QFZA to Battle for cooperate with Al Ghariya major US firms in Cup to semiconductor launch new industry racing season

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WEDNESDAY 14 OCTOBER 2020 27 SAFAR - 1442 VOLUME 25 NUMBER 8410 www.thepeninsula.qa 2 RIYALS

Watch Disney+ Streaming App Originals as a gift Terms & Conditions Apply QP and UK’s Grain LNG ink 25-year storage deal THE PENINSULA — DOHA of Qatar Petroleum, H E Saad Sherida Al Kaabi, and Qatar Petroleum (QP) has booked Jon Butterworth, the Managing 7.2 million tonnes per annum of Director of National Grid Ven- LNG receiving and storage tures, during a virtual ceremony capacity for 25 years in Europe’s The agreement will held yesterday. largest LNG import terminal. QP’s enable the QP affiliate to “By entering into this subsidiary and the UK’s National agreement, we are reaffirming Grid Grain LNG entered into a utilise the Isle of Grain our commitment to the UK’s gas long-term agreement yesterday LNG receiving terminal in market. We believe this for LNG storage and regasifi- Kent by subscribing to agreement will facilitate a cation capacity. the equivalent of up to greater role for LNG as a The 25-year agreement will 7.2 million tonnes per reliable, economic, and envi- enable the Qatar Petroleum annum of the terminal’s ronmentally friendly source of affiliate to utilise the Isle of Grain future throughput energy in the UK.” Minister of State for Energy Affairs, President and CEO of Qatar Petroleum, H E Saad Sherida Al Kaabi LNG receiving terminal in Kent Al Kaabi also highlighted the (centre), during the agreement signing ceremony with UK’s National Grid Grain LNG, held virtually, yesterday. from mid-2025, by subscribing capacity. strong cooperation between to the equivalent of up to 7.2 Qatar and the UK in the field of million tonnes per annum of the A significant milestone energy. “Our agreement with very transparent and successful operator Elengy, a subsidiary of Terminal Limited (QTL) - a sub- terminal’s future throughput for the future of Grain LNG will strengthen our Open Season process, and look ENGIE Group, had entered into a sidiary of Qatar Petroleum - will capacity. The agreement is a sig- Europe’s largest LNG position in support of advancing forward to further cooperation long-term agreement for LNG subscribe to the equivalent of nificant milestone for the future import terminal. greater access to secure, flexible, to strengthen our relationship”, receiving, storage and regasifi- almost 3 million tons per annum of Europe’s largest LNG import and reliable gas supplies for all H E added. cation services at the Montoir-de- of the terminal’s throughput terminal. by Minister of State for Energy customers in the UK. I would like Earlier, in February this year, Bretagne LNG Terminal in France. capacity for a term up to 2035. The agreement was signed Affairs, the President and CEO to commend National Grid for a QP and the French LNG terminal Under the agreement, Qatar `Business - 01 Qatar ranks first globally in Digital Accessibility Rights Evaluation Index

THE PENINSULA — DOHA DARE Index is a bench- on the Rights of Persons with erment of the disabled. enjoy independence and CRPD in 2008. It later on issued marking tool for disability advo- Disabilities (CRPD). DARE Index 2020 data self-reliance. several legislations and took Qatar has ranked first worldwide cates, governments, civil society, This is the second edition shows Qatar’s commitment Qatar came number-one on several measures and steps as part in the Digital Accessibility Rights international organisations and of the DARE Index. It compre- toward people with disabilities the global ranking, the regional of its efforts to enhance and Evaluation Index 2020 (DARE policy makers to trace country hensively documented the and including them digitally. It ranking, the Peer Economic protect the rights of the disabled, Index 2020) released by the progress in making Information advances made by 137 coun- also demonstrates Qatar’s belief Development Group Ranking and getting them included in the Global Initiative for Inclusive and Communication Technol- tries that aim to provide global in the importance of investing the Implementation Ranking. society and engaging them effec- Information and Communi- ogies (ICT) accessible for all, in metrics for activists and those in ICTs to unleash the potential Qatar was one of the very first tively in the developmental cation Technologies (G3ict). compliance with the Convention interested in the empow- of the disabled and help them countries to have ratified the process across the country. `P4 02 HOME WEDNESDAY 14 OCTOBER 2020

Quarantine for all arrivals extended to December 31 OFFICIAL NEWS THE PENINSULA — DOHA The website showed more Discover Qatar showed more than 30 hotels Qatar website. Amir sends written than 30 hotels offering quar- “Please do not book a message to Quarantine requirements for all antine packages in December, offering quarantine packages in December, with ‘Welcome Home Package’ until arrivals in Qatar have been with a price range of QR1,950 a price range of QR1,950 for a three-star hotel you have approval to travel to President of France extended until December 31, for a three-star hotel to QR6,168 Qatar, and you know what type 2020. for a five-star facility. to QR6,168 for a five-star facility. of quarantine you will be PARIS: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim “For all arrivals including The price includes 7-day required to complete,” Discover bin Hamad Al Thani has sent a nationals, residents and visa stay for a single person with all Qatar said on its website. written message to President of holders, quarantine require- three meals and the transpor- exceptionally-approved visa quarantine. There is a daily limit on the friendly French Republic, H E ments are now extended for all tation from the airport to the holders. People coming from low- arrivals entering Qatar and Emmanuel Macron, pertaining to arrival dates up to December hotel. Pre-approved QID resident risk countries (list published by demand is extremely high. “If bilateral relations and means of 31, 2020,” Discover Qatar said Earlier, the quarantine permit holders are able to apply the Ministry of Public Health) you are searching for availa- enhancing and developing them. on its website yesterday. requirement was extended until to travel to Qatar. One will need can spend their mandatory bility and no hotels are dis- The message was handed over The Discover Qatar website, October 31. Entry into Qatar is to obtain approval to enter quarantine at home, while played, it is most likely that the by Ambassador of the State of through which one must book permitted for Qatari nationals, Qatar by applying through the others need to go through a self- daily arrivals limit has been Qatar to the French Republic, H E the hotel for quarantine, is cur- their travelling companions, Qatar Portal. It will be men- funded hotel quarantine. Hotel reached. You will need to Sheikh Ali bin Jassim Al Thani, dur- rently showing bookings for up those with a permanent res- tioned on the permit if one has for quarantine should be choose another date,” the portal ing a meeting with Adviser to the to December. ident card or other to go through home or hotel booked through the Discover said. French President on North Africa and the Middle East, H E Patrick Durel. — QNA Ashghal partially opens Amir congratulates Al Wakra Souq Intersection Tajikistan President on his re-election THE PENINSULA — DOHA Souq, Government Service Complex, as well as a large DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin The Public Works Authority number of residential and com- Hamad Al Thani and Deputy Amir ‘Ashghal’ has partially opened mercial compounds along Al H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Al Wakra Souq Intersection on Wakra Road. It will also Thani sent cables of congratulations Al Wakra Main Road after enhance traffic to Al Janoub to President H E Emomali Rahmon turning the old roundabout into Stadium for being so close to the on the occasion of his re-election a signalised junction to connect southern part of the Doha as President of the Republic of Al Wakra Road and Mesaieed Express Highway leading to the Tajikistan. — QNA Road, as part of Al Wakra Main World Cup stadium. Road Upgrade Project, in coor- The intersection is also an PM congratulates dination with the General extension to Al Wakra Main Jordan Premier Directorate of Traffic. Road connected to Al Wakra The opening included two Metro Station, where Al Wakra DOHA: Prime Minister and Min- lanes in each direction on Al Road integrates with the ister of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid Wakra Road, Mesaieed Road, Redline of Qatar Rail on its bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani towards Pearl Roundabout and median, to tie Al Wakra and sent yesterday cables of congrat- Doha and two lanes in each Doha through the two major ulations to Prime Minister of the direction between Al Shati stations of Al Wakra and Ras Bu Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, H A view of Al Wakra Souq Intersection on Al Wakra Main Road, which was earlier a roundabout. Street and Ras Al Jabal Street. Fontas. E Dr. Bisher Hani Al Khasawneh, Al Wakra Souq Intersection By the end of 2020, the on the occasion of forming the is a major link as it is located at Public Works Authority will been completed which upon of Al Wakra and Mesaieed and recently opened partially to new Jordanian government and the southern entrance of Al complete the conversion of the completion will improve traffic provide different routes for traffic, which is located on Al taking the constitutional oath, wish- Wakra to connect the traffic Pearl Roundabout to signalised between Doha, Al Wakra and road users coming from Wakra Tunnel. The openings ing him success and the brotherly coming from Mesaieed Road intersections. Additionally, two the southern areas. Mesaieed towards Al Wakra and are integrated with Al Wakra people of Jordan further progress and the southern part of the new signalised intersections Al Sheeba said the inter- Doha. The intersection will also Metro Station, one of Qatar and prosperity. — QNA Doha Expressway in the will be constructed on Al Wakra section will connect AlWakra facilitate traffic coming from Al Rail’s main stations. direction of Al Wakra Road to Road, Al Razi Street and Al and Mesaieed, and will dis- Wakra towards Al Wukair and The opening of the inter- PM congratulates facilitate access to west Al Wukair Road. tribute traffic movement in all Al Janoub Stadium,” he said. section and Al Wakra Tunnel Belgian counterpart Wakra. On this occasion, Engineer directions coming and leading Ashghal has completed improved traffic between Doha The new intersection will Saleh Al Sheeba, from Highway to Al Wakra, Mesaieed and Al many parts of Al Wakra main and Al Wakra and provided a DOHA: Prime Minister and Min- facilitate access to many vital Projects Department at Ashghal, Wukair. road project. The intersection free traffic flow for road users ister of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid facilities such as Al Wakra said 73% of Al Wakra Main Road “The intersection will facil- between Al Wakra Road and from Ras Bu Fontas station bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani Family Beach, Al Wakra Old Upgrade Project has itate traffic between the cities Ras Bu Fontas Street was towards Pearl Roundabout. sent yesterday a cable of congrat- ulations to Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Belgium, H E Alex- ander De Croo, on the occasion Building Requirements Guide to help of forming the new government and taking the constitutional oath, wishing him success and spur real estate investment: Official the friendly Belgian people further development and growth. — QNA SIDI MOHAMED increase electrical overloads Minister of Municipality and THE PENINSULA by restructuring its proce- Environment, H E Eng. Abdullah dures in the places where they bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al MoPH: 214 new Director of Building Permits are submitted and make them Subaie, recently has called for Department at the Ministry of available electronically. developing and speeding up the virus cases, Municipality and Environment Speaking to a local channel building permit procedures, (MME), Engineer Khaled Al about the electronic building educating consultants and A stop for the M110 shuttle service between 197 recoveries Marzouki, said that the Building permits system, Engineer Al owners, and coordinating with The Pearl-Qatar and Legtaifiya metro station. Requirements Guide will stim- Marzouki said that: “The elec- the service agencies concerned THE PENINSULA — DOHA ulate the real estate investment tronic building permits system in the State. and shorten the procedures. was launched in 2014. It is an With the aim of enhancing The Ministry of Public Health “The building permit trans- electronic window that allows the effectiveness of the recent UDC opens five bus stops (MoPH) announced yesterday actions have become easier, engineering consulting offices improvements to the electronic the registration of 214 new which has contributed to stim- operating in the country to building permit system, the in The Pearl-Qatar confirmed COVID-19 cases. ulating investments and facili- submit applications for building Ministry of Municipality and Among them, 20 were trav- tated remote work, especially licenses and conduct all trans- Environment (MME) has THE PENINSULA — DOHA pick-up passengers travelling ellers returning from abroad. during this period,” he said. actions through a single launched the first edition of the between The Pearl-Qatar and Also 197 people have The Ministry's Building window." “Building Requirements Guide United Development Company Legtaifiya metro station with recovered from the virus, Permits Complex has worked He said the new system in the State of Qatar”. (UDC), a leading Qatari public the free M110 Metrolink bringing the total number of through the electronic replaced the old one, which It is one of the most shareholding company and service. recovered cases in Qatar to building permits system to required the presence of people important strategic projects master developer of The Pearl- Bus stops are located in 125,373. All new cases have simplify the procedures and for building permit implemented by the Ministry Qatar and Gewan Island, said Porto Arabia (Towers 6, 7 and been introduced to isolation reduce time, effort and cost transactions. within its strategic plan, Qatar that five climatised and shel- 30) as well as in Medina Cen- and are receiving necessary required to obtain a building The new system provides a National Vision 2030, and the tered bus stops have been trale and Qanat Quartier. The healthcare according to their permit, complete building single-window for obtaining Digital Government 2020 inaugurated at The Pearl- new bus stops also have mobile health status. maintenance, demolition, building licences. strategy. Qatar, serving to drop-off and charging outlets. Three arrested ‘Year of Culture’ initiative Over 1,300 companies register with for violating launches first e-Cup tourney ‘Labour Re-employment Platform’ home quarantine THE PENINSULA — DOHA THE PENINSULA — DOHA form’s mechanism. will notify the Chamber of the QNA — DOHA With this update, com- names of the workers who have As part of the Qatar- Since its inception a few months panies looking to hire staff can moved to a new company to The competent authorities France Year of Culture ago, the ‘Labour log in to the platform at https:// remove them from the arrested yesterday three 2020 — a specially Re-employment Platform’ has jobs.qatarchamber.com/ar/ to platform. If the application is people who violated the curated cultural seen a large turnout from register and get a username and rejected due to violations made requirements of the home programme to build companies seeking to hire a password. The company will by the company, an email will quarantine, they committed to creative collaborations locally in the private sector, as receive an email to activate the be sent to the company stating following, which they are between the two more than 1,300 companies registration and after that it can the reason for rejection and legally accountable for, in nations — Qatar have registered with the log in to fill in the required requesting the company to accordance with the proce- Museums and Paris Saint pre-selection, the best players platform to date. information. The application solve any issues so that it can dures of the health authorities Germain Esports offer a unique will meet on FIFA 21 on October The Qatar Chamber (QC), in will be then ‘under review’. benefit from the platform. in the country. opportunity to participate in 18 at 4 pm (UTC/GMT+2) for the collaboration with the Ministry Meanwhile, the application The labour platform aims to It is in implementation of the the first e-Cup organised big final of the e-Cup with live of Administrative Development, will be forwarded to the Min- help companies obtain appro- precautionary measures in between the two countries on commentary in Arabic and Labour and Social Affairs, istry which will verify the com- priate employment and ensure force in the country, approved October 17 and 18. French, by two talented players recently announced that they pany’s data and check if it has the continuity of projects and by health authorities to ensure The Year of Culture initi- from the PSG Esports team, have successfully completed any violations related to labour. businesses in the local market. the achievement of public ative aims to celebrate culture Ahmed Al-Meghessib and the development and After verification, the com- It also aims at helping com- safety and to curb the spread in all its forms and the first Arsène Froon. improvement of the ‘Labour pany's registration will be panies find skilled labourers of the coronavirus. Qatar-France e-Cup is a new Official Paris Saint- Re-employment Platform’, approved and it will be able to through contracting with laid- The three people being opportunity to create a real Germain merchandise to the which was launched by the two review resumes of candidates off or redundant workers from referred to the competent moment of sharing between the value of ¤1,500 can be won. entities last July. through the platform. other companies, thus avoiding prosecution are Ahmed Yousef two nations. Registration for the com- The platform has been After a company shortlists any shortage of labourers that Ahmed Nasser Al Hamidi, On October 17, during the petition is reserved exclusively developed and updated to be the candidates, it will receive a may cause the failure of projects Mohsen Hamad Mohsen first country qualifiers, 1,024 for citizens and residents of an inclusive electronic gateway link to accomplish procedures of these companies. The Bajash Bajash and Abdulaziz players will have the unique Qatar and France, with 512 available to all companies, said of changing the workplace. Fol- platform aims to help com- Mohammed Ali Qahes Al Yami. opportunity to compete against respective places each for the a statement. lowing the completion of the panies obtain appropriate The authorities have called each other on FIFA 21 to make first country qualifiers. The update includes an procedures with the Ministry employment and maintain on citizens and residents who their way to the finals to rep- Registration can be done electronic link between the and the transfer of employment skilled labour in Qatar as well are subject to quarantine to fully resent their country. via the dedicated platform at Ministry and the Chamber to to a new company, the Ministry as re-employment of labourers adhere to the requirements set Following the www.ecupqatarfrance.com. further streamline the plat- through the Joint Commission within the local market. by the Ministry of Public Health. WEDNESDAY 14 OCTOBER 2020 HOME 03 US Congress delegation commends Shura Council participates in Global Parliamentary Forum QF efforts in precision medicine QNA — DOHA provided parliamentarians with updated information about the Bank THE PENINSULA — DOHA The Shura Council participated and the Fund’s priorities and stra- yesterday in the virtual Global Parlia- tegic orientations, as well as a A member of the US Congress has empha- mentary Forum, organised under the platform for exchanging knowledge, sized the importance of advancing theme “Achieving a Green and enhancing parliamentary partici- precision medicine for the health of future Inclusive Recovery Post COVID-19” pation and achieving better devel- generations, as he and two fellow by the Parliamentary Assembly of the opment results. American politicians visited Qatar Foun- Mediterranean, in cooperation with In addition, the Forum allowed dation. the World Bank Group and the Inter- parliamentarians to have direct The congressional delegation wel- national Monetary Fund. access to the World Bank and the comed to Education City included Rep- The Global Forum provided an International Monetary Fund and to resentative Eric Swalwell, who represents opportunity for parliamentarians to enhance the possibilities for dialogue California’s 15th congressional district; meet and participate in direct talks and influence, especially at the local Seth Moulton, from Massachusetts’s 6th on development and issues related and regional levels. District; and Congressman Jim Himes, to the global economy with senior The Shura Council was repre- Democrat, from Connecticut’s 4th Dis- management and experts from the sented in the Forum by H E Mubarak trict. Congressmen Swalwell and Moulton World Bank Group and the Interna- bin Saif Al Mansouri and H E Khalid ran in the 2019 Democratic presidential tional Monetary Fund. bin Muhammed Ajaj Al Kubaisi, primaries, but withdrew before former The Forum also members of the Council. US Congressmen during their visit to Qatar Foundation headquarters. Vice President Joe Biden accepted the party’s nomination. Representative Swalwell is leading a “Qatar’s focus on precision medicine sonalized medicine. bipartisan effort in the US Congress to is prescient. As genomic sequencing Speaking during the visit, Con- US Congress delegation visits Katara advance precision medicine, which is a becomes less expensive, opportunities gressman Moulton, said, “The bilateral QNA — DOHA primary area of Qatar Foundation’s increase to diagnose patients sooner and relationship between Qatar and the General Manager of Katara, Dr. Khalid research focus and said, “I think our treat them more effectively.” United States has great potential, and I future can be determined by what we Precision medicine is a rapidly expect the friendship between the two A US Congress delegation visited bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, accompanied know at birth. Precision medicine can evolving field in which physicians use countries to grow in the future.” yesterday the Cultural Village Foun- the US Congress delegation on a tour drastically improve treatment and dra- medical interventions to assess or alter Relations between the US and Qatar dation (Katara), on the sidelines of their during which they got acquainted matically bring down the cost of the molecular characteristics – often are also of great interest to Congressman visit to the country, to see this cultural with the facilities of Katara, and gave healthcare. Personalized medicine can genetic – that cause or contribute to Himes, who is an advocate for early edifice as one of the most important them detailed explanations about target treatments to only those patients certain diseases or predict whether childhood education and the envi- cultural and tourist destinations in the who will benefit from them, and elim- certain patients will respond to various ronment. “Qatar is an essential partner State of Qatar. these facilities and their various inate the need for costly hospitalizations, treatments. Congressman Swalwell leads for the United States,” he said. General Manager of Katara, Dr. cultural activities that attract making health systems more effective and the Personalized Medicine Coalition “It’s also a model for reform in the Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, accom- audiences of different age groups and efficient. I am trying to push through leg- (PMC) which is educating the US Con- Arab world and a leader in women’s panied the US Congress delegation on nationalities. islation in the US Congress that would gress and the public about the benefits of rights. Qatar is a lynchpin in the Middle a tour during which they got assure that every child will have access earlier detection, targeted treatment, and East and provides a bridge between the acquainted with the facilities of Katara, to their genetic profile. improved prevention strategies in per- Islamic world and the West.” and gave them detailed explanations dignitaries and officials of the guests of about these facilities and their various Qatar, in addition to the visits of their cultural activities that attract audiences Excellencies the ambassadors accredited of different age groups and national- to the state, to enhance joint cooper- Traditional Handicrafts Exhibition opens today ities. After the tour, the General ation as it constitutes a cultural edifice Manager of Katara presented the and a prominent civilizational landmark RAYNALD C RIVERA national identity. Long before the dis- work to market their handicraft products members of the US Congress dele- that translates the vision of the State of THE PENINSULA covery of oil and gas, Qataris have their and give the public more opportunities gation with commemorative shields. Qatar in the importance of investing in own handicrafts that express their cul- to acquire handmade products that suit Katara constantly receives visits by culture to build people and society. A wide variety of handcrafts from eight tural identity, from traditional weaving all tastes and meet various needs. countries will be on display at the third to clothing and perfume making. The programme will continue edition of Traditional Handicrafts Exhi- Yesterday, Katara’s Heritage Com- throughout the year, while the workshop bition which opens today at Katara, the mittee concluded workshop on Handi- is conducted once a week for three week Cultural Village Foundation – Katara has craft Product Development which wit- seeking to benefit artisans in developing announced. nessed the participation of 12 crafts- their products, said Al Nuaimi. She added Artisans from Qatar, Ethiopia, Syria, women engaged in Sadu industry. The that Katara had provided all kinds of Palestine, Tunisia, Morocco, Sudan, and workshop comes within the framework material and moral support for these Iran will be showcasing their creations of the program of developing traditional craftsmen to practice their craft in order such as folk costumes, wooden handi- products aimed towards the preservation to preserve the local heritage. She stressed crafts, hunting tools, and embroidery of local traditional heritage and building that traditional handicrafts are one of the works at the exhibition which runs for 10 the capacity and expanding the horizons most important elements of Qatari her- days at Building 48. of women artisans in the country. itage and one of the main features of The exhibition follows the success of Salma Al Nuaimi, cultural advisor at national identity due to their distinct char- its previous edition which saw local Katara said that traditional Qatari crafts acteristics specific to Qatari society. artisans and craftsmen from other coun- are supported and encouraged by Katara With the challenges folk heritage cur- tries including Turkey, Syria, Morocco and and that the workshop aimed at educating rently faces, the programme aims to Iraq take part. Traditional handicrafts are artisans on how to develop their handi- sustain traditional handicrafts as a way General Manager of Katara, Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, with US Congress considered a significant part of Qatari crafts, expand horizons of production, to preserve national identity, she added. delegation. Dar Al Sharq enhances public relations with cooperation agreement with IPRA

THE PENINSULA — DOHA Al Sharq in the field of commu- winning in, the annual IPRA of public relations. We do this nications, which began by activ- Golden World Awards Compe- through networking, our code To enhance its activities in the ities to enhance the practice of tition. A winning entry from of conduct and intellectual field of public relations, Dar Al public relations and will con- Qatar in 2021 will be a first for leadership of the profession. Sharq has signed a cooperation tinue with a website focused on this beautiful Gulf State,” he IPRA is the organiser of public agreement with the Interna- public relations in the Arab added. relations’ annual global com- tional Public Relations Associ- world. Dar Al Sharq has recently petition, the Golden World ation (IPRA) to provide certain Fakhro expressed his pride signed a cooperation Awards for Excellence (GWA). services and outreach to public in signing the agreement with agreement with the Power IPRA’s services enable PR relations personnel in Qatar to IPRA, the world’s oldest global International Holding professionals to collaborate enhance awareness of, and association for PR professionals. Company to sponsor the and be recognised. Members excellence in, the profession. The agreement will, among website focused on public rela- create content via our The agreement was signed other things, provide PR tions in the Arab world. Thought Leadership essays, by Secretary-General of IPRA, training opportunities as well Background to IPRA: IPRA, social media and our consult- Philip Sheppard, and Assistant as improved networking. the International Public Rela- ative status with the United to the CEO of Dar Al Sharq, For his part Philip Sheppard tions Association, was estab- Nations. GWA winners dem- Jassim Fakhro, who was has welcomed the signing of the lished in 1955, and is the onstrate PR excellence. IPRA Secretary-General of IPRA, Philip Sheppard (left) and Assistant to appointed as the National Coor- agreement that seeks to leading global network for PR welcomes all those who share the CEO of Dar Al Sharq, Jassim Fakhro. dinator for the newly-created strengthen the PR profession in professionals in their personal our aims and who wish to be IPRA Qatar Chapter. Qatar. “We are delighted to capacity. IPRA aims to part of the IPRA worldwide The agreement comes as a enhance the regional IPRA Gulf IPRA Qatar Chapter. I look agencies and in-house PR man- advance trusted communi- fellowship. For more see continuation of efforts by Dar Chapter with a country-specific forward to the owners of PR agers submitting to, and cation and the ethical practice www.ipra.org Winners of 6th Katara Prize for Number of real estate deals up 40% in September SANAULLAH ATAULLAH the total deals’ area. percent. Al Rayyan Municipality THE PENINSULA Arabic Novel announced The most active munici- recorded 24 mortgaged transac- pality during September in tions,10.4 percent of total mort- THE PENINSULA — DOHA unpublished novels, Al Azhar Morocco. The value of each The number of real estate deals terms of number of sold real gaged real estate. Al Zinad from Tunisia won for prize is $15,000 and the award reached 696, recording 40 estates is Al Daayen Munici- As for the value of mortgages, The Cultural Village Foun- his novel ‘Al-Natour’; Dr. Saed committee is in charge of percent increase in September, pality with 26 percent of total Doha Municipality ranked first dation, Katara, yesterday Al Alam from Morocco for his printing, publishing and mar- 2020 compared to August, this traded areas, followed by Doha with value of QR3,667,171,923, announced the winners of the novel ‘Azra Granada: Hub Bain keting studies. year, said the Ministry of Justice Municipality with 22 percent. Al while Al Shamal Municipality 6th Katara Prize for Arabic Madinatain’; Salem Mahmoud In the youngsters’ novel in its real estate bulletin Rayyan Municipality ranked recorded the lowest value with Novel, which was held Salem from Egypt for his novel category, the winners include published on its Twitter account third with 20 percent of total QR1,350,000. remotely under the supervision ‘Hadtha Fi al Iskandariya’; Dr. Mahdi Salah Al Juwaidi yesterday. During September, the sold areas. Doha Municipality recorded of the Arab League Education, Ghazi Hussein Al Ali from Syria from Egypt; Muhammad real estate trading index achieved Seven real estate deals out of five of the top ten mortgaged Culture and Science (ALECSO). for his novel ‘Mercedes Sawda Mahmoud Al Akashiya from a total value of QR3,160,934,082 the top ten deals - made in last properties while Al Raayan The winners in the category La Tukhiha Al Ain, and Najeeb Palestine; Dr. Nada Jamal Saleh for 696 real estate deals. month - were recorded in Doha Municipality recorded three of of published Arabic novels are: Nasr from Yemen for his novel from Jordan; Hoda Bohrawa Doha Municipality emerged Municipality followed by two the top mortgaged properties. Al Sheikh Ahmad Alban from Mau- ‘Nisf Insan’. Each prize is worth from Algeria. Each prize is as most active in term of financial deals in Al Rayyan Municipality Wakra and Al Khor and Al ritania for his novel ‘Wadi Al $ 30,000, and the winning worth $10,000, where it will value with QR1,536,198,886 fol- and one deal in Al Daayen Thakira Municipality received Hatab’; Ibrahim Nasrallah from novels will be printed and be printed and published. lowed by Al Rayyan Municipality Municipality. one of the top mortgaged prop- Jordan for his novel ‘ Dabab Taht translated into English. In the category of pub- with trading value The volume of mortgage erties each. Shajrat Eid Al Milad’; Faten Murr In the category of studies lished Qatari novel, Abdul QR669,487,214. Al Daayen transactions that took place in During September 2020, from Lebanon for her novel concerned with fictional Rahim Al Siddiqi from the State Municipality ranked third with a September 2020, reached 230 the real estate trading ‘Ghobar 1918’; Fathia Dabash research and criticism, five of Qatar won for his novel out trading value of QR512,236,864. transactions with a total value of movement in The Pearl and Al from Tunisia for her novel critics won prizes: Dr. Osama of 15 novels that were nomi- The most active municipal- QR6,615,354,354. Al Daayen Kassar Area witnessed an ‘Melanin’, and Muhammad Al Ayoub Alimi from Egypt; Dr. nated for the fifth category that ities in the real estate trading Municipality recorded the highest increase in real estate trading Makhzanji from Egypt for his Abdel Malek Ashboon from was added to the award as of activity according to the area number of mortgage transactions volume as compared to August, novel ‘Radeef’. Each prize is Morocco; Dr. Alawi Ahmed the fifth session. The prize index is Al Rayyan Municipality with 114 transactions, 49.6 2020, where the number of worth $60,000, in addition to Saleh Al Majami from Yemen; value is $60,000, in addition with 28 percent share, followed percent of total number of mort- transactions amounted to 106 translating the winning novels Dr. Muhammad Ismail Al to translating the winning by Doha Municipality with 22 gaged real estate, followed by deals for residential units, with into English. Labani from Egypt and Dr. novel into English. percent. Al Daayen Municipality Doha Municipality which a total value amounting to In the category of Mustafa Al-Nahal from ranked third with 21 percent of received 56 transactions, 24.3 QR223,410,071. 04 HOME WEDNESDAY 14 OCTOBER 2020 QU-Health, HMC provide CPD to aid healthcare workers

THE PENINSULA — DOHA QU-H CPD coordinator Dr. Zachariah Nazar, commented, Healthcare Experts from Qatar University-Health (QU-H) and Hamad Medical Corporation professionals are required to keep their skills and knowledge up to (HMC) have collaborated to design and date with the latest and best evidence to support their patients.This deliver a comprehensive Continuing interactive session provided participants with practical examples of Professional Development (CPD) research series aimed at enhancing the how this skill can be applied to very relevant areas of practice, for confidence and competence of example, emerging evidence published around COVID-19. healthcare professionals in conducting research. The second of the six-part interactive webinar series welcomed Qatar and for healthcare professionals to develop commended QU-Health and HMC for international participants to discuss the their research skills. There is research that leading this initiative. skills required to search and interpret is published that may be biased and contain Participants from all healthcare the published literature. This essential inaccurate conclusions, and therefore it is sectors in Qatar joined the live interactive component of conducting research helps important they can recognize this and not webinar, which was streamed live on healthcare professionals identify rele- be misled.” “I felt that this session met the YouTube to an international audience vantly and the most recent published evi- learning objectives and was very pleased for free. This CPD series was co-designed dence that applies to their practice in with the high level of interaction with the by QU-Health and HMC following stra- A snapshot from second of the six-part interactive webinar series. delivering care. participants,” he added. tegic meetings to discuss the learning and QU-H CPD coordinator Dr. Zach- Prof. Dr. Marcus Lance, Head of training needs of healthcare professionals ariah Nazar, commented, “Healthcare relevant areas of practice, for example, and how the literature can be searched Research, Department of Anesthesiology in Qatar. Further CPD series have been professionals are required to keep their emerging evidence published around to help in answering practice-related at HMC, and Ms. Myriam ElJaam, planned in the coming months, which skills and knowledge up to date with the COVID-19.” questions. Teaching Assistant at the College of will see further collaboration between latest and best evidence to support their Amongst other topics, the session The session was led by Dr. Daoud Al Pharmacy, QU-Health, also presented the two institutions to implement their patients.This interactive session provided briefed participants on potential sources Badriyeh, Associate Professor at the in this session. shared commitment to supporting the participants with practical examples of of bias in published research, the process College of Pharmacy, QU-Health. Prof. Dr. Lance recognised the enthu- optimization of healthcare provision in how this skill can be applied to very of performing a full literature review, Dr. Al Badriyeh said, “It is a critical time siasm of the participants and Qatar and beyond. Qatar Airways introduces fully vegan dishes for premium customers

THE PENINSULA — DOHA

Qatar Airways has introduced its first range of fully vegan We always strive to provide Ooredoo launches Hala dishes to its à la carte menu for Business Class passengers our customers with on all flights, designed to cater authentic and indulgent We Care health promo for to the increasing demand for experiences in the skies. plant-based food while prepaid customers elevating passengers’ culinary We are delighted to experience when they travel incorporate a vegan main with the award-winning THE PENINSULA — DOHA benefit again for a new airline. course choice to our 30-day period. A maximum The newly crafted vegan on-board menu, offering Qatar’s leading telecommuni- of four concurrent health ben- dishes use only the freshest cations operator announced efits can be active and locally and internationally our passengers yet another yesterday the launch of a new QR1,600 can be claimed. sourced ingredients and are lifestyle choice that campaign for its prepaid Hala Sabah Rabiah Al-Kuwari, available to all Business Class redefines the expectations customers, offering health Director PR at Ooredoo, said: passengers flying from the air- benefits with recharges made “During these challenging line’s Doha hub, Hamad Inter- from a five-star airline.” via the Ooredoo App. times, we’re proud to be national Airport, and selected A view of fully vegan dishes for Business Class passengers. With the new Hala We Care offering a promotion that flights into Doha. H E Akbar Al Baker, promotion, Hala customers can offers our customers even Qatar Airways Group Chief noodles, scallions and shi- in-flight meals are prepared Qatar Airways Group Chief now protect their health each greater value for their money Executive, H E Akbar Al Baker, itake, fried tofu with vege- to the highest quality using time they recharge their Hala and provides a little peace of said: “We always strive to table tajine, cauliflower the freshest ingredients. Executive via the Ooredoo App; they will mind in times of need. Sup- provide our customers with couscous and kalamata brus- Spanning an extraordinary get QR400 of health benefits porting our communities authentic and indulgent expe- chetta, and chickpea flour 69,000 square meters, QACC with every App recharge of however we can is a key pri- riences in the skies. We are omelette. is one of the world’s largest QR100 or more. The new pro- ority at Ooredoo; not only will delighted to incorporate a The airline also offers a self-contained catering contact between crew and motion means if Hala cus- customers get the added value vegan main course choice to wide selection of special meals facilities. passengers. tomers are hospitalised for two of the promotion, they will also our on-board menu, offering to cater to different dietary Since the start of the Qatar Airways has also nights or more within 30 days be able to experience the ease our passengers yet another requirements. Passengers can COVID-19 crisis, the airline introduced single-use menu of recharging their Hala with and efficiency of the Ooredoo lifestyle choice that redefines request a special meal up to has applied necessary health cards and sealed refreshing at least QR100 via the Ooredoo App for everyday transactions the expectations from a five- 24 hours before their flight. and safety measures onboard wipes. App, they can claim a sum of such as recharges and much star airline.” These include young traveller its flights, including in the Economy Class meals and QR400. more, without the need to Designed with sustaina- meals, vegetarian or religious preparation and serving of cutlery are served sealed as Customers will be able to leave their homes if they’d bility and taste at its heart, meals and medical or health food. Business Class meals are usual, and menu cards have benefit from this offer during prefer not to.” Qatar Airways’ range of fla- care meals. served covered on a tray been temporarily the 30-day period following More information or terms vourful vegan dishes include Qatar Aircraft Catering instead of a table set up, and discontinued. each recharge, and each time and conditions, can be gained smoked moutabel, spiral Company (QACC), the a cutlery wrap is offered to All social areas onboard they recharge with QR100 or from https://www.ooredoo.qa/ courgettes and arrabbiata exclusive catering provider passengers as an alternative the aircraft have been closed more via the Ooredoo App portal/OoredooQatar/ sauce, tofu and spinach at Hamad International to individual cutlery service, adhering to the social dis- they will be entitled to the hala-we-care. tortellini, asian barbecue tofu, Airport, ensures that all in an effort to minimise tancing measures. talabat announces partnership with Booking.com

THE PENINSULA — DOHA Francisco Miguel Sousa said: “There is no better time than the winter talabat, the region’s leading food, and season to enjoy a wide range of grocery delivery app, has announced destinations our country has to a strategic partnership with Booking. offer. Our partnership with com, one of the world’s leading Booking.com allows our Qatar- digital travel companies. talabat based customers to benefit from customers across the region will now the added value behind the 8% receive 8% cashback directly to their cashback to their talabat wallets, talabat wallets when making accom- ensuring that they get something modation reservations through back along with every time a Booking.com using the http:// vacation is booked.” booking.com/talabat link. Along with offering customers The partnership with Booking. more value on talabat when planning com is the first wallet partnership ini- their next holiday, the partnership tiative in talabat’s regional history. also focuses on supporting the talabat customers can choose domestic tourism and hospitality from more than 28 million global apartments, and other unique places industry in each operating country, accommodation listings on Booking. to stay. which Sousa believes is vital during com, including hotels, homes, talabat Qatar Managing Director the pandemic. Qatar ranks first globally in Digital Accessibility Rights Evaluation Index FROM PAGE 1 The Ministry of Transport disabilities across Qatar have equal It reflects Qatar’s respect to its and Communications access to the technologies that can international commitments. This also enrich their lives. MADA could be embodies the QNV2030 that aims for has been prioritising the viewed as the world’s center of excel- equity and justice among all seg- empowerment of people lence when it comes to accessing ICTs ments of the society. in Arabic. The Ministry of Transport and with disabilities and the The DARE Index survey is divided Communications and its Qatar elderly. into three dimensions or legs: audit Assistive Technology Center (MADA) assessment tool, or the Country Com- have been prioritising the empow- mitments (Structure), audit tool or erment of people with disabilities and is left behind and everyone can Country Capacity to Implement the elderly and providing them with access to ICTs and benefit from its (Process) and audit tool or Country easy access to ICTs. countless advantages. MoTC also Actual Implementation (Outcomes). MoTC launched the Digital launched Qatar’s e-Accessibility Australia, Italy and South Africa were Inclusion Strategy to ensure no one Policy to ensure people with in the top five positions this year. WEDNESDAY 14 OCTOBER 2020 HOME 05 HBKU Press to participate virtually Turkish Ambassador in Frankfurter Buchmesse 2020 strengthens relations with QRCS THE PENINSULA— DOHA THE PENINSULA— DOHA Hamad Bin Khalifa University Press (HBKU The meeting discussed the Press) will virtually participate in the 2020 President of Qatar Red Crescent results of the recent visit of edition of Frankfurter Buchmesse (the Society (QRCS) Sheikh Abdullah QRCS’s delegation to Turkey, Frankfurt International Book Fair) between bin Thamer Al Thani has met the aimed at enhancing October 14 and 18, marking its fourth Ambassador of the Republic of consecutive year showcasing at the world’s Turkey to the State of Qatar, H E relations with the Turkish largest book fair. Dr. Mehmet Mustafa Göksu. Red Crescent, as well as Frankfurter Buchmesse announced The visit was attended by arranging for the joint earlier this year that the 2020 edition Secretary-General of QRCS, Ali campaign for Sudan, in the would be a blended edition, using the tra- bin Hassan Al Hammadi; Chief face of COVID-19 pandemic ditional exhibition site as well as a com- Executive Director, Eng. Ibrahim mitted online platform for publishers Abdullah Al Maliki; Head of and the flash floods. aboard. International Relations and “With every new challenge that the International Humanitarian Law, global pandemic has presented, HBKU Dr. Fawzi Oussedik and Director in the history of the two sides. Press continues to find innovative solu- of the Office of the President, H E Dr. Mehmet Mustafa tions to participate in the local and global Adel Al-Baker. The meeting dis- Göksu communicated to QRCS publishing industries,” said Executive cussed the results of the recent leaders the greetings of Director- Director of Hamad Bin Khalifa University revamped the event this year to include “It is exciting to see that each year there visit of QRCS’s delegation to General of the Turkish Red Press, Bachar Chebaro,. “This year’s book an interactive virtual experience. The is a marked rise in interest in HBKU Press. Turkey, aimed at enhancing Crescent, Dr. Ibrahim Altan. He fair season, which kicks off with Frank- online option provides the flexibility to Even with the new interface for this year’s relations with the Turkish Red referred to the importance of this furter Buchmesse, marks a new era of participate without compromising the fair , we hope to continue to form new Crescent, as well as arranging for visit in adding value to the good information exchange. It presents different quality of the experience or safety relationships and solidify existing ones the joint campaign for Sudan, in relations between the two sides opportunities and roadblocks that we must measures. with publishers around the globe,” Chebaro the face of COVID-19 pandemic for the sake of humanity. Al consider in order to continue to success- Frankfurter Buchmesse 2020 has sup- added. and the flash floods. Hammadi said he looked forward fully adapt to the changing times.” plemented its fairground offerings with HBKU Press’ virtual ‘booth’ represents Sheikh Abdullah bin Thamer to stepping up the cooperation In previous years, the international digital events, which will act as a multi- over eleven years of the publishing house’s Al Thani emphasised the with the Turkish Red Crescent. exhibition would host hundreds of pub- media stage for exhibitors, authors and catalog of acclaimed works and innovative extraordinary friendship They talked about several lishing companies, publishing-related creative artists. The online platform aims publications, from award-winning original between QRCS and the Turkish topics of relevance, including companies, as well as media outlets from to bring the international publishing titles in both English and Arabic, to trans- Red Crescent, as a manifestation humanitarian cooperation in around the world in a spectacular four- industry and the creative industries lated works by globally recognized authors of the historic relations between supporting the education sector day event that allowed publishers and together in a virtual space from anywhere and translators. HBKU Press plans to the two countries. He described in Syria and many African coun- media to interact. in the world. promote the brand internationally, enter into the bilateral ties of the two gov- tries, student scholarships at the But with restrictions on travel and con- “I have every confidence that HBKU agreements to buy and sell the rights of ernments and peoples as a ‘long- University of Qatar, and the use cerns for safety above all amidst the Press will rise to the challenge,” Chebaro books that meet their strategic vision, while standing love’. He wished that of technology in the field of COVID-19 pandemic, the organizers said. establishing relationships with entities. these ties would be deep-rooted humanitarian action. Demand for WCM-Q online QRCS supports Albania families affected by virus population health courses soars THE PENINSULA - DOHA and appropriate distancing, based on the guidelines of the THE PENINSULA — DOHA Dr. Sohaila Cheema, said: “We In cooperation with the International Federation of have invested much time and Albanian Red Cross (ARC), the Red Cross and Red Demand for online population effort in transitioning to online Qatar Red Crescent Society Crescent Societies (IFRC) and health courses offered by the education with the purpose of (QRCS) has initiated a response the International Committee Institute for Population Health sustaining optimum learning and to COVID-19 pandemic in of the Red Cross (ICRC), as (IPH) at Weill Cornell Medicine- learner engagement, while Albania, by extending help to well as the recommendations Qatar (WMC-Q) has soared maintaining the high quality of 700 vulnerable families, at a of World Health Organization during the COVID-19 pandemic. the courses. The interest from total cost of $20,000. (WHO). The courses, previously local and regional healthcare Up to date, five local This project is part of offered in-person at WCM-Q’s professionals for our online branches of ARC have started QRCS’s initiative to support campus in Education City, were activities since has been phe- the distribution of food parcels, needy people in 22 countries transitioned to online platforms nomenal, with more than 110 while the remaining food across six continents, aimed at when physical distancing people participating in the last parcels are in the process of protecting 320,000 persons measures were introduced to five events. We are happy that transportation to the other against the virus, with a total limit the spread of the corona- our online education initiatives selected destinations. budget of QR 2,236,827. virus. The shift to fully online will help health professionals use The selected local branches These countries are Pal- courses led to a surge in demand the lockdown period to gain new conducted a needs assessment, estine, Afghanistan, Pakistan, from healthcare professionals skills and knowledge.” in cooperation with their Nepal, Tajikistan, Mongolia, across Qatar and the wider The IPH at WCM-Q is staffed respective municipalities, and Laos, Vanuatu, Ethiopia, Chad, region seeking to learn more by a team of population health developed the final list of ben- Senegal, Mauritania, Ivory about population health during experts, physicians, lifestyle eficiaries. Red Cross teams Coast, Mali, Sierra Leone, the pandemic. medicine practitioners, composed of staff and at least Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, Five online courses offered researchers, and administrators 5 volunteers from each Venezuela, El Salvador, Peru, by the IPH covered a diverse who collaborate with local and selected Red Cross branch and Panama. range of subjects and compe- global partners to develop and were trained to deliver the food The list of activities con- A representative of QRCS handing over a food packet to a beneficiary tencies, encompassing a two-day implement evidence-based pro- packages with respect and ducted by QRCS in support of in Albania. introductory workshop on sys- grams and activities with a view dignity. those countries includes pro- tematic reviews, two workshops to promote the overall health of The procurement of food vision of equipment and sup- on mastering emotional intelli- the people in QatarIn addition items has already been com- COVID-19 will receive food vulnerabilities caused by the plies for health facilities, pro- gence, a Certificate in Lifestyle to providing learning opportu- pleted. The procurement baskets. They were selected earthquake. vision of medicines and Medicine course, and a nities, the IPH publishes research process was carried out through based on a set of criteria, During the door-to-door medical supplies, protection workshop on cultural compe- on population health topics in a public tender managed by the including older persons (espe- visits to distribute the food for medical professionals and tence in healthcare. All five activ- peer-reviewed journals, runs ARC tender commission, fol- cially those living alone), people packages, the engaged staff volunteers, provision of food ities were fully subscribed health information sessions at lowing their administrative with pre-existing illness, vul- and volunteers are provided and shelter for families worst shortly after the dates were community events, local schools regulations. nerable families with socioeco- with personal protective sup- affected by loss of income, and announced. and corporate offices, and offers A total of 700 most vul- nomic struggles, families whose plies such as face masks and provision of protective supplies Assistant Dean for the global health learning nerable families (approximately household supporters lost their gloves. They follow a very (masks, gloves and Institute for Population Health, opportunities. 3,500 people) affected by jobs, and people with good hand hygiene practice sanitisers). Bright students of PISQ lauded for meritorious academic performance THE PENINSULA - DOHA Muhammad Hamdan of 2-G stood 2nd and Dana Fawzi from 2-B succeeded in claiming the highest position. Pakistan International School-Qatar (PISQ) organised In Class 3, Ayesha Mushtaq from 3-H secured 3rd 'High-Achievers Ceremony' ' recently to honour the position; Sarim Fazil Naqvi from 3-D came 2nd while academic achievements of its outstanding students. Fajer Sajid of 3-F stood 1st. In Class 4, 3rd overall The ceremony was graced by principal of PISQ, position was shared by Ahmed Hossam from 4-B and Nargis Raza Otho, as chief guest. The programme Farah Wajid from 4-H. Ayesha Rashid from 4-A stood commenced with oath-taking segment of elected 2nd while Maryam Ali from 4-J bagged 1st position. Head Boy, Muhammad Ikram, and Head Girl, Eiman Brilliant students of Senior Girls Wing took the stage Iftikhar. The award-giving segment started with stu- next. From Class 5, Isra Rashid succeeded in getting dents in Kindergarten Wing, who were awarded for overall 3rd position; Maheen Zahid stood 2nd while showing outstanding results and overall behaviour Javeria Sarfaraz bagged 1st position. Among overall during the academic year, 2019-2020. They included position holders of Class 6, Laiba Hina stood 1st; Dua Inaya Tehreem from Pre-KG Lily; Rania Mohsin from Amir secured 2nd position, and Syeda Maryam Rizwan Pre-KG Tulip, and Alishah Ali from Pre-KG Jasmine. came 3rd. In Class 7, Ahlam Rashid was in first position. In KG-I group, Fahad Arif from KG-I Red; M. Faizan Maimoona Luqman came 2nd while 3rd position was Faisal from KG-I Orange; Abdul Samad from KG-I secured by Sabah Imtiaz. Momina Ahmad, the shining Silver; Muhammad Ali from KG-I Purple, Maryam star of Class 8, bagged overall 1st position; Shanza Abid from KG-I Maroon; Jasim Abdul Rehman from Fatima Naqvi came 2nd while Saleha Khattak secured KG-I Lemon; Aiza Raees from KG-I Blue, and Rania 3rd position in all sections of Class 8. Abid from KG-I Green were given laudatory certifi- Position holders of Boys Wing were then awarded cates and medals. medals and certificates for their excellent performance Hania Muhammad from KG-II A; Umaima. in the examination. In Class 5, Khalilullah from 5-A el.Abbasi from KG-II B; Amna Afaf from KG-II C; secured 3rd position; Shawaiz Tahir, another brilliant Ayesha Shahid from KG-II D; Minal Khan from KG-II student of 5-A, stood 2nd while 1st position was bagged E; Mahra Akbar from KG-II F; Abiha Amjad from KG-II by Abubakar Muhammad Qureshi from 5-C. With the G, and Kaainat Ali from KG-II H were given awards percentage of 97.17, Manzoor stood 1st in all sections for their outstanding performance throughout the of Class 6; Abdul Rafay stood 2nd while Muhammad academic session. Mansoor came 3rd. From Class 1, Maha Mazhar and Zainab Abid of 1-C In Class 7, Saif Raza Naqvi from 7-D took 3rd shared the 3rd position; Amama from 1-F secured 2nd position; Abdul Hadi of 7-A stood 2nd and 1st position position and the 1st position was mutually bagged by was secured by Bilal Zada, an exceptional scholar of Muhammad Saadan Khan of 1-D and Muhammad 7-A. From Class 8, Muhammad Asjad Kamran came Yousuf Atif of 1-I. Among the overall position holders 3rd; Abdullah Ahsan stood 2nd while the top position of Class 2, Manha Fatime from 2-C came 3rd; in all sections of Class 8 was secured by Mirza Asad. 06 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA WEDNESDAY 14 OCTOBER 2020 Turkey criticises UN holds special session to mourn the late Kuwait Amir QNA — NEW YORK nations of the world, Bozkir added. played a vital role in mediating, facilitating For his part, UN Secretary-General dialogue and spreading messages of peace, ‘double standards’ The United Nations General Assembly Antonio Guterres described the late Amir tolerance and coexistence, describing him mourned the passing of the late Amir of as a distinguished statesman, a distin- as a close friend of the UN. He expressed Kuwait, H H Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al guished human being, a builder of bridges the UN’s aspiration for the continuation of by EU over Syria Jaber Al Sabah during a special session and a messenger of peace, saying he pri- the strong partnership and friendship with yesterday, in memory of his legacy in oritised cooperation and pluralism. the State of Kuwait based on the legacy of humanitarianism, diplomacy, peace- Throughout his reign, His Highness His Highness, pledging to continue sup- AFP — ANKARA making and conflict resolution. gained everyone’s appreciation and respect porting the Kuwaiti mediation efforts and You try to teach Turkey United Nations General Assembly Pres- for his outstanding leadership and com- its role in promoting peace and stability. Turkey yesterday slammed ident Volkan Bozkir praised the late Amir mitment to keeping peace. He has always Representatives of Arab and African what it called “arrogant” EU about international law as a pioneer of preventive diplomacy, due been ready to build bridges between reli- countries, the Group of Eastern European calls for Ankara to withdraw and human rights... but to his commitment to peace and conflict gions, cultures and countries in the neigh- Countries, Asian and Pacific Countries, Latin from Syria, accusing the bloc you practise double resolution through dialogue. borhood and beyond, and thanks to insight, America and the Caribbean, Western of “double standards.” standards. Are you asking During his time as Foreign Minister political wisdom and perseverance, His European Countries and the United States Foreign Minister Mevlut Turkey to withdraw from over four decades, he also had a pivotal Highness formed the preventive diplomatic hailed the contributions of the late Amir Cavusoglu rebuked his role in establishing the Gulf Cooperation line of Kuwait in the region and at the inter- Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah Swedish counterpart Ann Idlib? No, because in this Council and helped strengthen cooper- national level, Guterres added. to the international humanitarian efforts Linde who reiterated the case refugees would flock ation in the Middle East and amongst Guterres indicated that Sheikh Sabah in all countries around the world. European Union’s position to Europe. urging Turkey to withdraw from Syria. Mevlut Cavusoglu “To use the word ‘urge’ is Foreign Minister of Turkey Lebanon, Israel to arrogant and incorrect in diplomacy,” Cavusoglu snapped during a news con- ference in Ankara with Linde regards as terrorists. begin talks today standing alongside him. “The strong EU position “You try to teach Turkey remains the same. We continue REUTERS — BEIRUT five-week conflict with Israel about international law and to urge Turkey to withdraw,” in 2006, says the talks are not human rights... but you practise Linde said. Lebanon and Israel, formally a sign of peace-making with its double standards.” Since 2016, Turkey has still at war after decades of long-time enemy. Israel’s He noted the EU does not launched three military oper- conflict, launch talks today to energy minister also said urge Turkey to withdraw ations in northern Syria to drive address a long-running dispute expectations for today’s from northwest Syria out Syrian Kurdish militia over their maritime border meeting should be realistic. because, he said, “three forces deemed as “terrorists” running through potentially “We are not talking about million more refugees will by Ankara. gas-rich Mediterranean waters. negotiations for peace and nor- Lebanon President Michel Aoun meets with United Nations Special come to Turkey and then to Turkey says they are The US-mediated talks malisation, rather an attempt Coordinator for Lebanon, Jan Kubis, at the Presidential Palace in European countries.” He linked to the outlawed follow three years of intense to solve a technical, economic Baabda, Lebanon, yesterday. then asked why Sweden does Kurdistan Workers’ Party diplomacy by Washington and dispute that for 10 years has not stand up for the rights of (PKK) which has waged a were announced less than a delayed the development of off- Turkish Cypriots. bloody insurgency against the month after the United States shore natural resources,” min- which has monitored the dis- gas exploration near the dis- “Are you asking Turkey to state since 1984. stepped up pressure on political ister Yuval Steinitz tweeted. puted land boundary since puted line. That may be a minor withdraw from Idlib? No, Cavusoglu said Turkish allies of the Iran-backed Leb- Nevertheless, US Secretary Israel’s’ military withdrawal irritation for Israel, which because in this case refugees withdrawal from northern anese group Hezbollah. of State Mike Pompeo has from south Lebanon in 2000, already pumps gas from huge would flock to Europe,” Cavu- Syria would mean backing the They also come after the described the decision to go ending a 22-year occupation. offshore fields. For Lebanon, yet soglu said. PKK listed as a terror group United Arab Emirates and ahead with the talks as historic, A Lebanese security source to find commercial reserves in At a tense news conference by Ankara and its Western Bahrain agreed to establish and said Washington looked says the two sides will meet its own waters, the issue is more after talks in Ankara, Swedish allies. full relations with Israel, forward to separate talks later together in the same room in pressing. Lebanon is desperate Foreign Minister reitereted the Ankara has also deployed under US-brokered deals over disagreements on the two UNIFIL’s base in south Lebanon, for cash from foreign donors as EU’s calls for Turkey to forces in several military posts which realign some of Wash- countries’ land border. but will direct their talks it faces the worst economic withdraw troops it sent to it established in northwestern ington’s closest Middle East Today's meeting will be through a mediator. crisis since its 1975-1990 civil northestern Syria a year ago Idlib as part of a 2018 deal with allies against Iran. hosted by the United Nations Disagreement over the sea war, and its currency has against Kurdish fighters it regime ally Russia. Hezbollah, which fought a peacekeeping force UNIFIL, border had discouraged oil and collapsed. Israeli forces Rights groups fear for life of Palestinian hunger striker storm Ramallah, AFP — GAZA/REHOVOT Supreme Court not to extend his four-month detention term arrest nine Palestinian and Israeli human beyond November 26. rights groups voiced concern “The responsibility for what Palestinians yesterday over the condition of happens next lies with those who a Palestinian who began a can prevent his further deterio- QNA — OCCUPIED JERUSALEM hunger strike 79 days ago ration and even death,” the Israeli against his detention without human rights group B’Tselem, The Israeli occupation forces charge by Israel. which is monitoring the case, said stormed yesterday and last Maher Al Akhras, 49, is now in statement. “They can still stop night several cities and camps in an Israeli hospital suffering this from happening.” in the West Bank amidst the from heart pain and convulsions Ahkras’s wife said her outbreak of clashes during and has slipped occasionally into husband, too weak to leave his which nine Palestinians were a coma, his wife said. bed, was not handcuffed in the arrested, including released A resident of the city of hospital, and there were no prisoners. Jenin in the north of the Israeli- guards visible near his room. Security sources told the occupied West Bank, Akhras The Gaza-based Palestinian Palestinian news agency Wafa was taken into custody in July Center for Human Rights called that the occupation forces under an Israeli “administrative on international rights groups arrested four Palestinians from detention” order. to intervene immediately to Ramallah city in the West Bank Israel’s Shin Bet internal “save the life of Akhras before amid the outbreak of clashes. security agency said Akhras was it is too late.” No injuries were reported. detained after it received infor- There are around 5,000 The Israeli occupation mation that he was an operative Palestinians in Israeli jails, 350 forces also arrested three Pal- of the Islamic Jihad militant of them under administrative estinians from Tulkarm, group, an allegation his wife Demonstrators showing solidarity with Maher Al Akhras, 49, a Palestinian jailed by Israel, who has detention, Palestinian officials including two released pris- denied. He was moved three been on hunger strike for 79 days, protesting his detention without trial, in Gaza City, yesterday. said. Israeli officials say oners. In addition, a young weeks ago to Kaplan hospital detention without trial is some- man from Marah Rabah in the Israeli city of Rehovot, times necessary to protect the village, south of Bethlehem, as where he has been drinking according to his family. At the Taghreed said that he would his immediate release despite identities of undercover well as a released prisoner water but refusing solid food, hospital, Akhras’s wife continue the hunger strike for a decision on Monday by Israel’s operatives. from Kafr Qaddum town, east of Qalqilya, were arrested. In this context, the occu- pation forces summoned a Kuwait reports eight more virus Palestinian and erected several military checkpoints deaths; Israel toll surpasses 2,000 at the entrances to Hebron. Last night, the Israeli occu- pation forces stormed into AGENCIES — KUWAIT/TEHRAN coronavirus (COVID-19) in from the coronavirus as the Zabuba village, west of Jenin, the Sultanate reached country remains under amidst firing teargas and Kuwait Ministry of Health 107,213. lockdown for a fourth week bombs. Clashes erupted with reported yesterday 844 new The total of deaths due to quell the outbreak. The the Palestinians, but no coronavirus cases in the last to COVID-19 reached 1,053, Health Ministry reported on injuries have been reported. 24 hours, bringing the infec- while the recoveries Monday night that the tions tally up to 112,737. reached 93,557, brining the country had surpassed 2,000 Yemeni man kills In a statement, the min- recoveries up by 87.2 deaths. It reported five more istry’s spokesman Dr. percent, said the Ministry in fatalities yesterday, raising 12 in family dispute Abdullah Al Sanad said a statement carried by the the toll to 2,021. during the same period, Oman News Agency (ONA). Israel —which has con- AP — SANA'A eight deaths have been Patients who have been firmed more than 295,000 Palestinian spear-fisherman Ashraf Al Amoudi displays fish on a beach in the recorded, bringing the total isolated in hospitals due to cases — had garnered praise southern Gaza Strip. A Yemeni man killed at least number of deaths in Kuwait infections in the past 24 earlier this year for its swift a dozen people, including his to 672 cases so far. hours reached 74, bringing imposition of travel restric- wife and three children, in a Among the 844 new the total to 545, while tions to limit the pandemic’s Spearfishing in Gaza, a living family dispute in the country’s confirmed cases, there were patients in the intensive spread, but after lifting the central province of Bayda, contacts with previously care units reached 210, the first nationwide lockdown improvised under the sea security officials said. confirmed cases and others statement added in May, new cases quickly REUTERS — GAZA The father of three was under investigation for the Iran’s novel corona- increased. trying to settle a dispute with source of infection, Al virus death toll rose by 254 Prime Minister Ben- Armed with a snorkel mask and a home-made gun shaped like a trident, and his wife who was staying at her Sanad said. It added that the to 29,070, the health min- jamin Netanyahu’s gov- dressed in a green sweatshirt and jogging pants, Ashraf Al Amoudi goes hunting family’s house for three weeks patients in intensive care istry said yesterday, as the ernment imposed a second every day in the coastal waters of Gaza. He is one of scores of spear fishermen who after delivering the couple’s units have reached 143. number of confirmed cases blanket lockdown on Sep- scratch out a living close to shore in the Hamas Islamist-run territory, diving from third child, the officials said. The Kuwaiti Ministry of spiked to 508,389 in the tember 18 as the infection boats to depths of around four metres (13 ft) without oxygen to prise oysters from The man, in his 20s, Health announced earlier hardest-hit Middle Eastern rate per capita grew to one the rocks and catch grouper, sea bream and mullet. opened fire on his wife’s the recovery of 706 people country. Ministry spokes- of the highest in the world. “At the beginning it was a hobby, and when I couldn’t find work it became family, killing at least 12 people over the past 24 hours, woman Sima Sadat Lari told Israel’s infection rate is a job and a source of living,” said Amoudi, who has been a fisherman for 13 and wounding four others, bringing the total number state TV that 4,108 new gradually decreasing, and years. Now his catch nets him an average of around $14 a day. Gaza’s unem- including three policemen, of recoveries to 104,508. cases were identified in the the Cabinet is deliberating ployment rate is around 50% and tight restrictions imposed by Israelmake it dif- they said. Among the dead The Omani Ministry of past 24 hours. how and when the gov- ficult to obtain diving equipment and sometimes force the closure of Gaza’s were his wife, two children Health announced that the Israel has now recorded ernment will start to lift fishing zones. “We can repair fins, make an underwater gun, but there are and the couple’s 20-day old total of reported cases of more than 2,000 deaths restrictions. things we can’t (obtain) such as fins, suits, goggles and oxygen,” he said. infant, the officials said. WEDNESDAY 14 OCTOBER 2020 AFRICA 07 Nigeria police to stop using force against protesters

REUTERS — YENAGOA/ABUJA Protesters have continued to call for a police overhaul despite President Muhammadu Buhari Nigeria’s police agreed to stop using force against protesters who on Monday vowing “extensive police reforms”. On accuse them of brutality, the pres- Sunday authorities said SARS would be disbanded, idency said yesterday, a day after but authorities have repeatedly made similar law enforcement agents shot live fire at demonstrators in Lagos announcements in recent years with little visible where an official said two people change, demonstrators say. were killed. Demonstrators have been calling for law enforcement to halt recent years with little visible said on Twitter that such demon- the use of force against them for change, demonstrators say. strations were “prohibited”. almost a week, and marches For years, Nigerians have The governor’s spokesman demanding the end of the Special accused SARS of beating, killing did not immediately respond to a Anti-Robbery Squad police unit and extorting money from them. request for comment after dem- — known as SARS —have been A presidency statement also onstrators took the streets. met with beatings, tear gas and said Nigeria’s National Human Protests were also staged in gunfire. Rights Commission will set up a parts of Lagos on Tuesday, a day Protesters have continued to panel within a week to investigate after police in the megacity call for a police overhaul despite alleged human rights violations opened fire with live ammunition President Muhammadu Buhari on by SARS and other police units. against demonstrators. Lagos Monday vowing “extensive police Yesterday, protests also spread to Police did not comment on reforms”. On Sunday authorities the southern oil city of Port Har- whether officers fired live rounds, said SARS would be disbanded, court. Hundreds attended the but said “unscrupulous elements” Youth waving national flag in front of a crowd in support of the ongoing protest against the but authorities have repeatedly march, defying an order by Rivers among protesters had killed a unjust brutality of the Nigerian Police Force Unit named Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) made similar announcements in State Governor Nyesom Wike who bystander and a police officer. in Lagos, Nigeria, yesterday. Protest in Tunisian Sudan PM sacks provincial governor after protests AP — CAIRO Hamdok appointed civilian democracy after a popular than 4,500 people in South town after man dies governors for the country’s 18 uprising led the military to Darfur province have been dis- Sudan’s prime minister provinces. The move was seen overthrow former autocratic placed in the past week by yesterday sacked the governor at the time as a key step forward President Omar Hassan Al ongoing clashes between fac- in kiosk demolition of an eastern province, less than in Sudan’s transition to Bashir in April 2019. tions of a rebel group boy- three months after his democracy. A military-civilian gov- cotting a recent peace deal AFP — KASSERINE, TUNISIA newspapers and cigarettes was appointment, the state-run But the protesters, who ernment now rules the country, between the transitional gov- located, witnesses said. news agency reported. opposed his appointment on with elections possible in late ernment and a rebel alliance, Angry residents took to the The protesters also threw Prime Minister Abdalla tribal grounds, barred Ammar 2022. according to the UN migration streets of an impoverished stones and other objects at the Hamdok’s decision to fire Saleh from entering Kassala, so he Ammar had claimed, agency. Tunisian town yesterday after security forces, said interior Ammar, newly appointed gov- remained in the capital, without offering evidence, that The fighting between fac- a man died when authorities ministry spokesman Khaled ernor of Kassala province, came Khartoum. supporters of Al Bashir were tions of the Sudan Liberation demolished an illegal kiosk Hayouni, who did not confirm amid sporadic protests against The protests escalated in behind the protests. The prime Army-Abdel-Wahid Nour where he was sleeping. the cause of the man’s death. his appointment — protests that August, when at least five minister did not immediately erupted earlier this month in The shop in Sbeitla, in the Military and security forces at times have turned deadly. people were killed and over name a replacement for the Sharg Al Jabal area, the central province of Kasserine, were deployed “as a pre- Ammar was named gov- three dozen were wounded. Ammar. International Organization for was demolished in the early caution” to protect sensitive ernor of Kassala in July, when Sudan is on a fragile path to Elsewhere in Sudan, more Migration said. hours on the orders of local sites in the town, said defence authorities, security sources ministry spokesman Mohamed said. Zekri. Abderrazek Khachnaoui, Sbeitla, in Tunisia’s eco- Tunisia reinstates curfews the father of the shop’s owner, nomically marginalised centre, was killed in the operation, has often seen protests in the as virus cases mount according to the same sources past over lack of jobs and and his son. investment. AFP — TUNIS “I was not informed of Youths often turn to selling this decision... and agents of newspapers and bread on the Tunisia has reinstated curfews in several regions in recent days the municipality proceeded black market in order to in a bid to rein in a sharp spike in novel coronavirus cases that with the destruction without support their family’s incomes threaten to overwhelm its hospitals. checking if there was while out of work. The North African country had imposed strict lockdown someone inside,” said the Inland regions of Tunisia measures that practically smothered its first wave of cases over son, 25-year-old Oussama have higher unemployment the summer, with 50 dead from the virus. Khachnaoui. than the already dire But since it re-opened its borders in June, infections have “My father, who was only national average, which is mounted to over 1,000 cases a day, with a total of 478 dead, forcing 49 years old, died on the spot. currently at 18 percent and understaffed and poorly equipped hospitals to battle to treat the Security agents fired tear gas could top 21 percent by the influx of patients. at my family who had tried to end of the year. At least 18 members of parliament and two of their assistants approach my kiosk to save my Khachnaoui’s death came have tested positive in recent days, the legislature’s official doctor father,” he said. as Tunisia prepares to mark 10 Maher Ayadi said. In a bid to slow the rate of new cases, two- The death sparked angry years since a revolution Detonating explosives thirds of Tunisia’s governorates have reintroduced local or protests by residents who sparked when a young street province-wide night-time curfews, including Grand Tunis, made Military engineers of the UN-recognised Libyan Government of blocked roads and set fire to a vendor, Mohamed Bouazizi, set up of four regions which together are home to around a tenth of National Accord (GNA), detonate an explosive device, uncovered municipal car in Sourour dis- himself alight to protest against the population. In many of these areas, additional prevention from areas south of capital Tripoli, yesterday. trict, where the shop selling police harassment. measures have been taken, such as closing markets and banning chairs in cafes. Tunisian Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi has ruled out a return to a full lockdown but has urged people to wear Ramaphosa tries to calm racial tension over farm attacks masks in public places. 12 killed in latest attack in Ethiopia AFP — JOHANNESBURG country’s white minority that threatens social cohesion.” hatred can be ignited”. the farm attacks were racially Ramaphosa condemned the Ramaphosa pleaded against AFP — ADDIS ABABA South Africa’s President Cyril motivated. murder of the young farm attempts to use the farm vio- Ramaphosa called for calm on He instead characterised manager earlier this month in lence to mobilise communities Twelve people were killed this week in Ethiopia’s western Benis- Monday, hoping to tamp down the attacks as a sad reminder the Free State province, around along racial lines, pointing out hangul-Gumuz region, a security official said, the latest in a series rising racial tension in his that the country was still recov- 300km south of that most victims of violent of clashes there that opposition politicians describe as ethnically country following months of ering from its dark past under Johannesburg. crime in South Africa were motivated. The killings in the region’s Metekel zone began early protests by white farmers over the apartheid regime, which He said the spectacle of black and poor. Monday and were sparked by a “personal dispute” over a stolen a spike in deadly attacks. ended in 1994. white farmers storming a court “The claim that violent firearm, Gashu Dugaz, head of the region’s security bureau, told The tensions reached a new “We would be naive to to attack two black suspects crime on farms is part of an the state-affiliated Fana Broadcasting Corporate. level early last week when a assume that race relations in “opened up wounds that go orchestrated campaign by But Dessalegn Chanie, an opposition politician in the neigh- group of mainly white farmers farming communities have back many generations.” blacks to drive white farmers bouring Amhara region, said the incident was a “gruesome” attack stormed a courthouse during been harmonious since the The alleged lead instigator off their land is simply not on members of the Amhara ethnic group, the country’s second- the hearing of two black sus- advent of democracy,” Ram- of the rioters, Andre Pienaar, borne out by fact,” Ramaphosa largest. Dessalegn, a senior member of the National Movement pects accused of killing a aphosa wrote. who is in his 50s, was subse- said. of Amhara political party, said yesterday that up to 40 people 22-year-old farm manager. “Unless this is addressed in quently arrested and charged “Killings on farms are not could have died, a figure that could not be independently ver- Ramaphosa, in his weekly an open and honest manner, with terrorism on Friday. ethnic cleansing,” he added. ified. Dessalegn and other Amhara politicians and activists have newsletter to the nation, unless we are prepared to Ramaphosa said the “They are not genocidal. for weeks been sounding the alarm about what they say is a tar- rejected claims by pressure engage in dialogue, this will incident showed “just how They are acts of criminality and geted campaign by ethnic Gumuz militias against ethnic Amhara groups representing the remain a festering wound that easily the tinderbox of race must be treated as such.” and Agew living in Metekel zone.

Somali army kills nine Al Shabaab Tanzania deploys 500 firefighters against Kilimanjaro blaze militants AFP — DAR ES SALAAM spokesman Paschal Shelutete said. “We have also taken all QNA — MOGADISHU Tanzania has deployed 500 necessary precautions to ensure firefighters to fight an inferno that all visitors and their Nine leaders and members of on the slopes of Africa’s highest equipment are not affected,” he Al Qaeda-linked group Al mountain Kilimanjaro which said. Shabaab were killed in a was under control on its third The affected area is about military operation carried out day, the national parks 28 sq km so far, TANAPA by the Somali army in some authority said yesterday. director general Allan Kijazi villages in Prairie region in The fire was spotted on said in a short video posted on Lower Shabelle Governorate, Sunday afternoon at the Whona social media. southern Somalia. area, a rest centre for climbers “I hope we will completely The planned military oper- using Mandara and Horombo, contain the fire in the evening ation which took place in a two of the several routes up the or by tomorrow,” he added. village, 15km east of Prairie, mountain which rises 5,895 Hundreds of volunteers, destructed secret prison of Al metres (nearly 20,000 feet) residents and students were Shabaab. above sea level. mobilised to fight the fire. Commander of the 143rd “To a large extent, the fire The flames could be seen Unit, Captain Ahmed Hassan is now under control, especially from the nearby town of Moshi. Siyad said that the army was in vulnerable areas in which it Preliminary investigations able to liberate civilians who could easily spread,” Tan- indicate that the fire was caused were held hostage by the zania National Parks by porters accompanying People are seen as the fire spreads between Horombo camp and Mandara on Mount Kilimanjaro, movement. Authority (TANAPA) mountaineers. Tanzania, yesterday. 08 VIEWS WEDNESDAY 14 OCTOBER 2020 Qatar affirms importance of adhering to all Established in 1996 nuclear disarmament and WMD treaties CHAIRMAN DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI QNA — NEW YORK

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF The State of Qatar underlined DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI the importance of adhering to [email protected] all conventions and treaties related to nuclear disar- mament and weapons of ACTING MANAGING EDITOR mass destruction (WMD), and MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED warned against the [email protected] phenomenon of cyber attacks, expressing its aspiration for all countries to join those DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR agreements, in order to MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI contribute to achieving inter- [email protected] national peace and security and preserving future genera- tions and environmental systems from the risk of those EDITORIAL weapons. Addressing the general debate of all agenda items Ensuring unhindered education related to disarmament and international security of the REALISING the fact that a knowledge society is the First Committee of UN most powerful asset of a country, Qatar has been paying General Assembly at its 75th greater attention to the education process by providing session, Permanent Repre- Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations, Ambassador H E Sheikha Alya essential infrastructure such as school buildings, transport sentative of the State of Qatar Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani, addressing the general debate of all agenda items related to disarmament facilities, training centres, providing students with study to the United Nations Ambas- and international security of the First Committee of UN General Assembly at its 75th session. materials such as books, computers and other gadgets sador H E Sheikha Alya and most importantly providing communication infra- Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani structure available in all areas of the country. stated that the world has increase and spread of cyber the General Assembly estab- the lack of remarkable Qatar has never been satisfied with the domestic become more dependent on attacks represents a serious lishing the International, progress to evacuate the developments, but has been keen to facilitate progress modern information and challenge to the foundations Impartial and Independent Middle East region from in every field in the region and beyond. In this process, communication technology in of international relations, and Mechanism to assist in the nuclear weapons, failure to education always occupied a prime position. In the past the field of education and its complications are reflected investigation and prosecution implement the obligations few years, Qatar has been an active player in the business than ever before, in the security and stability of of persons responsible for the arising from the outcomes of arduous process of achieving Sustainable Development especially in light of the out- the international community, most serious crimes in Syria the 1995 NPT Review Con- Goals (SDGs). Goal 4 focuses on quality and affordable break of the coronavirus as the misuse of cyberspace since March 2011. ference, the steps of the 2000 education for all. Recently, Qatar National Commission (COVID-19) pandemic. has become a serious threat The Permanent Represent- Review Conference and the for Education, Culture and Science, (QNCECS) in coop- In this context, H E to states and individuals, and ative of the State of Qatar to 2010 Action Plan, as well as eration with the Doha-based Unesco GCC and Yemen Sheikha Alya Al Thani noted has become a source of con- the United Nations Ambas- the failure of the 2015 NPT office celebrated the launch of the 2020 Global Edu- the emergence of the phe- flict and disagreement. sador Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Review Conference. cation Monitoring Report. nomenon of cyber attacks on She noted that the threat Saif Al Thani pointed out that Sheikha Alya reiterated During a virtual ceremony to launch the report, Min- vital institutions and facilities, of proliferation of nuclear the State of Qatar continues to the State of Qatar’s support ister of Education and Higher Education and President and stressed that the State of weapons and weapons of develop and update national for holding the second session of QNCECS, H E Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulwahed Al Qatar had suffered from the mass destruction, including legislation related to weapons of the UN conference on Hammadi said that Qatar has paid great attention to impact of the cyber attack chemical and biological of mass destruction in line establishing a free zone of education as the main tool for achieving development when it was subjected to a weapons, continues to pose a with its obligations under the nuclear weapons and other and prosperity and has sought to overcome the cyber attack through the threat to states and peoples agreements it has joined. weapons of mass destruction obstacles that hinder its progress to ensure the pro- hacking of Qatar News and violates the human rights Ambassador Alya referred in the Middle East in 2021, vision of comprehensive education in a good envi- Agency which sparked a crisis of many societies, adding that to the framework of close expressing the State of Qatar’s ronment for citizens and residents of Qatar. that set the stage for an unjust this danger increases with the cooperation between the aspiration for the cooperation Qatar has successfully adopted and implemented and illegal blockade against possibility of terrorist groups State of Qatar and the Organi- of all countries in the region several changes in the mode of dissemination of edu- the State of Qatar more than obtaining these weapons, sation for the Prohibition of to achieve this goal, in the cation during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which three years ago. That cyber especially in areas affected by Chemical Weapons (OPCW), service of its people and in a force-closed educational institutions. The pandemic attack had dangerous reper- armed conflicts where there is as the National Committee for way that enhances interna- deprived 90 percent of children worldwide traditional in- cussions on regional and no principles of legal account- the Prohibition of Weapons, tional peace and security. class lesson. But Qatar ensured that the education process international peace and ability and accountability for in cooperation with the H E the Ambassador marched ahead uninterrupted with the introduction of dis- security, and casted a shadow the crimes and atrocities OPCW, organized during the pointed out that the spread of tance learning and blended learning. The country’s world- over regional and interna- committed. period from 4-6 February the COVID-19 pandemic class communications technology infrastructure and tional cooperation. She underlined that any 2020, at the Doha Regional demonstrated the urgent need Internet penetration made this process easier. H E underlined that the use of chemical weapons any- Center for Training on Agree- for international cooperation, The Goal 4 targets include ensuring all girls and boys where in the world and under ments Related to Weapons of especially in countries experi- complete free and quality primary education, quality early H E Sheikha Alya any circumstances poses a Mass Destruction, the interna- encing armed conflicts and childhood development, ensuring equal access for all to serious threat to the nonpro- tional training course on post-conflict societies, reiter- affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary Al Thani underlined liferation system that the medical management of ating the State of Qatar’s education, development of skills of youth, eliminating that the increase international community has chemical injuries at the scene emphasis on the importance gender disparity in education, among others. and spread of cyber worked to establish for of the event. The training wit- of responding to the UN Sec- Qatar serves as a model for other countries in decades. nessed the participation of 11 retary-General’s call for a achieving almost all these targets as the visionary lead- attacks represents Sheikha Alya pointed to experts representing states ceasefire in all around the ership of the country ensured everyone in the country a serious challenge the international community’s party to the Chemical world to fight this pandemic has access to quality education without discrimination. to the foundations of rejection and condemnation Weapons Convention, in in a way that contributes to Qatar, with its several agencies and organisations, is of the use of these deadly addition to OPCW experts and achieving international peace relentlessly working along with international entities to international relations, weapons in Syria, as con- those involved in state and security. help other countries achieve these goals, especially the and its complications firmed by various UN reports, institutions. In the conclusion of her less-privileged ones and conflict zones where thou- are reflected in the which requires accountability The Ambassador added statement, HE the Ambas- sands of children are bereft of the right to education. for the perpetrators of these that despite the positive sador affirmed the State of security and stability crimes as the use of toxic sub- results achieved in the field of Qatar’s commitment to its of the international stances as war weapons is a disarmament and its impact responsibility as a state party community. war crime and a crime against on peace, security, and sta- to international instruments humanity. bility in many regions of the in the field of disarmament D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR The Ambassador indicated world, the Middle East region and a partner in the interna- still lacks security and sta- tional efforts to achieve EMAIL: [email protected] that the international com- munitys rejection of these bility, expressing the State of international peace and heinous crimes was evident in Qatar’s grave concern about security. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 FAX: +974 4455 7758

MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 To escape its predicament, N Korea must abandon nuclear development JAPAN NEWS-YOMIURI suggests that the event was Kim Jong Un, the sanctions. However, each DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 intended to boost morale by chairman of the Workers’ country has stepped up sanc- Amid its continuing interna- creating a pomp-filled atmos- Party of Korea, said in his tions primarily because North LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 tional isolation and sluggish phere with lights and fireworks. speech that Pyongyang would Korea has repeatedly pushed economy, North Korea appar- What has attracted “continue to strengthen war ahead with nuclear tests. BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 ently aimed to boost its attention is a new type of deterrence” with the United The only way to get the national prestige by showing intercontinental ballistic States in mind, expresing his sanctions lifted is to dismantle SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 off its latest weapons. The missile believed to be capable intention to continue North nuclear weapons, related country should recognize the of putting the United States in Korea’s nuclear and missile materials and facilities in a ver- ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 current situation in which the its range. It had a longer body development. ifiable manner, and eliminate email: [email protected] very act of continuing its and a larger diameter than The UN Security Council’s the threat of ballistic missiles. nuclear development has put the ICBM that was released in sanctions resolutions have Measures against the PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 North Korea in a difficult 2018. The warhead has also banned North Korea from novel coronavirus and email: [email protected] position. become larger. nuclear and ballistic missile damage from typhoons and A large-scale military The new ICBM might have development. Maintaining other natural disasters have ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 parade commemorating the a longer range and carry mul- and reinforcing ICBMs is a further worsened the North FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] 75th anniversary of the tiple warheads. Since no test clear violation of the Security Korean economy. There is no founding of the Workers’ Party launch has been conducted, it Council resolutions. This can doubt that stricter border CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 of Korea was held in is difficult to determine the never be accepted. control with China to prevent email: [email protected] Pyongyang. The unusual performance of the missile, Kim lamented the the spread of the infectious practice of holding the military but attention should be paid shortage of supplies due to disease has made it difficult to SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 parade in the predawn hours to the growing threat it poses. the tough, prolonged procure supplies. FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar

/ThePeninsulaQatar Never in the history of public health has herd immunity been used as a strategy for /Peninsula_Qatar responding to an outbreak, it is scientifically and /ThePeninsulaNewspaper ethically problematic. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO +974 6698 6188 WEDNESDAY 14 OCTOBER 2020 OPINION 09 What the US election means for the Middle East process that entirely The Trump with whom we never had world stage. favoured the interests of the administration has war - Israel is far better off,” Though he welcomed the Israeli right. Though those Nimrod Novik, a former UAE’s overtures to Israel, efforts were met with outrage hurt the Iranian adviser to Israeli president Biden has pledged to from Palestinians, they faced economy with and prime minister Shimon “reassess” ties with Saudi mostly muted protest from Peres and a fellow at the Arabia and appears to give Arab leaders elsewhere. sanctions, but Israel Policy Forum, told greater stock to US intelli- ISHAAN THAROOR On both those fronts, a maximum pressure Today’s WorldView. “When it gence linking Crown Prince THE WASHINGTON POST Democratic victory in comes to substance, Mohammed bin Salman to November could signal a dra- has failed to curb regarding our only two major the killing of Saudi dissident For ordinary people living matic reversal. A Biden Iran’s adventurism in external challenges - the and Washington Post con- in the Middle East’s many administration would seek to its neighbourhood, need to resolve the conflict tributor Jamal Khashoggi. crisis spots - from war patch up the damage caused with the Palestinians and the Biden says he will heed con- zones in Syria, Yemen and by Trump on the nuclear deal as Trump claimed it need to restrain Iran’s gressional calls to end US Libya to dysfunctional, and cool down tensions with would, and eroded nuclear and regional ambi- assistance to the Saudi-led enfeebled states in Lebanon Iran. And it would pump the tions - we are far worse off.” war effort in Yemen (no and Iraq - it won’t matter breaks on the US’s deep the safeguards The Trump adminis- matter that these assistance much whether President embrace of Israeli Prime against an Iranian tration has hurt the Iranian operations began under the Donald Trump or his Demo- Minister Benjamin Netanyahu economy with sanctions, but Obama administration’s cratic challenger, former and its coddling of influential nuclear bomb that maximum pressure has watch). vice-president Joe Biden, is Saudi Crown Prince had been installed failed to curb Iran’s adven- “Every country whose in the White House next Mohammed bin Salman. turism in its neighbourhood, leaders have close relation- year. Both the Trump The President and his by the Obama as Trump claimed it would, ships with the current pres- On both those fronts, a administration and that allies claim that the adminis- administration. and eroded the safeguards ident are going to find them- Democratic victory in which Biden served saw the tration has achieved more in against an Iranian nuclear selves out in the cold if Biden November could signal region’s tangled conflicts the space of a few years of bomb that had been installed takes office. I think that’s and yearned for an escape. Middle East politicking than by the Obama adminis- going to be Egypt, maybe a dramatic reversal. A Neither managed to do it. what their predecessors tration. Iranian officials have Turkey, definitely Saudi Biden administration Instead, US air campaigns managed over decades. That so far laughed off the Arabia and the UAE,” said intensified, and US troops includes the recent prospect of negotiations with Kirsten Fontenrose, former would seek to patch up remain deployed across “Abraham Accords,” which delivered a series of political the Trump administration, senior director for Gulf the damage caused by numerous countries. For all saw the United Arab gifts to Netanyahu, including and all signs point to elec- affairs at the National its stated desire to disen- Emirates and Bahrain nor- recognizing Israeli sover- tions next year in Iran bol- Security Council in the Trump on the nuclear tangle itself from the Middle malize ties with Israel at a eignty over Jerusalem and the stering the country’s Trump administration, to the deal and cool down East, Washington has a hard White House ceremony. It’s Golan Heights without hard-liners. Financial Times. “A Biden time letting go. unclear if many other Arab extracting any concessions In statements and administration will seek to tensions with Iran. But Biden and Trump countries will follow suit for Palestinians still chafing speeches, Iranian officials limit their purchases of And it would pump represent two markedly dif- beyond these two tiny under military occupation. claim it doesn’t matter who weapons and we would the breaks on the ferent futures for some of the kingdoms that were never His much-ballyhooed “plan” wins the election. “US hos- probably see fewer official region’s political elites, espe- actually at war with the for peace - rejected outright tility to this nation is deeply- visits.” US’s deep embrace of cially the leadership in Israel Jewish state. But the diplo- by the Palestinians - may yet rooted and there will be no And experts claim that a Israeli Prime Minister and a clutch of oil-rich Arab matic breakthrough con- set the groundwork for Israeli shift in US basic policy - to Biden presidency will raise monarchies. They cheered firms a shifting reality in the annexation of parts of the harm the Iranian nation - no up the issue of Palestinian Benjamin Netanyahu Trump on as he went about Middle East, where a number West Bank. But Netanyahu matter whether Trump or rights more than any pre- and its coddling of upturning his predecessor of Arab powers may see it in faces heated legal and Biden are elected US pres- vious administration in a bid Barack Obama’s major their interest to make political battles at home, and ident,” Iranian Parlia- to revive the long-moribund influential Saudi Crown accomplishment in the region common cause with Israel in some Israeli experts suggest mentary Speaker prospect of a two-state Prince Mohammed bin - ceasing American partici- the face of an intransigent Trump’s close partnership Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf solution. Salman. pation in the Iran nuclear Iran and increasingly indif- with the Israeli prime min- said last month. “Should a Biden adminis- deal by reimposing sanctions ferent United States. ister has not actually served But that belies a recog- tration reverse course on and invoking a “maximum In recent polling, a Israeli interests. nition within Iran that a both fronts - restore relations pressure” campaign on the majority of Israelis said they “When it comes to Biden administration would with the Palestinians and re- regime in Tehran. And he preferred Trump over Biden appearances - i.e. US seek to revive the nuclear engage with Iran, all in close pursued a new approach to in the White House. That’s Embassy in Jerusalem or deal and, to do so, would consultations with Israel and the Israeli-Palestinian peace not surprising. Trump ‘peace’ treaty with countries have to lift some of the other US regional allies - we asphyxiating sanctions now may find ourselves in a placed on the Iranian slightly more stable Middle economy. Oil analysts predict East,” Novik said. Iran could soon start Ishaan Tharoor is a col- exporting up to 2 million umnist on the foreign desk of barrels a day should Biden The Washington Post, where replace Trump. he authors the Today’s “The majority of the WorldView newsletter and Iranian people and Iranian column. elite prefer that Biden come to power but there are differ- Experts claim that ences,” Ali Omidi, a professor a Biden presidency of political science at the Uni- versity of Isfahan, said to the will raise up the Atlantic Council, adding that issue of Palestinian there were hard-liner camps who saw political gain in rights more than escalating tensions with any previous Trump. Biden, who commands a administration in great deal of bipartisan a bid to revive the support from foreign policy long-moribund professionals in Washington, has said he will offer Iran “a prospect of a two- credible path to diplomacy”. state solution. He will probably have greater support from European allies, who have spent the past few years desperately trying to A combination picture of US President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden speaking during the first 2020 presidential slow the momentum of campaign debate, held on the campus of the Cleveland Clinic at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio on September 29. Trump’s wrecking ball on the Europe sharpens restrictions to regain grip on pandemic

PETER LACA, RUDY RUITENBERG, Fueling public resistance below the agreed threshold, numbers of visitors. the virus, broadcaster RTE NIKOS CHRYSOLORAS to harsher restrictions is the according to the latest data French President said. BLOOMBERG impression that the virus has from the European Centre for Emmanuel Macron may Chris Whitty, the UK’s lost its bite amid relatively Disease Prevention and announce additional restric- chief medical officer, said the The Czech Republic is closing low hospitalization and death Control. tions during a planned tele- British government will have schools as France, Italy, and rates. But authorities expect The Czech Republic -- the vision appearance today. All to do more and “probably in the Netherlands prepare to the number of severe cases to European country with the measures are on the table, some areas significantly widen restrictions to contain increase as more older people fastest surge in recent weeks French Citizenship Minister more” to contain the virus. surging coronavirus cases get infected. -- banned beverage con- Marlene Schiappa said in an The warning follows on the around Europe. “We need to be really sumption in public, limited interview on LCI TV, when heels of the Prime Minister’s British Prime Minister careful right now,” Mike Ryan, outdoor gatherings to six asked if a curfew in the Paris plan for a three-tier system of Fueling public Boris Johnson announced executive director of the people and closed schools, region was possible. COVID-19 alerts to simplify resistance to cafes and restaurants will be World Health Organization’s restaurants and public gath- The country has declared the imposition of lockdown closed in the worst-hit parts health emergencies program, ering areas through early maximum alert status for six measures. harsher restrictions of England from today, but his said on Monday. The rela- November. cities including Paris and In Germany, new cases is the impression top health adviser said it tionship between case Italian Prime Minister Marseille, forcing the closure climbed by 6,541 in the 24 won’t be enough. numbers and deaths “could Giuseppe Conte signed a of small businesses and trade hours through yesterday that the virus has The latest bout of harsher reconnect very, very badly decree imposing new restric- fairs. That’s in addition to morning, according to data lost its bite amid curbs comes as Germany’s and very catastrophically tions overnight, newswire limits on gatherings and from Johns Hopkins Uni- new coronavirus cases unless we’re very, very Ansa reported yesterday. The widespread requirements to versity. That’s the highest relatively low increased at the fastest pace careful.” measures include ordering wear masks that are already daily increase since April 3 hospitalization since the height of the pan- The European Union cafes and restaurants to close in place. and only slightly below peak and death rates. demic in the latest sign of how sought to provide some clarity by midnight, banning people Irish health authorities are levels of nearly 7,000. the region is struggling to to a confusing array of travel from gathering outside them considering recommending Chancellor Angela Merkel But authorities keep the disease in check. rules, with European affairs from 9pm and limiting recep- additional curbs for Dublin is preparing to meet with the expect the number Europe’s largest economy will ministers signing off on a tions for events such as wed- and districts close to the premiers of Germany’s 16 evaluate its own next steps common threshold for dings and baptisms to 30 border with Northern Ireland, states today to decide on new of severe cases to today. imposing entry restrictions on people. local media reported, as more measures such as testing in increase as more Even with countries from Tuesday. The Netherlands Prime cases were admitted to hos- nursing homes and isolating Spain to Ukraine posting Under the nonbinding Minister Mark Rutte is pitals. Some 224 patients are travellers from high-risk older people get record increases in recent plan, unfettered travel will be expected to announce stricter currently fighting the virus in areas. After meeting with big- infected. days, authorities are resisting allowed between regions with measures, with local media hospital, almost double the city mayors on Friday, she reviving national lockdown fewer than 25 new cases per reports saying that could October 1 level. warned that Germany faces a restrictions. The focus is 100,000 people for the pre- include new restrictions on In Northern Ireland, crucial moment that can instead on local measures vious 14 days, and with fewer cafes and restaurants. Rutte’s where cases have surged, determine whether it regains amid concerns about ham- than 4% of tests showing pos- cabinet will also stress that health officials are consid- or loses control of the mering economies again and itive results. None of the EU’s people should work from ering recommending a six- pandemic. sparking unrest. 27 member states is currently home if possible and limit the week lockdown to try curb 10 ASIA WEDNESDAY 14 OCTOBER 2020 Top US diplomat calls China ‘elephant in the room’

AP — NEW DELHI criticism of its human rights Deputy Secretary of State record as well as its handling A top US envoy speaking in Stephen Biegun said the of the virus. It says concern New Delhi has called China “an US was exploring ways to over its military is unfounded elephant in the room” and said empower India without and counters by saying the US Washington is keen to advance is the biggest impediment to India’s interests across the altering New Delhi’s peace in places like the South Indo-Pacific region. “strong and proud China Sea. Deputy Secretary of State tradition of strategic Biegun noted on Monday Stephen Biegun said the US was autonomy.” “Rather we that Washington has increased exploring ways to empower want to explore how to military equipment sales and India without altering what he intelligence sharing with India. called New Delhi’s “strong and empower India’s ability “But there is more that we proud tradition of strategic to defend its own can do, including strengthening autonomy.” sovereignty and India’s ability to defend itself Biegun spoke on Monday in democracy and to and by promoting interopera- New Delhi at the opening advance Indian interests, bility among our militaries,” he session of the India-US Forum said. as his three-day visit to India across the Indo-Pacific Biegun cautioned about the A man sprays newly-developed bio-decomposer solution in a field to prevent stubble burning, in kicked off. region.” rise of China in the region. New Delhi, India, yesterday. “India has a strong and “Of course, as we advance proud tradition of strategic in this direction, there is an ele- autonomy, and we respect that. along its northern border with phant in the room: China,” he Air quality worsens in India’s capital We do not seek to change India. Beijing also faces crit- said. India’s traditions,” he said. icism over its handling of the Biegun said that the part- REUTERS — NEW DELHI depression in the Bay of Bengal, Every winter, a thick “Rather we want to explore initial outbreak of the corona- nership between the four Quad but that did not happen,” blanket of smog settles over how to empower them and virus as well as its human countries is driven by “shared Air quality in India’s capital, SAFAR, India’s main envi- northern India as a combi- India’s ability to defend its own rights. interests, not binding obliga- New Delhi, deteriorated sharply ronment monitoring agency, nation of factors such as the sovereignty and democracy Pompeo, whose nation is tions, and is not intended to be yesterday as wind died down said in its daily bulletin. burning of stubble in fields, and to advance Indian locked in a trade war with an exclusive grouping.” just as the burning of crop Lower wind speeds let industrial emissions and vehicle interests, across the Indo- Beijing, had said China’s “Any country that seeks a waste in fields sent smoke deadly pollutants like PM2.5 exhaust brings a spike in Pacific region.” increasingly assertive actions free and open Indo-Pacific and billowing across the north of particles hang in the air. pollution. Biegun’s visit follows a across the region make it more is willing to take steps to ensure the country. PM2.5, particles that are less Since Oct. 1, Delhi’s average meeting last week between U.S. critical than ever for the Quad that, should be welcome to A smoggy haze settled over than 2.5 microns in diameter, AQI was more than 36 percent Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to cooperate and protect their work with us,” he said. the city, reducing visibility sig- can be carried deep into the higher than the figures for the and his counterparts from partners and people from Biegun is expected to lay the nificantly, as the Air Quality lungs, causing deadly diseases, same period a year ago, India, Japan and Australia in Chinese “exploitation, cor- groundwork for the “2+2” dia- Index (AQI) rose past 300 on a including cancer and cardiac according to datas. Tokyo, who together make up ruption and coercion.” logue during his visit to India scale of 500, indicating “very problems. Up until September, New the four Indo-Pacific nations Biegun’s New Delhi visit between Pompeo and US poor” conditions that pose a “The AQI is likely to be in Delhi and its satellite cities, known as the Quad. follows a recent flareup in mil- Defence Secretary Mark Esper risk of respiratory problems, the very poor to a poor category which last year accounted for The Quad is seen as a coun- itary tensions between China and their Indian counterparts according to the federal pol- for the next two days,” SAFAR half of the dozen most-polluted terweight to China, who critics and India over their disputed External Affairs Minister Sub- lution control board’s said, as the burning of crop cities worldwide, had enjoyed say is flexing its military muscle mountainous border in the rahmanyam Jaishankar and guidance. waste, which accounts for respite due to a strict lockdown in the South China Sea, East Ladakh region. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh “Wind speed was supposed about a quarter of air pollution to stem the spread of the novel China Sea, Taiwan Strait and China routinely denies later this month. to pick up due to a deep in winter months, picked up. coronavirus. Philippine House Australian politician sought to broker Chinese deals, inquiry hears ends leadership REUTERS — SYDNEY The former chairman of the the relationship was a mistake 2005. He is a Chinese diplomat A resume shows Du Wei spat after Duterte New South Wales (NSW) state and she wouldn’t resign who lives in Beijing and had previously worked at the An Australian politician who Parliament Asia Pacific “because I haven’t done any- been a family friend for 30 Chinese embassy in Washington budget plea was in a secret relationship with Friendship Group travelled to thing wrong”. years, Wang told the inquiry. in 1994 “lobbying the US Con- the premier of the country’s Samoa, Vanuatu, the Solomon Maguire was forced to The Chinese foreign min- gress for China’s Most Favoured AP — MANILA biggest state economy sought Islands and Papua New Guinea resign from parliament in istry has been approached for Nation” trade status. to broker deals and set up to pursue Chinese business August 2018, after an earlier comment. He later worked for the The leader of the Philippines’ government meetings for deals in 2017, the inquiry heard. corruption inquiry heard evi- Maguire had rung Du Wei foreign ministry in Beijing House of Representatives Chinese businessmen wanting He also hosted meetings dence he sought to broker in China to request she delete “overlooking US congressional announced his resignation to establish a casino and busi- with Pacific Island consuls at Sydney property deals for the messages, Wang said. “I just affairs”, according to a resume yesterday, ending a standoff nesses in the Pacific islands, a the NSW Parliament that were Chinese companies. comply with what he said.” The submitted to the Australia- with a rival speaker that has corruption inquiry was told attended by Chinese When news of Maguire’s latest inquiry is investigating China Chamber of Commerce stalled the passage of next yesterday. businessmen. involvement in the 2018 cor- whether Maguire sought to in 2004. year’s budget, including funds Daryl Maguire, offered to set On Monday, the NSW ruption inquiry was made monetise his position as a pol- Wang told the inquiry she for fighting the coronavirus up meetings with the Prime Min- Premier Gladys Berejiklian public, his business associate itician in breach of rules. and Maguire planned to share pandemic. isters of Papua New Guinea and revealed to the inquiry she had Maggie Wang was called in Email evidence to the profits from business deals, House Speaker Alan Peter Samoa for the head of a been in a secret personal rela- China by a mutual friend, Du inquiry shows Maguire first including an immigration Cayetano made the Shenzhen business association, tionship with Maguire since Wei, and told to delete phone approached Wang, an Australian scheme in which cash was announcement in a Facebook according to telephone intercepts 2015, prompting calls from the messages and emails from citizen, to work with him on offered to Australian busi- video message while legislators and messages shown in the Inde- Opposition Labor party for her Maguire, Wang told the inquiry. business deals between Australia nesses to falsify the were ratifying the election of pendent Commission Against to resign. Du Wei was Chinese vice and China on September 7, 2012, employment of Chinese his rival Representative Lord Corruption (ICAC) inquiry. Berejiklian told the media consul in Sydney from 2002 to at the suggestion of Du Wei. nationals seeking visas. Allan Velasco as speaker. Both are allies of President Rodrigo Duterte, who had brokered a power-sharing deal that went No risk from China-backed awry this week and set off the standoff. towers: Philippine military Cayetano and his allied legislators mocked Velasco’s AP — MANILA The Philippines is a treaty election on Monday as speaker ally of the United States. The by his supporters in a sports The Philippine military chief Trump administration has club outside Congress. He said said yesterday there is virtually wanted its allies to exclude he was giving way to avoid no risk that towers and Chinese companies like tele- damage to the 300-strong leg- communications equipment to communications giant Huawei islative chamber as a demo- be put up in military camps by Technologies Ltd, which Wash- cratic institution. a China-backed telecom firm ington regards as a security risk, Despite the easing of the can be used for espionage. as they upgrade to fifth-gener- impasse, Duterte called General Gilbert Gapay said ation, or 5G, technology. Cayetano and Velasco to a installing the towers and Chinese officials have meeting at the presidential equipment of Dito Telecom- accused Washington of dis- palace yesterday, mainly to munity Corp, a Philippine firm crediting and oppressing ensure the rapid passage of the in which Beijing’s China Chinese companies without budget, presidential spokesman Telecom has a 40 percent any evidence. Harry Roque said. financial stake, in camps would Dito officials have said such The military chief of staff, allow the military to better fears over possible espionage Gen. Gilbert Gapay, said the monitor its operations. are misplaced, saying the Phil- military has kept an eye on the “We don’t see any security ippine company has invested House impasse. “We were just risk, it’s very low and we find heavily on cyber security and getting prepared in case it gets it better that they are inside would never be a threat to the out of hand because some- Opposition gears up for New Zealand election because we could have unan- country’s national security. times during situations like nounced inspections. We could Dito is negotiating to set up this, many may take Judith Collins (centre left), who leads the main opposition National Party, arrives at the Grenada inspect them at midnight,” communication towers and advantage,” Gapay said. Community Centre in Wellington yesterday, ahead of the country’s general election on October 17. Gapay told reporters in a video equipment at 22 sites in a pro- news conference. posal the military will closely Dito was accepted by the scrutinize, Gapay said. The two Philippine government as the other major Philippine telecom Myanmar centenarian shrugs off coronavirus third major player in the local companies have set up towers telecom industry. The company and equipment in military REUTERS — YANGON her home in Yangon, Myan- major outbreak early on. worse and dangerous is controlled by Filipino busi- areas after hurdling the same mar’s biggest city, surrounded But the sprightly senior was situations.” nessman Dennis Uy, a sup- military review, he said. Myanmar centenarian Thein by small children. not surprised to emerge Her granddaughter, Win porter of President Rodrigo The military uses a clas- Khin not only beat the corona- “If I suffered from this virus, unscathed from COVID-19, Win Yee, said the family were Duterte, who has long com- sified communication system virus, but barely knew she had I would be lying and moaning having had, she said, no major thankful all 10 infected plained about poor Internet to link up units across the it. on the bed. But I am strong, illnesses. members were safe, but would connections and cellphone country, Gapay said, adding Thein Khin, 100, tested pos- walking around. I felt nothing.” “The situation during World take nothing for granted. services in the country. that the military has established itive for COVID-19 and was kept The elderly are among those War Two was so much worse. “We are still so scared of Critics and some law- cybersecurity units to protect in an isolation centre last month most vulnerable to the virus I heard this virus pandemic is getting infected again,” she said. makers have raised concerns its communication system. when the virus spread among that has killed more than a also dangerous across the “That’s why we don’t go any- that China may be able to spy The Philippine military, four generations of her family, million people worldwide. world. But I feel this disease is where outside... We locked our- on the Philippines through meanwhile, plans to obtain but was asymptomatic and said The risks are even higher in nothing,” she said. selves down.” Dito’s communications radars and drones from Japan, she was more worried about poorer countries with under- “Of course, I’m worried for Coronavirus cases in equipment to be installed in including some that would be her grandchildren. equipped health services, my children and grandkids. Myanmar have passed 29,000, military camps given the long- used in offshore areas to help “I felt nothing. I was eating including Myanmar, which is Death is no matter for me from just a few hundred in raging territorial disputes of the monitor Manila-claimed terri- well, showering myself and experiencing a surge in infec- because I am very old. I have August, with more than 660 Asian neighbours in the South tories in the disputed South walking as normal,” she said at tions having been spared a escaped from many deadly, deaths. China Sea. China Sea, Gapay said. WEDNESDAY 14 OCTOBER 2020 ASIA 11

Pakistan restarts Chinese FM calls US’ issuance of visas Indo-Pacific strategy for Afghan citizens INTERNEWS — ISLAMABAD

The Pakistan Embassy in a huge security risk Kabul and other consulates of Pakistan in different cities have started issuing visas for REUTERS & AP — KUALA LUMPUR China’s foreign minister Afghan nationals. also urged Southeast Asian The development comes The United States poses a “huge security after the process was sus- risk” to Asia by pushing to boost nations to remove “external pended earlier this year due engagement with the region, China’s disruption” in the disputed to the coronavirus (COVID-19) foreign minister said yesterday during pandemic. a tour of Southeast Asia, where Beijing waters. “The Embassy of Pakistan and Washington are locked in a battle in Kabul has taken urgent for influence. measures to facilitate Paki- Speaking in Malaysia, Wang Yi said US and a perceived decline in America’s stani visas for Afghan the US’ real aim is “to build an Indo- global influence to advance its own nationals. Pakistan’s Consu- Pacific Nato,” in a strategy he said foreign policy aims. lates in Jalalabad, Kandahar, harkened back to the Cold War. China’s aggressive moves to assert Herat and Mazar-e-sharif have Washington is trying to “stir up con- its territorial claims in the South China also started issuing visas to frontation among different groups and Sea, through which a third of global Afghan nationals in their blocs, and stir up geopolitical compe- shipping passes, have drawn rebuke respective jurisdictions,” the tition while maintaining the predomi- from the US and become a flashpoint for embassy said. nance and hegemony system of the US,” a region in which Southeast Asian Under the new visa Wang said at a joint news conference nations Vietnam, the Philippines, policy, long term multiple Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Hishammuddin Hussein (right) and China’s counterpart with his Malaysian counterpart, Hisham- Malaysia and Brunei all have rival claims. visas are being issued to the Wang Yi waving to media before their meeting in Kuala Lumpur, yesterday. muddin Hussein. Hishammuddin said the disputes Afghan nationals for visiting “In this sense, this strategy itself is a over the South China Sea must be Pakistan for medical huge security risk,” Wang said. resolved peacefully through regional US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo coastguard had been very active, while treatment, family matters, Wang also urged Southeast Asian dialogue. has previously said Washington wants its maritime militia were “practically business, education and other nations, which are aiming to draw up a US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo a “free and open” Asia not dominated by swarming most areas” of the Philippines’ purposes. code of conduct with China in the South has previously said Washington wants any one country. Exclusive Economic Zone. It is pertinent to inform China Sea, to remove “external dis- a “free and open” Asia not dominated by The Philippines’ top military com- During yesterday’s joint briefing, that Pakistani visa for ruption” in the disputed waters, but did any one country. By using the term mander said the US-China rivalry meant Malaysia’s Hishammuddin said China Afghanis is without any not elaborate. “Indo-Pacific,” the US also wants to the situation at sea had become “very had committed to purchase 1.7 million charges. Wang’s tone is typical of China’s propagate the idea that the region tense”. tonnes of palm oil until 2023 and pledged There are no agents and increasingly hard-line approach to dis- stretches far beyond China’s backyard General Gilbert Gapay told foreign to encourage increased shipments of applicants are not required to putes with Washington as it seeks to cap- and the tiger economies of East Asia to media in Manila that the United States sustainably produced Malaysian palm pay any amount or charges, italise on political divisions within the include the Indian Ocean. had stepped up naval patrols and China’s oil. except for the visa fee on business category. “As the visa facility has opened recently after many Afghan security forces launch counter assault on Taliban months of restrictions due to COVID-19, there is a signif- REUTERS — LASHKAR GAH bring home the remaining US comparatively rare since Feb- Jets and helicopters con- ahead of an election in three icant backlog causing large troops by Christmas. ruary when Washington agreed tinued to circle Lashkar Gah weeks, has long promised to crowds of visa applicants at Afghan security forces launched It is the first big Taliban to pull its troops out to end the through the night on Monday withdraw US forces from Embassy’s and Consulates’ a counter offensive in the south offensive since talks between longest war in US history. and yesterday, attacking the Afghanistan. The Taliban wel- window,” informed the against Taliban fighters, officials the government and the Taliban Since Sunday, insurgents Taliban’s positions. The US mil- comed his tweet last week that embassy. said yesterday, as fighting raged opened last month, and one of have seized military bases in itary did not immediately say the troops should be “home by “The Embassy seeks the for a third straight day in a the biggest since the fighters Helmand and closed in on the whether its forces or warplanes Christmas”. understanding and cooper- major insurgent offensive that committed to a ceasefire as part provincial capital, Lashkar Gah. were involved. However, the withdrawal ation of the applicants as well has overshadowed peace talks. of a deal agreed with Wash- The Helmand governor’s Around 5,100 families have agreement requires the fighters as the Afghan security author- The Taliban assault on ington in February to withdraw media office said yesterday been displaced by the fighting, to halt attacks on urban areas ities for ensuring effective Helmand Province tests the US troops. Afghan special forces, aided by the head of the refugee and before U.S. troops leave. In an management of the sub- resolve of the government at the The United States confirmed air strikes from the country’s air repatriation department, Sayed interview with NPR on Sunday, mission and collection of visa start of talks to end the 19-year on Monday it had launched air force, had managed to take Mohammad Amin, said, adding Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of applications with a view to war, and could complicate strikes against Taliban fighters back five checkpoints from that there was an urgent need Staff General Mark Milley hopefully clear the backlog in President Donald Trump’s pre- to push back the Helmand Taliban control, killing 23 of the for food and shelter. stressed that the withdrawal the coming days,” the embassy election pledge last week to assault. US air strikes have been group’s fighters. Trump, lagging in the polls was conditions-based. added. FBI to open office Singapore reports no with Cambodian police amid new local virus cases strained relations BLOOMBERG — SINGAPORE and reliance on its low-wage labor force, having been one of REUTERS — PHNOM PENH Singapore recorded no new the earliest examples of the local cases of COVID-19 for the pandemic’s disproportionate The US Federal Bureau of first time since February, as the impact on vulnerable groups. Investigation (FBI) will set up city-state rebounded from an In the rest of the country, an office at Cambodia’s outbreak in migrant worker virus cases were kept at low national police headquarters dormitories that at one stage levels through mandatory to help track down American contributed to more than a mask-wearing and other social criminals, at a time when thousand infections a day. distancing measures as the Washington is seeking to There were no cases in the economy largely re-opened in repair strained relations with community as well as in the June. a close ally of China. foreign worker dormitories, In South Korea, 102 new The office will serve to according to a statement yes- coronavirus cases were support Cambodian police in terday from the Ministry of reported as of Monday mid- efforts to arrest American fugi- Health. night, marking the first triple- tives and to fight terrorism, The city-state still saw four digit increase in six days, the police spokesman Chhay Kim new imported cases. Korea Disease Control and Pre- Khoeun said yesterday. The major milestone comes vention Agency (KDCA) said. “Before, we cooperated on a two months after the city-state Daily infections had fallen case-by-case basis and now declared dormitories where largely into the double-digit we are having an office to some 300,000 migrant range in the past two weeks, work with the objective to workers live clear of the virus, which led the government to work fast.” though some infection clusters relax some rules on social dis- In an e-mail statement to Remembering the late Thai King continued to persist after that. tancing this week. The latest Reuters, the US Embassy in Already, the outbreak daily tally was slightly up from Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida greet royalist supporters who gathered Phnom Penh declined to among the more than 54,000 97 a day before and the country outside the Grand Palace to mark the 4th year anniversary of late King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s death, comment on the FBI office but workers has forced a rethink reported one additional in Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday. said the two institutions had of Singapore’s management COVID-19 death. an established relationship. “A joint FBI-Cambodian National Police task force established to fight crimes Korean boy band BTS faces uproar in China over war comments against children, money laun- dering, and financial crime is AP — SEOUL understanding and solidarity to more than 4.5 million times, newspaper, controlled by the ministry spokesman, Zhao now operational. Our law be happier together.” according to Sina Weibo. Chinese Communist Party. Lijian, said, “What I want to say enforcement cooperation Chinese nationalists erupted in Chinese Internet users and “Many Chinese netizens The attacks reflect Beijing’s is that it should be our common makes both our countries anger at South Korean boy band state media took RM’s com- pointed out that the speech assertiveness abroad and pursuit to take history as a safer,” it said. BTS after its leader thanked ments as a slap at China, whose plays up to US netizens, but the enduring Chinese sensitivity mirror, face the future, cherish “An agreement was made Korean War veterans for their soldiers fought alongside North country played the role of about the Korean Peninsula. peace and promote friendship.” last year to create the task sacrifices. Korean forces during their aggressor in the war,” said an Asked about the contro- The ruling party uses the force, which would also The singer, who goes by RM, failed attempt to annex South article in the Global Times versy, a Chinese foreign entirely state-controlled press address organised crime, made the remark in a recorded Korea in the 1950-53 war. to whip up anger against foreign money laundering and locate acceptance speech for an award They accused RM of companies, celebrities or gov- international fugitives.” from the Korea Society for pro- ignoring the role played by ernments that take steps Beijing Ties with the US have been moting US-Korean relations. China in the war, which Chinese dislikes. frosty in recent years, with “We will always remember Communist Party propaganda Last year, Chinese state TV Cambodia’s government the history of pain that our two blames on the United States, suspended broadcasts of angered by Washington’s crit- nations shared together and the instead of North Korean leader National Basketball Association icism of the dissolution of sacrifices of countless men and Kim Il Sung’s attack on South games after the general main opposition party and women,” RM said in the speech, Korea. manager of the Houston arrest of rival politicians and which included no mention of “Before, I thought some BTS Rockets expressed support for activists. China. songs were pretty good. Now, anti-government protesters in Last week, the Pentagon “After 70 years, the world they seem to be covered in soil,” Hong Kong. Broadcasts expressed concern about the we are living in is much closer said a commenter on the resumed this week. razing of a US-funded Cam- than before. Boundaries in microblog service Sina Weibo. Online Chinese fan groups bodian navy tactical head- many aspects are getting more “Insulting China is absolutely demanded an apology from BTS quarters, which the Prime blurred,” RM said. “As members not allowed.” and called for boycotts of an A woman walks past a commercial poster showing K-pop group Minister Hun Sen said was for of the global community, we An account titled “BTS upcoming album and promo- BTS members at a shopping district in Seoul, on Monday. renovations. should build a deeper Insults China” had been viewed tional events. 12 EUROPE WEDNESDAY 14 OCTOBER 2020 Europe records over 700,000 new virus cases last week AP — GENEVA The World Health masks mandatory outdoors last week. Elsewhere in Europe, such mandates Governments across Europe are ratch- Organization noted that are in effect in many places in Poland eting up restrictions in an effort to deaths were also up 16% and hot spot cities like Paris, Brussels contain the spread of the coronavirus and Pristina, Kosovo, and are being as the continent recorded its highest in the region last week introduced in several German cities. weekly number of new infections since compared to the previous French President Emmanuel the start of the pandemic. week. Macron held a meeting yesterday with The World Health Organization his national defence council focusing said yesterday there were more than on the virus. The latest figures have 700,000 new COVID-19 cases The Czech Republic is closing all shown a rapid increase of infections reported in Europe last week, a jump schools until November 2, while Latvia especially in big cities. of 34% compared to the previous is ordering teenagers to switch to dis- In Britain, which has suffered the week, with Britain, France, Russia and tance learning for a week. deadliest outbreak in Europe, officials Spain accounting for more than half Britain unveiled a new three-tiered defended their new system as striking of new infections recorded in the system for deciding what restrictions the right balance. Under the plan region. to impose based on how severe the unveiled on Monday night, the The increasing case numbers are outbreak is in certain areas. northern city of Liverpool is in the partly the result of more testing, but Those moves reflect a new Cars line up at a drive-in COVID-19 testing station in Stuttgart, Germany, yesterday. highest-risk category. the UN health agency noted that deaths approach to containing the virus "The prime minister has to balance were also up 16% in the region last among governments wary of hurting lockdowns should be a "last resort.” ensure now that a further lockdown protecting people’s lives and the NHS week compared to the previous week. already fragile economies. German Chancellor Angela Merkel won’t be necessary, that our health (National Health Service) from the Doctors are also warning that while Even as infections surge, officials told an EU advisory body yesterday system isn’t overstrained again.” virus while also prioritising things that many new cases are currently in are eager to avoid the total lockdowns that she was watching "with great Italian Premier Giuseppe Conte matter to us as a society, like edu- younger people, who tend to have they imposed in the spring that resulted concern” the rising infection figures. ordered bans on pickup sports games cation and keeping as many people milder symptoms, the virus could again in massive job losses. Instead, they are "We must not squander now what among friends and parties in closed in employment as possible,” Commu- start spreading widely in older popu- relying on a patchwork of regional or we achieved through restrictions in spaces. Private gatherings at homes nities Secretary Robert Jenrick told lations, likely resulting in more serious targeted restrictions that have some- recent months,” Merkel said in a video with more than six people who don’t the BBC yesterday. illnesses. times caused confusion and frustration address to the European Committee of live together are also discouraged. Britain’s number of confirmed In response to the latest numbers, by those affected. the Regions. "None of us found it easy The annual Giro d’Italia was thrown COVID-19 cases has more than tripled Italy and France are restricting parties The UN health agency appeared to to impose those restrictions,” she into chaos yesterday after several top in the last three weeks, with infection and putting limits on restaurants, support the new approach, with WHO added. riders withdrew from the cycling race rates rising across all age groups and measures that Slovenia is also spokesman Tarik Jasarevic telling "Many people lost their lives, and following a series of positive tests for regions. The highest infection rates considering. reporters yesterday in Geneva that so it is all the more important that we the coronavirus. Italy made wearing are in the northeast and northwest. Spanish doctors strike as COVID-19 UK Premier to talk to Paris hospitals near saturation: cases rise; govt mulls new curbs EU chief as Brexit Health official REUTERS — BARCELONA cases as well as treating the distribute the workforce to deal AFP — PARIS sick. Medics say those centres with the crisis. Hundreds of primary care are overwhelmed. Almost 20% of doctors talks run out of time Hospitals in Paris could have doctors went on strike in the “We’re asking for help, backed the strike, Catalan up to 90 percent of intensive Spanish region of Catalonia because we cannot give people regional government spokes- AFP — BRUSSELS the end of October then it care beds packed with yesterday, calling for better the resources they need to be woman Meritxell Budo told would be procedurally difficult COVID-19 patients as soon as working conditions as corona- treated during this COVID pan- reporters, adding the regional Britain’s Prime Minister Boris for member states and the next week, the system’s chief virus cases rise. demic,” said Natalia Roses, a authorities listened to their Johnson will talk to EU chief European Parliament to warned yesterday, as France With close to 900,000 reg- doctor at a protest in Barcelona plea. Ursula von der Leyen today, as approve it this year. braces for new measures to istered cases and more than on the first of the four-day Budo said Catalonia was at both sides blame each other for But yesterday, after slow a surge in cases. 33,000 deaths, Spain has strike. the “very worrying” start of a blocking progress in post- meeting EU ministers in Lux- “It’s inevitable,” Martin become the pandemic’s hotspot The strike was called by second wave of the virus and Brexit trade talks ahead of a embourg, Barnier stressed that Hirsch, the head of the 39 hos- in Western Europe with the union Metges de Catalunya that new restrictions to reduce key EU summit. much remains to be done, and pitals in Paris and its suburbs, capital Madrid and nearby represents close to 6,000 public mobility and social interactions The pair’s call comes on the that the EU members remained told the Parisien newspaper. suburbs on lockdown since last primary care doctors. They are would be announced later this eve of Johnson’s self-imposed unified ahead of their summit. “By around October 24, week. demanding pay rises and new week. Shouting “Enough” and deadline for signs of a break- “The EU will continue to there will be a minimum of Public primary care centres hirings to compensate for the holding banners, hundreds of through in the talks, and was work for a fair deal in the 800 to 1,000 COVID-19 are the first line of defence impact of budget cuts in the last doctors - many dressed in white announced after European coming days and weeks,” he patients in intensive care, rep- against the virus as they handle decade, as well as other scrubs - protested in central ministers warned that time was tweeted. resenting 70 to 90 percent of testing and tracing potential improvements to better Barcelona. running out for a deal. In response, a UK gov- our current capacity,” he said. “The PM will speak with ernment source accused The prospect puts more Ursula von der Leyen Brussels of “using the old pressure on President tomorrow afternoon. As you’ll playbook in which they thought Emmanuel Macron, who was recall, they agreed to stay in running down the clock would widely expected to announce touch on the progress in the work against the UK.” tighter restrictions later negotiations when they spoke Arriving in Luxembourg yesterday. earlier this month,” Downing before meeting Barnier, He met with top ministers Street said. An EU official con- European ministers warned yesterday morning to evaluate firmed the call. that talks were reaching a potential measures for slowing The 27 EU leaders are to critical stage. a second wave of infections. meet in Brussels on Thursday, “We are extremely under In his last major TV the same day that Johnson has pressure, time is running out,” interview, to mark the Bastille cited as the deadline for a said Germany’s minister for Day holiday in July, Macron breakthrough. On September European affairs, Michael Roth. ordered that face masks be 7, he said “there is no sense in “That’s why we expect sub- used in all enclosed public thinking about timelines that stantial progress by our friends spaces nationwide. Since then, go beyond that point” and in the United Kingdom in key they have also become com- warned that he would pull the areas.” Roth said Europe’s three pulsory on the streets of Paris. plug on talks. main concerns were overall Media reports have spec- The EU has never recog- governance of the deal, rules ulated that new measures nised the ultimatum, but EU for a “level playing field” on could include curfews in Paris negotiator Michel Barnier has competition and, when and other cities placed on Primary healthcare workers hold signs reading in Catalan “Enough!” on the first day of a four-day previously warned that if there prompted by an aide: “Ah! Fish- maximum alert because of strike in Barcelona to demand better working conditions, in Barcelona, Spain, yesterday. is no outline of a deal before eries! Not to forget fisheries.” fast-rising COVID-19 cases that are again straining hospitals. Man in Greece on On Saturday, the number German population slightly lower as virus hits immigration of new infections rose by trial for murder 26,896 in 24 hours — a record. AP — BERLIN according to the Federal Sta- the pandemic hit Europe, and net immigration of 74,000 in “Individual responsibility of US scientist tistical Office. lasting through May — a period the year’s first half, compared is 50 percent of this. We won’t Germany’s population has The last decline was in the that accounted for a population with 167,000 a year earlier. The succeed if people don’t get AP/AFP — ATHENS, GREECE contracted slightly for the first second half of 2010. Since then, decline of 59,000. number of deaths was 112,000 serious,” a government source time in nearly a decade because the population had increased Most countries shut down higher than the number of said. Asked what he would like A 28-year-old man has gone immigration shrank as a result steadily — most sharply in the public life and many, including births, with the difference wid- to see, Hirsch called for tighter on trial in Greece for the of the coronavirus pandemic, second half of 2015, when the Germany, largely shut their ening from 105,000 a year work-from-home require- murder last year of American official data showed yesterday. influx of migrants to Europe borders. earlier. ments and new measures to scientist Suzanne Eaton, who Some 83.1 million people caused an increase of 717,000 In June, the country’s pop- The statistics office said ensure social distancing. was killed on the island of lived in Germany at the end of people. ulation grew by 4,000, still delayed registration of new “All of us — you, me, eve- Crete while attending a June, with the population The statistics office pointed much lower than the 14,000 arrivals and departures because ryone — have to reduce our conference. declining by 40,000, or 0.05%, to a sharp decline in net immi- seen a year earlier. of office shutdowns may also social contacts by 20 percent,” Eaton, 59, disappeared on July in the year’s first half, gration starting in March, when Preliminary figures showed play a part in the figures. he said. 2, 2019, near the port city of Chania. Her body was found six days later in an abandoned Cyprus scraps ‘golden passport’ underground storage site used during World War II. Relatives said Eaton had scheme over alleged abuses gone for a hike when she was AFP — NICOSIA Koushos said the scheme, attacked. The defendant, a which has generated ¤7bn man from Crete, appeared in Cyprus said yesterday it will ($8.25bn), would be brought to court yesterday in the Cretan scrap its controversial “golden an end on November 1. town of Rethymno, wearing a passports” scheme for foreign The Cypriot government bulletproof police vest. investors next month over would “fully examine its policy Eaton, from Armonk, New alleged abuses uncovered in a to encourage investment”, he York, was based in Dresden, television programme. added, after the completion of Germany, where she worked Government spokesman an investigation into the at the Max Planck Institute of Kyriakos Koushos said the scheme. Cyprus began offering Molecular Cell Biology and cabinet had agreed in an emer- citizenship in exchange for sub- Genetics. Eaton’s sister, Julie gency meeting to abolish the stantial investment as far back Broaddus Eaton, was present scheme as proposed by the as 2007, but the scheme was in court at the start of the trial. finance and interior stepped up following the Med- The accused denies vio- ministers. iterranean island’s 2013 eco- lating Eaton and claims he ran “The proposal of the two nomic crisis. The country has her over accidentally. A police Extinction Rebellion protest ministers was based on long- faced pressure from the officer who interrogated the standing weaknesses, abuse European Union to reform the Activists of environmental protest group Extinction Rebellion sit on the ground surrounded by French accused told the court he con- and exploitation of the provi- scheme over concerns it may gendarmes in a street of Paris, yesterday, as part of a week of actions by the group. fessed after six hours of sions of the investment pro- have helped organised crime questioning. gramme,” Koushos said. gangs infiltrate the bloc. WEDNESDAY 14 OCTOBER 2020 EUROPE 13

Norway to Russia rules out new provide COVID-19 curbs despite rise in vaccine to all free of charge virus cases, deaths REUTERS — OSLO

AFP — MOSCOW Russia has recorded Norway will provide a vaccine just under 23,000 against COVID-19 free of Russia reported yesterday its charge to its inhabitants when highest-ever number of daily fatalities since the one becomes available, the deaths and cases of people start of the pandemic. government said yesterday, infected with COVID-19, and this would become part of fuelling concerns that a second the country’s national vacci- wave of the pandemic is hitting directly caused by the virus nation programme. the country. leading critics to accuse Russia Norway, which is part of There were 13,868 new of under-reporting COVID-19 the European single market infections and 244 virus deaths, mortality to downplay the scale but is not a member of the the government’s coronavirus of the situation. European Union, said in crisis centre said, with both Speaking to journalists on August it would get access to People walk in the Red Square in Moscow, Russia, on Monday. figures surpassing previous Monday, President Vladimir the vaccines that the EU records set since the start of the Putin’s spokesman Dmitry obtains via deals negotiated outbreak. With the fourth- Peskov said “more advanced Russia imposed sweeping stay in power until 2036. residents to limit movements with pharmaceuticals highest infection tally in the treatment protocols” are restrictions, shutting all non- Certain measures have been until a vaccine is available for companies. world, Russia has recorded just leading to a lower death rate. essential businesses and con- reimposed in the capital mass distribution. “We want as many people under 23,000 fatalities since the Although virus cases in trolling the movements of Moscow, which accounts for In August, Russia as possible to get the offer of start of the pandemic, a much Russia have been on the rise for infected individuals using a roughly 30 percent of the coun- announced the registration of receiving a safe and effective lower figure compared to other several weeks, authorities are tracking app. Most restrictions try’s caseload. Last week, what it claimed was the world’s vaccine. This is why vacci- badly-hit countries. reluctant to again introduce were lifted in June ahead of a Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin first coronavirus vaccine, nation will be free of charge,” Officials have earlier said strict lockdown measures. vote on constitutional amend- said the city is making the “nec- named Sputnik V after the Prime Minister Erna Solberg they are only counting deaths At the start of the pandemic, ments which could see Putin essary decisions” and called on Soviet-era satellite. said in a statement. Sweden, an EU member and Norway’s neighbour, will buy more of the vaccines than Belarus opposition leader threatens nationwide strike it needs and then sell them on to Norway. AP — VILNIUS, LITHUANIA from authorities after the coun- office. Tsikhanouskaya, who protests, Belarusian authorities attempt to imitate a dialogue to “The EU has so far entered try’s disputed August 9 presi- officials claim got only 10% of cracked down brutally on pro- reduce tensions. into agreements with three The top opposition challenger dential election. the vote, and her supporters testers, with police detaining The following day author- different vaccine manufac- in the Belarusian presidential “On October 26, a national refused to recognize the results thousands and beating scores. ities ramped up their turers, and is negotiating election threatened yesterday strike of all enterprises will as valid, saying they were The government has since crackdown on protesters, dis- agreements with several other to call a nationwide strike begin, all roads will be blocked, riddled with fraud. The maintained the pressure, persing crowds with water manufacturers. Norway is unless the country’s authori- sales in state-owned stores will European Union and the United detaining hundreds of pro- cannons and stun grenades, covered by these agreements tarian president announces his collapse. You have 13 days to States have also refused to rec- testers and prosecuting top hurting dozens and detaining through resale agreements resignation, releases political fulfil three conditions. We have ognise the official results of the activists. Prominent members hundreds. with Sweden,” the government prisoners and stops his govern- 13 days to prepare, and in the vote. of the opposition’s Coordination In a statement yesterday, said in the statement yes- ment’s violent crackdown on meantime Belarusians will con- The rallies, some of which Council, which was formed to Tsikhanouskaya condemned terday. The Nordic country has protesters. tinue their peaceful and per- drew up to 200,000 people push for a transition of power, that violence. currently the lowest level of “If our demands aren’t ful- sistent protest,” the statement demanding the president’s res- have been arrested or forced to “We woke up two months new infections in Europe. Its filled by October 25, the entire said. ignation, posed the biggest chal- leave the country. ago on a regular day and went 14-day cumulative number of country will peacefully take to Belarus has been rocked by lenge yet to Lukashenko, who Lukashenko initially bristled to polling stations. We voted for COVID-19 cases per 100,000 the streets,” Sviatlana Tsikha- mass protests since August 9, has run the country for 26 years, at the suggestion of a dialogue the change. Later we took to the inhabitants was 34.3 as of yes- nouskaya said in a statement when results of a presidential relentlessly repressing the with the opposition. But on Sat- streets to get our votes back but terday, according to the issued from Vilnius, Lithuania, election reportedly handed opposition and independent urday, he visited a prison to talk got bullets, sticks, prison cages European Centre for Disease where she’s in exile after President Alexander media. to jailed activists in a move and cynical lies in return,” she Prevention and Control. leaving Belarus under pressure Lukashenko a sixth term in In the first days of the commentators interpreted as an said. There are wide disparities within the country though. Authorities are most con- Poland’s PM cerned with the situation in Poland slams EU ‘blackmail’, threatens budget veto Oslo, where current restric- tions, such as compulsory in quarantine AFP — WARSAW firmly defend Poland’s vital The European Union last the last vestiges of communism wearing of face masks in interest,” said Kaczynski, head month criticised Poland and from the justice system. public transport when social after virus Poland yesterday threatened to of the governing Law and Hungary in its first report on The “rule of law” dispute distancing cannot be main- use its veto for the EU budget Justice (PiS) party. democratic standards across has hampered lengthy negoti- tained, were extended yes- contact and the coronavirus recovery “This is how we will act the bloc, focusing in particular ations about the EU’s long-term terday for an indefinite period. fund, as part of a long-running against anyone who uses any on the issue of judicial budget and is likely to spill into Norway is also part of REUTERS — WARSAW row over criticism from extortion against us. I will independence. this week’s summit. COVAX, the global scheme for Brussels of democratic repeat it again — because I have The report said Polish legal The European Parliament the distribution of COVID-19 Poland Prime Minister standards in Poland. already said it — we are on the reforms “have increased the and several member states vaccines backed by the World Mateusz Morawiecki said “There will be a veto,” right side of history. influence of the executive and want to see funding for coun- Health Organization, joined by yesterday he had gone into Deputy Prime Minister Jaroslaw “It is those who want to take legislative powers over the tries like Poland and Hungary 171 nations including China, quarantine after coming into Kaczynski told Gazeta Polska our sovereignty and impose justice system and therefore tied to respect for democratic but shunned by the United contact with a person who Codziennie, according to an their fantasy on us who are on weakened judicial values. States and Russia. tested positive for COVID-19. extract from an interview to be their way to collapse,” he said. independence”. But the two countries The programme aims to Morawiecki’s published in full today. “We will not allow ourselves The Polish government fiercely oppose this and have offer equitable access to announcement came as “If the threats and blackmail to be terrorised with money,” insists the moves are needed to threatened to veto Europe’s COVID-19 vaccines for rich Poland reported 5,068 new are maintained, then we will he added. tackle corruption and remove coronavirus recovery plan. and poor countries alike. coronavirus cases yesterday, only the second time the tally has exceeded 5,000 in a 24-hour period since the pan- 4 militants planning attacks demic began. “I found out that on Friday killed in Chechnya: Kadyrov I had contact with a person who tested positive for AFP – MOSCOW Anti-Terrorism Committee COVID-19. As a result of that published a photo of men in and in accordance with san- Four militants allegedly camouflage and bullet-proof itary procedures I am going plotting attacks were killed vests outside a house, saying into quarantine,” Morawiecki yesterday in an operation in the that “bandits” had refused to said in a video posted on social Russian region of Chechnya, its surrender and opened fire with media. strongman leader Ramzan machine guns from inside. “I am in constant contact Kadyrov announced, while two The North Caucasus region, with my colleagues and the members of the security forces where Russian forces fought government is working nor- were also killed. two wars against separatists in mally.” Government “Four participants in illegal the 1990s and early 2000s, is spokesman Piotr Muller wrote armed groups were destroyed. under the tight control of on Twitter that Morawiecki They were planning a number Kadyrov. had come into contact with an of terrorist attacks” and had Kadyrov claimed the officer of the state protection stocks of weapons, communi- would-be attackers came from service, which provides cations equipment and ammu- abroad, saying Chechnya had security for the government. nition, Kadyrov said on his Tel- “long ago” dealt with home- It was unclear whether egram messenger channel. grown extremists. Morawiecki would participate Russia’s National Guard Kadyrov has sometimes in the European Union summit took part in the security oper- given orders at the scene during on Thursday and Friday. Anti-terror drill ation and said two of its officers such counter-terrorism oper- “The decision will be taken died and one was wounded and ations, which often end with Servicemen of the National Guard of Ukraine and members of the SBU security service hold an anti- by the sanitary inspectorate in hospital. the killing of the suspects rather terror drill in Slavyansk, eastern Ukraine, yesterday. and doctors following tests,” Russia’s National than arrests. Muller told Reuters. He added that to his knowledge Morawiecki has not been tested for COVID-19 Bulgaria plans to install US-made nuclear reactor, says PM since he had the contact on Friday. AFP — SOFIA want to build unit seven” of the with the new reactor to be oper- deal with Russia’s nuclear Resources Francis Fannon crit- Poland announced new plant, Borisov said during a visit ational in 10-15 years. company Atomstroyexport to icised Belene as outdated and restrictions on Saturday to Bulgaria plans to add a new broadcast on his official The Kozloduy nuclear build a new 2,000-megawatt serving Russia’s political curb the spread of the novel US-built reactor to its Soviet- Facebook page. power plant, in the north, cur- plant at Belene, also on the interests. coronavirus after reporting era nuclear power plant at He added that it would be rently operates only two Danube. “It creates dependency. It is record infections for a fifth Kozloduy on the Danube, Prime “a US reactor, with US nuclear 1,000-megawatt units after four The energy ministry revived based on technology that Russia successive day. Minister Boyko Borisov said fuel”. smaller ones had to be shut for the long-stalled project and refuses to use in its own The measures included yesterday. He said that the energy min- safety reasons to secure the sought binding offers earlier country,” Fannon said, recom- setting aside special shopping The Balkan country, which istry was considering building country’s EU accession in 2007. this year from several com- mending the use of US tech- hours for senior citizens and joined the EU in 2007, is almost one bigger reactor and later The plant supplies one-third panies, including Russia’s nology instead. increasing funding to care totally dependent on Russia for adding several small modular of the country’s electricity and Rosatom and China’s CNNC, The US demonstrated its homes. its energy and has been long reactors to it. the government had been keen who have expressed interest in clear interest in the region when The country of 38 million advised by both the EU and the The government will adopt to extend the two reactors’ becoming strategic investors in it dislodged China last week as has reported a total of 135,278 US to seek ways to diversify its a decree approving the project lifespan until 2027 and 2029, the project. financier for two new nuclear COVID-19 infections and 3,101 energy sources and supply at its weekly session today, while also looking into options However, during a recent reactors at Romania’s only deaths since the start of the routes. Borisov said, but added that this to build new nuclear capacity. visit to Sofia, the US Assistant nuclear power plant at pandemic in March. “This is the site where we was a long-term endeavour, In 2012, Sofia scrapped a Secretary of State for Energy Cernavoda. 14 AMERICAS WEDNESDAY 14 OCTOBER 2020 SC pick Barrett says she is not ‘hostile’ to Obamacare

REUTERS — WASHINGTON Barrett, a conservative federal appellate judge, answered questions from senators for the President Donald Trump’s Supreme Court nominee Amy first time on the second day of her Judiciary Coney Barrett said yesterday at Committee confirmation hearing. It gave her US Senate confirmation Barrett a chance to respond to Democrats who hearing she is not hostile to the Obamacare law, as Democrats have opposed her because of her potential as a have suggested, and declined justice to undermine the 2010 healthcare law. to specify whether she believes landmark rulings legalising abortion and same sex marriage committee of possible election Obamacare amid a deadly were properly decided. cases. pandemic. Barrett, a conservative Barrett declined to say Republicans have a 53-47 federal appellate judge, whether she would consider Senate majority, making Bar- answered questions from sen- stepping aside, as Democrats rett’s confirmation a virtual ators for the first time on the have requested, from an certainty. If confirmed, Barrett, second day of her Judiciary Obamacare case due to be 48, would give conservatives a Committee confirmation argued at the court a week after 6-3 Supreme Court majority. hearing. It gave Barrett a Election Day in which Trump She is Trump’s third Supreme US Supreme Court nominee Judge Amy Coney Barrett attends the second day of her confirmation chance to respond to Democrats and Republican-led states are Court appointment. hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee in Washington, DC, yesterday. who have opposed her because seeking to invalidate the law Like other Supreme Court of her potential as a justice to formally called the Affordable nominees before her, Barrett undermine the 2010 healthcare Care Act (ACA). opted to sidestep some ques- After Barrett declined to nominated her to her current widespread protests, Barrett law and its protection for Barrett noted that the new tions on some matters that answer, Feinstein told her, “So post on the Chicago-based 7th said the issue was “very, very patients with pre-existing case centres upon a different could come before the court. on something that is really a US Circuit Court of Appeals, personal for my family” conditions. legal issue than two previous Abortion rights advocates major cause with major effects Feinstein told Barrett that “the because of her seven children, Trump has asked the Senate Supreme Court rulings that have expressed concern that on over half of the population dogma lives loudly in you” — a two — adopted from Haiti — to confirm Barrett before the upheld Obamacare, which she Barrett would vote to overturn of this country — who are comment that some Repub- are Black. Barrett said she and November 3 election in which had criticized. Barrett declined the 1973 ruling called Roe v. women, after all — it’s dis- licans said represented anti- one of her daughters, Vivian, he is seeking a second term in to say how she would approach Wade that legalised abortion tressing not to get a straight religious bigotry. cried together after seeing the office. the new case, but said, “I am nationwide. Asked about that answer.” Religious conserva- Questioned by Feinstein, video. Barrett declined to say if she not hostile to the ACA.” Barrett ruling, Barrett said she would tives are hoping the Supreme Barrett declined to say whether “It’s a difficult one for us like would step aside from any also said the White House did consider the various factors Court will overturn Roe v she agreed with Scalia that the it is for Americans all over the election-related cases that not seek her assurance that she usually applied when justices Wade. 2015 Supreme Court ruling country,” Barrett said. reach the court. The Republican would vote to strike down the weigh whether to overturn a Republican committee called Obergefell v Hodges Barrett said “racism persists” president has said he expects law. precedent. chairman Lindsey Graham, legalising same marriage in the United States but declined the Supreme Court to decide the “Absolutely not. I was never “I promise to do that for any asked Barrett, a devout nationwide was wrongly to give her view on whether it is election’s outcome as he faces asked - and if I had, that would issue that comes up, abortion Catholic and a favourite of reli- decided. systemic or how it should be Democratic challenger Joe have been a short conver- or anything else. I’ll follow the gious conservatives, whether “I have no agenda and I do addressed. Biden. Barrett said no one at the sation,” Barrett said. law,” Barrett said. she could set aside her religious want to be clear that I have Barrett was nominated to a White House sought a com- The Affordable Care Act is Senator Dianne Feinstein, beliefs in making decisions as never discriminated on the basis lifetime post on the court on mitment from her on how she Democratic former President the panel’s top Democrat, a justice. of gender and I would not dis- September 26 by Trump to would rule on that or any issue. Barack Obama’s signature asked Barrett whether she “I can,” Barrett said, adding criminate on the basis of gender replace the late liberal Justice “It would be a gross vio- domestic policy achievement agreed with her mentor, the that she expected that as a preference,” Barrett said. Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The four- lation of judicial independence and has enabled millions of late conservative Justice nominee her religious faith Asked about George Floyd, day confirmation hearing is a for me to make any such com- Americans to obtain medical Antonin Scalia, that Roe v. would be “caricatured.” a Black man killed by police in key step before a full Senate vote mitment or for me to be asked coverage. Democrats have Wade can was wrongly decided During her 2017 confir- Minneapolis in May in an by the end of October on Bar- about that case,” Barrett told the blasted Trump for trying to kill and should be overturned. mation hearing after Trump incident that triggered rett’s confirmation. Suspects in Michigan kidnap plot weighed targeting Virginia governor Argentina

REUTERS — NEW YORK virus pandemic. Michigan and Virginia based on facing federal kidnapping state where voters could favor surpasses FBI Special Agent Richard the lockdown orders,” Trask charges who could be sen- either Biden or Trump, poten- Some suspects accused of trying Trask was testifying at a hearing said, basing his testimony on tenced to life in prison if tially swinging a close national 900,000 to kidnap Michigan Governor in the US District Court for the evidence from confidential convicted. election. Gretchen Whitmer also Western District of Michigan to informants, including encrypted Seven suspects associated Internal US security memos virus cases discussed whether they should decide whether five of the sus- communications from the with the Wolverine Watchmen in recent months have warned shoot her in the head and pects accused of federal kid- group. militia group face state charges that violent domestic extremists contemplated abducting napping charges should be The FBI gleaned from the in Michigan. could pose a threat to election- REUTERS — BUENOS AIRES Virginia Governor Ralph granted bail. group’s messages that one of Their arrests last week, in related targets, a concern exac- Northam as well, an FBI agent During a planning meeting the suspects had at one point the final stretches of the Nov. 3 erbated by the coronavirus pan- Argentina surpassed 900,000 testified yesterday. in Dublin, Ohio, in June, some suggested going to Whitmer’s presidential campaign, under- demic, political tensions, civil cases of coronavirus yesterday, Thirteen people including of the suspects also discussed house to “cap her,” possibly dis- scored the country’s political unrest and foreign disinfor- with strong growth of infec- at least seven tied to an armed targeting Northam, who like guised as a pizza delivery man, polarization as Trump seeks re- mation campaigns. tions in large populated centres militia were arrested last week Whitmer is a Democrat who has Trask said. election against Democratic The plotting took place after in the interior of the country and accused of plotting to enacted coronavirus restric- One suspect floated the idea challenger Joe Biden. Trump in April had tweeted after months of the virus’ being kidnap the Democratic gov- tions that they opposed, the of grabbing a pizza delivery Trask said the plotters were “Liberate Michigan!” and “Lib- concentrated in Buenos Aires ernor Whitmer, who has come agent said. person and taking his shirt in eager to carry out some action erate Virginia, and save your and its suburbs. under criticism from Repub- “At this meeting they dis- order to carry out the plan, before the election, with one great 2nd Amendment. It is The government late last lican President Donald Trump cussed possible targets, taking Trask said. suggesting they put her on trial under siege!” in reference to week tightened restrictions on and from right-wing extremists a sitting governor, specifically The defendants in Tuesday’s for treason. gun rights under the US the movement of people in 18 for her handling of the corona- issues with the governor of hearing are among six people Michigan is considered a Constitution. provinces for two weeks due to the growth of COVID-19 cases. On Monday, the Health Ministry said the death toll Cuba relaxes virus reached 24,186 and the number of infections totaled 903,730. During the previous restrictions seven 24 hours, 318 deaths and 9,524 new cases were reported. As an example of the virus’ months into pandemic spreading outside of Buenos Aires, in areas untouched by the virus in the early days of AP — HAVANA Alejandro Gil said on state tel- the pandemic, more than 90% evision yesterday night, adding of the intensive-care beds at Cuba relaxed coronavirus that Cuba’s economic situation the Centenario hospital in the restrictions on Monday in hopes is “very tense.” Gil said 250,000 city of Rosario, 300 kilometers of boosting its economy, entrepreneurs — out of the north of Buenos Aires, are allowing shops and government 600,000 that started businesses occupied by COVID-19 offices to reopen and under a loosening of controls patients, hospital staff said. welcoming locals and tourists on the economy — had to Rosario is the main ports at airports across the island suspend their licenses because hub carrying agricultural com- except in Havana. of the pandemic restrictions modities from the Pampas Face masks and social dis- while 150,000 state workers farm belt to export markets. tancing remain mandatory, were harmed. Argentina is a major global although authorities will no The island of more than 11 soybean, corn and wheat longer isolate those who have million people has reported supplier. been in contact with suspected some 6,000 coronavirus cases “Hopefully we continue as cases as the island returns to and more than 120 deaths we are, with 95 percent to 97 a semblance of normality. from COVID-19 since March, percent occupancy (of ICU The popular beach resort with the government credited A medicine student checks door to door for people with symptoms amid concerns about the spread beds) and that narrow margin town of Varadero will open to with swiftly identifying and of the coronavirus disease, in Havana, Cuba. will allow us to have a rea- foreigners starting from isolating cases and imple- sonable turn-over of beds,” tomorrow, with all tourists menting house-to-house visits. in the capital are not expected on a plan to boost the economy, international flights for the first Rosario intensive care doctor coming to Cuba facing man- María Isabel Batista, a to reopen until early including encouraging farmers time since March and reopened Juan Pendino, 62, told Reuters. datory testing and epidemio- 58-year-old artisan, said that November, while classes else- by removing barriers on their hotels and casinos. Over the last week logical monitoring while on while it has been hard to where on the island resumed production, providing incen- Panama’s Tocumen airport Argentina registered almost the island. remain at home, people must last month. tives for exports and making is one of Latin America’s most 100,000 new cases, with a The change comes after remain aware of the virus. The pandemic had frozen self-employment rules more important hubs and had been positive rate of 72.5 percent as officials acknowledged the need “Our safety depends on us,” Cuba’s critical $3bn tourism flexible to help small private operating only humanitarian of Sunday, one of the highest to reactivate an economy hit by she said. industry since March, when the entrepreneurs. flights since April and accepting levels in the world. pandemic restrictions and The pandemic has been first coronavirus cases were Cuban health authorities only connecting flights last “We are not going to have recent sanctions the US has largely controlled in most reported. Agriculture, trans- said they would closely month. The country also reo- normalcy again - neither in the imposed as President Donald Cuban provinces, with Pres- portation and remittances also monitor the spread of the coro- pened theatres, museums and short- nor medium-term - Trump seeks votes from anti- ident Miguel Díaz-Canel were hard hit, although public navirus and deal with any out- other tourist attractions, but until we have a high rate of Castro Cuban-Americans ahead announcing last week that transportation resumed breaks as they happen, but they with limited capacity. Univer- immunization of the popu- of the general election. some have not reported any Monday with limited capacity. would not reimpose blanket sities and schools remain lation, either naturally or “We have never had that new cases in several months. Overall, Cuba’s gross domestic shutdowns used after the pan- closed. Panama, a country of 3.9 through a vaccine,” Gerardo dilemma between health and However, some restrictions product is expected to fall more demic began. million people, has reported Laube, an infectious disease the economy. The first thing is are still in place in Havana, a than 8 percent. The relaxing of restrictions more than 120,000 coronavirus doctor at the Muniz Hospital in always the health of our city of 2 million people that saw Gil said in his talk on state occurred the same day as Pan- cases and more than 2,490 Buenos Aires, told local radio people,” Deputy Prime Minister an outbreak in August. Schools TV that officials are working ama’s government welcomed deaths. on Monday. WEDNESDAY 14 OCTOBER 2020 AMERICAS 15 Record voter turnout in US ahead of November 3 polls

REUTERS — NEW YORK With three weeks left ballots have been requested in until the election, the state, with more than Texans yesterday joined a wave 473,000 returned and of Americans casting ballots at Americans have accepted. In 2016, the total a record-setting pace, jamming cast more than 10 number of absentee votes was early-voting polling places fewer than 208,000. ahead of a November 3 election million early votes in “Georgia is seeing record showdown between Republican person and by mail turnout for early voting President Donald Trump and because of excitement and Democratic rival Joe Biden. across the country, enthusiasm of the upcoming Long lines of voters snaked according to data election,” said Walter Jones, a out the doors and down the spokesman for the Georgia sidewalks at polling places compiled by the US Secretary of State, adding that around big cities such as Elections Project. “long lines are to be expected.” Houston and Dallas, social The surge in early voting media videos showed. has sparked legal battles in “I’ve lived here 13 years and has many Americans seeking many states as Trump has never had a line to vote,” one to avoid Election Day crowds claimed without evidence that voter wrote on Twitter, posting amid coronavirus safety con- mail ballots lead to fraud, an a video showing a line of cerns. By way of comparison, assertion dismissed by election people curling down a as of Oct. 16, 2016, some 1.4 experts. Democrats lost chal- walkway 90 minutes before million Americans had cast lenges to voting rules in polls opened in Pearland, early votes. Georgia and Texas as the early Texas, near Houston. Both Texas and Georgia are voting began in both states. In Georgia, where early normally Republican-leaning In Georgia, a US district voting began on Monday, some but have emerged as compet- judge ruled against Democrats People wait in line to cast their ballots for the upcoming presidential election as early voting begins people waited five hours or itive states in the presidential who proposed easing long in Houston, Texas, US, yesterday. more to cast ballots in a record- race this year as Biden holds a voting lines by requiring breaking early turnout for a steady lead in national opinion changes including reallocating state that also features two polls over Trump and expands voting machines and providing dozen satellite locations in at check in voters. voting to help the president. competitive US Senate races. his campaign into new backup paper ballots. The least two populous counties At State Farm Arena, a “With everything going on Glitches with Georgia’s new territory. decision came after the hours- will remain shut down: Harris, downtown Atlanta basketball with the Post Office, we weren’t voting machines prolonged the Trump won Georgia by 5 long lines on Monday. which includes Houston, and arena used for early voting for sure our ballots could get there delays in some locations, voting percentage points in 2016 and In Texas, a federal appeals Travis, which includes Austin. the first time, there was a on time,” he said. “This feels like rights groups said, mirroring Texas by 9 points, but opinion court late on Monday rein- Early voting in both states software problem in 300 voting the safest bet.” issues that led to long delays in polls show Biden running close stated an order from Repub- progressed more slowly than in machines that delayed voting In Virginia, where early the state’s June primary. in Georgia and slightly trailing lican Governor Greg Abbott previous elections partly for almost an hour. voting has been underway for With three weeks left until Trump in Texas. that limits absentee ballot because of social distancing Rick Carter, 63, a computer three weeks, a fibre cut caused the election, Americans have In Georgia, more than drop-off sites to only one per measures necessitated by the contractor in Atlanta, brought the state’s voter registration cast more than 10 million early 128,000 people cast ballots county, regardless of popu- COVID-19 pandemic, officials a folding chair for his wife Vera system to crash on Tuesday, the votes in person and by mail during the first day of in- lation or size. said. Carter while the couple waited. last day to register to vote before across the country, according person early voting, breaking Democrats and voting In Georgia, the delays were He said they considered voting Election Day. The Virginia to data compiled by the US the previous record just shy of rights advocates argued the exacerbated by breakdowns by absentee ballot but were Department of Elections said Elections Project. 91,000 votes in 2016, according order would make it harder for including a software problem spooked by a concern the post- technicians were working to A bitter fight for the White to the secretary of state’s office. some Texans to vote. The in voting machines and glitches master general, a Trump ally, restore the service as quickly as House and control of Congress Nearly 1.6 million absentee decision means more than a with the computers used to was trying to sabotage mail-in possible. Trump asks SC to freeze lower court’s order on his tax returns US ethics groups call for REUTERS — WASHINGTON The Supreme Court already that the probe is now broader Supreme Court found he was has ruled once in the dispute, and could focus on potential not entitled. Barr’s impeachment President Donald Trump rejecting in July Trump’s bank, tax and insurance fraud, The New York-based 2nd yesterday asked the US argument that he was immune as well as falsification of US Circuit Court of Appeals REUTERS — WASHINGTON Supreme Court to freeze a from criminal probes as a sitting business records. upheld Marrero’s decision last lower court’s ruling allowing a president. The Supreme Court in its week. Two private groups focused on prosecutor in New York City to Trump’s team said a tem- July ruling against Trump said The New York Times US government ethics on enforce a subpoena seeking porary stay would allow him “a he could raise other objections reported on September 28 that Monday accused Attorney Trump’s tax returns and other fair chance to develop” his to the grand jury subpoena Trump had paid $750 in federal General William Barr of financial records for a criminal arguments against the sub- arising from Vance’s probe to income taxes in both 2016 and misusing his office to support probe into him and his busi- poena. A spokesman for Vance his longtime accounting firm, 2017, and no income taxes in 10 President Donald Trump’s nesses. declined to comment. Mazars USA, for his corporate of the prior 15 years, reflecting political goals and called on the Trump’s personal lawyers Vance’s probe, which began and personal tax returns from chronic business losses that he House of Representatives to sought to put on hold a federal more than two years ago, had 2011 to 2018. used to avoid paying taxes. begin impeachment judge’s decision that rejected focused on hush money pay- US District Judge Victor Trump has disputed the Times proceedings against him. the Republican president’s ments that the president’s Marrero in Manhattan upheld report. Trump, seeking re- The University of Pennsyl- claims that the subpoena was former lawyer and fixer Michael the subpoena on August 20, election on November 3, has vania’s Center for Ethics and overly broad and amounted to Cohen paid before the 2016 saying throwing it out would refused to make his tax returns the Rule of Law and Wash- Attorney General William Barr political harassment by Man- election to two women. effectively give the president public, unlike his six immediate ington-based Citizens for hattan District Attorney Cyrus The district attorney has immunity from Vance’s predecessors occupying the Responsibility and Ethics in investigation of the Mueller Vance, a Democrat. suggested in recent court filings criminal probe to which the White House. Washington said Barr could probe. not be trusted to represent the While Trump has long work of his department accu- bristled at the suggestion that Facebook to ban ads rately and that there were foreign interference helped his problems with the truth- 2016 upset victory, multiple discouraging people fulness of Barr’s public reviews by US intelligence statements. agencies concluded that Russia from getting vaccines Justice Department officials acted to undercut his rival did not immediately respond Hillary Clinton’s chances in that to requests for comment. election. REUTERS — NEW YORK The groups in a 267-page The authors of Monday’s research paper alleged that report called on the Demo- Facebook Inc will start banning ads that Barr’s “authoritarian worldview cratic-led House of Represent- explicitly discourage people from getting limits the degree to which... (he) atives to begin a formal vaccinated, the world’s largest social media regards himself as bound by the impeachment inquiry, the first company said yesterday, as it also announced rule of law and makes him see step toward removing him from a new flu vaccine information campaign. himself as entitled to ignore the office. Ads advocating for or against legislation laws, ethics and historical prac- The Republican-controlled or government policies around vaccines, tices” at the Justice Department. Senate earlier this year including a COVID-19 vaccine, will still be The paper highlighted acquitted Trump after a House allowed, the company said in a blog post. It several Barr actions, including impeachment proceeding will begin to enforce the new global policy in what it described as his inten- accused him of misusing his the next few days. tional mischaracterisation of office. House officials did not Facebook, with 2.7 billion monthly active not contain false claims. Facebook is working with public health former Special Counsel Robert immediately respond to a users, has been under pressure from law- This summer, Facebook Public Policy partners like the World Health Organization Mueller’s probe into Russian request for comment. A little makers and public health groups to crack Manager Jason Hirsch said the company and Unicef on messaging campaigns to interference in the 2016 more than three weeks remain down on anti-vaccine content and misinfor- believed users should be able to express per- increase immunization rates, they added. election as well as Barr’s move until the November 3 elections. mation on its platform. sonal anti-vaccine views and that more Anti-vaccine content and misinformation to assign US Attorney John Trump is seeking a second The company said that although a aggressive censorship could push people hes- about the new COVID-19 vaccines have flour- Durham to conduct his own term. COVID-19 vaccine would not be available for itant about vaccines towards the anti-vaccine ished on social media platforms including some time, the pandemic had highlighted the camp. Facebook during the coronavirus pandemic, importance of preventative health Facebook will also start directing US users researchers said earlier this year. Second COVID-19 vaccine trial behaviours. this week to information about the flu vaccine In September, the company also said it Facebook’s previous rules prohibited ads and how to get it, according to the company’s would stop recommending health-related containing vaccine misinformation or hoaxes Head of Health Kang-Xing Jin and Director Facebook groups, saying it was crucial that paused over unexplained illness identified by leading health organisations, of Product Management Rob Leathern in the people get health information from “author- but allowed ads opposing vaccines if they did blog post. itative sources.” AP — NEW BRUNSWICK tests in the US. The company declined to reveal any more A late-stage study of Johnson & details about the illness, citing Court reinstates Texas governor’s order on limiting ballot drop sites Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine the participant’s privacy. candidate has been paused Temporary stoppages of REUTERS — NEW YORK The decision means more Elections Project. President including drop boxes. while the company investigates large medical studies are rela- than a dozen satellite locations Donald Trump, a Republican, Texas is one of the few states whether a study participant’s tively common. Few are made A federal appeals court rein- in at least two counties will trails in most national polls that does not allow all residents “unexplained illness” is related public in typical drug trials, but stated an order from Republican remain shut down: Harris, which behind his Democratic chal- to vote by mail. Only voters who to the shot. the work to make a coronavirus Texas Governor Greg Abbott that includes Houston and has more lenger, former Vice President Joe are over 65, away from home The company said in a vaccine has raised the stakes on limits absentee ballot drop-off than 4 million residents, had set Biden. on Election Day, ill, disabled or statement on Monday evening these kinds of complications. sites to only one per county, up 12 locations, while Travis, Trump has repeatedly in jail are permitted to cast that illnesses, accidents and Companies are required to regardless of population or size, which includes Austin, had four. claimed without evidence that absentee ballots. other so-called adverse events investigate any serious or unex- despite opposition from Demo- Voting by mail, and early mail ballots will lead to fraud. In light of the pandemic, “are an expected part of any pected reaction that occurs crats and voting rights advo- voting in general, is surging in Experts have dismissed that Abbott signed an order this clinical study, especially large during drug testing. Given that cates. this election, as voters seek to assertion, noting that mail voting summer allowing voters to studies,” but that its physicians such tests are done on tens of The 5th US Circuit Court of avoid waiting in lines at polling is a longstanding feature of US submit absentee ballots ahead and a safety monitoring panel thousands of people, some Appeals late Monday put on hold places amid the ongoing coro- elections, which have histori- of November 3’s Election Day, a would try to determine what medical problems are a coinci- a lower court ruling that had navirus pandemic. Nationally, cally seen virtually no voter first for the state. But he subse- might have caused the illness. dence. In fact, one of the first blocked Abbott’s order from more than 10 million votes have fraud. Republicans and Demo- quently issued a second procla- The pause is at least the steps the company said it will taking effect, finding it would not already been cast, a record- crats have been engaged in a mation limiting counties to a second such hold to occur take is to determine if the person hinder Texans from exercising shattering pace, according to multistate legal battle over the single drop-off site, citing the among several vaccines that received the vaccine or a their right to vote. data compiled by the US rules governing mail-in ballots, potential for fraud. have reached large-scale final placebo. WEDNESDAY 14 OCTOBER 2020 16

Cycling paths, green areas, sculptures to adorn Doha Central Under Packages 2 and 3 of Doha Central Development and Beautification Projects, PRAYER 58km pedestrian and cycling paths and 41,000 TIMINGS square metre green area will be developed. PRAYERPRAYRRAAAY TIMINGSMING Also, 24km roads will be developed and 4,650 trees will be planted in the area. FAJR 04.14 am SUNRISE 05.32 am IRFAN BUKHARI THE PENINSULA opposite to Museum of Islamic DHUHR 11.20 am Art covering 4.78 square km, ASR 02.39 pm while Package 3 includes devel- MAGHRIB 05.10 pm Under the second and third oping area around Grand Hamad ISHA 06.40 pm packages of Doha Central Devel- Street, covering 8.24 square km. opment and Beautification The scope of work includes Projects, 58km pedestrian and development and beautification Under the second and third packages of Doha Central Development and Beautification Projects, cycling paths and 41,000 square of Doha central area and its green areas will be increased and more trees will be planted. metre green area will be neighborhoods. Several main developed in the area. roads’ development is also part importance as it contains many benches, kiosks, display screens Najada, Al Jasrah, Msheireb 4, “Ashghal continues the of the project. Ashghal said that tourist attractions such as Cor- and visual art works attracting Fareej Bin Mahmoud, Fereej implementation of Packages 2 under the projects different art- niche, Al Bidda Park, Museums visitors to socialise and enjoy Abdul Aziz and Al Doha Al & 3 of Doha Central Devel- works and sculptures will also be (Museum of the Islamic Art, the general view. Jadeeda. opment and Beautification added in the area while buildings Museum of Fine Arts and This is in addition to beauti- It is worth noting that Doha WEATHER Projects, within the works of facades’ improvement is also part National Museum of Qatar), fying the main and inner streets Central Development and Beau- TODAY Supervisory Committee of Beau- of the uplift project. shopping and entertainment to raise the aesthetic value of tification Projects are designed to tification of Roads and Public Under the second and Places in Qatar,” the Public third packages of Doha Works Authority tweeted yes- Central Development and terday sharing an infographic Beautification Projects, highlighting the scope of work. green areas will be The post says that under increased and more trees o o packages 2 and 3, 24km roads will be planted. Infra- 27 C 34 C will be developed and 4650 trees structure development and Minimum Maximum will be planted in the area that pedestrian crossings and Relatively hot daytime with covers 6 zones including 7 main bridges also included in the scattered clouds and chance of rain streets. scope of the work, Ashghal at places may be thundery at times “Packages 2 & 3 projects of tweet added. and slight dust to blowing dust. Doha Central Development and According to an earlier W ALRUWAIS : 29o → 31o Beautification Projects include statement issued by the W ALKHOR : 26o → 33o development of 6 main areas Public Works Authority, W DUKHAN : 25o → 31o between Corniche Street & Doha Central Devel- W WAKRAH : 22o → 34o A-Ring Road, to cover 7 main opment and Beautification streets, develop infrastructure, Projects are designed to W MESAIEED : 22o → 34o build plazas, pedestrian & cycle provide pedestrian- W ABUSAMRA : 22o → 33o Paths, & other works,” Ashghal friendly transportation said in another post. including footpaths and HIGH TIDE According to information crossings to encourage 02:05 – 14:32 shared by Ashghal yesterday, visitors using various packages 2 and 3 of Doha Central modes of transportation LOW TIDE 08:00 – 22:17 Development and Beautification and to promote walking by Projects include 844 streetlight connecting all lively poles, 18.6 km surface water centers in the area. centres such as Souq Waqif, streets, residential areas and vital benefit people with special needs. drainage network, 16 km foul Implementing the complete Falcon Souq and Dar Al Kutub centres, and to preserve the envi- It includes wide pedestrian sewer drainage network and 21.5 vision of development of the library among others. ronmental balance. paths in conformity with inter- Coronavirus km electricity network. area will contribute in enhancing The project also aims to These projects will benefit all national standards. It also include Ashghal in its Twitter thread the identity of Qatar’s historical develop public places and people and visitors of Qatar, connected paths that allow reinfections also wrote that package 2 of and cultural legacy, and recog- plazas in the region to create especially the residents and people with special needs to Doha Central Development & nising the natural environment attractive and lively places business stakeholders of areas move freely without support of Beautification Projects includes of Qatar. The area for imple- through provision of services covered within Doha central others, and with provision of raise immunity developing areas around menting the project is chosen and aesthetic elements including Al Hitmi, Al Rufaa, Al dedicated parking lots for people concerns National Museum of Qatar & considering its historical including retiring areas, Mirqab, Souk, Old Al Ghanim, Al with special needs.

REUTERS — LONDON

The case of a man in the Dutch ready to give United States infected twice with COVID-19 shows there is much yet to learn about back seized colonial immune responses and also raises questions over vacci- nation, scientists said art — but to whom? yesterday. The 25-year old from Reno, REUTERS — AMSTERDAM The Dutch plan to set Nevada, tested positive in April up an independent after showing mild symptoms, A cannon that once saluted a then got sick again in late May Sinhalese king and a diamond research centre with a more serious bout, looted from an Indonesian as a database for according to a case report in the sultan are among thousands of Lancet Infectious Diseases objects seized during the colonial-era art, medical journal. colonial era whose rightful including where it The report was published owners Dutch authorities are just hours after US President intent on tracking down. came from and how Donald Trump, who was But establishing who those it was obtained, and infected with COVID-19 and owners are can be complicated, hospitalised earlier this month, the national Rijksmuseum in assemble panels to said he believes he now has Water tower turned into a house Amsterdam argues. handle restitution immunity and felt “so It says at least 4,000 objects requests. powerful”. in its collections have clear ties Russian businessman Alexander Lunev sits on the window of a former water tower, which he bought Scientists said that while to the country’s colonial empire, and turned into his apartment, in the Siberian city of Tomsk. Lunev, a former radio presenter bought known incidences of reinfection which spanned some 300 years Sultanate of Bandjamasin, now the 125-year-old tower, built in 1895, from the municipality in 2012 and began to rebuild it into an appear rare — and the Nevada from the mid-17th century and part of Indonesia on the island apartment, what he is still doing, investing all his money into this project until now. man has now recovered — whose main centres of power of Borneo. cases like his were worrying. were in Southeast Asia and the Governments in both coun- Other isolated cases of rein- Caribbean. tries have changed many times fection have been reported Peru’s Machu Picchu reopens for one Japanese tourist The Rijksmuseum’s Head since then. around the world, including in of History, Valika Smeulders, “In this case, would you Asia and Europe. AFP — LIMA The Japanese boxing Machu Picchu is the most welcomed plans by the gov- return it to the country? Or “It is becoming increasingly instructor, identified by local enduring legacy of the Inca ernment to right what an inde- would you return it to the clear that reinfections are pos- Peru’s best-known tourist site media as a 26-year-old from empire that ruled a large swathe pendent commission this descendants of the Sultan,” she sible, but we can’t yet know how Machu Picchu has opened after Nara, has been stuck in Peru of western South America for 100 month called the “historical said. “And who would you do common this will be,” said months of coronavirus closure, since March, when he bought a years before the Spanish con- wrong” of continuing to keep the talking with?” The blue and Simon Clarke, a microbiology but for just a single visitor — a ticket for the tourist site just days quest in the 16th century. valued objects taken by force gold Canon of Kandy, mean- expert at Britain’s Reading Japanese man stranded in the before the country declared a The ruins of the Inca set- during that era. while, was seized in 1765 by University. country by the pandemic. health emergency. tlement were rediscovered in “The museum is really soldiers of the Dutch East “If people can be reinfected “The first person on Earth He told a Peruvian news- 1911 by the American explorer bringing in new knowledge, Company and displayed in the easily, it could also have impli- who went to Machu Picchu since paper he had only planned to Hiram Bingham, and in 1983, new voices, new expertise, new Prince of Orange’s cabinet of cations for vaccination pro- the lockdown is meeeeeee,” Jesse spend three days in the area, but Unesco declared Machu Picchu ways of dealing with the past rareties. grammes as well as our under- Katayama posted on his with flights cancelled and a World Heritage Site. and looking at these objects... It will go back to Sri Lanka standing of when and how the Instagram account alongside pic- movement limited by the virus, It was originally scheduled We’re trying to bring down the next year, but initially just as pandemic will end.” tures of himself at the deserted he found himself stuck there for to reopen to visitors in July, but walls of the museum,” she said. part of a seminar with historians The Nevada patient’s site. months. that has now been pushed back The Dutch plan to set up an and art experts who will debate doctors said sophisticated “This is truly amazing! Thank Eventually, his plight reached to November. independent research centre its provenance, along with testing showed that the virus you,” he added in a video posted the local tourism authority, Just 675 tourists a day will be as a database for colonial-era dozens of other objects. strains associated with each on the Facebook pages of the which agreed to give him special allowed in, 30 percent of the art, including where it came The Dutch moves to return bout of infection were geneti- local tourism authority in Cusco, permission to visit the Inca city, number allowed before the pan- from and how it was obtained, seized art are running in par- cally different. where the famed site is located. reopening the site just for him. demic, with visitors expected to and assemble panels to handle allel with similar initiatives in “These findings reinforce Katayama spoke against the “I thought that I wouldn’t be maintain social distancing. restitution requests. France and Germany, and the point that we still do not backdrop of the majestic moun- able to go, but thanks to all of you Since it first opened to And that, says Smeulders, broadly follow the 1998 Wash- know enough about the taintop dotted with ancient ruins who pleaded with the mayor and tourists in 1948, it has been closed is where difficulties may arise. ington Principles that began the immune response to this that once attracted thousands of the government, I was given this just once before, for two months The 36-carat diamond, for process of returning art looted infection,” said Paul Hunter, a tourists a day but has been closed super special opportunity,” he in 2010 when a flood destroyed instance, was looted in 1875 by by the Nazis during World War professor in medicine at Brit- since March because of the wrote in Japanese on his the railway tracks connecting it Dutch troops from of the Two to Jewish heirs. ain’s University of East Anglia. coronavirus. Instagram account. to Cusco.