‘COVID-19 Private 'Ridiculous' cold Sector Global sparks French Facility’ will help Open revolt as recovery of Wawrinka businesses: QC downs Murray

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MONDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2020 11 SAFAR - 1442 VOLUME 25 NUMBER 8394 www.thepeninsula.qa 2 RIYALS Enjoy Ooredoo’s fast 5G network Amir receives Qatar Airways credentials of seven revenue rises new Ambassadors to QR51.1bn

QNA — DOHA of the Republic of Kaza- in 2019-20 khstan, H E Arman Isa- Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin galiyev; and Ambassador of THE PENINSULA — DOHA Hamad Al Thani received at the the Republic of Greece, H E Amiri Diwan office yesterday Eleni Michalopoulou. Qatar Airways Group’s overall revenue the credentials of seven new The Amir welcomed the and other operating income has increased ambassadors to the State of new ambassadors, wishing to QR51.1bn in 2019-20, showing a rise of Qatar. them success in their missions, 6.4 percent compared to last year. H H the Amir received the and further development and The award-winning airline carried credentials of Ambassador of growth in the relations 32.4 million passengers in fiscal year the Federal Republic of between the State of Qatar and 2020, an increase of 9.8 percent over Germany, H E Dr. Claudius Fis- their countries For their part, last financial year, according to its chbach; Ambassador of the Their Excellencies the Ambas- Annual Report for 2019-20, which was Kingdom of the Netherlands, sadors conveyed to H H the released yesterday. Its passenger revenue H E Marjan Kamstra; Ambas- Amir greetings of their coun- grew by 8.9 percent with capacity sador of the People’s Republic tries’ leaders and wishes of (Available seat Kilometers) growth of 3.2 of Bangladesh, H E Md. Jashim further progress and prosperity percent. Uddin; Ambassador of to the Qatari people. The annual report highlights the airline Malaysia, H E Zamshari Sha- Their Excellencies the group’s resilience in the face of the con- haran; Ambassador of the Ambassadors were accorded tinued illegal airspace blockade against Republic of Austria, H E Karin earlier official reception cere- Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani with the Ambassador of the Federal Republic Qatar and the most challenging period in Fichtinger-Grohe; Ambassador monies at the Amiri Diwan. of Germany, H E Dr. Claudius Fischbach, at the Amiri Diwan yesterday. See also P2 global aviation’s history. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, H E Akbar Al Baker, said: “Despite the momentous challenges our Group has faced in 2019-20, Qatar Airways Group Kuwait Amir has great stature in continues to remain resilient, reporting strong underlying fundamentals. If not for the exceptional circumstances of fiscal year 2020, our results would have been better than the year before. heart of every Qatari citizen: FM “During the fiscal year 2020, the Group’s revenue increased to QR51.1bn, QNA — DOHA rationality and calm. The Minister of seat capacity increased by 3.2 percent, We believe that the honour Foreign Affairs indicated that the State freight tonnes handled increased by 2.8 The Deputy Prime Minister and of Kuwait has a great and prominent percent and passenger traffic at Hamad Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh (Legion of Merit, Degree Chief position among nations thanks to its International Airport increased by 8.6 Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Commander) is deserved and helping hands that extend to all coun- percent. Thani said that the Amir of the State tries of the world. He said that Kuwait Qatar Airways invested QR16.8bn in of Kuwait H H Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad a culmination of a series of is a pioneering country in establishing fleet and other assets during the year and Al Jaber Al Sabah has a great stature accomplishments after His development work by establishing the had a cash balance of QR7.3bn at year- in the heart of every Qatari citizen. Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic end,” H E Al Baker added. In remarks to Kuwait TV’s program Highness was named 'Leader Development in 1961, adding that Qatar Airways is familiar with facing ‘What’s Next’, the Foreign Minister con- of Humanitarian Action' in Kuwait extended its projects and gifts exceptional challenges; however, 2019-20 gratulated the Amir of the State of 2014.” to all countries of the world. has been one of the most difficult years in Kuwait on his honouring the Legion of H E the Foreign Minister pointed the airline’s history, said the airline in a Merit, Degree Chief Commander, con- out that during its membership in the press release. gratulating the Kuwaiti, Qatari, and Gulf H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Security Council in 2018-2019, Kuwait The combination of the ongoing people on this honour.H E the Foreign Abdulrahman Al Thani made constructive and positive con- illegal air space blockade against Qatar, Minister said that the Amir of the State tributions and defended human rights the liquidation of Air Italy by the majority of Kuwait is the dean of Arab diplomacy and issues that alleviate the suffering shareholder, changes to accounting policy and the leader of its path, adding that of Arab and international peoples, and and reporting standards and the this honour gained more prestige after played a constructive role in pre- COVID-19 pandemic crisis has resulted being associated with His Highness. serving global peace and security. in the Qatar Airways Group reporting a H E added: “We believe that the As a Qatari citizen and not only the net loss of QR7bn for the year 2019-20. honour is deserved and a culmination Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State Excluding these exceptional items, the of a series of accomplishments after I congratulate people of Kuwait, Qatar and GCC on the occasion of of Qatar, the Amir of Kuwait has a very Group’s results at both operating and net His Highness was named Leader of honouring the dean of Arab diplomacy, Amir of the sisterly State of great and prestigious position in the levels would have been better than that Humanitarian Action in 2014.” Kuwait, H H Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah with the Legion heart of every Qatari citizen, especially reported in the year before clearly dem- H E Sheikh Mohammed bin of Merit, Degree Chief Commander. May Allah protect his health and after His Highness, at the beginning of onstrating the Group’s improving Abdulrahman Al Thani pointed out wellness and make him an asset for the Gulf people. the Gulf crisis in 2017, travelled from performance. that H H the Amir of Kuwait is known one country to another trying to heal “Significant progress has been for the rational policy with which he the rift and his commitment to these achieved in the three-year transformation managed the Kuwaiti foreign policy efforts continued until today to mend plan, which began pre-COVID-19 and will and then ruled in Kuwait, adding that the rift and return the cohesion to the position the Group’s operations and prac- the quiet and rational policy, unfor- currency in the world. H E said that Jaber Al Sabah and the State of Kuwait Gulf, H E the Foreign Minister said. tices to meet the current challenges,” he tunately, is today considered a rare that H H Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al are a beacon shining with this `P2 said. `P2 PHCC to launch new website 4,300 abandoned vehicles removed in 3 months with advanced digital services SANAULLAH ATAULLAH in July 2020 were given by the Municipality,” Head of General Wakra Municipality, after QNA — DOHA Strategy by focusing on popu- THE PENINSULA members of the committee at Monitoring Section of Al Wakra removing abandoned vehicles lation health and integrated the campaign at Al Wakra Municipality, Ali Nasser Al from there, it will move to Al The Primary Health Care care, therefore the PHCC’s The Joint Committee for yesterday. Kuwari told media persons at Wakra Central, North, South, Al Corporation (PHCC) has website will keep pace with the Removing Abandoned Vehicles “The campaign targeted to the campaign. Mashaf, Al Wukair and other announced the launch of its great and rapid progress in the at the Ministry of Municipality remove all abandoned vehicles He said that the campaign parts of the Municipality. new website soon as part of the field of primary health care in and Environment (MME) from across Al Wakra began from Al Jabal area of Al “All abandoned vehicles plan to develop and digitise its the State of Qatar and to yesterday launched a campaign ranging from 800 to 900 have services provided to the public. enhance effective communi- to remove abandoned vehicles been marked. Now the oper- In addition it will provide cation mechanisms with the from a number of places across ation started to remove them easy access to information and public and the optimal use of Al Wakra Municipality. in coordination with the com- data related to the health care information technology in The inspectors marked 900 mittee,” said Al Kuwari. system. The PHCC stated that health support. abandoned vehicles at Al Wakra He said that about 50 the launch of the new website The new website will Municipality. After giving a grace percent owners removed their comes in implementation of the provide quick and easy access period to owners, a week long vehicles before the beginning State’s directives to digitise to the latest information about campaign began yesterday to of the campaign and the services, as the Corporation has the PHCC’s services, health remove the abandoned vehicles. vehicles of those owners who worked to develop and update centres, doctors’ data, activities, The committee removed failed to remove their cars in the online content to reflect and events, as well as strength- about 4,300 abandoned the given time will be removed Qatar’s ambitious vision towards ening the identity of the Corpo- vehicles during past three without delays. Deputy Director primary health care, highlight ration and using it as a platform months and a total of 8,300 of Cleanliness Department, and the efforts made to improve the for public health awareness for abandoned vehicles were a member of the Joint Com- health system in the country and all segments of society. PHCC removed this year from dif- mittee, Mohamad Faraj Al provide most of the services took into account the highest ferent municipalities under dif- Kubaisi said that this campaign online. and best digital standards in ferent campaigns. The members of the Joint Committee for Removing Abandoned will last for a week in Al Wakra The new website also sup- developing the site’s mechanism The details about the sixth Vehicles during the campaign which began yesterday in Al Wakra. until the removal of all marked ports the National Health and content. campaign which was launched PIC: SALIM MATRAMKOT/THE PENINSULA abandoned vehicles. `P2 02 HOME MONDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2020 Amir receives credentials of seven new Ambassadors

Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani receiving the credentials of Ambassador of the Republic of Greece, H E Eleni Michalopoulou, at the Amiri Diwan yesterday. RIGHT: H H the Amir receiving the credentials of Ambassador of Malaysia, H E Zamshari Shaharan, at the Amiri Diwan.

Thousands of elders benefit from HMC’s telemedicine services OFFICIAL NEWS

FAZEENA SALEEM in Qatar,” said Dr. Chandran. Amir congratulates THE PENINSULA There are periods when patients “We have a group of multi-disci- President of with dementia and their caregivers plinary professionals, including psychol- Turkmenistan The changes made to the care of the need help and support. Not being ogists, geriatrician, geriatric psychiatrists elderly due to the COVID-19 pandemic and trained specialised nurses, who are have been immensely successful, as able to access the healthcare always ready to take the call. We get to DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim thousands have accessed tele-consul- increases the burden, therefore understand what the problem is and how bin Hamad Al Thani, Deputy Amir tations, virtual clinics and helplines having the helpline at this time is a to help them,” he added. H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad offered by the Hamad Medical Corpo- huge blessing in Qatar. While virtual consultation has Al Thani, and Prime Minister and ration (HMC). become increasingly important, there Minister of Interior H E Sheikh Kha- The new services were launched to are times when a physical consultation lid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al discourage the elderly from visiting hos- Dr. Mani Chandran is essential and Home Health Care Thani sent yesterday cables of pitals unless it is very necessary because Senior Consultant Geriatric service teams from HMC and Primary congratulations to President of they are at a higher risk and more vul- Psychiatrist, HMC Health Care Corporation continue to the Republic of Turkmenistan H nerable to COVID-19, said Dr. Mani make house calls in urgent cases. E Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow Chandran, Senior Consultant Geriatric A specialised Elderly Day Care Unit on the anniversary of his coun- Psychiatrist at HMC. goes,” said Dr. Chandran. national helpline which is connected to has recently been established in try’s Independence Day. — QNA Speaking to media on the sidelines According to Dr. Chandran the the geriatric helpline is staffed by Rumailah Hospital, designed to provide of an Alzheimer’s awareness event National Alzheimer’s and Memory members from the Geriatric and Long- non-life-threatening or emergency care Qatar strongly recently, he said under the leadership of Services Helpline (RAHA) has received term Care Department, the team proac- in a more age-friendly environment condemns attack Dr. Hanadi Al Hamad — National Lead more than 800 calls, since its launch on tively calls those aged 60 years and where the teams can abide by safety reg- for the Healthy Aging and Focal Lead for June 15. above to offer advice and support on ulation concerning distancing. in Nigeria Global Dementia Observatory of WHO The helpline, which supports the how to stay safe during this period. “The Elderly Day Care Unit delivers — the landscape of the elderly care in elderly and their caregivers and provides “In time of COVID-19, such patients important yet routine medical interven- DOHA: The State of Qatar has Qatar has completely changed during information about conditions like Alzhe- with dementia and caregivers are going tions in order to manage them before expressed its strong condemna- the pandemic. imer’s, dementia and memory concerns through quite a difficult time related to they become acute. tion and denunciation of the armed “We have embraced telehealth. Our receives around 40 calls on certain days. the condition and there are periods "The added benefit of this service is attack that targeted the convoy department was the first in HMC to RAHA (40262222), the National where they need help and support. Not to reduce the risk or need of an elderly of the governor of Borno State launch the virtual clinics. We have the Alzheimer’s and Memory Services Hel- being able to access the healthcare person having to visit the Emergency in northeastern Nigeria, which tele-consultations and virtual clinic pline, is available from Sunday to increases the burden, therefore having Department if they do not need to,” said led to deaths and injuries. In a which is where our regular clinic work Thursday, 8am to 3pm. While, the 16000 the helpline at this time is a huge blessing Dr. Chandran. statement issued yesterday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reit- erated the State of Qatar’s firm Kuwait Amir stance on rejecting violence and Qatar Airways revenue rises to QR51.1bn terrorism regardless of motives and has great causes. The statement expressed the State of Qatar’s condolences FROM PAGE 1 stature in heart reality, displaying the experience in carrying pas- globe,” he added. to the families of victims and to the Throughout the pandemic tenacity, versatility and com- sengers safely and reliably Qatar Airways operations government and people of Nigeria, of every Qatari Qatar Airways’ network has mitment to excellence so and uniquely positioned the are not dependent on any spe- wishing the wounded a speedy never fallen below 30 desti- often associated with every- airline to effectively rebuild cific aircraft type. The airline’s recovery. — QNA citizen: FM nations with continuous thing we do,” he said. “These its network. The carrier has variety of modern fuel-effi- services to five continents. efforts are why we have stringently implemented the cient aircraft has meant it can Qatar condemns FROM PAGE 1 Since then the airline has become the largest interna- most advanced safety and continue flying by offering the rebuilt its network to more tional airline and air freight hygiene measures on board right capacity in each market. attack on army He affirmed that the State than 650 weekly flights to carrier since the onset of the its aircraft and in Hamad Due to COVID-19’s impact on station in Lebanon of Qatar, the government and over 90 destinations across pandemic, taking over 2 International Airport. travel demand, the airline has people, appreciate the efforts six continents offering pas- million people home safely “I have every confidence taken the decision to ground DOHA: The State of Qatar of H H the Amir of Kuwait and sengers more flexible travel and reliably and carrying over that the Qatar Airways Group its fleet of Airbus A380s as it expressed yesterday its strong appreciates the efforts of the options via the Best Airport 250,000 tonnes of medical will emerge stronger from this is not commercially or envi- condemnation and denunciation State of Kuwait not only in in the Middle East to more and aid supplies to impacted difficult period and continue ronmentally justifiable to of the attack on one of the army contributing to solving the Gulf destinations than any other regions,” he added. to innovate and set the operate such a large aircraft stations in north of Lebanon, kill- crisis, but also in other crises, airline. According to the latest standards that our compet- in the current market. The air- ing two soldiers. In a statement, and the humanitarian contri- “I am extremely proud of IATA data, Qatar Airways has itors can only hope to line’s fleet of 49 Airbus A350 the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reit- butions it makes, whether in the teams, departments and become the largest interna- emulate. We will continue to and 30 Boeing 787 are the erated Qatar’s firm position on Yemen or Iraq after the war, subsidiaries across the Qatar tional carrier between April be the airline millions of pas- ideal choice for the most stra- rejecting violence and terrorism, reconstruction and other Airways Group that have to July 2020 by fulfilling its sengers can trust and rely on tegically important long-haul regardless of motives and rea- humanitarian issues of remained agile throughout mission of taking people in good times and bad, and routes to Africa, the Americas, sons. The statement expressed concern to the Arab peoples. this tumultuous period and home. This enabled the airline proudly fly the flag of the Europe and Asia-Pacific the condolences of the State of He pointed out that Kuwait has adapted quickly to this new to accumulate unmatched State of Qatar across the regions. Qatar to the families of the victims, honorable stances towards the the government, and the people Palestinian issue and supports of Lebanon. — QNA the brotherly Palestinian MoPH: 23 health practitioners people to obtain their state 4,300 abandoned vehicles through a just solution. blacklisted over forged certificates removed in 3 months QU postpones FROM PAGE 1 graduation 257 more recover, THE PENINSULA — DOHA the authenticity of documents at a beginning of campaign in very early stage of the registration The Deputy Director July, 2020, until now, ceremony until and 234 new virus The Ministry of Public Health and licensing procedures and of Cleanliness about 4,300 abandoned (MoPH) has said that due to strict before the involvement of any Department, and a vehicles have been Spring 2021 cases reported inspecting procedures, 23 forged health practitioner to work in the member of the Joint Com- removed. THE PENINSULA — DOHA certificates of health practitioners country contributed to the early mittee, Mohamad Faraj Al However, he said, the THE PENINSULA — DOHA have been detected among those detection of fraud cases and the Kubaisi, said that the joint Joint Committee removed Qatar University (QU) who applied for licenses to practice protection of patients, which con- committee intensified about 8,300 abandoned announced yesterday the post- The Ministry of Public Health in the health sector in Qatar. firms the importance of the proce- inspection campaign to vehicles from all over the ponement of the 43rd gradu- (MoPH) yesterday announced They include 17 doctors, 4 allied dures followed at MoPH repre- remove all abandoned municipalities this year. ation ceremony (Class of 2020) registration of 234 new healthcare practitioners, and two sented in the Department of Health vehicles from across the Lieutenant Mohamad until the end of Spring 2021, due confirmed cases of COVID-19 nurses. Most of the forged certifi- Professions as the competent country. Al Kubaisi urged Al Saaq from the Internal to the current application of the in the country. Among them cates were certificates of expe- authority to deal with the certifi- owners to not abandon Security Force (Lekhwiya) precautionary measures to 19 were travellers returning rience, and legal actions were taken cates and documents submitted by their vehicles at public said that patrolling of prevent the spread of corona- from abroad. against them and they were black- health practitioners of various cat- places, residential areas, Lekhwiya and equipment virus (COVID-19). Another 257 people have listed and banned from working in egories and specialties, which are industrial areas and other deployed to remove the In this regard, Dr. Hassan Al recovered from the virus, the country, in addition to circu- received from various countries places. abandoned vehicles to Derham, QU President, con- bringing the total number of lating their names in the GCC coun- with the aim of obtaining licenses Assistant Director of ensure the public hygiene firmed that the safety of stu- recovered cases in Qatar to tries according to the followed to practice the profession in Qatar. Mechanical Equipment and protect dents and employees of the uni- 121,995. measures. Dr. Saad Rashid Al Kaabi, The Ministry applies highest Department, Marzouq Al environment. versity comes on the university’s All new cases have been Director of the Department of standards followed for registering Mesaifiri, who is also a Head of the General list of top priorities, and the introduced to isolation and are Healthcare Professions at MoPH, and licensing health practitioners member of the Joint Com- Monitoring Section at postponement of the ceremony receiving necessary healthcare said, “Through our procedures, we in various specialties, for those who mittee, said that the cam- Doha Municipality, comes in line with the general according to their health are keen to verify the validity of the wants to work in the health sector paign for removing aban- Hamad Sultan Al measures taken by the State to status. certificates and documents pro- in Qatar, in a manner that guar- doned vehicles began in Shahwani thanked to prevent the spread of the pan- The Ministry further said vided and ensure that the practi- antees raising the level of health July covering a number of those owners who demic and in order to preserve that measures to tackle tioners applying for registration services provided in the country. municipalities including removed their abandoned the health and safety of the COVID-19 in Qatar have suc- and licensing are among those who The Ministry undertakes pro- Doha, Al Rayan, Al Khor vehicles during the given community. The ceremony will ceeded in flattening the curve value the ethics of the profession cedures to verify the validity of sci- and Al Zakhira, Al Daayen period, urging people to include 3,075 graduates from and limiting the spread of the and know the trust commended to entific credentials and factual and Umm Salal. responded to the fall 2019, winter 2019, spring virus. them.” He explained that verifying experiences. He said that since the campaign. 2019 and summer 2020. MONDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2020 HOME 03 04 HOME MONDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2020 CRA extends temporary additional spectrum granted to Ooredoo, Vodafone

THE PENINSULA — DOHA them to achieve the best aggre- who use it in Qatar, while gation of spectrum ranges making sure that there is no The Communications Regu- assigned to them as well as to By using this additional temporary spectrum and the radio interference [which] latory Authority (CRA) has enhance the performance of spectrum assigned to the fifth-generation networks (5G), affects the work of these extended the period of using the various mobile telecom net- both Ooredoo Qatar and Vodafone Qatar will be able to entities. By using this additional additional temporary spectrum works whether the second, temporary spectrum and the granted to Ooredoo Qatar and third, or fourth-generation (2G, enhance their telecom infrastructure and be more spectrum assigned to the fifth- Vodafone Qatar to provide 3G, or 4G). equipped to accommodate the demand of all consumers generation networks (5G), both mobile telecom services for an Extending the assignment of mobile telecom services who will be in Qatar during the Ooredoo Qatar and Vodafone additional three years, ending in these frequency bands will FIFA World Cup 2022. Qatar will be able to enhance on May 31, 2023. help the two telecom service their telecom infrastructure This extension included the providers to provide the Mohammed Ali Al Mannai and be more equipped to frequency bands of 900 MHz, maximum mobile Internet data accommodate the demand of President of CRA 1800 MHz, and 2100 MHz. The speed and accommodate the all consumers of mobile CRA has extended the period to steady increase in data con- telecom services who will be enable the two telecom service sumption. In addition to in Qatar during the host of FIFA providers to enhance the capa- achieving high-value Internet advancement of applications organisations. assignment of spectrum, by World Cup 2022,” said bilities of their public mobile data throughput, which keeps used by telecom consumers in “The CRA is keen to ensure meeting the current and future Mohammed Ali Al Mannai, networks in Qatar, to enable pace with the technological Qatar, both individuals and the efficient management and spectrum demand of all entities President of CRA. Ooredoo team energised by ‘UnBoxed’ event hosted by Ericsson

THE PENINSULA — DOHA insights, use cases and technol- illustrated how extensive prep- ogies. Last week’s meeting was arations for 4G and 5G delivery Ooredoo executives and their specifically crafted to provide led to success in supporting colleagues took part last week Ooredoo professionals with a customers and roamers at the in a virtual event organised by unique and interactive experience. Amir Cup, the World Athletics Ericsson — one of the leading Executive keynotes included Championships and the FIFA providers of Information and Building the future today with Club World Cup, all staged in Communication Technology Fadi Pharaon, President, Ericsson Doha in 2019. (ICT) to service providers — to Middle East & Africa; and Kevin Alongside looking at these evaluate the potential of 5G in Murphy, Vice-President and Head important milestones on the Officials from Ooredoo and Ericsson during the event. a stadium environment. of Global customer unit Ooredoo journey to 2022, other sessions Experts from Ericsson gave at Ericsson. considered such themes as keynote speeches and presenta- Representing Ooredoo were “Building the ecosystem with the entire organisation to max- Sameh Talal, Head of Mar- At Ericsson, we believe in the tions which drew upon their rich Thani Al Malki, Senior Director the industries in 5G”, “Winning imise the potential of these keting at Ericsson Middle East power of innovation to bridge experience of working at sporting Active; and Günther Otten- hearts with stadium expe- incredible opportunities. Our and Africa, said: “We have been any distance and to make the events and megaevents both in dorfer, Chief Technology & rience”, and “How to monetise existing track record of pro- working closely with our impossible, possible” Europe and the Americas. These Infrastructure Officer, who on 5G in stadiums”. viding a truly enriching digital partner Ooredoo understanding Some 200 employees from cutting-edge ideas were rein- between them provided a Sabah Rabiah Al Kuwari, environment for participants in their priorities and strategic Ooredoo and Ericsson took part. forced using live demonstrations keynote address, while cele- Director PR at Ooredoo, said: and audiences of global sporting direction. Ericsson UnBoxed The virtual nature of the from Ericsson’s experience centre brating the company’s recent “With a number of major events gives us a powerful event brought some of the latest event, which enjoyed uninter- facility based in Kista, Sweden. achievements in network mod- sporting events on the horizon, platform from which to chart 5G global insights where we rupted online connectivity, Ericsson UnBoxed digital ernisation and project com- it is important that Ooredoo our future orientation towards shed a special light on what can ensured that it was fully in line events bring together experts and pletion throughout Qatar. welcomes and encourages enhancing the customer expe- be an elevated fan experience with current public health guide- thought leaders to showcase The speakers described and thought leadership, inspiring rience to the max.” during major sporting events. lines on social distancing. Safari launches much-awaited 10-20-30 promotion at all outlets THE PENINSULA — DOHA 10-20-30 offer is a prevalent QR20 and QR30. products, household items, san- promotion of Safari and is Over 1,000 branded and itary and cleaning products, Safari, Doha’s leading hyper- enthusiastically awaited by all. non-branded products are electrical and electronics market chain, has announced Safari offers a wide range of available in different categories products, ready-made, footwear to launch 10-20-30 promotions high-quality products at including food items, consumer and computer accessories. in its all outlets from today. The affordable prices of just QR10, goods, health and beauty Horlicks bottle 500gm for just QR10; QR20 for Sadia chicken 1400gm two packets; marinated, and fresh meats are an unmatched price. and Hamilton brand three-in- also lined up. Indian Buffalo 500g In the stationery section, a one blender for just QR30 are meat is available for just QR10. large number of school sta- some of the main highlights of Frozen Category offers a tionery items have been made 10-20-30 promotion. wide range of food products, available for school children Safari Bakery & Hot Food including chicken, tilapia fish, and for office use. In addition, section has lined up a number French fries, kappa and green the 4-in-1 stationery set, four of palatable dishes in this pro- peas, as well as milk and dairy sheets, project file, and an motion. Some excellent combo products for QR10, QR20 and extensive range of items is offers include Western, South QR30. Many snacks and other available in the toy category Indian, North Indian, Arabic food items are accessible in the and sports category for just and Chinese dishes such as fried grocery section. QR10, QR20, and QR30. chicken, fried fish, biryani, One can get some good The products are also pattiri, chicken curry, beef del- deals in a wide range of multi- available in the Garment House icacy, strawberry/caramel purpose products of household segment. Similarly, in the elec- cakes, pastries, burgers and segment and cosmetics tronics segment, this 10-20-30 pizza and many more. segment where popular soap promotion offers a wide range Customers can find fresh brands such as the Himalaya, of emergency lights, trimmers, food, a variety of mixed pickles, Seba Med, Dove, Nivea, Gillette, torches, calculators, headsets and cheeses, and salads. Offers in the Veet, perfumes, body spray and many other electronic acces- meat category like minced, makeup sets being offered at sories at an eye-catching price. MONDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2020 HOME 05 AMNM: A patient-centric ambulatory care centre is now open

FAZEENA SALEEM services and Alfardan Group’s THE PENINSULA AMNM will deliver renowned capacity for service advanced integrated excellence. These merits will Alfardan Medical with North- healthcare by leveraging position AMNM as one of the western Medicine (AMNM), a Northwestern Medicine’s leading healthcare providers in new ambulatory care centre is expertise in medical the country.” now open in the Lusail City. The “Opening a new healthcare state-of-the-art healthcare services and Alfardan facility during a pandemic is not facility is the result of an inter- Group’s renowned easy but our strong com- national collaboration between capacity for service mitment and dedication to Alfardan Group and US based excellence. These merits serving the community and pro- Northwestern Medicine. viding service excellence, even AMNM will offer evidence will position AMNM as in times of uncertainty, has based patient-centric care in a one of the leading compelled us to ensure that wide variety of ambulatory care healthcare providers in AMNM is ready to welcome services, said senior officials the country. patients. I would like to sin- during a virtual event held cerely thank the Ministry of yesterday. Public Health for their support The partnership between Omar Hussain Alfardan as we begin to operate,” said Alfardan Group and North- President and CEO Hussain Alfardan. western Medicine for AMNM of Alfardan Group Benefiting from the inter- leverages both organisations’ disciplinary collaboration complementary strengths: between the different depart- Alfardan Group’s legacy and ments at AMNM, patients will scale in offering hospitality and between us and Northwestern receive high-quality medical luxury experiences and North- Medicine is built on the shared care from outstanding doctors The multinational medical team at Alfardan Medical with Northwestern Medicine. western Medicine’s long- values of service excellence and and friendly medical staff using standing history and leadership delivering world-class experi- state-of-the-art, USA Food and in the medical field. ences,” said Omar Hussain Drug Administration (FDA) this facility provides North- “As the pioneering lifestyle Alfardan, President and CEO of approved equipment. western Medicine the oppor- The partnership between Alfardan Group and brand in Qatar and the region, Alfardan Group (AFG). Spanning over six floors in tunity to partner with the Alfardan Group has created a “AMNM will deliver the Burj Alfardan, AMNM’s facil- Alfardan Group to serve the Northwestern Medicine for AMNM leverages both legacy of offering quality, advanced integrated healthcare ities have been designed around people of Qatar.” organisations’ complementary strengths: Alfardan luxury, and premium services by leveraging Northwestern the patient’s experience, At AMNM’s state-of-the-art Group’s legacy and scale in offering hospitality and to our clients. The cooperation Medicine’s expertise in medical adhering to international treatment facilities, service standards of medical excellence, combined with luxury experiences and Northwestern Medicine’s infrastructure, archi- advanced patient-centric care, longstanding history and leadership in the medical field. tectural design, and is provided by a multinational services. medical team, with top US Dean M Harrison, medical talent making up a President and Chief large proportion of the centre’s individuality is respected, of AMNM staff and patients will Executive Officer, staff. empowering them to become be ensured by following Northwestern The facility has three oper- active participants and make COVID-19 guidelines set by the Memorial HealthCare ating theatres and nine suits. It informed decisions about their Ministry of Public Health said, “Supporting the provide services in various healthcare plans. By bringing (MoPH). delivery of world- medical specialities, including Northwestern Medicine’s “All patients and staff class care with an ENT, dentistry, dermatology, patient-centric care model to entering AMNM will receive a exceptional expe- gastroenterology, internal med- Qatar, we have ensured that temperature check and symptom rience in Lusail City is icine, ophthalmology, ortho- AMNM will be one of the leading screening. Other measures in an important mile- paedics, plastic surgery, repro- forces in offering research- place include frequent sterili- stone for our ‘Patients ductive, endocrinology, infer- based, high-quality, and com- sation, sanitisation, and social First’ mission. As the tility, physical medicine and passionate care in the country,” distancing,” said Dr. Adam. Public world continues to rehabilitation, sleep medicine said Dr. Jessica Adam, Chief can seek services at AMNM by respond to the global and executive health. Medical Officer of AMNM. booking an appointment through Alfardan Medical with Northwestern Medicine spans over six floors in the Burj Alfardan. COVID-19 pandemic, “At AMNM, the patients’ She also said that the safety 4004 6000. Aspiring Arab innovators pitch ideas to QF’s Stars of Science jury THE PENINSULA — DOHA region where women are chal- lenging existing stereotypes and Stars of Science officially kicked holding positions in the scien- off the search for this year’s top tific fields in their respective Arab innovator by choosing 22 countries. applicants to advance to the During the selection selection episode, where eight episode, which airs on October innovators will get the chance 2, viewers will discover which to transform their ideas into contestants will make the top reality. eight and continue their Focusing on collaboration journeys on Stars of Science. and encouraging open dialogue They will work at the state-of- among fellow innovators, the the-art shared innovation CENG Dean Dr. Khalid Kamal Naji (left) and CBE Dean Dr. Adam Fadlallah show’s alumni took centre stage Jury members monitoring presentation which acts as an initial space at Qatar Science & Tech- during the casting episodes to screening for novel ideas. nology Park, part of Qatar help candidates prepare for the Foundation, where their inven- QU launches ‘Innovation jury’s questions and act as an long-time host, Khalid Al throughout the past decade.” tions will undergo different initial screening for novel ideas. Jumaily. In its opening episodes, stages during the elimination & Entrepreneurship After delivering a short presen- “Stars of Science many projects presented to the rounds, including proof of tation to new and old compet- encourages young Arab inno- jury focused on environmental concept, design, prototyping, itors, potential contestants then vators to pursue greatness sustainability. Ideas included a and testing. Contest 2020-2021’ had a one-on-one session with while upholding the highest machine that turned inedible The contestants will defend each jury member to further standards in scientific integrity dates into paper, and a method their projects in front of the THE PENINSULA — DOHA explain their concepts. and excellence,” said Dr. Khalid for replacing the current jury, guests, and experts, bat- The contest is designed to Qatari alumni, such as Al Ali, Stars of Science jury chemical agricultural pest tling to secure a place in the Qatar University’s (QU) College spread awareness about the Rooda Al Qebaisi and member. control with ultrasonic waves Grand Final, where they will of Business and Economics (CBE) importance of Mohammed Al Kuwari, took on “The passion and dedication to produce healthier harvests. compete for a share of and College of Engineering entrepreneurial activities, key roles during the casting epi- we have seen throughout these The casting episodes also $600,000 in seed funding. The (CENG) launched the “Innovation trigger the entrepreneurial sodes, such as mentoring the casting rounds are proof of the featured an increasing number programme is airing on seven & Entrepreneurship Contest hopeful innovators and co-pre- innovative spark that the show of female participants. This rise TV channels around the world 2020-2021” at an event held skills of QU students and senting the episodes alongside has lit in the Arab region reflects a reality in the Arab and online. yesterday. engage them on how to The launch was attended by develop sound business CENG Dean Dr. Khalid Kamal Naji plans. Rediscovering traditional medicine and CBE Dean Dr. Adam Fadlallah who announced that the contest Dr. Khalid Kamal Naji, at Zulal Wellness Resort registration will begin soon. Also CENG Dean present were CENG TIEE Director THE PENINSULA — DOHA Chiva-Som is setting a new Dr. Wadha Labdeh, and CBE benchmark in the wellness Entrepreneurship Center Director As the use of traditional industry. Dr. Mahmoud Khalil, as well as of QU students and engage them medicine continues to gain Drawing on Chiva-Som’s QU faculty and staff. on how to develop sound momentum around the world, many years of expertise This year the contest high- business plans. When they Zulal Wellness Resort is set to catering to a global audience lights the focus on creating graduate, our students will enter bring Traditional Arabic and while retaining an inextricable business ideas and innovations a highly competitive business Islamic Medicine (TAIM) to the connection with the local that would directly benefit the environment in Qatar. They have forefront of the wellness culture, Zulal is committed to Qatari economy and assist in to acquire the skills and compe- industry in Qatar, the region creating wellness concepts building a knowledge-based tencies to become the next and the world. incorporating the underutilised economy. The participating teams leaders in the world of business. Zulal Wellness Resort aims to act as an educational centre and a TAIM contains an abundant TAIM medicine system while will have access to training mate- In this regard, CENG is committed leader in holistic wellness incorporating TAIM with a mission to source of ancient healing showcasing Qatar’s rich and rials provided by experts which to providing its students with a inspire enduring lifestyle change. wisdom and guidelines for valuable medicinal resources. will be oriented on how to forum to develop their creative healthy living, much of which “TAIM is an expansive prepare and present effective and innovative business ideas has been forgotten in the system which holds great value enduring lifestyle change and Qatar, local Qatari pink clay and business models and pitches out- which will add value to their present era. Similar to all tra- and is underused in today’s thus contribute to building dried seaweed from the lining the essence of their education.” ditional medical systems, TAIM world. Zulal Wellness Resort healthier societies. beaches of Qatar, which help business ideas. The presentations Dr. Adam Fadlallah empha- encompasses a holistic will be the first wellness resort Mohammad Al Khater, an promote skin detoxification and will be delivered in front of a sised the importance of inno- approach to wellness based on dedicated to TAIM which will integrative medicine & beauty through various spa panel of judges. vative ideas to develop a sound the traditional principles that enable Zulal to spearhead this naturopathy consultant said, services. In addition to monetary prizes, business sector and to ultimately were derived from ancient phy- unique system of medicine in a “Zulal Wellness Resort is the Zulal’s unique skincare line winners will get the chance to have contribute to the country’s devel- sicians and focuses mainly on wider scale and bring a model embodiment of the features of of products also includes camel their ideas developed further in the opment and progress. lifestyle wellness practices. that encompasses an extensive the desert and the sea that are milk, which is a nutrient-dense Center of Entrepreneurship’s Incu- “We are inviting our students Many innovative concepts and range of holistic treatments exclusive and distinct to Qatar ingredient with a longstanding bator through coaching and to invest their talents in the spirit practices from TAIM have influ- derived from TAIM,” explained and the region and has formu- tradition of being used for sup- training which will enable them to of competition, shared enced and inspired the devel- Dr. Jason Culp, Research and lated an expansive menu of porting health. Furthermore, excel their business plans, and pos- knowledge, and teamwork. The opment of modern medicine. Development Director, services and products that the creative process behind the sibly get funding opportunities and business ideas should be feasible, As the largest wellness des- Chiva-Som. showcase the brilliant effects of creation of these products access to the local business com- realistic, and preferably serve to tination in the country, the first Zulal Wellness Resort aims our local treasures.” involves aromatic plants that munity. Dr. Kamal Naji said: “The meet the needs of the labour full-immersion wellness resort to act as an educational centre Other ingredients that are are infused to create unique contest is designed to spread market and the private sector in in the Middle East and the first and a leader in holistic wellness featured in products and treat- scents that will instantly evoke awareness about the importance Qatar. We look forward to seeing centre for TAIM in the world, incorporating TAIM with a ments include camel grass, also certain memories and emotions of entrepreneurial activities, the innovative projects that will Zulal Wellness Resort by mission to inspire known as the lemongrass of and uplift the senses. trigger the entrepreneurial skills emerge,” Fadlallah said. DOHA TODAY

06 MONDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2020 Documenting history through coinage

RAYNALD C RIVERA “When we talk about archae- THE PENINSULA ology and anthropology, experts do need these coins in order to know Since ancient times, coinage has more about civilisations because played a significant role not only in coins hold specific meanings in each the socio-economic aspect of civili- civilisation. Coins reflect the social sations as an instrument of business and industrial status as well as the and trade but also in reflecting rulers. They are a factual artefact for pivotal moments in a nation’s each civilisation; that’s the real value history. of coinage,” Qatar-based Syrian Coin denominations have been designer and artist Bachir Mohamad an invaluable source of facts such as told The Peninsula. in confirming dates and rulers, doc- Mohamad, who has a Bachelor’s umenting specific events, and degree in Fine Arts and a Master’s showing how structures actually degree in Archaeology of Arab and appeared at a particular time in the Islamic World, has crafted a special past. collection of coins which reflect sig- nificant historical moments in Qatar tracing its rulers, their achievements When we talk about and important events from 1851 to archaeology and the present. The exhibition featuring coinage works by artist and designer Bachir Mohamad is part of a group show called “Process” presented anthropology, experts do Through his collection, the artist by Al Markhiya Gallery at Katara Art Center. imagines and demonstrates how the need these coins in order to coins would appear had the country know more about used them like in the Islamic very detailed research about each of for the exhibition which was origi- “In each exhibition I try to give something new and civilisations because coins caliphates of the past. The project the rulers in order to understand the nally slated open in March but was different which is reflecting applied and fine art together,” hold specific meanings in also aims at providing informational period when they were ruling and postponed due to COVID-19 out- he stressed. value and dimension to revive the what were the achievements during break. The pandemic, however, On view until November 6 at Al Markhiya Gallery at each civilisation. Coins legacy of historical leading coins in their period,” explained Mohamad, inspired the creation of a ninth coin. Katara Art Centre, the “Process” exhibition is a fasci- reflect the social and the Arab and Islamic world. adding each of the leaders was “While I was sitting home in nating look into the creative process of five unique artists industrial status as well as The artist had spent two years to unique. quarantine for six months, I worked in producing a diverse array of art pieces using different the rulers. They are a complete a series of nine coins which “If these coins were to be real, on the last piece where I reflected media to bring to light crucial concepts that matter. are being showcased to the public there would be more than 10 coins on the two major situations Qatar is Other artists whose works are on display at the exhi- factual artefact for each for the first time at a group exhibition for each of these rulers because they facing, one is the blockade which I bition are Qatari cartoonist and animation artist Abdulaziz civilisation; that’s the real called “Process” which is presented have plenty of achievements during depicted with the image of the 5/6 Yousef, Tunisian street artist and designer Vajo, and value of coinage. at Katara Art Center by Al Markhiya their time, but I chose what I found arches and the other is COVID-19 multidisciplinary Qatari artists and designers Maryam Gallery, the country’s oldest privately most interesting. I also considered which I expressed as a salute to the Al Semaitt and Nawar Al Mutlaq. Bachir Mohamad owned art gallery. other aspects such as how to reflect frontline heroes. Also there’s an “It took me around two years to them in the design, production and Arabic phrase which when trans- finish this collection. I had to do a minting of the coins,” he noted. lated in English means ‘We will be The coins were minted using victorious’, which implies whatever metals traditionally used in the the problem we have now, every- Islamic caliphates. The collection thing will be okay,” he said. comprises gold coins (dinar), silver Despite the challenges he faced coins (dirham) and bronze coins (fils). in the long process of creating the On the front side of the coin is collection from research to deciding the portraiture of the ruler and his on the portraits to be used to the pro- name and title written in Thuluth duction and minting process, the calligraphy, while the reverse side artist was satisfied with the expe- of the coin features phrases and rience saying he found working on images emblematic of the highlight the collection really interesting since of achievements during the period it was closely related to his field. Ultra-modern operating of each of the rulers. Portraits of Amir “I studied design and art and I H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al have a Master’s degree in Archae- theaters Thani, Father Amir H H Sheikh ology, and if you look at these three Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and fields you know that coin is an other rulers of Qatar are featured in artefact that connects these fields the collection. since coin has social, historical, Among the images depicted on artistic and archeological values,” he the coins are the National Museum said. of Qatar, Qatar Airways, Qatar Uni- An art lover since he was young, versity, oil well, desert, sea, oryx, Mohamad has presented solo exhi- dhow, falcon, and a knight riding on bitions as well as participated in an Arabian horse in the Qatari desert. group shows, the latest of which is Initially, the artist made eight “Process” where he is showcasing Syrian artist and designer Bachir Mohamad. coins representing the eight rulers the coin collection. State-of-the-art ambulance MES kindergarten students celebrate ‘Go Green’ fleet

THE PENINSULA — DOHA

The Kindergarten students of MES Indian School celebrated ‘Go Green’ on the virtual platform on September 24 accentuating and sensitising the young world about the beneficial effects of 3R’s- Reduce, Reuse & Recycle and the necessity to attain a sustainable development of lives on land. Various activities related to Go Green were conducted both online and face-to-face for the tiny tots with strict adherence of the norms of social distance. These activities enabled the kids to be aware of protecting nature, its resources and to inculcate in them a sense of responsi- Highly-advanced patient bility and the habit of keeping their environment information systems clean. Students also watched a video on the theme, Go Green and the importance of staying healthy. As a part of the activity for the day, students made caps using newspaper with a slogan written on it ‘Go Green Go Clean’. A Green Salad making activity was carried out to highlight the importance of having green vegetables and fruits and the same was explained to them. All the kids of KG and also the teachers were attired in green on that day symbolising growth and harmony. Altogether, Kindergarten students of MES Indian School while celebrating ‘Go Green’ event. it was a refreshing moment for the kids.

Cutting-edge treatments for Toastmasters organise confluence meeting online cancer THE PENINSULA — DOHA Philip Leonardo – PTC President and TM Bidya Mohanty – VPE of RCS Toast- The Area 4 Toastmasters of Division A, masters Club acting on behalf of their At Hamad Medical Corporation we District 116 held their first confluence president also addressed the virtual are utilizing advanced technology and meeting of the year 2020 through gathering. Division Director, DTM online platform Zoom. Three clubs Subair Pandavath presented the report innovative systems to deliver the highest including Galfar Al Misnad Toast- on the current status of the clubs under quality care to Qatar’s population. masters Club (GTC) together with PSME Area 4 with due consideration to the Toastmasters (Philippine Society of established success plan, while DTM Mechanical Engineers) and the RCS Rajesh VC presented the educational Debaters make up Area 4 under the module entitled ‘WIIFY’. www.hamad.qa leadership of Area Director, TM Alfonso Meanwhile, the evaluation speech Belito C. Betita. was presented by TM Muhamad Hashir The meeting, which was attended of Galfar Toastmaster Club before other by 30 members and guests was speakers TM Frances Bue (PSME Toast- addressed by Area 4 Director TM masters) and TM Anil Prakash (Galfar Alfonso Belito C Betita. TM Subramanya Toastmaster) contributed to the A screen grab of the Area 4 Confluence Meeting. Hebbagelu – GTC President, TM George meeting. MONDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2020 DOHA TODAY 07 Enthusiasts gear up for camping season

SIDI MOHAMED websites on the Internet have THE PENINSULA begun offering camping sup- The winter camping season plies and tools, including what As Qatar is distinguished by its is a reminder of the is new and what is used. natural places which are The manufactures of tents suitable for camping, many centuries-old lifestyle and are witnessing high demand citizens and residents wait for an opportunity for nature from citizens. the winter camping season to lovers to enjoy the Some of the supplies are enjoy camping and desert life. imported from China, Thailand, Cold weather and tranquillity atmosphere away from the Turkey, Pakistan, Kuwait, and attract people, especially noise of the city. Oman. families, to enjoy the camping The price of grills ranges season. from QR200 to QR1500 The winter camping season depending on the quality and is a reminder of the centuries- season, there are also many res- size, while tent prices start from old lifestyle and an opportunity idents who organise and make QR5,000. The campers of Arab for nature lovers to enjoy the special preparations and trips and other nationalities flock to atmosphere away from the on weekends to spend beautiful the camping areas with the noise of the city. moments outside with their beginning of winter and rainy Due to the current situation, families. season. Last season, the winter some people feared that In addition to recreational camping began on October 30 camping will be cancelled this activities, camping also pro- and continued till March. season as a precautionary vides an important educational The registration for the five- measure to limit the spread of aspect to people as they learn month long winter camping the coronavirus, while there about the life in the desert season opened on October 14 was also a group of people who besides playing sports and tra- eager to sit in open places in a successful this year if the drives will be carried out by and continues till December 31. believed that camping season ditional games. cold atmosphere to refresh their campers are obligated to take authorities to monitor that The registrations are done will start as usual as people are The upcoming season will body and soul after a long all precautionary measures and campers are implementing all through the official website of strictly adhering to safety be a special as most of the cit- lockdown period due to use sanitisers and the tents are the required measures. Ministry of Environment and measures. Apart from citizens, izens and residents did not coronavirus. periodically ventilated. With the camping season set Municipality and its mobile app who enjoy the winter camping travel out of the country and are The camping season can be Meanwhile, inspection to begin next month, many ‘Aoun’. QNL to explore mindfulness, mental health in October

THE PENINSULA — DOHA librarian and the extensive career oppor- Health in a Changing World.” Negative tunities that the role can offer. Also on emotions can be a healthy reaction to the Qatar National Library has announced a October 5 and every Monday throughout challenges people face, but for many, things bumper agenda of monthly events for the month, join the Library for Online Sto- can become more serious. On October 13, October, with a host of programmes rytelling for Children. children can join the Library on Microsoft designed to stimulate both the senses and On October 8, patrons can join the Teams for Najem Es’hail Book Club. The synapses for children and adults alike. Library online to explore the amazing elec- aim is to plant a seed and grow the love of On October 5, middle and high school tronic collection available for younger reading across three months, with one session per month, discussing one book per session. Join the Library on October 14 for “Explore Sustainable Development Goals Through Building Bricks.” This virtual workshop uses the Lego Serious Play meth- IBPC V-P Sumit Malhotra (third left, front row) with Indian community odology to help young people get acquainted members during a farewell ceremony. with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and make meaningful connections between their daily lives and solutions to common global problems. IBPC bids farewell to Also on October 14, participate in “The 360 Librarian: Mindfulness, Emotional Intel- ligence and Critical Reflection in the Work- V-P Sumit Malhotra place.” Join Tammi M. Owens and Carol A. Daul-Elhindi as they share excerpts from THE PENINSULA — DOHA benefitted a lot from Sumit’s their book The 360 Librarian, look at the knowledge about Qatar and soft skills that can enhance careers, rela- The Indian Business & Profes- Indian markets, during his tionships and the workplace mindset, and sionals Council (IBPC), which tenure as IBPC Vice-President. take participants on an interactive explo- functions under the aegis of the Sumit has led many Interna- ration of the practice. Indian Embassy, bid farewell tional delegations and was in Patrons can join the Library on October to its Vice-President Sumit charge of QFC affairs. 19 to remember Alija Izetbegović, a Bosnian Malhotra. The IBPC President and politician, activist, lawyer, author and phi- Sumit who has been in Managing Committee wished losopher who in 1992 became the first Pres- Qatar for the last 10 years and Sumit good luck in his new A view of Qatar National Library ident of the newly independent Republic of is the CEO of Goals 101 and was endeavours and thanked him Bosnia and Herzegovina. General Manager of JMS Qatar. for his tireless efforts and students can join the Library online for ‘Ask readers on the Library’s website. It’s From October 19 to 25 , the Library will IBPC President Azim Abbas unconditional support. Those a Young Adults’ Librarian’, an hour-long available any day of the week, any time of celebrate Open Access Week, a global event presented Sumit Malhotra with who attended the farewell question and answer session hosted by a day, and includes audiobooks, read-alongs, now entering its tenth year. The Library, an appreciation award for his included ICBF President PN young adults’ librarian. Participants can ask games, puzzles, printouts and more. together with the academic and research exceptional services to IBPC Baburajan; ICC President AP any queries they have related to the On October 11, the Library delves into community, will illustrate the benefits of and the Indian Community. Manikantan; ISC Vice-President Library’s resources and services, and will important contemporary issues by running open access through a series of events Azim Abbas said Sumit with E P Abdulrehman; IBPC Man- learn about the stages of becoming a the workshop “Preserving Your Mental throughout the week. his charming personality and aging Committee and prom- dedication has been always in inent Indian community the forefront of Indian Com- members amid COVID-19 THROUGH THE LENS munity affairs. IBPC has protocol. QF’s Akhlaquna Day to celebrate young people with exemplary morals THE PENINSULA — DOHA it is livestreamed at www. akhlaquna.qa. A public vote has Children and young people from been held to determine which of across Qatar who inspire their the three Akhlaquna award communities through their finalists will be named the behaviours, actions, and strong winner, with three students moral character will be cele- being awarded in three age- brated this week at Qatar Foun- group categories under dation’s Akhlaquna Day. Akhlaquna Junior. The Akhlaquna Award, now Akhlaquna is defined by four in its third cycle, was established core values – mercy, honesty, by Qatar Foundation (QF) in 2017 generosity, and tolerance – and to highlight the timeless and uni- aims to cultivate a generation versal values exhibited by who place good moral character Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and strong ethics at the centre of and recognise those aged from their lives, and recognise how 15-24 whose projects encap- values, knowledge, and fulfilment sulate the importance of good are interconnected. morals and values, and It reflects QF’s commitment encourage others to exhibit them to inspiring children and young as well. people, and all members of For 2020, QF has also society, to be active, socially- launched Akhlaquna Junior, an aware, compassionate, and award that honours school stu- thoughtful citizens who improve dents aged from 7-14 who their communities through their uphold and demonstrate the behaviors and the example they morals and values that are the set, and who demonstrate the core of Akhlaquna, and illustrate qualities of leaders and to their peers how they can be change-makers. translated into actions, mindsets, Since its establishment, the and practices that benefit society. Akhlaquna initiative has evolved Tomorrow, at 7.30pm, the with the aim of creating a ripple winners of both awards will be effect that spreads beyond Qatar, announced at QF’s Ceremonial heightening recognition of the Court to mark Akhlaquna Day, positive change that demon- The Al Shuaa Nature Reserve Park in Al Khor. The Shuaa Reserve contains 13,000 square metres of green area. For public attraction with the public being invited to strates good moral character and there are Arabian oryx, deer, quails, ostrich and pigeons. Entry is free. PICS: ABDUL BASIT/THE PENINSULA watch the hybrid event online as behaviour. 08 VIEWS MONDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2020

Established in 1996

CHAIRMAN DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI [email protected] EDITORIAL

Iraqi students, wearing protective masks due to the coronavirus pandemic, have their temperature checked on the first day of the new Qatar wins hearts and minds school year in Arbil, the capital of northern Iraq, yesterday. QATAR won hearts of the world’s top athletes by delivering the final meet of the Diamond League ath- letics competition safely under strict health protocols Will pandemic normal on Friday in Doha. Over a hundred leading track and field stars went through their paces, producing thrilling performances at the Qatar SC Stadium. The star- studded line-up included 27 World and Olympic medalists, who took part in the last meet of the cur- become just plain normal? tailed season, badly affected by the coronavirus pandemic. accomplish. Nor do I want a In contrast, the Los Angeles different than what makes a Assembling so many athletes and ensuring their waiter talking to me at any Clippers were among the good worker or boss during safety was an uphill task, but the Qatar Athletics Fed- length. And since many of these favorites to win the NBA title. normal times. Being able to eration’s organising committee - with assistance from places have such striking decor, They were recently eliminated work from a distance, for many the the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) and the Qatar some of the magic of the expe- by the Denver Nuggets, a very months, is a skill rising in Olympic Committee (QOC) - did a remarkable job in rience is lost when you sit good team but not previously a importance. Is that what com- making the Doha Diamond League a blockbuster outside. top contender. In the final panies should be looking for in success. TYLER COWEN My new favorite restau- quarter of the last game of the new hires? Or is now the time Superstars including American pole vault world BLOOMBERG rants serve a lot of comfort series, the victorious Nuggets to pick up talented but con- champion Sam Kendricks, Kenya’s World 5000 food and stand-alone dishes. If played with energy and verve, formist "team players” who champion Hellen Obiri and Jamaica’s double Olympic it is the best pineapple fried rice while the Clippers seemed to thrive on direct contact with champion Elaine Thompson-Herah showered words One feature of the Covid-19 around, that suffices. Some- be gasping for air. After their their peers? Arguably those are of praise for the Qatari organisers for putting together Era is how much the standard times I even dare to dine inside, defeat, some of the Clippers the workers who are currently a successful event. While Obiri hailed the Qatari organ- ways of seeing and doing albeit at 11 a.m. when no other admitted that inferior condi- undervalued by the market. isers for making the ‘impossible, possible’, Thompson- things have been remixed and customers are present. I finish tioning was part of their Might these changes in Herah was thoroughly ‘grateful’ to the organisers for turned upside down. The my meal and am on my way. problem. quality affect your choices hosting the league in a time when many events were obvious question is then What are the broader So "staying in shape during beyond work - such as your cancelled over safety concerns. whether people will decide to implications of my altered a five-month layoff” is now a decisions about friends, family With the successful organisation of the event last make these new arrange- habits? If you are opening a critical skill for a basketball relations, romance, and much weekend, Doha, which also hosted the 2019 IAAF ments permanent or return to restaurant, should you hire a player. But this doesn’t neces- more? Should you buy a dog, World Championships dubbed ‘the best in history’ the old. chef who does fancy, creative sarily mean the Clippers need knowing you probably won’t be by World Athletics President Sir Sebastian Coe, reaf- For example: I used to work? Or one who specializes to revamp their roster. Maybe homebound two years from firmed its status as leading athletics venues in the enjoy going to nouvelle-style in comfort food? they should just wait for a now? How about dating? On a world. slightly fancy restaurants, Now consider another of return to normal times. first date, presumably, looks Not just athletics, Qatar - host of the 2022 FIFA ordering 10 appetizers (and no my favorite pastimes, watching What about a more prosaic should matter less and social World Cup – is also currently staging the Asian Football main courses) and sharing professional basketball. I have example: Zoom, which was carefulness more. But again, for Confederation (AFC) Champions League (West Zone) them with a table of four. Many been following the NBA bubble already growing before the how long? It would be very since the past two weeks. The league, which is cur- of those appetizers were com- with great interest. The Miami pandemic but has very rapidly strange, and probably unwise, rently in the knockout stage, is featuring leading con- posed of disparate ingredients, Heat are now favored to reach become a huge and in some to form a lasting relationship tinental club teams from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, carefully placed on the plate the NBA Finals, even though ways essential company. As it based on how well your Uzbekistan, Iraq and Iran besides host country Qatar. and explained in loving detail they were only the fifth-ranked turns out, the company has the romantic interest wears a mask. The matches of the competition are being held at two by a friendly, well-informed team in the East at the end of the ability to respond to emer- Sadly the world has entered 2022 FIFA World Cup venues - Al Janoub Stadium waiter. regular season. What hap- gencies and scale up rapidly - a new paralysis, most of all and the iconic Khalifa International Stadium. Jassim Today those same restau- pened? They have played with but that was hardly considered because no one knows when Bin Hamad Stadium is the other venue. AFC thanked rants hold no appeal for me, grit and determination, and a necessary skill in 2019, and it things will return to normal, or Qatar for stepping up and salvaging the season fol- assuming they are still open. their entire active roster showed remains to be seen if it will what might become normal, or lowing a long period of inactivity caused by the Many of them have pared up in first-rate physical shape. matter much in 2022. what might remain strange. COVID-19. down their menus, as social That’s not easy to do after a five- In a similar way, what When this pandemic ends, one With it’s effective safety controls implemented to distancing within kitchens has month layoff, as it required tre- makes a good worker or boss thing we can all look forward tackle the menace of the virus in the country, Qatar is limited what cooks can mendous discipline. during a pandemic can be quite to is making better plans. assuredly marching towards normalcy while taking lead over regional nations when it comes to resuming top international sports events. Risk mitigation key to reducing damage to cultural properties

JAPAN NEWS-YOMIURI treasure in Kumamoto Pre- reduction, to establish storage Earthquake, and there are fecture. Across the nation, methods for cultural prop- more than 20 groups of Heavy rains and typhoons about 100 national cultural erties in advance and to map researchers and volunteers D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR have caused severe damage properties alone were out measures to be taken in across the nation who carry EMAIL: [email protected] to cultural properties in quick damaged. cases such as when a typhoon out such work. In Kumamoto succession. To pass on Due to Typhoon No. 19 in is approaching. Prefecture after the heavy valuable cultural heritage to autumn last year, the The facilities should also rains in July, a rescue team EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 future generations, it is basement repositories of the estimate what measures they entered affected areas and FAX: +974 4455 7758 important to share experi- Kawasaki City Museum were can take in the event that rescued about 870 items, ences and knowledge. flooded and about 230,000 actual damage occurs. Fur- including historical documents MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 The National Institutes for collections of photos, thermore, it is important to and armor, from private Cultural Heritage, which paintings and archaeological develop technologies for res- homes, temples and shrines. DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 operates national museums materials were damaged. The toration and to gather past The team went around the dis- and other facilities, will open a work to remove those items examples of restoration. aster-hit areas based on a list LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 disaster prevention center for from storage ended in June, Disaster prevention for of undesignated cultural prop- cultural properties in October. but full-fledged restoration privately owned cultural erties that the prefecture had BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 The center will have six bases work has not started. properties, such as at private previously compiled. across the nation to create a Items that have been homes, temples and shrines, Once a disaster occurs, SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 system for protecting cultural exposed to water or mud will is also an issue. local government officials properties from disasters and grow moldy and bacterial Unlike cultural properties become busy with evacuation ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 to promote rescue activities over time and will deteriorate. designated by the national efforts for residents. This is a email: [email protected] for cultural properties in the Restoration is not an easy and local governments, there good example of how cooper- event of a disaster. The center task, as advanced techniques is a possibility that privately ation between the public and PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 will provide the results of its are required for processes owned cultural properties private sectors can be suc- email: [email protected] research to other facilities and such as sterilization, cleaning could be discarded as disaster cessful. Few local govern- local governments. and drying. waste in the event of a dis- ments have a good grasp of ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 The hope is that the center There are a number of aster. Cultural property the overall picture of what FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] will carry out effective activ- cultural facilities located near rescue activities work to and where cultural properties ities as the core of cultural rivers or other locations quickly remove such items are stored. It is necessary to CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 property disaster prevention. where there is likely a high and provide provisional care conduct a thorough survey of email: [email protected] In July, the heavy rains risk of flood damage. It is for them. the current state and devise flooded Aoi Aso Shrine’s important for each facility to These activities began in measures to minimize SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 worship hall, a national raise awareness of disaster the wake of the Great Hanshin damage on a local basis. FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar

/ThePeninsulaQatar Pakistan will continue to support the Afghan people in their quest for a unified, independent /Peninsula_Qatar and sovereign Afghanistan that is at peace with /ThePeninsulaNewspaper itself and its neighbours. Imran Khan, Prime Minister of Pakistan +974 6698 6188 MONDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2020 MIDDLE EAST 09 Yemen’s warring sides to swap over 1,000 prisoners AP — CAIRO medical shortages. It has killed over 100,000 people, including The United Nations said The UN mission in Yemen fighters and civilians. Yemen’s warring sides agreed “Today is an important day yesterday to exchange more said the internationally for over a thousand families than 1,000 prisoners, marking recognised government who can expect to welcome the first phase of a prisoner- that was driven from the back their loved ones hopefully release plan reached earlier this capital six years ago and very soon,” said the UN Special year. the Houthi rebels agreed Envoy for Yemen, Martin The UN mission in Yemen Griffiths. said the internationally recog- “to immediately release a Yesterday's deal came at the nised government that was first group of 1,081 conclusion of a week-long driven from the capital six years conflict-related detainees meeting in Glion, Switzerland ago and the Houthi rebels and prisoners, in that was co-chaired by Griffiths’ agreed “to immediately release accordance with the lists office and the International a first group of 1,081 conflict- Committee of the Red Cross. related detainees and prisoners, of agreed-upon names.” Representatives from the Saudi- in accordance with the lists of led coalition also attended, the Head of the Houthi prisoner exchange committee, Abdulkader Al Murtada (second left), shaking hands agreed-upon names.” UN said. with Head of the Yemeni government delegation, Hadi Haig, as ICRC Director for the Near and Middle The prisoner-swap deal was Yemen’s Foreign Minister seen as a breakthrough during Mohammed Abdullah Al East, Fabrizio Carboni (left), and UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Martin Griffiths, look on at the end of a 2018 peace talks in Sweden. The two sides committed earlier Hadrami welcomed the deal week-long meeting on Yemen prisoner exchange agreement in Glion, western Switzerland, yesterday. Both parties agreed then to this year to swap over 1,400 on Twitter and called for its several confidence-building detainees. full implementation without would start on October 15. would and indeed will represent The deal came amid months measures, including a cease-fire The conflict in the Arab delay. He said most of the pris- The Houthi officials spoke the largest release operation of fighting between the two in the strategic port city of world’s poorest country oners the government wants on condition of anonymity during the history of the con- sides over oil-rich Marib Hodeida. Implementation of the erupted in 2014, when the released are “civilians, because there were not flict in Yemen,” he said. province, which is held by the tentative peace plan, however, Iran-allied Houthis seized the activists and forcibly disap- authorized to brief the media. He said the two sides agreed government. stumbled amid ongoing military capital and much of the coun- peared,” in addition to four top The U.N. said the deal was to meet again to discuss more The Houthis want to seize offensives and distrust between try’s north. officials detained since the built on a plan both sides agreed releases, including top gov- control of Marib to strengthen the two sides. A Saudi-led coalition, deter- beginning of the war. to in February. ernment officials covered by a their position in the UN- Occasional releases of mined to restore President Abed Houthi officials said the deal Griffiths urged both parties UN Security Council mediated peace talks. dozens of prisoners over the Rabu Mansour Hadi’s gov- includes the release of over 680 to “move forward immediately resolution. The rebels have in recent past two years have served as ernment, launched a military rebel prisoners in return for at with the release and to spare no Fabrizio Carboni, ICRC’s months intensified missile and gestures of good faith, stoking intervention months later. least 400 from the government, effort in building upon this director for the Middle East, also explosive-laden drone attacks hopes the factions would The war in Yemen has including Saudi and Sudanese momentum to swiftly agree to urged the parties to swiftly work on Saudi Arabia, with the coa- implement what the UN has spawned the world’s worst troops who were fighting on the releasing more detainees.” to move the agreement “from lition saying it intercepted and described as the war’s “first humanitarian crisis, leaving side of the Saudi-led coalition. “We have no time to waste, signatures on paper to reality destroyed an explosive-laden official large-scale” exchange. millions suffering from food and The officials said the swap releasing the 1,081 individuals on the ground.” drone yesterday. Lebanon: Nine IS-linked suspects killed in hunt for ‘terrorists’ Jordan King dissolves House AFP — BEIRUT arrest suspected “terrorist” Khaled Al Tallawi at his north for November poll Lebanese security forces have Lebanon home, though he was killed nine suspected members eventually shot dead. REUTERS — AMMAN of the Islamic State (IS) group Meanwhile, two Lebanese in the hunt for “terrorists” soldiers were killed overnight Jordan’s King H M Abdullah linked to several deadly attacks, in an attack on an army post in dissolved parliament including on soldiers, a security the locality of Arman-Minyeh, yesterday, officials said, paving source said yesterday. also in the north of the country, the way for an election in Saturday’s operation came the army said yesterday. November. Under constitu- more than a month after the “Two soldiers were killed, tional rules, the government army and security forces in addition to one terrorist,” it must resign within a week. launched a manhunt for sus- said in a statement. In July, Jordan’s electoral pects in the August 21 killing of An attacker “riding a commission set November 10 two municipal policemen and motorbike tried to enter the as the date for a parliamentary the son of the mayor of the army post, and army members election after the monarch northern village of Kaftoun. confronted him, killing him called for countrywide polls to Police intelligence units instantly”, it added. be held at the end of the par- raided a house in the northern They found grenades and an liament’s four-year term. region of Wadi Khaled where explosives belt on him, the last The King issued a royal “suspects linked to the IS” group of which it said “he had edict ordering the dissolution had been holed up, “killing all intended to detonate inside the of parliament, effective yes- the terrorists inside”, the A Lebanese soldier stands on guard by a tracked-vehicle, near a scooter that was used by armed post”. terday. The assembly com- Internal Security Forces (ISF) assailants in an overnight attack that killed two soldiers, north of Lebanon’s northern city of Tripoli, Wadi Khaled and the prises 130 lawmakers, mainly said in a statement. yesterday. Arman-Miniyeh region are pro-government tribal offi- A security source said “at near second city Tripoli, which cials, businessmen and ex- least nine members of the group the rubble of the house, part of more than 15 suspects. It added and police launched operations has been rocked by violence security officials. The move is were killed”. which was blown up during the that three had been arrested in to track down the assailants. involving Islamists over the likely to be followed by a But the source said the police operation. previous raids. On September 14, the army years, including as part of the wider government shake-up death toll could rise as more The ISF statement said the Following the August said four soldiers were killed fallout from the conflict in to ward off popular disen- bodies could be buried under “terrorist cell” was made up of murders in Kaftoun, the army while attempting to Syria. chantment over economic hardship worsened by the eco- nomic blow dealt by COVID-19 and over allegations of official Thousands of Israelis protest in corruption. King Abdullah appointed Prime Minister Omar Al Jerusalem despite lockdown Razzaz in the summer of 2018 to defuse the biggest protests AP — OCCUPIED JERUSALEM cleaned when he visits the in years. Protesters say White House. Others said “dis- Thousands of Israelis gathered Netanyahu shouldn’t grace,” “ashamed,” and “Thou Kuwait reports outside the official residence of remain in office when Shalt Not Steal,” quoting the Prime Minister Benjamin Ten Commandments before 345 new virus Netanyahu on Saturday night he is on trial for Sunday evening’s start of Yom to demand his resignation, corruption charges Kippur, the Jewish Day of cases, 4 deaths pressing ahead with weeks of Atonement. protests against the embattled and accuse him of It remains unclear whether QNA — KUWAIT/MUSCAT Israeli leader despite a strict bungling the response parliament will approve the new lockdown order. ban on demonstrations. Kuwaiti Ministry of Health With Israel facing one of the to the coronavirus Netanyahu’s rival and gov- announced yesterday the regis- world’s worst coronavirus out- crisis. Many of the erning partner, Benny Gantz, tration of 345 new coronavirus breaks, the tough lockdown has rejected the call for a state (COVID-19) cases in the past 24 Mourners comfort the mother of two Palestinian fishermen who rules went into effect from protesters are young, of emergency. The two men hours, bringing the total number were shot at sea to the south of the Gaza Strip bordering Egypt, Friday, closing many busi- educated Israelis formed an emergency gov- of cases in the country to during their funeral in Deir Al Balah in the central Gaza, yesterday. nesses, banning large gath- who have lost their ernment last May with the 103,544. The Ministry also erings and ordering people to stated goal of combating the reported four deaths, bringing Palestinians bury two Gaza stay close to home. jobs because of an virus outbreak. But their part- the total number of deaths to But Israel’s Knesset, or par- economic downturn. nership has been hobbled by 601 cases so far. liament, was unable to agree on repeated infighting. The ministry’s spokesman fishermen shot dead by Egypt proposed legislation that would Late on Saturday, Dr. Abdullah Al Sanad said that ban the right to protest. the protesters are young, edu- Netanyahu released a video the patients in intensive care AFP — DEIR AL BALAH Gaza’s Islamist rulers Netanyahu has pushed hard cated Israelis who have lost defending the new lockdown, units have reached 109, Hamas also blamed the for a ban on the demonstrations, their jobs because of an eco- acknowledging that mistakes bringing the total of all cases Hundreds of mourners Egyptian army. There was no claiming they pose a threat to nomic downturn. “absolutely” were made in that have been confirmed to yesterday buried two Gaza fish- immediate comment from public safety, and he has Protesters at Saturday recent months, but saying have COVID-19 and are still erman shot dead at sea, as the Egyptian officials. As hundreds threatened to declare a state of night’s gathering were noisy but there was no choice but to receiving the necessary Palestinian fishing union gathered in the central Gaza dis- emergency to halt the unrest. orderly, with many standing in impose the restrictions. medical care to 8,014. He blamed Egypt and demanded trict of Deir Al Balah to bury the But his opponents accuse marked spots to conform with He made no mention of the added that the number of swab an investigation. men, their mother pleaded with him of using the health crisis social distancing rules. Protest protests, but urged people to tests conducted over the past Three brothers were fishing Egyptian President to let her as a pretext to put a halt to leaders urged people to keep a stay out of synagogues and only 24 hours reached 2,025 and on Friday in the Mediterranean surviving son Yasser Zaazoua weeks of demonstrations safe distance from one another, pray outdoors on Yom Kippur. the whole number of such tests Sea off the Gaza Strip, a come home. “Sisi, you killed against him. For over three and the crowd stretched for Israel’s ultra-Orthodox stood at 735,918. crowded sliver of land sand- two of my sons,” said Oum Nidal months, thousands of people blocks along a main road as leaders - key political allies of The Omani Ministry of wiched between Egypt and Zaazoua. “If you have com- have thronged the streets of police patrols looked on. Netanyahu - have objected to Health announced yesterday Israel, when their boat was hit passion, give me back Yasser central Jerusalem near Netan- Many of the demonstrators restrictions on public prayers, that the total number of regis- by gunfire. who is still in detention.” yahu’s residence, calling on him hoisted Israeli flags. One large accusing the mostly secular tered cases of the Coronavirus Two died and their bodies Egypt sent the bodies via to step down. Protesters say banner accused Netanyahu of authorities of discriminating (COVID-19) in the country has were returned to Gaza by the Rafah crossing point, Gaza’s Netanyahu shouldn’t remain in “White House laundromat,” a against them while allowing reached 97,450. The ministry Egyptian forces, the union main gate to the outside world, office when he is on trial for reference to a Washington the street protests to continue. said in a statement carried by said, while the third brother on its 13km-long border with corruption charges and accuse Post report last week that the The ultra-Orthodox sector has Oman News Agency (ONA) that was wounded and remains in the Gaza Strip on Saturday him of bungling the response to Israeli leader brings bags of been hit especially hard by the the total death toll from the Egypt. evening. the coronavirus crisis. Many of dirty laundry with him to be virus. disease reached 909. 10 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA MONDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2020 South Africa minister’s pay cut over ANC flight to Zimbabwe

AFP — JOHANNESBURG Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa- South Africa’s defence minister has been repri- Nqakula (left), will not manded and will lose three receive her salary for months of salary after ruling three months from party officials took an air force plane to Zimbabwe earlier this November 1, and the month, President Cyril money will instead go Ramaphosa said yesterday. to a fund to support The African National Con- gress (ANC) delegation’s the country’s response presence aboard the flight to the coronavirus sparked widespread criticism over the use of state resources pandemic, President Cyril for party business. Ramaphosa said in a Their trip to Harare was for statement. crisis talks with Zimbabwe’s the coronavirus pandemic, Zanu-PF ruling party aimed at Ramaphosa said in a statement. helping tackle the country’s The defence minister did not act wrist” and showed that Ram- Palestinians gather to commemorate the second Intifada and to protest the Israeli normalisation deals, political and economic woes. But “in the best interest of good aphosa does not hold his gov- in the town of Tubas, in the occupied West Bank, yesterday. The second Intifada lasted five years. they tagged along aboard governance”, the statement ernment to account. Defence Minister Nosiviwe said, adding that the incident “The DA views these trans- Mapisa-Nqakula’s plane, rather showed “an error of gressions as a gross violation of than travelling privately. judgement”. (Mapisa-Nqakula’s) oath of Years after the second uprising She had a scheduled The president, who had office, a dereliction of duty and meeting in Zimbabwe to discuss himself dispatched the ANC a complete disregard for ethical regional issues following a delegation, also said he expected standards. Minister Mapisa- Palestinians still face bleak future recent summit of the Southern the party to reimburse the gov- Nqakula must therefore be fired African Development Com- ernment for use of the airforce immediately,” the party said in AFP — JENIN followed. weeks before the siege and saw munity bloc. Mapisa-Nqakula jet. South Africa’s main oppo- a statement. The opposition The second intifada lasted little of their father growing up. will not receive her salary for sition party, the Democratic also accused the ANC delegates Two decades on from the five years. In response Israel “At the start we rejected three months from November Alliance (DA), immediately called of breaching lockdown regula- second uprising (intifada), reoccupied much of the West him. We couldn’t find a place 1, and the money will instead for the minister’s resignation, tions, as South Africa’s borders Palestinians who grew up in the Bank and began building a sep- for him in our hearts,” said Sara, go to a fund to support the saying the presidential rep- are shut to control the spread shadow of the uprising find aration barrier between the two an 18-year-old studying IT at country’s response to rimand was “a mere slap on the of coronavirus. themselves surrounded by communities that in places cuts university. physical and political barriers deep into occupied territory. Despite having no mem- with little hope for the future. Jenin refugee camp was ories of the second intifada, the In Jenin refugee camp, in caught up in the violence and twins say their father is still Iran Guards unveil new the north of the occupied West in 2002 was besieged by Israeli viewed as a hero by young Pal- Bank, the walls are plastered forces for more than a month. estinians in Jenin. with posters showing young Turkeman, who lost two “Today, we are still in the naval ballistic missile Palestinian men wearing kef- brothers in the fighting, was intifada, there are attacks every fiyeh scarfs around their necks jailed for his role in an attack day, people wounded and AFP — TEHRAN “This exhibition shows the and clutching AK-47 assault shortly after the siege which nothing has been solved,” said comprehensive plan of the rifles. Whether killed by Israeli killed six Israeli civilians. Sara, her sister nodding her head Iran’s Revolutionary Guards deterrent power of the (Islamic forces or jailed, their images While reminders of the in agreement. “There is no future yesterday unveiled a new naval republic’s) system,” Guards have faded over the years. uprising can be seen on the here, the only two options are ballistic missile with a potential commander Major General “When I walk through the streets of Jenin, such as a emigration or fighting.” range of over 700km, local Hossein Salami said at the camp, I try to reconcile my former fighter selling grapes in The Israeli military controls media reported, following inauguration, according to memory with what I see today,” a wheelchair, daily life has 60 percent of the West Bank months of tensions with arch- Tasnim. said Nidal Naghnaghyeh changed significantly over the and many Palestinians lament enemy the United States. Iran’s Guards used the Turkeman, 48, who spent 17 past two decades. how the occupation has been The missile, dubbed “Zolf- Zolfaghar in 2017 and 2018 years in prison for his role in Israel built the West Bank normalised over the decades Mali President aghar Basir”, is the naval against the Islamic State group the uprising. Nidal fought in the security barrier — which Pal- following the unrealised Oslo variant of the surface-to- in Syria in retaliation for ter- ranks of the main Palestinian estinians call an apartheid wall accords. names Ouane surface Zolfaghar ballistic rorist attacks carried out in the faction Fatah in the first intifada separating them from Jeru- In Gaza, Palestinians are missile, according to Tasnim country. (1987 to 1993) which preceded salem — saying it was nec- facing considerably worse con- as interim PM news agency. The missile was also used a brief optimistic period when essary to prevent attacks. ditions, with the Israeli Its range is more than in January to target bases in the Oslo peace accords brought In Gaza, the Islamist group blockade leading to perennial REUTERS/BLOOMBERG twice that of the Islamic repub- Iraq housing US troops, hope of a lasting solution to the Hamas took power and the power cuts, a lack of clean — BAMAKO lic’s other naval missiles, according to Irna, days after Israeli-Palestinian conflict. impoverished and densely- water, and a youth unem- including the “Hormuz-2”, with the US killed Iran’s top general But by the turn of the populated coastal enclave has ployment rate hitting 65 Mali’s President Bah N’Daw a range of 300 kilometres, Qasem Soleimani in a drone century disillusionment had set been under a crippling Israeli percent, according to World has appointed former foreign which Tehran said it success- strike in Baghdad. in and the second intifada blockade since 2007. Bank data. “Here, we have no minister Moctar Ouane fully tested in March 2017. The unveiling of the Zolf- broke out after right-wing In December 2017, US Pres- future,” said Saja Emad, a (pictured), as interim prime Tasnim did not specify aghar Basir comes more than Israeli opposition leader Ariel ident Donald Trump recognised 20-year-old Gazan. minister, state television said whether or not the new missile a week after an American air- Sharon visited the Al Aqsa Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, “There’s the blockade, we yesterday, a move likely to has been tested yet. Images craft carrier crossed the stra- mosque compound in annexed going against international con- can’t travel, Hamas and Fatah trigger the lifting of sanctions published by Tasnim showed tegic Strait of Hormuz, and east Jerusalem on September sensus that the city’s status can are divided, and there’s no imposed by the West Africa the Zolfaghar Basir installed on days after the Guards opened 28, 2000. The move was seen only be defined as part of a work for young people. We are regional bloc in the aftermath a launcher truck during the a new naval base near the as a provocation by Palestinians peace accord. frustrated and don’t have hope of the military coup last month. inauguration of Tehran’s waterway, through which a and violent clashes between Turkeman’s twin daughters, anymore of seeing a Palestinian A veteran diplomat, National Aerospace Park. fifth of the world’s oil passes. them and Israeli forces Yara and Sara, were born just state in the near future.” Ouane, 64, served as Mali’s ambassador to the United Nations in 1995-2002, and as foreign minister in US threats to Iraq widen 2004-2009. The bloc had demanded a civilian leader be installed as rifts, leave PM exposed a condition for lifting the sanc- AFP — BAGHDAD Kadhemi, seen as Western-leaning, tions. Ouane’s appointment took office as premier in May. comes two days after retired Enraged by near-daily attacks on Ahead of Kadhemi’s visit to colonel Bah Ndaw was sworn its interests in Iraq, Washington Washington in August, the US sig- in as the country’s president, has threatened to close its nalled it was “unsatisfied with his and coup-leader Colonel embassy in Baghdad, in a blow to actions” against pro-Iran armed Assimi Goita as a premier seen as a bulwark groups, an Iraqi official said. A US Vice-President. against Iran. State Department official said that The new leadership faces Iraq has long been caught in “Iran-backed groups launching the uphill task of preparing for a tug-of-war between its allies rockets at our embassy are a danger elections within 18 months, the Iran and the US, rendered rockier not only to us, but to the Gov- timeline imposed by the Eco- by Washington’s “maximum ernment of Iraq”. nomic Community of West pressure” policy against Tehran Fresh in the minds of Iraqi African States. since 2018. In a new escalation, US officials and armed groups is the The 15-member bloc has Secretary of State Mike Pompeo US drone strike in January that taken a hard line against Mali called Iraqi President Barham Saleh killed top Iranian general Qasem since the putsch, shutting last week to deliver an ultimatum, Soleimani and Abu Mahdi Al borders and halting financial Iraqi and foreign officials said. Muhandis, the deputy head of flows. COVID-19 vigilance Unless Iraq’s government puts Iraq’s state-sponsored Hashed Al The sanctions are expected an end to the rockets raining Shaabi. Since then, many pro-Iran to be lifted now that a civilian Members of Tourism Police patrol against people not wearing protective face masks at the down on US military and diplo- paramilitary leaders have gone prime minister has been main shopping and pedestrian street of Istiklal amid the spread of the coronavirus disease, in matic sites, Washington would into hiding lest they be subject to named. Istanbul, Turkey, yesterday. shutter its embassy and recall its American strikes or sanctions. troops, the sources said. “The Amer- Iraq’s parliament voted after icans aren’t just angry. They’re Soleimani’s killing to oust foreign really, really, really angry,” one troops posted in the country to Morocco faces down virus spread with tough rules Iraqi official said. Another said: help fight jihadist remnants, but AP — RABAT 20, but has been gradually In the northern city of capital and site of the main “The honeymoon is over.” Kadhemi has tried to slow-walk the easing restrictions. A recent Tangiers, military vehicles palace of King Mohamed VI, The US still has hundreds of decision. He has also embarked on With air and sea borders upsurge in infections, were deployed last month to police are posted at entrances diplomats in its mission at the high- an anti-corruption drive, launched closed for months and eight however, has forced targeted help enforce measures there. and exits — although the city security Green Zone in Baghdad and a strategic dialogue with Wash- cities barring people from measures. Movement between the city is not closed. Still, occupants around 3,000 troops based in three ington and sought to fast-track entering or leaving, Morocco Marrakech, a major tourist and others was stopped, as it of vehicles venturing into bases across the country. Since 2019, deals with US companies that has been pulling out the stops destination, is at a standstill, was in Casablanca, barring town are asked to show proof dozens of rockets and improvised would decrease Iraq’s reliance on to stanch the spread of coro- while police checks are part exceptional authorizations. of residency, or provide explosives have targeted these sites, Iranian energy imports. His navirus. of the scenery in hard-hit In Casablanca, tough authorisation if travelling in with US and Iraqi officials blaming downfall, Western diplomats and Still, the kingdom on the Casablanca, the country’s eco- measures to keep people from from elsewhere, especially Tehran-backed factions including analysts said, could be a nightmare Atlantic coast, a magnet for nomic powerhouse. Police are leaving town are in place. Police closed-off cities, or risk fines. Kataeb Hezbollah. for Iraq’s stability. “If the US really tourists in better times, has out in the markets, streets, at blockades focus on taxis, The director of epidemi- Washington has twice retal- closes its embassy, it will leave registered more than 110,000 drug-dealers’ haunts and buses, freight trucks and private ology at the Health Ministry, iated with strikes on Kataeb Hez- Kadhemi in a very weak and dan- positive cases since March and closed-off beaches, with mil- ambulances, vehicles known to Mohamed Lyoubi, conceded bollah in Iraq and threatened gerous position, opening the door has a death toll of 2,041 - the itary vehicles occasionally be used by those trying to sneak during a webinar that he earlier this year to bomb more for militias to expand and maybe highest among its North rolling by. They are a no-non- out of town, said Karim El expects the situation to than 120 further sites if the rocket take extreme action against the African neighbors. sense signal for citizens to Idrani, commander of the Al worsen over winter as the flu attacks cost American lives, a top state,” said Ali Mamouri, an analyst Morocco first decreed respect the country’s strict Fida police district. season overlaps with the Iraqi official said. The frustration and editor of the Iraq Pulse at Al lockdown measures on March orders to contain the virus. In Rabat, the political COVID-19 pandemic. failed to ease even after Mustafa Al Monitor news website. MONDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2020 ASIA 11 Curfew in Melbourne to be lifted today amid new infections

AFP — MELBOURNE Victoria state Premier Daniel Andrews said Melbourne residents would be free to leave An overnight curfew in Australia’s second-biggest city their homes at any time for work, exercise, to will be lifted from today, almost buy essentials or provide care. two months after it was imposed across Melbourne to counter a surging coronavirus to within five kilometres of their be back in classrooms from outbreak. homes and fines for breaching mid-October and childcare Victoria state Premier other restrictions will be centres will reopen Daniel Andrews said Melbourne increased to almost $3,515 to immediately. residents would be free to leave deter parties. Visits to hospitals and aged their homes at any time for “We don’t make this care facilities can resume with work, exercise, to buy essentials decision lightly but no-one has strict conditions but visits to or provide care. the right to put everything that homes will remain banned and The relaxation comes after Victorians have done at risk... outdoor gatherings limited to 16 new infections and two and potentially spreading the five people from two deaths were reported in Victoria virus,” Andrews told a press households. yesterday and the state’s active conference. Andrews said the evidence cases fell below 400 for the first Melbourne, the capital of was “irrefutable” that homes time since June 30. Victoria, became the epicentre were “one of the most risky The Melbourne curfew was of Australia’s second wave after environments” for trans- imposed on August 2 along with security bungles led to the virus mission of the virus. a raft of other restrictions as escaping from hotels used to “It is how people let their cases of coronavirus soared in quarantine travellers returning guard down, and there is a the city of roughly five million. from overseas. degree of informality — there Victoria police officers patrol through a shopping centre following an anti-lockdown protest in Chief health officer Brett Andrews said several other is no distancing, there is not the response to the city’s coronavirus restrictions in Melbourne, Australia. Sutton said it was “not a pro- restrictions will also be lifted, cleaning at that kind of indus- portionate measure to have in allowing workers in a number trial level, that is when this virus place going forward” given the of industries to return and small gets away from you,” he said. the spread of COVID-19, with 25 million. infections, allowing restrictions low case numbers. religious services to resume. Australia has been rela- just over 27,000 cases and Most regions are now to be rolled back across much People will still be confined Primary school students will tively successful in curbing 872 deaths in a population of reporting few or no new daily of the country. Sri Lanka returns containers of illegal waste to Britain India’s former minister AFP — COLOMBO Colombo’s main port between Jayaratne said yesterday. Britain, which the government A Sri Lankan investigation September 2017 and March “We are working to secure said was carrying illegal garbage last year into nearly 3,000 Jaswant Singh Sri Lanka has shipped back to 2018, Customs said, adding that compensation from those in violation of international law, tonnes of illegally imported haz- Britain container-loads of waste they departed Sri Lanka on responsible for getting the con- remains abandoned at the same ardous waste found the importer dies at age 82 that the government said was Saturday. tainers into the country.” port and at a free trade zone had reshipped about 180 tonnes brought into the island in They were meant to carry Customs did not reveal the type outside the capital. to India and Dubai in 2017 and violation of international laws used mattresses, carpets and of hospital waste, but previous They arrived in 2017 and 2018. Several Asian countries, AP — NEW DELHI governing the shipping of rugs, but had also contained illegally imported containers 2018. The government is cur- sick of being the wealthy world’s hazardous material. hospital waste, officials said. had included rags, bandages and rently engaged in legal action rubbish dump, have in the past Jaswant Singh, a veteran Indian The 21 containers -- holding “The shipper had agreed to body parts from mortuaries, against the shipper to have the two years turned back con- politician who served as defence up to 260 tonnes of rubbish — take back these 21 containers,” according to officials. 242 containers removed from tainer-loads of waste from minister, finance minister and first arrived by ship in the capital customs spokesman Sunil Another 242 containers from the country. foreign shores. external affairs minister during his career, died yesterday. He was 82. A statement by an Indian North Korea accuses army-run hospital said Singh was admitted to the hospital on June 25 for multiple ailments South of intrusion to and died of cardiac arrest early yesterday. Singh initially served as an officer in the Indian army find official’s body but resigned in the 1960s to pursue a career in politics. He was among the founding AP — SEOUL According to Seoul, North members of the current Hindu Korea on Friday sent a message nationalist ruling party, North Korea accused South including a rare apology by Bharatiya Janata Party, or BJP. Korea of sending ships across leader Kim Jong-Un for the He was a lawmaker in the disputed sea boundary to shooting death of the official, India’s Parliament nine times find the body of a South Korean who was found floating on an and served as minister for official recently killed by North object in its waters. defense, finance and external Korean troops, warning The North Korean message affairs when BJP came to power yesterday the intrusion could distributed by South Korea said in 1998 through 2004. escalate tensions. South Korea its troops shot the official In 2009, Singh was expelled denied the accusation. because he attempted to flee from the party for praising “We urge the South side to after refusing to answer to Mohammed Ali Jinnah, the immediately halt the intrusion questions. It said North Korea founder of Pakistan, in his book across the military demarcation maintained troops were unable Jinnah: India, Partition, Inde- line in the West Sea that may to find the official’s body and pendence. Singh was later let A woman walks past a TV broadcasting file footage of North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un for a news lead to escalation of tensions,” burned the object he was back in, but he distanced report on North Korea, in Seoul, South Korea. the official Korean Central floating on in line with anti- himself from the party in 2014 News Agency said. coronavirus rules. and unsuccessfully stood for “It arouses our due vigilance Yesterday’s KCNA report boundary since Friday in case also wants North Korea to sanctions over his nuclear election as an independent as it may lead to another awful confirmed North Korea notified the official’s body drifts back. restore a suspended military program and the pandemic that candidate. incident.” Along with its denial, South Korea on Friday with its South Korean President hotline between the nations to forced his country to close its Prime Minister Narendra South Korea proposed a joint account of the incident, but it Moon Jae-in met with his facilitate communications. border with China, its biggest Modi offered condolences over investigation to resolve discrep- didn’t say whether the notifi- National Security Council yes- Kim’s apology was seen as trading partner. Singh’s death in a series of ancies in each country’s account cation included an apology terday. Moon’s office said the an attempt to soothe anti-North While Kim’s apology could tweets and said he “will be of the South Korean official’s from Kim. council viewed Kim’s apology sentiment in South Korea that help reduce the risk of esca- remembered for his unique per- death last week. Officials in South Korea’s military and positively and proposed a joint could make it difficult for him lation of tensions between the spective on matters of politics Seoul have said the 47-year-old coast guard responded to North investigation with North Korea to win concessions in any rivals, conservatives in South and society.” Singh “served our was likely attempting to defect Korea’s claim of a border to find out what happened to negotiations. Korea have launched a political nation diligently, first as a before North Korean troops incursion by saying their ships the official. Kim is currently struggling offensive against Moon for soldier and later during his long aboard a boat fatally shot him and aircraft have been Senior presidential official to overcome worsening eco- failing to prevent the man’s association with politics,” Modi and burned his body. searching waters south of the Suh Choo-suk said South Korea nomic woes caused by US-led death. said. “

Final whale saved from grim India’s farm bills become law despite protests Australia mass stranding REUTERS — NEW DELHI India’s President yesterday AFP — SYDNEY “There has been a tre- approved three controversial A lone whale was rescued from mendous team effort and this agricultural bills amid among hundreds of carcasses combined commitment has nationwide protests by farmers yesterday, taking to 110 the allowed us to get as many who say the new laws will stunt number of creatures that whales as we can back out to their bargaining power and survived a mass stranding in sea,” Parks and Wildlife Service instead allow large retailers to southern Australia. manager Rob Buck said of the have control over pricing. The country’s largest-ever “complex rescue”. Farmers’ organisations say mass stranding saw around With more than 300 car- one of the three laws could lead 470 pilot whales become stuck casses spread across a 10km to the government stopping in a remote harbour on Tas- area, authorities shifted their buying grain at guaranteed mania’s rugged western sea- focus yesterday to a mass sea prices, a move that would disrupt board last week, sparking a burial. wholesale markets which have major effort to save the Boats have begun towing so far ensured fair and timely animals. It was “absolutely the dead whales into the open payments to farmers. remarkable” another whale ocean, where they will be President Ram Nath Kovind’s was found alive six days after released over several days. approval is likely to further stir the pod was first discovered, a Authorities have warned protests, leading farmers’ organ- Tasmania environment that more whales could be isations said. department spokeswoman found in the area, with some Prime Minister Narendra said, adding that it had been animals likely to become Modi has already lost a key Women shout slogans as they block railway tracks during a protest against Indian government following taken back out to sea. beached for a second time. political ally from the northern the recent passing of new farm bills in parliament, on the outskirts of Amritsar, Punjab, yesterday. More than 100 rescuers The causes of mass Indian state of Punjab, one of toiled for days in chilly waters, strandings remain unknown, India’s two bread basket states, but many volunteers and con- but some experts have sug- where farmers form an influ- Trade and Commerce (Pro- traders and retailers. Modi’s administration has servationists have now packed gested the pod may have gone ential voting bloc. motion and Facilitation) Bill — Nearly 85 percent of India’s clarified that the wholesale up as efforts turned to dis- off track after feeding close to The country’s main oppo- one of the laws already approved poor farmers own less than 2 markets will operate as usual, posing of the remaining the shoreline or by following sition Congress party has also by parliament — growers can hectares of land and they find it and the government only aims carcasses. one or two whales that strayed. backed the protests. directly sell their produce to insti- difficult to directly negotiate with to empower farmers to sell Under the Farmers’ Produce tutional buyers such as big large buyers. directly to buyers. 12 ASIA MONDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2020 Doha talks will bring an end to decade-long Afghan war: Imran

INTERNEWS — ISLAMABAD

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran When President Donald Trump wrote to me in late Khan says peace and political 2018 for Pakistan’s assistance to achieve a negotiated stability in Afghanistan cannot political settlement in Afghanistan, we had no be imposed from the outside through the use of force. hesitation in assuring that Pakistan would make every In an opinion piece for effort to facilitate such an outcome. Washington Post, the Pakistan Prime Minister said only an Imran Khan Afghan-owned and Afghan-led Prime Minister of Pakistan reconciliation process, which recognises Afghanistan’s political realities and diversity can produce a lasting peace. Donald Trump wrote to me in international withdrawal from He said negotiations late 2018 for Pakistan’s Afghanistan would be unwise. between the Afghan gov- assistance to achieve a nego- Imran Khan said we should ernment and the Taliban in tiated political settlement in also guard against regional Doha, Qatar, for political set- Afghanistan, we had no hesi- spoilers who are not invested tlement will bring an end to tation in assuring that Pakistan in peace and see instability in decade’s old war. would make every effort to Afghanistan. Commencement ceremony at Wuhan University Imran Khan said through facilitate such an outcome. He said Pakistan will con- First-year students waving Chinese flags during a commencement ceremony at Wuhan University in decades of conflict, Pakistan The Prime Minister said the tinue to support the Afghan Wuhan, in China’s central Hubei province, on Saturday. Mainland China reported 14 new COVID-19 has dealt with the responsi- government of Afghanistan people in their quest for a bility of taking care of more and the Taliban responded to unified, independent and sov- cases on Saturday, compared with 15 cases announced a day earlier. The National Health Commission than 4 million Afghan the Afghan people’s yearning ereign Afghanistan that is at said in a statement that all the new cases were imported infections involving travellers from abroad. refugees. for peace. peace with itself and its The number of new asymptomatic cases, which China does not classify as confirmed COVID-19 He said when US President He said a hasty neighbours. patients, fell to 26 from 30 a day earlier.

Russia calls for Malaysian PM criticises UN for failure to solve Palestine issue immediate end QNA — KUALA LUMPUR networking and cooperation of lost, Yassin said. “This is pre- found “we can never fully intentions under the guise of to fighting over intelligence agencies among cisely the reason why the eco- declare victory” against the national security and the notion Malaysian Prime Minister nations are “imperative to nomic devastation of this mag- pandemic. “This is why the of justice. Wars took place and Nagorno-Karabakh Muhyiddin Yassin warned the counter terrorism and radical- nitude needs the collective manufacturing of a vaccine millions lost their lives.” Yasin UN General Assembly on isation during this pandemic,” action of the international com- must promote international col- said Israel can no longer be in QNA — MOSCOW Saturday that the world’s he said. munity.” Yassin also warned laboration rather than nation- denial. “Israel continues to distraction in fighting the “This is a psychological war about ignoring the most vul- alistic competition.” Yasin crit- threaten Palestinian statehood Moscow called on the parties pandemic could give oppor- waged on the vulnerable and nerable people during the pan- icised the Security Council for with further annexation of Pal- to the conflict in the Nagorno- tunity to terrorists to strike. we must win over ‘hearts and demic. “This pandemic has taking months before discussing estinian land, further denying Karabakh zone to immediately On top of the socio-eco- minds’ to succeed,” said Yassin. affected the most vulnerable the pandemic though it “clearly Palestine any semblance of cease fire and begin negotia- nomic impact COVID-19 has The pandemic also calls for populations women and poses a grave threat to the human security or peace. tions to stabilise the situation, had on all of us, we need to also reform of the financial archi- children; people with disabil- security of the world.” On Pal- Malaysia's position on this the Russian Foreign Ministry be mindful of the possibility of tecture of the world, he said. ities; as well as the marginalised estine, Yasin sharply criticised matter remains clear and con- said yesterday. terrorism rearing its ugly head Governments were required to and the displaced,” he said. the UN for “one of its most sistent. Annexation is unlawful,” “According to the available in this time of uncertainty,” prevent lockdowns from “We must remember that glaring failures.” Despite the he said. information, the situation in Yassin said. “We must never causing people to lose their jobs COVID-19 does not discriminate countless calls by the interna- “The acquisition of any ter- the zone of the Nagorno- discount the fact that terrorist and businesses to be shut. and because of that, our tional community since the ritory by war or force is inad- Karabakh conflict has sharply groups could be ramping up “The economic and response should not too,” said founding of the United Nations, missible and illegal. As such, deteriorated,” the ministry their efforts to take advantage financial impact of the pan- Yasin. the will of the majority con- there will never be nor can said. “We call on the parties to of the present uncertain times demic has brought big and small The prime minister called tinues to be negated by the there ever be any legitimacy in immediately cease fire and to further enhance their corporations to their knees” and for the world to unite to find a few,” he said. Israel's actions against Pal- begin negotiations to stabilize agenda.” Communication, thousands of jobs have been vaccine, because until one is “They hide their true estine,” said Yasin. the situation,” the Russian dip- lomatic service stressed. Russian Foreign Ministry At least 15 die spokeswoman Maria 16 dead from gas poisoning in China coal mine Zakharova said that against in Pakistan van the backdrop of the wors- AFP — BEIJING Chongqing. ening situation in Nagorno- inferno Mining accidents are Karabakh, Lavrov is making Sixteen workers died and one common in China, where the intensive contacts to urge the AFP — KARACHI is in a critical condition after industry has a poor safety two parties to cease fire and being trapped underground in record and regulations are often start talks to restore the situ- At least 15 people were killed a coal mine in southwest China weakly enforced. ation to stability. The Azerba- when a passenger van trav- yesterday, reported state At least 14 miners were ijani Ministry of Defence elling in southern Pakistan broadcaster CCTV. killed in a coal and gas blast last reported in the early hours of crashed and caught fire, offi- A conveyor belt caught fire December at a mine in south- the morning that the cials said yesterday. in the early hours of the western Guizhou province. Armenian military had begun The van was carrying pas- morning, state news agency In December 2018, seven shelling settlements along the sengers from Karachi to Xinhua cited the government miners were killed in line of contact. The author- Hyderabad city when it struck as saying, which produced dan- Chongqing after the connecting ities in Yerevan have also an object and careered off the gerous levels of carbon segment of a skip broke and fell accused the Azerbaijani road late on Saturday. monoxide. down a shaft. armed forces of shelling “The death toll in the Medics are fighting to save In October the same year, civilian settlements. Both unfortunate accident has the life of the remaining sur- 21 miners died in eastern sides have also claimed to reached 15,” Owais Shah, the vivor, CCTV reported. Shandong province after have struck military targets Rescuers wait outside the Songzao Coal Mine near Chongqing, in transport minister of Sindh The cause of the accident is pressure inside a mine caused throughout the day. southwest China, yesterday. province, told AFP. still under investigation, said rocks to fracture and break, According to the Armenian Five other people were the Qijiang district government blocking the tunnel and Defence Ministry, Nagorno- injured, three of them criti- on social media platform The facility, Songzao Coal firm Chongqing Energy and trapping the workers. Only one Karabakh was subjected to air cally, he said. Most of the Weibo. Mine, is owned by state energy located just outside the city of miner was rescued alive. and missile attacks. bodies were burned beyond recognition, said Faisal Edhi, head of the non-profit Edhi Foundation which runs the China’s foreign minister may visit Japan next month: Report morgue the bodies were taken to. Investigators were looking REUTERS — TOKYO his Japanese counterpart ties between the nations, said between China and the United meet US Secretary of State Mike to see if a natural gas cylinder Toshimitsu Motegi and Prime the source who declined to be States worsen amid the coro- Pompeo in early October, the aboard the bus had con- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Minister Yoshihide Suga during named as the information is not navirus pandemic and lingering government source said, as tributed to the inferno. Yi may visit Japan as early as the trip, the source said. public. trade friction. Pompeo will visit Tokyo for a October, a government source The visit would come after The visit was earlier Tokyo is also in a dispute meeting with his counterparts said yesterday, after the leaders Suga and Chinese President Xi reported by Japan's public with Beijing over ownership of of Australia, India and Japan. S Korea returns of the two countries agreed to Jinping agreed during a phone broadcaster NHK. islands in the East China Sea Suga is also considering pursue high-level contacts to conversation on Friday to have Suga, who became prime and has expressed concern having a telephone conver- remains of 117 promote regional and interna- more high-level contacts. minister earlier this month, about an uptick in Chinese mil- sation with leaders of Russia, tional stability. Suga and Wang would likely must manage relations with itary activity the region. France and Italy, the source Chinese soldiers Wang would hold talks with agree to strengthen economic Japan’s bigger neighbour as ties Separately, Suga plans to added.

AP — BEIJING S Korea, US envoys to hold talks The remains of 117 Chinese soldiers who died in the 1950-53 Korean War were over peace on Korean Peninsula returned to China yesterday in QNA — SEOUL Peninsula.” When asked by a an annual repatriation delayed reporter whether he will this year by the coronavirus We are currently at a critical discuss the North’s recent outbreak. point in advancing the peace deadly shooting, Lee said he South Korea handed over process on the Korean will discuss “all issues related the remains at a ceremony at Peninsula, said South Korea’s to the Korean Peninsula.” Incheon airport outside Seoul, chief nuclear envoy and Special The visit of South Korea’s and a Chinese military Representative for Korean top nuclear envoy to the United transport plane flew them to Peninsula Peace and Security States to hold talks with his Shenyang, a northeastern Affairs, Lee Do-hoon. American counterpart comes Chinese city near the North Lee added in a press nearly three months since his Korean border. interview prior to his departure last visit there, on June 17 of this Chinese soldiers fought on for Washington yesterday to year. Lee will hold wide- the North Korean side against hold talks with his American ranging talks with his US coun- US-led forces in the South counterpart, Stephen Biegun, terpart Biegun on policies during the war on the Korean “I will meet with Special Rep- toward North Korea on his Peninsula. Most of the 117 resentative Biegun to closely four-day visit. remains were found in the discuss how to stably manage On June 25, South Korea Demilitarized Zone that sep- the current situation and and the US affirmed their com- arates North and South Korea. Hustle and bustle of a fruit market resume dialogue so as to tackle mitment to preserving peace It was the seventh annual our challenges of realising the on the Korean Peninsula and Traders and buyers gather at a wholesale fruit market in Lahore, Pakistan, yesterday. repatriation, and the largest complete denuclearisation and pursue denuclearisation of since the 437 returned in 2014. lasting peace on the Korean North Korea. MONDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2020 EUROPE 13 Virus may devastate students’ futures: Prince Charles

AP — LONDON The Prince of Wales said the social and amid COVID-19 outbreaks in it doesn’t really seem like that test, track and trace system in economic crisis created by the coronavirus residence halls. Thousands are if they haven’t allowed us time place by then has got to be Prince Charles has warned that self-isolating at dormitories in to prepare for this.” described as pathetic.’’ up to one million young people is reminiscent of the upheavals of the 1970s, Glasgow, Manchester and With health experts saying The struggles of students in Britain may need “urgent when youth unemployment was one of the Edinburgh. that virus outbreaks at univer- underscore growing indications help’’ to protect their futures In Manchester, students are sities were entirely foreseeable, that the virus is spreading from the ravages of the pressing issues facing British society. chafing at a lockdown they say the debate has begun over throughout the UK. New infec- COVID-19 pandemic, as politi- was imposed without warning. whether students will be tions, hospitalizations and cians debated whether to keep One group taped “HMP MMU” allowed to return home for deaths have all risen sharply in British university students from unquestionably vast, but it is not pandemic, even though they are to a window, suggesting the Christmas. recent weeks. returning home for Christmas. insurmountable.” The com- less likely to become seriously dormitory had become Her The opposition Labour Party Britain already has Europe’s The Prince of Wales said the ments came as the spread of ill. The closure of schools during Majesty’s Prison at Manchester urged the government on worst death toll from the pan- social and economic crisis COVID-19 accelerates across the spring coronavirus Metropolitan University. Sunday to promise that students demic, with about 42,000 con- created by the coronavirus is the UK, prompting the gov- lockdown cancelled national Dominic Waddell, 21, a first- will be permitted to go home for firmed deaths. But scientists reminiscent of the upheavals of ernment to impose new achievement tests in Britain and year filmmaking student, said the holidays. David Lammy, a who are urging more restrictive the 1970s, when youth unem- restrictions. threw university admissions some students weren’t even leading Labour lawmaker, told measures are being challenged ployment was one of the Lawmakers and public into disarray. sent emails telling them about the BBC the government must by critics fearing further pressing issues facing British health experts have criticised First-year students have the new lockdown. improve the country’s virus damage to the economy. society. Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s had to forego social events seen “There was a security guard testing system to make sure this Johnson last week “There has never been a Conservative government for as a rite of passage at the start that then just arrived at the gate is possible. announced a 10pm curfew on time as uniquely challenging as problems with the national test- of their college careers, and the of our accommodation and he “We want young people restaurants throughout the present, when the pandemic and-trace programme that was job prospects for graduates look wasn’t letting anybody leave, home with their families at England, along with other has left perhaps another million supposed to help control the bleak as unemployment rises. not really explaining what was Christmas time, and they need restrictions on social interac- young people needing urgent spread of the disease and Now many university stu- going on,” Waddell said. the testing to make sure that tions, but many health experts help to protect their futures,’’ reduce the need for limits on dents in Britain — who have just “They’re saying the safety that can happen,” he said. “By said the measures didn’t go far he wrote in the Sunday social interactions. begun returning to campus after and wellbeing of our students Christmas, we would have had enough. Several regions have Telegraph. Young people have been the summer holidays — are and staff and the local com- the coronavirus for nine already imposed tighter restric- “The task ahead is particularly hard hit by the facing increased restrictions munity is our top priority, but months. That we couldn’t get a tions to control local spikes. Germany’s former France checks video ‘super minister’ claim for knife attack dies aged 80

AFP — PARIS questioning, the source close AFP — BERLIN to the investigation said. French investigators were He is believed to have Former German “super yesterday studying a video entered France three years ago minister” Wolfgang Clement, claiming responsibility for the while still a minor and had who helped push through meat cleaver attack in Paris showed no risk of radicalisation controversial job market that targeted satirical weekly despite once being stopped for reforms in the early 2000s, Charlie Hebdo as the carrying a cold weapon. died yesterday at the age of 80. government condemned an act The two people wounded Clement had been suf- of “Islamist terrorism”. were employees of prize- fering from lung cancer and Eight people were still winning TV production agency died overnight at his home in under arrest, including the sus- Premieres Lignes, whose offices Bonn, his spokeswoman said. pected perpetrator of Friday’s are in the same block that used Long seen as a leading light attack that left two badly to house Charlie Hebdo in the of the centrist branch of the wounded outside Charlie centre of the capital. centre-left Social Democrats Hebdo’s former offices in Paris. However it is not believed (SPD), Clement leaves behind The man is an 18-year old that the two, whose lives are a complex legacy. born in Pakistan named as not in danger, were specifically A former journalist, Clement Hassan A, according to a source targeted. Protesters gather on the Invalides Esplanade in Paris yesterday, during a demonstration called by worked his way up the party close to the investigation. The man mistakenly the collective “Restons Ouverts” (Let’s stay open) to protest sanitary measures imposed on their ranks and served from 1998 to He told investigators he had believed Charlie Hebdo’s businesses over the COVID-19 pandemic. 2002 as prime minister of carried out the attack to avenge offices were still in that building North-Rhine Westphalia, Ger- the republication of cartoons and wanted to attack jour- many’s most populous state, by Charlie Hebdo, which was nalists from the magazine, French hospitals delay surgeries to before being tapped by then- the target of a January 2015 according to his statement to chancellor Gerhard Schroeder massacre. investigators. to switch to national politics. The investigators were now One person arrested was free up space for COVID-19 patients From 2002 to 2005, seeking to authenticate a video released overnight. But as well Clement held the labour and which they believe could show as the main suspect seven AP — PARIS economists proposed in Le France has reported 31,700 economics portfolios at the Hassan A announcing he was others were still being held. Monde newspaper this virus-related deaths, the third- same time, earning him the about to carry out the attack. They include his younger Hospitals in the Paris and weekend that France lock down highest toll in Europe after nickname “super minister”. “We see him crying, brother and people who lived Marseille regions are delaying its population for the first three Britain and Italy. During that period, he was chanting. He claims in advance with him at his last place of res- some scheduled operations to weeks of December, to allow While at least 10% of French one of the architects of the his act by evoking the republi- idence in northern Paris. free up space for COVID-19 families to get together safely intensive care beds are now liberal “Agenda 2010” reform cation of the caricatures,” said Interior Minister Gerald patients as the French for the end-of-year holidays. occupied with COVID patients, package that became the cen- the source, who asked not to Darmanin acknowledged that government tries to stem a rising In response, Veran said on Veran said they’re far from trepiece of Schroeder’s second be named. the authorities could have tide of coronavirus infections, the LCI television that “we do not saturation. term and sparks bitter debate “It is a kind of manifesto, he become complacent over the health minister said yesterday. want to confine the country Still, he said hospitals in the in Germany to this day. announces he is going to act,” terror risk after a relative lull As restaurants in Marseille again. Several countries around Paris and Marseille regions are The painful labour and explained the source, adding: in high-profile attacks in recent prepared to shut down yesterday us made other choices. We delaying scheduled surgeries welfare reforms have since “It is not a claim of allegiance years. night for a week as part of scat- don’t want this.” He urged the to free up space. Hospitals tem- been credited with reducing to an organisation.” The suspect “We are in an extremely tered new French virus restric- French to make an effort to porarily suspended such oper- unemployment and contrib- was born in the Pakistan town critical situation, we are at war tions, Health Minister Olivier slow the spread of the virus, ations when the virus swept uting to Germany’s economic of Mandi Bahauddin and while with Islamist terrorism. Maybe, Veran insisted that the country after health authorities reported through France in March and boom years, but the tough-love he speaks a little French he has collectively, we put this behind plans no new lockdowns. 14,000 new infections Saturday April, creating backlogs that still approach caused a lasting rift needed a translator during us,” he said. Two Nobel Prize-winning amid a mass testing effort. persist six months later. in the SPD. Macron's party braces for new German town opens poll setback doors to migrants AFP — PARIS AFP — NEURUPPIN contentious question of how many refugees each country President Emmanuel Macron’s The town of Neuruppin may be should be responsible for. centrist party braced yesterday nestled in an eastern part of Merkel’s government has for a new setback in elections Germany where the far-right said Germany is prepared to for France’s Senate upper AfD party enjoys some of its take in around 1,500 people in house, where the right is strongest support. all, including some from the expected to hold on to its But it is offering to take in burnt-down Moria camp. majority. refugees again, five years after And out of the country’s French Senate members are a huge migrant influx bitterly 2,000-plus towns and cities, not directly elected by voters, but divided the country. “We have some 173 — including 16 in the instead by tens of thousands of room for 50 to 75 people,” Jens- east — have written to Berlin local councillors who are them- Peter Golde, the mayor of the offering their help. selves elected by the people. 31,000-strong town, said. Mayor Golde said Neurup- After Macron’s Republic on “We are doing well here pin’s experience from five years the Move (LREM) party per- and we have the possibility (to ago showed that the town could formed woefully in the local help) people in need.” At the make it work this time, too. elections earlier this year, it is not height of the EU’s migrant crisis Space used to house asylum expected to make any significant in 2015, Angela Merkel seekers back in 2015 was now impact in the Senate vote. Paying respects announced that Germany’s being freed up as migrants move Senate elections take place borders would not be closed to to more permanent homes. Police officers lay flowers as they pay their respects at the custody centre where a British police every three years in France, any refugees, a move hailed as And that meant there was officer was shot dead, in Croydon, south London, Britain, yesterday. with half of the chamber’s 348 historic by some but blamed by room to take in newcomers, he seats at stake each time. others for the subsequent rise said. “When you see the pic- LREM, dogged by problems in far-right nationalism. tures in Moria, it is not a in recent months after suc- The country has since taken question of politics, it is a cessfully propelling Macron to Mask-clad Romanians vote in local polls in more than one million question of morals,” Golde said. the presidency in 2017 elec- asylum seekers. And not only that, it is about tions, currently only has 23 AFP — BUCHAREST to fill in the single-round But it remains unclear to The thorny issue of immi- economics, too. In 2015, the senators. election ahead of national polls what extent the health crisis gration in Europe has shot to arrival of refugees proved a boon There is little chance their Mask-clad Romanians started in December. will outweigh other concerns, the top of the bloc’s political for entrepreneurs in the region. ranks will swell in the polls, voting yesterday to choose The deeply-entrenched with the National Liberal Party agenda again, however, after a “Local businesses are while Francois Patriat, the mayors and local councillors, but Social Democrats (PSD) — (PNL) still just ahead of the PSD huge fire destroyed the biggest chasing the workforce,” leader of LREM’s Senate group, a coronavirus surge threatens to unseated from government in in recent surveys. refugee camp in Greece, in according to Martin Osinski, could even lose his seat. hit the first electoral test after 2019 in a parliamentary no- Politicians and observers Moria on the island of Lesbos. former head of 18 asylum With 143 seats in the years of political turbulence with confidence vote after two years worry about a traditionally low Rights activists have urged seekers’ hostels in the area, Senate, the right-wing Repub- a high abstention rate. of anti-corruption protests — turnout dipping even further. EU governments to take in the who remembers small and licans are expected to keep Nationwide, the east have accused the current liberal Only 48 percent of eligible 12,000 people left without medium-sized business owners control of the chamber and European country of almost 19 minority administration of mis- voters took part in the last local shelter in the aftermath of the literally knocking on their continue. million people has 43,000 seats managing the pandemic. elections four years ago. blaze, again raising the doors in search of labour. 14 EUROPE / AMERICAS MONDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2020 Belarus police detain many protesters AFP — MINSK Armoured vehicles claimed victory over Lukashenko in the election and Belarus police yesterday and water cannon has taken shelter in neigh- arrested dozens of people were deployed on the bouring Lithuania, said she sup- during a weekly protest that ported the demonstrators. drew diminished crowds in streets, several metro “Today is the 50th day of support of protest figure stations in central our protests,” she said in a video Svetlana Tikhanovskaya days address. “We’ve come out to after the strongman president Minsk were closed, stop this regime, and we are staged a secret inauguration. and the Palace of doing this peacefully.” Tens of thousands of pro- Yesterday’s march came a testers including prominent Independence was day after riot police in bala- athletes, drummers and a choir clavas detained 150 people at marched through Minsk despite heavily guarded by riot women’s rallies where pro- rain but the column was visibly police and barriers. testers chanted “Sveta the smaller compared to previous president”. People attend an opposition rally to reject the presidential election results and to protest against the weekend protests against Alex- Central squares and inauguration of Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, in Minsk yesterday. ander Lukashenko. shopping centres where pro- Armoured vehicles and The opposition movement testers have sought refuge from water cannon were deployed calling for an end to Lukash- violent police detentions during military backup if needed and European leaders have said Dimanche he was impressed on the streets ahead of the enko’s regime has kept up a earlier rallies were closed. a $1.5bn loan. they do not recognise, Lukash- with the courage of protesters protest, several metro stations wave of large-scale demonstra- Over the past month riot Lukashenko, who has ruled enko’s re-election and promised and that it was clear in central Minsk were closed, tions since his disputed win last police have detained thousands ex-Soviet Belarus for 26 years, to impose sanctions on Belarus Lukashenko “has to go”. and the Palace of Inde- month, with around 100,000 of protesters who have reported has also accused Western coun- for rigging the vote and waging Britain said this week it was pendence, Lukashenko’s resi- or more people taking to the torture and abuse in custody, tries and Natoof supporting pro- a post-election crackdown on coordinating with the United dence, was heavily guarded by streets on previous weekends. prompting international con- testers or trying to destabilise peaceful demonstrations. States and Canada on sanctions riot police and barriers. Ahead of yesterday’s march demnation and proposed EU the country. French President Emmanuel after EU penalties were stalled Viasna rights group said the top opposition Telegram sanctions. He put his military on high Macron today was scheduled to by Cyprus. more than 40 people were channel, Nexta Live, which has Several people have died in alert after the vote and Belarus visit the Baltic states of Latvia Authorities have jailed or detained as police sought to more than two million sub- the crackdown. will host war games with and Lithuania, which border forced out of the country many break up the protest. scribers, urged Belarusians to Lukashenko has dismissed several other ex-Soviet coun- Belarus and have expanded of Tikhanovskaya’s allies who Police used tear gas in the stage a symbolic “people’s inau- opposition calls for his resig- tries including Russia next their own sanctions on Minsk formed the leadership of the second largest city of Gomel and guration of the real president” nation and sought help from month in what is being touted along with Estonia. Coordination Council that is stun grenades in the eastern city Tikhanovskaya. Russia’s President Vladimir as a show of force against Yesterday, he told the seeking new elections and the of Mogilev, Viasna added. Tikhanovskaya, who Putin, who has promised Nato. French weekly the Journal du transfer of power. Hundreds protest Greece warms to EU asylum pact but refugee groups rage in Madrid against AFP — ATHENS The only flaw from Greece’s southern edge makes it one of “The Commission promised radical policy change,” Doctors partial lockdown perspective is the Commission the major points of arrival in the “no more Moria’, while building Without Borders (MSF) pres- Greece’s government has giving up on quota-based redis- bloc for migrants. a new containment camp in ident Christos Christou tweeted. AFP — MADRID cautiously welcomed a plan tribution of asylum seekers Its geography has made it a Lesbos, where conditions are “Enough is enough. No more from Brussels to reform the EU’s among EU countries — a plan relentless defender of the idea dire,” tweeted the Legal Centre lies,” he added. Hundreds of people protested shaky asylum system, but first mooted during the that asylum seekers — who Lesbos, which provides legal MSF is one of only a few in Madrid yesterday against charity groups working with migration crisis of 2015 but arrive almost daily on the coun- information and assistance to organisations allowed by Greek partial lockdown measures refugees on the ground have which foundered on opposition try’s Aegean Sea islands — migrants on the island. authorities to come to the aid imposed on parts of the region, blasted a continued “outrageous from several member states. should be shared out fairly. Other groups working with of asylum seekers left to sleep mainly in densely populated containment policy”. Wednesday’s pact “goes in The Greek government has migrants on the ground pointed by the side of the road after low-income neighbourhoods, The “New Pact on Migration the right direction, our main long struggled to manage over- out the arduous lines people must Moria was destroyed. to curb a surge in coronavirus and Asylum” was unveiled on positions are included, but we’re crowding in camps on the five stand in to receive one meal per So far almost 9,400 people cases. Wednesday and calls for a disappointed on redistribution, islands most affected by the day, the lack of mattresses and have moved into the new tem- Since September 21 some tougher stance on returning we’d have preferred a different arrivals, especially since the the impossibility of respecting porary camp on Lesbos, the 850,000 people have been migrants who do not have the model,” Greek asylum service Moria camp on Lesbos burned coronavirus infection control Greek section of the UN Refugee confined to their neighbour- right to stay in the EU, and secretary Manos Logothetis told down on September 8 and 9. measures like social distancing. Agency (UNHCR) said. hoods and unable to leave ratcheting up border controls. ERT public television. Half of the 24,000 migrants “We have continuously Spokeswoman Stella Nanou except for work, school or Such moves are music to the Mitsotakis himself has reit- packed into Greek camps exposed the human cost of this said authorities must “put an medical reasons although they ears of Prime Minister Kyriakos erated calls for a “balanced remain on Lesbos. outrageous containment policy end to the precarious situation are able to move freely within Mitsotakis’ conservative gov- asylum policy” and highlighted Authorities rushed to set up to leaders in European capitals, for thousands of refugees in the their own areas. ernment, which has been oper- “the need to share responsibil- a provisional site for those left to commissioners in Brussels Greek islands and... accelerate Parks in the affected areas ating a harsh migration policy ities in a fair way”. without shelter by the blaze, but and to citizens through the their safe and orderly transfer are closed and restaurants and since taking power over a year Like Italy and Spain, charity groups are already media, but nothing seems to to suitable accommodation in other businesses must shut at ago. Greece’s position on the EU’s incensed at conditions there. lead to a desperately needed the mainland.” 10pm. From today another 167,000 people in the region of some 6.6 million people will COVID-19 surge dashes herd be confined to their neighbourhoods. immunity hopes in Amazon “It’s not confinement, it’s segregation!” the crowd chanted REUTERS — BRASILIA infected between the peak in outside of the parliament of the mid-May and August. regional government of Madrid The largest city in Brazil’s The study by the University in the southern district of Val- Amazon has closed restaurants of Sao Paulo’s Institute of lecas, one of the mainly and river beaches to contain a Tropical Medicine tested newly southern neighbourhoods fresh surge of coronavirus donated banked blood for anti- affected by the partial lockdown cases, a trend that may dash bodies to the virus and used a measures which came into theories that Manaus was one mathematical model to effect last week. of the world’s first places to estimate contagion levels. Protesters called for the reach collective, or herd, The high infection rate sug- resignation of conservative immunity. gested that herd immunity led Madrid regional leader Isabel When a large portion of a to the dramatic drop in cases Diaz Ayuso, who drew crit- community becomes immune and deaths, the study said. icism for saying that the “life- to a disease, its spread becomes Daily burials and crema- style” of people in the affected unlikely. tions fell from a peak of 277 on areas was partly to blame for University of Sao Paulo May 1 to just 45 in mid-Sep- the rise in Covid-19 cases. researchers suggested that a tember, according to the “They don’t confine the drastic fall in COVID-19 deaths mayor’s office. rich,” was among one of the in Manaus pointed to collective The COVID-19 death toll signs on display at the protest Unrest in Mexico City immunity at work, but they that officially peaked at 60 on which drew groups young also believe that antibodies to April 30 dropped to just two or people, retired couples and Demonstrators paint the helmets of riot police in Mexico City on Saturday, during a march for the the disease after infection may three a day by the end of young parents pushing baby sixth anniversary of the disappearance of 43 students of the Ayotzinapa Teacher Training College. not last more than a few August. strollers. months. Now the numbers are on Local authorities on Friday the rise again. Swiss voters enforced a 30-day ban on The study’s lead researcher, Key informant in Venezuela case parties and other gatherings, Ester Sabino, declined to be approve $6.5bn and restricted restaurant and interviewed for this article shopping hours, a setback for because the Manaus herd purchase of jets accused of lying to investigators the city of 1.8 million after the immunity study awaits peer worst of the pandemic seemed review for publication. REUTERS — ZURICH AP — MEDELLIN case in which a federal judge package of ¤1.3m in cash that he to be behind them. Authorities warned Manaus excoriated the same unit of transported by private jet to the In April and May, so many residents they were ignoring Swiss voters backed the A key informant against one of Manhattan prosecutors targeting US in July 2018 at the direction Manaus residents were dying the virus and risked a second government’s plan to spend up Venezuelan President Nicolás El Aissami for withholding of federal law enforcement. from COVID-19 that its hos- wave of contagion by not to 6bn Swiss francs ($6.46bn) Maduro’s closest aides has been exculpatory information about Marin, 46, runs a chartered pitals collapsed and cemeteries wearing masks, packing into on new fighter jets in a surpris- accused of lying to his law an Iranian businessman seen as flight business out of Miami’s could not dig graves fast bars and attending parties. ingly close referendum that enforcement handlers in a case a nexus in growing ties between Opa Locka executive airport. He enough. The city never imposed They shut down Manaus’ river was won with a 50.2 percent involving millions of dollars the Islamic republic and was signed up as a confidential a full lockdown. Non-essential beachfront where raves were majority, official results transported on private jets in Venezuela. source to help investigate then businesses were closed but being held. showed yesterday. violation of US sanctions, it was Alejandro Marin, a Vene- Vice President El Aissami and many simply ignored social dis- Manaus Mayor Arthur Vir- Opinion polls had shown learnt. zuelan-born pilot and busi- his alleged frontman, busi- tancing guidelines. gilio blamed right-wing Pres- the plan would easily win The development could nessman, was arrested Sept. 19 nessman Samark Lopez. Then in June, deaths unex- ident Jair Bolsonaro, who has approval in a country where hurt the case against Oil Min- in Miami on three counts of The Trump administration pectedly plummeted. Public minimized the gravity of the armed neutrality is a tradition. ister Tareck El Aissami, who the knowingly making false state- sanctioned both men as drug health experts wondered pandemic, for encouraging a Approving funding in the US considers one of Venezuela’s ments to US federal agents, kingpins in 2017, seizing hun- whether so many residents had return to normal life and work binding referendum will let the most corrupt power brokers, according to court filings. dreds of millions of dollars from caught the virus that it had run instead of waiting for a vaccine government decide next year giving oxygen to claims by the A sworn affidavit accompa- US bank accounts, two yachts, a out of new people to infect. to be developed. among the Eurofighter from nation’s socialist elite that the nying the September 4 arrest private plane and Miami real Research posted last week “The government must Airbus, the Rafale from US is resorting to trumped-up order doesn’t mention Vene- estate it said were the illegal pro- to medRxiv, a website distrib- take this seriously and speak France’s Dassault, Boeing’s charges to pursue its goal of zuela or El Aissami. ceeds of cocaine shipments to uting unpublished papers on the truth. If it says there is no F/A-18 Super Hornet, or the regime change. But it accuses Marin of lying Mexican cartels coordinated at health science, estimated that problem, that encourages Lockheed Martin F35-A It also follows embarrassing about the equivalent of $140,000 the highest levels of Venezuela’s 44 percent to 66 percent of the people to ignore our decrees,” Lightning II. revelations in another sanctions that went missing from a government and military. Manaus population was the mayor said in an interview. MONDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2020 AMERICAS 15 Biden focuses on healthcare in Supreme Court fight

REUTERS — WASHINGTON/ “It’s no mystery what Biden repeated his call that WILMINGTON is happening here. the winner of the presidential election should get to appoint Democratic presidential President Trump is the new justice. candidate Joe Biden and fellow trying to throw out the Trump said on Twitter yes- Democrats yesterday made it terday that if the Supreme Court clear that their opposition to Affordable Care Act. strikes down the health law, President Donald Trump’s He has been trying to “Obamacare will be replaced Supreme Court nominee, Amy do this for four years,” with a MUCH better, and FAR Coney Barrett, will focus on the cheaper, alternative.” possibility she could cast a Biden said. Trump failed in attempts to decisive vote to strike down the repeal Obamacare when Obamacare health law. Republicans controlled the With Republicans con- In a White House Rose Senate and House of Represent- trolling the Senate, Democrats Garden ceremony on Saturday, atives, and Republicans have have little leverage to prevent Trump announced Barrett, 48, yet to say what they would a quick vote on Barrett before as his selection to replace liberal replace the law with. the November 3 election and Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Democratic senators on almost no hope of preventing who died on September 18 at Sunday echoed Biden’s her confirmation. age 87. Barrett said she would message, saying it would be a Instead, their attacks be a justice in the mold of her focus of questions Barrett will appeared aimed at energising mentor, the late staunch con- face during a mutli-day confir- their political base with an issue servative Antonin Scalia, who mation hearing before the that is already a talking point twice voted in favour of pre- Senate Judiciary Committee due for Biden, who gave a speech vious unsuccessful Obamacare to start on October 12. US Democratic presidential candidate and former vice-president Joe Biden giving a speech on the on the subject in Wilmington, challenges. “I want to ask her point Supreme Court at the Queen Theater in Wilmington, Delaware, yesterday. Delaware yesterday. Her confirmation would blank... whether or not her Barrett could be on the result in a 6-3 conservative position is that we should end court’s bench for oral argu- majority on the court. the Affordable Care Act pro- campaigned in 2016 on senators to “destroy” Barrett. meetings with individual sen- ments on November 10 in a case Biden tied the fate of the law viding health insurance for 20 appointing conservative Trump has urged Repub- ators tomorrow. in which Trump and his Repub- to the ongoing coronavirus million Americans and protec- justices. licans, who hold a 53-47 Senate Like Trump’s two other lican allies are seeking to inval- crisis, in which more than tions for Americans from one “This is exactly what he majority, to confirm Barrett, a appointees, Neil Gorsuch in idate the Affordable Care Act 200,000 Americans have died. coast to the other from pre- promised to do and he is ful- federal appeals court judge and 2017 and Brett Kavanaugh in (ACA) — the 2010 law popularly “The clear focus is: this is existing conditions being used filling that promise,” Lee said. a favorite of religious conserv- 2018, Barrett is young enough known Obamacare. That could about your healthcare. This is against them to buy health Lee said he believes atives, before the election. He that she could serve for decades cost millions of Americans their about whether or not the ACA insurance,” Democratic Senator Obamacare is unconstitutional has said he expects the justices in the lifetime job, leaving a healthcare coverage as well as will exist. This is about whether Dick Durbin said on ABC’s “This but that it would be up to Barrett to have to resolve the election, lasting conservative imprint. protections for pre-existing or not pre-existing conditions Week.” to vote as she saw fit. which has prompted Democrats Barrett, a devout Roman health conditions. will continue to be covered. This Republican senators have Republican Senator Lindsey to say Barrett should recuse Catholic who earned her law “It’s no mystery what is hap- is about whether or not a made it clear they plan to have Graham, who chairs the Judi- herself from such cases. degree and taught at the Uni- pening here. President Trump woman can be charged more a final vote on Barrett before the ciary Committee, said on Fox The only time in US history versity of Notre Dame in is trying to throw out the for the same procedure as a election, with Senator Mike Lee News Channel that the Demo- that the Supreme Court has had Indiana, was appointed by Affordable Care Act. He has man. This is about people’s saying on ABC that he did not cratic base is “going nuts” about to resolve a presidential election Trump to the Chicago-based 7th been trying to do this for four healthcare in the middle of a expect a backlash at the polls the court vacancy and that was in 2000. US Circuit Court of Appeals in years,” Biden said. pandemic,” Biden said. because Trump had activists are putting pressure on Barrett is expected to begin 2017. Trump camp sues to block mail-in ballot rule changes President demands Biden AP — RALEIGH Tuesday issued new guidance the Brennan Center for Justice. suit claims the board’s guidance take drug test for debate allowing mail-in absentee ballots North Carolina General usurps a law that says a ballot President Donald Trump’s with deficient information to be Assembly leaders announced may only be accepted if it has campaign committee and the fixed without forcing the voter to late Saturday they had also filed a witness signature on it. AFP — WASHINGTON Biden laughed before declining Republican National Committee fill out a new blank ballot for a similar lawsuit in federal court “While touted as allowing to comment. sued on Saturday to block North November’s general election. against board members. greater access to voters during President Donald Trump Both septuagenarians are Carolina election officials from The change means absentee They asked a judge to block the current pandemic the actual demanded yesterday that his prone to blunders and gaffes enforcing rule changes that voters who don’t provide com- enforcement of the board’s effect is to undermine protections Democratic rival Joe Biden take when speaking — but the could boost the number of plete information on their absentee ballot alterations, that help ensure the upcoming a drug test for their first debate, 74-year-old Trump has ballots counted in the presi- envelope about a witness who which they contend would election will be not only safe and which will bring them face to repeatedly depicted the dential battleground state. saw them fill out the ballot won’t wrest away from the legislature accessible but secure, fair, and face for the first time in the 77-year-old Biden as mentally The Republicans’ lawsuit have to complete a new ballot its constitutional job to set the credible,” the suit says. volatile US presidential unfit. claims a new system adopted by and locate another witness. A rules for federal elections. The lawsuit filed by the campaign. Biden has shrugged off such the State Board of Elections will voter will just have to turn in an The national Republicans’ Trump campaign and the RNC Tomorrow's clash, coming accusations. On Saturday he allow for absentee ballots to be affidavit confirming they filled federal lawsuit claims the state also accuses the board of trying as Biden leads the charge said he expects “personal cast late and without proper out the original ballot. elections board made a partisan to override state law in saying against Trump’s bid to install attacks and lies” from the pres- witness verification, “which North Carolina is one of “backroom deal” that under- that ballots postmarked on or conservative Amy Coney ident, likening Trump to Nazi invites fraud, coercion, theft, and eight states with witness and or mines state lawmakers’ “care- before Election Day can be Barrett in the late Ruth Bader propaganda chief Joseph otherwise illegitimate voting.” notary public requirements for fully-considered, balanced counted if they are received Ginsburg’s lifetime seat on the Goebbels. The elections board on absentee ballots, according to structure of election laws.” The within nine days of the election. Supreme Coart, will thrust the The former vice president nail-biting contest into a fierce has until recently stayed close new stage. to his Delaware home due to Man takes For the first time, millions the challenges of campaigning of Americans will watch as the in person safely during a officer’s gun, two antagonists — who depict pandemic. each other as existential threats Trump, meanwhile, has opens fire inside to the country — step into the been flouting his own govern- ring live on television, after ment’s social distancing guide- LA police station months of shadow-boxing. lines to criss-cross battle- Trump, lagging in the polls, ground states, speaking fre- AP — LOS ANGELES taunted Biden yesterday with quently at mass rallies where the fresh salvo on his mental participants are often tightly A Los Angeles Police acuity. “I will be strongly packed with few masks in sight. Department officer suffered demanding a Drug Test of The TV debate will be a minor injuries during an alter- Sleepy Joe Biden prior to, or wild card. Trump needs to cation in a police station with after, the Debate on Tuesday break through the 200,000 a man who wrestled away the night,” he tweeted, saying he coronavirus deaths, the long- officer’s gun, fired it and then would take one also. lasting economic fallout, and ran when another officer shot “His Debate performances the widespread fatigue at the at him, authorities said. have been record setting constant upheaval roiling his The suspect, who was not uneven, to put it mildly. Only administration. wounded, got into a vehicle drugs could have caused this He sees himself as a tough and drove off, police said. discrepancy???” The president guy and has huge confidence Officers stopped him a short offered no evidence to support in his prowess on stage. distance away and he was his insinuation, and recently- Yet unlike the fawning arrested. completed negotiations treatment he enjoys during his The injured officer was between the Biden and Trump weekly call-ins to Fox News or hospitalised with what Chief Glass Fire wreaks havoc in California camps over debate conditions the adoring atmosphere at Michel Moore described as reportedly made no mention rallies, he’ll find himself facing bumps and bruises. A firefighting aircraft drops retardant ahead of the Glass Fire at Davis Estates yesterday in Calistoga, of any drug test. a determined rival painting him “He is resting and will be California. The fast moving Glass Fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes. Much When asked by reporters as “toxic” in front of the entire ok,” Moore tweeted early of Northern California is under a red flag warning for high fire danger through this evening. about the demand yesterday, country. yesterday. The incident inside the Harbor Station in the Sen Pedro area of Los Angeles Police arrest more than 100 With classroom time reduced, college unfolded late Saturday night. The suspect walked into the during Maryland car rally lobby and an officer came out students demand tuition cuts to talk with him. AP — OCEAN CITY enforcement officers.” “It escalated into some “This is not a car show and REUTERS — CHICAGO a group of students holding time and less access to on- type of altercation,” Moore More than 100 people have the majority of these visitors are campus demonstrations, circu- campus resources. said at a news conference been arrested on criminal and not car enthusiasts,” he said. Full-time students at Chicago’s lating a petition and meeting The sky-rocketing cost of outside the hospital where the traffic offenses during an unau- “Our policing philosophy is to Columbia College spend with school officials in the post-secondary education is a officer was being treated. thorised car rally in a Maryland be friendly, fair and firm. Unfor- $14,000 a year for professional, hopes of a tuition cut and more perennial issue in the United “During that altercation, it city, where confrontations tunately, the disorderly behavior hands-on training in dance, transparency in the college’s States. It intensified this spring appears at this very early stage between participants and and unruly crowds left no film and music that the school finances. when US colleges and univer- that the officer’s weapon was police were captured on videos. choice but to shift our phi- normally offers in studios and “We want our tuition to sities, in response to the taken from him and rounds The Baltimore Sun reports losophy and take additional classrooms scattered across the reflect the way our education COVID-19 outbreak, cancelled were fired by the individual at that police from neighbouring steps to protect our officers and city’s South Loop and Near is being experienced now,” classes and shut down cam- the officer.” jurisdictions helped Ocean our community.” South Side. said the 21-year-old from New puses. Dozens of students filed Assistant Police Chief Police police officers with A video posted online When the coronavirus pan- Jersey. “This is the time we lawsuits asking courts to force Horace Frank told the Los crowd control at the H2oi” rally shows an officer from the Mar- demic led the school to move need more unprecedented schools to issue refunds. Angeles Times the watch com- in the beach town. yland Department of Natural some coursework online this solutions to unprecedented With two-thirds of mander at the station heard Ocean City Police Chief Ross Resources Police grabbing a summer without reducing problems.” American colleges moving at noises and saw that the Buzzuro said in a statement yes- man walking in a crosswalk tuition, many students, Moore is one of a growing least some of their fall classes suspect had taken the officer’s terday that the rally participants and forcing him to the ground. including Isaiah Moore, cried number of US college students online, students have become gun and was hitting him. The came to the city “to disrupt, A department spokeswoman foul. pushing for their schools to cut more vocal in their objections, watch commander then fired destroy and disrespect our com- said the man was arrested for A television and cultural tuition and fees because of saying they are not getting the at the suspect, Frank said. munity and our law disorderly conduct. studies major, Moore now leads reduced in-person classroom education they purchased. MONDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2020 16

QA Holidays announces new staycation packages PRAYER TIMINGS THE PENINSULA — DOHA for packages booked by October 15 for PRAYERPRAYRRAAAY TIMINGSMING stays up to October 31. Qatar Airways Holidays announced Qatar Airways Group Chief Exec- yesterday new staycation packages for utive, H E Akbar Al Baker, said: “With FAJR 04.08 am Qatar’s citizens and residents, offering the ongoing coronavirus pandemic lim- SUNRISE 05.25 am them a local vacation with a global feel. iting international travel, we have The offer has been launched on World designed a new selection of staycation DHUHR 11.25 am Tourism Day in support of Qatar’s hospi- packages for citizens and residents of ASR 02.49 pm tality sector. Qatar that allow them to ‘stay local, feel MAGHRIB 05.26 pm Packages are available at five of global’. Qatar is home to so many Doha’s top hotels, which take their incredible hotels that take their inspi- ISHA 06.56 pm inspiration from around the world. ration from all parts of the world, These hotels are: Al Messila Luxury offering an international vacation expe- Collection Resort & Spa, Mondrian rience from home. As the weather cools, Doha, Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels, W now is the perfect time to take advantage Doha, and the Westin Doha Hotel & of the outdoor pools, al fresco dining and A view of Al Messila Luxury Collection Resort & Spa. Spa. Each of the five hotels selected for lush gardens that our staycation package Qatar Airways Holidays staycation hotels offer.” these staycation packages have been guests and employees from COVID-19. packages offers its own unique twist The staycation packages are care- accredited by the Qatar National Deals are available for couples and designed to leave visitors feeling ener- fully designed to provide customers in Tourism Council (QNTC) and Ministry families and include fine dining in WEATHER gised and refreshed. Qatar with a much-needed change of of Public Health ‘Qatar Clean’ initiative romantic settings, room upgrades, dis- TODAY Prices start from QR385 per person scenery in a safe and responsible – a series of measures and regulations counts on spa and health treatments, per night, including breakfast and dinner, manner. All of the hotels selected for for hotels to follow to safeguard their sea view rooms, and much more. Qatar Airways aims to relaunch services to existing routes

o o SACHIN KUMAR to relaunch a number of its passengers with an even aircraft and 25 Qatar Exec- consider opportunities to invest 29 C 41 C THE PENINSULA existing routes as the travel greater choice of exciting des- utive jets. in airlines and support man- Minimum Maximum market rebounds in line with tinations to experience. Fol- “With more than 300 air- agement teams that share its Hazy at places at first becomes Qatar Airways is determined the coordinated global lowing its ambitious pro- craft worth over $82bn still on vision to enhance travel oppor- hot daytime with some clouds, to move ahead with its plan to response to contain the pan- gramme of network expansion order (including options and tunities for passengers across relatively humid by night. add more destinations and demic,” said the airline in its in 2018-19, the airline added Letters of Intent) our fleet and the globe,” said Qatar Airways strengthen its fleet size in spite annual report. “Renewed eight new destinations to its network continues to go from in the report. W ALRUWAIS : 30o → 36o of challenges faced by the launch dates for the following global route map in 2019-20, one strength to the next,” noted With an average aircraft age W ALKHOR : 28o → 39o global aviation industry due destinations remain under extending its presence in the report. of under six years, state-of-the- W DUKHAN : 26o → 36o to COVID-19 outbreak. The review for 2021: Almaty, Kaza- Europe, whilst also launching Due to the most technolog- art fleet of Qatar Airways con- W WAKRAH : 27o → 39o airline, which is ready to khstan; Dubrovnik, Croatia; new destinations in Africa and ically-advanced, new generation tinues to be one of the youngest W MESAIEED : 27o → 39o relaunch services to several Lyon, France; Nur-Sultan, Asia. aircraft in its fleet, Qatar Airways and most modern in the destinations, has an order of Kazakhstan; Osaka, Japan; The airline strengthened has a hard-earned reputation for industry. W ABUSAMRA : 26o → 41o over 300 aircraft worth more Santorini, Greece; Siem Reap, its fleet to support its delivering unprecedented cus- “We received a new aircraft than $82bn, said Qatar Cambodia; and Trabzon, expansion plans and to offer tomer comfort and safety. on average every 16 days, ena- Airways in its Annual Report Turkey,” noted the report. best services to travelers. In The national carrier of bling us to continue our ambi- HIGH TIDE 03:13 – 14:53 for 2019-20. Qatar Airways continued the last financial year (as of Qatar is open to invest in other tious route expansion strategy “As we continue our the expansion of its global March 31, 2020), the airline airlines, despite challenges and provide our passengers LOW TIDE 08:11 – 22:36 journey into the 2020-21 route network in 2019-20, added 22 new aircraft to its created by COVID-19. with increased connectivity financial year, the airline increasing its presence around fleet, that included 205 pas- “Despite the pandemic, across the globe,” said the remains optimistic and ready the globe and providing senger aircraft, 28 cargo Qatar Airways continues to report. NMoQ to reopen permanent galleries, launch new exhibition on Thursday

THE PENINSULA — DOHA protocols that include requiring The objects in the exhibition visitors to purchase tickets in are made with materials The National Museum of Qatar advance on Qatar Museum’s including gold, silver, bronze, (NMoQ) has announced it will website. Additionally, visitors lapis lazuli, carnelian, turquoise, reopen its permanent galleries must present a “green” health garnet, agate, amethyst, pearl, and unveil the landmark exhi- status on the Ehteraz virus- diamond crystals, glass, ivory, bition, Splendours of the Ancient tracing app, and bring and wear alabaster and enamel. The use East: Antiquities from The Al face coverings for the duration of such precious materials, and Sabah Collection, in its of their visit. the exquisite workmanship of Temporary Exhibition Gallery The objects selected for these artifacts, have made it on Thursday. Splendours of the Ancient East: possible for these objects to be Drawn from the extraor- Antiquities from The Al Sabah preserved and treasured for mil- dinary holdings assembled in Collection range in date from the lennia. They now testify to an Kuwait by Sheikh Nasser Sabah third millennium BCE to the fifth artistic heritage that flourished Al Ahmad Al Sabah and Sheikha century CE. They include jew- in the Gulf region and nourished Hussa Sabah Al Salem Al Sabah, ellery and adornments (rings, the later achievements of more than 170 objects provide earrings, necklaces, pendants, Islamic art. a sweeping overview of the bracelets, buckles, and buttons); Splendours of the Ancient artistic and material culture of household furnishings (bowls, East: Antiquities from the al- the ancient world, while also beakers, jars, ewers, cups, Sabah Collection will be on view revealing new insights into the rhytons, bottles, dishes, and until January 3 next year. roots of Islamic art. rugs); anthropomorphic and NMoQ’s reopening timings are: In light of the pandemic, zoomorphic figurines and ritual Saturday to Thursday from 9am Qatar Museums has imple- objects; decorative elements and to 7pm, and 1.30pm to 7pm on One of the views at National Museum of Qatar. PIC: DANICA O KUS mented health and safety carved gemstones and seals. Friday. The eyes don’t have it: Masks upset classroom communication

AP — WASHINGTON “Do I wish we didn’t have to wear a mask? it harder for English learners a hearing impaired student who London, Connecticut, teachers to distinguish them, such as said it made the teacher look are provided with carts with Placing an order at a deli Absolutely,” Belinda Williams, a kindergarten the sound for ‘P’ and the sound like the Joker and was unnec- plexiglass that they can stand counter while wearing a mask teacher at Webb Elementary School in Franklin, for ‘B,’” said Deborah Short, essary. The teacher was happy behind as they move around and standing 6 feet away can president of the TESOL Inter- not to use it, she said, because the classroom. be difficult. Try teaching a class Indiana, said. “But if it means teaching our national Association. The Vir- the plastic material was so Even behind them, many full of schoolchildren and children in person, then I will do what it takes.” ginia-based group was created uncomfortable. teachers still keep their masks connecting with students who to unite teachers and admin- Nonetheless, teachers and on, according to instructional are themselves wearing masks. istrators with an interest in schools have driven spikes in coach Elizabeth Sked, who Teachers who in ordinary County, Connecticut, uses a conversations,” he said. “That teaching English to speakers demand for clear masks from said expressive eyes go a long times rely on their voices to stick with an image of a smile has to do with seeing the per- of other languages. companies like Baltimore- way to connecting with convey nuances of language during her sessions. son’s facial expressions, a per- “A mask stops students based ClearMask, which began students. and manage classroom “I try to be really expressive son’s body language and sort from watching how a teacher producing its namesake product “Kids and teachers are behaviour are tasked with not with my eyes. He’s looking at of reading your audience, and forms sounds, how the lips and in 2017 after its co-founder, super resilient,” she said. sounding like the trombone- me and I’m not sure if he thinks it becomes more difficult to tongue are positioned and who is deaf, was unable to com- Belinda Williams, a kinder- produced “wah wah” of the I’m mad or happy because you read your audience” when whether air is expelled or not,” municate effectively while garten teacher at Webb Ele- Charlie Brown TV specials can’t see my mouth smiling,” they are all wearing masks. she said. undergoing surgery while mentary School in Franklin, while protecting themselves she said. “So I actually have a It also will be more dif- Short said teachers can wearing a traditional mask. The Indiana, said she and her stu- and their students from the smile on a stick, which is ficult for student to collab- mitigate those limitations by company’s manufacturing team dents have adapted to wearing new novel coronavirus. bizarre, but it’s a smile like, orate, to do presentations and speaking loudly and articu- has grown from four employees masks, along with a new rou- To help themselves com- ‘Look, I’m smiling.’” to speak with one another in lating well. They also can to more than 250 since the start tines for hand-sanitising and municate with students, School started virtually for class. utilise videos and images to of the pandemic. social distancing. She deco- teachers have turned to masks Jon Resendez, a teacher in “I like a low murmur in the “show how sounds may be “We see a large need for rated her classroom with a with clear patches over their Irvine, California, but he room because if the students created,” she said. early childhood education to superhero theme and tells stu- mouths, set up plexiglass worries about how the are talking, they are thinking,” Some schools have ordered support young children’s social, dents they have “special bubbles inside classrooms so required masks will affect the he said. face shields or masks with emotional, and language devel- powers” when they’re wearing they can speak without masks, dynamic in his 12th grade The task is especially dif- windows so students can see opment, as well as specific pro- face coverings. and in some cases turned to civics classes with some stu- ficult for those working with teachers’ mouths, although grams for students,” said “Do I wish we didn’t have props to get across how they dents now returning to the students who are deaf, hard of some have raised concerns ClearMask co-founder and to wear a mask? Absolutely,” are feeling. school building. hearing or whose first lan- about the plastic screens president Allysa Dittmar. she said. “But if it means Stephanie Wanzer, a “Part of what I do as a guage is not English. fogging up. At the C B Jennings Inter- teaching our children in teacher who works with special civics teacher is to teach “For one, the mask might Wanzer said one colleague national Elementary Magnet person, then I will do what it education students in Fairfield people to engage in civic muffle some sounds, making wore such a mask to work with School in New takes.”