ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 21-22, 2021 2

UAE focus on gender equality Emirati women take on science and technology

hen Nora Al Matrooshi was selected to join the United Arab the most to reduce the gender gap in government representation, with 77 per cent with degrees in computer sciences and 44 per cent in engi- WEmirates space programme, she became the Arab world’s first female membership in the 40-member Federal National Council rising neering. Nearly half of female graduates are information and commu- woman astronaut. from 9 to 20 in the latest round of elections and appointments. nication technology (ICT) specialists, national statistics show. Her selection – alongside male compatriot Mohammed Al Mulla – The government’s commitment to empower women and provide Ensuring gender balance echoes the UAE’s focus on gender equality and equal opportunities. them with equal opportunities dates all the way back to the federa- In the supporting the growth of the country’s ICT sector, the TRA The country continues to incorporate more women into technology tion’s establishment in 1971. seeks to ensure gender balance. This makes the UAE stand out fa- sectors, expanding their role as they gain recognition for their contri- Celebrating women and girls in ICT vourably in the region and beyond, with women’s contributions butions. In the same spirit, the UAE’s Telecommunications and Digital Gov- securing the country’s position as a global digital transformation Casting off stereotypes ernment Regulatory Authority (TDRA) this week joins the world in leader. The UAE government has undertaken numerous initiatives to Over the last five decades, the traditional image of a male-domi- celebrating the 10th anniversary of International Girls in ICT Day. assure gender balance in the ICT workforce. nated society has changed steadily, with growing numbers of women The country shares the aim of the International Telecommunication Key statistical indicators underscore the country’s leadership in involved in all aspects of the nation’s development. But steps to ensure Union (ITU) to empower, encourage and equip more girls and young women’s empowerment. equality to accelerated in recent years. women to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics The cadres of young Emirati women graduating with ICT and STEM According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Re- (STEM) careers. skills can make a big difference. port 2021, the UAE climbed 48 places over the past year, rising from Women have attained increasingly prominent roles in UAE busi- With official encouragement and the support of their compatriots, the 120th to 72nd globally in Global Gender Gap Index rankings. ness, government, and STEM initiatives. girls and women can push innovation and entrepreneurship in our so- The Gulf region’s leader in terms of gender equality, it has also done Two-thirds of our country’s recent university graduates are women, ciety to new heights.

More girls and young women to pursue STEM careers.

Work on to protect Abu Dhabi environment Ma’an picks 10 social entrepreneurial solutions A total of 244 applications received from around the world for The 10 teams, made up of 24 individuals have been recognised for businesses to support environmental change and solutions. the their ideas, and will undergo a 90-day programme to develop their fourth cohort. idea into a sustainable business venture.

he Authority of Social Contribution — Ma’an has today revealed Since launching in 2019, the Ma’an Social Incubator has helped laboration with Ma’an we look forward to working with all the win- Tthe 10 winning teams for the fourth cohort of its Ma’an Social In- improve the everyday lives for People of Determination, enhance the ners to bring their ideas to life.” cubator that will see social entrepreneurs develop their original ideas mental wellbeing and make families more stronger and connected in She added: “Single use plastic, waste management and eco-tourism into sustainable solutions to help protect Abu Dhabi’s environment. Abu Dhabi, benefi tting more than 15,000 benefi ciaries. are high priority topics and are an integral part of our mandate at EAD, Designed to fi nd innovative solutions to minimize waste and sin- Her Excellency Salama Al Ameemi, Director General of the Au- as well as for the UAE government. We believe that engaging with the gle-use plastics and promote sustainable ecotourism thority of Social Contribution — Ma’an, said: “The community is the most ideal path forward and programmes such as the within the Emirate, among the winning projects of the Ma’an Social Incubator has proven to be one of our Social Incubator helps create an environmentally responsible commu- programme are an app that allows customers to buy dis- most popular programmes, generating a lot of interest nity that knows just how important it is to conserve it.’’ counted best-by items from supermarkets and an envi- from aspiring social entrepreneurs and this cohort has She further stated: “With so many applications from across the ronmentally friendly building material that can be used been no different. To receive more than 240 applica- globe applying to win, it means that the global rhetoric about the as an alternative to plastic and cement. tions from a diverse range of applicants including the environment being an extremely important agenda is circulating Other winning projects include a device that informs UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Lebanon, Sweden, Russia rapidly on an international level. It also boosts future hope that we sailors with data of endangered species and protected ar- and the Netherlands is remarkable and this shows that can all work together towards a common goal of combatting the eas and a detecting software for waste sorting facilities more people are seriously looking at social entrepre- challenges that all countries face regarding the preservation of the to recover recyclable items and monitor waste charac- neurship as a career option. environment. terisation. “As with the previous cohorts, we have been thor- The 10 selected teams and its solutions are: The 10 teams were among the 244 applications from oughly impressed with the quality of the original ideas ■ CUPMENA — An affordable mushroom-based coffee ground around the world that were received for this cohort, and the creativity of the social entrepreneurs during product that is readily available, which reuses coffee grounds that are which is based on the ‘Environment’. The theme has the selection process and although we had diffi cult de- sold in cafes. been identifi ed as an important social priority in Abu cisions to make, we strongly believe the 10 winning ■ Diwama — A computer detection software for waste sorting fa- Dhabi. teams that have been selected will make a huge differ- cilities to track residues and recover recyclable items as well as moni- According to the Environment Agency — Abu Dhabi ence to Abu Dhabi’s environment in the future. toring waste characterisation. (EAD), which Ma’an has partnered with for this cohort, “With the environment becoming more important ■ 13 million tonnes of plastic are entering oceans every than before and as one of Abu Dhabi’s social priorities, Bazaara — A tech-enabled marketplace where through an app, year while there are 9.8 million tonnes of solid waste it is essential that we offer a helping hand now. Our individuals can exchange clothing and accessories, offering a seamless experience between buyers and sellers. being found in the Emirate. strategic partners — EAD has been doing a wonderful ■ The teams, represented by 24 enthusiastic and talented job in conserving the environment across the Emirate ReTech — A application that reduces waste management through social entrepreneurs who come from different countries Her Excellency Salama Al and by collaborating with them it has provided a plat- paperless invoicing. Ameemi, Director General ■ Nadeera — A QR-code based tracking and verifi cation applica- including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, USA, Lebanon, Egypt of Ma’an form for social entrepreneurs to step forward and be at and Sweden, will work on addressing these challenges the centre of solving some of the signifi cant environ- tion that manages waste through resident engagement and rewards. through the Ma’an Social Incubator by transforming mental challenges that we are facing today by creating ■ Texcylia — A mushroom-based product that can be used as an their ideas into real products and services that will have a positive excellent and sustainable products that will benefi t our nature as well alternative for Styrofoam. impact on the environment. as the residents and citizens. ■ G-Cement — Creating a building material that can be an alterna- A fi rst-of-its-kind in the region, the Ma’an Social Incubator aims “We look forward to working with the teams in what will be a unique tive to plastic and cement and does not burn fuel, not hazardous and to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship by helping deliver so- experience for everyone.” does not emit CO2 emissions. lutions to the social challenges being faced today in Abu Dhabi. It Her Excellency Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, EAD’s Secretary ■ Bestby — An app that offers discounted best-by items from su- also plays a pivotal role in growing Abu Dhabi’s third sector through General from her side said: “The Ma’an Social Incubator is the ideal permarkets and delivered straight to the customer’s doorsteps. supporting not-for-profi ts and social enterprises to contribute to the platform to motivate and encourage social entrepreneurs to present ■ Polymeron — Creating an affordable biodegradable plastic, be- development of strong, active and connected communities. their award-winning ideas. This recent fourth cohort, which is dedicat- coming the fi rst producer in the MENA region. During the three months, teams will develop their innovative ide- ed to the environment, proves that community awareness surrounding ■ Sea Going Green — A device that provides sailors with data of as into strong business ventures and have access to milestone-based this signifi cant topic is extremely high. All the ideas were innovative, areas with endangered species or protected areas as well as allowing funding, mentorship, offi ce space, business expertise and investors. creative, and pioneering, and this is exactly what is required. In col- feedback from users.

editor’s choice ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 21-22, 2021 3

Weather Expected weather for the next By Night: Rather hot and partly Abdaly 48 27 Prayer Timings 24 hours: cloudy with light to moderate Jahra 47 30 Fajr ...... 03:22 Asr ...... 15:20 By Day: Very hot with light vari- north westerly wind with speeds Salmiyah 41 33 Sunrise .. 04:53 Maghrib...18:36 able wind to light to moderate of 10-30 km/h. Ahmadi 40 34 Zohr ...... 11:44 Isha ...... 20:04 north westerly wind with speeds Station Max Exp Min Rec Nuwaisib 44 29 of 12-35 km/h and some scat- Kuwait City 46 33 Wafra 47 27 tered clouds will appear. Kuwait Airport 48 27 Salmy 47 27

VACCINE REGISTRATION WEBSITE: https://cov19vaccine.moh.gov.kw/SPCMS/CVD_19_Vaccine_Registration.aspx

Humansoft Holding jumps 35 fils, Agility slips Kuwait market closes week on dull note, volume bounces By John Mathews Arab Times Staff ▲ UUS$/KDS$/KD 0.30075/850.30075/85 KUWAIT CITY, May 20: Kuwait stocks ▲ Euro/KD 0.3675 ticked lower on Thursday to wrap up the week on a tepid note. The All Shares Index ■ Yen/KD 0.0027 fell 4.78 points in a choppy session to 6,290.78 points weighed by blue chips. ▲ British £/KD 0.4263 The Premier Market slipped 4.26 points to 6,824.81 pts paring the month’s gains to ■ Indian Rs/KD 0.0041 201 points while Main Market gave up 6.12 pts. The BK Main 50 index climbed 20.73 ■ Philippines Peso/KD points to 5,469.95 pts. The volume turn- 0.0063 over meanwhile rebounded following the two-day drop. Over 536 million shares ▲ FTSE +69.59 pts at 19:00 hr, May 20 changed hands – a 15 pct jump from the day before. The sectors closed mostly in red turf. ▲ Nikkei +53.80 pts at closing May 20 Energy sector outshone the rest with 2.74 percent gain whereas Insurance slid 2.64 ▲ pct, the biggest loser of the day. Volume Gold 1869.35 per oz (London) wise, Financial Services topped with 149 million shares while Banking was ahead in ▲ NYMEX crude $62.99 per barrel value with KD 16.6 million. In the individual shares, sector bellweth- ▲ Brent crude $66.26 per barrel er National Bank of Kuwait rose 3 fils on back of 4.8 million shares to 839 fils taking LIBOR rate 0.14925% the month’s gains to 16 fils whereas KIPCO and National Investment Co dialed down 2 fils each to close at 151 fils and 183 fils 213 fils after moving 2.8 million shares. respectively. Humansoft Holding darted Burgan Bank dialed up 1 fil and Kuwait 35 fils to KD 3.675 whereas Kuwait Finance House followed suit with a volume National Cinema Co skidded 47 fils. of 7.8 million. Zain fell 2 fils to 598 fils after pushing Ahli United Bank BSC inched 1 fil lower KUNA photo 3.2 million shares and Ooredoo was up 6 Signing ceremony between the Ministry of Information and Kuwaiti Journalists Association (KJA). to 220 fils after pushing 11.2 million shares fils at 650 fils. stc stood pat at 867 fils and while Warba Bank gave up 2 fils. logistics major Agility gave up 11 fils to Commercial Bank was unchanged at 500 Info ministry, KJA ink cooperation deal close at KD 1.034. Mezzan Holding fils whereas Al Ahli Bank and Ahli United clipped 2 fils whereas Integrated Holding Bank Kuwait clipped 1 fil each. The Kuwait’s Ministry of Information signed a The Undersecretary of the Ministry, Munira ronment of cooperation with the authorities and Aznour were unchanged at 418 fils and Kuwait Investment Co climbed 5 fils to joint cooperation protocol agreement with the Al-Huwaidi, confirmed in a press statement concerned with the media would contribute to 252 fils respectively. Boursa Kuwait 188 fils on back of 1.4 million shares Kuwaiti Journalists Association within the Thursday, on this occasion that the media is keeping abreast with the latest developments Securities paced 9 fils and Mabanee Co whereas International Financial Advisors framework of strengthening partnership and keen to develop the technical and profes- in the various media, whether at the local or eased 1 fil to 747 fils. fell 3 fils after trading 6.8 million shares. cooperation with the private sector, especially sional capabilities of all workers in the media international level. National industries Group slipped 6 fils to Coast Investment Co added 1.3 fils and public benefit associations, in order to achieve field and keep abreast of the latest develop- The protocol was signed by Media and the 235 fils after moving 7.7 million shares and The Securities House stood pat at 70.2 fils. common interests and exchange professional ments in light of the technological revolution Ministry’s College, Munira Al-Huwaidi, and Gulf Cable scaled 4 fils to close at 859 fils. Gulf Investment House rallied 21 fils on experiences by holding training courses and witnessed by the new media. by the Syndicate’s Director, Dr. Zuhair Boubyan Petrochemical Co added 2 fils back of 3.1 million shares. workshops. Al-Huwaidi explained that creating an envi- Al-Abad. whereas Al Qurain Petrochemical Co closed Noor Financial Investment fell 3 fils to 2 fils in red. Jazeera Airways extended last 224 fils whereas Tamdeen Investment session’s losses with a 6 fils drop to 665 fils paused at 250 fils. Arzan Financial Group and ALAFCO gave up 3 fils. YIACO and Kuwait Financial Centre (Markaz) took Medical soared 48 fils to 598 fils. in 1 fil each whereas Aayan Leasing and The market opened firm and ticked up in Investment gained 11 fils with brisk trad- ‘Victory knocking on door’ early trade. The main index scaled the day’s ing. Bayan Investment and Osoul highest level of 6299 points and headed Investment eased 0.3 fils each whereas south as selling weighed on some of the KFIC erased 4 fils. KMEFIC slipped 7 fils counters. It continued to erode in choppy to 134 fils. KAMCO dialed down 1 fil. Speaker reiterates support for Palestinians trading to bottom at 6280 points before Kuwait Insurance Co dropped 11 fils to paring back most of the losses at close. 388 fils and Gulf Insurance Group skidded Top gainer of the day, NCCI soared 40 fils. Warba Insurance Co fell 3 fils to By Saeed Mahmoud Saleh 23.68 pct 79.9 fils whereas IFA Hotels and 132 fils and Kuwait Reinsurance Co shed Arab Times Staff Resorts scaled 9.62 percent to stand next. 10 fils. FutureKid Entertainment skidded 15.32 Independent Petroleum Group jumped KUWAIT CITY, May 20: National pct, the steepest decliner of the day while 23 fils to 555 fils and NAPESCO scaled 10 AAN topped the volume with 138 million fils with thin trading. Combined Group Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim shares. Contracting Co gained 10 fils whereas confirmed Kuwait’s support for the Reflecting the day’s drop, he market United Projects Co shed 18 fils to end at Palestinian cause in his interview with spread was skewed towards the losers. 71 311 fils. HEISC sprinted 28 fils to 475 fils stocks advanced whereas 57 closed lower. on back of 1.2 million shares. Palestine TV recently. Of he 144 counters active on Thursday, 16 The market was mixed the week. The During the interview, Al-Ghanim pointed out that closed flat. 16,133 deals worth KD 62.1 main index closed lower in three of the four even if the current scenario in Palestine is tragic; it million were transacted during the day. sessions and has added 11 points week-on- implies that victory will be achieved soon. He speci- In the banking sector, Gulf Bank took in week. It has rallied 177 points from start of fied aspects of the issue as follows: its central nature, 2 fils on back of 9.4 million shares while the month and is up 744 points year-to- global nature, and the fact that military power cannot Kuwait International Bank held ground at date. defeat the people. He said the Zionist entity is hoping the Palestinians will be like the Red Indians by pushing their cause to oblivion but this plan has been proven to be a failure. He added the Fifth constituency voters go to Palestinians has succeeded in drawing the attention of the entire world to their righteous cause record 14th by-election May 22 Photo by Bassam Abu Shanab He asserted: “We faced a problem in the past when the Burning the flag of the Zionist entity after trampling on it. international media was controlled by the Zionists; but KUWAIT CITY, May 20, (KUNA): Voters Sami Al-Munayyes, Sulaiman Al-Mutawa, today, the Palestinians presented their cause to the world by in Kuwait’s Fifth Constituency head to Abdulrazaq Al-Khaled, Ali Al-Omar, and using a mobile phone.” polling stations on Saturday in the by-elec- Yaaqoub Al-Humaidhi. Our position will never change: MP He went on to say that most of the Palestinian victims are tion, the 14th in Kuwait’s history, to select By-election was held on February 9, women and children, indicating this only shows that Israel is a representative following the vacancy of a 1966, resulting in the victory of Ahmad a coward and it is weak in spite of its strong military power. seat occupied by Bader Zayed Al-Azmi. Al-Abduljalil, Nayef Al-Khulaifi, Rashed Mass rally in Palestinian support The Palestinians defeated the Zionist Army by using small By-election is held in line with Article 84 Al-Hajri, Sulaiman Al-Thuwaikh, stones. Allah the Almighty blessed these stones because they of the Constitution, which stipulated that Abdulaziz Al-Masaeed, Ghannam By Muhammad Ghanem there are those trying to point the com- represent what is right, he asserted. elections are held within two months fol- Al-Jumhour, Mohammad Al-Wazzan, and He stressed that the martyrs may have lost their lives, but Al-Seyassah Staff pass needle in the other direction.” lowing the vacancy of a parliamentary seat. Nasser Al-Muaili. Former MP Muhammad Al-Dalal said they surely obtained a heavenly life. He stressed that Kuwait The mandate of the new member shall last MP Mudhi Al-Nazzal resigned from the has always taken an initiative to support Palestine, indicating KUWAIT CITY, May 20: Hundreds of the Kuwaitis will not allow any trans- until the end of that of his predecessor. parliament on October 29, 1966, and a by- citizens responded to the calls to support he grew up knowing Palestine is occupied and there is noth- gression of the rights of the Palestinian ing to call Israel. Since the 1963 legislative elections, by- election was held resulting in the victory of their Palestinian brothers in the face of people, and that they will not watch as elections were held for different reasons: Khaled Al-Meseb. the Zionist atrocities and gathered at the spectators to what is happening in Gaza Policy either bypassing of a member, a resigna- Seven MPs resigned during the 2nd leg- Erada Square. and Jerusalem. He affirmed the public and official positions of Kuwait on the tion, or annulment of results. islative term in 1967: Khaled Al-Fuhaid, For the second time, after issuing a He called on the Kuwaiti people to Palestinian cause are the same, quoting HH the late Amir The first was when Sulaiman Ahmad Rashed Al-Farhan, Abdulrazzaq Al-Zaid, statement that unauthorized gather- participate in the relief campaign which Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah as saying that Al-Haddad, of the 6th constituency, resigned Abdulaziz Al-Saqer, Ali Al-Omar, ings are considered a violation of the Kuwait would be the last country to normalize relations with the from the National Assembly on October 27, Mohammad Al-Kharafi and Mohammad has been launched to support the 1964. By-elections were held on December Al-Adsani. Their resignations were in pro- law, “which is something that the Palestinians, stressing that such cam- Zionist entity. He pointed out that both HH the late Amir Sheikh Ministry of Interior will never allow,” Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and HH the Amir Sheikh 23 bringing Ali Al-Omar to the house. test of the outcome of the elections. paigns will be the real and basic support Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah adopted this policy. Eight MPs resigned on December 7, By-election was held on May 10, 1967, the Ministry relented and allowed the for the reconstruction of Gaza. Citing Kuwaiti laws which have been ratified since 1967, 1965, in protest against the endorsement of bringing Ibrahim Al-Mailam, Ahmad public to walk to the Erada Square, MP Hamad Al-Matar said the Kuwaiti Al-Ghanim said Kuwait is in a war with the Zionist entity. what they considered “laws curbing free- Al-Abduljalil, Ahmad Al-Khulaifi, Khaled after it threw a security cordon at the people are accustomed to expressing “If we cannot support the Palestinians through weapons, we doms.” They were Ahmad Al-Khatib, Al-Tahous, Khalaf Al-Otaibi, Rashed square and barricaded all roads lead- their opinion in the Erada Square in line should do so with money and our opinions in favor of their Jassem Al-Qatami, Rashed Al-Tawheed, Ismail, and Ghanem Al-Amiri to the house. ing to the Square for vehicular traffic with the constitution. cause,” he added. before the people headed for the Erada A member of the Political Bureau of He also underscored the importance of the positions of Square. the Kuwaiti Progressive Movement, Arab and Muslim parliaments regarding the issue; as well as In this context, MP Hamad Al-Hamad Hamad Al-Ansari, said, the Kuwaiti that of the International Parliament Union (IPU). He said he affirmed that the civil society and politi- called the speaker of IPU, during which he confirmed that people have experienced the bitterness Kuwait will adopt a proposal to dismiss the Knesset -- the cal forces have channeled their energies of the invasion and occupation, “so our unicameral national legislature of Israel; because it commit- in support of the just cause and added, position on the Palestinian issue will ted grave violations against the provisions of IPU. He “We all aim to pray in Jerusalem, where never change.” believes this objective will be realized once the Arab and Muslim parliaments unite; indicating that with the inclusion of a few other parliaments, the number will be enough to pass a decision on the dismissal of Knesset. Gradual renewal of ‘Schengen’ visas He added the agenda of the Assembly’s special session KUWAIT CITY, May 20: Embassy of appointment website Capago Kuwait”. slated for next week includes voting on the proposal to France in Kuwait announced that it will The embassy urged everyone to abide toughen penalties stipulated in Law No. 21/1964 on crimi- gradually resume the renewal of by the aforementioned time schedule, as nalizing the normalization of relations with Israel. Schengen visas, pending the reopening any visa application that does not fall He continued saying that His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah instructed the of the borders, based on a time schedule within this time schedule will be reject- Assembly to exhaust all means to support the Palestinian and categories set in this regard. ed. cause, affirming Highness the Amir fully supports the In a press statement, the embassy It explained that, “In order to regulate Assembly in this regard. revealed that the visa renewal will be the flow, we request you to apply for In conclusion, he urged everyone to learn from the experi- according to the categories authorized visas within the coming weeks only if ence of armless Palestinians who refused to kneel down to currently, which are – spouses of French you are planning to visit France during anyone but Allah Almighty while believing they will emerge citizens, those seeking to reunite with the summer, provided the borders are victorious as long as their cause is right. their families, health professionals, open. We would like to remind you as Meanwhile, some sources said the special session slated for those contributing to the fight against well that the French borders are still Sunday whose agenda includes the grilling motions against COVID-19, and students. closed. Having a visa does not mean that Minister of Health Dr Basel Al-Sabah, Minister of Finance The embassy declared, “As of May one can go to France for a simple touris- and Minister of State for Economic and Investment Affairs Khalifa Hamada, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh 24, short-term Schengen visas, which tic or professional visit for the time Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah will most likely be are valid for a year or more, were issued being. At this stage, only travelers with- cancelled as the government is expected to decline the invita- by the French embassy, and expired in in one of aforementioned categories, to tion to the session because it was not consulted before specify- 2020 or 2021, can be renewed. be mentioned in the travel certificate of ing the date of the session. Nevertheless, the government has From July 1, all other applicants can the Ministry of Interior, can apply for yet to announce its decision; so it appears that the session will file visa applications through the entry into the country.” push through. ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 21-22, 2021 LOCAL 4

National Day greetings sent Govt sector employees scholarship Amir congratulates Cameroon KUWAIT CITY, May 20, (KUNA): His wellbeing and to his country sustainable Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf progress and prosperity. plan for fi scal ’21/22 resumes: CSC Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah addressed His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Thursday a congratulatory cable to Meshaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah President of Cameroon Paul Biya on his and His Highness the Prime Minister country’s National Day. Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Advantages cited for those wishing to pursue medical fields In the cable, His Highness the Amir Al-Sabah sent similar cables to the presi- wished President Biya lifelong good dent of Cameroon. KUWAIT CITY, May 20: Director for Schol- arship and Academ- ic Leave at the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Narges Dashti has announced the re- sumption of the schol- arship plan for govern- ment sector employees for fi scal 2021/2022 af- ter it was suspended in the last fi scal year due to the corona crisis, re- ports Al-Qabas daily. Dashti told the daily about the important features of the plan, indicating the CSC con- tacted 26 government agen- cies covered by the budget of the Scholarship Offi ce some months ago to determine their KUNA photo KUNA photo First meeting of the Council of Public Universities in progress. actual need for scholarships HH the PM with the outgoing ambassador. and academic leaves. She confi rmed that the CSC has Education minister heads council’s fi rst meeting approved the plan for these PM receives outgoing Romanian ambassador authorities, indicating the de- tails regarding specializations His Highness the Prime Minister ending. will be announced in the com- Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad The meeting was attended by Head Al-Sabah received Thursday the Ro- of the Diwan of His Highness the Public Universities Council okays ing days. manian Ambassador to Kuwait Daniel Prime Minister Abdulaziz Dakheel Al- She disclosed certain amend- ments to the plan were made in Tanase on the occasion of his tenure Dakheel. (KUNA) line with the Kuwaitization pol- setting up of general secretariat icy and to provide more national professionals specialized in dif- KUWAIT CITY, May 20, (KUNA): and their workers. nation for the positions of university ferent fi elds. The Council of Public Universities ap- Upgrading president, vice-chancellors, faculty She said one of the important proved the establishment of a general He said that the Council of Public deans, qualitative deanships, assistants features of this year’s plan is secretariat for the council, approved Universities was established with the to deans, assistants to deputy directors, allowing all employees to pur- conditions, criteria and procedures aim of upgrading the education sys- heads of scientifi c departments and the sue all specializations under the for running for leadership positions in tem and developing the performance like. bachelor’s degree on the condi- public universities, and studying the of university education, explaining He stated that the position of the di- tion that they transfer to the Edu- mechanism for forming the founding that the council’s vision and mission rector of Kuwait University had been cation Ministry after graduation board of directors to establish Abdul- must conclude that university educa- announced, pointing to the approval of to serve as teachers in public lah Al-Salem University. tion should be a drive for human de- the Council on the proposal to add a schools. This is aimed at cover- The council said in a press state- velopment and prepare a distinguished new article to the executive regulations ing the Ministry of Education’s ment Thursday, that this came dur- graduate who is able to compete in the for the establishment of a general sec- need for teachers with various ing the fi rst meeting of the council on global labor market. specializations in preparation Wednesday, headed by the Minister of For his part, Al-Rifai said that the retariat for the Council of Public Uni- versities and the fi nancial appropria- for the implementation of the re- Higher Education, Dr. Muhammad Al- council reviewed in its fi rst meeting placement policy. Faris, and in the presence of the Coun- the items on the agenda and reviewed tions for the Council and the General cil’s Secretary General, Dr. Muthanna the law regarding public universities Secretariat. Specializations He pointed out that during the meet- Al-Rifai and members of the Council. and its executive regulations, as well She added the CSC has Minister Al-Faris stressed during as the conditions and procedures for ing, a study of the mechanism for stopped scholarships for a num- the meeting that the goal of educa- the meetings of the Council of Public forming the founding board of direc- ber of specializations due to the tion is to take care of all spectrums of Universities and the mechanism for tors to establish Abdullah Al-Salem surplus in the local labor market; society and the need to work towards making decisions Al-Rifai added that University was also carried out in ac- such as some engineering spe- achieving academic research excel- the council agreed on the conditions, cordance with the public universities cializations, administration and lence for students, faculty members standards and procedures for nomi- law. accounting. She also affi rmed the accept- ance of any entity’s requests The Indian Ambassador to Kuwait HE Sibi George met Nasser Sabeeh Al-Sa- for information technology and beeh, Assistant Foreign Minister, Development & Intl. Cooperation Affairs, Min- computer specializations in ac- istry of Foreign Affairs, Kuwait on May 20 and discussed bilateral ties and ways cordance with their actual need. of further strengthening them, India-Kuwait@60 celebrations, coordination on She said the plan includes emergency medical supplies to India, and matters of mutual interest. different specializations like nursing, human medicine, den- tistry, medical technical and Ambassador thanks Kuwait engineering courses to cover the labor market’s need for manpower specialized in com- puter engineering, communica- Sudan attractive destination for tions, architecture, electronics and others. She added the CSC is now global investments in all fi elds waiting for the Ministry of Fi- By Shawqi Mahmoud disclosed Sudan enjoys comparative nance to approve the budget for Al-Seyassah Staff advantages such as agriculture, live- the plan. stock, mining, energy, infrastructure She revealed there are advan- KUWAIT CITY, May 20: The Ambas- tages for those wishing to pursue sador of the Republic of Sudan to Ku- and communications, will make Sudan medical fi elds and nursing. She wait Abdel Moneim Al-Amin, thanked a destination for global investment, as affi rmed the scholarship to ob- Kuwait for its active participation in the well as an opportunity for countries tain bachelor’s degree and diplo- Paris Conference and its willingness to looking to diversify their sources of ma in nursing within the national negotiate with the Sudanese govern- income. program to develop the Kuwaiti ment to agree to establish partnerships He added Sudan is now qualifi ed to nursing staff is excluded from and development projects of impor- receive investments in proportion to its the conditions applied to others tance for the next natural and human resources and capa- and their salaries are paid in full ble of attracting investors and making along with the incentives and al- stage that enhance joint relations and Sudan a primary destination for global lowances. investments. On the scholarships for mas- contribute to the re- naissance of Sudan. The Sudanese ambassador praised ter’s and doctorate degrees, she France’s positions with all its politi- disclosed there are no specializa- The ambassador told Al-Seyassah cal and economic weight in support of tions specifi ed for the govern- Sudan and for it to form the gateway ment agencies this year. daily Kuwait’s posi- She added those wishing to tive position is not through which Sudan enters the in- complete their postgraduate strange. Kuwait has ternational community, as the French studies must meet the follow- been supportive of president mentioned in his speech at ing conditions: completion of Sudan development Al-Amin the opening session of the conference. requirements stated in the schol- and had previously Al-Amin affi rmed that the Paris con- arship list, the qualifi cation must expressed its willingness to play a posi- ference was successful by all stand- be an extension of the previous tive role in supporting the efforts of ards and achieved the desired goals qualifi cation, and the specializa- Sudan to ease the burden of its foreign in achieving political and economic tion should match the employ- debt. support for Sudan, and that its results ee’s nature of work and desti- He added the Paris conference comes would be positively refl ected on the Su- nation. She said entities which within the framework of providing danese economy to open the door for usually get scholarship slots for support for the democratic transition foreign investments. completion of master’s and doc- in Sudan so that the transitional pe- The conference also constituted an torate degrees are the ministries riod reaches its desired goals, and the important development for Sudan to of Public Works, Awqaf, Social conference also proved that the world emerge from its isolation and open- Affairs and Education. ness to the world, and is seen as one She added the medical and opens its arms to support the transition- nursing specializations were ex- al period to confront the most important of the most successful conferences empted from the suspension of challenges it faces, including the bur- that confirms the world’s interest in scholarships in fi scal 2020/2021. den of foreign debt. Sudan and the beginning of establish- She disclosed that 180 employ- He pointed out that the huge invest- ing solid relations for the return of ees were sent to study medicine ment opportunities were presented Sudan as a normal state for the inter- and 77 employees were sent to during the conference in all fi elds and national fold. study nursing last year. She went on to say that the number of current and continu- Rajab to supervise team ing service bureau delegates reached 4,000 and about half of them are studying in the country PAAAFR confi rms forming emergency and the other half abroad. She stated most of the delegates sent to study medical specializations team in bid to control desert locusts abroad are in Britain, Canada KUWAIT CITY, May 20: The Public infiltrated the outskirts of a street in and United States of America; Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Wafra Agricultural Area, indicating a while other delegates pursuing Fish Resources (PAAAFR) has con- swarm of locusts came from the direc- various specializations are in firmed the formation of an emergency tion of Saudi Arabia. Egypt, Jordan, Bahrain and other team for desert locust control under the After the team completed its opera- countries. She explained there are supervision of Deputy Director General tions, it began a comprehensive survey of amendments to the list of schol- for Plant Wealth Affairs Dalal Rajab, the southern region in anticipation of arships, which are in the fi nal reports Al-Qabas daily. other swarms of locusts. PAAAFR has stages and will be announced The team monitored and dealt with been coordinating with the Desert Locust soon. She affi rmed these amend- the swarm of desert locusts that Control Authority in Cairo, Egypt for a ments are in the interest of both appeared in the southern part of the long time to monitor locust movements, the students and the local labor country on Monday. and take preventive measures before market. The team also dealt with locusts that damaging crops and others. ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 21-22, 2021 LOCAL 5 diwaniya A DIGEST OF PUBLIC OPINION ‘Cooperation needed among authorities to put nation on right track’

“THE Speaker of the Parliament Marzouq Al-Ghanim and His Highness the “The defi nition of privatization is the transfer of ownership of an institution, its strength and vitality, but due to its extension to everyone. Today, we have the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled may not be legally responsible for company, or government administration from the public sector to the private right to say that Kuwaitis differ on all issues except on the cause of Palestine. cases of corruption and embezzlement of public funds, which have recently be- sector, and it is divided into two methods, the fi rst is the sale of state property You can choose whoever you want among the people and examine their position come a common feature. We did not hear any one of them involved in using assets to the private sector, and the second is that the state stops providing logis- to get the same result.” public money unlawfully, or covered up or attempted to cover a corrupt person, tical services to citizens that it used to in the past and the private sector pledges ❑ ❑ ❑ regardless of his kinship, but they are morally responsible,” columnist Mubarak to provide them to citizens and invest them. Al-Moasherji wrote for Al-Rai daily. “The implementation of privatization in our country is almost impossible in “The United Nations announced the celebration of the Sixth Global Road “Since the beginning of the current decade Al-Ghanim has assumed the light of the government bureaucracy and the corruption index which is con- Safety Week from May 17-23. It called for the issuance of bulletins and informa- Speakership of three consecutive parliaments, however, these three National stantly escalating, and the absence of a government decision. tional publications and to take this occasion as an opportunity to reduce driving Assemblies did not pass strict laws that deter corrupt per- “Most countries in the world follow a philosophy to privatizing the sectors speed, to be safe and to reduce road accidents in all countries, but we have yet sons and the thieves of public money. that are related to politics and the supreme sovereignty of the state from the pub- to hear the plans of the concerned authorities in Kuwait to celebrate this week,” “His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled was in all lic sector to the private sector because the state must take care of big issues such columnist Hind Al-Choumar wrote for Al-Anba daily. the governments during this period, either as minister as political, administrative, security and economic, so our oil is the only resource “Failure to celebrate this international week means the State has no problem or prime minister, nevertheless, we did not hear that the for the country and there is no other resource. regarding road accidents or it is not ready for the participation of the interna- government had issued strict laws to deter theft of public “For more than fi fty years since the beginning of oil extraction, there has tional community or it has already developed solutions some time ago, but these money or to stop appointing the corrupt people in leader- been no proper planning to develop alternatives, and that no oil sector should excuses are unacceptable! ship positions. be privatized because this is the only and most important artery for the country. “How many people were injured in road accidents and lying in the hospital “All we used to read in the newspapers was that one or “The question is: Will the privatization law solve the unemployment problem now?! How much human and material losses are borne by the economy because some of them had left the country without being prevent- and Kuwaiti companies appoint all Kuwaitis, and that the ownership or transfer of accidents?! ed from traveling, publicly or secretly before a verdict of any institution be sold or transferred after a thorough study and sold at reason- “I also added the noise, which unfortunately has become a source of tension was issued against them. able prices with no interference or favoritism so troubled companies improve and anxiety while driving due to the excessive use of alarm devices that were “Cooperation is required among the three authorities their fi nancial position and performance. Al-Moasherji rarely used earlier. The use of such devices has become prevalent, up to the point as long as this cooperation is in the interest of the home- “Most of the countries in the world that privatize their institutions and com- of organizing street marches, which is considered a nuisance to the residents land and the citizens, and their safety from any harm, corruption, bloody crimes, panies obtain loans from the World Bank or the International Monetary Fund who are resting.” or deprivation of their rights by force. that sets programs for them to regulate their economic path, and to address the ❑ ❑ ❑ “However, hundreds of millions of fi nancial incentives and rewards are paid imbalance and problems. to all senior offi cials in ministries and state institutions in the name of front-line “We fear that privatization might be selling state property to a small group at “Some of those who have yet to be vaccinated are still waiting, although the bonuses. This may be the reason for the state budget defi cit. All the security or the expense of the majority and public funds.” Ministry of Health has conducted massive vaccination campaigns at the level health risks we face are nothing but the negligence of these leaders. ❑ ❑ ❑ of workers in commercial complexes and others, while many others have reg- “Since the beginning of 2021 the esteemed National Assembly has not com- istered and booked appointments but their turn has yet to come!” columnist Dr pleted one full session without problems and commotion and chaos in the Ab- “In all circumstances and at the worst stations, Kuwait — with all its sects, di- Naji Saoud Al-Zaid wrote for Al-Jarida daily. dullah Al-Salem hall forced the Speaker to suspend the session until after Eid versities and differences — deals with the Palestinian cause through clear rheto- “Then, another problem surfaced -- waiting for the second dose of the vac- al-Fitr because the MPs in a show of dissent occupied the seats of ministers. ric,” columnist Mohammad Al-Motni wrote for Annahar daily. cine. “We are faced with diffi cult choices, some of them bitter such as talking about “Since its inception and since its independence, Kuwait has opted to be the “I want to repeat this: ‘Every delay is good.’ Scientists have reached the con- the dissolution of the Parliament unconstitutionally and thrusting the nation into historical incubator for the Palestinian cause. Kuwait dealt with this cause not clusion that those who receive the second dose of Pfi zer vaccine 12 weeks after the unknown or the constitutional dissolution of the Parliament and this includes as a political issue subject to interest and tensions from international interaction receiving the fi rst dose will increase their immunity three and a half times, com- security and health risks that may lead to problems and issues that are diffi cult in which states maneuver the situation to obtain their rights or interests. They pared to those who received the second dose after three weeks and those above for everyone to solve.” achieved this by waiving many positions and decisions. The issue exists in every change and it remains regardless of the situation. 80 years old. Also: “In Kuwait alone, the Palestinian cause was completely isolated from any “Defi nitely, this is encouraging and reassuring, but expediting the fi rst dose is “When oil prices decline, the talk of privatization and its implementation discussion, dialogue and disagreement. The offi cial position of Kuwait, with a duty. It is necessary to accelerate the vaccination of the largest possible num- takes center stage, but with great regret when oil prices stabilize we hear nothing the majestic public position behind it, is established day by day, stemming from ber of the population in order to reach herd immunity, as immunization against about privatization or taxation. The talk about diversifying sources of income is constants that do not need to be demonstrated or highlighted. Even in our dark- the virus has proven to be very effective in preventing the spread of the virus, stereotype rhetoric, and with the index of corruption and lack of implementation est circumstances, we are receiving blows from some with heightened brilliance reducing the infection rate, and disappearance or dwindling number of deaths of the law, we talk again about privatization,” columnist Mishref Eqab wrote and durability. due to corona.” for Al-Shahed daily. “The public position today is more coherent. We feel so proud not because of — Compiled by Ahmad Al-Shazli

Arrests made as basement used Other Voices for ‘anti-social’ purposes raided Notes on the Palestinian issue By Ahmad alsarraf estinian issue is their fi rst issue, but if we look at the living and political con- or 101 years, the Palestinian issue ditions of these countries, we will fi nd People bullied by running fake accounts Fhas been an example of how frail that what they are saying is far from our situation, how our decisions are the truth and even from logic, so how confused, and our backwardness and do countries like Egypt, Iraq, Syria, or KUWAIT CITY, May 20: Personnel from the Crimi- bullying others. retreat continue even any Gulf state consider the Pales- nal Investigation Department (CID) raided a basement The security sources said 13 other people, all of whom are believed to be in every fi eld be- tinian cause at the top of its priorities bedoun and are in police custody, used the place to promote rumors. The cause we, very while they are mired in a sea of prob- of a building in Jahra and arrested two bedoun, re- sources added, investigations are underway to find out who financed the briefl y, chose lems and thorny livelihood issues, and ports Al-Anba daily. activity and what the motives are. the occult over most of them complain of the inability According to security sources, documents show the place was rent- The source said due to the seriousness of what the suspects were doing, all modern science, to provide citizens with the necessary ed as a coffee shop, but was used to spread rumors and a haven for legal measures were taken before the raid including obtaining the search and and indulged in daily requirements, not to mention the arrest warrant from the Public Prosecution. disagreements strategic matters such as education, ar- Whatever was found on the and futile wars mament, development and security? premises has been seized by the at the expense of We neither developed nor allowed security authorities including settlements, and Palestine to develop. advanced broadcasting equip- the preference In addition, many corrupt Palestinian ment hidden in the basement. for the principle alsarraf leaders have played a role and that has Ministry of Interior has issued of ‘everything or been the cause of failures. The luxuri- a statement saying the Anti- nothing’, based on the principle of ‘take ous life of the majority of their former Cybercrime Department of the and demand’. leaders abroad and widows of those Criminal Security Sector has If we, as Arab countries, are com- who died is evidence of that corruption. managed to arrest a number of pletely incapable of agreeing on the The leaders had looted what came suspects of what it called ‘unde- simplest and most obvious matters, then their way thanks to absence of monitor- termined nationalities’ for run- how can we (21 countries) agree on ing agencies among the leaderships that ning fake accounts to bully well- how to liberate Palestine? established themselves as guardians to known personalities, spreading The Palestinians put their cause in the Palestinian people while they did rumors, soiling the dignity of the hands of the Arabs, so they gave not come through the popular will. some people and striking at them money and weapons in one hand The experiences of Palestinians with national unity. and with the other they set their con- democracy during a hundred years were The Directorate General of ditions and demands, so the issue was very rare and the fi rst was perhaps in Public Relations and Security immersed in Arab disputes, and since 1996 and then came the 2006 elections Media Department of the Interior 1948 until today they have not been after the Cairo announcement among Ministry said the raiding party able to get out of it. the Palestinian factions in which Hamas discovered the place was divided The Palestinians also placed a large achieved great success. into 50 cubicles and found in the part of their fate with the beginnings of The rest of the factions did not like possession of the suspects dis- the intensifi cation of the confl ict in the that, and that was, as the Hamas Broth- play devices computers and a hands of the Arab Higher Committee erhood wanted, the end of the Gaza era large number of storage memory headed by Amin Al-Husseini, the Mufti and the Palestinians with elections. chips. of Jerusalem, a cleric of modest under- Note: Parties in Kuwait and abroad ❑ ❑ ❑ standing and abilities, who believed that have called to collect donations to cooperation with Nazism was the best provide relief to the people of Gaza 12th grade exams: According decision at a time when the Jews were through certain charity societies. If that to reliable sources from the edu- on the side of the Western allies, and put happens, it will be another corruption, cational sector, the joint health- their cause in the hands of the strongest, as happened in previous cases. Conse- education committees in the most experienced and fi nancier parties quently, the Kuwait Red Crescent So- educational zones have recom- including people such as Rothschild People are rescued from the building with the help of a fi re brigade ladder. ciety is the only one that can be relied mended prohibiting individual and Weizmann, and hardened loyal Zi- upon in such circumstances. inspections of 12th graders in the onists such as ‘Ben-Gurion’ and ‘Golda Tomorrow will be another article. fi nal exams of the current aca- No casualties in Mirqab building fi re Meir’. ❑ ❑ ❑ demic year, avoiding any physi- Since 1948, most of our countries cal contact between the students have insisted on claiming that the Pal- email: [email protected] Acting on information fi re engines received a report on the fi re, fi re- car tires dump and put out limited and the invigilators, and adher- rushed to the heart of the city in fi ghting teams from Kuwait City fi r e . ing to the application of social Mirqab and extinguished a fi re and Hilali centers rushed to the According to a security source, distancing in the exam rooms, without causing any casualties, residential building and put out the security patrols detected reports Al-Rai daily. Pathways to ease traffi c reports Al-Seyassah daily. the fi re. smoke rising from the tires in the They affi rmed that the minis- The Public Relations and Me- Firemen are investigating the Arraha area and immediately in- try will take necessary discipli- dia Department of the Directo- cause of the fi re. formed the Operations Room of nary actions against any student PART opens 2 service roads today rate-General of Fire Department Meanwhile, acting on informa- the Directorate-General of Fire who is proven to have cheated stated after the operation room tion, fi remen rushed to the old Department. or committed malpractice during KUWAIT CITY, May 20, (KUNA): The 6.5 ring road consists of 4 traffi c lanes and the exam. Public Authority for Roads & Transporta- two safety lanes for each direction, with a ‘Strange’ messages probed The sources indicated that it is tion Kuwait announced Thursday the open- width of about 20 meters. Govt cuts rates likely for some school adminis- ing of two service roads from 6.5 Ring on ❑ ❑ ❑ trations to use jamming devices Friday. in the exam rooms to disrupt The authority stated in a press statement Motorist dead: An unidentifi ed bedoun Bid to smuggle in drugs thwarted of many ‘meds’ the transmission of devices usu- that the fi rst service road will be for the one motorist, believed to be in his 50s, died on ally used for cheating, such as the Sixth Ring Road following a collision KUWAIT CITY, May 20: Person- rate areas. coming from the 6.5 ring road to Jleeb Mar- KUWAIT CITY, May 20: The coun- bluetooth devices, in order to ket in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh area, with a length with another vehicle, reports Al-Seyassah nel from the General Department The messages read “I was killed try has reduced the prices of 3,786 confront electronic fraud, which of 1600 meters. daily. for Drugs Control (GDDC) recently and put in a car,” or “My brother shot medicines since March 2015, re- became common means for The corpse of the victim has been referred thwarted the attempt of a 35-year- ports Al-Rai daily quoting Minister She added that the second service road at me with a shotgun,” and yet another cheating in the previous years. will be from the intersection Al-Ghazali to Forensics Medicine department. old Kuwaiti to smuggle 370 grams read: “I was killed and put in a bag.” of Health Sheikh Dr Basel Al-Sabah ❑ ❑ ❑ When the Operations Room of the Min- who responded to a parliamentary Road to Abdullah Al-Mubarak District and of cocaine into the country, reports Most of these writings were found Sabah Al-Salem University City, with a istry of Interior received a report on the in- question. ‘Astra’ numbers less: Even cident police and paramedics rushed to the Al-Seyassah daily. in desert areas of Salmi and Hawalli. length of 2500 meters. The daily added, the drugs arrived The security sources believe there According to the minister, the though the Ministry of Health spot and took the other injured motorist to denied the arrival of the third It stated that road users coming from the via the express mail neatly hidden in- is a possibility that these ‘murders’ Ministry of Health began studying the Farwaniya Hospital. the price reduction in 2014 as part of batch of the Oxford-AstraZeneca direction of Al-Ghazali Road will be able to ❑ ❑ ❑ side a pair of head phones set. actually happened in these areas but use the main road 6.5 to reach Abdullah Al- The daily added, the suspect was the Gulf price unifi cation project. vaccine, sources revealed that remain largely unsolved. He affi rmed all pharmacies are un- the third batch of the vaccine Mubarak area at the intersection with road Change in contract: The Ministry of arrested in coordination with the de- ❑ ❑ ❑ had arrived in the country, but 602. Health has requested for change for the tectives when the suspect arrived to der the supervision of the ministry. He warned that legal action will be taken the quantity was lesser than what It indicated that the main road heading second time – an increase of $48 million, collect his parcel. New program: Undersecretary of the was ordered, which frustrates the from the G-Ring Road intersection to the equivalent to 14.5 million dinars, or 200 Ministry of Justice Omar Al-Sharqa- against pharmacies proven to have He has been handed over to the violated the drug pricing decisions as Ministry of Health’s vaccination Al-Ghazali Road intersection with a length percent over the value of the Pfi zer vaccine concerned authorities. wi said the ministry had launched a per Article 15 of Law No. 28/1996. plan, reports Al-Qabas daily. of 9200 meters, as well as part of the main contract, reports Al-Anba daily. Meanwhile, personnel from the new online program which will en- He said the penalties include a prison Pictures were shared on social road heading from the Al-Ghazali Road in- The sources stated the change in the con- Criminal Investigation Department able experts to work ‘remotely’ and sentence of not more than six months media of some recipients of the tersection to the Seventh Ring Road inter- tract comes at a time when Kuwait is plan- (CID) are looking for person/s who follow up on all cases and complete and a fi ne of KD2,000 or any one of second dose of the Oxford vac- section with a length of 6800 meters. ning to vaccinate citizens and residents with has written strange messages in sepa- them easily, reports Al-Anba daily. these penalties. cine and this sparked controversy. She indicated that the main road of the the Pfi zer vaccine on a large scale. ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 21-22, 2021

6

GUST professor’s research discusses work of Naguib Mahfouz Dr Elsaadany research published in leading academic journal

KUWAIT CITY, May 20: Dr Kamel Elsaadany, Assistant Professor of Eng- lish, of GUST recently had a paper Zyda helps restaurants succeed during pandemic published titled A Sociopragmatic Ac- count of Religiosity and Secularity in Fictional Narratives which discusses GUST’s Computer Science Dept hosts Bashar Alostad the dichotomy between religion and secularism in writer Naguib Mah- KUWAIT CITY, May 20: The Com- restaurants to subscribe to them. fouz’s work. Dr Elsaadany’s paper puter Science Department at GUST Assistant Professor of Computer has been published in Pragmatics and hosted Bashar Alostad the Head of Science, Dr Israa Hussein, said “Hav- Society,which marks the fi rst time a professor from GUST has been pub- Partnerships at Zyda, an ecommerce ing someone of Bashar Alostad’s stat- lished in this internationally recog- SaaS platform. The seminar took ure come speak is an honor. He has nized academic journal. place on Microsoft Teams on April achieved so much as Head of partner- Pragmatics and Societyis a Q1 5th and was targeted at Computer ships at Zyda, and we are grateful to journal, indicating the highest tier of Science students, attending CSC404- have him share his experience with us. academic journals globally. It puts the an Introduction to E-commerce Our students will see the real life out- spotlight on societal aspects of lan- course. The seminar was an hour comes of working in ecommerce and guage use, while incorporating many long with Bashar sharing his experi- how it is a leading and vital industry other facets of society-oriented prag- ence with Zyda during the pandemic, not just during the global pandemic matic studies. It also brings together a followed by a Q&A session. but in the coming years as well.” variety of approaches to the study of Dr Kamel Elsaadany Zyda is an ecommerce SaaS plat- The talk was titled “COVID-19’s Bashar Alostad language in context, inspired by differ- Through an interdisciplinary method- lished in a Q1 journal is an enormous form that helps restaurants create an Effect on E-commerce in Kuwait” ent research perspectives and drawing ology combining the application of honor and I am grateful for everyone online presence. They take restau- overall growth and profi t of many putting an emphasis on how a Ku- on various disciplines, for instance, pragmatics, interactional sociolinguis- who has supported me along the way rants with little to no online pres- restaurants who have linked their so- waiti ecommerce startup has suc- sociology, psychology, developmental tics, and contextual analysis, it aims to at GUST.” ence, and help them adapt, thereby cial media accounts with their web- ceeded from a technical and busi- and cognitive science, anthropology, Dr Elsaadany’s published work allowing them to succeed during the ness perspective due to the global media research, and computer-related determine Mahfouz’s potentiality for sites allowing for a larger audience social studies. perceiving and narrativizing religion showcases GUSTs continuous excel- pandemic. Alostad explained that to be reached. Mr. Alostad also ex- pandemic. Students of the CSC404 The paper investigates the religion and secularism in twentieth-century lence and its goal of becoming a hy- restaurants could launch their web- plained that prior to the COVID-19 class attended the seminar as an op- and secularism dichotomy in Naguib Egypt. brid teaching and research institute. Dr site with Zyda within 24 hours with pandemic, online food delivery in portunity to learn from real life sto- Mahfouz’s novels, which are shaped Dr Elsaadany said “My published Omar Moufakkir, of GUST, has also no commission taken. As a result of the region was limited to a certain ries such as Zyda. More importantly, by cultural narratives that convey his research work has a major impact on had recent work published in the aca- this model, Zyda went from launch- number of platforms that took large giving students vital access to key ideas. It analyzes a defi ned corpus of teaching syntax, semantics, and dis- demic journal Tourism Management, ing 30 restaurant websites in 2018 to commissions. Zyda’s benefi ted from individuals like Bashar Alostad and Mahfouz’s body of work that articulate course Analysis to GUST students in reinforcing the GUSTs mission and 2000 for all of Kuwait, the GCC, and the implementation of curfews and his knowledge, enrichening their his notions of religion and secularism. the English Department. Being pub- tradition of academic excellence. Egypt in 2020. This has led to the lockdowns, which allowed for more learning experience. Event marks 60 years of India-Kuwait diplomatic ties TRASSK, BDK hold blood donation camp KUWAIT CITY, May 20: As part of the 60t.h-anniversary celebra- tions of India-Kuwait diplomatic relations, the Thrissur Associa- tion Kuwait and the BDK Kuwait Chapter jointly organized a blood donation camp, in collaboration with the Embassy of India Kuwait and the Central Blood Bank. At the blood donation camp held at Adan Blood Bank on Saturday, May 15, from 9 am to 1 pm; 125 people had donated, out of the 140 registered. The camp was formally inaugu- rated by Kamal Singh Rathore, the fi rst secretary, Embassy of India Kuwait. He highlighted the social service that expatriate organiza- tions in Kuwait have always been doing in the community. He espe- cially lauded the Thrissur Associa- tion for coming up with the great idea of donating blood in the Cov- id situation and BDK Kuwait, for their support. TRASSK President Joy Chittilappilly, who presided over the function, congratulated the board members and activists for their help in making the event a success and thanked the Central Blood Bank offi cials for their sup- A fl yer of the DAI RADIO program. port. The distinguished guest was honored with a memento, by the TRASSK president in the function. BDK Patrons Manoj Mavelik- Dr Salah Eddine publishes study as kara, Anil P. Alex, Pravasi Welfare Board Member N. Ajithkumar and part of Heritage Facilitation Project Vanithavedi General Convener Dhanya Mukesh spoke in praise of the blood donors. BDK Advisory KUWAIT CITY, May 20: Assistant Board Member Rajan Thottathil Professor of Arabic and Islamic Stud- ies at Gulf University for science and handed over a plaque of apprecia- technology, Dr Salah Eddine Arkadan, tion to Thrissur Association Ku- published a study as part of the “Herit- wait for the successful organiza- age Facilitation Project” sponsored by tion of the camp. the Egyptian General Book Authority, Reghubal BDK welcomed the a subdivision of the Ministry of Cul- gathering, and TRASSK Treas- ture. The study focused on the book The urer Anthony Neelankavil thanked Unique Necklace and its importance in them. TRASSK General Secretary Arabic heritage and language. Tritheesh Kumar managed the The Ministry of Culture employs scholars and writers who can deal with events. heritage books and transmit the essence Joint Secretary & Social Welfare of their content to present and future Convenor Praveen, Joint Treasurer generations without any alteration to the & Media ConvenorBivin Thomas Photos from the event. authors’ language or main ideas.The im- Dr Salah Eddine Arkadan and Joint Secretary & Arts Con- portance of the project is in making Arab a beauty’s neck. He viewed the Arabic venorPouloseVaranattu coordinat- heritage books available to the contem- language as the beauty, and the chap- ed the blood donation camp. TRASSK were distributed to all of Paulson, VanithavediJt Secretary RosminSoyous, DeepuChan- porary reader by distributing millions ters of his book, proverbs, and Ara- The camp was organized in strict the donors. ManjulaShijo, Social Welfare Jt. dran, Nimish, JayanSadasivan, of copies within Egypt and abroad. The bic/Islamic values as the pearl beads; compliance to the COVID pro- TRASSK Joint Secretary Convener Ali Hamza; BDK vol- Ratheesh and Surendra Mohan goal is to revive the Arabic language and hence the name ‘The Unique Neck- tocols of the Ministry of Health, and Sports Convener Shanavas, unteers SarathKattoor, Vinoth led the camp.Photos from the the distinguished heritage books. Vanithavedi Secretary Sindhu Kumar, Salini S. Mohan, Beena, event. ‘The Unique Necklace’ is particu- lace’. This metaphor eternalized the Kuwait. Certifi cates and gifts of larly special compared to other herit- book and distinguished it in the herit- age books in that the author – Ibn Abd age book literature. Rabbu Al-Andalusi – has written the The book is an encyclopedia of Ara- AUK alumna’s paper explores waqf influence book with the intention to establish the bic and Islamic knowledge that can be Arabic language in Andalusia during a reference for every scholar and stu- the 3rd & 4th Hijri (9th & 10th Centu- dent of the past, present, and future. ries). In addition, he aimed to link the Dr Arkadan is one of various schol- Arab generations born in the far west ars who have recently had their work Rafia receives Kuwait Program at Science Po award of Europe to their eastern heritage. published which is a testament to The author likened his book to the GUST’s goal of becoming a hybrid re- KUWAIT CITY, May 20: From a AUK dean of the College of Busi- paper and its content, stating, “Is- taining innovative,autonomous and pearl beads that decorate a necklace on search and teaching institute. collection of over 300 eligible pa- ness and Economics, Dr Ralph Pal- lam’s holistic view of human devel- self-governed higher education in- pers, AUK alumna from the class liam refl ected upon Rafi a’s research opment recognizes and emphasizes stitutions.” of 2020, Rafi a Tabaa’s entry was the central role of education and Rafia expressed her gratitude, KMWA organizes online public selected for the Kuwait Program at knowledge.” saying, “I am very grateful to Sciences Po Student Paper Award While pursuing a Bachelor of have been provided access to due to its excellent and outstanding Business Administration in Eco- such a unique opportunity and program on ‘Message of Badar’ quality. nomics, Rafia’s paper was nomi- to receive this generous award. Rafia’s paper, titled “The nated by her former economics My gratitude extends to AUK KUWAIT CITY, May 20: Karna- ation (KMWA) organizes several such Legacy of Endowments in High- professor, Dr Ali Aljamalby virtue and my supervisor Dr Ali Alja- taka Muslim Welfare Association programs annually to spread the peace- er Education: The Case of Al of its exemplary nature as it was mal for his unwavering mentor- (KMWA), a subsidiary of Indian Mus- ful message of Islam and to promote lim Association (IMA), conducted on- peace and harmony among the fellow Qarawiyyin University and Mer- one of the best papers written in ship throughout the process of line program on ‘Message of Badar’ citizens of Karnataka Stateof various ton College, Oxford,” was praised the course. researching this topic.” in Kannada language through ZOOM. faiths residing in Kuwait. by the program’s joint committee. Dr Ali Aljamal referred back to AUK advocates for students to be People from India and Kuwait attend- General Secretary of KMWA Mu- Her paper explores the influence Rafi a’s paper and the importance of active members of their campus and ed the program. hammad Irshad convened the program. of waqf — Islamic endowment implementing the concept of waqf external community and encourages Vice President of IMA, B.S. Shara- Fahimuddin Shareef conducted online of property — on the quality of within the academic sector, as he them to pursue competitions that fuddin presented a Powerpoint presen- quiz on the subject and prizes were educational institutions. The pa- elaborates, “To harness its poten- cultivate innovation, creativity and tation, and he said the event of Badar given to three winners. Introduction of per aimed to achieve that by com- tial in higher education, waqf for originality, in addition to pursuing has many lessons such as, always stay KMWA was given by KMWA Presi- paring and contrasting the waqf- higher education institutions needs research and development projects. strong during tough times, don’t hesi- dent Abdul Naser Khan. The program tate to stand firm for justice even when commenced by the recitation of few based AlQarawiyyin University to be reformed and reestablished as Rafi a’s paper can be read below you are weak as truth will always be verses of Qur’an byVP-KMWA, Sira- in Morocco and endowment-based a bedrockfor sustainable economic under Fall 2019: victorious with the help of God. He juddin. Participants expressed their Merton College in England. It and social development. Such re- https://www.sciencespo.fr/ku- also entertained questions raised by the happiness and gratitude for providing has since been published on the form could potentially involve re- wait-program/student-activities/ audience on the subject. such unique opportunity particularly in Kuwait Program at Sciences Po’s AUK alumna from the class of invigorating the waqf system so it paper-award/#1613670576004- Karnataka Muslim Welfare Associ- Kannada language. webpage where it can be accessed. 2020, RafiaTabaa can assume its original role in sus- c94546cd-1e03 ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 21-22, 2021 INTERNATIONAL 7

Members of the Academy Class of 2021 recite the oath of office during 140th commencement exercises for the United States Coast Guard Academy Wednesday, May 19, 2021 in New London, Conn. President Joe Biden delivered the keynote address to the graduates. (AP)

her son, who also was killed in a recent man who had been convicted in a 2010 against Grant at trial. (AP) motorcycle accident, authorities said. fatal stabbing but was later eliminated as ❑ ❑ ❑ America News in Brief Diane Everett, 51, of Milliken, lost the killer by DNA evidence was declared control of her motorcycle and crashed innocent on Wednesday by Texas’ high- Bombings kill 13: Roadside bomb- into a ditch near Loveland on Saturday, est criminal court. ings in southern and central Afghanistan A BBC killed 13 people, including nine mem- BBC scribe used deceit: The Fort Collins Coloradoan reported. The ruling by the Texas Court of journalist used “deceitful behavior” to bers of one family, officials said “I think she was fighting at the scene Criminal Appeals came after a new anal- ‘Democrat trap’ secure an explosive interview with to stay alive, but at the same time I don’t Thursday. Meanwhile, militants stopped Princess Diana in 1995, in a “serious ysis of DNA found on the victim’s fin- a bus in western Afghanistan, ordered think she wanted to come back but gernails pointed to Lydell Grant’s inno- breach” of the broadcaster’s guidelines, instead felt my little brother’s spirit and three men to get out and shot and killed an investigation found Thursday. chose to be with him,” said Joshua cence. them. Independent commission The BBC said in November it had Everett, Diane Everett’s stepson.(AP) Grant was convicted in the death of No one has claimed responsibility for appointed a retired senior judge to lead ❑ ❑ ❑ 28-year-old Aaron Scheerhoorn, who the latest attacks. an investigation after Diana’s brother, was stabbed outside a Houston bar. Six The three men on the bus were ethnic Charles Spencer, made renewed com- Texas man innocent: A Houston eyewitnesses to the stabbing testified Hazaras. (AP) voted over GOP objection plaints that journalist Martin Bashir used WASHINGTON, May 20, (AP): ensure that nothing like this ever false documents and other dishonest tac- The House voted to create an happens again.” tics to persuade Diana to agree to the independent commission on the Rep. Fred Upton, R-Mich., interview. deadly Jan. 6 insurrection at the said that Jan. 6 “is going to haunt Spencer alleged Bashir showed him fake bank documents relating to his sis- U.S. Capitol, sending the legisla- this institution for a long, long ter’s former private secretary and anoth- tion to an uncertain future in the time” and that a commission is er former royal household member, with Senate as Republican leaders necessary to find the truth about the aim of gaining access to the princess. work to stop a bipartisan investi- what happened. He recalled that (AP) gation that is opposed by former he “heard the shouts, saw the ❑ ❑ ❑ President Donald Trump. flash-bangs, smelled the gas on Democrats say an independent that sorry day.” Monasteries evacuated: A large investiga- Democrats grew angry as some wildfire in Greece gutted and damaged tion is cru- Republicans suggested the com- dozens of homes and prompted evacua- cial to mission was only intended to tions Thursday as it tore through rugged reckoning smear Trump. Several shared forest terrain. The fire caused no injuries but sent a huge cloud of smoke and ash what hap- their own memories of the insur- across southern Greece, including pened that rection, when rioters brutally beat Athens where it obscured the view of the day, when police, broke in through windows Acropolis. a violent and doors and sent lawmakers Fire department officials said 17 mob of running. water-dropping planes and three helicop- Trump’s Four of the rioters died, includ- ters were involved to try to contain the supporters ing a woman who was shot and blaze about 70 kilometers (45 miles) smashed killed by police as she tried to west of Athens that started outside the McCarthy into the break into the House chamber. A resort town of Loutraki. Capitol to Capitol Police officer collapsed Overnight and later Thursday, authori- try and overturn President Joe and died after engaging with the ties issued evacuation orders for 18 set- Biden’s victory. Modeled after protesters, and two officers took tlements, in areas with many vacation the investigation into the Sept. their own lives in the days after. homes. Two Orthodox Christian monas- 11, 2001, attacks, the legislation “We have people scaling the teries and one convent were also evacu- would establish an independent, Capitol, hitting the Capitol Police ated. (AP) 10-member commission that with lead pipes across the head, ❑ ❑ ❑ would make recommendations by and we can’t get bipartisanship? College to keep statue: The gov- the end of the year for securing What else has to happen in this erning body of a college at Oxford the Capitol and preventing anoth- country?” shouted Rep. Tim University said Thursday it will not take er insurrection. Ryan, D-Ohio, on the floor just down the statue of Victorian imperialist The bill passed the House on before the vote. He said the GOP Cecil Rhodes on its facade despite the Wednesday 252-175, with 35 opposition is “a slap in the face to recommendation of a specially appointed Republicans voting with every rank and file cop in the commission for its removal. Democrats in support of the com- United States.” Oriel College’s governing body said mission, defying Trump and there were “regulatory and financial House Republican leader Kevin Loyalty challenges” and that it would focus more The vote was yet another test time and energy on “improving educa- McCarthy. Trump issued a state- tional equality, diversity and inclusion ment urging Republicans to vote of Republican loyalty to Trump, amongst its student cohort and academic against it, calling the legislation a whose grip on the party remains community.” “Democrat trap.” strong despite his election defeat. The decision follows a long-running House Republicans booted Defections campaign for the removal of the statue of Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney from a man who made a fortune in the late Senate Republican leader their leadership last week for her 19th century from gold and diamond Mitch McConnell is trying to pre- criticism of Trump’s false claims, mines where miners labored in brutal vent defections among his own installing a Trump loyalist in her conditions. (AP) ranks, echoing McCarthy’s oppo- place. Cheney, in turn, suggested ❑ ❑ ❑ sition in a Senate floor speech to ABC News that a commission Sarkozy goes on trial: The trial of Wednesday morning. Both men could subpoena McCarthy former French President Nicolas claimed the bill was partisan, because he spoke to Trump dur- Sarkozy on charges that his unsuccess- even though membership of the ing the insurrection. ful 2012 reelection bid was illegally proposed commission would be House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, financed has formally started on evenly split between the parties. D-Calif., called McCarthy’s Thursday. The scandal had thrown his The January insurrection has opposition to the commission conservative party become an increasingly fraught “cowardice.” She released a into turmoil. topic for Republicans, with a February letter from the GOP Sarkozy, 66, is growing number in the party leader in which he asked for an facing allegations downplaying the severity of the even split of Democrats and that he spent worst attack on the Capitol in Republican commissioners, equal almost twice the more than 200 years. While most subpoena power and no predeter- maximum legal Republicans voted against form- mined findings or conclusions. amount of 22.5 ing the commission, only a few The bipartisan legislation accom- million euros spoke on the floor against it. And modates all three of those ($27.5 million) on the presidential the handful of Republicans who requests, she said. race he lost to backed the commission spoke “Leader McCarthy won’t take Socialist Francois forcefully. yes for an answer,” she said. Sarkozy Hollande. He has “This is about facts - it’s not In the Senate, McConnell’s denied wrongdo- partisan politics,” said New York announcement dimmed the pros- ing. Rep. John Katko, the top pects for passage, as Democrats Sarkozy wasn’t present Thursday at Republican on the House would need at least ten the Paris court, where he was represented Homeland Security Committee Republicans to vote with them. by his lawyers. who negotiated the legislation But Senate Majority Leader The trial is scheduled to last until June with Democrats. He said “the Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., vowed 22. (AP) American people and the Capitol to force a vote on the bill, charg- ❑ ❑ ❑ Police deserve answers, and ing that Republicans are “caving” Mom dies in crash: A Colorado action as soon as possible to to Trump. mother died after crashing her motorcy- cle during a memorial ride in honor of JPMorgan dives back into fixing health care with new venture This file photo shows a Chase JPMorgan Chase will take eran as its CEO, former Clinton sistent problem for corporate build on what they learned bank location in another crack at fixing health administration official Dan America. through Haven and hope to make Philadelphia. care after a push with two other Mendelson. Haven tinkered with ways to models for care improvements JPMorgan Chase corporate giants dissolved ear- The announcement comes a improve primary care and also that other employers can follow. will take another lier this year. few months after a similar ven- identified areas for cutting pre- But their focus initially will be crack at fixing The bank said Thursday that ture backed by JP Morgan shut scription drug costs before making care better for the peo- health care after it formed a new business down. The bank, retail giant announcing its end in January. ple covered under their own a push with two focused on improving care pro- Amazon and Warren Buffett’s Amazon said then that Haven plan. other corporate vided for about 285,000 people Berkshire Hathaway had worked well for devising ideas, “That will be the lens through giants dissolved through its employer-sponsored formed an independent compa- but it made more sense to which we look at everything,” earlier this year. health plan. Morgan Health will ny called Haven in 2018 implement those ideas inde- said Vice Chairman Peter (AP) start with $250 million for invest- because health care costs and pendently. Scher, who will oversee the ments and a health policy vet- quality had become such a per- Morgan Health leaders plan to new unit. (AP)

Market Movements 20-05-2021 Change Closing pts Change Closing pts AUSTRALIA - All Ordinaries +86.80 7,252.55 S. KOREA - KRX 100 -26.43 6,623.14 JAPAN - Nikkei +53.80 28,098.25 PHILIPPINES - PSEi -48.07 6,197.64 GERMANY - DAX +256.70 15,370.26 INDIA - Sensex -337.78 49,564.86 FRANCE - CAC 40 +81.03 6,343.58 PAKISTAN - KSE 100 -108.04 45,574.07 EUROPE - Euro Stoxx 50 +63.17 3,999.91 CHINA - Shanghai SE -4.02 3,506.94 Business Supply bottlenecks likely to persist US jobless claims fall again Officials at Fed cautioned Some states end federal aid about ‘inflation’ pressures WASHINGTON, May 20, (AP): WASHINGTON, May 20, (AP): The and his wife, Marrissa Enloe-Cruz, whose graphic became newly eligible for jobless aid under a relief Federal Reserve officials at their April design company in Tulsa has suffered a collapse in package that was enacted in March last year. They meeting reaffirmed the view that the number of Americans seeking unem- business since the pandemic struck. will also drop out of a federal program for those who central bank’s ultra-low interest rate ployment aid fell last week to 444,000, Both received jobless aid under the program for have been out of work for more than six months. remained the best policy approach, but a new pandemic low and a sign that self-employed. But even with the $600 a week in Those moves will end all benefits for approxi- some officials cautioned that some federal aid between the two of them, they had earned mately 3.6 million of the nearly 16 million people factors pushing inflation higher may not be resolved quickly. the job market keeps strengthening more from their business before the pandemic. Now, receiving aid, or about one in four of current recipi- as consumers spend freely again, In minutes of their discussions they’re unsure what they’ll do, especially because ents, according to The Century Foundation. released Wednesday, a number of par- viral infections drop and business they’re uneasy about sending their 7-year-old son In addition, 35 states have reinstated a requirement ticipants in the discussions expressed the In this 2020 file photo, Federal restrictions ease. back to school before being vaccinated. that jobless aid recipients search for work in order to view that supply chain bottlenecks and Reserve Chair Jerome Powell lis- “It’s going to mean picking and choosing what keep receiving benefits. That requirement had been input shortages that were pushing prices tens during a Senate Banking Thursday’s report from the Labor Department bills to pay, or getting behind on things,” Enloe-Cruz suspended at the start of the pandemic, when many coincides with moves by nearly all the nation’s higher may not be resolved quickly and Committee hearing on Capitol Hill said. “It will mean whether or not we’re able to put businesses were closed and Americans were encour- could end up putting “upward pressure in Washington. (AP) Republican governors to cut off a $300-a-week food on the table.” aged to stay at home. federal unemployment benefit that they and on prices beyond this year.” Thursday’s data release showed that applications As the economy quickly recovers from the pan- Some officials said that in some concerns in financial markets about many business executives blame for discourag- for unemployment benefits declined 34,000 from a demic recession, consumers are showing more confi- industries, the supply chain disrup- recent price jumps that signal infla- ing the unemployed from seeking jobs. Those revised 478,000 a week earlier. The number of dence and spending at a healthy rate. Most econo- tions appeared to be “more persistent tion, after years of being dormant, may cutoffs of federal jobless aid will begin in June. weekly jobless claims - a rough measure of the pace mists think the economy could expand 7% this year, than originally anticipated.” have started to accelerate markedly. Jobless people have been able to receive the of layoffs - has declined steadily since the year which would amount to the fastest annual growth in Still, even with the concerns expressed The government reported last week $300 weekly benefit on top of their regular state began. more than 35 years. about price increases, Fed officials said that consumer prices jumped in April unemployment aid. About 16 million people were receiving unem- Yet the rapid reopening from the pandemic has that longer-term expectations about by 0.8%, the largest monthly gain in In addition to ending the federal benefit, most of ployment benefits during the week ending May 1, the created a wide range of supply shortages that have inflation remained well anchored at lev- more than a decade with prices rising the same states are also withdrawing from programs latest period for which data is available, the govern- disrupted what economists had hoped would be a els broadly consistent with achieving the across a wide range of products from that provided jobless aid to self-employed or gig ment said Thursday. That is down from 16.9 million smooth rebound. Home building fell sharply in April, goal of annual price increases hitting the food to used cars. workers and to people who have been unemployed in the previous week, and it suggests that some for example, as builders struggled with shortages of Fed’s 2% target after a short period Fed Chairman Jerome Powell and for more than six months. Americans who had been receiving aid have found lumber and labor. when they rose above that level. other Fed officials have continued to Twenty-two states, from Texas and Georgia to jobs. The shortages have caused a spike in inflation, The Fed at the April meeting kept insist that the inflation seen now will Ohio and Iowa, will end the $300 federal payment, Eliminating the $300-a-week federal unemploy- which led stock markets to tumble this week because its benchmark rate at a record low of prove to be transitory, a product of a starting in June, according to an Associated Press ment benefit is one of several measures that states investors worry that higher prices will force the 0% to 0.25%, where it had been since re-opening economy and supply bot- analysis. Two more states, Florida and Kansas, are have taken to restrict or eliminate jobless aid and Federal Reserve to prematurely cut back on its March 2020 when the Fed slashed tlenecks. They believe that in a few considering doing so. Those 24 states all have press more recipients to seek work. That trend gained efforts to stimulate growth. rates after the pandemic hit and mil- months, price gains will slow to a Republican governors and state legislatures. About momentum after the April jobs report, released ear- Fed officials have stressed their belief that the lions of people were losing their jobs. more sustainable pace. 3.5 million people will see their benefits reduced in lier this month, showed that employers added far accelerating price increases are temporary. But the The Fed discussions took place on April However, some analysts are con- the coming months, according to Oxford Economics. fewer jobs than expected, in part because many minutes of their April policy meeting, released 27-28 and the minutes were released with cerned that the Fed’s insistence on keep- In Oklahoma, Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt said couldn’t find enough workers. Wednesday, showed that some Fed officials support the customary three-week delay. ing interest rates at such low levels could this week that the state will end the federal benefit on Twenty-one states say they will also cut off all a discussion at future meetings about dialing back The Fed will next meet on June lead to an inflationary surge that will be June 26. That was unhappy news for Gilbert Cruz benefits for the self-employed and gig workers, who their efforts. 15-16 against a back-drop of rising hard to bring under control. Critics see fragility WH memo sees economic strength WASHINGTON, May 20, (AP): White House officials are seeking to quell anxiety about inflation and the Retailer results show people pace of hiring - issuing a memo Tuesday that highlights robust eco- nomic gains as the United States gets are going out and ‘spending’ vaccinated and recovers from the coro- NEW YORK, May 20, (AP): At chains. navirus pandemic. Walmart, sales of teeth whitener are Tuesday’s results show that for now, The memo, obtained by The popping as customers take their masks Walmart and Home Depot are able to Associated Press, said the administra- off. So are travel items. Macy’s says keep sales strong even as the pandemic tion is “focused on an economic strat- that special occasion dressing like eases. Walmart served as a pandemic egy of containing the virus and grow- prom dresses are on the upswing as lifeline for shoppers loading up their ing the economy from the bottom-up well as luggage, men’s tailored cloth- pantry with groceries and basic house- and middle-out. Data suggest that this ing, and dressy sandals. hold goods, while Home Depot benefit- strategy is working.” It is from Brian Shoppers, newly vaccinated, are ed as shut-in shoppers continue to focus Deese, director of the White House emerging from their homes and going on making home improvements. Macy’s National Economic Council, and out again, and that, along with govern- solid comeback is encouraging news for Cecilia Rouse, chair of the Council of ment stimulus payments, is helping to other department stores and specialty Economic Advisers. boost fiscal first-quarter results for chains, indicating that customers are The memo makes the case to senior major retailers Walmart and Macy’s. ready to buy clothing, a business that administration officials and members They were among the first to release was in the dumps. of Congress that the government’s figures that covered the spring period. Of course, retailers face plenty of $1.9 trillion relief package has helped Walmart, the nation’s largest retailer, challenges, particularly shortages of boost growth and that workers will boosted its annual earnings-per-share essential workers even as the unemploy- return to jobs with “fair wages and outlook, while Macy’s surprisingly ment rate remains high. Many compa- safe work environments.” It also swung back into the profit column and nies are now having to offer more perks argues that President Joe Biden’s $4 it boosted its guidance for all of 2021. or increase hourly wages. Shoppers trillion infrastructure and families plan “Our optimism is higher than it was could also pull back as costs of groceries will lay “the groundwork for strong, at the beginning of the year,” said go up. And Walmart and other discount- durable growth for decades to come.” Walmart CEO Doug McMillon. “In ers still face increasing competition from The administration had until recent- the U.S., customers clearly want to get online juggernaut Amazon. ly been basking in optimism about the out and shop.” For now, traditional retailers’ results economy, only to face a worrisome set Jeff Gennette, CEO of Macy’s, told are keeping investors optimistic. of reports that showed a jump in con- analysts on the earnings call Tuesday At Walmart, sales at stores opened sumer prices and a disappointing level that shoppers feel more emboldened to at least a year rose 6%, slowing from of hiring in April. The memo is an shop. the 8.6% increase during the fiscal attempt to promote a sunnier narrative “Clearly our customer is ready to fourth quarter and on top of last year’s and stress the need for additional get on with life,” Gennette said. “We 10% spike. The company, based in spending to be paid for with higher don’t see this as a short-term pop.” Bentonville, Arkansas, also said that taxes on corporations and the wealthy. Home Depot, the nation’s largest transactions in its stores were up for Critics seized on the recent eco- home improvement chain, also delivered the first time in a year. Walmart’s nomic reports to suggest that the $1.9 stellar results on Tuesday, showing that online sales rose 37%, down from 69% trillion relief package was so big it an overcharged housing market contin- during the fourth quarter. would fuel inflation and to contend ues to keep aisles full. The Atlanta-based Walmart bumped up spending by $14 that its enhanced unemployment ben- company reported sales that blew past billion to speed up its distribution net- efits were encouraging Americans to Wall Street expectations. work, and in February said it would raise forgo working. The overall strong results are a good its average hourly wage to more than “Democrats insisted on continuing omen for other major retailers who are $15 per hour, a $1 increase. Amazon and to pay people more not to work,” slated to report their results in the next Target have already increased hourly Senate Republican Leader Mitch few days. During the height of the wages to $15 for all workers. McConnell said in a Monday speech. pandemic-induced lockdowns, First-quarter net income slipped to “Instead of an agenda to reopen Walmart and Home Depot were $2.73 billion, or 97 cents per share, in America, Democrats muscled through allowed to stay open, while non-essen- the three-month period ended April policies that would actually prolong tial retailers like Macy’s were forced 30. Adjusted earnings totaled $1.69 parts of this crisis. And that’s what’s to temporarily close, dealing a devas- per share, topping the average analyst happened.” tating blow to business. That helped estimate of $1.21 per share, according Supply bottlenecks for basic goods increase the dominance of big box to FactSet. such as autos contributed to a 0.8% surge in consumer prices in April, the biggest monthly increase in more than a decade. Fears that inflation could persist came from higher gas prices following the cyberattack on the Colonial Pipeline and shortage of homes being listed for sale. But the White House memo pointed to positive signs in the inflation report of consumer demand for restaurants, hotel stays, rental cars and airfare - all signs that the U.S. economy could meet expectations by forecasters of growth exceeding 6% this year, the highest rate in nearly four decades. “This rapid recovery in consumption means that our economy is likely to largely heal by the end of the year,” the memo said. “While we expect that sup- ply and demand adjustments across the In this photograph, a shopper pushes her basket filled with purchases past economy will take some time to sort out, a sign advising the need to wear face masks, in a Safeway grocery store we do not see signs of persistent disloca- in Aurora, Colorado. (AP) tion or long-term inflation.” ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 21-22, 2021 BUSINESS 9

Feds say Swiss company to pay $77 mln over US tax evaders

Switzerland’s biggest and oldest life in- court documents. said. a release. “Indeed, the Swiss Life En- eral Stuart M. Goldberg said fi nancial surance company will pay more than The company, founded in 1857, admit- Prosecutors said the insurance compa- tities saw U.S. authorities’ stepped-up enablers in the U.S. and abroad and the $77 million to the U.S. Treasury after ted conspiring with U.S. taxpayers to hide ny, the leading provider of life insurance offshore tax enforcement as an oppor- taxpayers they try to help should know admitting it helped U.S. taxpayers dodge assets and income through more than and pension products in the domestic tunity to pitch themselves to tax-evad- “we will continue to identify and unmask tax responsibilities through offshore ac- $1.4 billion in offshore insurance policies, Swiss market, wrote tax-dodging policies ing U.S. customers as an alternative to such schemes.” counts after Swiss banks stopped provid- the court papers said. since 2008 after Swiss banks terminated Swiss banks.” James C. Lee, chief of the Internal Rev- ing tax-dodging help to U.S. taxpayers In a brief statement posted on its web- business with U.S. clients under pressure She said Swiss Life, which has more enue Service’s criminal division, called because of law enforcement scrutiny, site, Swiss Life announced the deferred from U.S. investigators. than 9,000 employees and more than the resolution of the case “an important prosecutors announced Friday. prosecution agreement and its three-year “As they admit, Swiss Life and its sub- four million customers, will be required victory for the American taxpayer.” Swiss Life Holding and three of its sub- term. sidiaries sought out and offered their to cooperate with U.S. prosecutors as He said the recovery of more than $77 sidiaries obtained a deferred prosecution “Swiss Life is now focused on fulfi lling services to U.S. taxpayers to help them investigators try to identify U.S. tax evad- million owed to the U.S. government agreement on a conspiracy charge in the requirements under the resolution become U.S. tax evaders,” Manhattan ers. should put every entity engaged in off- late April, according to Manhattan federal and successfully concluding the DPA,” it U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said in Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney Gen- shore tax evasion on notice. (AP) US stocks move up after 3 days of losses Tech, communications companies among winners

NEW YORK, May 20, (AP): Bank stocks and companies that rely Stocks moved modestly high- directly on consumer spending pulled the market lower, but energy sector er on Wall Street, putting the stocks, the biggest gainers so far this market on track to break a year, bore the heaviest losses as the three-day losing streak. The price of US crude oil skidded 3.5%. S&P 500 was up 0.4% in the On Thursday, US benchmark crude oil added 33 cents to $63.68 per barrel early going Thursday. Tech- in electronic trading on the New York nology and communications Mercantile Exchange. It dropped $2.50 companies were among the on Wednesday to $63.35 per barrel. winners. Brent crude, the international standard Oatly, the largest maker of oat for pricing, rose 22 cents to $66.88 per barrel. milk in the world, is having an Digital currencies fell sharply initial public offering later in the Wednesday after China’s banking as- day on the Nasdaq. The price of sociation issued a warning Wednesday Bitcoin was higher a day after over the risks associated with digital going on another wild ride. Ap- currencies. plications for unemployment aid But Bitcoin’s price stabilized Thurs- fell last week to another pandemic day, wavering between gains and low, an encouraging sign that the losses. By late afternoon in Asia, it had lost 0.8% to $40,036.40, accord- job market keeps strengthening ing to the crypto news site Coindesk. It as consumers spend freely again. dropped more than 6% on Wednesday, Treasury yields fell. swinging in a huge range of as low as Stocks rose in Paris, London, Tokyo $30,202 and as high as $43,621 over and Sydney but fell in Hong Kong, the course of the day. It hit its all-time Seoul and Shanghai. US futures were high of over $64,800 a month ago, lower. The prices of Bitcoin and other Bitcoin’s gyrations followed the cryptocurrencies steadied. news that longtime Bitcoin advocate The Nikkei 225 regained lost ground, Tesla would no longer accept it as pay- edging 0.2% higher to 28,098.25, ment for its cars, reversing its earlier while Sydney’s S&P/ASX 200 surged position. 1.3% to 7,019.60. In Hong Kong, the Investors remain focused on wheth- Hang Seng slipped 0.5% to 28,451.83 er rising infl ation will be temporary or while Seoul’s Kospi declined 0.3% whether it will endure. Prices are rising to 3,162.28. Shares rose in Singapore for everything from gasoline to food as and Jakarta but fell in Taiwan. India’s the economy recovers from its more Sensex was little changed. than year-long malaise. Japan’s government reported that ex- People stand near a bank’s electronic board showing the Hong Kong share index at Hong Kong Stock Exchange on May 20, 2021. Shares were mixed in Asia on Thursday after benchmarks closed broadly lower on Wall Street in a third day of retreat. (AP) The fear is that the Federal Reserve ports rose 38% in April from a year earli- will have to dial back its extensive er while imports climbed nearly 13%, in- support if infl ation persists. That in- showed robust growth in shipments of “While export volumes edged high- also rose 0.6%, to 6,302.81. Britain’s for its second weekly loss in a row. dicating a recovery in overseas demand cludes record-low interest rates and even as the country weathers its worst machinery, vehicles, cars and chemicals. er in April, the rebound in exports is FTSE added 0.4% to 6,975.45. The fu- The Dow Jones Industrial Average the monthly purchase of $120 billion bout of coronavirus outbreaks so far. While better than forecast, the fi g- slowing and external demand is un- tures for the S&P 500 and for the Dow fell 0.5% to 33,896.04. The Nasdaq in bonds meant to goose the job market Exports to the US rose 45% while ures largely refl ect the low base from likely to provide much of a tailwind to industrials both slipped 0.1%. fared better than the rest of the market, and economy. those to China jumped nearly 34% in a the depths of the pandemic lockdowns growth over the coming months,” he On Wednesday, the S&P 500 index shedding less than 0.1%, to 13,299.74. Treasury yields mostly rose. The strong rebound after last year’s shocks in 2020. Exports are likely to rise at a said in a commentary. dropped 0.3% to 4,115.68 after recov- Smaller company stocks also lost yield on the 10-year Treasury note from lockdowns and other precautions slower pace going forward, said Tom Germany’s DAX gained 0.6% to ering from a 1.6% slide earlier in the ground. The Russell 2000 index lost slipped to 1.66% from 1.67% late taken to curb the pandemic. The data Learmouth of Capital Economics. 15,200.43 and the CAC 40 in Paris day. The benchmark index is on track 0.8%, to 2,193.64. Wednesday. But 2021 outlook spooks Wall Street US retailer Kohl’s roars back in 1st quarter

NEW YORK, May 20, (AP): Kohl’s and cautious with its forecasts - which cosmetics shops to capture some of raised its fi nancial outlook for the year is understandable given how uncertain the expected traffi c. on Thursday, after a solid rebound in everything remains - or lacks confi - Last month it added three independ- the fi rst quarter from the devastating dence that its various initiatives and a ent members to its board as part of an impact of the pandemic. strong consumer economy will deliver agreement with an investor group that But those raised expectations fell results as quickly as investors might believes that Kohl’s hasn’t kept up short of what many industry ana- like,” wrote Neil Saunders, managing with a fast-changing retail landscape. lysts had been projecting and shares director of GlobalData. ”Either way, Those investors say Kohl’s needs to plunged nearly 11% Thursday. During the suggestion is that Kohl’s will, cut its inventory, fi x its store label as- a conference call, Kohl’s explained overall, lose market share over the sortment, cut expenses and improve its that it it took into account logjams course of 2021.” app and website, among other things. at ports and infl ationary pressures in Like Kohl’s, a number of major re- Kohl’s Corp. reported quarterly net wages that could increase costs in the tailers have posted banner numbers for income of $14 million, or 9 cents per second half of the year. the fi rst quarter this week as shoppers, share, after reporting a loss in the same Kohl’s is trying to manage supply newly vaccinated, come out of hiber- period a year earlier. Earnings, adjust- chain issues by adding more drivers nation. ed to extinguish debt, were $1.05 per and increasing frequency of store de- “The U.S. consumer is in a stronger share. Wall Street expected the chain liveries. position,” said CEO Michelle Gass only to break even, according to a sur- More shoppers came back to shop during a call with analysts Thursday. vey by Zacks Investment Research. in stores as COVID-19 vaccinations “Spending has picked up driven by Its revenue of $3.89 billion, a 60% become more common and Kohl’s stimulus, easing COVID restrictions increase from the year-ago period, bounced back to a profi t after the and people resuming more normalcy also topped expectations. chain, based in Menomonee Fall, Wis- in their daily lives.” Gass told The AP during a phone consin, lost money last year when it The company had pushed to rein- interview Thursday that Kohl’s is fi g- was forced close its doors along with vigorate stores before the pandemic uring out what pandemic habits will thousands of other retailers. struck. Late last year, it announced linger. Even as Americans return to Quarterly sales and profi ts topped that Sephora would replace all cos- clothing more typical to pre-pandemic almost all expectations, but Kohl’s metics areas at Kohl’s with 2,500 times, she said they’re looking for said it expects net sales to increase square foot shops. It’s building on more comfort. only in the mid-to-high teens percent- that initiative and said Thursday that In March Kohl’s introduced FLX, age range. That spooked investors. it would create upscale areas devoted a new store label athleisure brand for “Kohl’s is either being conservative to brands like Calvin Klein near those exactly that reason. Dutch court orders ex-Nissan boss to repay salary AMSTERDAM, May 20, (AP): A Dutch court on Thursday rejected fu- gitive auto executive Carlos Ghosn’s Apple chief exec wrongful dismissal claim against an Amsterdam-based alliance between to testify Friday Nissan and Mitsubishi and ordered him to repay nearly 5 million euros SAN RAMON, Calif, May 20, (AP): ($6 million) salary he received in Apple CEO Tim Cook will take the 2018. witness stand this Friday in a high- Ghosn vowed to appeal. stakes courtroom battle over the The ruling came in a case in which In this fi le photo, former Nissan lucrative commissions the iPhone Ghosn sought to have his 2018 sack- Motor Co Chairman Carlos Ghosn maker has been raking in from its ing from Nissan-Mitsubishi B.V. over- holds a press conference at the mobile app store. Maronite Christian Holy Spirit Uni- The timing of Cook’s highly an- turned and demanded 15 million euros versity of Kaslik, north of Beirut, ticipated testimony was confirmed ($16.5 million) in compensation. Lebanon. A Dutch court has or- Wednesday when a federal judge The court in Amsterdam rejected dered fugitive, former Nissan chair- granted Apple’s request to allow his claims, saying he did not have a man Carlos Ghosn to repay nearly 5 million euros in salary. (AP) the 60-year-old executive to be the valid contract with the company at first witness sworn in Friday morn- the time. The salary he was ordered was accused of fi nancial misconduct ing during a trial that has been un- to repay covers payments made to folding in an Oakland, California, him by the Dutch joint venture from in Japan. The former high-fl ying au- tomotive executive skipped bail in courtroom since the beginning of April until November 2018. this month. “As today’s verdict has been ren- Tokyo in 2019 and fl ed to Lebanon, where he grew up. The trial revolves around an anti- dered without hearing Mr Ghosn and trust lawsuit fi led last year by Epic other key witnesses, the defense team Ghosn, who was fi rst arrested in Games, the maker of the popular will now take the case to the court of November 2018, has said he is in- video game Fortnite. appeal where Mr Ghosn’s right to nocent of allegations in Japan that Epic is trying prove that com- witness evidence will be granted,” a he under-reported his future income missions ranging from 15% to 30% spokesman for Ghosn said in a writ- and committed a breach of trust by on transactions in apps installed ten statement. “We are satisfi ed with diverting Nissan money for his per- on iPhones, iPads and iPods are the court verdict which ruled out any sonal gain. He says the compensation part of a monopoly that Apple has bad faith from Mr Ghosn.” was never decided on or received, created around a fortress blocking The Dutch case stems from Nis- and the Nissan payments were for other payment options on its mo- san’s decision to fi re Ghosn after he legitimate business purposes. bile devices. ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 21-22, 2021 BUSINESS 10

Special Report ARA Consumer Confi dence Index – April 2021 Consumer morale shows signs of improvement

n account of its interest for moni- Otoring the economic situation in Kuwait, “ARA Research & Consul- tancy” issues a monthly Consumer Confi dence Index, in collaboration with the “Arab Times” newspaper and under the sponsorship of the “Lexus” trademark. The Consumer Confi dence Index is considered as the only indicator that measures the Consumers’ psychological factors, based on people’s opinions and their prospects about the current economic situation and its future as well as their expectations regarding their fi nancial conditions, and how that refl ects on their purchasing power. The Consumer Confi dence Index is issued the fi rst Sunday of each month, and is based on quantitative research monitoring the production level in the gave the Current Economic Situation on a sample of 500 people, distrib- producing countries under OPEC on Index a ratio of 88 points. The Index uted among Kuwaitis and Arab resi- the one hand, and the increase in oil de- increased by 19 points among fe- dents in different Governorates. mand by the global markets on the other males, while decreased by six points The study was conducted by tel- hand, due to the acceleration of produc- among males. ephone through a random call se- tion and economic activity in the United At the regional level, the rate of Al- lection, taking into account that the States of America, and the return of nor- Farwaniya Governorate increased by distribution of the sample should be mal life to many States that have limited seven points, stabilizing in the Capi- tion between the pre-pandemic phase the beginning of the partial liberation ticular, in order to diversify sources representative of the population in the epidemic repercussions. tal Governorate, while in Al-Ahmadi and the current phase. The spread of from the restrictions of the epidemic of income and reduce the burden on Kuwait. Likewise, at the European level, Governorate it decreased by seven the pandemic and its repercussions and most of the necessary precaution- the treasury. The general Consumer Confi dence where measures have been eased points. froze important economic sectors ary measures that it was subject to for As for expatriate workers, about one Index is based on six indices which in most countries and markets have The drop in the rate of the Current such as the air transport sector, com- the protection of itself and society. million Indian workers left the Gulf the researchers at ARA use to meas- opened and trade resumed between Economic Situation Index in the an- mercial activity, construction sites Governorates’ rates varied on the states with the spread of the epidemic, ure the level of the consumer satisfac- many countries. nual comparison, should not obscure and others, and hindered the work of Expected Personal Income Index. and this percentage can be generalized tion and optimism. These are: Nevertheless, the tragic spread of the positive connotation in the level various other sectors. This economic Mubarak Al-Kabeer Governorate’s to various nationalities. Accordingly, at • Current Economic Situation In- the pandemic in the third oil import- of confi dence in these diffi cult cir- factor, in addition to health factors, ratio dropped by 13 points, and the the current stage, several sectors are in dex ing country, India and some other cumstances. led to an interruption in the continu- Capital governorate lost nine points, need of expatriate workers, including • Expected Economic Situation In- Asian countries, including Japan, re- Variation in the Expected Eco- ity of work for a signifi cant part of the while Al-Jahra Governorate occupied building and construction companies, dex mains an obstacle to global economic nomic Situation Index Ratios expatriate workforce and the return of the most optimistic position by add- transportation and others. The offi cial • Current Personal Income Index growth. On the Kuwaiti level, gov- part of it to their countries. ing 20 points to its previous balance. authorities have taken a decision al- • Expected Personal Income Index The Expected Economic Situation This socio-economic and health This difference in convictions lowing the return of expatriate workers ernment measures and efforts made Index decreased by three points to • Current Employment Opportuni- to confront the epidemic have suc- reality reduced substantially work seems normal due to the nature of the with valid residence permits in Kuwait ties Index register 101 points. activity, which led to a drop in the transitional phase in terms of health to meet the needs of the labor market. ceeded, including the volume of vac- It is important to note the differ- • Purchase of Durables cinations to reduce risks, the gradual monthly personal incomes of workers and the resumption of the economic These and other facts confi rm the Index ence in the opinion and conviction of return of economic and commercial the respondents about the economic in those sectors, and consequently, activity, albeit with caution. extent of restructuring the workforce The indices’ results in a month ba- activity, as well as offi cial decisions the incomes of large groups of expa- Labor Market Movement Reposi- in Kuwait at the present stage. sis measure the psychological state of future; the ratio among youth aged 18 to continue the completion of devel- to 35 years old dropped by 11 points, triate workers decreased. This was re- tioning Kuwait in the Current Stage; Pur- consumers in Kuwait, which equal 100 fl ected in the level of satisfaction and opmental projects and approve the unlike the elderly who raised their The Current Employment Oppor- chases between Moving Forward points. This result (100 points) draws start of new projects to increase the confi dence in the Personal Income and Deliberation the line between optimism and pes- previous balance by 24 points. tunities Index stabilized at a ratio of level of national income. The difference also emerged at the Index. simism among consumers. The more However, the Current Personal 105 points, losing three points within The Purchase of Durable Goods In- Also, the revival of the stock mar- regional level, where Al-Jahra Gov- a month. dex remained at the boundaries of its the index surpasses this point, the more ket activity in Kuwait during April Income Index, which recorded 84 ernorate raised its balance to 133 The follower of the labor mar- previous level, registering 103 points the psychological state of consumers and its recording of 2 billion dinars in points during the month of April, points by adding 25 points compared ket movement in Kuwait during the with a loss of one point. However, in Kuwait is considered to be inclined gains, bares a signifi cant reference to is considered the best in 7 months, to the decline in the rate of Mubarak current transitional phase, notes the assessing the ratios of the various towards optimism. The more the index the high level of confi dence in fi nan- boosting its monthly balance by 10 Al-Kabeer Governorate by 25 points. extent of repositioning in the struc- categories that make up the research, declines below this point, the more pes- cial conditions and the solidity of the points. This refl ects the direct results simistic the outlook. The ratio similarly lagged by 11 ture of the workforce. Some of the shows a wide discrepancy between banks’ fi nancial reality. points among citizens, while rose by of launching the economic activity in ARA Research & Consultancy has Kuwait, after relatively overcoming prominent factors that emerge in this the groups intending to buy and oth- released its Consumer Confi dence More confi dence in the Current 9 points among Arab residents. regard: ers that refrained from buying. Per- Economic Situation Likewise, the balance of those with the spread and risks of the pandemic. Index in Kuwait, for April 2021 in Note that personal income lev- 1. Increasing efforts to raise the haps some of them were waiting for collaboration with Arab Times News- The Current Economic Situation high salaries decreased by 26 points, level of national workers. the second half of Ramadan to buy while the balance of the workforce els for working groups in Kuwait paper and under the sponsorship of Index recorded a ratio of 84 points, reached: 2. Determining the size and quality their needs to fulfi ll the requirements Lexus. an increase of two points over its with a level of education below-inter- of the expatriate workers needed by of the holy month. mediate advanced by 14 points. 1. The average salary of citizens in The blessed month of Ramadan previous balance, dropping 21 points the public sector reached KD 1,520. the Kuwaiti economy. At the regional level, the ratio of came in the fi rst half of April, giv- compared to the month of April 2020. The divergence of the respondents’ 3. Adopting an approach to ensure Al-Ahmadi Governorate returned convictions about the future of eco- 2. The average income of an ex- ing consumers momentum and faith Nevertheless, the slow increase in the patriate working in the public sector raising the level and feasibility of to its previous levels, recording 126 in overcoming the Corona pandemic. rate bares a sign that reveals the gen- nomic conditions is due to a number work that guarantees improved pro- points, a decrease of 57 points com- of reasons, including personal convic- equals KD 711. The General Index recorded a ra- eral tendency among the respondents 3. As for the average rate for citi- ductivity in terms of quality and vol- pared to its previous monthly bal- who are noticing an improvement in tions and the economic sector in which ume. ance. While the balance of Hawalli tio of 95 points, boosting its monthly they work. In addition to the effect of zens in general, it is KD 1,474, and balance by two points. Note that the the course of the economic activity. for expatriate workers it is KD 318. These factors have been embodied Governorate increased by 26 points. Among the elements of improvement: the supply and demand law on the labor in practical steps and in current data The purchase rate for males dropped rates of the various components of market, as a result of the travel of a sig- These levels are considered high the research came quite close, thus 1. The reduction of precautionary and good in the current circumstanc- that indicates some of the facts; by 13 points, while the consumption nifi cant portion of expatriate workers First: The national workforce con- activity among females increased by confi rming the recovery in confi - measures to face the pandemic, the due to the health and economic reper- es, and will move upwards along with dence, even in a shy manner and rate. gradual opening of markets and re- the expected movement of the future stitutes 20% of the total workforce. 15 points. cussions on the one hand, and the start That is, 460,000 citizens working in These comparisons reveal the ex- Nonetheless it refl ects a sign of gen- leasing the economic activity. of the economic activity, including the economic and fi nancial situation. eral improvement and an increase in 2- The rise in oil prices and the in- the oil, government and private sec- tent of the discrepancy in the situa- construction sector, even with deliber- Increase in the Ratio Level of tors. tion regarding the intention to buy in the level of consumer confi dence. crease in production, based on OPEC ate steps, on the other. This optimistic atmosphere was decisions. Future Expectations Offi cial efforts are being made to a transitional phase on the one hand achieved as a result of several fac- 3. The gradual and steady recovery Best Personal Income Ratio Level The monthly Expected Personal raise the level of national workers to and around the fi rst half of the holy tors, perhaps the most prominent of the Kuwaiti economy during the in 7 months Income Index registered a ratio of 30%, with an emphasis on working month of Ramadan on the other hand. ones being: At the global level, the rise current fi scal year. The monthly personal income data 101 points, increasing its previous in the private sector in general and Thus, consumption rates must be in oil prices based on controlling and Within these climates, citizens assessment requires a precise distinc- balance by two points and refl ecting banks and large companies in par- monitored in the coming months. ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 21-22, 2021 SCIENCE 11

Coronavirus

‘City in transition’ New York vies to turn page on ‘pandemic’

NEW YORK, May 20, (AP): More than a year after corona- virus shutdowns sent “the city that never sleeps” into a fitful slumber, New York could be wide awake again this summer. Starting Wednesday, vaccinated New Yorkers could shed their masks in most situations, and restaurants, stores, gyms and many other businesses could go back to full capacity if they check vaccination cards or apps for proof that all patrons have been inoculated. Subways resumed running round-the-clock this week. Mid- night curfews for bars and restaurants will be gone by month’s end. Broadway tickets are on sale again, though the curtain won’t rise on any shows until September. Officials say now is New York’s moment to shake off the image of a city brought to its knees by the virus last spring - a recovery poignantly rendered on the latest cover of The New Yorker magazine. It shows a giant door part-open to the city skyline, letting in a ray of light. Is the Big Apple back to its old, brash self? “Maybe 75%. ... It’s definitely com- ing back to life,” said Mark Kumar, 24, a personal trainer. But Ameen Deen, 63, said: “A full sense of normalcy is not going to come any time soon. There’s far too many deaths. There’s too much suffering. De Blasio There’s too much inequality.” Last spring, the biggest city in Amer- ica was also the nation’s deadliest coronavirus hotspot, the site of over 21,000 deaths in just two months. Black and Hispanic This undated image provided by Merck in October 2018 shows a vial and packaging for the Gardasil 9 vaccine. According to a study released on May 19, screening patients have died at markedly higher rates than whites and and the HPV vaccine have led to dramatic drops in cervical cancers over the last two decades in the US, but the gains are almost offset by a rise in other tumors Asian Americans. caused by the virus. (AP) Hospitals overflowed with patients and corpses. Refriger- ated trailers served as temporary morgues, and tents were set up in Central Park as a COVID-19 ward. New York’s hectic streets fell quiet, save for ambulance sirens and nightly bursts Health of cheering from apartment windows for health care workers. After a year of ebbs, surges, reopenings and closings, the city hopes vaccinations are turning the tide for good. About 48% of residents have had at least one dose so far. Deaths have amounted to about two dozen a day in recent weeks, and new ‘Faulty breast implant victims should get compensation’ cases and hospitalizations have plummeted from a wintertime wave. Normal Cervical cancers fall but other ‘tumors’ rise Large swaths of the country and world are also moving to- ward normal after a crisis blamed for 3.4 million deaths glob- NEW YORK, May 20, (AP): Screen- ally, including more than 587,000 in the US. ing and the HPV vaccine have led to Las Vegas casinos are returning to 100% capacity and no so- drops in cervical cancers over the last When do I still need to wear mask? cial distancing requirements. Disneyland in California opened two decades in the US, a new study up late last month after being shuttered for more than 400 days. fi nds, but the gains are offset by a rise NEW YORK, May 20, (AP): When masks. Though chances are low, Massachusetts this week announced that all virus restrictions in other tumors caused by the virus. do I still need to wear a mask? it’s still possible to get infected, will expire Memorial Day weekend. Oral sex is helping fuel more cases It depends, mostly on whether or even if symptoms are likely to be Summer music festivals like Lollapalooza are back on, the of mouth and throat cancers in men. not you’re vaccinated. mild or nonexistent. Indy 500 is bracing for more than 100,000 fans, and the fed- For older women, anal cancer and a If you’re fully vaccinated, the lat- That’s why the CDC’s guidance eral government says fully vaccinated adults no longer need rare type of rectal cancer caused by est guidance from the US Centers says vaccinated people should put to wear masks. HPV may be more common than cer- for Disease Control and Prevention their masks back on and get tested France opened back up on Wednesday as well, with the Ei- vical cancers by 2025. says you no longer need to wear a if they end up developing symp- ffel Tower, Parisian cafes and cinemas and the Louvre bring- A United Launch Alliance Atlas V “A common misperception is the mask or physically distance in most toms. ing back visitors for the first time in months. rocket carrying US Space Force’s fifth HPV vaccine has solved the problem situations. That includes when There are other exceptions. Space Based Infrared System Geo- of HPV-associated cancers. Unfortu- you’re outside and in many indoor Masks are still needed in select set- In New York, Mayor Bill de Blasio has declared it the synchronous satellite (SBIRS GEO “summer of New York City.” nately, that couldn’t be further from spaces like restaurants, though you tings including hospitals and nurs- 5) for missile early-warning detection, still need to follow any local or busi- ing homes. And if you have a weak- As the mask requirement eased statewide Wednesday, busi- lifts off from Space Launch Complex the truth,” said Dr. Maura Gillison of the University of Texas MD Anderson ness rules. ened immune system because of a nesses grappled with enforcing different rules for vaccinated 41 at the Cape Canaveral Space Americans also still need a mask health condition or medications, the and unvaccinated people. Some people bared their faces on the Force Station, May 18, in Cape Ca- Cancer Center, who was not involved in the study. when traveling, including on buses, agency says to talk to your doctor city’s streets, while others still wore masks. naveral, Fla. (AP) subways and planes and at air- before shedding your mask, since The city’s elected public advocate, Jumaane Williams, Results were released Wednesday ports. The guidance on masks will vaccines generally don’t work as urged people to keep masking up, at least indoors. He noted by the American Society of Clinical differ by country. Some experts say well in people with weak immune that under half of residents are vaccinated citywide, and under Oncology ahead of presentation at its the CDC is relaxing its recommen- systems. a third in some neighborhoods. annual meeting next month. dations too soon. People are considered fully vac- “We don’t want to put people who haven’t yet received the HPV, or human papillomavirus, is Part of the concern is that there’s cinated two weeks after their last vaccine in a position where they could become stigmatized or the nation’s most common sexually no way to tell who’s vaccinated, so required shot. pressured for not wearing a mask,” he said. spread infection. Most HPV infections unvaccinated people could claim If you’re not yet fully vaccinated, There are other signs New York is regaining its bustle. cause no symptoms and go away with- they got the shots and go mask- the CDC still recommends masks Some 80,000 city employees returned to their offices at least out treatment. less, said David Holtgrave, dean of in most places outside your home. the School of Public Health at Uni- That includes indoor public spaces, part time this month; others already were working in person. Vaccine Subway and commuter rail ridership is averaging about versity at Albany. That could cause crowded outdoor events like con- 40% of normal after plunging to 10% last spring, when the But some cause genital warts and cases to rise. certs and small outdoor gatherings subway system began closing for several hours overnight for others develop into cancers, about “A central mistake in public health that include other unvaccinated is easing up infectious disease con- people. the first time in its more than 115-year history. Nelson Kerry 35,900 each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Pre- trol efforts just before crossing the When you’re outdoors alone or Shakeem Brown, an artist and delivery person who works finish line,” he said. with people from your household, late in Manhattan, spent up to three hours a night commut- vention. In the US, the HPV vaccine has Vaccinated people might also the agency says unvaccinated peo- ing back to his Queens apartment before 24/7 service resumed prefer to continue wearing their ple don’t need masks. Monday. Brown, 26, said it’s “refreshing” to see things open- Discovery been recommended since 2006 for ing up. girls at age 11 or 12, and since 2011 for At e’s Bar on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, “we feel the boys the same age, and catch-up shots 657,000 cases of HPV-related cancers, among young women. Research sug- energy” of social life ramping up, co-owner Erin Bellard said. are recommended for anyone through 60% in women and 40% in men. While gests the vaccine was preventing oral “People are so excited to be out.” China delays mission: China post- age 26 who hasn’t been vaccinated. cervical cancer cases fell by about 1% infections in men too. Still, receipts at the bar and grill have been down about 35% poned a supply mission to its new space Experts agree it will take years to see per year, other types rose. But vaccination dropped off during because of pandemic restrictions on hours and capacity, she station on Thursday for unspecifi ed tech- the true impact because it can take For men, oral and throat cancers in- lockdowns as families missed routine said. The impending end of the midnight curfew will give the nical reasons, while photos sent back decades for a chronic HPV infection to creased the most, at nearly 3% a year. doctor’s appointments, Hawk said. bar two more crucial hours, and the owners are considering from Mars by its newly arrived rover turn into cancer. For women, anal cancer and a rare Vaccinating middle and high school whether to regain full capacity by requiring vaccinations. earned plaudits from NASA despite only What’s driving the HPV cancer rectal cancer increased the most, also students for COVID-19 will give doc- From other vantage points, “normal” looks farther off. sporadic contacts between the Chinese trends is the youthful sexual behavior nearly 3% annually. tors a chance to encourage HPV shots and American space programs. of baby boomers before the vaccine The biggest drop in cervical cancers at the same time, he said. The sidewalks and skyscrapers of midtown Manhattan, for The Tianzhou-2 cargo spacecraft was to instance, are still noticeably empty. Big corporate employers was out. The vaccine works best when was seen in young women who would have been launched early Thursday morn- given at younger ages before people Also: largely aren’t looking to bring more workers back until fall, ing. China Manned Space announced the have been the fi rst to get the HPV vac- and only if they feel it’s safe, said Kathryn Wylde, CEO of are exposed to HPV through sexual cine when they were preteens, said PARIS: A French appeal court has delay on its website but didn’t say when activity, so it arrived too late for the the Partnership for New York City, a major employers group. the rescheduled launch would occur. lead author Dr. Cheng-I Liao of Ka- ruled that around 2,700 victims of a “Shutting down was easy. Reopening is hard,” Wylde said. boomers. ohsiung Veterans General Hospital breast implant scandal are entitled to It would be the fi rst mission to the “Sexual trends began changing and “All the employers say that there still is fear and some resis- main Tianhe space station module that in Taiwan. That suggests the vaccine compensation. The court said that Ger- tance to coming back.” was launched on April 29. A total of 11 liberalizing in the late ’60s, and con- played a role, along with Pap tests, man company TUV Rheinland com- Besides virus fears, companies and workers are wondering launches are planned by the end of next tinued into the ’70s and ’80s, until the which have been driving down cervi- mitted negligence by certifying them about safety, she said. year to deliver the station’s other two HIV epidemic” caused people to be cal cancer cases for decades. as safe. modules, various components and sup- more cautious, said Dr. Ernest Hawk, No screening tests exist for the other Thursday’s ruling, which might not Concern plies and a three-person crew. cancer prevention specialist at MD cancers, although research is under- be fi nal and could go to another higher Crime in the city has become a growing source of con- The launch of Tianhe, or Heavenly Anderson, who was not involved in the way. court, was announced by France-based cern, but it’s a complicated picture. Murders, shootings, Harmony, was considered a success al- study. One vaccine, Merck’s Gardasil 9, is association PIPA, which represents felony assaults and auto thefts rose in the first four months though China was criticized for allowing “People had many more partners available in the US. The cost is fully victims. of this year compared with the same period in pre-pandemic the uncontrolled reentry to Earth of part of and many more types of interactions,” covered by private and public health The scandal fi rst emerged in 2010 2019, but robberies and grand larcenies fell. So did crime the rocket that carried it into space. Usu- Hawk said. insurance. after doctors noticed abnormally high in the transit system, probably because of the drop in rider- ally, discarded rocket stages reenter the Researchers from the US and Tai- Vaccination had been increasing rupture rates in women with implants ship. atmosphere soon after liftoff, normally wan looked at US cancer statistics before the COVID-19 pandemic and produced by the French company Poly Brandon Goldgrub returned to his midtown office in July, over water, and don’t go into orbit. from 2001-2017, fi nding more than infections were declining dramatically Implant Prothèse, or PIP. NASA Administrator Sen Bill Nelson but just in the last few weeks, he has noticed the sidewalks said at the time that China had failed to seem a bit crowded again. meet responsible standards regarding Meanwhile, five more California counties will move to less space debris. military research. are extremely protective of them. restrictive tiers because of improving COVID-19 conditions of the study, who is in the FAU Biologi- China’s space program has suffered One thing is certain: Residents of the “The community still loves them,” said cal Sciences Department. “They care for and no counties regressed, the state Department of Public relatively few setbacks since it fi rst put an Dania Beach area where the monkeys live Deborah “Missy” Williams, lead author them. They want them protected.” (AP) Health said Tuesday. astronaut into orbit in 2003, although the ❑ ❑ ❑ Orange, Santa Cruz, Santa Clara and Amador counties are space station launch was delayed by the moving from the orange, or moderate, tier to the yellow, or failure of an earlier version of the massive ‘Examining carbon border tax’: US minimal, tier. Tehama County is improving from the red, sub- Long March 5B rocket. (AP) climate envoy John Kerry said Tuesday stantial, tier to orange. ❑ ❑ ❑ that Washington is looking into the possi- The moves will put 13 counties in yellow, 35 in orange, 10 bility of introducing a fee on imports from in red. No counties are in the purple, or substantial, tier. Monkey colony origins found: A countries that don’t tax heavy polluters, Santa Clara County’s health officer, Dr. Sara Cody, imme- colony of monkeys has lived for about but he cautioned that such a move could diately announced that new yellow tier rules will implemented 70 years in urban South Florida, near jets carry risks “downstream.” taking off from a nearby airport and fuel Kerry said President Joe Biden had Wednesday. Among the local rules being lifted are require- storage tanks. ments that businesses maximize the number of staff who are instructed US offi cials to examine “what No one was quite sure where they came are the consequences, how do you do the teleworking. from. Until now. pricing, what is the impact.” The improvements were announced a day after the state’s Researchers at Florida Atlantic Uni- “But he wants to make sure we’ve thor- health director announced that California will require people to versity say they have traced the colo- oughly vetted it and thought about it as a keep wearing masks and practice social distancing indoors until ny’s origins to the Dania Chimpanzee matter of policy, particularly because our June 15 - the date when Gov. Gavin Newsom has said nearly Farm. The South Florida SunSentinel friends are doing so,” Kerry said. all COVID-19 restrictions will be dropped if cases remain low. reported Wednesday there was a mon- The European Union has indicated it More than 34.8 million vaccines have been administered in key escape from the farm in 1948, with will put forward plans next month for a California, and the seven-day positivity rate is down to just most of the monkeys recaptured. But ‘carbon border adjustment mechanism’ 0.9%. not all of them. aimed at pushing its trading partners During a virtual meeting of the California Travel and Tour- The rest disappeared into a mangrove into doing more to cut carbon emissions ism Commission on Tuesday, the governor noted, however, swamp, where their descendants live to- if they want to sell their goods in the that since the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention day. The FAU team said the colony cur- world’s largest single market. recommended looser masking guidelines last week there has rently numbers about 41. Although still vague, the EU’s propos- been a decline in vaccinations “that is creating some pause and The FAU researchers traced the mon- al has drawn signifi cant concern, partic- a little bit of concern.” keys’ genetics and concluded they were ularly from major emerging economies brought to Florida from Africa. The mon- A woman stands outside as a patient infected with black fungus is treated at the such as China, Brazil, India and South keys were sold mainly for medical and Mucormycosis ward of a government hospital in Hyderabad, India, May 20. (AP) Africa. (AP) Television FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 21-22, 2021 FFeatureseatures forward.” my pronounstothey/them moving they will“offi in anaccompanying video,adding Lovato announcedonTwitterand that Iidentifyasnon-binary,” all -Iamproudtoletyouknow to sharemoreofmylifewithyou refl fans thedecisioncameafter“self- changing theirpronouns,telling they identifyasnonbinaryandare Lovato Dance WithMe.”(AP) career, andtherealityshow“Come Tom Smallwood McBride Pete Holmes,KatieLowes the comedy“Smallwood,”starring Sophia Bush medical drama“GoodSam,”with British series,acriticaldarling. lectic.” It’sbasedonaeponymous comes withspiritsdescribedas“ec- Ambudkar owners ( comedy “Ghosts,”aboutthenew pedigree getsalegup,hesaid. A freshmanserieswithafamily president ofCBSEntertainment. they’re placed,said help thescheduleeverywhere” on, whichweknowaregoingto three newfranchiseshowscome Newsome rensic crime-bustersledby join rankswithanewteamoffo- spawned atrioofspinoffs,will the original2000-2015“CSI”that who werebasedinLasVegas Most Wanted.” family members“FBI”and“FBI: will bebookendedonTuesdayby Harmon ing its19thseasonwithstar Monday nightwith“NCIS,”enter- Vanessa Lachey for advertisersandmedia. in unveilingits2021-22schedule franchises, CBSsaidWednesday of its“NCIS”and“FBI”drama alongside thenetwork’sexpansion Petersen original castmembers tion” brandwithaseriesthatbrings hit “CSI:CrimeSceneInvestiga- LOS ANGELES: LOS ANGELES: clamor forKaavan’srelease,andherinvolvementwentfarbeyond year effort. and JenniferRuiztoadvocateforKaavan,whichturnedintoafour- an organizationco-foundedbyCher,Cowne,GineNelthorpeCowne interest inwildlife,shesoughthishelp.TheresultwasFreeWild, physical andemotional. chained inasolitary,crampedenclosureandapparentillhealth,both Channel. & theLoneliestElephant,”debutedWednesdayonSmithsonian zoo inIslamabad,Pakistan,whichlaunchedthequestdetailed“Cher ter feed. was broughttoherattentionbywhatshecalls“thekids”onTwit- save thiselephant,’”Cherrecalledthinkingwhentheanimal’splight - achievedforKaavan,shesaidduringapaneldiscussiontaping. of animalaidgroups,wildlifeveterinariansandPakistan’slegalsystem from thesingularstar. in dismalconditionsisaone-of-a-kindstory,aswouldbeexpected LOS ANGELES,May20,(AP):Cher’srescueofanelephantlongheld Cher’s starpowerhelpsrescue the‘loneliestelephant’ “Today isadayI’msohappy ective work.” Midseason shows will include the Midseason showswillincludethe Another fallnewcomeristhe “We’re veryexcitedtohave Peterson andFox’scharacters, “NCIS: Hawai’i,”starring “CSI: Vegas”willdebutthisfall Cher recordedasong,“Walls,”toamplifythegrowingsocial-media Recalling abriefmeetingwithbusinessmanMarkCowneandhis Cher acceptedthechallengeafterseeingaphotoof4-tonanimal They demandedKaavan’sreleasefromaramshackle,now-closed “’I don’tknowanythingaboutthis.I’mjustanentertainer.Ican’t Even shewassurprisedbywhatherefforts-inconcertwithateam revealedonWednesday Rose McIver, Utkarsh Rose McIver,Utkarsh and . “FBI:International” ❑ and based on pro bowler andbasedonprobowler (“ChicagoMed”). ) of a country estate that ) ofacountryestatethat and cially bechanging Jorja Fox CBS is reviving its CBSisrevivingits Singer ’s second-act ’s second-act , willbepaired Jason Isaacs Kelly Kahl William William back home. Demi and Paula Mark ; Chi Chi , and “StoneCold” recently shared “Sorry NotSorry,” “HeartAttack” they trulyarewith their lovedones.” that haven’tbeenabletosharewho “I’m doingthisforthoseoutthere gender expression.”Theyadded, represents thefl neutral pronounsas“thisbest The singerbehind suchhitsas Lovato saidtheypickedgender- a singlesparkcausingbrushfi a ghosttown,andthere’stheever-loomingthreatof farming communityiswellonitswaytobecoming draught, itlookslikeadesert.Thebesiegedcountry and bodiesofwaterinKiewarra.Afterayear-long to hangoutisdriedupnow,asareallofthestreams of themdidit. raise doubtandeveryonejuststartedassumingthatone dead inthelake.Theiralibiwassuspiciousenoughto the townafteroneofhisandLuke’sfriendsturnedup Twenty yearsago,whenhewasjustateenager,left ther worriesthathedid.AndAaronisreluctanttostay. er doesn’tbelievethathecouldhavedoneit;Thefa- funeral, alludingtoalieheknowstheytold. Gerry (BruceSpence)imploresAarontocomethe Only theinfantwasspared.AnotefromLuke’sfather, dered hiswifeandyoungsonbeforekillinghimself. Luke (MartinDingleWall)ispresumedtohavemur- tralian crimedrama“TheDry.”Hischildhoodfriend Kiewarra after20yearsawayinthecompellingAus- teenage foursomewithAaron,LukeandEllie.Gretch- Gretchen (GenevieveO’Reilly),whoroundedoutthe also endearingustothoseinthisoddlittletown,like out newleads,manyofwhichareredherrings,while gation. Thescreenplaydoesanexcellentjobofteasing green localcopGreg(KeirO’Donnell)ontheinvesti- (Matt Nable).Buthesoldierson,workingwiththevery pecially forherfather(WilliamZappa)andbrother court) death20yearsageisstillanopenwound,es- longtime residentsofKiewarra.Ellie’s(BeBeBetten- with HarryCripps. Connolly directedandiscreditedfortheadaptation written byJaneHarperandpublishedin2016.Robert them. It’snowonderthatthefi townspeople alsoharborsecretsthatcoulddestroy metaphor doesn’tmakeitanylessofatruththatthe rything down.Justbecauseit’snotthemostsubtle A Bana rivetingincrimedrama‘TheDry’ That lakewhereshewasfoundandtheyused Luke’s parentswantAarontolookintoit:Themoth- Aaron isgreetedwithhostilityfromsomeofthe Variety Aaron Falk(EricBana),backtohishometownof headline andaletterdrawbigcityfederalagent,

This imagereleasedbyIFCFilmsshowsEricBana,(left),andGenevieveO’Reillyinascenefrom‘TheDry.’(AP) uidity I feel in my uidity Ifeelinmy Black elitefamilydrama‘OurKindofPeople’setforfall By LindseyBahr Schwarzenegger, Abramsmakepitchformovietheaterreturn Film lmisbasedonabook, ingly tendedKavaanduringhisdauntingtransfertoanewlife. and herduetpartner,theadmirablebutout-of-tuneKhalil,wholov- because shehadn’tsungrecently.Theotherreasons:songchoice, made famousbyFrankSinatra. him watermelonandsingingtheelephant’sfavoritesong:“MyWay,” is coaxedbyveterinarianAmirKhaliltobondwithKaavanfeeding what wasbeingattempted. honestly begantowonderif“anybodywouldbeallthatinterested”in so manytimesthatitlookedliketheeffortwouldfallshortshe ’Yeah, comeon,you’redoingit.Stopplayingaroundandjustdoit.” about hereffortsandthedocumentary’sproduction.“ThenIjustwent, Is thisreallyhappening?’”sherecountedduringthepaneldiscussion re thatwillburneve- “Cher &theLoneliestElephant”debutedat8andrepeats10 The chart-toppingpopstarbalkedattheimpromptuperformance Her unstintingeffortresultedinanendearingscenewhichCher It wasn’tjusttrepidationweighingonher,Chersaid.Therehadbeen “I keptsayingtomyfriends…‘ArewereallygoingPakistan? amnLachey Harmon intimates wereabouttomake. she admitstohesitationaboutthejourneythatandasmallgroupof fer toasanctuaryinCambodiaafterthezoo’scourt-orderedclosure. when, shesaid,thegovernmentmadeitaconditionofKaavan’strans- her comfortzone:Shefl Her trademarkcandorisonexhibitinthedocumentary,which AMC CenturyCity15theaterinLosAngeles. Schwarzenegger toldasociallydistancedaudienceat the theatricalexperienceformoviegoers. spoke Wednesdayabouttheimportanceofresurrecting enthusiasm, “Weareback!Weback!”beforehe quires accompanyingparentoradultguardian. Running time:117minutes.Threestarsoutoffour. America for“forviolence,andlanguagethroughout.” demand, isratedRbytheMotionPictureAssociationof is animportthat’sworthseekingout. and “TheDry”neverfeelsrushedorundercooked.This series itself,butConnollyhasacommandonthepacing of awonderthatitwasn’tstretchedoutintotelevision served bytheintrigueof“TheDry.”It’sactuallyabit ing foraholdoverinbetweenepisodeswouldbewell- human forit. It’s notjustagrimmurdercaseandisstrongermore and hotelowner,evenalittleromanceteasedout. moments ofhumor,too,especiallywiththelocalbar by acecharacteractors.Thereissomemuch-needed mined, hauntedandempathetic-he’ssurrounded LOS ANGELES: Documentary “Now it’stimetogetbackthebigscreen,” ew toPakistanamidtheCOVID-19pandemic MPAA Defi “The Dry,”anIFCFilmsreleaseintheatersandon Anyone hookedon“MareofEasttown”andlook- Bana isexcellentasthereluctantoutsider-deter- you stillharbordoubts. which onpaperseemslikeasimplecasebutfi is asomewhatshyteenandLukethevolatilealpha, in factkillthegirl,orplayanypartherdeath.Aaron vestigation aswewonderwhetherLukeorAarondid ing Ellie’sdeath,addingtensiontothepresent-dayin- years ago. had Lukebeenheldaccountableforwhathappened20 presumed murder-suicidecouldhavebeenprevented theories ofwhathappenedthen.Gerryworriesthatthe en, asinglemomandschoolteachernow,hasherown “The Dry”alsooftencutsbacktothedayssurround- awarded Serbian performance art- MADRID: nition ofR:Restricted.Under17re- 2018. (AP) following anear-fataloverdosein followed theirjourneypriortoand YouTube documentary,which mental healthandaddictionina their personalstruggleswith Arnold Schwarzenegger ❑ A Spanishfoundation Excellent Also: chantedwith creator cus of“OurKindPeople,”anewFoxdramaseriesfrom“Empire” Class,” a1999nonfi DaCosta Set onMassachusetts’fabledMartha’sVineyardisland,itstars is an“unapologeticcelebrationofBlackresilienceandachievement.” schedule a crimescene“cleaner,”FoxsaidMondayinannouncingits2021-22 doctor whoisdrivenbyfamilycircumstancestoworkformobstersas Lady” willbringtherarityofanAsianleadcharactertoTV. will jointhenetwork’sfallschedule,whilemidseason’s“TheCleaning other broadcastersthisweek. among virtualpresentationsofnextseason’sofferingsfromFoxand culturally,” producerDanielstoldadvertisingbuyers,whoarerotating Resident”). LOS ANGELES: unknown.” and spiritualcomponent hitherto Abramovic revealed “asensorial that theworkof 74-year-old Princess ofAsturiasAwardssaid ious awardsforthefi European nation’smostprestig- ist Based on“OurKindofPeople:InsideAmerica’sBlackUpper “Our KindofPeople,”accordingtoFox’sthumbnaildescription, Elodie Yung “We’re notonlysayingsomethingculturally,we’redoing demand channelandontheParamount+streamingservice. midnight EDTThursdayandisavailableonSmithsonian’svideo-on- p.m. EDTWednesdayontheSmithsonianChannel.Itwillairagainat The 50,000-euro ($56,700) The jurythatdecidesthe Marina Abramovic Lee Daniels lm, (“ChicagoMed,”“Whitney”)and encing thepowerofthatisahumannaturalneed.”(AP) room withstrangers,screamingandlaughing,experi- the ideaofreturningtotheatersandbeinginabigdark theater. vorite experienceshappenedinplaceslikeamovie see aMarvelmovieandanyperiod.” like you’repartoftheaction.It’sbyfarbestwayto inch oftheframe,”Feigesaid.“Wewantyoutofeel is visuallyspectacularandtotallyengrossingwithevery a sizzlereelthatincluded“BlackWidow.” peared inapre-recordedmessagebeforeheintroduced “Zola,” andMarvelStudiospresident back intheaters.Bravoofferedaglimpseintoherfi tégé,” talkedaboutherexcitementatseeingwork gie Q,SamRichardson,JaniczaBravo tiative. Otherspeakersincluded executives aspartofthe“BigScreenisBack”ini- life withouttheatersaboutayearago. industry movestoreboundafterthepandemiccreated leasing. opic “Respect”fromMGMStudios/UnitedArtistRe- Paramount’s “SnakeEyes”and “In theHeights,”Disney’s“Cruella,”Universal’s“F9,” and trailersfromDisney,Sonyotherstudios. jects. Thethree-houreventalsofeaturedmovieclips for theindustrytoshowcaseitsbiggestupcomingpro- great stuffyouusuallyseeonthebigscreen.” They aremissingspecialandvisualeffectsallthe and putontheirglassestoseewhat’sgoingthere. that peoplewatchmoviesontheirlittleiPhoneandiPad “Yes, we’veseenoverthepastyearinpandemic, ers, youdon’thavenothing,”Schwarzeneggersaid. Bruckner. joined byfi Affl “I thinkweallwanttobekidsagain,”hesaid.“And Abrams offeredaninspiringspeech,sayinghisfa- “We setouttocraftanepiccinematicexperiencethat Maggie Q,staroftheupcomingactionfi Each speakerencouragedthereturntotheatersas Extended footagewasshownfromWarnerBros.’ The gatheringwasoneofthefi “If youhavethemovieanddon’ttheat- The actorandformer (“TheHitman’sBodyguard”)starsasaCambodian uent andwell-connectedBlackfamiliesarethefo- ction book by . ne arts. oneofthe lmmakers andmajor Also: Lawrence OtisGraham (AP) moved to hometown and Abramovic studied fi Crown Princess a foundationnamedforSpanish and sports,handedoutannuallyby ing fromthearts,socialsciences award isoneofeightprizes,rang- California Born in Morris Chestnut Aretha Franklin J.J. Abrams,Mag- rst in-person events Amsterdam Hollywood Belgrade Kevin Feige governorwas Zagreb Leonor lm “ThePro- and in1946, ne artsinher , theseries in1976. studio beforeshe David . ’s bi- (“The Yaya lm ap- ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 21-22, 2021 NEWS/FEATURES 13

People & Places

Music

Form supergroup Ex-girl band members unite in new BET show

NEW YORK, May 20, (AP): BET is forming the next big R&B girl group — with the help of members from platinum-selling ensembles like 702, Total, Danity Kane, 3LW, Blaque and Cherish. The reality show “BET Presents The Encore” will premiere June 9 and includes eight former members from groups who had success in the ‘90s and 2000s, as well as Grammy-nominated R&B singer Nivea. In the 10-episode series, the singers live together for 30 days to record an album at a home studio, learn choreography and practice vocals. The cast includes Pamela Long of Total, the Bad Boy Records trio who released grooves like “No One Else,” “Kissin’ You,” “Trippin’” and “Can’t You See” with Notorious B.I.G.; sisters Irish and LeMisha Grinstead from 702, another R&B trio who had hits with “Where My Girls At?” and “Get It Togeth- er”; Shamari DeVoe of Blaque, the proteges of TLC’s Left Eye who had success on the charts with “808” and “Bring It All to Me” with N’Sync; and Aubrey O’Day of Danity Kane, the group who formed in 2005 on Diddy’s “Making the Band 3” Williams and saw their fi rst two albums debut at No. 1 on the Billboard charts. “I felt that girl groups never got its just do ... and I, as a content creator, wanted to ... educate the masses on who I feel are the forgotten sisters of music,” ex- ecutive producer Carlos King said in an interview with The Associated Press. “I wanted to pay homage to that industry and really give these women an opportunity to share their stories and their struggles.” Other members include Kiely Williams, who was fi rst in the trio 3LW, known for songs like “No More (Baby I’ma Do Right)” and “Playas Gon’ Play” but later reached multi-platinum status with Disney’s The Cheetah Girls; Nivea, the only Grammy nominee of the bunch who launched the Top 40 hits “Don’t Mess In this April 6, 1974 file photo, members of Swedish group ABBA and close associates celebrate the victory of their song ‘Waterloo’ in the Eurovision Song Contest in With My Man” and “Okay”; and twins Felisha and Brighton, England. The four members of ABBA, Benny Andersson, (left), Annifrid Lyngstad, (third left), Agnetha Faltskog, (second right), and Bjorn Ulvaeus, (right), Fallon King of Cherish, the R&B quartet who had suc- were the most successful winners of the Eurovision Song Contest, enjoying unprecedented success after their victory. (AP) cess with the bops “Do It to It” and “Killa.” A Spo- tify playlist of the cast members’ well known songs is here. Success Music The King sisters, the youngest in the supergroup at age 33, have had the most recent success in music thanks to their songwriting and production skills. Felisha King is one of the co-writers of Justin Bie- Cyprus’ devout want no part of its entry ‘El Diablo’ ber’s “Peaches,” which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in March. She has also co- written songs for Tamar Braxton, Mario and Sevyn Streeter. Fallon King co-wrote the double platinum Eurovision: decades of songs, spectacle hit “Easy” by DaniLeigh and Chris Brown, and to- gether, they have written music for the Fox series “Empire” and “Star.” ROTTERDAM, Netherlands, May 20, since 1997 — though its tendency to entry in the Eurovision Song Contest, Carlos King - who is the CEO of Kingdom Reign (AP): Once a year, Europeans come send underpowered entries may also which they contend promotes Satan Entertainment and has produced shows like “The Real together in a flurry of flags, spangles be a factor. worship. Housewives of Atlanta,” “Season 25: Oprah Behind and disco beats to compete for the con- Contest organizers screen the songs The protest, held opposite the gates the Scenes” and the music competition series “The tinent’s pop crown at the Eurovision for any hint of political content that of the offices of state broadcaster RIK, Four” - said he has been working on the new show Song Contest. could sour the harmony. In 2009, was the second against the song “El for seven years. He shot two versions of it for other The coronavirus pandemic canceled Georgian entry “We Don’t Wanna Diablo” staged by Christians who ar- networks, never getting the greenlight to produce a the contest in 2020 for the first time in Put In” was nixed because it took a gue the number has no place as the six decades. But now it’s back. On Sat- dig at Russian leader Vladimir Putin. national song of Cyprus in the contest full season. urday, performers from 26 countries because of what they say is its brazen But interest in the series grew last year after a clip of In 2014, the audience booed Russian will vie for Eurovision victory during singing twins Anastasia and Maria invitation to embrace the devil. the previously shot pilot leaked, featuring 3LW’s Wil- a live televised final in the Dutch city Tolmachevy because of their country’s Both RIK and singer Elena liams and Farrah Franklin, who had a six-month stint Arnold Schwarzenegger arrives at of Rotterdam. invasion of Crimea, and 2017 host Tsagrinou, who represents Cyprus in in Destiny’s Child after joining in 2000 along with The Big Screen is Back media event, The prize is glory for the winning country Ukraine barred Russia’s entry the contest underway this week in the Michelle Williams when the group underwent major including ten studios convening to showcase a sampling of their summer nation, though rarely mega-stardom amid conflict between the neighboring Netherlands, say critics have misinter- changes. In a shady exchange, Franklin boasts about for the winning act. A few interna- nations. preted the lyrics of “El Diablo” and the millions of albums Destiny’s Child sold while Kie- movie releases, on May 19, at AMC Century City 15 in Los Angeles. (AP) tional stars have emerged from Eu- The contest’s most memorable acts that it’s actually about an abusive rela- ly Williams questions if Franklin even played a role in rovision’s sequined ranks, including have transcended borders with glorious tionship between two lovers. the group’s mega success. Swedish pop titans ABBA — victors extravagance or eccentric individual- The song passed its first competition “Gabrielle Union, Sunny Hostin (of “The View”) in 1974 with “Waterloo” — and Cana- ism. There was silver-spangled Ukrai- hurdle during a Tuesday semifinal and and Symone Sanders, who is now part of Vice Presi- dian chanteuse Celine Dion, who won nian drag performer Verka Serduchka made it into the contest’s final round, dent Kamala Harris’ team, they all tweeted about that the 1988 contest for Switzerland. in 2007, and six singing grandmothers set for Saturday in Rotterdam. clip and said, ‘Bring me this show now. We need this Others have sunk without a trace from a Russian village who performed The people protesting Wednesday show,’” King said. “And that was the catalyst of me - hello, Britain’s 2007 budget airline- as the Buranovskiye Babushki in 2012. saw that as no cause for celebration, being like, ‘When you have something that’s hot, you themed novelty act Scooch - or saw To the uninitiated, Eurovision can insisting that “El Diablo” is an affront got to strike when the iron is hot.’ And that’s what their musical fame peak with Eurovi- appear ridiculous. But fans treasure its to Cypriots’ Orthodox faith. we did.” sion success, such as Irish singer Dana, mix of kitschy fun and genuine emo- “This song doesn’t represent Cy- BET caught wind of the chatter and greenlit a full who won as a teenager in 1970, or Brit- tion. prus. It doesn’t honor it. It insults season. ish pop quartet Buck’s Fizz, who took Cyprus, it desecrates Cyprus and is Equality Reconnect the prize in 1981. dangerous, my good Orthodox Chris- Launched in 1956 to foster unity af- The victory of Austrian drag queen tians,” an unnamed clergyman said “Fueled with passion and drive, the leading ladies Mooney Porter ter World War II, Eurovision evolved Conchita Wurst in 2014 was a moment into a microphone while addressing of ‘BET Presents The Encore’ prove that lightning over the years from a bland ballad-fest of triumph for many of the contest’s the demonstrators. “It’s dangerous to can absolutely strike twice, and we can’t wait to share to a campy, feelgood extravaganza. It gay fans, but also showed that equal- our children, to our families. There is the next phase of their journey with our viewers,” Tif- Variety has grown from seven countries to in- ity was still some way off. The beard- no chance that the devil can do any fany Lea Williams, BET’s executive vice president of clude more than 40, including non-Eu- ed diva’s achievement was hailed by good to anyone.” unscripted programming and development, said in a ropean nations and far-away Australia. many as a gain for diversity and tol- The Cypriot government has said statement to the AP. “This series will bring fans be- But despite its peace-through-pop erance but condemned by nationalist that while dissent is respected, free- hind the scenes in the music-making process, recon- NEW YORK: Paul Mooney, the bound- ary-pushing comedian who was Richard ethos, the song contest has not escaped politicians in Russia as evidence of dom of expression cannot be quashed. nect them with some of their favorite chart-topping entanglement in geopolitics. Western degeneracy. The powerful Orthodox Church of singers and deliver unforgettable stories from celebri- Pryor’s longtime writing partner and whose bold, incisive musings on racism There are annual grumbles about Meanwhile, several dozen Orthodox Cyprus called for the withdrawal of the ties they love.” bloc voting, with Nordic nations often Christian faithful and clergy members song in March, saying it mocked the The music industry was once dominated by several and American life made him a revered fi gure in stand-up, has died. He was 79. supporting one another and Greece and held up wooden crucifixes, icons of Mediterranean island nation’s moral girl groups, with ensembles like TLC and Destiny’s Cassandra Williams, Mooney’s Cyprus giving each other top marks. saints and a banner declaring Cyprus’ foundations by advocating “our sur- Child owning the pop and R&B charts and winning publicist, said he died Wednesday morn- Britain blames its European outlier love for Christ in a renewed protest render to the devil and promoting his multiple Grammys in the ‘90s and 2000s. Other fe- ing at his home in Oakland, California, status for its failure to win the contest Wednesday over the island nation’s worship.” male groups also had major success, including the from a heart attack. Spice Girls, En Vogue, Salt-n-Pepa, SWV, Xscape, Mooney’s friendship and collaboration Brownstone, Dream, Changing Faces, Zhane, Jade, with Pryor began in 1968 and lasted until The 51-year-old Porter, who won an on his secret, kept from his mother and Telling his mother was the most dif- Kut Klose and Allure, among others. Pryor’s death in 2005. Together, they But the contemporary musical landscape barely confronted racism perhaps more directly Emmy for his HIV-positive character those involved with his ballroom drama fi cult. (AP) features groups like those. Current girl groups include than it ever had been before onstage. Pray Tell on the FX series, said the isola- set in New York at the height of the ❑ ❑ ❑ tion of the pandemic led him to refl ect AIDS crisis in the ’80s. Little Mix, who haven’t been able to match their UK Mooney wasn’t as widely known as LOS ANGELES: A woman testifi ed success in the US and K-pop outfi t BLACKPINK, Pryor, but his infl uence on comedy was Wednesday that she was fi ve years into a who have dominated the Asian market and released ubiquitous. As head writer on “In Living relationship with actor Danny Mas- their debut album in the US last year, fi nally cracking Color,” Mooney helped create and in- terson when she awoke to fi nd he was the Top 40 with the songs “How You Like That” and spire the Homey D. Clown character. He raping her as she slept and took drastic “Ice Cream.” Fifth Harmony had success on the pop played the future-foretelling Negrodamus measures to get him to stop. charts since launching in 2012, but the group went on on “Chappelle’s Show.” “I tried pushing him off me and saying hiatus in 2018 while the members launched solo pro- In any forum, Mooney was uniquely no I dont want to have ... with you,” jects. fearless as a comedian. His blunt con- the woman, identifi ed in court only as frontations with racism and power in Christina B., said. Masterson’s lawyer Also: white America could be hysterical or Thomas Mesereau denied the incident LONDON: This year the Glastonbury Festival is going simply defi antly unfl inching. described in court Wednesday was rape. At a time when nearly all television Christina B. was the second of three online. writers were white, Mooney and Pryor Organizers have said recently that they will stage accusers of the 45-year-old “That ‘70s fi rst wrote episodes for the sitcom “San- Show” actor to testify in Los Angeles a one-day livestreamed concert on May 22 at Wor- ford and Son” together. (AP) Superior Court at a preliminary hearing thy Farm in southwest England, home to the annual ❑ ❑ ❑ music extravaganza. Performers include Coldplay, to determine whether there is enough Damon Albarn, Jorja Smith, Haim, Wolf Alice and NEW YORK: Billy Porter has broken evidence to order Masterson to stand Michael Kiwanuka, plus other “guest appearances his silence over his HIV diagnosis, say- trial on three counts of rape. Masterson and collaborations.” ing he told nearly no one for 14 years has pleaded not guilty, and Mesereau has Glastonbury organizer Emily Eavis said the Live out of shame and fear of retaliation and said he would prove his innocence. at Worthy Farm event would be “like the festival but marginalization in his industry. The November incident Christine B. “The truth is the healing. And I hope described came in November 2001, in without people.” the house she and Masterson would share The festival has been held almost annually since this frees me. I hope this frees me so that I can experience real, unadulterated joy, throughout their six-year relationship. 1970, drawing up to 150,000 people to the Eavis fam- so that I can experience peace, so that I Under questioning from Deputy District ily’s farm. In January, organizers canceled Glaston- can experience intimacy, without shame. Attorney Reinhold Mueller, she said he bury for a second straight year because of the corona- This is for me,” the award-winning This image released by The Smithsonian Channel shows Cher feeding elephant hit her across the face with a loosely held virus pandemic. “Pose” star told The Hollywood Reporter Kaavan in a scene from ‘Cher & The Loneliest Elephant,’ premiered on the fi st then fi nally stopped, spat on her and in an interview published Wednesday. Smithsonian Channel on May 19. (AP) — See Page 12 called her “white trash.” (AP) ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 21-22, 2021 SPORTS 14 Kluber tosses Yanks’ 12th no-hitter to beat Rangers

Tatis homers, 4 for 4 in return, Padres blank Rockies 3-0

ARLINGTON, Texas, May and fi ve hits in fi ve innings with eight strikeouts and four walks. Kyle Finne- 20, (AP): Corey Kluber gan, Daniel Hudson and Brad Hand threw the major leagues’ combined on three-hit relief. Hand sixth no-hitter this season struck out three in the ninth for his fi fth save in seven chances despite allowing and second in two nights, Javier Báez’s solo homer. leading the New York Yan- Giants 4, Reds 0 kees over the Texas Rang- In Cincinnati, Kevin Gausman gave ers 2-0. up one hit over six strong innings, Bust- The 35-year-old right-hander, er Posey drove in three runs with a late double and San Francisco blanked Cin- a two-time American League Cy cinnati. Young Award winner, came within Gausman (4-0) didn’t allow a hit un- a four-pitch walk to Charlie Cul- til Tucker Barnhart doubled leading off berson in the third inning of twirl- the fi fth, and the Reds managed just two ing a perfect game. Kluber pitched more hits the rest of the way against Gi- his gem a night after Detroit’s ants relievers. Spencer Turnbull threw one against Mike Tauchman had an RBI single in the fi fth for NL West-leading San New York Yankees starting pitcher Seattle, marking the fi rst no-hitters Francisco. Posey padded the lead with a on consecutive days since 1969. Corey Kluber throws his fi nal pitch of the night, on which Texas Rang- bases-loaded double in the ninth, one of Kluber (4-2) struck out nine and and his three hits. threw 71 of 101 pitches for strikes in his ers’ Willie Calhoun grounded out, ninth start for the Yankees. Kluber was as Kluber threw a no-hitter in the Red Sox 7, Blue Jays 3 pitching on the mound when he was hurt baseball game in Arlington, Texas, In Dunedin, Florida, Alex Verdugo after one inning last season for the Rang- on May 19. (AP) and J.D. Martinez hit back-to-back hom- ers, when he tore a muscle in his right ers during a fi ve-run fi rst inning, Garrett shoulder on July 26 in his Texas debut. fi eld single by Adam Eaton. Then García Richards won his fourth straight deci- gave the White Sox the lead with an RBI Padres 3, Rockies 0 sion and Boston beat Toronto. single in the sixth. Kiké Hernández and Christian In San Diego, Fernando Tatis Jr. Rays 9, Orioles 7 Vázquez also went deep for the Red San Diego Padres’ Fernando Tatis Jr. hits a home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the homered and went 4 for 4 in his fi rst Sox, who are 13-6 on the road. Boston Colorado Rockies, on May 19, in San Diego. (AP) In Baltimore, Randy Arozarena hit game back after testing positive for two home runs, stole another with his has outhomered its opponents 57-32. COVID-19, and San Diego beat Colo- glove and knocked in four runs, Ji-Man Toronto, which lost for only the sec- rado for a three-game sweep. Choi drove in the go-ahead run in the ond time in eight games, got a two-run Bernal keeps Giro d’Italia lead Tatis, who had been out since May 11, eighth inning, and Tampa Bay rallied homer from Marcus Semien. A victory fi nished a triple shy of hitting for the cy- from a fi ve-run defi cit to beat Baltimore. would have moved the Blue Jays past cle in helping the Padres win their sixth Mike Brosseau also homered for Boston into fi rst place in the AL East. straight game and for the ninth time in Tampa Bay, which has won a season- Royals 6, Brewers 4 10 games. high six consecutive games. At 25-19, Vendrame wins 1st Grand Tour stage Jake Cronenworth had an inside-the- the Rays are six games above .500 for In Kansas City, Mo., Jorge Soler hit park home run and Joe Musgrove (4-4) a slump-busting homer to tie the game, BAGNO DI ROMAGNA, Italy, May the fi rst time this year. Ryan Thompson struck out 11 in seven innings. Mark (3-2) pitched a scoreless seventh for Nicky Lopez bunted home the go-ahead 20, (AP): Italian cyclist Andrea Ven- Melancon fi nished the two-hitter with a run, and Kansas City used a late rally drame held off the rest of the breaka- MLB Results/Standings Tampa Bay. Pete Fairbanks gave up a perfect ninth for his major league-lead- run in the ninth, but stranded two men to against Milwaukee’s bullpen to win. way pack to win the 12th stage of the ing 15th save. earn his fi rst save since 2019. Scott Barlow (2-1) got the fi nal two Giro d’Italia on Thursday for his fi rst Indians 3, Angels 2 outs of the seventh inning, Greg Holland victory in a Grand Tour and Egan Ber- Marlins 3, Phillies 1 worked the eighth and Josh Staumont WASHINGTON, May 20, (AP): Results In Anaheim, California, Josh Naylor nal kept the leader’s pink jersey. and standings from the MLB games on In Philadelphia, Brian Anderson coughed up a run in the ninth before Vendrame, who rides for AG2R Wednesday. drove in the tiebreaking run off Tony homered on his 28th birthday to back striking out Omar Narvaez looking with Citroën, edged out Chris Hamilton in Chic. White Sox 2 Minnesota 1 Watson (2-2) in the sixth, Aaron Civale Trevor Rogers, who pitched fi ve-hit ball two runners aboard for his fi fth save. Tampa Bay 9 Baltimore 7 pitched seven strong innings and Cleve- a sprint at the end of the 212-kilometer NY Yankees 2 Texas 0 for 7 2/3 innings and led Miami over The two-game sweep gave Kansas land overcame Shohei Ohtani’s latest Philadelphia. City its fi rst series win over the Brewers (132-mile) route from Siena to Bagno Boston 7 Toronto 3 do-everything performance for a victory di Romagna that featured four catego- Cleveland 3 LA Angels 2 since June 2015. Kansas City 6 Milwaukee 4 over Los Angeles. rized climbs. Houston 8 Oakland 1 Jake Bauers homered and Franmil BASEBALL Astros 8, Athletics 1 “What an incredible feeling. I can’t Detroit 6 Seattle 2 Reyes had an RBI double as Cleveland In Oakland, California, José Altuve even speak or fi nd the right words to San Diego 3 Colorado 0 took the fi nal two games of the series in homered on the fi rst pitch of the game, describe how I feel now,” the 26-year- San Francisco 4 Cincinnati 0 Miami 3 Philadelphia 1 Anaheim after a four-game skid. Civale Adam Duvall and Jazz Chisholm Jr. Yuli Gurriel drove in four runs to back old Vendrame said. “After a diffi cult Atlanta 5 NY Mets 4 (6-1) yielded four hits and a walk while also drove in runs for the Marlins, who Zack Greinke, and Houston won for the period where I had an injury, this win Washington 4 Chicago Cubs 3 striking out eight. James Karinchak seventh time in eight games by beating St Louis 8 Pittsburgh 5 won for just the second time in fi ve at the Giro is something indescrib- LA Dodgers 4 Arizona 2 pitched the ninth for his fi fth save. games. Oakland. able.” Italy’s Andrea Vendrame crosses American League Ohtani pitched fi ve-hit ball into the Rogers (6-2) gave up fi ve hits, includ- Greinke (4-1) struck out eight and the fi nish line to win the twelfth East Division fi fth with fi ve strikeouts for the Angels, ing Andrew McCutchen’s sixth-inning didn’t walk a batter, allowing four hits W L Pct GB and he subsequently moved from the over eight impressive innings to win stage of the Giro d’Italia cycling Boston 26 18 .591 _ homer. The 23-year-old rookie left- CYCLING race, from Siena to Bagno di Ro- Tampa Bay 25 19 .568 1 mound to right fi eld for 1 1/3 more in- hander struck out eight and walked two. back-to-back starts for the fi rst time this Toronto 23 18 .561 1-1/2 nings, allowing him to get a third at-bat. Yimi García fi nished with two-hit relief season. New York 24 19 .558 1-1/2 Cardinals 8, Pirates 5 for his eighth save in nine chances. Gurriel had a pair of two-run doubles There was also a sprint for third, Baltimore 17 25 .405 8 among his four hits, Carlos Correa contrib- Central Division In St. Louis, Jack Flaherty earned his Braves 5, Mets 4 with Gianluca Brambilla narrowly Rudisha to miss W L Pct GB uted two RBI singles and Altuve extended Chicago 26 16 .619 _ major league-leading eight win of the In Atlanta, Ronald Acuña Jr. homered his hitting streak to 13 games. The Astros beating George Bennett, but only after season and St. Louis scored fi ve runs in a late swerve that left Bennett throwing Cleveland 23 18 .561 2-1/2 on the fi rst pitch in the bottom of the pulled within a half-game of the defending Kansas City 20 22 .476 6 the second inning to beat Pittsburgh. up a hand in frustration. Brambilla was Tokyo Olympics ninth inning and Atlanta topped New AL West champion A’s. Houston hasn’t Detroit 17 26 .395 9-1/2 Flaherty (8-0) allowed two runs and York after blowing an early two-run led the West since April 8. later relegated to fourth. GENEVA, May 20, (AP): Two-time Minnesota 14 27 .341 11-1/2 four hits with four walks while striking lead. The duo fi nished 15 seconds behind West Division Dodgers 4, Diamondbacks 2 Olympic 800-meter champion David W L Pct GB out seven in six innings. He’s the fi rst Acuña drilled the fi rst pitch from Ja- Vendrame. Rudisha will not defend his title at the Oakland 26 18 .591 _ Cardinals pitcher to win eight straight cob Barnes (1-1) to center fi eld for his In Los Angeles, Will Smith’s pinch- All four had been part of a large Tokyo Games. Houston 25 18 .581 -1/2 starts since John Tudor and Joaquín NL-leading 13th homer. The Mets were hit sacrifi ce fl y with the bases loaded in breakaway. Seattle 21 23 .477 5 Rudisha’s agent, Michel Boeting, Los Angeles 18 24 .429 7 Andújar each accomplished the feat in denied a sweep of the three-game series. the seventh inning scored the tying and Bernal crossed the line in the pelo- told The Associated Press on Thursday Texas 19 26 .422 7-1/2 1985. Pinch-hitter Tomás Nido gave New go-ahead runs when Josh Rojas dropped ton to maintain his 45-second lead that Tokyo was “out of the question” National League Kodi Whitley relived Flaherty in the York a 4-3 lead with a two-run single in the ball in right fi eld, and Los Angeles over Aleksandr Vlasov. Nobody else for Rudisha because of a persistent East Division seventh and allowed three runs on a walk the seventh. rallied to beat Arizona. W L Pct GB Mookie Betts followed with a ground- is within a minute of the 2019 Tour de hamstring problem. New York 20 17 .541 _ and two hits without recording an out. The Braves pulled even in the eighth. France winner, with third-place Dami- The Olympics are set to open on Philadelphia 22 21 .512 1 Tyler Webb, Génesis Cabrera and Ryan Aaron Loup gave up three hits, including rule double as the Dodgers capitalized ano Caruso 1:12 behind. Atlanta 20 23 .465 3 Helsley bridged the gap to Alex Reyes a run-scoring single by William Contre- on two walks and a glaring miscue by July 23 and the 800 heats start July 31. Miami 19 23 .452 3-1/2 Vincenzo Nibali attacked over the “He is just contemplating his next who struck out the side in the ninth to ras, without getting an out. the Diamondbacks to take a 4-2 lead. Washington 17 22 .436 4 earn his 13th save in as many opportu- Arizona has been outscored 16-4 in top of the fi nal climb and fi nished sev- step, whether it’s retirement or to con- Central Division Nationals 4, Cubs 3 nities. losing the fi rst three games of the series. en seconds ahead of the peloton. The tinue training,” Boeting said in a tel- W L Pct GB In Chicago, Juan Soto homered off two-time Giro winner is still more than St Louis 25 18 .581 _ White Sox 2, Twins 1 Tigers 6, Mariners 2 ephone interview. Chicago 21 21 .500 3-1/2 Wrigley Field’s right-fi eld scoreboard, four minutes behind Bernal. Now 32, Rudisha has not run at the Milwaukee 21 22 .488 4 In Chicago, Lucas Giolito (3-4) struck helping Max Scherzer win his third In Seattle, Tarik Skubal struck out a Friday’s 13th stage is an entirely fl at international level since the 2017 sea- Cincinnati 19 22 .463 5 out a season-high 11 and gave up two straight decision for Washington. career-high nine in his fi rst win of the 198-kilometer (123-mile) route from son, and the current injury is linked Pittsburgh 17 25 .405 7-1/2 West Division hits over eight innings, including Nelson Soto became the 16th player to hit the season and Harold Castro had three hits Ravenna to Verona that pays tribute to to chronic infl ammation of his sitting W L Pct GB Cruz’s 10th homer and a single by Cruz. scoreboard that was installed in 2012, and three RBIs as Detroit downed Seat- writer and philosopher Dante Alighieri bone, Boeting said. Rudisha set the San Francisco 27 16 .628 _ Liam Hendricks pitched a perfect hitting a 421-foot drive on a 3-2 slider tle. on the 700th anniversary of his death. world record of 1 minute, 40.91 sec- San Diego 27 17 .614 -1/2 ninth for his ninth save. in the fi fth from Jake Arrieta (4-4) that Skubal (1-6) scattered four hits over It will also give the riders a break be- Los Angeles 25 18 .581 2 onds when he won gold at the 2012 Arizona 18 26 .409 9-1/2 Leury García hit a leadoff double gave Washington a 4-1 lead. Soto also fi ve innings, helping the Tigers earn fore hitting the high mountains the fol- London Olympics. No one has since Colorado 15 29 .341 12-1/2 against Matt Shoemaker (2-5) in the fi fth singled twice. their fi rst series sweep in Seattle since lowing day. come within a second of that time. inning and scored the tying run on an in- Scherzer (4-2) allowed two runs April 2006. ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 21-22, 2021 SPORTS 15

Valladolid need a victory to avoid relegation Spanish league ends with title fi nale, possible farewells

BARCELONA, Spain, May 20, (AP): Two of Spain’s most modest stadiums are set to offer scenes of joy and sor- row on Saturday. Atlético Madrid can ensure it clinches its fi rst Spanish league title in seven years with a win at Vallado- lid, while Lionel Messi and Ronald Koeman could participate in their last game for Barcelona when they visit the already relegated Eibar. Atlético enters the fi nal round of the competition with a two-point lead over defending champion Real Madrid. If Diego Simeone’s side fails to win at Valladolid, Madrid can retain its ti- tle by beating Villarreal. Madrid holds the tiebreaker advantage with Atlético in case they fi nish level on points. In a provincial city 190 kilometers (118 miles) north of Madrid, Vallado- lid needs a victory at its José Zorrilla Stadium to have a chance of avoiding relegation. Elche and Huesca are also fi ghting with Valladolid to not go down, with two of the three clubs destined for the drop. For Valladolid defender Kiki Oli- vas, his team’s desperation could be what it needs to pull off the upset. “We still have a chance and that is why we must fi ght until the end,” Olivas said. “We have to forget every- thing else and face the match with the belief that we can pull it off regardless of the diffi culty. Atlético Madrid has something important to play for, but this is our stadium and we have more at stake than they do.” SOCCER

Olivas will be tasked with helping defend Luis Suárez, whose late goal last weekend secured a 2-1 comeback win over Osasuna that kept Atlético at the top of the standings and in control of its fate. Atlético will face the fi nale with- out its most-used center back, Stefan Savic, who will serve a one-game sus- pension for accumulation of yellow cards. José Giménez, who has been hit by injuries and a bout with COVID-19 this season, will likely take his place. Edmonton Oilers’ Tyson Barrie (22) and Winnipeg Jets’ Blake Wheeler (26) battle for the puck during the third period of Game 1 of an NHL Hockey Stanley Cup fi rst-round playoff series, on May Besides needing Valladolid to at 19, in Edmonton, Alberta. (AP) least draw with Atlético, Madrid must beat a Villarreal side that has played well all season but may be looking last round. Its match at Eibar’s Ipurúa ahead to an even more important game. Stadium will likely be a sad fi nal ap- Villarreal will face Manchester pearance for its coach and maybe Smith scores in 2nd OT, Bruins United in the Europa League fi nal on even its greatest player of all time. Wednesday in Gdansk, Poland, aiming The days of Koeman appear to be to win the fi rst major title in club histo- numbered after his team’s poor fi n- ry. If it beats the English powerhouse, ish and with president Joan Laporta it will also qualify for the Champions pledging that he will overhaul the League. team this offseason. pip Capitals for 2-1 series lead In the Spanish league, Villarreal is It could also be the last time that currently in seventh place, a spot that Messi plays for Barcelona. The earns a berth for next season’s new Eu- 33-year-old Argentina forward has ropa Conference League. given no indication what his plans Helleybuyck makes 32 saves, Jets top Oilers 4-1 in Game 1 But a win over Madrid could allow are when his contract expires on it to move up into the Europa League June 30. The match will be number spots. Real Sociedad and Real Betis 779 for Messi in a Barcelona shirt. BOSTON, May 20, (AP): Craig Smith scored 5:48 into the them since 1998. are hoping to lock up those berths with Barcelona’s only interest in the second overtime to give the Boston Bruins a 3-2 victory Smith also had an assist, and Brad Marchand and Taylor Hall also scored for fi nishes in fi fth- and sixth-place with outcome is maintaining third place, Boston. Tuukka Rask stopped 35 shots. respective wins at Osasuna and Celta which Sevilla could snatch from the over the Washington Capitals and a 2-1 lead in the East Alex Ovechkin scored his 800th combined regular-season and postseason goal, Vigo. Catalan club with a victory over Ala- Division fi rst-round playoff series. and Nic Dowd returned from a slap shot off the knee to add a goal for Washington. “Our most important game is always vés. Smith outraced defenseman Justin Schultz to a puck behind the Capitals Ilya Samsonov returned from the COVID-19 list to make his playoff debut, stop- the next one up,” Villarreal coach Unai So, a two-decade-long partnership net and swept it around into the goal to end the third straight overtime ping 40 shots for Washington, which lost the home-ice advantage after splitting the Emery said. “The Spanish league has that has taken Messi and Barcelona game in the series. It was the 11th straight one-goal playoff game between fi rst two games at home. always been our focus and qualifying to the heights of world soccer could Hurricanes 3, Predators 0 for European competition for the com- fi nish at a tiny stadium in northern In Raleigh, N.C., Sebastian Aho ing season our main goal.” Spain, with practically nothing to scored twice and Alex Nedeljkovic Barcelona bowed out of the title fi ght play for, and nobody to cheer. was sharp in net to lead a perfect show- ing for Carolina’s penalty kill, helping the Hurricanes beat Nashville for a 2-0 Union Berlin to play Leipzig series lead. Nedeljkovic fi nished with 32 saves for the shutout in his second play- Return of fans brings hope for off start. And he was under plenty of pressure considering the Hurricanes were called for nine penalties. Warren German clubs as season ends Foegele also scored for Carolina. Jets 4, Oilers 1 DÜSSELDORF, Germany, May 20, proceeds going to charity. In Edmonton, Alberta, Connor Hel- (AP): It’s a new start at the end of the That allows an emotional sendoff for leybuyck made 32 saves on his 28th German soccer season. three long-serving players - David Ala- birthday, Dominic Toninato broke a tie For the fi rst time since October, fans ba, Jerome Boateng and Javi Martinez - midway through the third period and will be back in the stands for a Bundes- who are leaving at the end of the season, Winnipeg beat Edmonton in Game 1. liga game on Saturday when up to 2,000 along with coach Hansi Flick. It’s also Playing just his third game for spectators will be able to watch Union an audience for Robert Lewandowski if Winnipeg, Toninato tipped in Logan Berlin play Leipzig. he can score his 41st Bundesliga goal Stanley’s blast from the blue line, but Germany was the fi rst major Europe- this season to break the single-season the puck fl ew out so quickly it wasn’t an league to return amid the pandemic record. It would also be a welcome sign immediately signaled a goal. The in May 2020 but the stadiums were si- for UEFA, which is demanding the Al- 27-year-old Toninato made his debut lent, except for a brief trial early this lianz Arena has at least some supporters in the second-to-last game of the regu- season. That was quickly abandoned when it hosts Euro 2020 matches next Washington Capitals goaltender Ilya Samsonov (30) right, makes a save on a shot by Boston Bruins center Brad lar season. when coronavirus infections increased month. Marchand (63) in the fi rst period of Game 3 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup fi rst-round playoff series, on May around the country. The Champions League places are al- 19, in Boston. (AP) ICE HOCKEY Fans are the emotional heart of Ger- ready decided - Leipzig, Wolfsburg and man clubs and, in most cases, supporters Borussia Dortmund join Bayern - but have majority control of their clubs in there’s still a battle to avoid relegation. Tucker Poolman tied it midway the boardroom, too. Union is hoping its Cologne held talks with the city gov- NHL Results/Standings through the second, and Kyle Con- famously loud fans - even if only a few ernment about having 500 fans when nor and Blake Wheeler added empty- of them - will help the team qualify for it hosts relegated Schalke in a bid to netters for Winnipeg in its fi rst playoff European competition for the fi rst time. avoid dropping out of the top division, WASHINGTON May 20 (AP): Results and standings from the NHL games on Wednesday. meeting with Edmonton since 1990. Bayern Munich has won two Bundes- but that fell apart when local infec- Calgary 6 Vancouver 2 Winnipeg 4 Edmonton (Pl.offs Game 1) 1 Edmonton’s Jesse Puljujarvi scored in liga titles, the Champions League and tion rates rose. The other two teams at Boston 3 Washington 2OT (Pl.offs Game 3) 2 Colorado 6 St Louis (Pl.offs Game 2) 3 his postseason debut. the German Cup since the pandemic be- risk won’t have fans either. Sixteenth- Carolina 3 Nashville (Pl.offs Game 2) 0 Avalanche 6, Blues 3 gan, all without celebrating any of them place Werder Bremen will host Borus- East Division West Division In Denver, Nathan MacKinnon fi n- sia Mönchengladbach and 15th-place GP W L OT Pts GF GA GP W L OT Pts GF GA ished his fi rst career playoff hat trick with fans at the Allianz Arena. Falling y-Pittsburgh 56 37 16 3 77 196 156 z-Colorado 56 39 13 4 82 197 133 infection rates in Bavaria mean the club Arminia Bielefeld will visit Stuttgart in x-Washington 56 36 15 5 77 191 163 x-Vegas 56 40 14 2 82 191 124 with an empty-net goal to help Colora- is allowed 250 guests for the season- empty stadiums. x-Boston 56 33 16 7 73 168 136 x-Minnesota 56 35 16 5 75 181 160 do pull away late after St, Louis avoid- ending game against Augsburg. Bayern x-NY Islanders 56 32 17 7 71 156 128 x-St Louis 56 27 20 9 63 169 170 ed a pregame virus scare that nearly NY Rangers 56 27 23 6 60 177 157 Arizona 56 24 26 6 54 153 176 is inviting 100 health workers and hold- Philadelphia 56 25 23 8 58 163 201 sidelined several players. SOCCER Los Angeles 56 21 28 7 49 143 170 Joonas Donskoi scored twice and ing a lottery for club members, with the New Jersey 56 19 30 7 45 145 194 San Jose 56 21 28 7 49 151 199 Buffalo 56 15 34 7 37 138 199 Anaheim 56 17 30 9 43 126 179 Brandon Saad added an empty-net- Further down the divisions, the return Central Division North Division ter as Colorado took a 2-0 lead in GP W L OT Pts GF GA GP W L OT Pts GF GA of fans means tough decisions. Holstein y-Carolina 56 36 12 8 80 179 136 the first-round playoff series. Since Kiel was allowed to have supporters at x-Florida 56 37 14 5 79 189 153 y-Toronto 56 35 14 7 77 187 148 moving to Denver, Colorado is 13-1 x-Tampa Bay 56 36 17 3 75 181 147 x-Edmonton 56 35 19 2 72 183 154 Sunday’s game as it bids for promotion x-Winnipeg 56 30 23 3 63 170 154 all-time in best-of-seven postseason x-Nashville 56 31 23 2 64 156 154 series when capturing the first two to the Bundesliga for the fi rst time. The Dallas 56 23 19 14 60 158 154 x-Montreal 56 24 21 11 59 159 168 club refused. Chicago 56 24 25 7 55 161 186 Calgary 56 26 27 3 55 156 161 games. Philipp Grubauer finished “Professional soccer should not claim Detroit 56 19 27 10 48 127 171 Ottawa 56 23 28 5 51 157 190 with 32 saves. a special role for itself in society,” club Columbus 56 18 26 12 48 137 187 Vancouver 56 23 29 4 50 151 188 MacKinnon, who also had an assist, president Steffen Schneekloth said Note: Two points for a win one point for overtime loss. The top four teams in each division will qualify for playoffs under this had the fi rst hat trick by an Avalanche Monday, adding the refusal was a ges- season’s temporary realignment. player in 24 years. ture of solidarity with other sports clubs x-clinched playoff spot y-clinched division Flames 6, Canucks 2 and event organizers who can’t have an In Calgary, Alberta, Matthew Tka- audience. chuk scored twice and Calgary beat The biggest crowd of the weekend Vancouver in the NHL’s regular-sea- will be in the third division. The mayor Women’s Int’l Champions Cup pairings announced son fi nale. of the northern city of Rostock is fram- The game was the third in a row be- ing the decision to allow up to 7,500 PORTLAND, Ore., May 20, (AP): The tournament, to be held Aug. the Dash won last summer’s Challenge tween the teams to close the season af- people at Hansa Rostock’s stadium as a Barcelona and Lyon will meet to open 18-21 and broadcast on the ESPN net- Cup in Utah. ter the Canucks’ schedule was pushed public safety measure. The club will be the Women’s International Cham- works, will be the third WICC. Last Barcelona, the 2020 Spanish league back by COVID-19 outbreak. Leverkusen’s Aleksandar Drago- promoted with a win. pions Cup in August, while the host year’s event was canceled because of leaders, won this year’s Champions Dillon Dube, Andrew Mangiapane, vic, left, and Union’s Petar Musa “Do we want a lot of scattered little Portland Thorns will play the Houston the coronavirus outbreak. League fi nal against Chelsea. Brett Ritchie and Connor Mackey, with challenge for the ball during the parties or one big one with clear rules? Dash. Lyon, the 2020 UEFA Champions New York-based Relevent Sports his fi rst career NHL goal, also scored German Bundesliga soccer match I support the big party in the stadium. The winners of both matches will League winner, is the defending cham- Group, which puts on the International for the Flames, and Jacob Markstrom between Bayer Leverkusen and It means less risk,” Mayor Claus Ruhe also meet, with the losers playing in a pion from the 2019 WICC. The Thorns Champions Cup for men’s club teams stopped 19 shots. At 26-27-3, they end- Union Berlin in Leverkusen, Ger- Madsen told the local Ostsee Zeitung third-place game at Portland’s Provi- qualifi ed for the tournament as win- each summer, added the women’s com- ed up four points behind Montreal for many, on May 15. (AP) newspaper on Monday. dence Park. ners of the NWSL’s fall series, while petition in 2018. the fi nal playoff spot. ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 21-22, 2021 16

PSG players pose with the trophy after winning the French Cup fi nal soccer match between Paris Saint Germain and Monaco at the Stade de France stadium, in Saint Denis, north of Paris. (AP) Sports Latest sports scores at — http://sports.arabtimesonline.com

Juventus players celebrate with the winner’s trophy after their victory against Atalanta at the end of Italian Cup soccer fi nal match between Atalanta and Juventus at the Mapei Stadium in Reggio Emilia, Italy. Juventus won 2-1. (AP) Juve win Italian Cup

Buffon lifts last trophy of glittering Juventus career Mbappe stars REGGIO EMILIA, Italy, missing out on a Champions League PSG beat Monaco, May 20, (AP): Gianluigi place. Atalanta were bidding for their first retain French Cup Buffon lifted the last trophy Italian Cup trophy since 1963.They of his glittering Juventus had lost three previous finals, includ- PARIS, May 20, (AP): Kylian career after his team beat ing in 2019 to Lazio. Mbappe scored one goal and set “Achieving our goals are our wins. up the other as Paris Saint-Ger- Atalanta 2-1 in the Italian main stayed on course for a do- I’m disappointed for the guys, who Liverpool’s Thiago sees a shot go wide during the English Premier Cup on Wednesday to put played with a great desire to win, but mestic double by beating Monaco 2-0 to retain the French Cup. League soccer match between Burnley and Liverpool at Turf Moor in some shine on a disappoint- that’s soccer. We certainly leave with Burnley, England. (AP) our heads held high.” Gasperini’s PSG’s record-extending 14th ing season. cup win was given a helping It was a record-extending 14th hand after a terrible defensive er- West Ham close in on EL spot Italian Cup title for Juventus, and a SOCCER ror gifted an early goal to striker fi rst for star forward Cristiano Ron- Mauro Icardi. He was set up by aldo after the Bianconeri lost the lineup almost got off to the perfect Mbappe, who then netted his 41st fi nal last year. start as Duván Zapata forced his way goal of the season late on. Liverpool ‘back’ in EPL “Today was a great emotion. To into the left side of the area before French President Emmanuel finish like this makes me proud and I pulling back for José Palomino but Macron met the players before the was delighted to share with my team- Buffon saved the shot with his legs. game at Stade de France, speak- mates many adventures up to this The World Cup-winning goalkeeper ing at length to Monaco striker top 4 with 1 round left final,” the 43-year-old Buffon said. is set to leave Juventus - for the second Wissam Ben Yedder and several Juventus’ Weston McKennie, (left), others. LONDON, May 20, (AP): There was kind of victory over Crystal Palace “The fans today were the icing on the and Atalanta’s Robin Gosens fi ght time - at the end of the season. cake. no need for a goalscoring goalkeeper should be enough for Jurgen Klopp’s for the ball during the Italian Cup Juventus took the lead against the team to fi nish in the top four. Leicester “They, the Juventus people, the run of play in the 31st minute as Juan SOCCER this time. soccer fi nal match between Atalan- Liverpool’s latest win in the Premier close the season at home to Tottenham managers, the president and my team- ta and Juventus at the Mapei Sta- Cuadrado sparked a counterattack and and will need to pile up the goals if mates will always be a part of my life. League - 3-0 at Burnley - was far more dium in Reggio Emilia, Italy. (AP) Weston McKennie rolled across for The sides met for the third time routine than the one secured by goal- Chelsea and Liverpool win. I think I have given so much love, Kulusevski to curl into the far corner. in the final, with PSG winning 1-0 keeper Alisson’s sensational stoppage- Chelsea are away to Aston Villa. professionalism, pride and courage “It was a final deserving of the Atalanta leveled 10 minutes later name in front of fans. We are happy in 2010 and Monaco triumphing time header at the weekend. Since a 1-1 home draw with New- every time I took to the field with this when Remo Freuler managed to win by the same score in 1985. It was no less vital, though. castle on April 24 that left Klopp fear- shirt and I am proud of this.” Fans for that too,” said Juventus coach the ball in a duel with Juventus mid- Monaco beat PSG twice in the ing the worst, Liverpool have won four Andrea Pirlo, who celebrated his Liverpool will head into Sunday’s were able to celebrate inside the sta- fielder Adrien Rabiot and spread it to league this season, but flopped fi nal round back in the top four, if straight games - against Southampton, dium for one of the first times in Italy 42nd birthday on Wednesday. the right. It was then rolled across for this time and never looked like Manchester United, West Bromwich Dejan Kulusevski and Federico only on goal difference, as last sea- in more than a year. About 4,300 sup- Malinovskyi to smash it into the roof winning the competition for the son’s runaway champions look to Albion and now Burnley - to reel in porters were allowed to attend after Chiesa scored for Juventus, either side of the net. sixth time and first since ‘91. Leicester. of Ruslan Malinovskyi’s equalizer for clinch qualifi cation for the Champions the Italian government gave its Juventus almost restored its lead PSG were in control but with- League - a possibility that looked so Three days after Alisson’s winner approval for the Mapei Stadium in Atalanta shortly before halftime. on the hour as Ronaldo’s backheeled out creating a chance until a big unlikely a month ago. at West Brom, it was another Brazil Reggio Emilia to be at 20% capacity. It was Pirlo’s second trophy in his flick released Chiesa, but his effort mistake from Monaco central With two qualifying spots up for international - Roberto Firmino - who Fans have been barred from match- first season as a coach, having steered came off the right post, with Atalanta defender Axel Disasi in the 19th grabs to join Manchester City and put Liverpool ahead at Turf Moor by es in Italy for the majority of the past Juventus to the Italian Super Cup in goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini beaten. minute. He failed to control a Manchester United, Chelsea are in converting a cross from Andrew Rob- year because of the coronavirus pan- January. The Bianconeri did score the win- simple pass from his goalkeeper third place on 67 points, one more than ertson in the 43rd minute. demic, apart from a brief period short- However, Juventus saw their nine- ner 12 minutes later when Chiesa on the edge of the penalty area, both Liverpool and fi fth-place Leices- Nat Phillips, the reserve center back fi lling in so admirably amid a glut of ly after the start of the season when year reign as Serie A champion ended played a one-two with Kulusevski and Mbappe took the ball off ter. injuries in that position, scored the up to 1,000 spectators were allowed by Inter Milan and are in danger of before drilling into the left side of the him before giving Icardi an open Liverpool have a superior goal dif- into stadiums. finishing outside the top four and net from close range. goal. second goal with a header from Sa- ference to Leicester of four, so any dio Mane’s cross in the 52nd. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain added a third in Grizzlies end Spurs season, advance to face Warriors the 88th. SOCCER LeBron lifts Lakers over GSW in West play-in game The other thing to be decided on the fi nal day of the season will be which teams qualify for UEFA’s minor Euro- LOS ANGELES, May 20, (AP): overcame 37 points from league scor- Kuzma’s layup 56 seconds into the Alex Caruso scored 14 points and ry to their credit, yet they’re nowhere pean competitions, the Europa League LeBron James persevered through an ing champ Curry. fourth quarter put them up 81-79. Dennis Schröder added 12. near satisfi ed. and the newly created Europa Confer- injured ankle, a big fi rst-half defi cit Golden State had a chance to send it The fi nal 12 minutes saw three lead Andrew Wiggins added 21 points Dillon Brooks scored eight of his ence League. and being poked in the eye late in the into overtime, but Kent Bazemore had changes and fi ve ties. The Warriors for Golden State. 24 points in the fourth quarter to West Ham are in a good position to fourth quarter to add another highlight a bad inbounds pass and sealed the put Memphis ahead to stay and the were up 98-95 on Curry’s bank shot Grizzlies 110, Spurs 96 fi nish sixth and qualify for the Europa to his impressive resume. victory for the Lakers - who earned Grizzlies eliminated the San Anto- League after beating West Brom 3-1. James made a long, go-ahead the seventh seed for the playoffs and before the Lakers scored seven of the In Memphis, Tenn., the young nio Spurs 100-96 in the fi rst Western game’s fi nal nine points. Grizzlies fi nally have a play-in victo- Seventh-place Tottenham lost 2-1 3-pointer with 58.2 seconds remain- a fi rst-round matchup with second- Conference play-in game. to Aston Villa, in what could be Harry ing, rallying the Los Angeles Lak- seeded Phoenix. The series opener is The Grizzlies will play at Golden Kane’s fi nal home game for the club, ers to a 103-100 victory over the slated for Sunday afternoon. State on Friday night for the No. 8 and is now tied on points with Ever- Golden State Warriors in a Western That was a tough one because you seed and a fi rst-round series starting ton, which beat Wolverhampton 1-0 at Conference play-in tournament game don’t really expect it to go in. You ex- Sunday against top-seeded Utah. The home thanks to Richarlison’s header. Wednesday night. pect us to get the rebound and have a Los Angeles Lakers beat the Warriors Arsenal are a point further back in possession to take the lead. But eve- 103-100 on Wednesday night to take ninth after a 3-1 win at Crystal Palace. BASKETBALL rything changed when it goes in. All- the No. 7 seed and a fi rst-round spot Newcastle won 1-0 at home to Shef- time great players make great shots, against Phoenix. fi eld United in other game. that’s what happens.” Golden State Memphis is trying to snap a skid of Kane looked emotional after the James was poked by Draymond hosts Memphis, which defeated San three straight seasons without a post- fi nal whistle of the Villa game as he Green while driving to the basket Antonio in Wednesday’s other play- season berth with last season ending walked around the fi eld away from with 2:07 remaining. But he made in game, for the eighth seed on Friday. with a loss to Portland in the NBA’s his teammates at Tottenham Hotspur the biggest shot when the defending The winner of that game will face top- fi rst play-in game. Stadium, applauding the fans who had NBA champions needed it the most. seeded Utah. Valanciunas had a season-high 23 stayed behind. His 34-foot, 3-pointer over Stephen James and Davis were 3 of 19 from rebounds and 23 points for Memphis. The England captain has report- Curry as the shot clock was wind- the fi eld in the fi rst half before getting Morant added 20 points and six as- edly asked to be sold after becoming ing down is his longest make of the back on track. They combined to go sists. Jaren Jackson Jr. had 10 points. unhappy with the lack of progress at season. According to ESPN Stats and 14 of 22 in the second half. DeMar DeRozan and Rudy Gay the club. The manner of the defeat to Information, it is also the longest go- There is a next game, but there is each scored 20 points as the Spurs Villa highlighted that, with the team ahead shot in the fi nal 3 minutes of no next game,” Davis said. Los Ange- lost their fi fth straight. Dejounte Mur- jeered by supporters who were back in any game in his career. les trailed by 13 at halftime and were ray had his fi fth triple-double with 10 the stadium in small numbers after an Anthony Davis scored 13 of his down by 12 midway through the third Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant looks to pass the ball over San Antonio points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists. easing of pandemic restrictions. 25 points in the fourth quarter, as the quarter before rallying back. They Spurs forward DeMar DeRozan (10) during the second half of an NBA bas- Keldon Johnson added 11 and Jacob Villa recovered from conceding an Lakers won their sixth straight and didn’t get their fi rst lead until Kyle ketball Western Conference play-in game in Memphis, Tenn. (AP) Poeltl 10. eighth-minute goal by Steven Bergwi-

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