SAFE, RESPONSIBLE SERVICES KEY TO REVITALIZING TRAVEL SECTOR PAGE 8 OPINION

Vol. VII, No. 300, 14 th Waning of Pyatho 1382 ME www.gnlm.com.mm Wednesday, 10 February 2021 Senior General delivers speech at meeting with administrative officials

State Administration Council Chairman Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing makes the speech at the coordination meeting with the chairpersons of the Nay Pyi Taw Council, State/Region Administration Councils and Self-Administered Division/Zones in Nay Pyi Taw on 9 February 2021. PHOTO: MNA

EMBERS of the State the State Administration Council, At the meeting, Senior Gen- problem of inaccurate voter lists, are believed to be able to serve Administration Coun- delivered a speech at the meet- eral Min Aung Hlaing explained which have significant errors in for the respective regions and Mcil, Nay Pyi Taw Coun- ing which was also attended by his council’s works to manage the the elections. The Senior General people. Simultaneously, the gov- cil, Region/State Administration Deputy Commander-in-Chief of ongoing situations of the country emphasized the importance of ernment needs to adopt policies, Councils and Self-Administered Defence Services and Command- in line with the and carrying adherence to the 2008 Consti- and local officials should imple- Division (or) Zones Administra- er-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior out the tasks in democratic ways tution, and the will ment these policies for people’s tion Committees held a coordi- General , Nay Pyi Taw after forming the State Adminis- continue performing national du- socio-economic development. nation meeting in Nay Pyi Taw Council Chairman Dr Maung tration Council. ties in line with the laws. He also The Senior General also yesterday morning. Maung Naing and the chair- He also talked about the on- confirmed that council members’ called for checking population Commander-in-Chief of De- persons of Regions, States and going situations were resulted appointment was based on their by the members of respective fence Services Senior General Self-Administered Division (or) from the negligence to Tatmad- experiences, qualifications, and councils comprised of immigra- Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of Zones. aw’s repeated efforts to solve the administrative capabilities and tion officials. SEE PAGE2

21 new cases of COVID-19 reported on 9 February, total figure rises to 141,448

MYANMAR’S COVID-19 positive cases rose to 141,448 after 21 new cases were reported on 9 February 2021 according to the Ministry of Health and Sports. Among these 141,448 confirmed cases, 3,180 died, 128,437 have been discharged from hospitals.—MNA

Updated at 8 pm, 9 February 2021 Daily death toll until 8 pm 922021

Total Cases 141,448 New Cases 21 3

Total Death Tally 3,180 Discharged from Hospital 128,437 Ministry of Health and Sports 10 FEBRUARY 2021 2 NATIONAL THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF Senior General Min Aung Hlaing delivers speech at meeting with administrative officials

FROM PAGE1 organizing gems and jewellery clearance works, bringing My- they can vote for any favoura- coordination and cooperation of He also discussed the im- emporium, reopening of Kam- anmar citizens back home and ble parties. They are prohibited region/state councils in creating plementation of local develop- paiti and Lewjel border passes, coordinating with Union-level from taking part in politics, and employment opportunities. ment programmes and the five adding more police force, issuing organizations to reopen border legal actions will be taken against The Senior General was also principles of future plans at all national scrutiny cards, the par- trade zones as the orders and those who breach the . advised to participate in local de- levels with the administration ticipation of legal advisors and directives remain active. He continued to discuss the velopment activities and reopen councils’ participation at national officers in region/state councils, The Senior General contin- need of employment opportuni- religious sites under the COV- and sub-national levels. appointments of ward/village ued to say the development gap ties for the people, requirement ID-19 regulations. Then, the Chairman of Nay council chairpersons, finalizing between the regions and states, of technical skills and knowledge Moreover, he discussed Pyi Taw Council, the Chairper- construction project of Monywa between rural and urban areas, for the job, addressing language checking family census in regions sons of Region/State Administra- hospital, works in administration development of socio-economic barriers in teaching at the ethnic and states to get correct voter tion Councils, and chairpersons and the rule of law, enactment of development, free from political areas, preparations required for lists, issuing national scrutiny of Self-Administered Division (or) some laws required for security parties, abstaining from the poli- reopening of schools after the cards, repatriation of displaced Zones reported on the formation of the country, and other related tics as they have earned salaries closure of schools since the begin- persons from Bangladesh in line of their councils, healthcare ser- sectors. Regarding discussions, and other benefits. ning of COVID-19, development with bilateral agreements and vices, resettlement of internally the Chairman of State Admin- He added civil service per- of human resources, production the 1982 Citizenship Law, cele- displaced persons, mine clear- istration Council talked about sonnel do not participate in the of quality products from agri- brations of the Union Day in re- ance works, jade excavation urgent actions on repatriation politics in the countries with cultural and livestock breeding, spective regions and states in line permits for common people, programme for IDPs and mine mature democracy. However, smooth flow in transportation, with the COVID-19 rules. —MNA

Republic of the Union of Myanmar Section 144 of Criminal Procedure imposed in State Administration Council Order No (43/2021) Nay Pyi Taw territory and townships in states/regions

13th Waning of Pyatho 1382 ME THE Section 144 of Criminal Procedure have eik, Palaw, Kawthoung and Bokpyin town- 9 February 2021 been imposed in Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory ships in Taninthayi Region; 26 townships in and townships of States and Regions on 8 Feb- Ayeyawady Region; , , Appointment and Duty Assignment of the ruary and 9 February. , Phakant, , town- The areas for Section 144 has covered ships in ; Loikaw township in Union Election Commission members Zeyathiri, Pobbathiri, Dekkhinathiri, Ottara- Kayah State; Hpa-an, Myawady, Kya-in-Seikkyi thiri, Zabuthiri, Tatkon, Lewe and Pyinmana townships in Kayin State; Mawlamyine, Than- The following persons are appointed as the members of the townships in Nay Pyi Taw Council Territory; 44 byuzayat, Ye, Thaton and Kyaikto townships Union Election Commission in accordance with Article 419 of townships in Yangon Region (except Cocogyun in Mon State; Kengtung, Taunggyi, Tachilek, the State Constitution of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. Township); Aungmyethazan, Chanayethazan, Lashio, Nawnghkio, Kalaw, Hsipaw, Muse and 1. U Saw Ba Hline Member Mahaaungmye, Chanmyathazi, Pyigyidagun, Kyaukme townships in . 2. U Soe Oo Member Amarapura, Patheingyi and Myingyan town- Under this section, it is prohibited unlawful ships in Mandalay Region; Magway, Pakokku, assembly, talks, using vehicles or in persons By order Yesagyo, Myaing and Seikpyu townships in in marching around, protests, destroying and Sd/ Aung Linn Dway Magway Region; Sagaing, Monywa, Shwe- violent acts. The assembly of five or more than Lieutenant-General bo and Kalay townships in Sagaing Region; five persons are banned at the public areas and Secretary Bago, Toungoo and Pyay townships in Bago the curfew is also imposed from 8 pm to 4 am in State Administration Council Region; Dawei, Thayetchaung, Yebyu, My- the above-mentioned townships.—MNA

Section 144 imposed in Tatmadaw True News Information Team: Yangon Region Healthcare services oered at military hospitals SECTION 144 has been imposed in the townships of Yangon Region on 8 and 9 February 2021. THE Tatmadaw True News Information Team released a statement on 4 February 2021 that In 44 townships of Yangon, except Cocogyun Township, it healthcare services are offered to all the national people at the military hospitals. is prohibited from assembly, holding mass talks, procession, The statement said that some persons who are creating disturbances, aiming to destabilize the administrative mechanism and stability of the State, have incited Civil Disobedience Cam- protests, destroying and violent acts, with the restriction on paign through social networks, causing failure to perform duties among the health workers. assembly of five or more than five persons in public areas of Doctors have vowed during their convocation that “ Health and well-being of the patients these townships, and the curfew from 8 pm to 4 am, according will be our own issues as the first priority ; I will practice my profession with conscience and to the Office of Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services.—MNA dignity and in accordance with a good medical practice; I will serve my medical profession regardless of nationality, race and social status; and I will maintain the utmost respect for human life”. It is also advised all the health workers not to follow the incitement that can jeopardize the interest of country and people, and keep their professional vows to the public. The Tatmadaw has received the permission of the State Administration Council to solve the current healthcare problems of people across the nation by the military medics. Therefore, people can get proper medical treatments at the nearest military hospi- tals.—MNA 10 FEBRUARY 2021 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR NATIONAL 3 MoFA, MoIC hold meeting on future work plans

UNION Minister for Foreign Af- fairs U and Union Minister for International Cooperation U Ko Ko Hlaing held a meeting with the officials from MoFA yesterday. At the meeting, Union Min- ister U Wunna Maung Lwin, talked about the works of min- istries since 2 February and the future work plans. He also said that the Chair- man of State Administration Council has explained the roadmap and the policy on 8 February, without changing the policy of the country in line with the State Constitution. He continued to say main- taining friendly relations with foreign countries, protecting Myanmar citizens abroad, and Union Ministers U Wunna Maung Lwin and U Ko Ko Hlaing hold meeting on the works of their respective ministries. PHOTO: MNA the tasks of civil service person- nel for the development of the Hlaing also discussed the crucial for development of country and peace, stability and unity. heads and officers reported on country. role of MoFA staff members at the learning the ongoing situations At the meeting, the Perma- the future works of the coun- Union Minister U Ko Ko front-line of the country, the works of the country while establishing nent Secretary, departmental try.—MNA

Union Minister U Ko Ko visits ITBMU, Four police members injured NUAC in Yangon AFTER the declaration of state members requested the pro- of emergency on 1 February testors to disperse and the 2021, the protests that seem protestors used obscene lan- to harm the stability of the guage and threw the things State, security of people, the to the police. Therefore, the rule of law, community peace police members dispersed in and tranquility occurred in accordance with the methods some large cities of the nation. and laws. Therefore, Section 144 of Crim- About 2,000 people threw inal Procedure and a ban on the stones, brick and other ob- gatherings of 5 or more people jects to the police. The clash left have been imposed. four police injured and security About 20,000 people gath- cars damaged. Myanmar Police ered between 38th street and Force has been conducting the 76th x78th streets of Mahaaung- security measures in line with mye Township of Mandalay Re- the laws not to occur the riots in gion yesterday and conducted the country, according to the Of- chanting, protesting and riots. fice of the Commander-in-Chief Myanmar Police Force of Defence Services . —MNA

Request to health

Union Minister U Ko Ko meets the sta of the National University of Arts and Culture (Yangon) on 9 February 2021. PHOTO: MNA workers 1. It is appreciated for the strenuous efforts of the medical UNION Minister for Religious current situation and activities, and Culture (Yangon). They dis- doctors, nurses, medical experts and other health works Affairs and Culture U Ko Ko vis- the conditions under which ef- cussed the ethnic music and eth- at the respective departments under the Ministry of ited the International Theravada forts will be made for the de- nic dance teaching included in the Health and Sports at the front-line in the fight against Buddhist Missionary Universi- velopment of the religion and university’s goal with the Rector, prevention, containment and treatment of Coronavirus ty and paid homage to Acting propagation of Buddha Sasana. the Pro-Rector, Professors and Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Pro-Rector of the University The Union Minister and par- Associate Professors. During the 2. As the programme of COVID-19 is being Sayadaw Agga Maha Gantha- ty listened to the advice of the discussion, he instructed in detail conducted for the public and the real-time healthcare vacaka Pandita Agga Maha Sayadaw and looked around the the systemic teaching of ethnic services are required for the people, all the staff mem- Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Agga university. He gave necessary in- music and dances. bers at the respective departments under the Ministry Maha Kammatthana Cariya Ma- structions while the university’s The Union Minister also of Health and Sports are strongly urged to return to hadhammakatika Bahujanahit- Pro-Rector (Admin) explained met the university staff and in- their duties with taking the well-being of patients into adhara Dr Bhaddanta Chekinda the university’s teaching and structed to take responsibility consideration. yesterday morning in Yangon. management. and follow the civil service reg- Ministry of Health and Sports During the visit, the Union Afterwards, they arrived at ulations.—MNA (Translated by 8 February 2021 Minister explained the country’s the National University of Arts EPPA) 10 FEBRUARY 2021 4 NATIONAL THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR MoC discusses consumer protection, domestic trade development and product safety

THE Ministry of Commerce products and increase exports held the meeting on consumer by the respective countries and protection, domestic trade de- to practise project-based and re- velopment and product safety sults-based as the expansion of implemented by the Consumer activities greatly contributes to Affairs Department, yesterday the further development of the morning in Nay Pyi Taw. country’s economy. Union Minister Dr Pwint Director-General for the San said to develop trade routes Consumer Affairs Department for the country’s economic devel- U Myint Cho and Permanent opment, continue the activities of Secretary U Min Min presented the ministry and the consumer the implementation of works and protection procedures of the further activities in detail, and CICC (Consumer Information the Union Minister coordinated and Complaints Centres) in re- the meeting. spective states and regions. The meeting was also at- The Union Minister added it tended by the Directors-General, is necessary for the commercial the Deputy Permanent Secre- attaches assigned by the min- tary, Deputy Directors-General Union Minister Dr Pwint San presides over the meeting to discuss the consumer protection, domestic trade istry abroad to work to create and Directors. —MNA (Trans- development and product safety in Nay Pyi Taw on 9 February 2021. PHOTO: MNA new markets for new Myanmar lated by EPPA)

Military hospitals providing MoEA Union Minister discusses successful medical treatments to patients holding of 3rd Myanmar Ethnic Culture Festival in states/regions MILITARY hospitals provide have been given necessary op- healthcare services to patients erations. Emergency patients with doctors, specialists and have been provided medical nurses from Tatmadaw in re- care by specialists, doctors and spective townships across the nurses, and 72 childbirths were country. According to the Office carried out by surgery or nat- of the Commander-in-Chief, ural childbirth. there have been 2,155 outpa- The officials from the tients and 1,028 inpatients as respective commands en- of yesterday from 5 February. couraged and comforted the Among them, 124 patients patients in providing foods. — needed major/minor surgeries MNA (Translated by EPPA)

Union Minister U Saw Tun Aung Myint chairs the coordination meeting on the successful holding of the third Myanmar Ethnic Culture Festival on 9 February 2021. PHOTO: MNA

THE Ministry of Ethnic Affairs The Union Minister then to coordinate the discussion and organized a coordination meet- stressed the need to give proper submit the meeting’s outcomes ing yesterday to hold the third suggestions regarding the appro- to the State Administration Tatmadaw doctors and nurses are seen providing medical treatments Myanmar Ethnic Culture Festi- priate time to hold the Myanmar Council by negotiating with the to patients. PHOTO: MNA val by promoting the ethnic cul- Ethnic Culture Festival (2021). Myanmar Ethnic Entrepreneurs ture and tourism industry. He also discussed the Association. During the meeting, Union planned festival programmes He then emphasized the in- Minister U Saw Tun Aung Myint based on Kachin, Kayah, Kay- terest and socio-economic status highlighted the holding of the in, Chin, Bamar, Mon, Rakhine, development of ethnic people, first and second festivals in 2019 Shan and six self-administered peace in ethnic regions, tourism and 2020 respectively and post- division/zones. industry development, promo- poned the celebration. However, He instructed to operate tion of local production sectors it was arranged to broadcast the the shows of respective ethnic and other recovery plans. 09251022355, third festival’s Virtual Reality people, video clips, regional doc- The participants coordinat- Thin Thin May, Call 09974424848 via MRTV, NRC, Web portal and umentary and community-based ed the meeting, and Union Minis- Facebook platform under the tourism. ter included the meeting. —MNA COVID-19 health rules. He also urged the ministries (Translated by KTZH) 10 FEBRUARY 2021 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR NATIONAL 5 Parts of thrones for Buddha image conveyed to Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory Area

The ceremony was held to convey the parts of thrones for Bhumi Phassa Mudra Buddha The modular trailer is seen conveying the parts of thrones for Bhumi Phassa Mudra Buddha Image with religious rites to Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory Area. PHOTO: MNA Image from Myingyan to Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory Area. PHOTO: MNA

PARTS of thrones for Bhumi Phassa Territory Area. Township Sangha Maha Nayaka Chairman Tatmadaw officers splashed the image with Mudra Buddha Image were conveyed by A ceremony to convey the parts of Bhaddanta Marnita, Office of Command- scented waters. After the opening ceremo- the modular trailer from Si Mi Khone of stones was held with religious rites at the er-in-Chief of Defence Services Lt-Gen ny, the parts 2 and 4 of the Buddha Image Myingyan Township to Nay Pyi Taw Union villages of Ngazun Township in Mandalay. Kan Myint Thant, Brig-Gen Ko Ko Oo and were conveyed at suitable times.—MNA

Pilgrims MoHT hold coordination meeting on hotel, tourism development visit famous UNION Minister for Hotels and pagodas Tourism held a coordination meeting with the department heads via videoconferencing on FAMOUS pagodas across the 8 and 9 February. nation have reopened to pub- Union Minister U Maung lic starting 8 February under Maung Ohn presided over the the COVID-19 rules. meeting and discussed coopera- Pilgrims and visitors tion of staff members in develop- including monks and nuns ment works, adherence to rules visit the Shwedagon and for the civil service personnel, Botahtaung pagodas of Yan- and the works of ministry to help gon Region, Maha Muni Pa- in the country’s economic devel- goda of Mandalay Region and opment. Uppatasanti Pagoda of Nay He also said that the minis- Pyi Taw Council Area and try’s vital role, implementation other pagodas of regions of work plans and active coop- and states accordance with eration of staff members for the the COVID-19 rules.-—MNA development of the hotels and Union Minister U Ohn meets the sta of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism to discuss hotel and (Translated by KTZH) tourism sector.—MNA tourism development. PHOTO: MNA

137 courses for diploma, postgraduate in medical education to be conducted A total of 2,082 trainees will be allowed for 137 courses of diploma and postgraduate at medical universities and related universities under the Ministry of Health and Sports in 2021 academic year. The applications for these courses shall be submitted commencing 2nd week of February. Sr University Diploma M.Sc Doctorate Total 1 Universities of Medicine 7 31 47 85 2 Universities of Dental Medicine 2 10 9 21 3 Universities of Nursing 1 9 1 11 4 Universities of Medical Technology 1 3 3 7 5 Universities of Pharmacy - 4 4 8 6 University of Public Health 1 2 1 4 7 University of Community Health - 1 - 1 Total 12 60 65 137 Ministry of Health and Sports 10 FEBRUARY 2021 6 LOCAL BUSINESS THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR USD against Kyat hit around K1,410 in local market

ACCORDING to the Central entrepreneurs. Therefore, the Yangon Gold ment on 3 February that rumours February, K1,320-1,445 in March, Bank of Myanmar (CBM), the Therefore, the CBM sold Entrepreneurs Association were spreading in the country K1,395-1,440 in April, K1,406-1,426 US dollar value against Kyat hit the US$6,8 million on 3 Febru- (YGEA) called an emergency that K5,000 and K10,000 notes will in May, K1,385-1,412 in June, around K1,410 in the local foreign ary through the foreign currency meeting on 4 February and is- be demonetized. The banks in the K1,367-1,410 in July, K1,335-1,390 exchange market. auction system. Since the start sued four decisions that not to country would be closed because in August and K1,310-1,355 in Although the dollar ex- of the year, the bank has been accept the rumours that K5,000 of the current situations in the September. change rate stood at K1,335 per purchasing and selling the US or K10,000 notes will be demon- country. So, the CBM urged the In the last six months in 2019, dollar in the local market at the dollar in the auction market to etized; to encourage the people people to keep their trust in the the rates were fixed at K1,508- end of January, the rate jumped keep the exchange rate stable. who are trading with fear and Myanmar currency. All the banks 1,517 in July, K1,510-1,526 in Au- to K1,400 per dollar on 4 February Similarly, the domestic gold trading with restraint; to trade have been instructed to provide gust, K1,527-1,565 in September, with a rise of about K100. price skipped sharply. Although with down payment system and regular service. K1,528-1,537 in October, K1,510- At present, the local ex- the domestic gold price was only to comply with the COVID-19 In the domestic market, 1,524 in November and K1,485- change market has elevated be- K1,320,500 per tical (0.578 ounces, rules and regulations set up the dollar is currently pegged at 1,513 in December. cause of the rumours spreading or 0.016 kilogrammes) at the end by the Ministry of Health and around US$1,327-1,345 in January. On 20 September 2018, the in the country on 3 February that of January, the gold price went Sports. This year, the exchange rate dollar exchange rate hit a re- K5,000 and K10,000 notes will be up to K1,410,000 per tical on 3 The Central Bank of Myan- moved in the range of K1,465- cord high of K1,650 in the local demonetized, according to the February. mar (CBM) has also made a state- 1,493 in January, K1,436-1,465 in exchange market. —NN/GNLM Myanmar total border trade drops by $644 mln in first 4 months

THE total border value reached land via Tachilek, Myawady, over US$3.02 billion in the first Kawthaung, Myeik, Hteek- four months of the current finan- hee, Mawtaung and Maese, cial year 2020-2021, a decrease with Bangladesh via Sittway over $644 million, according to and Maungtaw and with India the Ministry of Commerce. through Tamu and Reed border As of 22 January, the coun- checkpoints respectively. try’s export via land borders Muse topped the land bor- amounted to $2 billion while its ders’ list with the most trade import shared $1.01 billion. This value of $1.5 billion, followed by FY’s border trade dropped by Hteekhee with $421 million and over $644 million, compared to Myawady with $337 million. the same period of last FY when Myanmar mainly exports it amounted to $3.7 billion, stated agricultural products, animal the ministry’s figures. products, marine products, Myanmar has opened 18 minerals, forest products, man- border trade camps and con- ufactured goods and other com- ducts border trade with neigh- modities while capital goods, in- bouring through Muse, termediate goods and consumer Lwejel, Kampaiti, Chinshwe- goods are imported to the coun- haw and Kengtung with Thai- try. —Zwe/GNLM Trucks seen at 105-mile trade zone Muse, northern Shan State. PHOTO: PHOE KHWAR

Number of companies registered on MyCO exceeds 1,300 in Jan 2021: DICA

THE number of companies reg- ing to the DICA data. November and 1,772 in December (A) of the Myanmar Companies The DICA has notified that istered on the online registry sys- Last year, the figures of reg- were recorded, data of the DICA Law 2017, public companies must any company which fails to sub- tem, MyCO, reached over 1,300 istered companies stood at 1,415 showed. simultaneously submit annual mit its AR within 13 months will in January 2021, indicated the in January, 1,298 in February and When the online registry was returns and financial statements be notified of its suspension (I- statistics released by the Directo- 1,015 in March, only 348 compa- launched in August 2018, 1,816 (G-5). 9A). If it fails to submit the AR rate of Investment and Company nies in April, 798 in May, 1,314 in new companies registered on All overseas corporations within 28 days of receiving the Administration (DICA). June, 1,650 in July, 1,551 in Au- MyCO. The figure stood at 2,218 must submit ARs in the pre- notice, the system will show the The registration and re-reg- gust, 1,378 in September, 1,693 in September 2018, 1,671 in Octo- scribed format on MyCO within company’s status as suspended. istration of companies on the in October, 1,099 in November ber, 1,431 in November and 1,364 28 days of the financial year end- Companies can restore their sta- MyCO website commenced on and 1,521 in December, as per in December 2018. ing, as per Section 53 (A-1) of the tus only after shelling out a fine 1 August 2018, keeping with the statistics of the DICA. Besides, all registered com- Myanmar Companies Law 2017. of K50,000 for AR fee, K100,000 Myanmar Companies Law 2017. In 2019, the figure stood at panies need to file annual returns More than 16,000 companies to restore the company on the Typically, over 1,000 new compa- 1,733 in January 2019, 1,419 in (AR) on the MyCO registry sys- were suspended for failing to sub- Register, and K100,000 for late nies are registered every month. February, 1,108 in March, and tem within two months of incor- mit AR forms within the due date filing of documents. DICA’s statistics showed that over 1,045 in April, 1,411 in May, poration. At least once every year as per DICA’s report. If a company fails to restore 1,370 companies registered on 1,307 in June, 1,428 in July, 1,302 (not later than one month after Newly established compa- its status within six months of MyCO in January 2021. in August and 1,181 in Septem- the anniversary of the incorpo- nies are required to submit ARs suspension, the registrar will At present, 100 per cent of ber. The figures reached a fresh ration), according to Section 97 of within two months of incorpora- strike its name off the register, the applicants are using the on- new peak of 2,059 in October 2019. Myanmar Companies Law 2017. tion or face a fine of K100,000 for according to the DICA notice.— line registration platform, accord- Then, 1,615 new companies in According to Section 266 filing late returns. NN/GNLM 10 FEBRUARY 2021 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR GLOBAL NEWS 7

NEWS IN Japan offers $70 mil. more to ensure Hundreds poor nations’ access to infected as JAPAN will contribute an addi- operation, especially through students return tional $70 million to an interna- multilateral frameworks, is im- to universities tional framework to help ensure portant,” Motegi said in a video fair access to coronavirus vac- message at a virtual meeting Hundreds of students and cines for developing countries, of ACT-Accelerator, an interna- teachers including profes- Foreign Minister Toshimitsu tional initiative to speed up the sors have been infected with Motegi said Tuesday. development and distribution of COVID‡19 in Tunisia after the The additional funds bring treatment drugs and vaccines. resumption of the academic Japan’s total disbursement to the Gavi said last week the Co- year at some universities. Covax Facility to $200 million, part vax Facility aims to start deliv- The Health Minister, of the $300 million that Japan of- ery of the coronavirus vaccines Faouzi Mehdi, recently de- fered last year to Gavi, the global developed by Pfizer Inc. and As- clared that all Tunisian univer- alliance that co-leads the traZeneca Plc. to 145 countries sities will reopen in February facility, for five years from 2021. and regions, mostly developing Japan will contribute an additional $70 million to an international and called on students to fol- “To overcome the novel nations, as early as this month.— framework to help ensure fair access to coronavirus vaccines for low COVID‡19 regulations. Yet, coronavirus, international co- Kyodo News developing countries. PHOTO: AFP health authorities also said they will not hesitate to shut down any campus following a Austria to ease restrictions after 6 weeks of lockdown COVID‡19 outbreak. According to the Ministry of Higher Education and the AUSTRIA has allowed some sec- COVID‡19 Task Force, some tors to reopen today after six clusters have already weeks of lockdown, albeit with emerged in many universities strict measures still in place. across Tunisia. Epidemiolo- Shops, beauty salons and gists believe that further COV- hairdressers can accommodate ID‡19 outbreaks will occur as customers once more, although students continue to return to clients must be able to produce campus this month. The Min- a negative Covid test no older istry of Higher Education and than 48 hours. the Ministry of Health have Museums, libraries and zoos put in place strict COVID‡19 may also reopen - however, ho- protocols at Tunisian learning tels and restaurants will remain institutions to limit the spread shut until the end of February of the virus.—AFP at the earliest. Meanwhile, 165 cases of the South African vari- ant have been confirmed in Ti- N. Korea suers rol, with a further 230 suspect- supply shortage ed cases. Discussions went on amid virus woes: deep into the night among local authorities, while the state will Russia’s envoy not loosen restrictions in line Russia’s Ambassador to with the rest of the country until Pyongyang said North Korea A skier wears a face mask at Pitztal glacier, Austria on October 29. PHOTO: AFP further notice. — Kyodo News has suered supply shortage and the number of unem- ployed people has increased India disaster highlights pressure on Asia’s great rivers in the country as it has taken measures to prevent the novel coronavirus from A glacial burst that triggered a pressure in recent years. “So in every respect, rivers ly seismically active -- may have entering there. deadly flash flood in the Indian Higher temperatures are are under greater threat.” contributed. But Alexander Matsegora, Himalayas at the weekend was causing glaciers that feed the riv- The disaster in India was “This area is prone to vul- who has stayed in Pyongyang, a disaster waiting to happen, ers to shrink, threatening water apparently triggered by a glacial nerability, it is not appropriate said in a recent interview with and one likely to be repeated in supplies and also increasing the burst, that unleashed a wall of wa- for this kind of bumper-to-bump- Russia’s Interfax news agency a region transformed by climate chances of landslides and floods, ter which barrelled down a valley er hydro-power development,” that there is no possibility of change and unchecked infra- while critics blame dam building in Uttarakhand state, destroying Himanshu said. economic collapse in North structure development, experts and pollution for damaging fragile bridges and roads and hitting two “Proper planning, impact as- Korea, given that at least in warn. ecosystems. hydroelectric power plants. sessment, proper geological as- the capital, there are no pa- Asia is home to some of the “Rivers are really at risk from Dozens have been killed and sessment -- this has not happened tients infected with the virus. world’s biggest waterways, from development projects, dumping more than 170 others are missing here.” Patricia Adams, executive As North Korea has start- the Ganges and the Indus in India of solid waste and liquid waste, after the accident on the Dhauli- director from Canada-based en- ed to construct large-scale to the Yangtze and Mekong orig- sand mining and stone mining,” ganga river, which feeds into the vironmental NGO Probe Interna- disinfection facilities along its inating in China, that snake for Himanshu Thakkar, from the Ganges. tional, said dam building in such border, imports from China thousands of kilometres. South Asia Network on Dams, Shrinking glaciers an area was simply too danger- and Russia are expected to They support the livelihoods Rivers and People, told AFP. It is not yet clear what dam- ous, as it makes hillsides unstable resume in a limited manner of vast numbers of farmers and “Climate change is a longer- aged the glacier and triggered the and causes landslides. down the road, Matsegora was fishermen, and supply drinking term process that has already accident, but there are suspicions Some have also pointed to quoted as saying by Interfax.— water to billions of people, but set in. The impacts are already that construction of hydro-power rising temperatures as a contrib- Kyodo News have come under unprecedented happening. projects -- in an area that is high- uting factor. —AFP 10 FEBRUARY 2021 10 FEBRUARY 2021 8 OPINION THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR NATIONALARTICLE 9 WHO mission to Safe, responsible Union Day Objectives services key China fails to nd 74th Anniversary of to revitalizing animal source of Union Day – 2021 coronavirus 1. To work on the Union Peace Conference – 21st Century Panglong, till the success of the internal peace process is travel sector achieved. HE WHO mission to China WHO foreign expert Ben to uncover the origins of Embarak, who was based in 2. Development of the socio-economic life of the ethnic na- PENING pagodas across the country with mandatory health Tthe coronavirus has failed the WHO's Beijing office for two guidelines and rules came as a beacon of to identify the animal source, sci- years from 2009, backed up the tionals. Ohope for revitalizing the travel sector. entists said Tuesday. assertion saying there was no 3. To work for the emergence of a constitution that is in align- The number of people who can be handled by the space at a Experts believe the disease evidence of "large outbreaks in pagoda and people’s participation in following health guidelines -- which has gone on to kill more Wuhan" before then. ment and harmony with the Democratic Federal Union. would be taken into consideration. than 2.3 million people world- The mission is a diplomat- 4. All ethnic nationals to work for the preservation and protec- The risk of spreading coronavirus or any other infectious wide -- originated in bats and ically knotty one, which was disease is less as the number of visitors are restricted. could have been transmitted to trailed before it began by fears tion of non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration This is a right step towards revitalizing the travel sector which humans via another mammal. of a whitewash, with the US de- of national unity, and perpetuation of national sovereignty. has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. While transmission from an- manding a "robust" probe and As the people have not imals was the likely route, so far China firing back with a warning 5. To nurture and develop new generations endowed with yet been vaccinated, we need "the reservoir hosts remain to be not to "politicise" the investiga- high skills and capabilities imbued with strong Union spirit. to double down on protec- identified", Liang Wannian, head tion. tion protocols, and people are of the China team, told reporters. During the closely-moni- Safety is at urged to strictly follow the He added that studies tored visit, reporters were largely WHO experts are visiting Wuhan, China, to seek clues about the origins of the coronavirus pandemic, under intense media scrutiny. PHOTO: AFP health and safety guidelines. showed the virus "can be car- kept at arms' length from the the top of Since April, tourism in ried long-distance on cold chain experts, but snippets of their the mind for the region has almost come products," appearing to nudge findings crept out over Twitter virus source, including a visit to several days inside their hotel, na's leading experts on bat coro- including strains of bat coronavi- to a temporary standstill as towards the possible importa- and interviews. a propaganda exhibition cele- receiving visits from various Chi- naviruses and deputy director of ruses similar to Covid-19. Union Day slogans travellers and a result of the coronavirus tion of the virus -- a theory that The experts spent one brating China’s recovery from nese officials without going out the Wuhan lab. Beijing is desperate to de- disease (COVID-19) pandem- has abounded in China in recent month in China, two weeks in the pandemic. into the city. Former US president Donald fang criticism of its handling of services when ic. Tourism has been one of months. quarantine and the same again The group spent just an hour But deeper research was Trump repeated a controversial the chaotic early stages of the for 2021 the fastest and hardest hit He also said there was "no on fieldwork. at the seafood market where carried out at the Wuhan virol- theory that a lab leak may have outbreak. th travel services sectors of the economy. indication" the sickness was in But, already over a year after many of the first reported clus- ogy institute where they spent been the source of the pandemic. It has refocused attention (74 Anniversary) We must revitalize our circulation in Wuhan before De- the virus emerged, some of it ters of emerged over nearly four hours and said they Scientists at the laboratory at home -- and abroad -- on its resume tourism industry with safe cember 2019 when the first offi- was of questionable relevance a year ago. met with Chinese scientists there conduct research on some of the handling of, and recovery from 1. Equal opportunities and equal responsibilities, and travel and responsible COVID-19 cial cases have been recorded. to their stated aim of finding the They also appeared to spend including , one of Chi- world's most dangerous diseases, the outbreak.—AFP services, which can guaran- living in a peaceful, prosperous and stable Union. destinations are tee the highest levels of safe- ty from our tourism industry. 2. Unity is strength, solidarity is power reopened with With the opening of pa- That is the heart of the Union. godas, the authorities has the Enchanting taken a step forward to re- Time to wear a better mask, experts say 3. Many fruits sprouting from one stem, store public confidence in the this is our brotherhood of the Union. Myanmar travel sector. Health and Safety is at the top of S new, more transmissible public was encouraged to fashion fabrics, tightly woven cotton It must remain easy to breathe sician at Brigham and Women's smoke, said Donald Milton, a pro- 4. Our Union built with brotherhood, the mind for travellers and variants of the coronavi- makeshift solutions out of T-shirts works best, she added. through the layers; otherwise, air Hospital and Harvard Medical fessor of environmental health at Never forget Union day. Safety Protocol services when travel servic- Arus spread, experts say or bandanas. But these are far Doubling up is more likely to leak in around the School. the University of Maryland. es resume and travel desti- it's time to consider using a medi- from ideal. "If you wear a cloth mask, sides of the mask." Dhillon, who has been advo- Ventilation definitely helps, 5. Drinking the same water, living on the same land, (HSP). nations are reopened with cal-grade respirator, or wearing a Linsey Marr, a professor of choose one that has multiple lay- Masks that have a metal nose cating in favor of better masks but if you're between a person we are Union nationals of the same blood. the Enchanting Myanmar surgical and cloth mask together. civil and environmental engineer- ers, ideally one with a pocket that bridge help ensure a snug fit, as since last spring, is frustrated by who is breathing and an exhaust Health and Safety Protocol Scientists have agreed for ing at Virginia Tech, who studies you can slip a good filter materi- do straps that tighten around the the lack of clear messaging to vent, the virus will still reach you (HSP). some time the main way the vi- airborne disease transmission, al into," said Marr. "Or you can head, not just the ears. Braces the public on the value of better -- which makes good masks so As the COVID-19 crisis rus is spread is through the air, told AFP: "How well a mask works double mask by wearing a surgi- that improve the fit of surgical masks. crucial, he said. continues, we still need to continue to take all necessary meas- rather than surfaces, and there's depends on two things: filtration cal-type mask with a tight-fitting masks are now available on the What's more, "there's not Milton and Dhillon are cau- ures - COVID appropriate behavior by one and all - masks, hand growing evidence that small drop- and fit. cloth mask over it." market. been a concerted push to really tiously optimistic that their pleas hygiene, cough etiquette, physical distancing - and core public lets from ordinary breathing and "Good filtration removes as Surgical masks are made of "You should feel the mask mass produce and mass distrib- could soon become policy under health measures by the authorities - detect, test, trace, isolate speech that can travel many me- many particles as possible, and material that filters things out sucking inward when you breathe ute these higher caliber masks." the administration of President Myanmar Daily Weather Report and treat - to prevent the virus from spreading and causing more ters (yards) are a common mode a good fit means that there are well, but they tend to be loose, in, and if you hold your hands Health care workers have Joe Biden, and CNN reported (Issued at 7:00 pm Tuesday 9 February 2021) infections and deaths. of transmission. no leaks around the sides of your so adding a cloth mask on top around the sides of the mask, you their masks professionally fit-test- last week the US government The coronavirus will remain a problem for a long time, and Added to this is the greater mask, where air — and viruses holds down the edges and reduces should not feel any air leaking out ed every year to ensure they're was working on the first official BAY INFERENCE: Weather is generally fair over the it means we need to getting used to ways for living with it for the contagiousness of emerging var- — can leak through," she said, leaks. when you breathe out," said Marr. making the right seal, but Dhil- mask standards. North Bay and a few cloud to partly cloudy over the Andaman long term in our everyday lives. iants, like B.1.1.7, which takes a adding even a small gap could Adding an additional layer Medical-grade respirators lon doesn't see this as a major Prior to the pandemic, Mil- Sea and elsewhere over the Bay of Bengal. To promote the travel sector amidst COVID-19, we also need to smaller viral load to cause symp- lead to a 50 percent reduction in improves filtration -- if one layer Another option is getting hold obstacle. ton and other aerosol scientists FORECAST VALID UNTIL AFTERNOON OF THE 10 ensure travel costs-in prices of accommodation and transportation tomatic Covid-19 compared to the performance. traps 50 percent of all particles, of N95s, or their international "To teach people to fit a mask, studying the flu concluded it too February 2021: likelihood of isolated light rain or thunder- remain affordable for domestic travellers. more common strain. The best materials for combining two gets to 75 percent. equivalents such as KN95, FFP2 even if not 100 percent perfectly, is transmitted from tiny drop- showers in Taninthayi Region, and Kachin and Shan states. All hands from local authorities and associations related to Fit and ltration blocking small particles include But, she added: "We do not etc. but more effectively, is something lets from ordinary speaking and Degree of certainty is (60%). Weather will be partly cloudy hospitality sector should be on deck to put the country’s economy Back when authorities first non-woven polypropylene, which recommend wearing more than "They all provide a similar that's very doable." breathing, and that the role of in Upper Sagaing and Mandalay regions and Kayah, Kayin on the road to quick recovery through the travel sector. recommended people wear face is used to make N95s and many two masks. Adding more layers level of filtration, meaning protec- Masks in our future? sneezing, coughing and transmis- and Mon states and generally fair in the remaining regions coverings, proper masks were in surgical-type masks, and the proves diminishing returns and tion of particles going in and out," The key to conceptualizing sion from surfaces was smaller and states. extremely short supply and the HEPA filters in planes. Among can compromise breathability. Ranu Dhillon, a global health phy- the threat is to think of cigarette than thought.—AFP 10 FEBRUARY 2021 10 PANDEMIC: ROLLING UPDATE THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

www.gnlm.com.mm 1.5 billion euros lost with Carnival www.globalnewlightofmyanmar.com

CHIEF EDITOR Aungthu Ya [email protected] half term cancellations

DEPUTY CHIEF EDITOR THE Cologne Institute for Eco- Aye Min Soe [email protected] nomic Research has published a study showing the economic SENIOR EDITORIAL CONSULTANT impact with the cancellation of Kyaw Myaing the usual half term Carnival fes- tivities in Germany. The losses, EXECUTIVE EDITOR Aung Khin predicted to reach around 1.5 billion euros, will mainly impact LOCAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS the retail sector, as well as gas- EDITORS tronomy and hotels. Ye Htut Tin [email protected] The IW experts who com- Aung Htein piled the report took into account Tun Tun Naing retail and hospitality sales from past years, in Cologne, Düssel- TRANSLATORS dorf and Mainz among others. Hay Mar Tin Win, Ei Myat Mon, Kyaw Zin Lin, Kyaw Zin Tun, The food sector will be hit Maung Maung Swe, Khine Thazin Han, hardest, with projected losses Ei Phyu Phyu Aung of around 660 million euros. Re- tail will lose around 330 million REPORTER Nyein Nyein Ei, euros, 280 million of which will affect costume sales alone, while PHOTOGRAPHER hotels and transport can expect The Cologne Institute for Economic Research has published a study showing the economic impact with the Kyaw Zeya Win @ Phoe Khwar to lose around 160 million and cancellation of the usual half term Carnival festivities in Germany. The losses, predicted to reach around 1.5 Kyaw Zeya 240 million respectively.—AFP billion euros, will mainly impact the retail sector, as well as gastronomy and hotels. PHOTO: AFPFILE

COMPUTER TEAM Thein Ngwe, Zaw Zaw Aung, Kay Khaing Win, Schools in Jordan gradually welcome students back to classrooms Sanda Hnin, Zu Zin Hnin, Thein Htwe, Nyi Lin Thu

EDITORIAL SECTION THE Kingdom’s schools on to adopt a hybrid pattern of dis- (+95) (01)8604529, Sunday started receiving the tance education and in-class Fax — (+95) (01) 8604305 first batch of students for the education in rotation, where 2020/2021 second semester, ac- parents choose schooldays for CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION San Lwin, (+95) (01) 8604532, cording to a plan prepared by the their children. Hotline - 09 974424114 Education Ministry and a health According to the plan, the protocol that was approved in second stage of resuming in- ADVERTISING & MARKETING cooperation with the Health class education is scheduled to ( +95) (01) 8604530, Hotline - 09 974424848 Ministry. start on February 21 with re- [email protected] The first stage of the plan in- ceiving 10th and 11th graders, [email protected] cludes students of kindergartens, followed by a third stage involv- the first three grades and Tawjihi ing attendance of students from Printed and published at the Global New Light of Myanmar Printing Factory at (the General Secondary Educa- the fourth to ninth grades as of No.150, Nga Htat Kyee Pagoda Road, Bahan tion Certificate Examination), Schools on Sunday received students of kindergartens, šrst grade March 7. Township, Yangon, by the Global New Light where the ministry estimated the and Tawjihi, while second graders are scheduled to return to school Kindergarten, first grade of Myanmar Daily under Printing Permit No. number of returning students at on Monday and third graders on Tuesday. PHOTO: AFP and Tawjihi students’ attend- 00510 and Publishing Permit No. 00629. 773,812, the Jordan News Agency, ance in public schools on the first [email protected] www.gnlm.com.mm Petra, reported. to school on Monday and third protocol, requires providing day of the second semester, on www.globalnewlightofmyanmar.com Schools on Sunday received graders on Tuesday. two square metres of space Sunday, reached 49 per cent, ac- www.facebook.com/thegnlm students of kindergartens, first The Education Ministry for each student. cording to Secretary General of grade and Tawjihi, while second had announced earlier that the Schools that cannot pro- the Ministry of Education Najwa graders are scheduled to return plan, according to the health vide such a distance will have Qubeilat.—AFP

Athens zoo squeezed by Covid-19 lockdown

ATTICA Zoological Park feed. We have approximately here. So we’ve got 25 animal has been closed twice since 1.7 tons of food to distribute keepers. We have one veter- Write for us March of last year because of every day on the site,” said inarian, so these people are the lockdown, while the latest Jean Jacques Lesueur, the full-time, and two people who We appreciate your feedback and shutdown lasted three months. founder. are helping with the distribu- contributions. If you have any According to the founder, Lesueur said although tion of the food, the purchase comments or would like to submit editorials, analyses or reports please the zoological park is strug- they gained the financial of the food and the market Attica Zoological Park has been email [email protected] gling to survive as they have support from the govern- and supplies, and things like closed twice since March of last with your name and title. around 20,000-euro burden of ment, it is far from enough, this,” said the founder. year because of the lockdown, Due to limitation of space we while the latest shutdown lasted are only able to publish “Letter to cost per month without income covering only a third of its To ease the burden, the zoo three months. Four month old the Editor” that do not exceed 500 amid the closure. monthly expenses. “We have sells tickets at a special price to lion cubs play at their enclosure words. Should you submit a text “We are closed to the pub- 78 employees in total, 50 stay support the Park family with its longer than 500 words please be at the Attica Zoological Park in aware that your letter will be edited. lic. But we’re still open because at home, so they are on fur- 2,200 animals, which are valid Spata, east of Athens on March 23, inside we have 2,200 animals to lough, and 28 are working for the whole of 2021.—AFP 2014. PHOTO: AFPFILE 10 FEBRUARY 2021 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR PANDEMIC: TOP STORIES 11

NEWS IN Russia sees drastic increase in Iran starts Covid-19 mortality due to Covid-19 in 2020 vaccination campaign - Home RUSSIA recorded a dramatic crisis the country has faced grown jab increase in mortality in 2020 since the fall of the Soviet Un- Iran unveils its second home- fuelled by the coronavirus pan- ion in 1991. grown coronavirus vaccine demic, according to new official Last year, Russia’s popula- project, dubbed Razi Cov Pars, figures released Monday that tion shrank by more than 510,000 developed at the Razi Vaccine showed more than 162,000 vi- people, the largest drop since and Serum Research Institute, rus-related deaths. the mid-2000s, according to of- which is linked to the agricul- The preliminary estimates ficial statistics published in late ture ministry. published by the Rosstat statis- January. The jab, which will be the tics agency showed that mortali- Conicting gures focus of Phase 1 of clinical tri- ty had increased by 17.9 percent Russia has prided itself on als, is introduced on the eve of compared to 2019, Deputy Prime These latest gures give a much higher Covid death rate than previous its response to Covid-19, pointing a campaign to vaccinate Iran’s Minister Tatiana Golikova said ocial data. PHOTO: KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV AFP to a low fatality rate as evidence 80-million-plus population, Monday. of its success. starting with Russia’s Sputnik “This excess mortality in- with 44,435 virus-related deaths. of deaths due to the coronavirus. But for much of the pandem- V jab, of which Tehran has cludes mortality due to Covid,” According to Rosstat’s In a statement, Moscow’s ic Russia only published partial bought two million doses. she said during a coronavirus breakdown, 31,550 of those fa- health department said 16,546 figures, counting only fatalities —AFP briefing broadcast on state tel- talities were mainly due to Cov- people had died in December, where Covid-19 was found to be evision. id-19, while in another 12,885 the an increase of 5,988 fatalities on the primary cause of death after Rosstat’s figures showed patient tested positive but the the previous year — almost all autopsy. Nissan upgrades that between April, when the virus was not considered the of them were due to Covid-19. Alexei Raksha, a demogra- annual forecast pandemic hit Russia, and De- main cause of death. In total, 2.12 million people pher who left Rosstat last year, despite Q3 net loss cember, the country saw 162,429 On Monday, health officials died in Russia in 2020 compared told AFP in December that the coronavirus-related fatalities. in Moscow, long the epicentre of to 1.8 million in 2019, according Russian health ministry and the Crisis-hit Japanese carmaker December was the deadliest Russia’s outbreak, published sta- to Rosstat, with the pandemic consumer health ministry falsify Nissan on Tuesday upgraded month of the pandemic last year, tistics showing a large number exacerbating a demographic coronavirus numbers.—AFP its full-year forecast for the second straight quarter, as the global auto industry shows Easter Island begins vaccinating residents against Covid-19 signs of recovery from the coronavirus pandemic. The embattled rm beat AUTHORITIES on Easter Is- Tepano, one of the doctors who market expectations to return land began vaccinating residents received a jab on Monday. an operating prot for the against Covid-19 on Monday, dis- While mainland Chile has rst time in four quarters, but tributing 120 doses on the first recorded 755,000 cases of Cov- said net loss for the quarter day. id-19 with more than 19,000 expanded. Situated 3,500 kilometers deaths since the start of the It now projects a net (2,200 miles) off Chile’s coast, the pandemic, Easter Island has not loss of 530 billion yen ($5.1 island -- renowned for its ancient, recorded a single case in more billion) for the scal year to giant humanoid monoliths -- has than 300 days after suspending March, smaller than its earlier not reported a single coronavi- all tourist visits. estimate of a 615 billion yen rus case in more than 300 days. “We haven’t had Covid for net loss. Medical personnel and peo- 312 days thanks to a decision the For the three months to ple aged over 80 were among the community supported to close December, its net loss expand- first to receive the jabs, Easter As of February 8, 2021, Easter Island has not had a single case of Covid-19 the island,” Edmunds said. ed to 37.8 billion yen from 26.1 Island mayor Pedro Edmunds in more than 300 days. PHOTO: AFP FILE With no tourism, the is- billion yen a year earlier. told AFP. land’s main economic sector, Operating prot for the He added that authorities nese laboratory Sinovac arrived ue Tuesday and Wednesday for the island’s inhabitants have third quarter came in at 27.1 estimate 8,000 people will be im- Thursday aboard the Chilean people over 70. had to turn to an ancient Poly- billion yen, beating market munized -- about 80 percent of island’s weekly supply plane. “The vaccine is totally reli- nesian tradition based on tak- expectations of an operating the island’s 10,000 people. The island will receive a able. Trust the science and the ing care of oneself and sharing loss. A shipment of 1,200 doses total of 16,000 doses, and the management that was done to resources within the communi- Even before the crisis, of the vaccine produced by Chi- vaccination process will contin- have these vaccines,” said Ovahe ty.—AFP Nissan was battling weak demand as well as the fallout from the arrest of former boss Netherlands extends coronavirus curfew to March 2 Carlos Ghosn, currently an international fugitive after THE Dutch government said Mark Rutte had warned that it January 23 along with a limit on Three days of unrest erupt- jumping bail and žeeing on Monday it is extending until was likely to be prolonged. visitors restricted to one person ed after the curfew began, with Japan. March 2 its night-time corona- “The curfew will be extend- per household per day and ban police using water cannon and It suŸered a massive loss virus curfew, the introduction of ed... This is necessary because on flights from some countries, tear gas against rioters in Am- in the previous scal year and which last month sparked the new, more contagious variants the government said. sterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, its recovery has been slower country’s worst riots in four dec- of the coronavirus are gaining The Dutch government last Eindhoven and other cities. than some of its rivals. ades. ground in the Netherlands,” the week extended other restrictions More than 400 people were Earlier Tuesday, Honda The 9pm to 4:30am (2000- government said in a statement until March 2 including the clo- arrested. One minister called said net prot had more than 0330 GMT) curfew, the first in after a cabinet meeting. sure of bars, restaurants and the rioters “scum”, while Prime doubled in the third quarter the Netherlands since World More than 95 percent of non-essential shops, although Minister Mark Rutte called them and it revised up its full-year War II, had been due to end on Dutch people were obeying the most primary schools reopened “criminals” and not genuine pro- forecast.—AFP Wednesday, but Prime Minister curfew, which was introduced on on Monday. testers.—AFP 10 FEBRUARY 2021 12 PANDEMIC: WORLD THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

NEWS Virus deals biggest blow to IN Equatorial Guinea imposes curfew as German exports since 2009 virus rebounds GERMAN exports fell more than pre-pandemic levels. Equatorial Guinea on Tuesday 9.0 percent in 2020, official data The United States remained said it would impose a curfew showed Tuesday, with the coro- the most eager buyer of “Made for the rst time, limit ­ights navirus pandemic sparking the in Germany” products in 2020, and reintroduce other restric- biggest drop in over a decade for accounting for 103 billion euros tions after cases of coronavirus Europe’s biggest economy. of the total, ahead of China with rebounded in the West African In a year hit by border clo- 96 billion euros and France 91 country. sures and disruptions to supply billion euros). The tiny state, ruled by chains, German exports totalled In December alone, ex- 78-year-old President Teodoro 1.21 trillion euros ($1.46 trillion) ports to the US increased by Obiang Nguema for the past 41 in the last 12 months, down from 8.4 percent while sales to Chi- years, scaled back a rigorously 1.33 trillion in 2019. na climbed even higher by 11.6 enforced range of restrictions in The 9.3-percent decrease is percent, demonstrating the August. But bars, restaurants, the largest blow to exports that flexibility of German industry discotheques, casinos and oth- Germany has suffered since an even in the face of new coro- er “leisure sites” will once again 18-percent drop during the global German exports fell more than 9.0 percent in 2020, ocial data showed navirus restrictions introduced be closed, according to a decree financial crisis of 2009. Tuesday, with the coronavirus pandemic sparking the biggest drop in in late 2020. read on television on Tuesday. Imports also fell by 7.1 per- over a decade for Europe’s biggest economy. PHOTO: AFP Those restrictions have But places of worship, cent to 1.03 trillion euros, the been extended well into 2021, which were shut during the figures released by national sta- eign trade balance of 179.1 billion pandemic saw German exports forcing the German government rst wave last year, will remain tistics office Destatis showed. euros in 2020, down from 224 bil- fall 30 percent in the spring, and to revise its forecast of 4.4-per- open. Added to these measures That leaves Europe’s larg- lion euros in the previous year. recovery measures in the sum- cent growth in GDP down to 3.0 is the country’s rst curfew, est economy with a positive for- The initial impact of the mer failed to bring them back to percent for this year.—AFP which will run from 7:00 pm to 6:00 am, as well a reduction in ­ights. Domestic ­ights will be Greece facing third virus wave, says health minister cut back to one per day, while GREECE is facing a third coro- international ­ights will be navirus wave, the health minister scaled back to two per week for said on Tuesday as officials met national airlines and one per to discuss tighter lockdown rules. week for international carriers. “The analysis I am receiving Wearing masks in public from experts... shows this third places will remain obligatory. wave is coming to our country Equatorial Guinea, a coun- too,” Health Minister Vassilis try with 1.3 million people, has Kikilias told Open TV, ahead of ocially recorded 5,614 cases an emergency cabinet meeting of coronavirus, of which 87 on the pandemic. have been fatal. Greece was hit with a first But Tuesday’s decree wave of the virus in March last warned of the “aggressive year before infections eased off, spread of the pandemic”. surging again in autumn prompt- According to ocial g- ing the government to re-impose ures reported on state TV, there a nationwide lockdown. were fewer than 15 cases per In the greater Athens area, 71 Greece is facing a third coronavirus wave, the health minister said on Tuesday as ocials met to discuss tighter week towards the end of 2020, percent of intensive care beds al- lockdown rules. PHOTO: AFP compared with more than 50 lotted for Covid patients were now per week currently.—AFP occupied, the minister said. Near- received at least one vaccine cine on those aged over 70 are between regions and people re- ly 6,000 deaths in Greece have dose. Greece has joined other expected by late February. Greeks quired to give a valid reason for been attributed to coronavirus EU states in limiting the use of aged 60 to 64, and 75 to 79, are to leaving their homes. WHO mission says since the start of the pandemic AstraZeneca’s vaccine to the receive jabs from next week in Retail restrictions were lab leak virus theory and more than 270 people are in under-65s as it awaits data on two separate groups. eased for Christmas and sales intensive care. its efficacy. Greece has been under na- season last month, a move critics ‘extremely unlikely’ Nearly 420,000 people in Kikilias said studies on the tional lockdown since Novem- say drove infections up again.— Experts from the WHO on the country of 11 million have impact of the AstraZeneca vac- ber, with movement restricted AFP Tuesday all but eliminated a controversial theory that Cov- id-19 came from a laboratory TUI eyes summer recovery after Q1 losses in the Chinese city of Wuhan. “The laboratory incident GERMAN travel giant TUI in- in revenue to 468 million euros Yet TUI CEO Fritz Jous- 2021, around 56 percent of the hypothesis is extremely sisted it was confident of a sum- between October and December. sen said he remained confident amount recorded at this stage unlikely to explain the intro- mer recovery despite reporting The group, which has re- ahead of the summer, noting as a of 2019. duction of the virus into the a net loss of 803 million euros in ceived state support since the cause for optimism the speed of “As expected, customers human population,” said Peter the first quarter of its fiscal year beginning of the outbreak, also the vaccination rollout in Great will book their summer holi- Ben Embarek, the head of the on Tuesday. reported an adjusted operational Britain, one of the group’s key days much later this year than in WHO mission. “Therefore is In a tourism sector devastat- loss of 699 million euros, further markets. normal years. However, demand not in the hypotheses that ed by the coronavirus pandemic, worsening its usual negative bal- TUI has so far recorded 2.8 remains strong, people want to we will suggest for future TUI reported an 88 percent drop ance in the low-season. million bookings for summer travel,” said Joussen. —AFP studies.”—AFP 10 FEBRUARY 2021 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR ECONAD 13

D ST UT Dollar drops, as bitcoin nears $50,000 ST D ST D This is a notification of the change of distributor of belo insecticide registered by ayer under the Myanma STOCK markets posted rate,” noted Michael Pesticide egistration oard from U Tra in o. t . mixed results, the dollar Hewson, chief market to Mar a Min o. t . ny ob ection to this change can notify retreated and oil stead- analyst at CMC Markets to oint ecretary Pesticide egistration oard Plant Protection Division est yogone nsein ithin 14 days ied Tuesday, while bitcoin UK. closed in on $50,000 for Benchmark crude Tra e ame ctive n re ient e . Type e . o. the first time as investors contract Brent North Sea a c o S mi aclopri l S men e reacted to US stimulus held around 13-month ayer T ai o. t . Myanmar ranc t. and Covid vaccine devel- highs above $60 on Tues- opments. day thanks to surging Stock markets posted mixed results, the dollar retreated Asia’s main stock in- demand expectations as and oil steadied Tuesday, while bitcoin closed in on dices closed higher, with $50,000 for the šrst time as investors reacted to US economies reopen. Tokyo posting a 30-year stimulus and Covid vaccine developments. PHOTO: AFP “Oil’s fundamentals high, while Europe was are looking strong again on M.V XETHA BHUM VOY. NO. (1154W/E) largely stable around the curtailed by delays to the While contributing to both (the) supply and de- half-way stage. huge US stimulus plan. dollar weakness, the in- mand side,” said Edward M.V XETHA BHUM VOY. NO. (1154W/E) are hereby notified that Wall Street ended at President Joe Bid- flation outlook is helping Moya, analyst at Oanda the vessel will be arriving on 10-2-2021 and cargo will be new heights overnight but en’s $1.9 trillion rescue gold, a traditional store trading group. MITT/MIP where it will lie the dollar hit a near three- bill is also seen as adding of value. “Despite demand be- month low against the to global inflation wor- “One can’t help that ing down about five million byelaws and conditions of the Port of Yangon. British pound on Tuesday. ries, which are starting for all of this optimism, barrels year-over-year, op- Damaged cargo will be surveyed daily from 8 am to 11:20 am and 12 noon to 4 pm to Claim’s Day now While stocks are ben- to be fuelled by rising oil the real elephant in the timism is high that vaccine declared as the third day after final discharge of cargo efitting from expectations prices and the prospect of room is what happens rollouts will have key parts from the Vessel. of a strong economic re- large consumer spending if oil prices continue of the global economy re- No claims against this vessel will be admitted after bound, optimism is being post lockdowns. to rise at their current turn to normal.”—AFP the Claims Day. 2301185 Shipping Agency Department Myanma Port Authority US forces not protecting Syrian oil fields: Pentagon

M/S REGIONAL CONTAINER LINES US forces in Syria are fo- cused on fighting the rem- nants of the Islamic State group and are not guard- ing oil fields as previously M.V AS FENJA VOY. NO. (009W) ordered by ex-president Donald Trump, a US de- M.V AS FENJA fense official said Monday. VOY. NO. (009W) are hereby notified that the vessel will Since a US firm con- be arriving on 10-2-2021 and cargo will be discharged tracted last year with the MIP/MITT where it will lie at the consignee’s risk and expenses and subject to the byelaws Kurds in northern Syria to help exploit northeast- Damaged cargo will be surveyed daily from 8 am ern Syria oil reserves, US to 11:20 am and 12 noon to 4 pm to Claim’s Day now troops are not involved, declared as the third day after final discharge of cargo said Pentagon spokesman from the Vessel. No claims against this vessel will be admitted after John Kirby. A US Bradley Fighting Vehicle patrols near oil production facilities in Syria’s the Claims Day. The 900 US military northeastern Hasakah province in early February. PHOTO: AFP 2301185 personnel and contractors Shipping Agency Department in the region “are not au- are operating under ex- there remains to enable civil war. Myanma Port Authority thorized to provide assis- isting authorizations to the enduring defeat of The main oil fields tance to any other private protect civilians, he said, ISIS,” he said, referring are in territory in the M/S NEW GOLDEN SEA LINES company, including its em- which could explain the to the Islamic State. country’s northeast, a ployees or agents, seeking continuing presence of The shift is more a region where the US-al- to develop oil resources in US forces around the area change in tone by the new lied Kurdish Syrian Dem- Syria,” said Kirby. of the oil fields. US President Joe Biden ocratic Forces hold sway The only exception is “It’s important to re- from Trump’s policy for and depend on the oil for when US troops in Syria member that our mission the decade-old Syrian income.—AFP

I.Coast cacao traders call for greater share of local market

CACAO merchants in Group of Ivorian Traders tracts to Ivorian proces- Coast’s cacao harvest, Ivory Coast on Tuesday (GNI) said it was time to sors and exporters,” said more than 80 per cent of attacked a “monopoly” “end the monopoly” of six GNI spokesman Fabien which is then shipped to of the world’s major pur- corporations who domi- Guei. Europe. chasers of the raw ma- nate purchases of local- The six are Bar- “This is not about driv- terial for chocolate, and ly-grown cacao. ry Callebaut and Ecom ing them out of the Ivori- called for local traders to “The six multination- of Switzerland; Olam of an market but to enable get a greater share of the als who make purchases Singapore; the US giant Ivorian operators to be a national market. in Ivory Coast through Cargill; and the French sustainable player in mar- In Ivory Coast’s lat- their subsidiaries abso- groups Sucden and Tou- keting their country’s ca- est broadside at inter- lutely should be required ton. cao abroad, and in an fairer national players in the to systematically allot 20 Together, they pur- and more balanced way,” chocolate business, the to 30 per cent of their con- chase nearly all of Ivory Guei argued.—AFP 10 FEBRUARY 2021 14 GLOBAL AFFAIRS THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR All eyes on Washington as Trump second impeachment trial starts

THE US Senate gavels in Tues- prosecuting arguments, Dem- day on Donald Trump’s historic ocrats accused Trump Monday second impeachment trial, with of committing the “most griev- his defence team decrying it as a ous constitutional crime” in the “brazen political act” of retribu- 232-year history of the American tion and Democratic prosecutors presidency by inciting his sup- arguing that the ex-president porters to storm Congress. wilfully incited a violent insur- The trial occurs with much rection. of Capitol Hill still locked down The House of Representa- under intense security one tives impeached him last month month after the unrest. over his role in the deadly Janu- Amid continued fears of ex- ary 6 siege of the US Capitol by tremist attacks, 6,000 National a pro-Trump mob, and his trial Guard members remain de- — the first of a former president ployed in Washington, adding — will feature the Senate’s 100 to the picture of a capital still members sitting as jurors. on edge. The US Capitol riot is at the centre of eorts to impeach and then convict Donald Trump for incitement of Trump’s legal team Monday The proceedings kick off at insurrection. PHOTO: AFPFILE denounced the case as uncon- 1:00 pm (1800 GMT). According stitutional, calling it “absurd” to a bipartisan deal, there first Arguments will be heard Senators will then pose es. Trump has already declined to hold the former president re- will be up to four hours of debate beginning Wednesday, with 16 questions to the two teams, and an invitation to testify. sponsible for the violence. and a vote on the constitutionali- hours provided over two days a majority vote will be needed if The trial is expected to ex- But in a preview of their ty of trying an ex-president. per side. either side wants to call witness- tend into next week.—AFP

Cuba tipped off Colombia about looming left-wing ELN rebel attack

CUBA has tipped Colombia off group, the FARC, which was resentatives “expressed total about a plan by the left-wing negotiated on the island. ignorance” of the plot. ELN guerrilla group to attack The ELN rebels had been The ELN delegation also Bogota in the “next few days,” angling for a similar truce with “reiterated that it has no in- Colombia’s defence minister then-president Juan Manuel volvement in the military deci- said Monday. Santos that would completely sions or operations of the organ- “The Colombian govern- end the civil conflict that had ization,” according to the memo, ment received from the Cuban stretched on for more than half released by Colombian officials. ambassador... Jose Luis Ponce a century. After the breakdown of a communication with an al- But Santos’ successor, the peace process, Duque de- leged terrorist attack that was President Ivan Duque, broke off manded that Cuba extradite being planned for Colombia by talks after the ELN detonated the rebels in its territory, which the ELN group,” Diego Molano a car bomb at a police academy President Miguel Diaz-Canel’s said in a statement. in Bogota that killed 22 people, government opposed. Since May 2018, Havana in addition to the attacker, in Havana argued that there has hosted a delegation from January 2019. are protocols signed by Colom- the National Liberation Army, Cuba said in the memo, bia and guarantor countries or ELN, the last active guer- signed by its ambassador, that that provide for the ex-negoti- Colombian soldiers and police patrol during a nationwide three-day rilla organization operating in it had shared the intelligence ators to be safely returned to armed strike called by ELN left-wing guerrillas in Medellin, Colombia on Colombia after the 2016 peace with the guerrilla delegation on their camps on Colombian soil. February 15, 2020. PHOTO: AFP agreement by the main rebel the island, but that the ELN rep- —AFP

French Caribbean islands in dire straits as new Covid rules hit

It’s February and the palm- have been part of France since protect them from this new risk,” must now show a “compelling” land France. fringed beaches of French islands the 17th century and rely heavily Minister for Overseas Territories motive for their trip. Francois Baltus Languedoc, in the Caribbean should be dotted on tourism from the mainland. Sebastien Lecornu tweeted on This could be visiting a dying head of the tourism committee on with mainland tourists on mid- The government insists the January 28. relative or a child of which the Martinique, which received more term holidays. islands must be protected from But travel restrictions are a traveller has shared custody. than 100,000 holidaymakers from But the annual influx has the new, more infectious corona- blow to the economy of islands They also have to present the mainland in December, said slowed to a trickle in Guadeloupe virus strains that are sweeping that had hoped to profit from the a negative PCR test taken less the new measures spelt “an end and Martinique following a gov- France. closure of French ski resorts — a than 72 hours before departure, to the tourist season, pure and ernment decision to ban non-es- So far they have been rela- popular destination in February self-isolate for a week on arrival, simple”. sential travel outside of the EU tively shielded from the pandem- — to sell more winter sun holi- and, since last week, present a Patrick Vial-Collet, president over the Covid-19 pandemic. ic, with Guadeloupe recording 159 days. French travellers to Gua- negative PCR test before return- of the chamber of commerce of The move, part of a series of deaths, Martinique 45 and the deloupe, an archipelago of nine ing to the mainland. Guadeloupe, where he heads restrictions announced to stave rate of new infections described inhabited islands that are home Cancellations hit 90% a hotel group, predicted a “col- off a third nationwide lockdown, by the health ministry as stable. to 390,000 people, and Martinique, The measures do not apply lapse” of the local tourism sec- caused dismay in the islands that “We have to do everything to an island of 370,000 inhabitants, to islanders travelling to main- tor.—AFP 10 FEBRUARY 2021 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR SOCIETY 15 Mandatory Covid tests in quarantine for UK arrivals NEWS IN TRAVELLERS arriving in Brit- ain from abroad will have to take two coronavirus tests during Navalny aides quarantine, the government is push EU for new expected to confirm on Tuesday. Health Secretary Matt Han- Russia sanctions cock is due to announce that peo- ple told to isolate at home will be Aides of jailed Kremlin critic required to get a test two and Alexei Navalny said they have eight days into a mandatory 10- pushed the EU to sanction day quarantine period. prominent members of Pres- The new measures, which ident Vladimir Putin’s circle critics say come too late to curb including business tycoons to the spread of the virus, are ramp up pressure on Russia. aimed at halting new variants. The move comes after the But the health ministry said tit-for-tat expulsion of several Britain’s response had been in- European and Russian diplo- formed by experts leading to mats as tensions run high over “some of the toughest border the Navalny aair. regimes in the world”. The head of Navalny’s “Enhancing our testing re- regional network Leonid gime to cover all arrivals while Volkov and another associate, they isolate will provide a further Vladimir Ashurkov, made the level of protection and enable us New mandatory hotel quarantine rules for travellers returning from dozens of countries deemed ‘high risk’ calls on Monday during a video to better track any new cases from COVID“19 are due to start from February 15. PHOTO: AFP conference with EU states ded- which might be brought into the icated to the bloc’s “next steps” country, and give us even more quarantine regime would be BBC radio. too lax. New mandatory hotel on Russia. opportunities to detect new var- made in parliament later on Prime Minister Boris John- quarantine rules for travellers The call was hosted by Po- iants,” a spokesman said. Tuesday. son’s government has been un- returning from dozens of coun- land and included envoys from Environment Secretary “We have to be ever mind- der pressure to tighten rules tries deemed “high risk” from the United States, Canada, George Eustice confirmed that ful of the risk of other variants for international travellers, fol- Covid-19 are due to start from Britain and Ukraine, Poland’s announcements on the new entering the country,” he told lowing criticism the regime was February 15.—AFP mission in the EU wrote on Twitter. Volkov wrote on the French far-right mayor reopens museums, defying Covid closure Telegram messenger late Monday that he and Ashurk- ov had discussed “personal A far-right mayor in France visitors had arrived on Tuesday sanctions” against billionaires threw down the gauntlet to the morning within 15 minutes of it Roman Abramovich, the owner central government on Tuesday reopening. of Chelsea football club, and by reopening his city’s museums “There are a lot of people,” Alisher Usmanov.—AFP in defiance of coronavirus rules. a receptionist said by telephone. Arguing that the French The Casa Pairal museum needed access to culture despite of Catalan art and the Natural Iran says armed the threat of Covid-19, Perpignan History Museum also confirmed forces member Mayor Louis Aliot, deputy leader they had reopened. The fourth — involved in nuclear of the far-right National Rally, the Joseph Puig coin museum officially reopened four muse- — is set to reopen on Wednesday. scientist’s murder ums that had been closed since The Hyacinthe-Rigaud art museum was among those to reopen President Emmanuel Ma- October 30. on Tuesday with an exhibition devoted to portraits of French cron’s government, which is A member of the armed forces “There is a virus and it will queens. PHOTO: AFP trying to bring down stubbornly is suspected of involvement in be with us for a long time... There high infection rates, ruled that last November’s assassination are treatments, there are vacci- cinthe-Rigaud art museum. months without exhibitions, the- all cultural establishments, near Tehran of Iran’s top nucle- nations, there are precautions Cultural venues across the atres, cinemas and live enter- bars and restaurants should ar scientist Mohsen Fakhriza- we can take. Let’s get used to it country are desperate to reopen tainment. remain closed after the second deh, the country’s intelligence and start by trying things out,” — even partially — to give the The Hyacinthe-Rigaud mu- lockdown ended in mid-Decem- minister said Monday. Aliot told reporters at the Hya- French some enjoyment after seum told AFP that roughly 50 ber.—AFP “The person who carried out the —rst preparations for the assassination was a Emirati ‘Hope’ nears Mars member of the armed forces,” Mahmoud Alavi said in an interview with state television, THE first Arab interplanetary gramme. has 12 satellites in orbit, with al Space Station. without elaborating. mission is expected to reach Here are some facts and fig- plans to launch several more in But the UAE’s ambitions He said it was not possible Mars’ orbit Tuesday on the most ures about the oil-rich nation’s coming years. go much further, with a goal of for the intelligence ministry critical stage of its journey to project, which draws inspiration In September 2019, it sent building a human settlement on “to keep watch over the armed unravel the secrets of weather from the Middle East’s golden the first Emirati into space, Haz- Mars by 2117. In the meantime, forces”. on the Red Planet. age of cultural and scientific za al-Mansouri, who was part it plans to create a white-domed Mohsen Fakhrizadeh was The unmanned probe — achievements. of a three-member crew. They “Science City” in the deserts out- travelling on a highway outside named “Al-Amal”, Arabic for Outsize plans blasted off from Kazakhstan, re- side Dubai to simulate Martian the capital accompanied by a “Hope” — blasted off from Ja- The United Arab Emirates, turning home after an eight-day conditions and develop the tech- security detail on November 27 pan last year, the latest step in made up of seven members in- mission in which he became the nology needed to colonise the when he came under ma- the UAE’s ambitious space pro- cluding Dubai and Abu Dhabi, first Arab to visit the Internation- planet.—AFP chine-gun —re.—AFP 10 FEBRUARY 2021 16 SPORT THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR IOC calls 2020 chief’s sexist comments ‘completely inappropriate’

TOKYO — Sexist comments “The recent comments of made by Tokyo 2020 chief Yoshi- Tokyo 2020 President Mori were ro Mori were “completely in- absolutely inappropriate and in appropriate”, the International contradiction to the IOC’s com- Olympic Committee said Tues- mitments and the reforms of its day, as the row over his contro- Olympic Agenda 2020,” it said. versial remarks continues to It noted Mori had apolo- simmer. gised “and later made a number The IOC’s statement came of subsequent comments”. as Japanese media said organ- After apologizing, Mori ap- izers were planning to meet this peared to dig himself in deeper, week to discuss their response however, explaining he “doesn’t to the uproar. speak to women much”. Several hundred Olympic The IOC made no reference volunteers have quit since Mori to calls for Mori’s resignation, last week said women speak noting only that Tokyo’s organ- too much in meetings. He has ising committee “also considers since apologised but not stepped his comment to be inappropri- down, and the IOC last week ate and has reaffirmed its com- said it considered the matter mitment to gender equality”. closed. Japanese media said But on Tuesday it released Tuesday the organising com- a lengthy statement citing its mittee could meet as soon commitment to gender equality Friday to discuss its response Gae-prone Tokyo 2020 chief Yoshiro Mori sparked uproar when he claimed that women speak too much in and distancing itself from the as calls grow for Mori to meetings. PHOTO: POOLAFPFILE remarks made by Mori. resign.—AFP Bagel-serving Barty shows Gladbach v Man City Champions hunger at Australian Open League match moved to Budapest

MELBOURNE — A red-hot breather, but also worked tire- PARIS: Manchester City’s first Ashleigh Barty said hard work lessly on the practice courts. leg of their Champions League during her extended off-season “I know deep down my team last-16 tie against Borussia Mo- had primed her for an Australian and I have done the work,” she enchengladbach will be played Open assault after the number said. “We’ve earned the right to in Budapest due to strict coro- one seed delivered a masterclass play at this level. navirus entry rules imposed to crush Danka Kovinic. “I think knowing that we’ve by Germany, UEFA announced It was a near-flawless per- done the work during pre-sea- Monday (Feb 8). formance from the 24-year-old son... I feel comfortable in my The switch of venue comes Australian, who won the first 16 own skin to go out there and find 24 hours after Liverpool’s match points en route to a 6-0, 6-0 first- a way. against Leipzig next week was round romp in 44 minutes. “I know I’ve got other weap- also relocated to Budapest for Barty entered her home ons that I can go to. I want to the same reason. Slam having won the warm-up challenge myself to be the com- Pep Guardiola’s City will Yarra Valley Classic in her first plete player.” play Gladbach at the Puskas tournament in 11 months, after Barty, hoping to break her Arena on Feb 24. she opted to remain home during country’s 43-year singles title “We have to presume that the pandemic -- even deciding curse at the Australian Open, the travel ban for passengers Manchester City will play Borussia Moenchengladbach at a neutral against defending her French never gave 82-ranked Kovin- from the UK to Germany, which venue in Budapest when the Champions League resumes later this Open crown. ic a chance, rolling through is currently in place until 17th month. PHOTO: AFPPAUL ELLIS Barty enjoyed the rarity of a lopsided first set in just 19 February, will be extended and extra family time during her minutes.—AFP that the Manchester City team last until at least February 17, at the Puskas Arena in Buda- will not be granted special per- ban travellers from countries pest,” said Schippers. mission to travel to Moencheng- hit by new, more contagious “We would like to thank ladbach,” said Borussia CEO Covid-19 variants such as the UEFA and the Hungarian FA Stephan Schippers. one found in Britain. for their support regarding this “We have come to this deci- Though there are some ex- matter. sion based on several conversa- ceptions for medical workers “A last-16 Champions tions with the relevant author- and others in key professions League tie is a huge event for ities, politicians, the DFL and the new protocol contains no Borussia Moenchengladbach, UEFA over the past week.” special provision for profes- which we now cannot play in UEFA’s regulations stipulate sional sportspeople. our own ground or with any the home side must find a way of “UEFA’s regulations state fans in attendance. Neverthe- hosting the match or risk forfeit- that as the home side we are less, we’re pleased that we can ing it as a 3-0 defeat. required to find an alternative play the game at all and we are Top seed Ashleigh Barty was in blistering form at the Australian Introduced late last month venue. For several reasons, we conscious of the overall situa- Open. PHOTO: AFP the new German rules, slated to have decided to play the game tion.”—AFP