General for a second Egypt, Sameh Shoukry, Sheikh front of which was joint Arab which includes the danger of strategy of the Arab Women term, wishing him success. Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al action, the Palestinian cause, Israel armaments that threatens Mediators Network and the Vaccination proof H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Thani said we attended the Al Ula and the Arab-Israeli conflict the Arab national security and amendment of the Arab Human Abdulrahman Al Thani said that summit, and there was a decla- item which includes following international peace, and the Rights Committee (AHRC) name or weekly COVID-19 they discussed many issues of ration that ended the Gulf crisis, the political developments of establishment of a Nuclear- to the Arab Charter on Human test must for concern to Arab countries, and there was a meeting between the Palestinian cause and the Weapon-Free-Zone (NWFZ) Rights. Topics on legal affairs foremost among which is the Pal- two delegations from Qatar and Arab-Israeli conflict, activating which would also be free of any included international terrorism school staff estinian issue and joint Arab Egypt. We in the State of Qatar the Arab Peace Initiative, the other mass destruction and ways of combating it, as well FROM PAGE 1 action. Responding to a question and the brothers in Egypt look at Israeli developments and vio- weapons in the Middle East. as maintaining Arab national on the relations between the matters positively and strive for lations in Occupied Al Quds, in The item on international security and combating terrorism, The vaccination priority given State of Qatar and Turkey and a return of warm relations. The addition to a follow-up on the political affairs also includes and developing the Arab system to school staff will remain Iran and the interference in the meeting with Minister Shoukry budget of the State of Palestine Arab affairs with regional and for combating terrorism. valid until the end of March. Al Subaie: Student participation in environmental Qatar-USA 2021 Year events confirms shared social responsibility of Culture announces

QNA — DOHA several programmes

Minister of Municipality and Environment THE PENINSULA — DOHA hosting its biggest sporting H E Eng. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki event, our impressive roster of Al Subaie, praised the participation of school Qatar-USA 2021 Year of programs demonstrates the students in environmental events and activ- Culture, a partnership between breadth and depth of the expe- ities, considering that it confirms the shared Qatar Museums (QM), the riences to be shared throughout responsibility of all in preserving the envi- United States Embassy in Doha 2021 by the people of the ronment. and the Embassy of Qatar in the United States and Qatar.” This came during the participation of the United States, has announced Aisha Al Attiya, Head of Minister, yesterday, with a group of school stu- a wide-ranging programmes of Years of Culture, said: “We dents in planting seedlings of trees from the exhibitions, festivals, bilateral announce the program for the local environment in the garden of the Minis- exchanges, and events to be Qatar-USA 2021 Year of Culture try’s main building on Corniche, as part of ‘Plant held in both nations throughout with gratitude to the partners Million Tree’ initiative. the year. in both countries who have The Minister of Municipality and Envi- The programmes feature developed this extraordinary ronment honoured students from Qatar virtual and in-person events, series of exhibitions, events, Academy, in appreciation of their participation including exhibitions and and experiences. Through their in the activities of Qatar Environment Day 2021, installations of works by Qatari efforts, they have already dem- and thanked them for their contribution to the and American artists; events onstrated how this program can initiative to plant one million trees, and their showcasing the music, film, and bring people together and keenness to plant trees because of their impor- fashion of both countries; foster meaningful cultural tance in preserving the ecosystem, and the envi- sporting events; culinary expe- exchange. We look forward to ronment of Qatar in particular, and for human Minister of Municipality and Environment, H E Eng. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al riences; entrepreneurship, inaugurating these events and health and overall quality of life. Subaie, honouring a student of Qatar Academy. innovation, STEM, and business activities, which will show the events; and educational best of Qatar in the United programmes. States and the best of the United Qatar Museums Chair- States in Qatar.” Discover Qatar assisted person H E Sheikha Al Mayassa H E Sheikh Meshal Bin bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Hamad Al Thani, Ambassador Thani said: “On behalf of Qatar, of Qatar to the United States of over 330,000 people with I take great pleasure in America, said: “Qatar and the announcing these programs, United States have been friends quarantine packages which show so vividly how the and allies for almost 50 years, Qatar-USA 2021 Year of Culture and it’s exciting to be able to THE PENINSULA — DOHA from according to one’s budget will further align our two showcase a different and more constraints. Building a quar- nations and strengthen the accessible side of the part- Discover Qatar (DQ) has to date antine programme in a very warm friendship they enjoy. nership through the 2021 processed over 50,000 refunds short time frame has created Our vision nine years ago in Qatar-USA Year of Culture. I’m for hotel quarantine packages challenges, but with over 2.6 establishing the Year of Culture honored to be a part of the and assisted over 330,000 million room nights booked, 6.9 program was to foster mutual effort to share Qatari culture people to complete their quar- million meals served, and 3 understanding across borders with audiences across the antine successfully in 65 hotels. million kms of transfers pro- on a humane, popular level by United States, and to do the Over 240 employees are vided this has been an excep- appreciating one another’s cre- same with American culture in dedicated to welcoming those tionally complex operation. ative endeavours in celebrating Qatar. These endeavors are returning to Qatar as it con- An Arabic version of the Qatar’s win to host the FIFA what deepen the ties between tinues to strongly support the Discover Qatar website is World Cup in 2022. Now just our people, and it is an honor Ministry of Public Health and expected to be completed by the under two years from Qatar to help facilitate that.” the Ministry of Interior to end of March, and the Discover protect the local community Qatar call centre has 30 dedi- from COVID-19. cated Arabic speakers providing Qatar ranks 2nd in Arab World This effective and efficient 24/7 support. Discover Qatar model of quarantine in hotels has also successfully negotiated in GEMS Maturity Index FROM PAGE 1 and at home is recognised by the removal of the security many other countries as a deposit previously required for Digital transformation plans have been developed and their system to replicate in helping Mekaines bookings, which was execution overseen in collaboration with government entities to combat rising COVID implemented for new bookings of our customers as refunds are countries not mentioned in the nationwide, aiming to achieve the objectives of the Qatar Digital numbers, without the need for from February 18. being processed as quickly as green list must undergo hotel Government Strategy. This achievement is the culmination of a border closure. The weekly Qatar Airways Group Chief possible. It is critical that we quarantine. Quarantine significant efforts and concerted action by various government admission of people who have Executive, H E Akbar Al Baker, understand that all quarantine packages have to be purchased entities for developing and launching digital services. returned to Qatar far exceeds said: “We are aware of the processes are set in place for the from the Discover Qatar “We will continue to move forward with digitally transforming the numbers re-entering other increased demand for quar- benefit of Qatar and the wider website and the list of countries the services and institutional modernisation and development as countries due to their existing antine rooms as travel restric- community in Qatar, especially is updated periodically and is well as bolstering the themes of Qatar’s Second National Devel- caps set in place in order to mit- tions evolve with no home to protect the vulnerable and available on the Ministry of opment Strategy (2018-2022) by capacity incorporation, fostering igate the risk of the virus. quarantine permitted from red the elderly.” Public Health (MoPH) website. the institutional values to improve services provided to individuals Discover Qatar’s hotel quar- countries. Our teams are According to Qatar’s travel The MoPH had also recently and businesses, increasing government administration efficiency antine package prices remain working around the clock to and return policy, people announced that fully vaccinated and effectively deploying the information technology for public competitive, costing much less ensure the continued safety of coming from the green list citizens and residents of Qatar service, thus enhancing the national vision for building a knowledge- than quarantine packages in Qatar and its residents. Given countries are required to are now exempt from quar- based economy in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030,” she other countries, and continues the volume of numbers, we undergo home quarantine antine requirements after travel added. Currently there are more than 1,200 digital services under to offer over 65 hotels to choose greatly appreciate the patience while those arriving from abroad. the umbrella of Qatar Digital Government Training programme. 04 HOME THURSDAY 4 MARCH 2021

MoI reviews progress made in CNA-Q, National Service Academy implementing 2022 strategy

QNA — DOHA plans implemented, the stra- sign MoU on health sciences tegic performance indicators, The Ministry of Interior the general results and the AYENI OLUSEGUN reviewed the results of the achieved effects were reviewed THE PENINSULA midterm review report of its as well during the meeting sector strategy within the yesterday. As part of its mission to support Second National Development Brigadier Al Sulaiti the Qatar National Vision 2030 Strategy 2018-2022 during a explained that the importance (QNV 2030), the College of the meeting held yesterday. of the report lies in its role in North Atlantic-Qatar (CNA-Q) The meeting was conducted correcting and straightening signed a Memorandum of in the presence of Undersec- the course of achieving the Understanding with the retary of the Ministry, Com- strategic goals and evaluating National Service Academy mander of the Lekhwiya Force, the realism of the measurement (NSA) of the Ministry of Defense Major General Abdulaziz bin indicators in the first half to yesterday. Faisal Al Thani, and a number complete the follow-up of the The MoU covers several of general directors, directors second half of the strategy areas of collaboration between of departments and heads of based on sound foundations both establishments, particu- the relevant committees. and indicators, and submitting larly CNA-Q’s School of Health During the meeting, the final report at the end of Sciences. The agreement was Director of Planning and 2022. signed by CNA-Q’s President Dr. Quality Department at the min- The participants also dis- Salem Al Naemi, and National istry, Brigadier Abdul Rahman cussed means of maintaining Service Academy President Majid Al Sulaiti and Assistant the progress made in imple- Staff Major General Saeed bin President of CNA-Q, Dr Salem Al Naemi (left), and National Service Academy (NSA) President, Staff Director of the Department menting the strategy, and the Hamad Al Nuaimi. Major General Saeed bin Hamad Al Nuaimi, pose after signing an MoU at a function held at the NSA Lieutenant Colonel Khaled related plans and programs The ceremony was attended yesterday. PIC: SALIM MATRAMKOT/ THE PENINSULA. Abdulaziz Al Mohannadi, aimed at achieving the objec- by former Minister of Energy reviewed the sectoral results tives of the Ministry of Interior and Industry and Chairman of training in Qatar, we will put of Education and Higher Edu- National Service Academy and and strategic objectives of the in order to meet the require- CNA-Q’s Board of Trustees H E our expertise, specifically the cation for their continuous the CNA-Q in training and ministry, and the progress ments of security work. Dr. Mohammed Al-Sada, School of Health Sciences support to the College programs exchanging expertise, especially made, whether in imple- Undersecretary of the Min- Undersecretary of the Ministry knowledge and its interna- and partnerships that lead to physical training and general menting the strategic goals or istry of Interior directed to exert of Education and Higher Edu- tionally accredited pro- further development in the edu- health. This partnership will in achieving global indicators. more efforts in achieving the cation and Board Member in the grammes, into the Academy’s cational and sustainability enable the NSA to provide top The progress made in the aspirations of the strategy, College’s Board of Trustees Dr. service. This will be the first fields.” physical development pro- institutional performance praising all the efforts made by Ibrahim Saleh Al-Naimi, and step towards tailoring one-of- The MoU provides both gramme for the staff and stu- standards, the programs, all departments and com- Vice-Chairman CNA-Q’s Board a-kind applied programmes for parties with a framework to dents in physical training projects and the operational mittees of the Ministry. of Trustees and Managing the cadets to develop their conduct customized teaching backed by scientific research.” Director and CEO, Qatar Petro- physical and mental ability to programmes and academic ini- “During the year at the chemical Co Dr. Mohammed become active members of tiatives. Meanwhile, NSA National Service Academy, the MoPH: 471 new cases; 332 recoveries Al-Mulla. society and play a leading role Physical Development Officer, students learn about the basic Speaking on the MoU, Dr. Al in the State’s development. First Lieutenant Ahmed Hassan and general aspects and how to Naemi said, “We are proud to “CNA-Q’s counsellors will Asheer, said the MoU would adopt a healthier lifestyle that THE PENINSULA — DOHA positive COVID-19 cases sign this MoU with NSA, and we visit the Academy to introduce provide cadets with a top will reflect on public health. recorded in Qatar is 165,071 and thank them for their trust in cadets to the different programs physical development This partnership will enhance The Ministry of Public Health there are 10,059 active cases CNA-Q. As an institution of that the College offers and guide initiative. the caliber of these programs (MoPH) yesterday announced under treatment. excellence in technical and them to choose the right course “This MoU aims to enhance provided for the students,” Lt. the registration of 471 new While the first phase of vocational education and of study. We thank the Ministry the cooperation between the Asheer added. confirmed COVID-19 cases, COVID-19 vaccinations has among them 44 were travellers started in Qatar and in the returning from abroad. coming months it will be Botswana FM Also 332 people have available to the public for free, recovered from the virus, the Ministry has stressed it is receives credentials bringing the total number of important for everyone to play of Qatar’s envoy recovered cases in Qatar to their role in controlling the 154,752. spread of the virus by following QNA — DOHA All new cases have been precautionary measures which introduced to isolation and are include adhering to physical The Minister of Foreign Affairs receiving necessary healthcare distancing; avoiding close of Botswana H E Dr. Lemogang according to their health status. contact with others, crowded Kwape received yesterday, via The Ministry also reported places, and confined closed videoconference, a copy of the the death of an 87-year-old spaces where other people con- credentials of H E Tariq Ali Al taking the total death toll in gregate as well as wearing a Ansari, as non-resident Ambas- Qatar due to COVID-19 to 260. face mask and washing hands sador of Qatar to Botswana. The total number of regularly. People aged 50 and above can now get vaccine

FROM PAGE 1 government institutions, appointment to take the The change in vaccine terms of including teachers and admin- vaccine via the MoPH eligibility means the current istration staff in education. COVID-19 website. priority groups for COVID-19 Managing Director of "People who register vaccinations are: People aged PHCC, Dr. Mariam Abdulmalik, online but who are not in one 50 years of age and above said: “People who are eligible of the listed priority groups, regardless of their health for the vaccine at this stage will have their interest conditions; people with will be contacted directly by recorded and saved by the moderate chronic medical PHCC by SMS or phone call to MoPH, and they will be con- conditions of any age; addi- arrange their appointment. tacted when they become tional healthcare professionals Those who meet the criteria eligible.” and other key workers in for the first priority groups can Dr. Abdulmalik added that different ministries and also request to schedule an vaccinations at health centers and the QNCC vaccination centre will only be given to people with pre-arranged appointments. All other community members who do not meet the criteria for the early phase of the campaign are kindly requested to wait until it is their turn. 367 referred to Public Prosecution for violations

QNA — DOHA

The designated authorities referred 367 people to the Public Prosecution for violating the preventive and precautionary measures enforced by the country to curb the spread of COVID-19. Among them, 312 people were not wearing masks in places where they are man- datory, 48 were found vio- lating the maximum number of four people allowed in a vehicle including the driver except when they are members of one family, and seven people were also referred for not installing Ehteraz app on their mobile phones. The designated authorities called on the public to adhere to the precautionary measures in place to ensure their safety and the safety of others. THURSDAY 4 MARCH 2021 HOME 05 Effective policies can help GCC curb climate change: Expert

AYENI OLUSEGUN would impact the GCC in tem- needed because economies THE PENINSULA perature, rising sea level, fre- would still grow,” Shapland quent storms that could lead to said. The Gulf Cooperation Council floods in low lying layers, Shapland stressed that the (GCC) can adapt to climate reduced but more intense GCC has an advantage over change if it implements signif- rainfall, and higher sea temper- other MENA countries because icant economic and environ- ature, which would damage the of its wealth which puts it in a mental strategies, Greg coral reefs. Indirectly, the position to fund and prepare for Shapland, Associate Fellow of MENA expert said the slow pace extremities. the Middle East and North of transition to renewable In this case, the GCC can Africa Programme – Chatham energy would, in turn, affect take measures like stockpile House said, during a webinar temperature rise. food in case of global shortages, titled ‘Climate Change and the Furthermore, this may treat and recycle urban waste- GCC: Economic and Environ- disrupt food security and sup- water to grow high-value crops. mental Impact.’ plies, affecting the GCC as it The bloc can also protect The webinar highlighted the imports 85% of food and around existing coastal infrastructure present and potential future 93% of cereal. By 2050, it is with more robust flood impact of the climate change projected that food-producing defenses, locate new infra- phenomenon, mainly as it countries would have to feed structure further inland to allow affects the GCC region. Dr. over 9 billion people. He noted SLR and storm surges, and Nikolay Kozhanov, Research that there might be years when ensure storm drains can cope Associate Professor at Qatar GCC countries have to pay more with intense rainfall events. University, moderated the for their food which could be Other measures include event. challenging if revenue developing shared systems to In his presentation, decreases. give early warning of extreme Shapland highlighted that “Industrialised countries climate events, making sure climate change is a reality, but may find alternative means for there are robust back-up Qatar Ambassador to Germany meets Chairman of Board its impact on the entire planet power, hence reducing demand systems for power generation can’t be predicted. He said the in oil, leading to lesser income and distribution so that AC of Trustees of Siemens Energy, and Deutsche Bank CEO current models used by scien- for the region. doesn’t fail in heat waves, tists are not as accurate as they More energy would be gen- regenerate rapidly-build cities Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Federal Republic of Germany, H E Sheikh Abdullah bin would like them to be and that erated by wind and solar to make them less vulnerable Mohammed Al Thani, met separately with Supervisory Board Chairman of Siemens Energy, H E Joe different models provide dif- power. Consequently, the oil to heatwaves SLR, etc. and Kaeser, and CEO of Deutsche Bank, H E Christian Sewing. During the two meetings, they reviewed ferent results. value would fall. Despite this, automate outside jobs to the the cooperation relations between the State of Qatar, Siemens Energy, and Deutsche Bank. Directly, climate change more energy sources would be extent possible. Phase 1 of Agriculture Census will continue until March 26: MME

QNA — DOHA census will help the country The target entities include and summer), from January - instructions of international overview of the state of the have all the data and agricul- all registered private and gov- June 2021, followed by surveys agricultural organizations that agricultural sector in the The Ministry of Municipality and tural infrastructure across the ernment farms and livestock related to costs and productivity call for a comprehensive agri- country concerned, including Environment (MME) has country required to identify the farm, in different types mobile, of the sample that will continue cultural census every five or ten the size of holdings, land tenure, announced that the first phase problems, which will enable complexes and those livestock until May 2022. years. land use, harvested area, irri- of data collection process for decision makers in government farms annexed with agricultural The comprehensive agricul- The 2020-21 census is the gation, livestock, labor, and the census of agriculture in entities to take the appropriate farms and livestock farms tural census is the most 10 edition of global agricultural other agricultural inputs, espe- Qatar 2021 will continue until actions to overcome these located in Al Nakhsh area, in important statistical process statistics, while The Food and cially since this information is March 26, in cooperation with challenges. addition to all governmental that countries hold to collect Agriculture Organization (FAO) vital in agricultural planning, the Qatar University’s Social The Ministry called on the and private agricultural data and information on the provides support and guidance policy-making, research and and Economic Survey Research country’s farm owners and processing establishments, components of the agricultural to countries to implement development, and monitoring Institute (SESRI). operators to cooperate with the during the entire agricultural sector, both farms and livestock, national agricultural censuses. the impact of agriculture on the The Ministry said that the census. season in the country (winter in accordance with the Data collection also provides an environment. QU graduates honoured at Chef Jesus Delgado returns to La Education Excellence Day Mar Doha at InterContinental Doha THE PENINSULA — DOHA

THE PENINSULA — DOHA has become an annual national skills during their career in QU. InterContinental Doha has day that recognizes students’ He noted that QU provides announced the return of Chef Five students from Qatar excellence. This auspicious its students with a qualitative Jesus Delgado, corporate exec- University (QU) were honoured event is patronized by the Amir education and an academic utive chef of Gastón Acurio, to by the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad environment that stimulates La Mar Doha for a limited time bin Hamad Al Thani at the 14th Al Thani, making it more inspi- innovation and creativity, period. Education Excellence Day rational for students’ which qualifies them to Chef Jesus previously spent Award ceremony 2021, which nationwide. compete strongly in the labor 6 months in Doha for the took place at the Doha Sheraton “It is an honorable moment market and achieve the dis- opening of La Mar Doha by recently under the theme for the students who received tinction after graduation. Gastón Acurio, working with a “Excellence Builds Genera- this award and a prestigious One of the QU winners, team of experts to ensure a tions.” moment for Qatar University Ahmed Al-Buainain, said, “The seamless launch. Aside from Nora Essa Ali Hussain Al- and families of students who award was a dream that I had being the corporate executive Chef Jesus Delgado Ansari and Shaheen Essa Al- are awarded.” from the days of my high chef of Gastón Acurio, Chef Nuaimi, students of the College Also commenting on the school. I am happy to serve my Jesus is also the Chef de Cuisine of Arts and Science, and Hamad recognition, Dr. Iman country in all ways possible as at Tanta, a restaurant in will be lending his flair to the and diverse flavours of Abdullah Tayyis Abdullah Al Mostafawi, Vice President of I am currently completing my Chicago focusing on iconic Doha team for a series of Peruvian cuisine through a col- Jumaili, a College of Law Qatar University for Student Ph.D. in Engineering Man- Peruvian cuisine. exciting events in March, as well ourful brunch menu on March student, won gold in the uni- Affairs, said that honouring the agement and working in the “I am pleased to be back in as for the new menu which will 20, while enjoying the great versity graduate category. students with the Excellence Ministry of Interior. My mission Doha and I’m looking forward be launching in May. Catch him weather and splendid Nasser Muhammed Nasir Al Day Award is a support and is to develop fieldwork in civil to working with the team once while you can before April 13. beachside views. Habab Al Hajri, a College of Law motivation for them to achieve defense to reduce time speed again during my stay. Residents We’re celebrating strong and La Mar Doha by Gastón Master’s student, received an more. of responses and development of Doha will definitely enjoy the inspirational ladies this Inter- Acurio is the go-to place for award in the literary category. It will encourage others to of the Ministry of Interior’s activities we have planned at national Women’s Day at La contemporary Peruvian cuisine, Ahmed Abdullah Ali Al-Jabir Al- follow them by actively partic- security system.”Another La Mar during the coming Mar. Join us for a specially known for its rich flavours and Buainain, a College of Engi- ipating in the development of winner Nora Al-Ansari added, weeks, especially La Mar crafted 3-course set menu with diverse influences. Look neering Master’s student, Qatar towards achieving Qatar “Winning the Academic Excel- Around The World. La Mar reg- fabulous dishes such as tiradito, forward to Chef Gastón’s received an award in the sci- National Vision 2030. lence Award is an embodiment ulars should also be on the tartare, and more on March 8, authentic cebiches, fresh entific category. Dr. Mostafawi congratu- of the efforts exerted for many lookout for a revamped menu 12:30pm onwards at QR175 per seafood, and charcoal-grilled Commenting on the lated the gold medal winners years and the fruit of efforts. I featuring new, flavourful dishes person with soft beverages and meats. This elegant beachfront occasion, Dr. Hassan Al- and the other two faculty seek to complete postgraduate showcasing the beauty of a welcome signature mocktail. setting offers stunning and pan- Derham, President of QU, said: members, who demonstrated studies to return to teach at Peruvian cuisine,” said Chef Celebrate the start of spring oramic views of the Doha “The Education Excellence Day exceptional and distinguished Qatar University. Jesus. During his visit, chef Jesus at La Mar. Explore the authentic skyline. QRCS delivers winterisation aid to vulnerable families in Iraq Ferns N Petals offers

THE PENINSULA — DOHA Kurdistan, with special focus on orphans and children with exclusive collection Qatar Red Crescent Society special needs. (QRCS) has completed the “The project is part of THE PENINSULA — DOHA Warm Winter campaign in Iraq, QRCS’s strategic plan of delivering winter clothes and improving the standard of Ferns N Petals has launched heaters to 1,835 families, or living of the most vulnerable exclusive collection ahead of 9,000 beneficiaries, at a total groups in disaster and conflict International Women’s Day. cost of $109,620. zones. Now, the Syrian and Women are the real architects Co-implemented by QRCS’s Palestinian refugees, as well as of society and International representation office in Iraq Iraqi IDPs and returnees, can Women’s Day provides oppor- and the Iraqi Red Crescent have access to basic humani- tunity to celebrate women in all Society (IRCS), the one-month tarian services and winteri- walks of life.Ferns N Petals is an project was aimed at improving zation aid that help them to live illustrious online gifting portal the living conditions of Syrian better, preserve their dignity, in Qatar and the brand is always and Palestinian refugees as well and sustain the freezing winter, the first to launch thoughtful gifts effective way to celebrate her. as internally displaced persons ” said Faisal Mohamed Al for special occasions. This year, Ferns N Petals offers quick (IDPs), enabling them to with- Emadi, Executive Director of the company has curated delivery services like same-day stand the severe cold weather Relief and International Devel- exclusive gifts for International delivery and midnight delivery Children are receiving warm clothes kits distributed by QRCS in Iraq. of the winter, and bringing hap- opment at QRCS. Women’s Day ranging from all across Qatar. For making the piness to children. He described the impact of beautiful flower bouquets, most of this eminent occasion, Under the project, 1,000 wool hat, scarf, jacket, socks, The project covered ref- the project on the lives of the designer cakes, gift hampers, you can explore the vast range warm clothes kits were dis- gloves, and trousers. Also, 815 ugees, IDPs, returnees, and beneficiaries as ‘significant and plants and many other of gifts on qa.fnp.com and tributed to children ranging high-quality oil heaters were poor families in Nineveh and evident’, as it alleviated the suf- thoughtful presents. To make a surprise all the women in your 2-10 years, each containing provided for poor families. Erbil Governorates, Iraqi fering of underserved groups. woman happy is the most life who deserve the best. 06 MIDDLE EAST THURSDAY 4 MARCH 2021 Kuwait swears in ICC probes Israeli crimes in Palestinian territories AP — THE HAGUE against Palestinian groups in the Gaza Strip, as well as Israel’s new government The prosecutor of the Interna- construction of settlements in tional Criminal Court (ICC) said the occupied West Bank and QNA/AP — KUWAIT yesterday she has launched an annexed east Jerusalem. Kuwait Amir says he is investigation into alleged Israeli Bensouda said there is a The new Kuwaiti government crimes in the Palestinian terri- “reasonable basis to proceed headed by H H Sheikh Sabah confident the new tories, plunging the court into and there are admissible Khaled Al Hamad Al Sabah government will the midst of one of the most potential cases.” took the constitutional oath successfully deal with the fraught conflicts of the past half At the same time, she said yesterday before the Amir of challenges. century. the investigation will “allow for the State of Kuwait, H H Sheikh Fatou Bensouda said in a a continuing assessment of Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al statement the probe will look actions being taken at the Sabah. “be our roadmap to work as into “crimes within the juris- domestic level in accordance The Amir of the State of one team serving Kuwait, diction of the Court that are with the principle of Kuwait delivered a speech on interests of Kuwait and its alleged to have been com- complementarity.” this occasion in which he said: citizens.” mitted” since June 13, 2014, and The ICC was set up to deal “I call upon the Legislative and “We pledge before Your that the investigation will be with crimes in countries where Executive Authorities for con- Highness to work as one team conducted “independently, Smoke rises following what witnesses said were Israeli air strikes authorities are unable or structive cooperation, armed and to exert every effort to impartially and objectively, in the east of Gaza City, on July 29, 2014. unwilling to launch meaningful by our social fabric and achieve progress, without fear or favor.” prosecutions. national unity, to achieve advancement and prosperity The decision in effect turns Ashkenazi said Israel “will take welcomed Wednesday’s move. The Palestinians and human national goals, address of our nation under Your the court’s focus on two key every step necessary to protect “This long-awaited step rights groups say Israel’s mil- pressing issues and protect Highness, His Highness the Israeli policies of recent years: its citizens and soldiers from serves Palestine’s vigorous itary justice system is biased public funds, in line with the Crown Prince’s leadership,” he its repeated military operations legal persecution.” Bensouda effort to achieve justice and and routinely whitewashes constitution, and the decisive said. in the Gaza Strip, highlighted by said in 2019 there was a “rea- accountability as indispensable abuses by soldiers. and transparent application of The Amir of Kuwait issued a devastating 2014 war, and its sonable basis” to open a war bases for peace,” the Palestinian The investigation will likely law on all.” a decree forming the new gov- expansion of Jewish settlements crimes probe into Israeli mil- Foreign Ministry said. It called also look into alleged crimes by According to KUNA news ernment, headed by Sheikh in east Jerusalem and the itary actions in the Gaza Strip for concluding the investigation Palestinian groups. Bensouda agency, the Kuwait Amir told Sabah Khaled Al Hamad Al occupied West Bank. If the as well as Israeli settlement quickly because “the crimes has said her probe would look the new ministers they have Sabah and comprising 15 investigation identifies suspects activity in the occupied West committed by the occupation’s into the actions of Hamas. “great responsibilities in this ministers. allegedly responsible for Bank. leaders against the Palestinian Hamas welcomed the initi- important time, and I am In particular, the crimes, prosecutors can ask Following that assessment, people are lasting, systematic ation of the investigation and confident you are, Allah’s appointment of a deputy prime judges to issue international she asked judges to rule on the and far-reaching.” called on Bensouda to “resist willing, capable of con- minister well-respected arrest warrants, which can extent of the court’s jurisdiction The Palestinians joined the any pressure” that could scuttle fronting them.” among Kuwaiti opposition remain under seal to help in the troubled region. They did court in 2015 and have long the process. “This is a step For his part, the Prime figures raises hope for better authorities apprehend those that last month, saying that the pushed for an investigation of forward to implement justice, Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled cooperation between the charged. court’s jurisdiction extends to Israel, which is not a member punish the occupation and do Al Hamad Al Sabah said, after branches, said Bader Al Saif, Israel swiftly condemned territories occupied by Israel in of the court. The Palestinians justice to the Palestinian taking constitutional oath, that an assistant professor of the decision. the 1967 Mideast war. asked the court to probe Israeli people,” Hamas spokesman the speech by the Amir would history at Kuwait University. Foreign Minister Gabi The Palestinian Authority actions during its 2014 war Hazem Qassem said. US contractor US officials ‘meet’ Houthis in push to end war dies in Iraq REUTERS — DUBAI Mohammed Abdusalam, the The US Treasury rocket attack sources said. Department on Tuesday Senior US officials have held a The Houthis captured imposed new sanctions on two AP — WASHINGTON first direct meeting with offi- Yemen’s capital in 2014 and Houthi military leaders, cials from the Houthi control most populated areas. A accusing them of procuring A US contractor died movement that controls Saudi-led coalition has battled weapons from Iran and organ- yesterday when at least Yemen’s capital, two sources them with tacit Western support ising attacks, after the group 10 rockets slammed familiar with the matter said, since 2015 in a war that has stepped up attacks on Saudi into an air base housing as the new US administration killed tens of thousands and Arabia and intensified an US and other coalition pushes to end a six-year war. created what the United Nations offensive on the ground in troops in western Iraq, The discussions, which have considers the world’s biggest Yemen’s Marib. the Pentagon said. not been officially made public humanitarian crisis. Lenderking met Abdusalam Pentagon spokes- by either side, took place in the The Saudis and Houthis in Muscat after meeting with person John Kirby said Omani capital Muscat on Feb- have been negotiating for more Saudi and UN officials in Riyadh. the contractor “suf- ruary 26 between US Yemen than a year towards a truce, He also visited the United Arab fered a cardiac episode envoy Timothy Lenderking and directly and under the auspices Emirates, Kuwait and Qatar while sheltering” and the Houthis’ chief negotiator of the United Nations. during his regional tour. died shortly afterward. He said there were no service members injured and all are Bayanat Engineering Qatar: accounted for. The rocket attack was the first since the US struck Iran-aligned Providing HIA with hi-tech militia targets along the Iraq-Syria border last week, killing one mili- solutions to combat virus tiaman. No one claimed responsibility for yes- COVID-19 PREVENTION the risk of contamination by the terday’s attack. AND SOLUTIONS AT HAMAD virus. The ultraviolet solutions The rockets struck INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT have also been employed in the Ain Al Asad airbase in With the unexpected arrival disinfection tunnels for the passing Anbar province early in of the COVID-19 pandemic, luggage. the morning, US-led countries and their industries all around the As for the sci-fi helmets that are worn by the coalition spokesperson planet had been constrained to adapt new san- staff, these are, in fact, intelligent infra-red face Col. Wayne Marotto itary measures, in order to reduce contamination masks that measure the temperature of the said. by the quasi-omnipresent virus. Airports, the passers-by. Its functioning based on IR thermal tourist hubs of the world that welcome millions imaging, AI and augmented reality display, the of visitors every year, have seen the risk of contactless becoming the primary spreading spots for the head novel coronavirus, as the number of infections appliance is continued growing globally. an exemplar This is why, it has been an essential task for of HIA’s inno- engineers to make sure that these places of vation-based potential first contact with the disease, are well- approach to disinfected and secured. Hamad International combatting the COVID-19 crisis. Airport, elected as one of the top-three airports But the real stars of this futuristic aerodrome in the world in 2020, has seen its own load of are the M3000N Dual Vision Network Thermal sanitary measures implemented. The focus has Imaging Cameras, an extra-precise arsenal been put on the diminution of the potential trans- deployed to screen the temperature of the missions of COVID-19, as well as on prevention, crowds. How does this system work? needed to reduce any possibility of the virus’ With its coverage of hundreds of people per “setting foot” on the Qatari soil. minute, it achieves an impressive 99.5% accuracy Apart from the in measuring the temperature of individuals. It is now-essential critical to determine the first fever symptoms, raised masks and gloves body temperature’s being one of the giveaway signs distributed to all of the novel coronavirus infection. Time and staff members, the resource-efficient, the scanner cameras present encouraged themselves as optimal solutions in the scenario. cashless card Installed by BAYANAT ENGINEERING in only 2 payment, the hand months, the camera system uses Cantronics tech- sanitisers available at every corner and the disin- nology, which facilitates mass scanning. Fur- fection of the high-contact areas every 10 to 15 thermore, the footage of the cameras could be minutes, HIA now boasts an array of technological stored for a period of 60 days, enough to find solutions — its ammunition against the vicious virus. potential signs of the infected individuals and help In fact, Hamad International Airport has been trace back the amplitude and spread of contami- espousing technological advancement from its very nations. It also utilises uninterruptible power supply conception; the same spirit of innovation domi- (UPS), which allows the system to function and nates its strategy against the pandemic. perform continuously, without interruption. It is also very easy to sync with the third-party software, TECHNOLOGICAL SOLUTIONS AT HIA such as Qatar’s Ehteraz application, since trans- One may believe parency and good communication are essential in themselves in a Star preventing the spread of the virus. Wars theme park upon HASAN EZZEDDINE, General Manager at entering the airport. Bayanat Engineering, prides himself in the tech- What are all of those nology, and said: “I believe it is a great and intergalactic-looking essential solution in the current state of affairs helmets and robots cir- and will be a necessity due to high accuracy.” cling everywhere? The Indeed, BAYANAT ENGINEERING, throughout robots that have been the years, has been a loyal partner and provider to put in place all around the Hamad International Airport both in terms of the facility, especially in the zones of higher visitor technological and sanitary solutions. concentrations. These autonomous devices kill the For more information on the company and majority of noxious micro-organisms in the air, by their solutions, visit the website: bayanaten- emitting concentrated UV-C light, hence reducing gineering.com THURSDAY 4 MARCH 2021 AFRICA 07 Macron reveals more torture by Ethiopia frees four foreign media workers French army in Algeria war detained in Tigray AP — PARIS In a statement, the France’s bid to seek recon- colonial system entailed, presidential Elysee ciliation is part of a larger including its daily reality and REUTERS — NAIROBI charges were filed,” said the President Emmanuel Macron movement of reckoning with ideological goals and “how New York Times’ communica- has met with four grand- Palace said Macron the dark past of nations, notably some in Algeria and France Four Ethiopians working with tions vice-president Danielle children of an Algerian inde- wants to give families in the United States where Civil resisted this system of foreign journalists in the Rhoades Ha. pendence fighter to tell them War-era statues honouring domination.” northern Tigray region have Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed that Ali Boumendjel had been of the disappeared southern heroes who defended Among recommendations been released without charges, has overseen sweeping reforms tortured and killed by French on both sides of the slavery are being torn down. was recognition of the killing of an official and media outlets since taking office in 2018, soldiers in 1957. Mediterranean “the Macron has said he is opposed Boumendjel. His wife Malika said yesterday. including the unbanning of It was a further step in to removing statues to erase had spent a lifetime trying to A reporter for the BBC’s more than 250 media outlets Macron’s efforts to reconcile means to learn the history. uncover the truth of her hus- Tigrinya language service, and release of dozens of France with its colonial past truth.” He has also said he doesn’t band’s death during the espe- Girmay Gebru, two translators journalists. while offering an outstretched want to apologise to Algeria — cially brutal Battle of Algiers with Agence France-Presse and However, rights groups say hand to Algeria, which France even though he surprised eve- when, the presidential the Financial Times, and a press freedom has suffered occupied for 132 years. French regions. While Algerians ryone when he said, while cam- statement said, “he was arrested journalist working with the during outbreaks of violence In a statement late Tuesday, make up a large portion of paigning for the presidency he by the French army, placed in New York Times were detained including in Tigray, where the presidential Elysee Palace immigrants in France, the North won in 2017, that France’s col- a secret (location), tortured, in recent days, their outlets thousands have died in fighting said Macron wants to give fam- African country harbors enmity onization was a “crime against then killed on 23 March 1957.” said. since last year between federal ilies of the disappeared on both from the years of colonization humanity.” It said a French general, Paul “All journalists and trans- troops and the former local sides of the Mediterranean “the that culminated in the war, its Algerian President Abdel- Aussaresses, “admitted to have lators have been released ruling party. means to learn the truth.” brutal secrets locked in archives madjid Tebboune said last year ordered one of his subordinates without charges,” Abebe Watchdogs reported the Macron is the first French that Macron said he is gradually that his country is still awaiting to kill him and cover the crime Gebrehiwot Yihdego, deputy arrests of at least 13 journalists president born after the end of trying to reopen. an official apology. as a suicide.” Aussaresses was head of Tigray’s interim admin- in Ethiopia last year, including Algeria’s brutal seven-year war “No crime, no atrocity com- A report commissioned by convicted in 2004 of defending istration, said. Reuters cameraman Kumerra of independence in 1962, and mitted by anyone during the Macron from historian Ben- torture. The BBC confirmed Gir- Gemechu who was held had promised to reckon with War of Algeria can be excused jamin Stora, considered In 2018, Macron formally may’s release in a tweet, while without charge for 12 days. colonial-era wrongs and, put an or left hidden,” the Elysee France’s top expert on Algeria, recognised the responsibility of AFP and the New York Times Abiy’s government declared end to the two countries’ still statement said. “They must be said the “excesses of a culture the French state in the 1957 also confirmed in e-mails to victory over the Tigray People’s rancorous relationship. faced with courage and lucidity, of repentance” don’t contribute death of a dissident in Algeria, Reuters that those working Liberation Front after its forces Algeria held a special place with absolute respect for those to facing the past. However, Maurice Audin, admitting for with them had been freed. withdrew from major cities and among France’s colonial con- whose lives were torn apart by Stora also said that healing the first time the military’s use “We are pleased that the towns at the end of November. quests, becoming part-and- them and whose destinies were wounds demands improving of systematic torture during the local journalist we had worked However, low-level fighting parcel of France like other broken.” understanding of what the war. with was released and that no has continued in parts. Kenya calls first vaccines Eight dead in ‘bazookas’; Rwanda attack on Congo village market secures Pfizer shots REUTERS — BENI

REUTERS — NAIROBI COVID-19,” Health Minister Armed insurgents killed at Mutahi Kagwe exulted as the least eight people during a raid Kenya received over a million doses arrived at Nairobi’s main on a weekly market in north- doses of the AstraZeneca airport. eastern Democratic Republic COVID-19 vaccine yesterday, COVAX, which is led by the of Congo, a witness and a while Rwanda said it was the GAVI vaccines alliance along rights group said yesterday, first in Africa to secure shots with the World Health Organ- blaming fighters from a from Pfizer, as efforts to inoc- ization (WHO) and other Ugandan Islamist armed ulate the world’s poorest partners, aims to deliver over group. nations accelerated. 1.3 billion doses to 92 lower- The Allied Democratic With fewer resources and and middle-income countries, Forces (ADF), a Ugandan tougher logistics than other covering up to 20 percent of insurgent faction active in regions, African nations are their populations. eastern Congo since the 1990s, racing to secure the doses Backers of the initiative has committed a spate of needed to protect their roughly hope to level a playing field that brutal reprisal attacks on 1.3 billion people and allow the has seen wealthier nations civilians since the army began safe reopening of economies. quickly vaccinate millions, operations against it in late Africa has been relatively ahead of poorer regions. Only Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Health, Mutahi Kagwe, reacts after receiving the first batch of AstraZeneca/ 2019. lightly hit by the coronavirus a few African nations have Oxford COVID-19 vaccines at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, in Nairobi yesterday. The ADF has been blamed relative to other regions, started inoculating citizens with for the killing of over 140 recording 104,000 deaths, vaccines acquired outside of storage. ultra-cold chain,” said Fode continent are also reeling from people since the start of the according to a Reuters tally, COVAX. “The batch of 102,960 doses Ndiaye, the United Nations’ res- lockdown measures. year, in almost weekly attacks That is lower than national First shots under COVAX are arrived in Kigali on Wednesday, ident coordinator. Kenya, which has so far in Congo’s restive east. The tallies in the United States, arriving at several African hours after a flight landed car- Rwanda plans to start its recorded 106,470 infections and group killed around 850 India, Brazil, Russia and Britain. nations this week, including rying 240,000 AstraZeneca vaccination drive tomorrow, 1,863 deaths from the virus, has people last year, according to Kenya’s batch, which Nigeria, Senegal and Uganda. doses from the Serum Institute prioritising frontline health taken a major economic hit UN figures. arrived on a Qatar Airways pas- In Kigali, officials said of India,” the health ministry workers and others at high risk. from the virus, which cut the ADF fighters entered the senger flight, is the first of an Rwanda will get the first doses said. The government has It hopes to vaccinate 30 percent flow of tourists, a crucial source village of Mambelenga in the initial allocation of 3.56 million of the Pfizer COVID-19 shots to installed special infrastructure of its roughly 12 million people of foreign exchange and jobs. territory of Irumu on Tuesday doses by the global COVAX be dispatched to Africa under to keep the vaccine at -70 before the end of this year. Nairobi plans to prioritise afternoon and started facility. the vaccine-sharing scheme. degrees. Africa has reported rela- 400,000 health workers shooting, said Gili Gotabo from “We have received ... The Pfizer vaccine presents an “Rwanda is one of the first tively few COVID-19 deaths nationwide in a vaccination a local civil rights group. Two machine guns, bazookas, and extra logistical challenge countries among the low compared with other conti- campaign starting on Friday, the attackers died in the raid, he tanks to fight this war against because it requires ultra-cold income countries to have nents, but economies across the health ministry said. said. A Congo army spokesman confirmed the attack in Mam- Chad urged to belenga, halfway between the World Bank readies vaccine funding for 30 African countries eastern cities of Bunia and Beni. open probe after “In broad daylight, sud- REUTERS — JOHANNESBURG wealthier parts of the world eSwatini, Rwanda and Senegal, “This is the first World denly we saw armed men, deaths at oppn have already administered mil- without disclosing the amount Bank-financed operation in badly dressed, with weapons The World Bank is preparing lions of doses. of support under discussion. Africa to support a country’s and machetes. They started figure’s home emergency financing to help Many rely on the World “The funds are available COVID-19 immunisation plan shooting directly at us,” said about 30 African countries Health Organization’s vaccine- now, and for most African coun- and help with the purchase and Mumbere Kokoma, a resident REUTERS — PARIS access COVID-19 vaccines, the sharing scheme COVAX, which tries, the financing would be on distribution of vaccines,” the of the village. “I took my global lender said, as the delivered its first doses last grant or highly concessional spokesperson added. daughter and fled into the France’s foreign minister continent scrambles to secure week with a shipment to Ghana. terms,” a bank spokesperson Africa’s reported corona- bush.” urged Chad to open an inde- doses and start immunising The World Bank said said in response to questions. virus death toll recently sur- IS militants has claimed pendent investigation after at vulnerable groups. financing projects were being Last month the World Bank passed 100,000, a fraction of responsibility for several sus- least two people were killed Only a handful of African prepared in African countries approved financing of $5m the fatalities reported on other pected ADF attacks in the past, when security forces went to governments have launched including the Democratic from the International Devel- continents, but is rising fast as although UN experts have not arrest opposition candidate mass vaccination campaigns, Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, opment Association to provide a second wave overwhelms found any direct link between Yaya Dillo on Sunday. whereas some countries in Niger, Mozambique, Tunisia, Cape Verde with vaccines. hospitals. the two groups. Dillo, who plans to run against President Idriss Deby in a presidential election in April said he was attacked at Senegal oppn leader arrested as supporters clash with police home by members of the pres- idential guard and that five REUTERS — DAKAR undermine his strongest rival. him in order to get him off the family members were killed, Near his house yesterday, electoral rolls,” Cisse said. “The including his mother. Senegal’s main opposition Sonko’s supporters burned tyres first accusation of rape wasn’t France, the former colonial leader, Ousmane Sonko, was and threw rocks at riot police, working so they have now found power, has close ties with arrested yesterday after who responded by firing tear something else.” Deby. It considers Chad as hundreds of his supporters gas. A Reuters reporter saw two The police were not imme- pivotal in the fight against mil- clashed with police in the capital protesters who were injured, diately available for comment. itants in West Africa and its while protesting a rape accu- including one bleeding from the Other top rivals of Sall have 5,100-strong counterterrorism sation against him. head. been targeted by criminal Operation Barkhane force has An employee at a beauty “We are ready to die for charges in the past, including a base in capital N’djamena, salon accused Sonko, who fin- Sonko!” some chanted. former Dakar mayor Khalifa Sall as does the United States. ished third in the 2019 presi- Amid the melee, Sonko, who and Karim Wade, the son of “Dillo had two arrest war- dential election, of abuse last was in a convoy headed for a former President Abdoulaye rants issued against him and month and he was summoned courthouse in downtown Dakar Wade. As a result, neither was offered resistance, but that is for questioning after his parlia- to respond to questioning about able to run for president in 2019. not an excuse for the deaths mentary immunity was the allegation, was arrested by Sall, 59, denies there has of several people,” Jean-Yves removed last week. the police. been any political interference Le Drian told a parliamentary Sonko, a 46-year-old former His lawyer, Bamba Cisse, in the cases. In power since 2012 hearing late on Tuesday. tax inspector who enjoys signif- said he was accused of dis- and reelected in 2019, he has not “We call on Chad to icant support among younger turbing public order and partic- commented on reports that he quickly carry out an inde- Senegalese, has denied the alle- ipating in a banned might seek a third term in 2024. Supporters of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko hurl stones during pendent and impartial inves- gation and accuses President demonstration. Sall’s opponents say running clashes with security forces after Sonko’s parliamentary immunity tigation so light can be shed Macky Sall’s government of “They want to catch him in for a third term would violate on this tragic event.” was lifted following accusation of assault in Dakar, yesterday. stirring up the charge to the act, judge him and convict the constitution. 08 VIEWS THURSDAY 4 MARCH 2021 Qatar calls for intensifying joint Arab Established in 1996 CHAIRMAN action for the benefit of Arab people 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

Vaccinations pick up pace

THE government has further expanded the COVID-19 vaccination campaign in the country by opening a drive- through vaccination centre. The drive-through centre, which opened in Lusail on Monday, is serving the people who have already received the first dose of the vaccine at one of the 27 heath centres of the Primary Health Care Corporation and are now scheduled for the second jab. Currently, people over 50 years of age, people with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani addressing the 155th regular chronic diseases, essential workers, and some priority session of the Council of the Arab League. groups like school teachers are being inoculated against QNA The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of passed since this crisis during the coronavirus infection. The Ministry of Public Health which the brotherly Syrian has said that more than 60% percent of over 70-year- Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs also said that the State of Qatar people suffered and are still olds have already received at least the first shot of the Minister of Foreign Affairs H E renews the call to the international community suffering and they were sub- vaccine since the launch of Qatar’s National COVID-19 Sheikh Mohammed bin to work seriously to resume the peace jected to heinous crimes and Vaccination Program. Abdulrahman Al Thani said grave violations that breach Majority of the more vulnerable people have also that the meetings of the 155th process, end the occupation and settlement of the provisions of international been covered in the immunisation drive, as more than regular session of the Council the occupied Arab territories, find just solution humanitarian law and inter- 90 percent of elderly inpatient at the Hamad Medical of the Arab League at the national human rights law. Corporation have been inoculated. Health officials hope ministerial level today come to the refugee issue and force the Israeli The international community that as the vaccination drive is expanded and more at a time when the Arab world authorities to refrain from all attempts to must ensure that all those vaccine supplies arrive, a large section of the popu- is facing enormous challenges responsible for these viola- lation will be able to receive the vaccine in coming and imminent threats due to annex the land, seize and demolish Palestinian tions and crimes are held months. Qatar is using the Pfizer-BioNTech and the continuing disputes and properties, encroach on Palestinian sanctities, accountable and brought to Moderna COVID-19 vaccines, two of the most safe and conflicts that displaced international criminal justice, effective vaccines developed to date. millions who need help and and judaize the city of Jerusalem. he said, reiteration the State Qatar was successful in taming the spread of the provision of the minimum of Qatar’s support for the virus though aggressive contact tracing and testing, basic humanitarian needs to Qatar’s thanks to all brotherly conducting the elections and efforts made by the Special and effective quarantine measures. However, the address their daily conditions, and friendly countries that unifying the Palestinian Envoy of the Secretary- country has seen an uptick in new cases of the coro- especially in light of the contributed to ending this position in confronting the General of the United Nations navirus in recent weeks. Health Authorities have tested outbreak of the coronavirus crisis. challenges facing the Pales- and all efforts aimed at more than 1.5 million people for COVID-19 to date. pandemic that has killed In the context of the chal- tinian cause. reaching a political solution to More than 154,000 people have already fully recovered nearly two million people and lenges that our Arab world He pointed to the State of the Syrian crisis in from the virus, while there are a total of 10,059 currently infected millions others. faces today, the Palestinian Qatar’s continuing supportive accordance with Geneva active cases in the country. The country also recorded In a speech before the cause remains at the top of role for the Palestinian Agreement 1 and the imple- a total of 260 deaths from the coronavirus, one of the Council after assuming the our priorities, the Deputy people, noting that HH the mentation of UN Security lowest mortality rates in the world. presidency of the 155th Prime Minister and Minister Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Council Resolution No. 2245 Despite the vaccination, health officials have urged session of the Council, His of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Hamad Al Thani had directed in a manner that meets the the public to remain vigilant against the infection and Excellency said, “From this Mohammed bin Abdulrahman the allocation of a financial legitimate aspirations of the abide by all the precautionary measures against standpoint, we must intensify Al-Thani said, renewing the grant to the Gaza Strip in the Syrian people and preserves COVID-19. At the same time, the Ministry of Interior has and double our joint Arab State of Qatar’s firm position amount of $360m over one the unity, sovereignty and intensified the efforts to implement COVID-19 preventive action, set frameworks for in support of all the legitimate year, starting from January stability of this country. measures. MoI teams are ensuring that people comply collective security and fruitful rights of the Palestinian 2021. This grant will be paid On Yemen, he stressed the with all the measures announced by the government, cooperation for the benefit of people, adding that the just to employees and as financial State of Qatar’s firm position especially wearing facemasks in public and preventing our peoples, and ensure com- and comprehensive set- assistance to needy families on the importance of pre- large gatherings. There is also a limit of maximum four mitment to unify our posi- tlement to the Palestinian as well as to manage power serving the unity of Yemen people, including the driver, in a car --- except for tions and overcome our dif- cause can only be achieved stations to reduce the deterio- and achieving its security and members of the same family. ferences to address all the and accepted by adhering to ration of humanitarian condi- stability, and the need to end MoI has also successfully implemented the quar- challenges facing our region the principle of a two-state tions and difficult living con- the state of war, adopt dia- antine policy for the confirmed and suspected cases in the security, political, eco- solution based on interna- ditions in the Gaza Strip, he logue and a political solution, of COVID-19, as well as the incoming international nomic, health and other fields, tional law, the Charter and said, calling on everyone to achieve national reconcili- passengers. and achieve the aspirations of resolutions of the United continue providing humani- ation, and return to the out- our peoples and countries for Nations and in accordance tarian support to the Pales- comes of the comprehensive stability, security and with the Arab Peace Initiative tinian people in order to alle- national dialogue agreed development.” and the establishment of a viate the humanitarian crises upon by the political forces He added, “In this regard, Palestinian state on the and economic difficulties they and all spectrums of the we renew our appreciation borders of June 4, 1967, with face. Yemeni people as a basis for D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR for the “Al-Ula declaration” East Jerusalem as its capital. Regarding the situation in ending this crisis and imple- Libya, he said that the State menting the relevant UN EMAIL: [email protected] issued by the 41st GCC summit The Deputy Prime Min- which was held recently in ister and Minister of Foreign of Qatar welcomes one again Security Council resolutions, the brotherly Kingdom of Affairs also said that the State the election of representa- especially Resolution No. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 tives of the interim executive 2216. FAX: +974 4455 7758 Saudi Arabia and ended the of Qatar renews the call to Gulf crisis that lasted three the international community authority in Libya, and looks With regard to Somalia, MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 years,” adding that the State to work seriously to resume forward to seeing that this the Deputy Prime Minister of Qatar welcomed this decla- the peace process, end the important step paves the way and Minister of Foreign DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 ration based on its policy and occupation and settlement of towards a comprehensive Affairs affirmed that the firm conviction that con- the occupied Arab territories, political solution that State of Qatar expressed its LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 structive dialogue is the way find just solution to the respects the rights of the grave concern about the BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 to solve differences peace- refugee issue and force the Libyan people and estab- recent developments in the fully. There is no doubt that Israeli authorities to refrain lishes a state of law and civil Somali capital, Mogadishu, SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 ending this crisis and acti- from all attempts to annex institutions. calling on all Somali parties vating the Al-Ula declaration the land, seize and demolish He stressed the need for to exercise calm, avoid esca- ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 will positively affect the Palestinian properties, all Libyan parties to adhere to lation, adopt a policy of email: [email protected] strengthening of Gulf and encroach on Palestinian the scheduled election date restraint, and resolve differ- and work to achieve compre- ences through political dia- PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 Arab relations and the consol- sanctities, and judaize the email: [email protected] idation of stability in the city of Jerusalem. hensive reconciliation to logue and peaceful means to region, he pointed out. He affirmed that all prac- achieve the aspirations of the achieve the aspirations of MARKETING: TEL: 4455 7657 He renewed the State of tices by the occupation Libyan people for security, the Somali people for email: [email protected] Qatar’s appreciation for the authority are null, void and stability and development. He security, stability and Kuwaiti mediation efforts baseless, have no legal situ- appreciated the efforts of the development. ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 made by H H the late Amir of ation on the ground, and con- United Nations mission in Concluding his speech, the FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al- tradict all United Nations res- Libya in ending this crisis. Deputy Prime Minister and CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah olutions, reiterating the State Regarding the Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs email: [email protected] which were continued by HH of Qatar’s support to all crisis, the Deputy Prime Min- Sheikh Mohammed bin the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh efforts exerted to achieve Pal- ister and Minister of Foreign Abdulrahman Al-Thani SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- estinian national reconcili- Affairs, in his speech, said that wished the meeting success in FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected] Sabah, reiterating the State of ation and its appreciation to nearly a full decade has achieving its desired goals.

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar The ongoing destruction by the Israeli military of the /ThePeninsulaQatar homes, and the destruction and seizure of property,

/Peninsula_Qatar including humanitarian assistance, in Humsa Al Bqai'a has been causing great hardship to the /ThePeninsulaNewspaper approximately 60 villagers, including 35 children.

+974 6698 6188 Michael Lynk, UN Special Rapporteur THURSDAY 4 MARCH 2021 OPINION 09 Qatar-USA 2021 Year of Culture announces year-long programme

THE PENINSULA — DOHA installations of works by how this program can bring The Qatar-USA 2021 Year of Culture program; Spring. Qatari and American artists; people together and foster which is a partnership between Qatar Pearls of Wonder - a Qatar-USA 2021 Year of events showcasing the music, meaningful cultural exchange. pop-up exhibition featuring Culture yesterday revealed a film, and fashion of both We look forward to inaugu- Museums (QM), the United States Embassy in works by Qatari artists wide-ranging programme countries; sporting events; rating these events and activ- Doha and the Embassy of Qatar in the United inspired by the history of the comprising exhibitions, culinary experiences; entre- ities, which will show the best States; will feature virtual and in-person pearling industry in Qatar will festivals, bilateral exchanges, preneurship, innovation, of Qatar in the United States open in New York City in the and events to be held in both STEM, and business events; and the best of the United events, including exhibitions and installations Fall. nations throughout the year. and educational programs. States in Qatar.” of works by Qatari and American artists; The Freer Gallery of Art The Qatar-USA 2021 Year All past, present, and H E Sheikh Meshal Bin events showcasing the music, film, and and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, of Culture program; which is a future exhibitions, programs, Hamad Al-Thani, Ambassador the Smithsonian’s National partnership between Qatar and events will be featured on of the State of Qatar to the fashion of both countries; sporting events; Museum of Asian Art in Wash- Museums (QM), the United the official Years of Culture United States of America, said, culinary experiences; entrepreneurship, ington D.C., and the Museum States Embassy in Doha and website, http://www.yearsof- “Qatar and the United States innovation, STEM, and business events; and of Islamic Art in Doha are the Embassy of Qatar in the culture.qa/, where one can have been friends and allies working together to organize United States; will feature find the latest information and for almost 50 years, and it’s educational programmes. an exhibition of exceptional virtual and in-person events, details about upcoming exciting to be able to textiles from the collection of including exhibitions and events. showcase a different and MIA to open in Washington. Qatar Museums Chair- more accessible side of the Fashion and Art will be held universities. Desert Drive-In Cultural Akbar Al Baker, person H E Sheikha Al partnership through the 2021 from March 24 to May 30. The Throughout the year, the Exchange, which will take Qatar Airways Group Mayassa bint Hamad bin Qatar-USA Year of Culture. exhibition, part of the US Embassy in Qatar works place outside of Los Angeles Khalifa Al Thani, said, “On I’m honored to be a part of the Tasweer Photo Festival, with Qatari partners to at Hummingbird Ranch in the Chief Executive, behalf of Qatar, I take great effort to share Qatari culture draws together African and identify and nominate current Fall, is a film screening said, “Qatar Airways pleasure in announcing these with audiences across the African Diaspora image- and emerging leaders in the program inspired by the rich programs, which show so United States, and to do the makers, many of whom are fields of cyber security, jour- history of nomadic Bedouin is delighted to be vividly how the Qatar-USA same with American culture African-American, based in nalism, education, art, STEM, culture. Desert Racing will be the Official Airline 2021 Year of Culture will in Qatar. These endeavors are established creative industry medicine, and the justice held in the Fall/Winter. The Partner of the Qatar- further align our two nations what deepen the ties between centers across the globe. system, among others, to par- unique experience will high- and strengthen the warm our people, and it is an honor Experimental Photog- ticipate in the three-week light the shared love of car USA Year of Culture friendship they enjoy. Our to help facilitate that.” raphy, which will run from International Visitor Lead- racing in both Qatar and the 2021. This year- vision nine years ago in estab- Ambassador Greta C. March 24 to May 30, is a series ership Program (IVLP) United States through a series lishing the Year of Culture Holtz, Chargé d’Affaires of the of installations by six contem- exchange program and the of races featuring Qatari and long collaboration program was to foster mutual US Embassy in Qatar, said, porary American artists that 1-9 month Fulbright program, American drivers. of programmes understanding across borders “The Qatar-USA 2021 Year of prompt discussion and respectively. Scheduled in November is on a humane, popular level by Culture builds on the friendly awareness of the expanded During the Fall, Qatar Made in Qatar, a screening will empower both appreciating one another’s diplomatic relations our two field of photography in the Museums will present the first event showcasing works by societies and inspire creative endeavours in cele- nations have shared since post-internet age. survey in the Gulf region of the Qatari filmmakers accom- brating Qatar’s win to host the 1972. The Year of Culture pro- Also this month is Sea- work of one of the best-known panied by talks at the Qatar mutual paths of FIFA World Cup in 2022. Now vides an extraordinary grass Tales, Dugong Trails in contemporary American artists America Institute for Culture understanding just under two years from framework within which we which the National Museum in Jeff Koons: Lost in America. in Washington, DC. for each other. As Qatar hosting its biggest can come together to cele- of Qatar, in collaboration with Curated by Massimiliano Gioni, Qatar Airways and Exxon- sporting event, our impressive brate our longstanding rela- ExxonMobil Research Qatar, the exhibition features more Mobil are platinum sponsors a global airline roster of programs demon- tionship and forge new con- will present a special exhi- than 60 artworks drawn from of the Qatar-USA 2021 Year of that brings people strates the breadth and depth nections through people-to- bition on dugongs - shy Koons’s four-decades-long Culture. of the experiences to be people exchanges.” marine mammals which have career, with each gallery intro- Dominic Genetti, Pres- together, we look shared throughout 2021 by In Qatar, a lineup of pro- inhabited the waters sur- duced by an autobiographical ident and General Manager forward to further the people of the United States grams will take place rounding Qatar’s peninsula text, compiled from interviews, for ExxonMobil Qatar, said, and Qatar.” throughout the country during for more than 7,500 years. statements, and quotes by the “ExxonMobil Qatar is pleased building the bridge Aisha Al Attiya, Head of the year kicking off with Inter- Holding both a special cul- artist, emphasizing his mem- to be the platinum sponsor of between Qatar and Years of Culture, said, “We national Women’s Day on tural and environmental sig- ories, influences and fasci- Qatar-US Year of Culture announce the program for the March 8 which will see a live nificance, the dugong was nation with American visual 2021. As a US company that the United States to Qatar-USA 2021 Year of virtual discussion organized by chosen as the museum’s culture. traces its relationship with celebrate and honour Culture with gratitude to the the US Embassy in Doha and official mascot. Throughout the year, Qatar for more than three both cultures.” partners in both countries Katara with prominent Qatari To be held next month, the Swalif, a series of virtual pro- decades, this is a significant who have developed this and American women on the US Embassy College Fair will grams will take place dis- initiative to us because it will extraordinary series of exhibi- topic of female empowerment comprise seminars for school cussing the US election showcase both our countries tions, events, and experiences. at 6pm. counsellors, parents, students, system, entrepreneurship, as centers of creative and cul- Through their efforts, they The New Black Vanguard: and other audiences, and will mental health, media literacy, tural opportunity. We’re also have already demonstrated Photography between feature US colleges and and education in the US, with pleased that our cooperation Qatari social media influencer with Qatar Museums will and comedian Hamad Al- include a temporary dugong Amari and invited American exhibition as part of the experts. Qatar-USA Year of Culture In November, Doha Film 2021 program that will be on Institute and Qatar Museums display at the National will co-host Cinema Under Museum of Qatar in March. the Stars-a program of fam- The exhibition will help ily-friendly film screenings educate the general public that will take place outside, about Qatar’s iconic dugongs, highlighting American films. and what can be done to Wide-ranging programs ensure they are protected.” will also take place H E Akbar Al Baker, Qatar throughout the United States Airways Group Chief Exec- during the year, one of which utive, said, “Qatar Airways is is Calli-graffiti – a multi-city delighted to be the Official installation of street art that Airline Partner of the Qatar- blends calligraphy and the USA Year of Culture 2021. This Arabic language, as inspired year-long collaboration of by French-Tunisian artist programmes will empower eLSeed. The tour begins next both societies and inspire month in Jersey City and will mutual paths of under- travel to other cities including standing for each other. As a Miami Beach during Art Basel. global airline that brings Dessert Recipe Tradeoff people together, we look will see chefs from both coun- forward to further building tries challenged to make tra- the bridge between Qatar and ditional desserts from the the United States to celebrate United States and Qatar in and honour both cultures.” The whole web pays for Google and Facebook to be free

that’s increasingly being swal- That’s left everyone else who specific services should have where signing up to just four lowed up by just Google and had been reliant on ads a price tag. Twitter’s Super writers’ output at $5 a month Facebook. scrambling to make ends Follows and Substack, which each is already more than the If online power, and the meet. offers subscriptions to indi- cost of a $17 New York Times ad revenue that comes with it, Adertising was always vidual writers’ newsletters, subscription, which gives you continues to concentrate more lucrative than simply lets you pay for what you a greater breadth of within those two platforms, selling to consumers. Back in want: Where one person coverage. ALEX WEBB expect what you watch, read 2006, the New York Times might be willing to spend on Super Follows are only BLOOMBERG or listen to elsewhere on the charged readers an average of someone’s tweets about cur- likely to be a small part of web to start costing you $534 for a subscription, while rency trading, another could Twitter’s business, at least at money. it brought in a further $1,064 choose to pay for a newsletter first. But taken in concert with Google and Facebook make a Before the internet, adver- per subscriber from ads. dedicated to gluten-free the rise of paywalls, sub- lot of noise about how their tising subsidized all the media Papers rarely had to increase cooking. scription streaming and main services are free to use. we consumed, from TV and their newsstand prices This system might be video-on-demand, the fact And it’s true, they are. But radio to magazines and news- because they were able to eke more efficient, since you are that even a new-ish media what they don’t highlight is papers. This ad-supported out more money from adver- theoretically only paying for company like Twitter needs to If online power, their role in making almost model made its way to the tisers instead, often well the media you want, but that add a paid layer points to a and the ad revenue everything else we consume web and conditioned us to ahead of the pace of inflation. doesn’t mean it will be world where everything aside online more expensive. expect online content to be Now that privilege is cheaper for consumers. The from Google and Facebook that comes with Consider all the paywalls free. News organizations, for reserved for the tech giants. rise of video-on-demand has a cost of entry. it, continues to and paid services that are example, didn’t charge Since 2017, Facebook has services like Netflix and That might not be a bad concentrate within rolling out across the internet. readers, in the misguided almost doubled its average Disney+ has demonstrated as thing, but we should rec- News, films, music and even hope that more eyeballs on revenue per user in the U.S. much. As my colleague Tara ognize the trade we’ve made those two platforms, theatrical streaming are now their stories would bring in and Canada to $159 a year, by Lachapelle has pointed out, from ad-subsidized media to expect what you available for a subscription more revenue from the serving up more ads and people who cut the cord on ad-subsidized search and fee. The latest example is banner ads they displayed. increasing prices when it traditional cable packages social networking. Perhaps watch, read or listen Twitter, which announced last In the past decade, needs to. Analysts expect have learned that the new now we can forge a better to elsewhere on the week that it plans a paid however, that ad money has Facebook’s total revenue to normal of multiple subscrip- understanding of the value of product, dubbed “Super gone overwhelmingly to the more than double again to tions isn’t necessarily any content. It costs money to web to start costing Follows,” where users can search and social media $176 billion by 2024. cheaper than the old world. produce, so it should also cost you money. charge followers for giants. Last year, Google and From a consumer per- Yes, you get better, more money to consume. “premium” tweets and other Facebook hoovered up 74% of spective, you could argue that convenient and largely Alex Webb is a Bloomberg content. The move is a way the $300 billion spent globally search and social networking ad-free viewing - but there’s Opinion columnist covering for the company to decrease to advertise on the web, should be free - after all, they a good chance you’re paying Europe’s technology, media its dependence on advertising according to the World are utilities that practically more for it. The same applies and communications revenue - a pot of money Advertising Research Council. everyone uses - while more to Twitter and Substack, industries. 10 ASIA THURSDAY 4 MARCH 2021 Myanmar security forces kill at least 38 protesters

AP & REUTERS Monywa, which has turned out The Democratic Voice of huge crowds, eight were Myanmar security forces Burma, an independent reported. Two deaths each were dramatically escalated their television and online reported in Salin, a town in crackdown on protests against Magwe region, and in Mandalay, last month’s coup, killing at least news service, tallied 38 the country’s second-biggest 38 protesters yesterday in deaths. The toll could city. Mawlamyine, in the coun- several cities, according to even be higher. try’s southeast, and Myingyan accounts on social media and and Kalay, both in central local news reports compiled by Myanmar, each had a single a data analyst. death. That is highest daily death The intensifying standoff is As part of the crackdown, toll since the February 1 unfortunately familiar in the security forces have also takeover, exceeding the 18 that country with a long history of arrested hundreds of people at the UN Human Rights Office peaceful resistance to military protests, including journalists. said were killed on Sunday, and rule — and brutal crackdowns. On Saturday, at least eight jour- could galvanise the interna- The coup reversed years of slow nalists, including Thein Zaw of tional community, which has progress toward democracy in The Associated Press, were responded fitfully thus far to the the Southeast Asian nation after detained. Protesters lie on the ground after police opened fire to disperse an anti-coup protest in Mandalay, violence. five decades of military rule. A video shows he had Myanmar, yesterday. Videos from yesterday also The yesterday’s death toll moved out of the way as police showed security forces firing was compiled by a data analyst charged down a street at pro- speaking on condition of ano- But there, too, action is arrested. Police can be seen slingshots at demonstrators, who spoke on condition of ano- testers, but then was seized by nymity because they were not unlikely. The regional group of kicking the three crew members chasing them down and even nymity because he feared for police officers, who handcuffed authorized the give the infor- 10 nations has a tradition of and thrashing them with rifle brutally beating an ambulance his safety. him and held him briefly in a mation before the official non-interference in each other’s butts. crew. He also collected infor- chokehold before marching him announcement. The United internal affairs. A statement by Security forces are believed The Democratic Voice of mation where he could on the away. Kingdom requested the the chair after the meeting to single out medical workers Burma, an independent tele- victims’ names, ages, home- He has been charged with meeting, they said. merely called for an end to vio- for arrest and mistreatment vision and online news service, towns, and where and how they violating a public safety law that Still, any kind of coordi- lence and for talks on how to because members of the tallied 38 deaths. The toll could were killed. could see him imprisoned for nated action at the United reach a peaceful settlement. medical profession launched even be higher. The AP was unable to inde- up to three years. Nations will be difficult since Ignoring that appeal, Myan- the country’s civil disobedience Demonstrators have regu- pendently confirm most of the The escalation of the two permanent members of the mar’s security forces on movement to resist the junta. larly flooded the streets of cities reported deaths, but several crackdown has led to increased Security Council, China and Wednesday continued to attack In Mandalay, riot police, across the country since the square with online postings. The diplomatic efforts to resolve Russia, would almost certainly peaceful protesters. backed by soldiers, broke up a military seized power and data analyst, who is in Yangon, Myanmar’s political crisis - but veto it. Some countries have In addition to the deaths, rally and chased around 1,000 ousted the elected government the country’s biggest city, said there appear to be few viable imposed or are considering there have been reports of other teachers and students from a of leader Aung San Suu Kyi. he collected the information to options. It’s not yet clear if yes- imposing their own sanctions. violence. street with tear gas as gun shots Their numbers have remained honor those who were killed for terday’s soaring death toll could The Association of Southeast In Yangon, a widely circu- could be heard. high even as security forces their heroic resistance. change the dynamic. Asian Nations, of which lated video taken from a Video from the AP showed have repeatedly fired tear gas, According to his list, the The UN Security Council is Myanmar is a member, held a security camera showed police a squad of police firing sling- rubber bullets and live rounds highest number of deaths were expected to hold a closed teleconference meeting of in the city brutally beating shots in the apparent direction to disperse the crowds, and in Yangon, where the total was meeting on the situation on foreign ministers on Tuesday to members of an ambulance crew of demonstrators as they arrested protesters en masse. 18. In the central city of Friday, council diplomats said, discuss the crisis. - apparently after they were dispersed. Thailand activist Singapore: Frontline bank staff accused of to get COVID-19 vaccines burning King’s REUTERS — SINGAPORE the vaccines include those portrait arrested involved in operations that Staff at Singapore’s banks enable the delivery of essential REUTERS — BANGKOK engaged in key operations are financial services and support, being offered COVID-19 vacci- such as cash withdrawals and An anti-government activist nations, making it one of the first deposits, treasury management accused of burning a portrait global centres to inoculate its and payments, the MAS said. of Thailand’s King Maha Vaji- financial services industry. “The vaccination pro- ralongkorn was arrested “Workers performing critical gramme will be rolled out to yesterday police said, the operations in systemically these essential workers in the latest among dozens of people important financial institutions financial sector in phases,” it said. charged in recent months for in Singapore have been invited It was not immediately clear insulting the monarchy. to indicate their interest to be when the vaccination drive for Musician and activist vaccinated,” the Monetary financial workers would begin. Chaiamorn “Ammy” Kaewwi- Authority of Singapore (MAS) The city-state of 5.7 million boonpan, 32 was arrested in said yesterday. people has largely brought the Ayutthaya province north of Local banks DBS Group virus under control with strict Bangkok and is accused of Holdings, OCBC and UOB, rules, mask wearing and contact setting fire to the portrait on regional lender Maybank and tracing. Life has returned to near Sunday in front of a Bangkok global banks HSBC, Citigroup normal but with limitations on prison where four prominent Promoting pineapples and Standard Chartered are part gatherings. activists are being held. of the vaccination drive, bank Last month, Singapore’s Chaiamorn is charged Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen attends an event promoting Taiwanese pineapples with leaders from representatives and the central health ministry reported “good under a strict lese majeste law southern part of the country in Taipei, yesterday. bank said. The move follows the progress” in its COVID-19 vacci- that carries a penalty of up to vaccination of most frontline nation programme, which 15 years in prison if found workers in Singapore’s kicked off on December 30. “Our guilty, as well as arson and healthcare and aviation sectors. employees performing essential trespassing on government Singapore’s central bank said roles in critical operations have property. AstraZeneca vaccines arrive in Taiwan its move was in line with the rec- been invited to indicate their “We have both witnesses ommendations of an expert interest to be vaccinated under and forensic evidence,” REUTERS — TAIPEI meaningful” event for Taiwan’s home-made COVID-19 vaccines panel appointed by the Ministry this programme,” said Patrick Bangkok police chief health workers. as early as July. of Health last year. Chew, head of operational risk Pakapong Pongpetra told a The first batch of COVID-19 “Every country is stock- The government plans to Bank workers being offered management at OCBC Bank. news conference, adding vaccines arrived in Taiwan piling. We of course welcome vaccinate frontline health and Chaiamorn was not the only yesterday, the health minister what was sent to us,” Chen said, quarantine workers first, and person suspected of said, adding the island is hoping adding Taiwan is working to get aims eventually to get up to 45 involvement. Chaiamorn was to secure more vaccines as it more imported vaccines. million vaccine doses for its 23 receiving medical treatment at prepares to begin its immuni- In December, Taiwan said it million people. a hospital for an injury unre- sation campaign. had agreed to buy almost 20 Taiwan has kept the pan- lated to his arrest, police said. About 117,000 doses of the million vaccine doses, including demic well under control thanks His lawyer Sasinan Tham- AstraZeneca Plc vaccines landed 10 million from AstraZeneca. It to early and effective pre- nithinan said he would be at Taipei’s main international is also getting 200,000 Astra- vention, including tough border granted access to Chaiamorn airport in the morning, Chen Zeneca vaccines via global controls and quarantine later yesterday when police Shih-chung told reporters. He vaccine initiative COVAX. measures, with only 23 active take a statement from his declined to say when the shots The government granted cases being treated in hospital. client. Months of youth-led will start being administered. emergency-use authorisation While Taiwan has been keen protest against the military- Chen said while the amount for the AstraZeneca shots last to start vaccinations, officials backed government of Prime of vaccines that arrived only month. Taiwan is also getting 5 have said that with such a low Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha represented a “relatively small” million doses from US drug- rate of infection there was not last year also broke traditional number of what the island has maker Moderna Inc, and the the same urgency to getting the taboos by calling for reform ordered from AstraZeneca, the government said last week it shots as other countries with a A nurse prepares to vaccinate healthcare workers at a hospital, of the powerful monarchy. shipment marked a “very could begin administering its far higher toll. amid the coronavirus disease pandemic, in Singapore. India: Covaxin shows interim vaccine efficacy of 81% BLOOMBERG — NEW DELHI in a statement yesterday. That’s biggest inoculation programs to The Phase 3 trial that reports of adverse reactions. have vigorously defended the better than Bharat Biotech’s contain its massive outbreak. enrolled 25,800 participants Despite the vaccine vaccine’s safety and effectiveness An Indian coronavirus vaccine guidance last year of around The data is also a rebuttal for aged 18 to 98 “was a challenging receiving the emergency use during the roll out. Prime Min- that generated controversy 60% and the country’s critics who had questioned the task for us,” Ella said. The approval in January, many of ister Narendra Modi was also when it was granted emergency benchmark of 50% for vaccines unprecedented haste with interim analysis was based on those in the priority list for injected with Covaxin on March approval before finishing its targeting the novel which the indigenously pro- 43 cases, of which 36 cases of receiving the initial injections 1 as he sought to allay fears final stage testing has shown to coronavirus. duced shot was approved in Covid-19 were observed in the failed to turn up for their shots, around the shot and urged provide strong protection The vaccine maker didn’t early January and deployed placebo group against seven concerned that they may be Indians to step forward for against COVID-19 in an interim say if the efficacy rate was among India’s frontline health cases seen in a set injected with given the experimental vaccine. inoculation. analysis of an advanced clinical measured at protecting against care workers even before pro- Covaxin. The sign ups among those The new data may boost trial. all symptoms, including mild viding any Phase 3 trial data. In June last year, India’s drug willing to be vaccinated have uptake in a nation that has reg- Covaxin, which was co- coughs, or just serious reactions Bharat Biotech’s Chairman regulator permitted the family- improved in the past week after istered the world’s second-largest developed by Hyderabad-based to the disease that require Krishna Ella said in the run and closely-held Bharat India’s government partially outbreak and is reporting a Bharat Biotech International Ltd hospitalization. statement that Covaxin has also Biotech to develop a homegrown allowed a private market to further spurt of infections in some and the Indian Council of The findings cement Bharat shown “significant immuno- vaccine in record time. Soon open and expanded the cam- states such as Maharashtra, trig- Medical Research, showed an Biotech’s claims of the vaccine genicity” against emerging var- after, work on Covaxin was paign to those aged over 60 and gering fears of regional restric- efficacy rate of 81% in those being safe and may help iants. In a separate video bogged down by controversies 45 who were at risk. tions after a national lockdown without prior infection after a overcome vaccine hesitancy as address, he added that “many ranging from unrealistic gov- Officials in New Delhi and the in March last year that hobbled second dose, the company said India rolls out one of the world’s people criticised us.” ernment schedules to sporadic management of Bharat Biotech the economy. THURSDAY 4 MARCH 2021 ASIA 11 Pakistan: Former PM wins Senate election in setback to govt AP — ISLAMABAD Votes for Senate, the upper Yusuf Raza Gilani defeated the ruling Tehreek-e- had ran unopposed. Sheikh against opposition’s house of Pakistan’s Parliament, Members of the provincial Gilani. A former Pakistani prime are cast by members of the Insaf party’s Hafeez Sheikh, an adviser to Imran assemblies and the National After Gilani’s victory was minister yesterday defeated a National Assembly, or the lower Khan who was made finance minister in December Assembly are elected in announced, almost all of the ruling party candidate in Senate house, and four provincial 2020. He received 169 votes to 164 for Sheikh. nationwide parliamentary elec- country’s opposition parties elections in a major setback to assemblies. tions, which last time took place hailed it and urged Khan to the government of Prime After Gilani’s win was The success of Gilani suggests some ruling party in 2018, when Khan’s party came resign. Minister Imran Khan, election announced in the Parliament lawmakers revolted and did not vote for Sheikh in to power. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, who authorities and opposition building, Sheikh — who had the election for a key seat reserved for Islamabad. Both chambers of parliament heads the country’s Pakistan parties said. served as a finance minister have legislative powers, and any People’s Party, took to Twitter, Yusuf Raza Gilani defeated during Gilani’s tenure as prime bill passed by the National saying “democracy is the best the ruling Tehreek-e-Insaf minister in 2010, congratulated Assembly must be approved by revenge.” party’s Hafeez Sheikh, an adviser Gilani in acknowledgement of been seen as a test for Khan, who regions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa the Senate before it becomes a Muhammad Zubair, a to Khan who was made finance his defeat. Results for the Sen- came to power in 2018 parlia- province. law. In turn, any legislations by spokesman for the Pakistan minister in December 2020, an ate’s other seats were still mentary elections. Khan had In Pakistan, Senate members the Senate goes to the National Muslim League party, also con- indication he will continue this coming in. hoped to improve his standing are elected for six-year terms Assembly, where Khan has a gratulated Gilani, saying his position after becoming a The result came hours after in the 100-member Senate, and as half the senators are due simple majority. success was the first key step for Senator. He received 169 votes Khan showed up in Parliament where his party had only 15 seats to retire after three years, elec- Hours before the the ouster of Khan’s to Sheikh’s 164. Gilani’s success in person to cast his vote for entering the elections. tions are required to replace 48 announcement of results of the government. suggests some ruling party law- Sheikh. Khan in the past several Until recently, the upper Senators who had completed Senate elections, Fawad Pakistan’s joint opposition makers revolted and did not vote days had extensively cam- house had 104 seats but four their terms. However, voting Chaudhry, minister for science plans to hold a major rally for Sheikh in the election for a paigned for Sheikh. were abolished after the merger yesterday was being held only and technology, had predicted against Khan’s government later key seat reserved for Islamabad. The Senate elections have of former northwestern tribal for 37 seats as other candidates an easy win for finance minister this month. IS claims killing Chinese-Australians of 3 female media workers say pandemic sparked in Afghanistan rise in discrimination AP — KABUL REUTERS — SYDNEY deliberately slander China, The Islamic State group has undermine Sino-Australian claimed responsibility for the One in five Chinese-Australians friendship and harm the well- killing of three women working say they have been physically being of the two peoples out of for a local radio and TV station threatened or attacked in the self-interest will be cast aside by in eastern Afghanistan, the latest past year because of the the world, and their descendants in a spike in targeted killings COVID-19 pandemic and will be ashamed to mention their across the war-tor country. tensions in Australia’s rela- negative role in history,” Wang Dozens of people gathered tionship with China, a survey by told the Australia-China Business yesterday for the funerals of the the Lowy Institute think tank Council dinner. three media workers. reported. The embassy has previously The women were gunned The findings prompted a call listed its grievances against down on Tuesday in separate from the Chinese-Australian Australia as including Can- attacks, according to the news Forum, a community group, for berra’s call for an independent editor of the privately owned national leadership to tackle investigation into the origins of station and officials in Nangarhar racism as Australia deals with a the coronavirus pandemic, the province. Afghan officials said more assertive China, and also bar on Chinese telecommuni- police arrested the alleged killer recognition that the Chinese cations company Huawei par- of the three, identifying him as Supporters of pro-democracy activists wave flashlights as a prison van which is carrying some of community in Australia is ticipating in the 5G network, Qari Baser and insisting he was 47 pro-democracy activists (not seen in the picture) charged with national security law leaves West diverse in its political views and and restricting foreign a Taliban — a claim promptly Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts, in Hong Kong, yesterday. origins. investment on national security denied by Taliban spokesman Around 5% of Australia’s grounds. Zabihullah Mujahid. population of 25 million claim Australia introduced a Nangarhar police chief, Gen. Bail hearing of Hong Kong democracy Chinese ancestry, the national foreign interference law in Juma Gul Hemat, said Baser had census shows. Half of the Lowy 2018 that has increased used a pistol with a silencer in activists adjourned for the third day survey respondents were born scrutiny of political donations the attacks. He was arrested outside mainland China, in by Chinese-Australians and led shortly after the attacks by police REUTERS — HONG KONG The charges are the most of bail hearings. places including Hong Kong, to a police raid on Chinese in Jalalabad, the provincial sweeping use yet of the national Foreign diplomats and rights Malaysia and Taiwan. media outlets. capital. The IS claim, posted late A Hong Kong court yesterday security law that Beijing imposed groups are closely monitoring “Chinese-Australians were Half of respondents to the Tuesday, contradicted the adjourned for a third day the bail on the global financial hub in the case amid mounting con- always going to be sandwiched Lowy survey said they were Afghan government’s accusa- hearing of 47 pro-democracy June 2020 and are punishable cerns over the independence of in geopolitical tensions with concerned about China’s tions against the Taliban. The activists charged with conspiracy with up to life in prison. the former British colony’s (China),” said president of the influence on Australian political militants said the three female to commit subversion, a case that In contrast with Hong Kong’s vaunted judicial system that is Chinese-Australian Forum, Jason processes, and half said the journalists were targeted has exacerbated international common law traditions, the new seen as the foundation on which Li. media and politicians paid the because they worked for one of concern over freedoms in the security law puts the onus on its financial prowess was built. “How we manage the rising “right amount” or “too little” the “media stations loyal to the financial hub. defendants to prove they will not “We’ve not seen something distrust towards 1.4 million of our attention to the issue. Afghan government” in The marathon bail pro- pose a security threat if released like this before. It’s usually very fellow Australians will be a sig- Australia’s public broadcaster, Jalalabad. ceedings have gone on late into on bail. fast... It’s very strange,” said nificant test of our multicultur- the ABC, launched a Chinese-lan- It was not the first attack the night for three consecutive The activists, aged 23-64, are Consul General of Ireland David alism and our values as an open, guage Youtube video channel this against women working at the days, causing five of the accused of organising and par- Costello, who was at the court on liberal society.” week offering Australian news, Enikass Radio and TV. In defendants to fall ill and seek ticipating in an unofficial primary behalf of the European Union, Three-quarters of after concerns from government December, IS claimed the killing medical assistance. poll last July that authorities said regarding the length of the respondents said Australia was and some community groups of another female employee Local media footage showed was part of a plan to “overthrow” hearings. a good or very good place to live. about Chinese government there, Malala Maiwand. the defendants dressed in the the government. “It’s a test of what’s going to The survey came as the influence on Chinese language Afghan President Ashraf same clothes for four days since The election was aimed at happen in Hong Kong.” The Chinese embassy published a media outlets in Australia. Ghani condemned on Tuesday’s they were formally charged on selecting the strongest candi- detentions have been fiercely speech by deputy head of Li said the survey’s finding attack, saying that assaults on Sunday, some looking exhausted. dates for a legislative council criticised by governments in the mission Wang Xining, who that seven out of 10 Chinese- “innocent compatriots, espe- A number of them dismissed election that the government West, including in Britain and the attacked “scumbags” in Australia Australians feel a sense of cially women, are contrary to the their legal representatives and later postponed, citing the coro- United States. Any rejection of who criticised the Chinese belonging to Australia “vindi- teachings of Islam, Afghan plan to add more testimony to navirus. Hong Kong laws restrict bail is expected to ramp up ten- government. cates the strength of Australia’s culture and the spirit of peace.” their submissions to the court. media coverage of the content sions with Beijing. “Those scumbags who multiculturalism”.

Japan searches for 5 crew missing Virus state of emergency may be extended in Tokyo AP — TOKYO are in a very important phase,” from Chinese Suga told reporters yesterday. “In Japanese Prime Minister order to protect people’s lives and fishing boat Yoshihide Suga said yesterday he health, I think we need to extend is considering extending a coro- (the state of emergency) for about AP — TOKYO navirus state of emergency in the two weeks.” Tokyo is to host the Tokyo region for about two Olympics, delayed by one year Japanese coast guard personnel weeks because of concerns that because of the virus, starting July were searching yesterday for infections have not slowed 23. five crewmembers missing from enough and are continuing to The state of emergency a Chinese fishing boat that strain medical systems in the centers around asking restau- capsized near disputed waters. region. rants, bars and other businesses A patrol plane that was dis- Suga declared a month-long to voluntarily close at 8pm Japan patched after a distress call on state of emergency on January 7 has never had a mandatory Tuesday spotted the capsized for Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama lockdown, but has managed to 105-tonne Shen Lian Cheng 707 and Chiba, and then extended it keep infections relatively low, Schoolgirls, wearing surgical masks, cross a street at lunchtime in Kyoto, western Japan. about 330km north of Ishigaki through March 7. An emergency Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike and the Island, a southern island near issued for up to 10 other urban heads of neighboring prefectures the Japanese-controlled prefectures later in January was have raised concerns that a peaking at about 2,000 in early Japan reported more than decision quickly. He said Senkakus. lifted last week, underscoring the lifting of the emergency this January, but the decline has 434,000 cases and about 8,000 medical systems in the region Five of its 10 crew members government’s eagerness to allow weekend could trigger a quick slowed recently. Tokyo yesterday deaths as of Tuesday. are still burdened with were rescued on Tuesday by businesses to return to normal as rebound in infections. reported 316 new cases, up from Suga said he will consult COVID-19 patients and more another Chinese boat passing soon as possible. Daily new cases in Tokyo 232 the day before, raising its with experts and prefectural hospital beds have to be freed nearby, the Japanese coast “Our anti-infection measures have decreased significantly after total to 112,345. Nationwide, leaders and make a final up. guard said, quoting information provided by Chinese maritime authorities. A Japanese patrol ship was Fukushima chief: No need to extend decommissioning target still searching for the five missing yesterday. AP — TOKYO a massive March 2011 earthquake recent earthquake may have removal of spent fuel units from said on Tuesday in an online The fishing boat’s activity and tsunami that devastated caused new damage to the cooling pools is already being interview. and movement or the cause of The head of the wrecked Fuku- northeastern Japan, the Fuku- reactors. delayed for up to five years. “We will stick to the 30-to- the capsizing was not known. shima nuclear plant says there’s shima Daiichi plant has stabilized About 900 tonnes of melted But Akira Ono, who as head 40-year finishing target, and will Weather in the area was windy no need to extend the current but faces new challenges. fuel debris remain inside the of the plant is also its chief compile a timeline and tech- with rough waves at the time of target to finish its decommis- Nuclear regulators recently plant’s three damaged reactors, decommissioning officer, said he nology and development plans the capsizing on Tuesday sioning in 30-40 years despite found fatal levels of contami- and its safe removal is a daunting doesn’t plan to change the accordingly.” He said TEPCO morning. Ishigaki is north of the uncertainties about melted fuel nation under the lids of two task that its operator, Tokyo current goal to finish decommis- plans to focus primarily on the Japanese-controlled Senkaku inside the plant’s three reactors. reactors, a test removal of melted Electric Power Co., or TEPCO, sioning between 2041 and 2051. coming decade and hopefully Islands, also claimed by China Ten years after meltdowns fuel debris from one reactor has and the government say will take “I don’t think we need to will release a new 10-year road and called Diaoyu. of three of its reactors following been delayed for a year, and a 30-40 years to finish. The revise the target right now,” Ono map by the end of March. 12 EUROPE THURSDAY 4 MARCH 2021 UK extends job support, tax breaks for virus-hit economy

AP — LONDON this year and 7.3% in 2022. Chancellor of the Exchequer Yesterday, Sunak Britain’s treasury chief Rishi Sunak announced an announced plans to extend yesterday announced an addi- additional £65bn of support those support programs for six tional £65bn ($91bn) of support for an economy revaged by months. They include a furlough for an economy ravaged by the the pandemic. He said it is program, under which the gov- coronavirus pandemic, too soon for the government ernment pays 80% of the wages extending job support for private employees unable programmes and temporary tax to rein in spending, adding to work during the pandemic, cuts to help workers and busi- that his plans would as well as grants for self- nesses in his annual budget. “protect the jobs and employed workers, a temporary Chancellor of the Exchequer livelihoods of the British increase in welfare payments Rishi Sunak told the House of people” through September and tax relief for businesses. Commons that it is too soon as the government slowly Looking to the future, Sunak for the government to rein in said the government will in spending, saying that his plans lifts lockdown restrictions 2023 increase corporation tax would “protect the jobs and that have shut businesses to 25%, from the current rate of livelihoods of the British across the UK. 19%, and freeze personal people” through September as income tax thresholds, which the government slowly lifts will increase revenue as lockdown restrictions that will still be 3% smaller five years inflation boosts incomes. have shut businesses across the from now than it would have But opposition leader Keir UK. been without the pandemic. Starmer accused Sunak of At the same time, he said Sunak said government failing to address deep-seated Britain must be prepared to cut support programs have suc- economic problems and the deficit, announcing plans to Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, speaks with a staff member during her visit to a vaccination centre at ceeded in mitigating the impact. banking on a “consumer increase the tax on corporate St Paul’s Church in Croydon, London, Britain, yesterday. The unemployment rate is now spending blitz” to bail out the profits and boost revenue from expected to peak at about 6.5%, economy. Starmer said the personal income taxes in 2023. change. Of difficulties, yes, but risen to levels not seen since by 10% and cost more than rather than the 11.9% forecast budget fails millions of key “An important moment is of possibilities, too. This is a World War II as the government 700,000 people their jobs. Pro- last July, he said, citing esti- workers who are having their pay upon us,” Sunak told the House budget that meets that seeks to cushion the fallout jections released Wednesday by mates from the Office for frozen, businesses swamped by of Commons. “A moment of moment.” from COVID-19, which has the Office for Budget Respon- Budget Responsibility. The debt, and families paying higher challenge and of UK public borrowing has reduced gross domestic product sibility show that the economy economy is forecast to grow 4% local property taxes. France eyes possible easing of COVID-19 curbs from mid-April REUTERS — PARIS “The president (Emmanuel government would see this Macron) asked us to submit pro- week whether local weekend France is preparing for a posals that could allow for a lockdowns might be needed in possible easing of coronavirus cautious re-opening of the 20 areas with high infection restrictions from mid-April as country soon.” rates, including Paris and the it banks on an acceleration of Earlier this week, Health Min- surrounding region. its vaccination campaign ister Olivier Veran said France will France reported 22,857 against the pandemic, retain its current measures aimed new confirmed COVID-19 government spokesman Gabriel at limiting the spread of cases on Tuesday, sharply up Attal said yesterday. COVID-19, including a nighttime from 4,703 on Monday and up “We will still face hard curfew, as a bare minimum for the from 19,952 on Sunday, con- times, it is true, but for the first next four to six weeks. firming the fresh upward trend time in months, the return to Other measures now in of the disease. more normal living conditions force include the closure of res- Attal said the situation was is in sight,” Attal told reporters taurants, museums, sports and “worrying” but the increase following a meeting of the music venues. was “not exponential”. French cabinet. Prime Minister Jean Castex With 3.783 million cases “It is neither a distant nor will hold a news conference reported since the outbreak of uncertain horizon — it is an today to provide an update on the pandemic a year ago, horizon that is getting closer the country’s health situation. France has the sixth highest and closer. We hope maybe He said last week a new tally in the world. Its 87,220 An employee carries spring bloomers in the Rosengut Langerwisch greenhouse as garden centres from mid-April, and we are pre- lockdown was not on the death toll is the seventh highest open according to first measures to lift the coronavirus lockdown in Michendorf, Brandenburg, paring for it,” he said. agenda but that the globally. Germany, yesterday. Spain: Eight jailed for burning police French court weighs action over nursing home virus deaths AP — PARIS to dismiss the legal effort as nursing homes. It is among die in their nursing homes. government said it had to act van amid rapper frivolous and shaky on proce- dozens of legal cases around the A dozen defense lawyers fast to protect the country’s One plaintiff lost her father in dural grounds, frustrated fam- alleged mismanagement of the spoke at the hearing, arguing most vulnerable populations. protests a nursing home last spring as ilies in the courtroom gasped pandemic that are working that the families were asking for But many families say the the virus pandemic swept and sighed. “Our parents are through the French justice documents that don’t exist or lockdown deprived them of AP — BARCELONA France. Another has fought for dying!” said Clara Bouaziz, system, along with similar documents protected by decision-making abilities for a year to keep her mother, whose father died early in the efforts in neighboring Spain, medical privacy regulations, or their loved ones, and that in A judge in Spain yesterday isolated in another nursing pandemic. Italy and beyond. that their clients did nothing some cases the enforced iso- denied bail to eight people home, out of depression. Yesterday’s hearing was the The French procedure wrong. They focused on tech- lation worsened cognitive and following their arrest for They’re among multiple first step in a likely years-long targets several nursing homes, nical issues and didn’t address other health problems. violent clashes with police family members and advocacy legal marathon. Families hope it the national health agency DGS, the larger questions about mis- Recognising these concerns, during protests against the groups who appeared in a Paris will shine a light on what went the Paris public hospital management of the President Emmanuel Macron imprisonment of a rap artist. court yesterday, in an unusual, wrong last year as the virus dev- authority and others. Plaintiffs pandemic. relaxed some rules for nursing The suspects — five Italian collective legal effort to get astated France’s oldest gener- include family members of Paul-Albert Iweins, repre- homes ahead of everything else men, one Italian woman, one answers from French author- ation and deprived their children nursing home residents, doctors senting the National Public as France’s first lockdown French woman and one ities and companies about their and grandchildren of a chance to and associations. Health Agency, said that digging eased. But for many, the Spanish woman—were management of the pandemic help or even say goodbye. Their complaint focuses on for the documents the families damage had already been done. allegedly part of a group that in homes for the elderly and “We want to ensure that multiple issues at French homes want takes a lot of time for the And new waves of infections in set fire to a police van in Bar- disabled. mistakes aren’t repeated, that for the elderly and disabled agency’s small staff, that would the summer, fall and winter sent celona on Saturday. The families are trying to someone is held responsible,” during the first half of 2020: be “infinitely better spent many nursing homes back into They face potential figure out who can be held said plaintiff Sabrina Deliry, who mask shortages for residents fighting the pandemic.” temporary, repeated charges that include attempted accountable after the virus has mobilized families around and staff; testing shortages; the An initial decision in the shutdowns. homicide, assaulting law claimed the lives of tens of France since her mother’s Paris use of a powerful sedative case is expected on June 9. French officials say mask enforcement officers, and thousands of French nursing nursing home was first locked called Rivotril on some resi- After France recorded shortages at the outset of the forming part of a criminal home residents, and families down a year ago. dents while homes were locked Europe’s first virus infections pandemic were beyond their group. were locked out and left in the The hearing involved a down; and opaque decisions on and deaths a year ago, French control and a global problem, Catalan interior chief dark about what was happening special measure to demand which residents received hos- officials shut down nursing and note that masks have been Miquel Sàmper said the sus- to their loved ones. access to documents or other pital treatment for the virus - homes to outsiders and kept mandatory and widely available pects held in custody belong As defense lawyers sought material involving decisions at and which were left to suffer or residents inside. The since last summer. to an international “anarchist movement.” Another five people were also arrested during the Spanish King’s sisters spark outcry by clashes but were released by the judge. getting early vaccine outside country The group is accused of using an inflammable liquid REUTERS — MADRID to set fire to a police van while El Mundo newspaper cited some sort of representation, an officer was inside it. The sisters of Spain’s King a statement from the prin- must lead by example.” The officer escaped Felipe were vaccinated in Abu cesses as saying that they were Spain aims to have 70% of through the passenger door Dhabi last month while visiting offered the vaccine to gain a its 47 million population inoc- and reportedly used an their father who is living in “health passport”, allowing ulated by summer, but only 1.3 extinguisher to put out the self-imposed exile, online them to visit their father more million have been fully vacci- flames. newspaper El Confidencial regularly, and that otherwise nated so far. Catalan police said they reported yesterday, sparking they would have awaited their The outcry arose after had already detected the outrage at home where most turn in Spain. many local politicians and group that was allegedly Spaniards are still awaiting Cristina’s lawyer had no high-ranking military officials active in damaging property their shots. comment. Fundacion Mapfre, were outed as having jumped and clashing with police Elena de Borbon and her the Madrid-based social and the vaccination queue, trig- during several days of pro- sister Cristina visited former cultural branch of insurance gering a wave of tests following the arrest and king Juan Carlos who has been company Mapfre where resignations. imprisonment of rapper in the United Arab Emirates Elena works, also declined to A palace source said the Pablo Hasél. since leaving Spain in August comment. Labour Minister king’s sisters were not its Hasél is serving nine under a cloud of scandal. Yolanda Diaz criticised the concern as they were no months for inciting terrorism Food delivery workers protest The UAE says it only vac- two for taking the shot while longer technically part of the - he has praised two now- cinates residents and citizens so many in Spain are still royal family since their father A food delivery rider of Glovo stops in a street of Barcelona’s city defunct armed groups respon- with valid identification cards. waiting. abdicated. The king, Queen centre. Food delivery workers protested across Spain yesterday, sible for killing over 1,000 According to Our World in “It is very unpleasant,” she Letizia and their daughters people in Spain — and for urging the government to approve a promised law granting them Data, about 60% of the popu- told state broadcaster RTVE. would get their shots when it refusing to pay a fine for the right to choose between being company staff or self-employed. lation has received a vaccine. “We, the people who exercise was their turn. insulting Spain’s former king. THURSDAY 4 MARCH 2021 EUROPE 13 Russia vows to retaliate new Western sanctions

AP & REUTERS — MOSCOW Sweden, and tests by the US President Joe Biden’s Organization for the Prohibition The Kremlin yesterday administration of Chemical Weapons, estab- shrugged off new Western lished that he was exposed to a sanctions over the poisoning and sanctioned seven Russian Soviet-era Novichok nerve arrest of Russian opposition officials on Tuesday, agent. Russian authorities have leader Alexei Navalny as along with more than a denied any involvement in the unfounded and pointless - but dozen government poisoning. warned that Moscow will entities, over the nerve- Navalny was arrested on retaliate. January 17 upon returning US President Joe Biden’s agent attack on Navalny from Germany, where he administration sanctioned seven and his subsequent spent five months recovering Russian officials on Tuesday, jailing. It coordinated the from the poisoning. His arrest along with more than a dozen move with the European triggered massive protests, to government entities, over the Union, which expanded which the Russian authorities nerve-agent attack on Navalny responded with a sweeping and his subsequent jailing. It its own sanctions. crackdown. coordinated the move with the Last month, Navalny was European Union, which sentenced to 2 1/2 years in expanded its own sanctions. “absolutely unacceptable, prison for violating the terms Boosting ties Commenting on the US and inflicting significant damage to of his probation while conva- Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and the Foreign Minister of Georgian breakaway region of the EU decisions, Kremlin the already poor ties.” lescing in Germany. spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Peskov warned that Russia Kremlin critic Alexei Abkhazia, Daur Kove, attending a meeting in Moscow, Russia, yesterday. the sanctions against top Russian will now choose a “response Navalny is sharing a quarantine officials that include a freeze on that would best serve our own cell in central Russia, allies said their bank accounts duplicate interests,” adding that the rel- yesterday, revealing his Russia’s own law that bans them evant state agencies would location for the first time since Putin seeks crackdown on those from having financial and other draft their proposals and submit he was moved from jail in assets abroad. them to the Kremlin. Moscow last week to serve a “These people don’t make “The principle of reciprocity 2-1/2 year sentence in a penal who push children to protest foreign trips anyway and they in relations between states can’t colony. The whereabouts of AP — MOSCOW Speaking to top officials of the actions, and it’s necessary to don’t have the right to open be abandoned,” he said. Navalny, 44, had been a Interior Ministry, which oversees respond accordingly,” Putin accounts in foreign banks or Navalny, the most prom- mystery since he left jail in Russia’s President Vladimir Putin the police, Putin said they should said. Last month, Russian have any other foreign assets,” inent critic of Russian President Moscow. His lawyer Vadim yesterday urged police to track more actively monitor social authorities charged Leonid Peskov said in a conference call Vladimir Putin, fell sick on Kobzev told Reuters he had met down people who encourage platforms and track down those Volkov, a chief strategist for with reporters. August 20 during a domestic Navalny at the Kolchugino jail children to join in unsanctioned who “draw the underaged into Navalny, with encouraging At the same time, he added flight in Russia and was flown in the Vladimir region northeast demonstrations, a move that unlawful actions.” minors to take part in unau- that the US and EU restrictions while still in a coma to Berlin of Moscow. Navalny was was follows a wave of protests against “It’s a violation of the law to thorized rallies, which could “represent meddling in Russia’s for treatment two days later. feeling good despite hardship, the jailing of opposition leader draw the children into illegal land him in jail for up to three internal affairs” and are Labs in Germany, France and Kobzev said. Alexei Navalny. and unsanctioned street years. Thousands Orban-led party quits EU lawmakers group rally in Armenia BLOOMBERG — BUDAPEST eroding the rule of law in “The EPP, to put it bluntly, Fidesz to the Hungarian ruling Chairman Manfred Weber on Hungary and his public has acted as Orban’s enabler by party’s members holding seats Wednesday. “This is antidemo- to demand PM’s Hungarian Prime Minister embrace of populists and stymieing EU efforts to check in European Parliament. cratic, unjust and Viktor Orban pulled his ruling nationalists. The European the autocratic transformation A proposal to the effect was unacceptable.” resignation party out of the parliamentary Commission is also poised to of Hungary,” Daniel Hegedus, expected to be filed within days Fidesz will remain inde- caucus of the European Union’s implement a new mechanism a fellow at the Berlin-based and was all but certain to be pendent in the EU Parliament AP — YEREVAN largest political group as the that may cut billions of euros in German Marshall Fund, said by approved, as a simply majority for now, although it’s exploring bloc piles pressure on him over funding for projects deemed phone. “In this regard, today’s of votes will be enough to pass options, including whether to Armenian authorities yesterday the erosion of democratic flouting the bloc’s norms and events were important and it, according to the amended join an existing political group, deployed snipers in the norms. undermining its financial clearly negative for Orban.” rules that garnered broad to create a new one, or another parliament building as thou- Orban triggered the exit of interests. Orban’s overhaul included support on Wednesday. alternative, Tamas Deutsch, a sands of protesters rallied his 12 European Parliament The center-right group is extending his influence over the Orban didn’t wait to suffer European Parliament member nearby, and launched a criminal lawmakers yesterday after a trying to regain its credibility courts and the media and another political humiliation. from the Hungarian ruling party probe against a top opposition vote by the European People’s over democracy-related issues reducing the autonomy of inde- It’s not clear whether he also whom the EPP effectively sus- leader amid the country’s Party caucus cleared the way after largely shielding and legit- pendent institutions. The EU is plans to withdraw Fidesz from pended in December, said in a spiraling political crisis. to suspend them. That leaves imising Orban for the first half currently probing Hungary’s the larger EPP party, which acts phone interview. Thousands of opposition the EPP with 175 members in of a more than decade-old suspected rule-of-law viola- as the umbrella for the center- He also said Fidesz will, for supporters rallied in the the 705-seat legislature, still the power consolidation. Since tions under its Article 7 pro- right formation, or only its par- the time being, remain as sus- Armenian capital yesterday to largest group. then, Orban’s ideology spread cedure, which can lead to the liamentary group. pended members of the EPP. demand the prime minister’s The EPP, which includes to other eastern EU nations, suspension of a member state’s “The amendments to the “It’s safe to say that today’s resignation, amid a heavy German Chancellor Angela including Poland and Slovenia, voting right. rules of the EPP group are events didn’t strengthen the presence of security forces. Merkel’s Christian Democratic and inspired opposition parties The vote by the EPP caucus clearly a hostile move against likelihood of Fidesz remaining Nikol Pashinyan has faced Union, is stepping up pressure in western members from Italy opened the door to expand the Fidesz and our voters,” Orban an EPP member in the long opposition demands to step on Orban over a decade of to France. party’s 2019 suspension of wrote in a letter to EPP group run,” Deutsch said. down since he signed a November peace deal that ended fierce fighting over the Hungary to extend AstraZeneca Nagorno-Karabakh region, in which Azerbaijan routed the Armenian forces. jabs to people aged over 60 The political tensions esca- lated last week when the mil- REUTERS — BUDAPEST gap between the AstraZeneca itary’s General Staff demanded doses to 12 weeks. Pashinyan’s resignation, and he Hungary plans to extend the “A new change is that it responded by firing the chief of use of AstraZeneca’s corona- (AstraZeneca jab) can be given the General Staff, Col. Gen. Onik virus vaccine to people older to everyone above the age of 18 Gasparyan.Yesterday, about than 60 after data showed its without any age limit. There has 10,000 opposition demon- efficacy in the group, Surgeon been sufficient data that proves strators rallied outside the par- General Cecilia Muller said its efficacy also for older people,” liament building at a time when yesterday as the country ramped Muller said in a briefing. Pashinyan arrived to attend a up its inoculation campaign. It was not clear when session. A week ago, Hungary Hungary would implement the As part of tight security became the first European change. Its AstraZeneca vacci- measures, security agents Union member to start inocu- nation program scheduled for armed with sniper rifles took lating people with China’s this coming weekend is still positions in the building’s Sinopharm vaccine after rolling only for people aged 18 to 60 windows and on its roof and out Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine who have chronic diseases. remotely controlled stun gre- as well, even though neither Hungary plans to admin- nades were placed in a park has been granted approval for ister more than half a million outside. Vazgen Manukyan, a emergency use by the bloc. jabs over the next week with the veteran politician whom the In order to ensure as many five available vaccines, as it tries opposition named as a pro- people as possible get at least to boost vaccinations to contain spective caretaker prime min- a first dose of a vaccine fast, the a third wave of the pandemic ister, denounced the security Hungarian government has partly fueled by the British measures as an attempt by already extended the gap variant of the virus. As of yes- Waiting for vaccination Pashinyan to scare his between the first and second terday, just over 758,000 people opponents. People queue to receive their vaccine at a COVID-19 vaccination centre in Brussels, Belgium, yesterday. doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech in Hungary had received at least vaccine. It also has widened the one dose of a vaccine. EU to raise strong concerns about UK Crisis deepens in Slovakia over Sputnik V secret deal move on N Ireland REUTERS — LONDON AP — PRAGUE coalition is so serious that deal to acquire 2 million Sputnik the For People party, didn’t rule called on his partners to put “we can hardly continue this V vaccines, saying it will speed out an option to leave the aside their disputes and nego- The European Union will raise The political crisis in Slovakia way.” up the vaccination program in coalition. tiate a way to move forward. its “strong concerns” about deepened yesterday after a “It’s evident we haven’t suc- one of the European Union’s The head of that party, Kollar invited representatives Britain’s extension of a grace member of the ruling coalition ceeded in the fight against the countries hit hardest by the Deputy Prime Minister Veronika of all the four coalition parties period for some checks on demanded a reconstruction of pandemic,” Sulik said. pandemic. Remisova, was meeting Sulik to meet later. agricultural and food products the Cabinet. His party said unspecified But it was condemned by and other leaders - including Pro-Western Matovic struck heading to Northern Ireland, The crisis was triggered by changes in the government are Foreign Minister Ivan Korcok, another critic of the Sputnik V a deal last year to govern with European Commission Vice- a secret deal to acquire Russia’s needed for the coalition to who was nominated to the post deal, President Zuzana the pro-business Freedom and President Maros Sefcovic said. Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine continue. by Sulik’s party and who said Caputova—over the crisis Solidarity party; the conserv- “I’ll be speaking to @Dav- orchestrated by the country’s Sulik has often clashed with the vaccine was a tool in Rus- yesterday. ative For People, a party estab- idGHFrost tonight on the prime minister despite disa- Prime Minister Igor Matovic sia’s hybrid war against the Remisova said any vaccine lished by former President implementation of EU-UK greement among his coalition over how to tackle the pan- West. Korcok said the purchase needs approval from the EU’s Andrej Kiska; and We Are agreements. I’ll be raising our partners. demic but the current crisis is cast doubts on his country’s drug regulator. Family, a populist right-wing strong concerns on the respect Richard Sulik, head of the the most serious problem the clear pro-Western Parliament speaker Boris group that is allied with of the IE/NI Protocol, following Freedom and Solidarity coalition has faced. orientation. Kollar, the leader of the fourth France’s far-right National Rally today’s announcements,” Sef- party, said the situation in the Matovic has defended the Another coalition partner, coalition party, We Are Family, party. covic said on Twitter. 14 AMERICAS THURSDAY 4 MARCH 2021 Authorities probe role of human smuggling in California collision AP — HOLTVILLE US Immigration and All-American Canal, an aqueduct that runs along the Barely a mile from where an Customs Enforcement border and unleashes Colorado SUV packed with 25 people said that agents in its River water to farms through a struck a tractor-trailer — killing vast network of canals. 13 inside — there is a cemetery Homeland Security At the back of Terrace Park with unmarked bricks that is a Investigations unit Cemetery in Holtville, single burial ground for migrants who “have initiated a bricks — rows of them — mark died crossing the border from the unidentified remains of Mexico to remote California human smuggling people who died, including desert. investigation. The many migrants. Authorities are investigating In 2001, John Hunter whether human smuggling was investigation is founded Water Station, a vol- involved in the early Tuesday ongoing and no unteer group that leaves jugs of Members of the Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Teams inspect the scene of a collision between morning collision that killed the water in giant plastic drums for a sport utility vehicle and a tractor-trailer truck near Holtville, California, US, on Tuesday. 22-year-old male driver of the further details are dehydrated migrants. SUV and 12 passengers. The available at this time.” “I was trying to figure out investigation is ongoing and no from Mexicali, Mexico, just northbound on State Highway Mexican government said 10 of how to stop the deaths,” said further details are available at across the border, and was 115 when the SUV pulled in front the dead were Mexican citizens Hunter, whose brother Duncan this time.” among those killed. The of it from a road with a stop and that nationalities of the maximize their profits. strongly advocated for border When police arrived at the 68-year-old driver of the big sign. three others who died was The crash happened during wall construction as a crash site about 125 miles east rig, who is from the nearby Cal- A California Highway Patrol undetermined. the height of the harvest in Cal- congressman. of San Diego, some passengers ifornia community of El Centro, report said the SUV entered an Seats of the 1997 Ford Expe- ifornia’s Imperial Valley agri- Illegal crossings in the area were trying to crawl out of the was hospitalized with moderate intersection directly in front of dition had been removed except cultural region, which provides fell sharply in the mid-2000s crumpled SUV. Others were injuries. the big-rig, which hit the left for the driver and right front much of the lettuce, onions, but the area has remained a wandering around the fields. The passengers’ injuries side of the SUV. Both vehicles passenger seats, said Omar broccoli and winter vegetables draw for migrants and was a The rig’s front end was pushed ranged from minor to severe came to a halt on a dirt Watson, chief of the California to US supermarkets. The com- priority for wall construction into the SUV’s left side and two and included fractures and head shoulder. Highway Patrol’s border munity of Holtville where the under former President Donald empty trailers were jackknifed trauma. They were being cared It’s not clear if the SUV ran division. crash happened is a no-stop- Trump. His administration’s behind it. for at several hospitals. One a stop sign or had stopped The cause of the collision light town with a gazebo in its first wall project was in “It was a pretty chaotic person was treated at a hospital before entering the highway. was undetermined, authorities large central square and calls Calexico. scene,” said Watson. and released. Speeds were also unknown. said. It also was unknown why itself the world’s carrot capital. US Immigration and The Border Patrol said its The crash occurred around The speed limit for tractor- so many people were crammed The area became a major Customs Enforcement said late agents were not pursuing the 6.15am under clear, sunny skies trailers on the highway is 55 into a vehicle built to hold eight route for illegal border crossings Tuesday that agents in its vehicle before the crash. at an intersection just outside mph (89 kph), according to people safely. But smugglers in the late 1990s after Homeland Security Investiga- Passengers in the SUV Holtville, about 11 miles north California Highway Patrol have been known to pack heightened enforcement in San tions unit “have initiated a ranged in age from 15 to 53 and of the border. Authorities said Officer Jake Sanchez. The people into vehicles in Diego pushed migrants to more human smuggling investigation were a mix of men and women, the tractor-trailer and its two other road also has a 55mph extremely unsafe conditions to remote areas. Many crossed the (into Tuesday’s crash). The officials said. The driver was empty containers were speed limit. Man who used Guatemala begins reshaping court; graft concerns grow van to kill 10 AP — GUATEMALA CITY Nations anti-corruption because the next court will selection of judges on other University of San Carlos de mission, known as CICIG. likely decide the fate of politi- courts. Guatemala, Murphy Paíz, one pedestrians in Guatemala’s Congress began Selecting the new members cians accused of corruption like The court is made up of five of those who would help choose reshaping the country’s highest of the Constitutional Court has former President Otto Pérez magistrates and five alternates. new Constitutional Court Toronto guilty court on Tuesday, selecting a roiled Guatemalan politics since Molina, military officers con- The congress picks a magistrate members, for allegedly col- new magistrate and an alternate last year. The congressional victed of crimes against and alternate Tuesday and then luding on votes. He said he AP — TORONTO in decisions that could have selections on Tuesday were the humanity and the potential can- Guatemala’s bar association, would present himself to grave consequences for the first of a series of sectors didacy of Zury Ríos, daughter public university council, pres- authorities to resolve the A man who admitted using a battle against corruption and charged with picking the new of ex-dictator Efraín Ríos Montt, ident and Supreme Court pick matter, but instead checked van to kill 10 pedestrians in impunity. court. constitutionally banned from the remaining members. himself into a hospital where Toronto was found guilty In an initial vote on The court decides almost all running. Activists, lawyers and other he was under guard. yesterday. Tuesday, current magistrate of the most contentious The Constitutional Court is observers have widely criticized Authorities did arrest Luis Alek Minassian faced 10 Dina Ochoa received a majority political, judicial and criminal the last step in Guatemala’s the process already for attempts Fernando Ruiz, former pres- counts of first-degree murder of votes (101 of 160 lawmakers), issues that arise in Guatemala justice system, so the selection to manipulate the results, ident of the bar association, and and 16 counts of attempted putting her on a path to a likely and the outgoing court was seen process has drawn the attention influence peddling and other himself a candidate as an murder in connection with the second consecutive term. She as an important bulwark against of not only Guatemalans, but alleged crimes. alternate to the court. They did April 23, 2018, attack that drew was originally former President some of the most ill-intentioned outsiders concerned with the Last week, Guatemalan not find the former rector of attention to an online world of Jimmy Morales’ pick to the legal maneuvers. The members rule of law in the country. authorities requested arrest Paiz’s university, Estuardo sexual loneliness, rage and current court. will hold their seats for five Tuesday’s votes were pre- orders for several people Galvez, who is a candidate to misogyny. Ochoa has been criticized years and the selection process ceded by a handful of arrest involved in the selection of be a magistrate on the court. He His lawyer argued he for decisions to protect a has been filled with accusations orders last week against people magistrates or candidates to the released a video on social media didn’t know what he was fugitive judge accused of cor- of collusion and corruption. directly involved in the process, court. arguing that he was the victim doing was wrong because he ruption and to eject the United The stakes are so high though for meddling in the One was for the rector of of political persecution. has autism spectrum disorder, angering advocates for the rights of autistic individuals. Minassian had pleaded not Mexico passes energy bill guilty and his lawyer argued his client was not criminally favouring state, fossil fuel responsible. Justice Anne Molloy said his lawyers failed to prove he was AP — MEXICO CITY agreement. not criminally responsible. She Neil Herrington, the cham- said there is no doubt his Mexico’s Senate passed an elec- ber’s Senior Vice President of actions were planned and trical energy bill that favors the Americas, said in a deliberate and that he was fully government-owned generating statement that the bill could re- aware of what he was doing. plants that largely run on fossil instate a government “His attack on these 26 fuels on Tuesday, putting monopoly, adding “these victims that day was an act of renewable and private plants changes would significantly a reasoning mind,” Molloy said. at the back of the line for raise the cost of electricity and She noted the man sought purchasing power. limit access to clean energy for and enjoyed notoriety from his The bill has drawn com- Mexico’s citizens.” actions. She did not name the plaints from private business “Unfortunately, this move accused in her decision, groups and US investors, some is the latest in a pattern of trou- referring to him as “John Doe” of whom backed cleaner gas bling decisions taken by the and said she hopes that he will and renewable power plants in Government of Mexico that no longer be named. Mexico. Some analysts warn have undermined the confi- He faces an automatic life the measure could violate the dence of foreign investors in sentence in prison and will be US-Mexico-Canada free trade the country,” Herrington wrote. sentenced on March 18. pact. Mexico’s Supreme Court Minassian, 28, told police The Senate must still vote had earlier ruled against López he belonged to an online com- on some objections, but Pres- Obrador’s previous attempt to munity of frustrated men. He Deserted look ident Andrés Manuel López block permits for renewable admitted to police that he Obrador appeared to have the power plants, and the elec- A view of a nearly empty Borges de Medeiros avenue after the Rio Grande do Sul state government drove a rental van into crowds votes to push the bill through. tricity bill could also wind up mandated further restrictions to curb the spread of coronavirus disease, in Porto Alegre, Brazil, of pedestrians in a busy north It passed earlier in the lower in court. yesterday. Toronto neighbourhood. house of Congress. Interior Secretary Olga The 68-58 vote in the Senate Sánchez Cordero said the was widely expected, given Supreme court ruling applied López Obrador’s insistence that only to a 2020 executive order, Guaido and Blinken discuss ‘return to democracy’ Mexico should become energy and suggested the administration self-sufficient, after winter would wage a new court battle REUTERS — WASHINGTON/ Guaido, the leader of the oppo- Blinken discussed the “urgent Foreign Minister Marc storms in Texas temporarily cut over the bill passed on Tuesday. CARACAS sition-held National Assembly, humanitarian needs in Ven- Garneau “as part of the agenda off supplies of imported natural The new bill would require invoked the constitution to ezuela,” which is suffering a of international alliances to gas last month. that electricity be bought first Venezuelan opposition leader assume an interim presidency, years-long economic crisis. rescue democracy in The US Chamber of Com- from state-owned hydroe- Juan Guaido spoke with US arguing President Nicolas Blinken described US efforts Venezuela.” merce said in February that lectric plants and those that Secretary of State Antony Maduro’s 2018 re-election was to work with the European A White House official had Mexico’s attempts to limit burn coal, diesel and fuel oil. It Blinken on Tuesday, the US fraudulent. Union, the Organization of said last week that the Biden private electricity generation puts cleaner private natural State Department said, the In his call with Guaido, American States and other administration was in “no rush” would violate the trade gas, wind and solar plants - highest-level US contact with Blinken “stressed the impor- groups “to increase multilateral to lift US sanctions on Vene- agreement, known as the many built with foreign Guaido since President Joe tance of a return to pressure and press for a zuela imposed by former Pres- USMCA. investment - last in line for Biden took office on January democracy in Venezuela peaceful, democratic tran- ident Donald Trump but would The chamber said giving electricity purchases. The 20. through free and fair elec- sition,” Price said. consider easing them if Maduro priority in electricity purchases private and renewable energy Washington and dozens of tions,” State Department Guaido told an Argentine takes confidence-building steps to older, more polluting, state- plants were encouraged by other countries recognized spokesman Ned Price said in television channel on Tuesday showing he is ready to nego- owned power plants “would López Obrador’s predecessors Guaido as Venezuela’s rightful a statement. evening that he had spoken tiate seriously with the directly contravene Mexico’s in order to reduce carbon leader in January 2019 after Price said Guaido and with Blinken and Canadian opposition. commitments” under the trade emissions. THURSDAY 4 MARCH 2021 AMERICAS 15 Police uncover ‘possible plot’ by militia to breach Capitol

AP — WASHINGTON The threat appears have stepped up security around the Capitol complex since Janu- Capitol Police say they have to be connected ary’s insurrection, adding intelligence showing a “possible to a far-right physical security measures such plot” by a militia group to conspiracy theory, as the fencing topped with razor breach the US Capitol today, wire around the Capitol and nearly two months after a mob mainly promoted by members of the National Guard of supporters of then-President supporters of QAnon, who remain at the complex. The Donald Trump stormed the statement said the agency was iconic building to try to stop that Trump will rise “taking the intelligence seri- Congress from certifying now- again to power on ously” but provided no other President Joe Biden’s victory. specific details on the threat. The threat appears to be March 4. That was the The announcement comes connected to a far-right con- original presidential as the Capitol police and other spiracy theory, mainly pro- law enforcement agencies are moted by supporters of QAnon, inauguration day until taking heat from Congress in that Trump will rise again to 1933, when it was contentious hearings this week power on March 4. That was the moved to January 20. on their handling of the January original presidential inaugu- 6 riot. They were prepared for ration day until 1933, when it a protest and were badly under- was moved to January 20. prepared for the riot. It took The revelation was detailed acting House sergeant-at-arms hours for reinforcements to in a statement from the Capitol this week, saying that Capitol come and by then Trump sup- Police. It comes at the same Police had “no indication that porters had roamed the halls of time the acting police chief is groups will travel to Wash- the US Capitol for hours. testifying before a House ington DC to protest or commit March 4 is considered by Commanding General District of Columbia National Guard, Major General William J Walker, speaks to subcommittee. acts of violence.” some to be the “real inauguration an aide prior to the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs/Rules and Administration “The United States Capitol Police did not identify the day,” though there has not been Police Department is aware of militia group in the statement nearly the amount of online hearing to examine the January 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol, in Washington, DC, yesterday. and prepared for any potential on Wednesday. In her testimony chatter that occurred before threats towards members of to the House panel, acting January 6 from extremist group. companies like Facebook and supporters in January. And the been promoting lies that the Congress or towards the Capitol Capitol Police chief Yogananda So far, about 300 people Twitter, making it far more dif- conservative social media election was stolen from him complex,” the agency said in a Pittman said her investigators have been charged with federal ficult for QAnon and far-right platform Parler, which many of through mass voter fraud, even statement. “We have obtained had collected “some concerning crimes for their roles in the riot. groups to organise a repeat of Trump’s supporters joined to though such claims have been intelligence that shows a pos- intelligence,” but declined to Five people, including a Capitol the mass gathering on Thursday. promote false election fraud rejected by judges, Republican sible plot to breach the Capitol provide any details publicly, Police officer, died. Twitter banned more than conspiracy theories and state officials and Trump’s own by an identified militia group saying it was “law enforcement Thousands of accounts that 70,000 accounts after the riots, encourage friends to “storm” administration. He was on Thursday, March 4.” sensitive” and that she would promoted the January 6 event while Facebook and Instagram the Capitol on January 6, was impeached by the House after The statement differs from provide a private briefing for that led to a violent storming of removed posts mentioning booted off the Internet fol- the Jan. 6 riot on a charge of an advisory that was sent to the subcommittee members. the US Capitol have since been “stop the steal,” a pro-Trump lowing the siege. incitement of insurrection but members of Congress by the Capitol Police say that they suspended by major tech rallying cry used to mobilize his Since his defeat, Trump has was acquitted by the Senate. Sessions regrets Democrats urge Biden to revert to Obama-era Cuba detente migrant family REUTERS — WASHINGTON The letter was led by law- But Biden has not yet indi- trade embargo on Cuba over recent politicised decision by separations at makers Bobby Rush, Gwen cated whether he will fully four years, citing concerns the departing Trump Adminis- Eighty US House of Represent- Moore, Barbara Lee and Steve revert to the historic detente about a lack of democracy and tration to add Cuba back to the US-Mexico border atives Democrats urged Pres- Cohen, long-time supporters of initiated by Democratic former Havana’s support for Vene- list of State Sponsors of Ter- ident Joe Biden on Tuesday to engagement with Cuba. Signers President Barack Obama when zuela’s socialist government. rorism,” the letter states. REUTERS — WASHINGTON repeal Donald Trump’s “cruel” also included the leaders of the Biden was vice president. Critics said Trump’s On January 11, nine days sanctions on Cuba and renew influential House of Represent- “This letter, signed by a approach did not address such before the end of his presi- Jeff Sessions, the top official engagement, an early sign of atives Foreign Affairs, Financial number of key powerbrokers concerns and was more likely dency, Trump added Cuba to behind former President support in Congress for easing Services and Appropriations in the House of Representatives, aimed at winning over voters in the list, which among other Donald Trump’s “zero- the clamp-down on the committees. will help empower US foreign the swing state of Florida, which things carries a prohibition on tolerance” border strategy, Communist-run country. Biden, a Democrat, vowed policy officials in the Biden has a large Cuban-American US economic aid and a says it was “unfortunate” that In a letter to Biden they during his campaign to reverse administration who seek to population and did back Trump requirement that Washington migrant children and parents urged the Democratic president policy shifts by the Republican rebuild what Trump destroyed in the November 3 election. oppose loans to Cuba by insti- were not reunited quickly after to sign an executive order Trump that “have inflicted harm — a constructive, productive The letter also urged Biden tutions such as the World Bank. being split apart at the “without delay” to end restric- on the Cuban people and done and civil approach toward Cuba to restart diplomatic A White House official US-Mexico border. tions on travel and remittances, nothing to advance democracy and its people,” said Peter engagement on areas of mutual dampened hopes for a quick Thousands of children noting that well over half of and human rights.” Kornbluh, co-author of Back interest like health and security Cuba policy shift in an interview were separated from their Cubans depend on the latter. Trump’s tightening of the Channel to Cuba and senior and restaff the US embassy, at the weekend, saying it was parents at the border under “With the stroke of a pen, decades-old US trade embargo analyst at the National Security which was reduced to skeletal not currently among Biden’s top the 2018 Trump policy, which you can assist struggling Cuban on Cuba has inflicted further pain Archive. staffing under Trump over still priorities, which include the charged parents with federal families and promote a more on its ailing state-run economy, The Trump administration unexplained health incidents coronavirus pandemic, eco- immigration offenses and sent constructive approach,” they contributing to worsening took more than 200 initiatives among US diplomats in Havana. nomic recovery and rebuilding them to jails, while children said. shortages of food and medicine. to tighten the decades-old US It should also “reverse the alliances abroad. were labelled “unaccom- panied” and placed in shelters. Interior Secretary In a phone interview on Biden vows enough vaccine for all adults by May-end Tuesday, Sessions defended pick Haaland gets the prosecutions, saying a AP — WASHINGTON person traveling with a child support from “shouldn’t be given immunity.” President Joe Biden said the US Republican He expressed regret, however, expects to take delivery of that the Trump administration enough coronavirus vaccine for could not quickly reunite the all adults by the end of May —two REUTERS — WASHINGTON parents and children months earlier than anticipated afterward. — and he pushed states to get at President Joe Biden’s nominee “It was unfortunate, very least one shot into the arms of to lead the US Interior unfortunate, that somehow the teachers by the end of March to Department, US Represent- government was not able to hasten school reopenings. ative Deb Haaland, secured manage those children in a Biden also announced backing from a moderate way that they could be reu- Tuesday that drugmaker Merck Republican senator on nited properly,” Sessions said. will help produce rival Johnson Wednesday, further paving her “It turned out to be more of a & Johnson’s newly approved way to confirmation. problem than I think any of us one-shot vaccine, likening the The support from Senator imagined it would be.” partnership between the two Susan Collins of Maine comes Launched in April 2018, drug companies to the spirit of one week after West Virginia’s Trump’s “zero-tolerance” national cooperation during Democratic Senator Joe policy provoked widespread World War II. Manchin said he would vote criticism, leading the Repub- “We’re now on track to have to confirm Haaland, who is lican president to effectively enough vaccine supply for poised to become the nation’s reverse it months later. every adult in America by the first Native American in a Alondra and Hendi, both aged 6, take their Zoom class as the Westchester Family YMCA provides President Joe Biden, a end of May,” Biden said. presidential Cabinet post. a safe distance learning environment for local students amid the coronavirus disease pandemic, in Democrat who took office on Despite the stepped-up pace Their backing is key in the January 20, created a task of vaccine production, the work Los Angeles on Tuesday. 50-50 split US Senate, in force in February to reunite of inoculating Americans could which Biden needs every families still separated by the extend well into the summer, offi- emerge from the pandemic with to that because we don’t know restrictions. This despite the Democrat on board to push his policy, calling it a “stain” on cials said, depending both on the the promise of speedier vacci- for sure,” Biden said, before objections of the White House nominees through, with Vice the reputation of the United government’s capacity to deliver nations, but even as he saying his hope for a return to and the nation’s top infectious President Kamala Harris States. doses and Americans’ willingness expressed optimism, Biden normal was sometime before disease expert, Dr. Anthony casting any tie-breaking vote. Efforts are still ongoing in to roll up their sleeves. quickly tempered the outlook “this time next year.” Fauci, who have warned against Collins’ support allows extra court to locate the parents of Biden’s announcements for a return to life as it was As Biden spoke, states any relaxation of virus protocols breathing room should more than 500 separated quickly raised expectations for before the virus hit. “I’ve been across the country were moving until more Americans are another Democrat oppose the children. when the nation could safely cautioned not to give an answer to relax virus-related vaccinated. nomination. Manchin and Collins earlier rejected Biden’s pro- posed budget director, Neera House poised to pass landmark voting rights, ethics bill Tanden, whose nomination was yanked on Tuesday. AP — WASHINGTON campaign finance system that government’s role in elections, added urgency in the wake of to make early voting easier. In The two senators acknowl- allows wealthy donors to anon- overruling state laws that limit Donald Trump’s repeated false Georgia, the House on Monday edged the differ with Haaland House Democrats are poised to ymously bankroll political ballot access in the name of claims of a stolen 2020 election. voted for a law to require iden- on some issues, but praised her pass a sweeping elections and causes. election security. Spurred on by the former tification to vote by mail and vow to work with both ethics bill, offering it up as a “Our purpose was to “If this were to become law president’s lies about the allow counties to cancel early political parties. powerful counterweight to voting remove... obstacles of partici- it would be the largest election, state lawmakers across in-person voting on Sundays, Collins, in her statement on rights restrictions advancing in pation for Democrats or Repub- expansion of the federal gov- the US have filed over 200 bills when many Black voters cast Wednesday, also cited “Haa- Republican-controlled state- licans. That’s what the law ernment’s role in our elections in 43 states that would limit ballots after church. land’s willingness to support houses across the country. requires, that was the right that we’ve ever seen,” said Rep. ballot access, according to a tally “They are not even being issues important to the State House Resolution 1, which thing to do,” House Speaker Rodney Davis. kept by the Brennan Center for coy about it. They are saying the of Maine, such as Acadia touches on virtually every aspect Nancy Pelosi said on Tuesday The measure, which was all Justice at New York University. ‘quiet parts’ out loud,” said National Park, as well as her of the electoral process, would on the House floor. “That’s what but certain to pass the House in In Iowa, the legislature has Tiffany Muller, the president of deep knowledge of tribal restrict partisan gerrymandering this legislation does.” a vote expected Wednesday, has voted to cut absentee and in- End Citizens United, a left- issues.” The Senate Energy and of congressional districts, strike To Republicans, though, it been a priority for Democrats person early voting and prevent leaning group that aims to Natural Resources Committee down hurdles to voting and would herald a massive since they won their majority local elections officials from curtail the influence of cor- is expected to vote on Haa- bring transparency to a murky expansion of the federal in 2018. But it has taken on setting up additional locations porate money in politics. land’s nomination today. THURSDAY 4 MARCH 2021 16

You Ask, officials answer PRAYER TIMINGS PRAYERPRAYRRAAAY TIMINGSMING An outlook towards childhood disorders: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in FAJR 04.37 am children - Part 3 SUNRISE 05.54 am DHUHR 11.46 am ASR 03.07 pm When do you start MAGHRIB 05.39 pm seeing the signs of autism? ISHA 07.09 pm Signs of autism typically appear during early childhood A file photo of officials during a sales launching press conference. with the average age of diag- children are learning basic nosis being three to six years skills when they should, or if old. Some of the behaviours they may have developmental associated with autism include delays. The next step for diag- Qetaifan Projects: Achievements delayed learning of language, nosis is a comprehensive eval- difficulty making eye contact uation, which is an in-depth or holding a conversation, review that looks at a child’s WEATHER galore despite all challenges narrow or intense interests, behaviour and overall devel- TODAY poor motor skills, and sensory opment, and generally includes THE PENINSULA — DOHA sensitivities. A person on the an interview with the parents spectrum might follow many by a multidisciplinary team. On the occasion of its third year of these behaviours or just a There is often accompanying anniversary, Qetaifan Projects, few or many others besides. hearing and vision screening, the company fully owned by What are the warning along with neurological and Katara Hospitality and the signs of autism genetic testing. o o exclusive real estate developer of spectrum disorder? What does the 19 C 26 C Qetaifan Island North, said it It includes, the child doesn’t spectrum mean? Minimum Maximum succeeded in adapting to diffi- speak, or has delayed speech, Autism can cause Hazy at places, moderate culties and transforming chal- trouble in understanding other significant social, communi- temperature daytime with scattered lenges into opportunities during people’s feelings or expressing cation, and behavioural chal- clouds, becomes misty and the year 2020. their own, performs repetitive lenges, and is defined as a relatively cold by night. It also marks the second year movements like rocking, “spectrum condition” as it W ALRUWAIS : 20o → 21o anniversary of the start of con- spinning, hand-flapping, resists affects individuals differently W ALKHOR : 19o → 28o struction on site, that has been cuddling or holding, little or no and also in varying degrees W DUKHAN : 18o → 25o witnessing a rapid development eye contact, lack of interest in from border to severely H E Sheikh Nasser bin Abdulrahman Al Thani during a press W WAKRAH : 18o → 27o and progress ever since. peer relationships, prefers to impaired. The learning, The development of Qetaifan conference. be alone, lack of spontaneous problem-solving, and cognitive W MESAIEED : 18o → 27o Island North did not witness any or make-believe play, sensory abilities of those with autism W ABUSAMRA : 17o → 26o deviation from the set schedule sensitivities to light, sound or have a wide range, spread or any noticeable delays from the touch, and persistent fixation across a spectrum of severity. specified work plan, it noted. on objects or parts of objects Is there a cure for HIGH TIDE 07:21– 21:06 These positive developments like the wheels on a toy. autism? and successes happened despite What If my child shows Autism is treatable, LOW TIDE 02:46 – 15:18 the lockdown witnessed by the some of these but not curable. Indi- world last year in efforts to symptoms? viduals with autism do not combat the COVID-19 pandemic, If your child is “outgrow” autism. Early iden- and the challenges that in turn showing these behaviours, tification and early interven- affected various fields, perhaps mention it to your paedia- tions show a better prognosis. most notably the tourism and trician. No need to panic We have to understand that Netflix offers 41 A file photo of officials during annual employee ceremony. travel sectors. because there are a lot of dif- there’s no one-size-fits-all new shows to lure A committee was formed to ferent things, including normal treatment for autism. Indian viewers develop a joint plan between the The development of many ambitions due to the delays that may be going on. Treatment for autism is usually Operations and Technical Depart- Qetaifan Island North success witnessed during the pre- Whatever it is, it will probably focused on a combination of ments headed by H E Sheikh vious year, many innovative mar- make you feel better to get a different therapies, tailored to REUTERS — MUMBAI Nasser bin Abdulrahman Al did not witness any keting plans and ideas were professional opinion. If your the individual’s needs and Thani, Managing Director and deviation from the developed to ensure the conti- doctor is concerned please ask symptoms. Netflix said yesterday it would Deputy Chairman of Katara Hos- nuity of the series of achieve- for a referral to a specialist who The most effective treat- release 41 shows and films in pitality, to manage the crisis and set schedule or any ments, and the COVID-19 pan- can conduct a more in-depth ments include applied behav- India this year, calling the move overcome it without affecting the noticeable delays demic did not stand as a barrier evaluation. Specialists include ioural analysis (ABA), occupa- its “next big leap” in the world’s company’s operation. This was between Qetaifan Projects and its developmental paediatricians, tional therapy, physical second most populous nation done especially in light of the from the specified ambition to achieve more suc- Child Neurologists, Child psy- therapy, speech therapy, phar- where video streaming services presence of more than 7,000 work plan, Qetaifan cesses, as the demand on Phase chologists or Psychiatrists. macological therapy, music have become more popular. workers working around the 1 villa plots gave an indication of How is autism therapy etc. India, with its 1.3 billion clock on site under the super- Projects said. the high demand expected on the diagnosed? people, is a vast and valuable vision of six main contractors, villa plots offered in Phase 2, Diagnosing autism (To be continued) market for the US streaming where the number of working management, as is the case in all especially after Qetaifan Projects involves developmental service and its rivals Amazon’s hours reached more than 6 state institutions that combined postponed two payments to the screening and a comprehensive Answers provided by: Prime Video and Walt Disney million hours, to complete the their efforts and harnessed their owners of the first phase as a step diagnostic evaluation. Even Minusha Jaleel. M P Co’s Disney+ Hotstar. first-phase projects packages; capabilities to pass through the within the plan to manage the though autism can be diag- Senior Clinical Psychologist, The platforms, which are all which include the hotel, the crisis, taking into account pre- pandemic crisis. nosed as early as age of two QISH, Doha offering an increasingly broad waterpark, the icon tower island, serving project schedules as much The second phase of plots years, most children are not range of local language content, the salt canal, the retail plaza, the as possible and paying attention included the launch of a new real diagnosed with ASD until after (If you have any queries, you have been luring users with mosque and the beach club, in to the health and occupational estate product for the first time in age four years. Developmental can send it to cheaper billing plans and offers. addition to the company’s safety of community members the market, which is villas with screening looks to see if [email protected]) Netflix’s new roster of 41 employees and departments. and work teams, especially in access to an exclusive five-star titles includes films with top Bol- The most prominent priorities light of working on the prepara- operated beach. Despite the pan- lywood actors, stand-up comedy for crisis management were the tions to host the 2022 World Cup, demic and following all precau- shows and original series, the physical and psychological health which will be hosted for the first tionary measures, Qetaifan Berlinale film explores company said in a blog post. of the company’s employees, with time in an Arab country. Projects’ efforts resulted in the Most will be in the Hindi a commitment to follow the pre- Hesham Sharaf, Chief Oper- selling out of the offered villa plots language. cautionary measures set by the ating Officer, said, “Qetaifan in Phase 2, and sales exceeding lives lived on Zoom “We are taking our next big State’s Supreme Committee for Projects started in 2020 with one billion riyals in one night, the leap in India,” Netflix said on its Crisis Management and the Min- many ambitions and pre-pre- sales auction night, which wit- REUTERS — BERLIN to death or if we were going to post, saying the upcoming lineup istry of Public Health. pared plans to complete the nessed a greater demand for be bored to death,” she added. “features more variety and “Working within a successful achievements that began since ownership in Qetaifan Island The past year has been chal- Duplass, who co-wrote the diversity than we have seen organisation such as Katara Hos- the company’s establishment in North. lenging for film-makers, who script with Morales, said he had before”. pitality under the leadership of H January 2018, especially after Qetaifan Projects has con- had to battle coronavirus travel been inspired by the experience India, whose Bollywood film E Sheikh Nawaf bin Jassim bin Qetaifan Projects’ participation cluded a number of global part- restrictions and social distancing of taking online language classes industry makes more produc- Jabor Al Thani, Chairman of the in Cityscape 2019, in which nerships during 2020, perhaps rules to participate in what is during lockdown. tions each year than Hollywood, Board of Directors of Katara Hos- Qetaifan Island North devel- the most prominent of which is ordinarily a team activity. “We developed a bond just remains a challenging market for pitality, puts more responsibility opment was launched and pre- the British But one film in this year’s through the screen. And I thought the streaming services. Amazon’s on us and requires more effort sented the first direct contact company Sarner International Berlin Film Festival line-up this could be an interesting way Prime Video has become from our side. In other words, between the company and its cus- Ltd to design and implement an embraced the spirit of the pan- to make a movie with the limi- embroiled in legal cases and reaching the summit is difficult, tomers, as Qetaifan Projects’ edutainment ride in Qetaifan demic like no other: American tation of the COVID lockdown,” police complaints over a political but maintaining it is much more booth at the exhibition witnessed Island North’s waterpark, director Natalie Morales’s ‘Lan- he said.” All of the films in this drama “Tandav” deemed difficult. a great turnout of visitors inter- equipped with augmented reality guage Lessons’ is a drama year’s Berlinale were shaped by offensive to Hindu religious sen- “This requires from everyone ested to learn about the project technology and 3D visual effects enacted via Zoom, revealing new the pandemic they were shot timents. The US service has apol- to not only work as one team, but and its elements, and the number on the discovery of oil and gas in artistic possibilities in the during. Actors wear masks in ogised to viewers over some more than that, to work on estab- of plot reservations reached four Qatar to enrich the Qatari process. several films, notably Romanian scenes. lishing the team spirit as a prin- times the quantity offered, which culture. The film casts Morales as director Radu Jude’s black sex Netflix has also faced court ciple and consider it as a starting resulted in selling out of Phase 1 Qetaifan Projects has also Carino, a language teacher from comedy ‘Bad Luck Banging or cases and complaints over some point for understanding strengths residential villa plots. signed with Severn Lamb to Costa Rica giving Spanish lessons Loony Porn’, whose characters its content, with some viewers and investing in them in the “Perhaps the most prominent manufacture and install the via video call to Adam, a wealthy seem to poison their own envi- saying it promoted obscenity or correct and timely manner, iden- challenge in 2020 was the launch Waterpark’s train, which will Oakland, California house ronment as efficiently as any hurt religious sentiments. tifying weaknesses to avoid them, of Phase 2 villa plots, which wit- transport the waterpark visitors husband played by Mark virus. But ‘Language Lessons’ Netflix said some of its 41 exploiting strengths to minimise nessed the closures and all the from the main island to the Icon Duplass. But a sudden emotional embraces the lived experiences shows to be released this year the impact of weaknesses, and precautionary measures that Tower Island. Also, it established blow transforms their of home workers during a pan- would be produced by India’s working in harmony and unity, resulted from it, and accordingly, partnership with Interlink, a relationship. demic year, exploring the curious Reliance Entertainment, each in his specialization as “one as per the plan devised to manage company specialising in the “We didn’t know if it would ambivalence and intensity of Viacom18 and Bollywood body” in the face of the crisis,” the crisis and take advantage of design, manufacture, and supply work,” Morales said of the film, online relationships conducted director Karan Johar’s Dharmatic said H E Sheikh Nasser. the lockdown and in conjunction of a wide range of water rides. shot over the summer by a over weeks and months. Entertainment. In 2019, Netflix He expressed the main reason with the strict precautionary Qetaifan Projects has also skeleton crew entirely from the “We’re still tired of Zoom, but said it planned to invest almost behind the success of Qetaifan measures set, Qetaifan Projects won the award for the best place perspective of the two char- we’re so used to it that it’s a lan- $400 million to develop content Projects, which is the clarity of invested in its employees by pro- to work in Qatar, to come in the acters’ webcams. guage we understand,” Morales for India. It was reported last vision and the smooth trans- viding a safe and healthy envi- third place in the Middle East, “We didn’t really know how said. “You relate to the nature of year that Netflix was in talks with mission of it to the team and the ronment for them and their and sixth in the world after inter- we were going to shoot it or if it that relationship in a way that Viacom18 to create shows to resulting unification of thought. families.” national companies, among its was going to look good or if you wouldn’t have two years help expand its offerings in India. The essence of crisis The year 2020 began with many awards. people were going to be bored ago.”