BUSINESS | Page 1 SPORT | Page 1 Investment Federer makes opportunities winning Roland in Qatar to be Garros return as highlighted at Swiatek progresses SPIEF: Al-Sulaiti

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TUESDAY Vol. XXXXII No. 11931 June 1, 2021 Shawwal 20, 1442 AH GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

Amir holds talks with president of Equatorial Guinea

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo held an His Highness the Amir and the Equatoguinean president witnessed the signing of the agreements. off icial talks session at the Amiri Diwan yesterday. Page 12 Qatar, Equatorial Guinea sign several co-operation agreements Amir meets Tunisian prime minister

QNA bilateral relations and co-operation an agreement on economic, commer- Doha with Qatar in various fi elds to achieve cial and technical cooperation, and a the interests of both countries. memorandum of understanding on During the session, they discussed conducting political consultations on is Highness the Amir Sheikh bilateral relations and ways to en- issues of mutual interest. Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani hance and develop them, especially A number of ministers attended the Hand President of the Republic in the fi elds of investment, economy, session and the signing ceremony. of Equatorial Guinea Teodoro Obiang energy, transportation and agricul- On the Equatoguinean side, mem- Nguema Mbasogo held an offi cial talks ture, in addition to exchanging views bers of the offi cial delegation accom- session at the Amiri Diwan yesterday on a number of issues of common panying the president attended the morning. concern. session and the signing ceremony. At the beginning of the meeting, After the talks, the Amir and the The president of Equatorial Guinea the Amir welcomed the president president of Equatorial Guinea wit- had arrived earlier at the Amiri Diwan, and the accompanying delegation, nessed the signing ceremony of a where he was accorded an offi cial re- wishing him a pleasant stay, and the number of agreements and a memo- ception. relations between the two countries randum of understanding between His Highness the Amir Sheikh further development and growth in the governments of the two countries, Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani hosted various fi elds. including the signing of an agreement a luncheon banquet in honour of the For his part, the president of Equa- on mutual exemption from entry visa President of the Republic of Equato- His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani met at his Amiri Diwan Off ice yesterday morning Tunisian Prime torial Guinea expressed his thanks to requirements for diplomatic, special rial Guinea and the accompanying Minister and Acting Minister of Interior Hichem Mechichi and the accompanying delegation, on the occasion of their visit to the Amir for the warm reception and and service passports, an air services delegation at the Amiri Diwan. the country. During the meeting, they reviewed the bilateral relations between the two countries and means of supporting hospitality, stressing his country’s agreement, an agreement to encour- A number of ministers attended the and enhancing them, in addition to a number of regional and international issues of common concern. The meeting was keenness to develop and strengthen age and protect mutual investments, banquet. attended by HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani. (QNA)

WHO switches to Greek alphabet for virus names

Covid-19 variants are to be known by letters of the Greek alphabet to Sheikha Jawaher honours QU female graduates avoid stigmatising nations where they were first detected, the World Health Organisation (WHO) announced nder the patronage and in the yesterday. Under the new system, presence of Her Highness the variants of concern take on the USheikha Jawaher bint Hamad following names: the hitherto so-called bin Suhaim al-Thani, consort of His British variant B.1.1.7 becomes Alpha; the Highness the Amir, Qatar University B.1.351 first discovered in South Africa (QU) held yesterday the graduation becomes Beta, while the Brazilian P.1 ceremony of its 43rd batch of distin- becomes Gamma. The so-called Indian guished female students at the QU variant B.1.617 is split into sub-lineages, Sports and Events Complex. of which the B.1.617.2 variant of concern A number of guests, members of becomes Delta. The B.1.617.1 variant of the QU’s Board of Trustees and QU interest is called Kappa. Page 11 vice-presidents attended the cer- emony. Osaka withdraws The university honoured Her from French Open Highness Sheikha Jawaher who received a master’s degree in busi- Japan’s Naomi Osaka announced ness administration from the Col- yesterday she was withdrawing from the lege of Business and Economics. French Open in the wake of her decision Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim al-Thani with distinguished female graduates of Qatar University Class of 2020. To Page 3 to boycott post-match media duties at the Grand Slam tournament. Osaka was fined $15,000 by Grand Slam organisers for failing to attend a news conference following her first-round win. The 23-year-old made the announcement 38km-long pedestrian and cycling on Twitter. “I think now the best thing for the tournament, other players and my wellbeing is that I withdraw so that everyone can get back to focussing on path opened along Al Khor Road the tennis.” Sport Page 1

Peru triples Covid toll he Public Works Authority movement, Ashghal said in a state- such as date, time, weather and tem- (Ashghal) has opened a shared ment. Some 80 cycle-parking points, perature. These also contribute to Peru yesterday revised its off icial Tpedestrian and cycling track on 100 benches and 20 resting areas have ensuring the safety of riders by dis- Covid-19 death toll to 180,764, almost the eastern side of Al Khor Road along been provided to facilitate better use of playing alert messages in case of bad triple the previous off icial figure a 38km-stretch, integrating with the tracks along the road. weather (wind or fog) or in the event of of 69,342, following a government Olympic Cycling Track on the western To provide more safety for pedestri- any accident on the track. review that shows the severity of the side of the highway and giving more ans and cyclists, Ashghal announced Further, these devices help moni- outbreak in the Andean country. Peru opportunities for enthusiasts to prac- the installation of six cycling counters, tor the number of bicycles used on the has been one of the most battered tise cycling and jogging while ensuring including four on the Olympic Cycling track per hour, day or year, to provide countries in Latin America by the complete safety. Track and two on the common pedes- a database and statistics for any fu- pandemic, which has overcrowded The track is 38km long and 6m wide, trian and cycling track. ture studies. In addition, they display its hospitals and outstripped the and goes through 18 underpasses to These devices provide riders with advertisements of important sporting availability of oxygen tanks. provide smooth and uninterrupted updated information and useful data events. To Page 12 A view of the newly-opened track. Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, June 1, 2021 QATAR Shura Council calls Tunisian PM meets FM for more eff orts to achieve QNV goals

QNA material obstacles to those who Doha are about to marry. The Council also stressed on the need to address the imbal- he Shura Council held its ance in the demographic com- weekly meeting yester- position between citizens and Tday, under the chairman- expatriates by rationalising the ship of HE the Speaker Ahmed recruitment of workers whose bin Abdullah bin Zaid al-Mah- increase has negatively aff ected Visiting Tunisian Prime Minister and Acting Minister of Interior Hichem Mechichi met with HE the moud, via videoconferencing at society economically and so- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Aff airs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani. the Council’s headquarters. cially, so that a greater rate of During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral relations and the developments of the situation in During the session, the highly specialised technical la- Libya. The two sides aff irmed the aspiration of the two brotherly countries to develop co-operation Council reviewed the report of bour is used. in a way that strengthens relations in various fields, especially in investment and economy. Me- the Services and Public Utili- HE the Shura Council Speaker chichi thanked Qatar for its support for the Tunisian people and for providing job opportunities for ties Committee on the briefi ng briefed the Council on his par- the Tunisian community. For his part, HE Sheikh Mohamed reiterated Qatar’s full support for the presented to it by HE the Presi- ticipation and the accompany- brotherly Tunisian people for their progress and prosperity. (QNA) dent of Planning and Statistics HE the Shura Council Speaker Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid al-Mahmoud ing delegation in the work of Authority Dr Saleh Mohamed chairs the weekly meeting of the Council yesterday. the 142nd General Assembly of Salem al-Nabit, on the state’s the Inter-Parliamentary Union eff orts regarding the Qatar Na- Nabit, the Council approved a Qatar National Vision 2030 that (IPU), which was held via vide- tional Vision 2030 and the chal- number of recommendations are implemented by the relevant oconferencing, and his speech lenges it faces. and decided to refer them to ministries and government to the Assembly on the most Qatar-Tunisia sport ties discussed At the beginning of the report the esteemed government with agencies. important current issues at the discussion, the Council praised the aim of contributing and co- The Council dwelt on the regional and international lev- HE the Minister of the tireless eff orts of His High- operating in the eff orts made to achievement of the goals of the els, foremost of which are the Culture and Sports Salah ness the Amir Sheikh Tamim achieve the national vision and four pillars of the vision: hu- Palestinian issue and the coro- bin Ghanem bin Nasser bin Hamad al-Thani, in every- to overcome any obstacles it man, social, economic and en- navirus pandemic. al-Ali met yesterday thing that would elevate the na- may face. vironmental development on He also briefed the Council with the Acting Minister tion and its pride, in a way that In its recommendations, the time, with a focus on the hu- on the content of the writ- of Youth, Sport and guarantees the continuation of Council called for more co- man development pillar of de- ten message he had received Professional Integration the welfare of citizens for gen- ordination between the Plan- veloping national human com- from the Speaker of the Grand of Tunisia Siham erations to come, besides eff orts ning and Statistics Authority petencies in terms of scientific National Assembly of Turkey al-Ayadi. During the for the development and imple- and the relevant ministries and disciplines with high compe- Mustafa Sentop, during his meeting, which was held mentation of the Qatar National government agencies to reach tence, so as to fill the shortage meeting on Sunday with the via videoconferencing, Vision 2030. the full and desired goals of the of such specialisations to work Head of Turkish Grand Na- they discussed aspects From the standpoint of com- Qatar National Vision 2030, so in the government sector and tional Assembly’s Foreign Af- of co-operation between patibility and complementarity that this co-ordination leads others. fairs Committee Akif Cagatay the two countries and between the role of the Council to overcoming obstacles that These goals are also achieved and the accompanying delega- ways to support and and the esteemed government hinder the achievement of some by paying attention to the pro- tion, where they reviewed the develop them in the in exerting various eff orts that of the goals of this vision. tection of the Qatari family, by bilateral relations and means sports and youth fields. would advance and elevate the It also called for the continu- addressing the causes leading of supporting and developing (QNA) nation, and in light of the in- ous follow-up and evaluation of to the high rate of divorce and them, specially in the parlia- formation provided by HE al- the programmes included in the fi nding solutions to overcome mentary field. Gulf Times Tuesday, June 1, 2021 3 QU 43RD GRADUATION CEREMONY QATAR Sheikha Jawaher honours QU female graduates

Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim al-Thani at the 43rd annual QU graduation ceremony yesterday.

From Page 1

During the ceremony for dis- tinguished female students, 374 graduates were honoured from the Class of 2020, representing a full academic year comprised of Fall 2019, Winter 2020, Spring 2020 and Summer 2020. This year 2455 female students gradu- ated from the university. Addressing the gathering, Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher called on the graduates to continue on the path of knowledge, education and research, crediting it as the best way to build a conscious and QU President Dr Hassan bin Rashid al-Derham speaks during the responsible individual capable annual graduation ceremony. of contributing eff ectively to the advancement of the country. all opportunities for continuous ates hundreds of residents who She said: “As a graduate of this learning, for every hardworking participated in Qatar’s develop- prestigious university, I returned person to achieve,” continued ment process. Here I would like to it in 2020 to receive my mas- Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher. to pay tribute to the university ter’s in business administration Her Highness also noted the administration and its staff and after receiving my bachelors in position of QU saying: “Through commend them for their eff orts. 2003. And although the journey my studies at Qatar University, I They have contributed in making to get here has been challenging, have seen the nature of the uni- Qatar University an outstanding it was also enjoyable and con- versity’s critical roles in contrib- academic and research institu- structive and represents a realis- uting to Qatar National Vision. tion in the region as witnessed tic situation, as it is neither rare My brief speech cannot cover by the Times Higher Education Some distinguished graduates of the 43rd annual QU Graduation Ceremony. nor unique in our society for a the extent of these outcomes. rankings.” woman who has the responsibili- But I would like to point out the She then addressed the topic ties of being a wife and mother to university’s eff orts in research of education in the context of still seek knowledge and to strive production and graduating the current Covid-19 pandemic to continue learning.” thousands of Qataris who strive saying, “The pandemic, which “We have the duty to elevate to achieve the national vision has aff ected the whole world, our nation, and to use the re- through various state agencies has proven to us the signifi cance sources availed to us, as educa- and institutions in the labour of investing in science and sci- tion in our country asks us of market as well as in civil society entifi c research. Achieving sus- only to be competent and exert organisations. tainable development is possible eff orts. The state has provided us “The university also gradu- through quality education and scientifi c research in our univer- sities and academic institutions. Revolutionising our educational systems has become of utmost importance in the context of in- creasing global competitiveness. As His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al- Thani stressed, a priority is in- vesting in human capital, which is the direction of Qatar in mov- ing towards achieving sustain- able development.” “In my fi nal note, I would like to emphasise the importance of contributing to the service of this dear country. I believe I speak for all of you when I say, we will use the knowledge and skills we Rashid al-Derham said: “As we celebrate the On behalf of the outstanding gradu- allowed me to be a part of this ceremony. have gained to serve our society graduation of the 43rd batch of Qatar Univer- ates, Al-Anoud al-Kuwari presented a “The renaissance of education, through and nation. We must continue sity students, we have the right to say: We are speech, emphasising the value of knowl- which people advance, can only be achieved to march with vigour and deter- not only happy with the graduation of our fe- edge, “I stand here with immense joy and by meaningful investment in human capi- mination and set an example for male students, but we are proud of the Qatari pride in addressing you, on behalf of the tal, and this is what the Qatar National Vi- future generations,” she added. women standing fi rm and creating the future 43rd class graduates, and I express my sion 2030 aspires to achieve in the fi rst pillar, Al-Anoud al-Kuwari, student speaker at the Graduation Ceremony. President of QU Dr Hassan bin of this nation.” gratitude and appreciation to those who which is human development.” ‘Empowering women stems from fi rm conviction of wise leadership’

QNA in the country’s eff orts against its colleges and programmes have characteristics of QU graduates, port to female graduates as it is Doha Covid-19, the QU president said obtained academic accreditation and the student experience. the starting point and reference that the pandemic has proven from the most prestigious inter- He explained that these three to which the graduate returns that Qatari women, whenever national bodies, which clearly frameworks aim to make a quali- whenever they need further atar University (QU) Pres- they are put to the test and given confi rmed that what QU fi elds tative leap in the students aca- knowledge. ident Dr Hassan Rashid responsibility, are up to the re- off er is no less in terms of scien- demic experience by providing The QU president appreciated Qal-Derham affi rmed that sponsibility and challenge. tifi c content and academic qual- an integrated educational expe- the important role that parents empowering Qatari women to Dr al-Derham noted that Qa- ity than that off ered by the most rience and various practical ex- play in supporting female stu- play their roles in building the tari women’s success is not a cur- prestigious international univer- periences, inside and outside the dents in all educational stages nation is an authentic Qatari ap- rent or urgent matter, but rather sities. classroom. and expressed his thanks and proach and a policy that stems an authentic approach in Qatari QU will continue its quest to This is done by developing appreciation to the faculty mem- from the fi rm conviction of the society, and empowering them is provide what is best for students educational practices and focus- bers at QU, who had provided country’s wise leadership. a policy that stems from the fi rm and the Qatari community, espe- ing on providing the student with their minds and deep experience In a speech given during the conviction of the wise leadership. cially in light of challenges at the specifi c and clear competencies, in building a generation of prom- graduation ceremony for the He referred to the achieve- local and global levels, he added. including specialised knowledge, ising female graduates. Class of 2020 yesterday, Dr al- ments made by QU to become Dr al-Derham said that to pro- general culture, practical skills, The number of outstanding Derham said that the celebra- one of the best elite universities vide distinguished education in values and trends, and a hu- female graduates who were hon- tion of the new QU batch is a in the world, thanks to the con- which students gain a unique manitarian, Arab, Islamic, Qatari oured was 374 out of a total of celebration of the position Qatari tinuous support of the rational experience that leads them to- identity. He urged female stu- 2,455 female graduates from the women have achieved in making government and the close follow- wards success in their lives, QU is dents to continue their educa- Class of 2020. the future of the country and that up from the board of trustees. working to support its vital sec- Qatar University President Dr Hassan Rashid al-Derham. tional career and gain knowledge On Sunday, QU witnessed the the State is witnessing its renais- He pointed out that QU was tors of education, research, and and professional experiences, graduation of 733 students of the sance across all fi elds. ranked 245 in the QS World Uni- student success. that QU has completed the de- works, which are the framework stressing that the university will Class of 2020 in various disci- Regarding Qatari women’s role versity Rankings, while many of In this context, he pointed out velopment of three main frame- for excellence in education, the spare no eff ort in providing sup- plines. Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, June 1, 2021 QATAR

Qatar’s Permanent Repre- Qatar chairs Arab co-ordination meeting sentative to the Arab League ambassador Ibrahim bin Abdulaziz al-Sahlawi headed a co-ordination meeting yes- terday at the headquarters of Qatari offi cial the General Secretariat of the Arab League in Cairo at the level of permanent delegates. The meeting was held to prepare for the 16th session of the Arab-Chinese Co-oper- ation Forum meeting, and the appointed to sixth session of the strategic dialogue at the level of senior off icials to be held on June 22, via videoconferencing. During the meeting, they discussed the Chinese side’s draft recom- mendations and other meas- WHO review ures related to preparing for this session of the forum, and the exchange of views and visions among Arab countries to formulate a unified Arab po- sition regarding the activities of this session. Qatar holds the group presidency of the Council of the Arab League in its current WHO selected Dr Hanadi al-Hamad, session since March. — QNA national lead for older people in Qatar, following wide-ranging collaborations with the clinician and her team over the last few years Dr Hanadi al-Hamad World Cup Qatar 2022 projects reviewed in Beijing r Hanadi al-Hamad, the sortium on Metrics and Evidence national lead for older for Healthy Ageing. Dpeople in Qatar, has been Last year–at the height of the appointed to the World Health global Covid-19 pandemic – Dr Organisation (WHO) External Hanadi worked as a contributor Review Group. The External Re- to the preparation and review view Group supports the WHO of WHO Covid-19 Infection & in reviewing clinical guidelines Prevention Control for Older to ensure that advice and sup- People in Long-Term Care Fa- port provided by the organisa- cilities to help ensure that the tion is built on international best most vulnerable people were practice. better protected against Cov- The appointment follows id-19. wide-ranging collaborations be- Dr Abdulla Alansari, chief Dr Abdulla Alansari tween the WHO and Dr Hanadi medical offi cer for HMC, said: and her team over the last few “This appointment is another on the well-being and care of years, and provides Qatar with example of the impact our senior older people helps to ensure Qatar’s ambassador in Beijing Mohamed bin Abdullah al-Dehaimi a greater opportunity to infl u- clinicians are having not only on that we learn from best prac- hosted members of the BnB Club, which includes businessmen ence global policy on older peo- the service they deliver here in tice internationally and gives us and foreign investors residing in China, on the sidelines of a ple, Hamad Medical Corporation Qatar but also on the global stage. a platform to share the ongoing promotional exhibition for the World Cup Qatar 2022. The (HMC) has said in a press state- As more people are living longer, improvements in older people’s ambassador gave a full explanation of the infrastructure projects ment. it is essential that we continue to services that we are delivering and sports stadium facilities for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He Dr Hanadi has previously con- develop our older people’s serv- here in Qatar.” also touched on the new procedures and laws that Qatar has tributed as a member of the Glo- ices, and by working closely with “This appointment is a great implemented in the framework of improving workers’ conditions bal Network on Long-Term Care the WHO, Dr Hanadi can ensure privilege, but most importantly in the country. to develop guidelines for imple- that we are best placed to deliver is recognition of the profession- menting the WHO Global Strat- global best practice in older peo- alism and ambition of the whole egy and Action Plan on Ageing ple’s care.” team that we have working hard and Health, especially in the area Speaking after the appoint- to continuously improve the of long-term care, as well as be- ment, Dr Hanadi said: “Working well-being and care of our older ing a member of the WHO Con- as part of a global team focused people here in Qatar,” she added.

Real estate auction Katara publication records EU official meets Qatar envoy fetches QR231mn journey of fi ne art in Qatar n auction organised recently by the Evacuation and Judi- cial Auction Department at the Supreme Judiciary Council QNA and Scientifi c Organisation starting with the generation of Athrough the courts auctions app fetched a total sum of more Doha (ALECSO). pioneers of the contemporary than QR231mn from selling a building and a plot of land out of a total The publication comes within fi ne art movement (1960-1980), of 10 buildings. the series of books of modern passing through the middle gen- There was no bidding for the other eight pieces of real estate. Yousef atara Publishing House and contemporary Arab fi ne art. eration (1980-2000), and ending Mohamed al-Bakir, head of the department, told local Arabic daily documented fi ne art in It is the 17th publication of the with the artists of the contempo- Arrayah that the building sold was a house that fetched QR1,372,169 KQatar, through the issu- organisation and the second that rary period (2000-2020). and the piece of land was sold for QR229,689,010. The fi rst edition of ance of a book titled Fine Art in is devoted to Qatar within the The book also sheds light on online auctions was held by the department on November 25 last year. the State of Qatar, 60 Years of same series, where the fi rst book the organisations that played a Creativity (1960-2020)’ prepared was published in 1993. role in the process of fi ne art in by artist Hassan al-Mulla and The book consists of 350 pages Qatar, including universities, QP sets fuel prices for June journalist Abdullah al-Hamdi, and is characterised by recording museums, art centres, and gal- in co-operation with the Arab the impressions of three gen- leries, as sponsors of fi ne art, as League Educational, Cultural erations of Qatari fi ne artists, well as art groups. Qatar Petroleum yesterday set fuel prices in the State for June 2021. The prices saw a marginal increase with diesel set at QR1.75 a litre, compared to QR1.65in May, while super petrol 95 is costing QR1.90 per litre as against QR1.85 last month. The price of premium petrol 91 has also increased to QR1.85 per litre from QR1.80 in May. — QNA Seminar organised on use of natural alternatives to carbon compounds Harmful eff ects of he Ministry of Munici- (HFC) that are proportional to the United Nations Environment European Union Special Envoy for Afghanistan Thomas pality and Environment, the warming of the atmosphere. Program. Nickolson met in Brussels yesterday with Qatar’s ambassador tobacco use stressed Trepresented by the De- The seminar, in which several The seminar included discus- to Belgium and head of Qatar’s missions to the EU and the Nato partment of Radiation, Chemi- external and academic bodies sions and inquiries by companies Abdulrahman bin Mohamed al-Khulaifi. During the meeting, cals Protection, and the Climate participated, aimed at exchang- operating in the refrigeration and they reviewed Qatar’s mediation eff orts to achieve peace in he Ministry of Pub- Refraining from Change Department, organised ing experiences between coun- air conditioning sector, about Afghanistan. The meeting aff irmed that Qatar’s sincere eff orts lic Health (MoPH) and an introductory seminar for tries at the regional level, which developments related to natu- to support the peace process in Afghanistan are a reflection Thealth sector institutions consuming companies and workers in the re- falls within the commitments ral alternatives to carbon com- of its firm foreign policy, which attaches importance to the in Qatar are increasing their ef- tobacco in all frigeration and air-conditioning of Qatar to implement the ac- pounds and their importance in peaceful settlement of disputes, mediation and international forts to raise awareness on the sector on the use of natural al- tivities of the Kigali Amendment preserving the environment. — co-operation. — QNA harmful eff ects of tobacco con- its forms and ternatives to hydrofl uorocarbon project, under the supervision of QNA sumption on oral and dental health in line with World No To- derivatives is bacco Day 2021 under the theme an important ‘Commit to Quit’. “Refraining from consum- factor in Customs foils attempt to smuggle banned pills ing tobacco in all its forms and promoting derivatives is an important fac- The air cargo and private tor in promoting better oral and better oral and airports Customs has foiled dental health, including quitting dental health: an attempt to smuggle smoking cigarettes, electronic the prohibited Lyrica pills cigarettes, shisha and chewing MoPH into the country. This was tobacco,” the MoPH said in a informed by the General statement. use can delay the healing proc- Authority of Customs (GAC) In this context, Dr Wafaa al- ess for simple dental proce- through its Twitter handle Mulla, head of the National Task dures, such as implants, tooth yesterday. A total of 2,805 Force for the Promotion and extractions and gum disease. pills were found inside a Prevention of Oral and Dental  Gum disease: tobacco leads food shipment after it raised Health at the National Oral and to gum disease as the gums are the suspicion of a Customs Dental Health Committee, said infected and infl amed, and bleed off icial and an inspection was there are fi ve main reasons to easily, which can cause teeth to carried out, the GAC said. avoid tobacco use. loosen and may lead to tooth  It causes oral cancer: to- loss. bacco use and its derivatives  Bad Breath: tobacco use can are among the leading causes of lead to bacteria buildup, which oral cancer due to the chemicals can cause halitosis (bad breath). found in tobacco, which are car-  Stained teeth: tobacco is far cinogenic. worse in causing excess dental  Delayed healing: tobacco plaque and making teeth yellow. Gulf Times Tuesday, June 1, 2021 5 QATAR

Ministry records 228 Qatar Airways and Oman new Covid-19 cases and 329 recoveries

QNA strictions and increasing vac- Doha cination rates, and the support Air enhance co-operation of the community, has resulted in a consistent reduction in the atar Airways and Oman the (coronavirus) pandemic, we lines around the world, the key he Ministry of Public number of new daily infections Air have expanded their have remained committed to to post-pandemic recovery lies Health (MoPH) has re- in the country. Qcodeshare partnership to forging and expanding our glo- in strategic collaborations with Tported 228 new con- However, it is still important cover more than 80 destinations bal network of partners to pro- industry partners and in identi- fi rmed cases of the coronavirus to be cautious as the second on Qatar Airways’ network. vide more seamless and fl exible fying innovative route expansion (Covid-19). wave is not yet over, and there The agreement expansion will travel options for our millions opportunities as we navigate a Of these, 148 were from the are two highly-contagious and provide “more convenient and of passengers,” he said. “Having constantly changing environ- community and 80 from trav- highly-virulent strains of the seamless” travel options for both fi rst established commercial co- ment,” he said. “Our longstand- ellers returning from abroad. coronavirus that are actively airlines’ passengers. operation with Oman Air over ing co-operation with Qatar The MoPH recorded 329 re- circulating in the community. This expansion follows shortly 20 years ago, we look forward Airways – an airline that shares coveries from the virus during The plan to gradually lift re- after the two airlines announced to continuing to build upon our our commitment to product and the past 24 hours, bringing the strictions will be delivered over an agreement to signifi cantly strong and historic partnership service excellence – refl ects a total number of cases recov- four phases, with each phase strengthen strategic co-opera- and off ering our customers in highly valued relationship and ered in Qatar to 213,336. lasting three weeks. tion between the two airlines in Oman and across the globe even we look forward to growing our The ministry has also re- The date of implementa- December. more benefi ts.” networks together.” corded two new deaths of pa- tion and the duration of each Qatar Airways Group chief ex- Oman Air chief executive Ab- This most recent expansion of tients, aged 56 and 75, who phase will depend on the epi- ecutive HE Akbar al-Baker said: dulaziz al-Raisi said: “Oman the strategic partnership will en- The expansion follows an agreement late last year to strengthen the were chronically ill and re- demic indicators, which de- “We are delighted to further ex- Air’s expanding partnership with able Oman Air passengers to en- strategic partnership between the airlines. ceived necessary medical care. pend to a great extent on the pand our partnership with Oman Qatar Airways underscores the joy “seamless” connections via As per National Covid-19 degree of compliance of the Air, so recently after announcing commitment of both airlines to Doha to and from 16 new routes St Petersburg (Russia); Zurich tinues to rebuild its network, Vaccination Programme Data: community members with the our plans in December 2020 to provide their guests with more (subject to regulatory approval) (Switzerland); Atlanta and Seat- which currently stands at over  2,545,193 Covid-19 vac- current measures, restrictions further strengthen strategic co- fl ights, more choice of desti- – Adana, Ankara, Antalya, Bod- tle (US); Abuja (Nigeria); Johan- 130 destinations, with plans cine doses have been admin- and guidance set by the gov- operation between our two lead- nations, and greater fl exibility rum, Istanbul Sabiha and Izmir nesburg (South Africa); and Gas- to increase to more than 1,200 istered since the start of the ernment. ing Gulf airlines.” throughout their travels with us.” (Turkey); Berlin and Munich, sim (Saudi Arabia). weekly fl ights to over 140 desti- programme. It is vital that people do not “Despite the challenges of “For Oman Air and many air- (Germany); Mykonos (Greece); Qatar’s national carrier con- nations by end of July.  30,608 Covid-19 vaccine claim victory against the coro- doses have been administered navirus too early, as with the in the past 24 hours. new, highly-transmissible var-  63.5% of the eligible pop- iants in the community, there ulation has now received at remains the potential for the least one dose of the vaccine. coronavirus to gain momen- VCUarts Qatar’s new course for  92.1% of over 60s (the tum and for numbers to rise. most vulnerable population Anyone suff ering from group) have been vaccinated Covid-19 symptoms should children teaches art appreciation with at least one dose, while contact 16000 helpline imme- 85.6% have received both dos- diately. es. For regular updates and new or young residents in Qatar, University School of the Arts in torians, artists and art critiques In recent weeks the com- information, please visit the art – in the form of murals, Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) – a Qatar – involved in the global fi ne art bined impact of Covid-19 re- MoPH website. Fpaintings, sculptures, in- Foundation (QF) partner univer- landscape, and what they do. stallations, pop-up studios, and sity – intends to take those art They will even get a chance to light and sound projections – is encounters a step further. be mini curators, historians, art- a permanent part of their daily The university’ CCE wing is ists and critics themselves, as lives; they’re constantly exposed launching the Children’s Sum- they take turns critiquing or de- to forms of artwork at malls, mer Art and Design Programme scribing artwork. parks, public walkways, traffi c 2021, online. All sessions are open to both junctions and Metro stations. Unlike typical summer art genders and are taught in Eng- Now, a course developed by classes that enhance technical lish. the Department of Community skills such as sketching, shading Upon completion of the and Continuing Education (CCE) and painting, this programme course, each young attendee will at the Virginia Commonwealth will also introduce seven- to receive a certifi cate of participa- nine-year-olds to art apprecia- tion. Unlike typical summer art tion and art history, according to VCUarts Qatar’s new course classes that enhance technical a press statement. comes at a time when educators skills such as sketching, and This virtual course will take have noticed how young children painting, this programme will place over four weeks from July benefi t from learning about dif- also introduce children to art 4 to August 5, and will be led by ferent artistic styles. appreciation and art history. Nourbanu Feras Hijazi and Salma For instance, early introduc- Awad, who are experienced in tion to art appreciation has been teaching art to children. found to improve communica- Parents can access further tion skills and concept develop- information by visiting the ment. VCUarts Qatar website. Art appreciation also helps Art appreciation is as much boost a child’s multisensory fac- about “looking” as it is about ulties; this happens as children “doing”. learn about the details and tech- Mindful of this, the university niques – brush strokes, spatial has developed a schedule that in- perspectives, light and shading, cludes virtual visits to museums shape and structure – specifi c to and galleries, alongside hands- a style, and attempt to reinter- on activities. pret and recreate it. During these visits and discus- “By helping children under- sions, participants will be intro- stand the reasons behind an art- duced to age-appropriate details ist’s choice of style, or theme, art about various movements that appreciation sharpens critical Two held for breaching quarantine have infl uenced the evolution of thinking and analytical capabili- art over the last century. ties,” the statement said. The designated authorities arrested yesterday two people who These include Surrealism, Ab- “Moreover, as they learn about violated the legal requirements of home quarantine. stract Expressionism, Concep- various art movements, young The arrests came in implementation of the precautionary measures tualism and Contemporary Art. minds develop an understand- in force in the country, approved by health authorities represented They will also familiarise ing of the personal background in the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), to curb the spread of the themselves with iconic artwork of a specifi c artist; the cultural coronavirus (Covid-19). created by renowned artists from context in which an art work was The violators, who are currently being referred to the designate each movement, the statement created; and the symbolism, if prosecution, are: Hashem Manikout Kyulutra and Salem Ali Jarallah notes. present, behind it,” the state- al-Ghafrani al-Marri. These sessions will give also ment added. “This in turn helps The authorities have called on citizens and residents under home children an idea of the diff erent them appreciate other cultures, quarantine to commit to the Ministry of Public Health’s condition, to professionals – curators, art his- ethnic groups and histories.” ensure their safety and the safety of others. – QNA

Zulal Wellness Resort Aster DM Healthcare, Roche raises awareness on Diagnostics enter partnership Global Day of Parents ster DM Healthcare, a leading integrated health- ulal Wellness Resort by lifestyle changes, boosting a Acare provider in the Mid- Chiva-Som, Qatar’s larg- strong focus on family wellness. dle East, has signed a memo- Zest wellness resort and the One of Zulal Wellness Re- randum of understanding (MoU) world’s fi rst to blend Traditional sort’s main pillars – sustainabil- Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som marks Global Day of Parents. with Roche Diagnostics, a world Arabic and Islamic Medicine ity – also occupies a major place leader in biotechnology, as the (TAIM) with a holistic approach, in its approach to a sustainable stronger, wiser, more confi dent, lal Wellness Resort encourages a strategic partner across Qatar, will mark Global Day of Parents healthy living for families, in and happier. digital detox, so guests can dis- Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the today (June 1) by raising aware- line with the Qatar National The programme will off er a connect to reconnect, staying UAE. Moopen and Wolf at the signing ceremony. ness on the importance of family Vision 2030 of Social Develop- mixture of playful education, focused on each other. The partnership between wellness. ment. fun, sports, meditation, creative At Zulal Wellness Resort, these two leading healthcare sible, while boosting capabilities nounce the offi cial commence- The resort joins the celebra- Zulal Wellness Resort general arts, and dietary advice and pro- the right sleep hygiene will be companies will enable Aster DM to drive operational effi ciency ment of our partnership with tions worldwide, initiated by the manager Daniele Vastolo said: mote Arabic- and Qatari-infl u- powered by family bonding, Healthcare’s hospitals, clin- essential to meet the rising de- Aster DM Healthcare across the United Nations, to appreciate “Zulal Wellness Resort is com- enced treatments as well as the no-screen activities, exercise, ics and laboratories across the mand for diagnostics in this pan- region,” said Harald Wolf, general parents’ selfl ess commitment mitted to educating all genera- traditional ones that will appeal and fi tness routines benefi cial region to adopt the latest diag- demic and beyond, the statement manager at Roche Diagnostics to children and their crucial role tions in Qatar about the impor- to families and their children. for sleep quality for the whole nostic innovations and solutions notes. Middle East during the signing in creating a harmonious family tance of family wellness, as well All these activities will take family. that would bring-in fast and effi - Alisha Moopen, deputy man- in Dubai. environment. as the responsible approach to place in areas designed to help In addition, consultants will cient systems to support doctors aging director at Aster DM “This partnership will further Sharing this unique wellness nature, and the positive impact stimulate family bonding and provide support to families and in providing optimal treatment Healthcare, said: “The partner- align our commitment to upscale concept, Zulal said it is impor- such approach can have on fam- create an increased sense of individuals that will provide solutions to their patients, ac- ship with Roche Diagnostics in and expand healthcare opportu- tant to highlight that family ilies’ lifestyle and well-being.” well-being, allowing families to them with the necessary tools to cording to a press statement. the Middle East underscores our nities and services to all residents wellness begins from the fi rst The family wellness centre return to their normal lives with boost their well-being in every- This also includes the provi- dedication to supporting coun- across Qatar, the UAE, Saudi years of people’s lives, from the within Zulal Wellness Resort is deeper and stronger connec- day life. sion of antibody coronavirus tries, patients and medical fra- Arabia, and Oman,” he added. fi rst interaction between chil- designed to off er a place of in- tions and lasting memories. In collaboration with Chiva- (Covid-19) testing, digital solu- ternity across the region through The Aster laboratory consoli- dren and their parents right spiration and tranquility and a Off ering a sanctuary dedi- Som, Zulal Wellness Resort is tions, as well as automated labo- providing the latest healthcare dation project is aimed at inte- through until adult life. true haven for youngsters. cated to the power of nature, Msheireb Properties’ latest sus- ratory solutions that will further solutions relating to the preven- grating future-ready systems Zulal Wellness Resort said it Here, families can bond, re- harnessing its beauty, strengths, tainable development initiative enable Aster facilities to deliver tion, diagnosis and treatment of within the company’s network aims to inspire the community connect, and grow closer as a and resources to revive the hu- and the fi rst-of-its-kind well- high-quality and precise patient various diseases.” of 13 hospitals, 106 clinics and with positive and sustainable unit, while individually growing man body, mind, and spirit, Zu- ness resort in the Middle East. results in the shortest time pos- “We are very pleased to an- laboratories in the GCC. Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, June 1, 2021 QATAR QRCS delivers water testing kits to Sennar state of Sudan

nder the Sudan Emergency Health remaining activities of the project, which director in Sennar, said his organisation was System Enhancement Project fund- include holding community awareness ses- willing to do what it takes to get the work Ued by Qatar Fund for Development sions and providing the State Reference done, in coordination with the State MoH (QFFD), Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) Laboratory with lab equipment and materi- Offi ce. He added that SRCS volunteers in has delivered to Sudan’s Ministry of Health als, QRCS said. localities were ready to make the project a (MoH) and the Sudanese Red Crescent So- In a statement, Dr Soliman praised the success, thanks to the good training they ciety (SRCS) in Sennar state 30 water test- major role played by QRCS and SRCS, which received at the MoH. ing kits, to be distributed to localities for work together on the health issues of Sen- The Sennar Emergency Health System testing the quality of water. nar. He promised to solve any problems that Enhancement Project is part of a grant The delivery was attended by Dr Asem may challenge the execution of the project. agreement signed by QFFD and QRCS in the Ahmed Soliman, acting director-general of Bahaa al-Nojoomi, programme manager aftermath of the unprecedented fl ooding in the MoH and Social Development in Sen- at QRCS’s offi ce in Sudan, revealed prepa- many parts of the country last year. As stra- Japan’s Waseda University nar, QRCS’s delegation, Dr Abdul-Rahman rations to deliver the equipment of the ref- tegic partners, they joined hands to help the Hamed, representative of SRCS’s Health erence lab. According to him, the project’s aff ected populations, ensure sustainabil- Department, and representatives of the remarkable success paves the way for simi- ity of the health system in the face of such State Water Department. lar projects in other states of Sudan. recurrent natural disasters, and reduce the inaugurates Qatar Chair During the meeting, they discussed the Ibrahim Ali Ibrahim, SRCS’s executive spread of epidemic diseases. for Islamic Area Studies

QNA symbol of friendship and co-op- the leadership in the two friendly Tokyo eration between the two friendly countries. countries. Al-Emadi thanked and appre- He pointed out that the tim- ciated all those who contributed atar yesterday lauded the ing of the inauguration is of to the launch of this promising inauguration of the Qatar special importance, as it coin- scientifi c project, and thanked QChair for Islamic Area cides with the ongoing eff orts in the president and members of Studies at Waseda University in the two countries to strengthen Waseda University for their co- Japan, which comes in imple- and diversify relations, and in operation and eff orts over the mentation of the directives of light of the celebration of the past years. His Highness the Amir Sheikh 50th anniversary next year of The agreement to establish Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to the establishment of diplomatic the Qatar Chair for Islamic Area enhance co-operation and sci- relations between the two na- Studies between Qatar Univer- entifi c, academic, and research tions. sity and the Waseda University exchange with Japan. The ambassador reiterated of Japan was signed during the Qatar’s ambassador to Japan, Qatar’s keenness to strengthen visit of His Highness the Amir to Hassan bin Mohamed Rafi al- and expand scientifi c and aca- Japan in January 2019. Emadi, participated in the inau- demic co-operation with its Waseda University is one of guration ceremony of the chair, Japanese partners, as part of ef- the most important and prestig- which was held via videoconfer- forts to establish a comprehen- ious Japanese universities, and encing. sive strategic partnership in the has produced leaders, politi- In a speech, the ambassador implementation of the common cians, economists, and scholars stressed the chair will remain a vision and solid political will of in various fi elds. The delivery was attended by a number of off icials.

QFFD sends medical aid to Iran to combat Covid-19 The second shipment of urgent for the eff orts made by Iran medical aid sent by Qatar Fund in combating the Covid-19 NMoQ to hold webinars to discuss for Development (QFFD) on pandemic. behalf of Qatar, with a total load “This medical aid provided of about 7 tonnes, arrived in by Qatar to brotherly and Iran on Sunday carrying various friendly countries comes types of health supplies. within the framework of the biodiversity, sustainability eff orts In a statement yesterday, QFFD eff orts exerted to combat the said it had sent a previous spread of this pandemic, which shipment with a load of about represents a common threat y Joey Aguilar 12noon, and from June 22 and 29 2 tonnes in addition to this facing the whole world and Staff Reporter (Arabic), also between 11am and shipment carrying urgent based on joint international 12noon. medical aid to Iran, via an air responsibility. This aid QM urges residents to “join bridge using Qatar Airways confirms Qatar’s position he National Museum of this special virtual journey of aircraft and in co-ordination in support of brotherly and Qatar (NMoQ) is organis- Qatar’s rich biodiversity, wild- with Qatar’s embassy in friendly countries, and to help Ting a number of webinars life and natural habitats such as Tehran. them overcome this crisis,” the that will discuss biodiversity mangroves and corals”. This comes as Qatar’s support statement adds. and the country’s sustainability The event will also discuss the eff orts and initiatives to mark natural history and importance World Environment Day. of conserving natural resources, In an e-mail to Qatar Muse- in addition to Qatar’s sustain- ums (QM) Culture Pass mem- ability eff orts and initiatives in bers, QM said one of the webi- celebration of World Environ- World Cup security panel nars will explore how humans ment Day” are now interacting with nature Meanwhile, a webinar is chairman in Turkey visit amid the Covid-19 situation. scheduled to take place tomor- Dr Radhouan Ben-Hamadou, row from 11am to 12noon, via associate professor of Marine Zoom, about the history of Qa- Sciences at Qatar University tari architecture and the design (QU), will speak about the im- of NMoQ. portance of biodiversity while Speakers, during a virtual tour Dr Sergio Grovella, professor at (Arabic) of the museum, will ex- QU’s Department of Biological plain architecture’s impact on A special virtual journey this month of Qatar’s rich biodiversity, wildlife and natural habitats. and Environmental Sciences, people’s lives and how it mirrors will talk about the relation be- their culture. Participants will tween pandemic and nature have the chance to discover “the at this online event via Zoom. rich traditional Qatari architec- It is scheduled on June 5 from ture by moving through the gal- 6.30pm to 8pm and will have leries where each space reveals English and Arabic transla- the story of this nation, its his- tions. tory and astonishing present as Dr Ben-Hamadou is cur- well as future plans”. rently leading a team of Qatar- “This virtual visit will pro- based researchers/scientists vide behind the scenes access on a series of projects titled to NMoQ Baraha, the organic ‘Restore’ and ‘QataREEF’ that architecture of the gift shop and aim to restore coral reefs in the the Old Palace, at the heart of Maj-Gen Abdulaziz al-Ansari, chairman of the Safety and Security Arabian Gulf – dubbed as one of NMoQ,” QM said. Operations Committee (SSOC) of the FIFA World Cup Qatar the most important assets in the Led by a museum conserva- 2022, visited the headquarters of the Turkish Defence Industries region. tion expert, NMoQ will also Authority in Ankara as part of the preparations for hosting Residents will also have the hold a special session via Zoom the World Cup. He met with Dr Marat Sheeran, director of opportunity to take part in a on June 15 from 6pm-7pm International Relations at the authority, who gave an explanation virtual tour on Qatar’s biodi- about the history of paper (pa- about the authority and its products, the SSOC said in a tweet versity and conservation of its pyrus and parchment, among yesterday. A number of off icers and experts from the two sides natural resources on June 17 and others.) and how to restore and attended the meeting. 24 (English) between 11am and preserve it. A virtual tour on Qatar’s biodiversity and conservation of its natural resources in June.

Umm Salal drive to remove abandoned vehicles Umm Salal Municipality’s General Control Section, in co-operation with the Mechanical Equipment Department, has carried out a campaign to remove abandoned vehicles and equipment within its jurisdiction. The campaign resulted in the removal of a number of abandoned vehicles (trucks and cars) from various areas within the municipality, the Ministry of Municipality Environment said. The campaign was carried in accordance with the provisions of Law No 18 of 2017 on public hygiene. Gulf Times Tuesday, June 1, 2021 7 QATAR

Lack of privileges for unvaccinated people ‘meant for their protection’  Unvaccinated people can enjoy privileges once sufficient percentage of people get inoculated against Covid-19, ensuring community protection, says Dr Soha al-Bayat

By Ayman Adly As more people get vaccinat- cafes, expose them to the risk of Staff Reporter ed, reaching around 80% of the contracting Covid-19. Talks on GCC-wide use of Covid app eligible population, community On the other hand, those fully protection could be reached and vaccinated enjoy protection and Dr Soha al-Bayat, head of This means, for example, a ot giving unvaccinated life could go back to normal, she even if any of them contracted Vaccination at the Ministry of person from Qatar can go to people certain privileges noted. “When we reach a suf- the disease, there will be very Public Health, yesterday told Saudi Arabia with the Ehteraz Nduring the gradual lifting fi cient percentage of vaccine mild symptoms with a low prob- Qatar TV that discussions are app and it will be valid for use of Covid-19 restrictions is not recipients, those who have not ability of complications, which under way among specialists there, and vice-versa. There a punishment, but is meant to yet taken the vaccine will enjoy is not the case with people who in diff erent GCC countries will be no need to download a protect them from infection. the same privileges as those fully have not received the two doses to have a system by which a similar local app in this system. This was stressed by Dr Soha vaccinated,” Dr al-Bayat said, of the vaccine as scheduled. Covid-19-related application However, this issue is still at al-Bayat, head of Vaccination adding that the diff erence is that Dr al-Bayat added that the used in one Gulf country will the discussion stage and no at the Ministry of Public Health the process of enjoying privileg- privileges enjoyed by fully vac- be valid in any of the other decision has been taken yet, (MoPH), while speaking to Qatar es will be delayed for them until cinated people in Phase 1 are also GCC nation as well. she added. Dr Soha al-Bayat on Qatar TV. TV yesterday. the percentage is reached. available to individuals who have Phase 1 of the gradual easing of She explained that the pres- recovered from Covid-19 (within ered from Covid-19, pregnant and tions. She said the two doses restrictions came into eff ect on ence of unvaccinated people in a nine-month period) and they providing any other certifi cate though taking the vaccine is not breastfeeding women and young- of the same vaccine should be May 28, giving a number of privi- crowds and gatherings of people, can prove their status by down- from approved entities such as a compulsory, it is highly advisable sters aged 12 years and above. taken as scheduled to ensure full leges to people who have taken both especially in closed environ- loading a certifi cate from the medical report. for everyone to get inoculated, Exceptions can be made in protection in keeping with the doses of the Covid-19 vaccine. ments such as restaurants and MyHealth Patient Portal or by The offi cial stressed that including those who have recov- certain cases of medical condi- applicable recommendations. Qatar Charity distributes gifts to volunteers, vaccination centre staff in Industrial Area

atar Charity (QC) dis- tributed gifts to its vol- Qunteers and staff at the Covid-19 vaccination centre in the Doha Industrial Area during Eid al-Fitr, in appreciation of their eff orts against the corona- virus pandemic. Some 370 volunteers, medi- cal staff and other employees of the centre received the gifts and “expressed delight and gratitude for this kind gesture”, QC said in a statement. As part of its ongoing aware- ness-raising eff orts to fi ght the Covid-19 pandemic, Qatar Charity continues to recruit more volunteers to extend sup- port to the vaccination centre. Currently, 100 volunteers of QC work at the centre on a daily ba- sis. Qatar Charity has also pro- vided supervisors to train the volunteers and co-ordinate between the volunteering section at QC and the volun- teers. The volunteers at the vacci- nation centre carry out various tasks such as educating visi- tors about taking precaution- ary measures (social distancing, wearing masks and using sani- tisers), organising their entry and exit, and helping them get vaccinated. The centre helps those living and working in the Doha In- dustrial Area and surrounding areas to get vaccinated. “More than 250,000 workers have so far received one of the Covid-19 vaccine doses. The centre pro- vides the fi rst and second doses according to the national stand- ards for priority groups,” the QC statement adds. WCM-Q launches new webinar QCRI starts Summer series about Covid vaccines Internship Programme

eill Cornell Medi- atar Computing Re- cine – Qatar (WCM- search Institute (QCRI) WQ) has launched a Qat Hamad Bin Khalifa new webinar series to provide University (HBKU) is giving un- healthcare workers with the dergraduate students the chance most up-to-date information to receive intensive research and about the many diff erent Cov- software development training id-19 vaccines and treatment through its Summer Internship protocols now available and ex- Programme, which kicked off amine potential roadmaps for a online on May 23 and will run for return to a semblance of nor- eight weeks until July 15. mality. Acceptance to the programme The monthly Covid-19: Rid- is on a highly competitive basis, ing the Waves live webinar se- and with the online format ex- ries is delivered by the Division tending its reach, this year’s pro- of Continuing Professional De- gramme welcomed 60 students The QCRI Summer Internship Programme began online on May 23 velopment (CPD) at WCM-Q from 14 universities, including and will run for eight weeks until July 15. and takes place on the fourth The webinar series takes place on the fourth Wednesday of each month. undergraduates from Qatar Uni- Wednesday of each month. The versity, Carnegie Mellon Univer- “The invaluable mentorship “Though virtual, the summer webinars feature leading ex- time. As such, we have launched as well as researchers, educators creditation Section and inter- sity in Qatar, Texas A&M Uni- supports the students to engage programme will be intensive and perts from institutions all over this new webinar series to help and students. nationally by the Accreditation versity at Qatar, and Princeton in research that is geared toward interactive. Students will gain a the world giving presentations healthcare professionals keep Dr Marks’ webinar, which was Council for Continuing Medical University. providing solutions to emerg- wealth of knowledge by directly that explain the safety, effi cacy up to date with the latest devel- titled Vaccines to Prevent Cov- Education. The QCRI Summer Intern- ing problems facing society”, the collaborating with our scientists and distribution of vaccines, opments regarding vaccines and id-19: Progress and Utilisation, The concept and delivery of ship Programme gives students statement notes. and engineers on QCRI’s special- new treatments and emerging treatments to help them provide explained how to recognise and the new series was driven in training in the fi elds of Arabic QCRI’s Dr Eman Fituri, direc- ised research activities and, with local and global Covid-related the most eff ective care possible manage side-eff ects of mRNA large part by Dr Salman al-Jerdi, language technologies, cyber- tor of Educational Initiatives, their mentorship, contribute to medical complications and for their patients.” vaccines, and provided a review assistant professor of Neurology security, data analytics, social said: “Our aim to build Qatar’s in- developing innovative new tools challenges. The fi rst webinar in the series of recommendations about who at WCM-Q, who is co-director computing and software en- novation and technology capacity and systems.” Dr Thurayya Arayssi, senior featured a presentation by Dr should and should not be vac- of the programme and offi cial gineering, according to a press goes hand in hand with support- For more information on the associate dean, Medical Edu- Kristen Marks, associate profes- cinated. The webinar also gave host of the inaugural speaker. statement. ing future tech leaders, computer work of QCRI, which focuses on cation and Continuing Profes- sor of medicine at Weill Cornell a broad overview of the char- For more information and Throughout the programme, scientists and engineers. large-scale computing challeng- sional Development at WCM- Medicine (WCM) in New York, acteristics of each of the major to sign up for the Covid-19: the students will work alongside “Since QCRI launched the es that address national priorities Q, said: “Countries around the an expert on infectious diseases Covid-19 vaccines now avail- Riding the Waves live webinar QCRI’s scientists and engineers, Summer Internship Programme for growth and development, and world are now experiencing who is leading WCM’s Phase 3 able. series, one can visit https:// and get “a chance to be part of back in 2012, we’ve seen the pos- supports Qatar’s transforma- second or even third waves of studies of Covid vaccines. The The webinar series is accred- qatar-weill.cornell.edu/con- world-class multidisciplinary itive impact of helping under- tion from a hydrocarbon-based the pandemic, and new vac- series is aimed at physicians, ited locally by the Ministry of tinuing-professional-develop- computing research that is rel- graduates to develop their tech- economy to a knowledge-based cines and treatment protocols nurses, allied health profession- Public Health’s Department of ment/covid-19-live-webinar- evant to the needs of Qatar, the nical skills and prepare for the economy, one canvisit qcri.hbku. are being introduced all the als, dentists, and pharmacists, Healthcare Professions – Ac- series. wider Arab region and the world. rigours of a professional career. edu.qa. Gulf Times 8 Tuesday, June 1, 2021 WORLD Iran says progress made in nuclear talks but key issues remain

Reuters return to full compliance with Iran’s top nuclear negotiator doubted issues, according to sources fa- by Trump. Iran-related sanc- Trump should be lifted,” an Ira- Dubai the nuclear pact. miliar with the talks. US Presi- tions have been imposed on nian offi cial told Reuters. Trump “Each round of talks in Vienna that the talks would be the final round, dent Joe Biden has said Wash- more than 700 entities and peo- blacklisted about two dozen in- could have been the fi nal round. ington will return to the pact if ple, according to a Reuters tally stitutions vital to Iran’s econ- ran and six world pow- We should not rush. We have and the delegations might need to Tehran fi rst resumes compliance of US Treasury actions. omy, including its central bank ers have made signifi cant made signifi cant progress but return to their capitals for consultations with its strict limits on uranium Iran demands all sanctions and national oil company, using Iprogress in talks to revive key issues remain,” Saeed Khati- enrichment, a potential pathway imposed under Trump — those US laws designed to punish for- their 2015 nuclear deal but im- bzadeh told a televised weekly to higher levels of fi ssile purity complex and we have now to nuclear bombs. tied to its nuclear programme, eign actors for supporting ter- portant issues still need to be re- news conference. “There is no and installing advanced centri- reached the main issues of dis- “All sanctions should be lifted and non-nuclear penalties such rorism or weapons proliferation. solved, the Iranian Foreign Min- stalemate in the talks.” fuges to speed up production. pute,” Abbas Araqchi, told state and then it should be verifi ed as those linked to terrorism, The IRGC also an industrial istry spokesman said yesterday. After former US president Iran’s top nuclear negotiator TV from Vienna. by Iran ... then we will reverse missile development and human empire whose political influ- Iran and the powers have ne- Donald Trump ditched the deal doubted that the talks would Iran’s reversal of its various our nuclear steps,” Khatibzadeh rights — should be rolled back. ence is expected to grow after gotiated in Vienna since April to three years ago and reimposed be the fi nal round, and the del- breaches of the deal, and its en- said. “This is one of the key issues Iran’s June presidential elec- work out steps that Tehran and sanctions on Iran, Tehran has egations might need to return to richment with advanced centri- In looking for a path back to that has slowed down the talks. tion, when a hardline president Washington must take on sanc- been rebuilding stockpiles of their capitals for consultations. fuges and production of uranium the accord, Washington is tip- All sanctions, whether nuclear close to the elite force is expect- tions and nuclear activities to enriched uranium, enriching it “The negotiations are very metal, are some of the remaining toeing through a minefi eld laid or non-nuclear, imposed by ed to win.

UN envoy urges Joint drill Yemeni rivals to ‘bridge the gap’

The UN envoy for Yemen, Martin Egypt, Hamas Griff iths, urged rival Yemeni forces yesterday to “bridge the gap” to reach a ceasefire, praising a diplomatic push for peace in the devastated country. Yemen’s civil war, which started in 2014, pits Houthi rebels against hold talks to an internationally recognised government. “Throughout the process we have suggested several ways to bridge the gap between the parties,” Griff iths told reporters, speaking after meeting Houthi off icials in the cement truce rebel-held capital Sanaa. Yemen’s long war has claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced millions. “There’s an extraordinary amount of diplomatic consensus... there is a real diplomatic energy now, in Gaza which hasn’t always been the case,” Griff iths said. Reuters Egypt’s chief of intelligence visits The eff ort to secure peace Gaza in Yemen comes after Saudi Gaza to bolster ceasefire; Cairo to Arabia and Iran restarted talks fund the building of a housing city in last month, their first high- gypt’s intelligence chief level meeting since Riyadh cut met Hamas leaders in Gaza Gaza; Hamas says ready to discuss a diplomatic ties with Tehran in Eyesterday to try to bolster a prisoners’ swap deal 2016. ceasefi re between the Palestin- While the United Nations and the ian political group and Israel and US administration of President to discuss reconstruction plans Joe Biden are pushing to end following the recent hostilities, the grinding conflict, the rebels Egyptian and Palestinian offi - have demanded the re-opening cials said. of Sanaa airport before any The visit was the fi rst by an ceasefire agreement. Egyptian intelligence chief to the The Saudi-led coalition imposed enclave since the early 2000s. an air blockade on the Houthis, “The discussion is focused which has resulted in the closure on ways to cement the calm and of Sanaa airport to commercial Gaza reconstruction plans fol- flights since 2016. “All of our lowing the recent Israeli aggres- proposals have also guaranteed sion,” said a Hamas offi cial, who the reopening of this airport asked not to be named. where we are speaking today, Hamas offi cials, led by Gaza Sanaa airport,” said Griff iths, chief Yehya al-Sinwar, would Sudanese and Egyptian armed forces take part in the “Guardians of the Nile” joint military drill Griff iths, a British diplomat, was urge Cairo to pressure Israel to in Sudan’s southern Kordofan state yesterday. earlier this month named as the stop “its assaults against our UN’s next humanitarian chief. people in Jerusalem and Sheikh Jarrah,” he said. Eleven days of fi ghting between Israel and Ha- Hamas Gaza Chief Yehya al-Sinwar and head of the Egyptian general mas erupted on May 10 amid intelligence Abbas Kamel before their meeting in Gaza yesterday. Somaliland votes in long overdue elections Palestinian anger at Israeli po- lice raids around the Al-Aqsa ers and missing people between 1,500 housing units were com- Voters in the republic of Somaliland cast their ballots yesterday in Rwanda rules out Mosque compound in Jerusalem Israel and Hamas, Egypt’s state pletely destroyed during the elections that authorities say demonstrate the capacity for peaceful and plans to evict Palestinians news agency MENA reported fi ghting, another 1,500 housing democratic polls. More than 1mn voters were registered for the from the Sheikh Jarrah district of on Sunday. Following the meet- units had been damaged beyond parliamentary and council elections in the breakaway northwestern feared gas explosion the city to make way for Jewish ing with Kamel in Gaza, Sinwar repair, and 17,000 others suff ered region, which declared independence from Somalia 30 years ago settlers. said “there is a real chance for partial damage. A ministry offi - but has never achieved international recognition. Both votes were Gaza medical offi cials said 253 progress to be made” on resolv- cial put the cost of rebuilding at long overdue, and it was the first time national and local elections from volcanic activity Palestinians were killed during ing the issue of prisoners, though $150mn. were held together, with long queues reported. The chairman of the the fi ghting. Palestinian rockets he added that Hamas demanded On Sunday, Kamel met in Jeru- Somaliland National Electoral commission, Abdirashid Mohamed Ali, and missiles killed 13 people in those negotiations be held sepa- salem with Israeli Prime Minister told reporters that polling stations had closed by 6pm local time “and AFP aftershocks rattled the region, Israel. Kamel’s visit is seen as an rately from the ceasefi re talks. Benjamin Netanyahu. Netan- people casted their votes peacefully, the election was successful.” Kigali activating an existing fault eff ort by Cairo to regain a more Kamel was expected to an- yahu said his meeting dealt with Results are expected within five days. President Muse Bihi Abdi and leading to the shore of the lake, vital role in mediation between nounce plans by Cairo to fund a regional security issues. Kamel the leaders of Somaliland’s two opposition parties had earlier called lava did not flow towards its Israel and Hamas and revive the housing project in the territory, also met Palestinian President for an orderly vote as they cast their ballots in the capital Hargeisa. wanda’s environmen- potentially deadly waters. The stalled Israel-Palestinian peace Hamas sources said. Egypt has Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah on “Somaliland votes for peace. It is an honour for our people (and) the tal agency said yester- phenomenon of limnic erup- process. said it would allocate $500mn to Sunday and handed him a mes- Horn of Africa at large,” Muse posted on his off icial Twitter account. Rday that there was “no tion first came to the world’s Sisi directed Egyptian offi cials fund the rebuilding of devastated sage from Sisi affi rming Cairo’s Elections for the president are held separately and not due until imminent risk” of Lake Kivu attention in August 1984, when to continue eff orts and meetings areas in Gaza. support for Palestinians and Ab- Muse’s five-year term expires in late 2022. spewing lethal gases, a feared 37 people mysteriously died at to solve the problem of prison- Gaza’s housing ministry said bas, MENA said. scenario after the eruption of Lake Monoun in western Cam- a volcano in neighbouring DR eroon. Congo. Mount Nyiragongo, Scientists found that dis- which looms over the Congo- solved carbon dioxide (CO2) lese city of Goma, erupted on gas in the depths of the lake May 22, sending rivers of lava had erupted, creating invisible Chad, C Africa at loggerheads after troops killed at border through homes and killing al- clouds at the surface that were most three dozen people. borne by winds into homes and Some 400,000 have evacu- fields, snuffing out life. Two AFP the outpost of Sourou in Chad on tacked at dawn, Zene said in his troops had been pursuing. The But it has failed in its attempt ated the eastern city, which years later, more than 1,700 N’Djamena Sunday morning... They killed a statement. This “war crime is statement reaffi rmed CAR’s will to oust the president, who was borders Rwanda, amid fears of people and thousands of cattle Chadian soldier, injured fi ve and extremely serious and this deadly to strengthen relations “between re-elected in late December. a second eruption of Nyiragon- died in Lake Nyos, also in Cam- kidnapped fi ve others who were attack, which was pre-meditat- two brotherly peoples” and pro- The rebels have been pushed go, or a “limnic eruption” eroon, strengthening the belief had and the Central Afri- then executed in Mbang on the ed, planned and operated from posed setting up a joint inquiry out of large towns in recent from volcanic activity under that earthquakes and volcanic can Republic (CAR) were Central African Republic side,” inside Chad — for reasons known with Chad to investigate the months, in part thanks to back- Lake Kivu which straddles activity can trigger these unu- Cat loggerheads yesterday Chadian Foreign Minister Cherif only to the Central African gov- clashes. up for the CAR army from hun- both countries. One of Africa’s sual events. While potentially after the Chadian government Mahamat Zene said in a state- ernment — will not go unpun- UN sources in the CAR, speak- dreds of Russian paramilitary Great Lakes, the body of water deadly, the dissolved methane accused its southern neighbour ment. ished,” he added. ing on condition of anonymity, fi ghters thought to be from the contains large amounts of dis- is also a valuable resource, and of killing six of its soldiers at a The CAR regularly accuses its Zene said Chad would “call the said there had been a clash on Wagner Group, a shadowy pri- solved methane and carbon di- Rwanda extracts it and uses it border post, fi ve of whom were northern neighbour of support- international community to bear Sunday in the market place of vate military company. oxide deep in its waters, and is for energy production. allegedly abducted and then ex- ing armed rebel groups from witness” to what he branded a Mini, a Chadian village near the Chad, meanwhile, has been one of three lakes susceptible to Six volcanoes dot the ecuted, branding it a “war crime” inside Chad. The attack came “serious aggression”, notably the border. under junta rule since April 20 deadly expulsions of suffocat- Goma region, dominated by that would “not go unpunished”, after CAR soldiers had crossed UN’s 12,000-strong peacekeep- The fi ghting was between CAR when the military announced ing gas, along with Lakes Nyos Nyiragongo, which is 3,470m Hours after the accusation, into Chadian territory in pur- ing force in CAR, MINUSCA, as troops and Russian paramilitary that veteran leader Idriss Deby and Monoun in Cameroon. (11,400ft) high, and Nyamu- the CAR said there had been “ex- suit of rebels, a senior Chad- well as the African Union and the allies on one side, and Chadian Itno had been killed leading The Rwanda Environ- ragira, at 3,058m. Nyiragongo changes of fi re... at the border”, ian security official told AFP, Economic Community of Central soldiers on the other, the sources troops against Chadian rebel ment Management Authority last erupted on January 17, with fatalities on both sides. speaking on condition of ano- African States (ECCAS). France, said. At least one Chadian soldier fi ghters arriving from Libya. (REMA) said in a statement that 2002, killing more than 100 Expressing regret for the nymity. The rebels were either the region’s former colonial was killed and fi ve were captured, Chad’s army is considered the its Lake Kivu monitoring team people and covering almost deaths, it put the blame on rebels members of the Unity for Peace power and a strong ally of Chad, they said, adding that both sides most powerful in the region, and “has come up with a conclu- all of the eastern part of Goma it said its soldiers had been pur- in Central Africa (UPC) or the said it “fi rmly condemns the at- suff ered casualties. Deby’s government was a key sion that there is no imminent with lava, including half of suing and suggested Chad and so-called 3R group, according tack on the Chadian forward post CAR Foreign Minister Sylvie Western ally in the fi ght against risk of gas outburst expected the airport’s landing strip. Its the CAR – “two brotherly peo- to this source and another se- of Sourou.” Baipo Temon said in a statement jihadists in the volatile Sahel. in Lake Kivu” after the erup- deadliest eruption was in 1977, ples” – hold a joint investigation. curity source. A foreign ministry statement that rebels had attacked Central Deby’s son Mahamat, a four-star tion. “The team is confident when more than 600 people The incident has placed the Both are among the CAR’s stressed “France’s fi rm attach- African troops at Mbang before general, declared himself presi- with the results after different died. spotlight on the occasionally most powerful armed groups ment to the stability and territo- fl eeing towards Chad, creating dent after the death of his father, measurements and evaluation Aftershocks appeared to fraught relations between Chad and are part of a coalition that in rial integrity of Chad and of all an “unfortunate misunderstand- who had ruled Chad with an iron carried out on the Lake to as- have subsided on Monday, and — ruled by a junta since its veter- December mounted a bid to top- the states in the region.” ing between Chadian and Central fi st for three decades. sess the probable impact of some of the thousands who fled an ruler was killed six weeks ago ple President Faustin Archange In Bangui, the CAR govern- African and forces”. The junta has dissolved parlia- the eruption on Lake Kivu. The across the border to Rwanda – — and the CAR, an impoverished, Touadera. ment said it “deplores the loss of The anti-Touadera coalition ment and revoked the constitu- lake continues to be stable as it where homes were destroyed unstable country battling pow- The Sourou outpost near the human lives in the Chadian and is among the number of groups tion, while promising “free and has always been.” by the earthquakes – had be- erful armed groups. “The Central village of Mbere, which was Central African armed forces” that hold large swathes of CAR’s democratic” elections within an The statement said that de- gun returning, an AFP corre- African armed forces attacked manned by 12 soldiers, was at- and blamed rebels that it said its territory. 18-month transition period. spite concerns as hundreds of spondent said. Gulf Times Tuesday, June 1, 2021 9 WORLD

PANDEMIC PEOPLE OUTBREAK DECISION INVESTIGATION Australia’s Victoria Australia minister drops China reports surge of Philippines extends Sri Lanka grills ship Covid cluster swells to 51 suit against broadcaster Covid in Guangzhou city coronavirus curbs crew after marine disaster

Australia’s second-most populous state of Victoria, A senior Australian cabinet minister yesterday China yesterday reported a sudden surge in Covid Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte yesterday Sri Lankan criminal investigators began question- the epicentre of the country’s latest coronavirus dropped a high-profile defamation suit against infections in the country’s south, with 18 new prolonged partial coronavirus curbs in the capital ing the crew of a burning cargo ship yesterday, as hotspot, reported 11 new cases of community public broadcaster ABC over its publication of rape local cases on May 30 in the city of Guangzhou, and nearby provinces until mid-June to contain in- the Singapore-registered carrier smouldered for transmission yesterday and authorities warned allegations that helped spark nationwide protests. causing a flurry of flight cancellation. Of the 27 new fections that have been decreasing since hitting a a 12th straight day in one of the island’s worst- the situation could worsen in coming days. In February, the ABC reported allegations that an coronavirus cases reported by the national health peak in April. Religious gathering remain capped ever marine ecological disasters. A fire broke out The state off icially reported five new cases in the unnamed senior government minister had raped authority in its daily updates, only seven infections at 30% of venue capacity while dining in restau- aboard the MV X-Press Pearl, which was carrying 24 hours to midnight. At a press conference yes- a 16-year-old girl in 1988. As online speculation were imported, with the remainder originating in rants can operate at 20% in the capital region, an 25 tonnes of nitric acid and a huge amount of terday, authorities announced a further six cases mounted over the man’s identity, then attorney- Guangdong province. Out of the 20 new locally urban sprawl of 16 cities that is home to at least plastic raw materials, as it was about to enter Co- were recorded after the late night cut-off which general Christian Porter outed himself as the confirmed patients on May 30, 18 were found in 13mn people, and nearby provinces. Non-essential lombo harbour on May 20. There were no visible will reflect in today’s data, taking the current subject of the article. He denied the allegations but Guangzhou city and two in Foshan city, health travels will remain prohibited. Daily Covid-19 cases flames aboard the vessel yesterday, but smoke cluster to 51. Victoria went into a strict seven-day was demoted by Prime Minister Scott Morrison authorities in Guangdong province said yesterday. in the Philippines averaged roughly 6,300 for was rising from the rear section, its operator and lockdown on Friday after new Covid infections and took extended mental health leave amid wide- As of 11:40am, a total of 519 flights at Guangzhou May, down by a third from April, after the govern- off icials said. Firefighters were still working at the in the state capital Melbourne ended its three- spread public anger. The woman died last June, Baiyun International Airport were cancelled, ac- ment reduced operating capacity of businesses site, they said, adding that the stricken ship was month run of zero community cases. reportedly by suicide. counting for 37% of total flights yesterday. and limited the movement of people. still too hot to be boarded. BJP lawmaker’s Sunny Britain draft rules spark tension in Lakshadweep

Reuters sumption of alcohol is largely New Delhi banned in the islands. The Bharatiya Janata Party, to which Patel belongs, has often akshadweep, a normally been criticised for pushing a ho- tranquil group of islands mogenised culture across India, Loff the south-west coast of raising fears among islanders India, is simmering with tension that they face cultural confl ict. over new rules and proposals be- Both Patel and the local dis- ing introduced by a lawmaker trict collector’s offi ce did not from the ruling Bharatiya Janta respond to repeated requests for Party. comment. Opponents say the measures The Lakshadweep Students are “anti people” and threaten Association (LSA) began a cam- the livelihoods of islanders. paign on Twitter and Instagram What started as a Twitter earlier this month, which gained campaign by students gained momentum after Elamaram Kar- traction last week, with #Save- eem, a member of parliament Lakshadweep being backed by from Kerala, wrote to India’s prominent politicians including president urging a change of opposition leader Rahul Gandhi. guard in the archipelago. Adding to the bad feeling, a Rahul Gandhi, leader of In- protest against a local offi cial’s dia’s opposition Congress party, People enjoy the hot weather at Brighton beach, in Brighton, Britain, yesterday. comments on drug abuse re- wrote to Prime Minister Naren- sulted in 23 arrests, according to dra Modi asking him to ensure Indian media. that the orders are withdrawn. The Kerala state legislative “Lakshadweep is India’s jewel assembly adopted a motion yes- in the ocean. The ignorant big- terday demanding protection ots in power are destroying it. for people’s livelihoods and the I stand with the people of Lak- removal of the lawmaker, Praful shadweep,” he tweeted. Patel. Islanders depend on Kerala for Located in the Arabian Sea, logistical support, and yesterday, with white sands and clear blue the Kerala legislative assembly India accelerates vaccine waters, Lakshadweep is often passed an unanimous resolution, called India’s Maldives. moved by Chief Minister Pinarayi The islands come under the Vijayan, demanding the recall of jurisdiction of the High Court in Lakshadweep administrator Patel. Kerala, the nearest mainland state. Kerala is essential to the archi- Located nearly 500km off Ker- pelago as locals rely on it for ba- ala, Lakshadweep is a group of 36 sic supplies, while others travel supplies to combat virus islands with a population of about there for education, employment 65,000, predominantly Muslims. and medical treatment. Reuters avoid a third wave of infections ulation is fully vaccinated and server Research Foundation said The government has dis- The islands - popular with Patel, who has also been criti- New Delhi is by having most of its 1.3bn about 12% have got the fi rst shot in a report on the vaccine rollout missed the assessments as abso- tourists- are run by an adminis- cised for relaxing quarantine population inoculated. and are waiting for the second. yesterday. lutely false. trator appointed by the president guidelines which led to a spike ndia’s Serum Institute will The Serum Institute of India, State governments, including India yesterday reported its Dr Randeep Guleria, the head of India. in Covid-19 cases this year, has increase production of As- the world’s biggest manufactur- in the capital Delhi, have report- lowest daily rise in new coro- of the premier All India Insti- Administrator Patel, who took told the media that his changes ItraZeneca Covid-19 vac- er of vaccines, will make 90mn ed an acute shortage of vaccines navirus infections since April tute of Medical Sciences based charge in December 2020, has will boost tourism in Lakshad- cines by nearly 40% in June, doses of AstraZeneca in June and some are inoculating only 11 at 152,734 cases over the past in New Delhi, said the pandemic proposed a slate of draft rules, weep and there are no plans to offi cials said yesterday, in the from about 65mn a month now, the elderly and frontline work- 24 hours, while deaths rose by was slowing in large parts of including some that would give roll them back. fi rst step towards alleviating a a company spokesman said. ers. 3,128. the country but it was not con- him powers to remove or relocate Modi, Home Minister Amit shortage that has worsened the Most of the shots adminis- Prime Minister Narendra The nation’s tally of infections tained. islanders from their property for Shah and the president have not country’s battle with corona- tered in India are AstraZeneca, Modi has faced criticism for do- now stands at 28mn, while the “We seem to be past the peak, town planning or development yet issued public statements. virus. but local fi rm Bharat Biotech nating vaccines to neighbour- death toll has reached 329,100, but there is a certain level of or declare land to be a “planning Meanwhile, students and The world’s second most- also plans to ramp up production ing countries and further afi eld health ministry data showed. concern about the south and area”, and one which would allow other citizens plan to keep their populous nation has struggled of its Covaxin vaccine to 23mn in early this year as part of a diplo- Most experts believe the coro- north eastern states,” he said, the administration to detain any campaign going. with a catastrophic outbreak June from about 10n in April, a matic initiative. navirus infections and deaths stressing on the need for in- person without trial for up to a “We will keep protesting un- of Covid-19 since last month government offi cial said. “The very possibility of a sec- are considerably undercounted. creased vaccinations. year. til he (Patel) is revoked from which is only now starting to “There will be a gradual ond wave was not considered The New York Times said the Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine Other proposals involve a ban the post of administrator,” said abate after killing tens of thou- buildup of vaccines,” said the of- serious enough, and all aspects most conservative estimate of will also be launched in the Indi- on cow slaughter and allowing Azeem Fayiz, central commit- sands of people. fi cial, who is involved in the ap- of the pandemic response bore deaths was 600,000 and the an market next month, its local some businesses to sell alcohol. tee member of the Lakshadweep Government offi cials and ex- proval of vaccines. the brunt, including vaccina- worst case scenario several partner Dr Reddy’s Laboratories Currently, the sale and con- Students Association. perts say the only way India can Only about 3% of India’s pop- tion,” the New Delhi-based Ob- times that number. said.

China allows couples to have New Zealand floods Rohingya protest over three kids as birth rate falls stay on Bangladesh island AFP UNHCR representatives landed AFP maintain a stable population, the rocketing house prices and the Dhaka (on the island) by helicopter,” local Beijing fi gures revealed. rising burden to provide for age- police chief Alamgir Hossain said. The slump threatens a de- ing relatives that frames modern “They broke the glass on ware- mographic crisis which has life. everal thousand Rohingya houses by throwing rocks. They hina will allow couples alarmed President Xi Jinping’s “For Chinese millennials one staged “unruly” protests came at the police... Their demand to have three children ruling Communist Party, risk- couple must support four grand- Syesterday against living is they don’t want to live here.” Cafter a census showed ing a shortage of young workers parents as well as three kids? Can conditions on a cyclone-prone One Rohingya man confi rmed its population is rapidly ageing, to drive an economy experts say the country give a hero’s award island off Bangladesh where they that bricks were thrown and that state media said yesterday, fur- will have to support hundreds of to each of them?” read one com- were moved from vast camps on police prevented them from en- ther unwinding four decades of millions of elderly by 2050. ment that gained over 3,000 the mainland, police said. tering a building where the UN- strict family planning controls A meeting yesterday of the likes. Others said the policy Since December, Bangla- HCR offi cials were present. in the world’s most populous party’s powerful Politburo led by could only be taken up by those desh has shifted 18,000 out of a An international rights activ- nation. Xi announced a further loosen- with money. planned 100,000 refugees to the ist said police used batons to dis- In 2016 China relaxed its ing of the state’s control over the “The poor don’t dare have low-lying silt island of Bhashan perse the protesters. “one-child policy” - one of the size of families. “To actively re- kids, in two more generations Char from the Cox’s Bazar re- Quoting Rohingya sources, he world’s strictest family planning spond to the ageing population... there will only be rich people gion, where around 850,000 said several protesters were in- regulations - allowing couples a couple can have three children,” left,” another user commented. people live in squalid and jured. Police rejected the claim. to have two children as concerns state media Xinhua reported. A poll on Weibo shared by Xin- cramped conditions. A police spokesman said Ro- mounted over an ageing work- The Politburo meeting prom- hua asking readers their reaction Most of them had fl ed a brutal hingya protesters attacked offi c- force and economic stagnation. ised “accompanying support to the news later appeared to have military off ensive in neighbour- ers, injuring several of them. But annual births have contin- measures” including improv- been deleted after over 25,000 ing Myanmar in 2017 that UN They also damaged cars on the ued to plummet to a record low ing maternity leave, universal responded that they would not investigators concluded was ex- island, he said. A UNHCR spokes- of 12mn in 2020, Beijing’s Na- childcare and lowering the costs consider having three children. ecuted with “genocidal intent”. person confi rmed that a delega- tional Bureau of Statistics said of education, but without giving China’s gender balance has Yesterday’s protest involved up tion from the refugee agency, in- this month, as the cost of living fi rm commitments. been skewed by decades of the to 4,000 people, police said, and cluding the UNHCR assistant high rises and women increasingly The announcement was met one-child policy, and a tradi- New Zealand soldiers help evacuate residents near the coincided with an inspection visit commissioner for operations and make their own family planning with widespread ridicule on Chi- tional social preference for boys Canterbury town of Ashburton as authorities declared by offi cials from the United Na- the assistant high commissioner choices. nese social media platform Wei- which prompted a generation a state of emergency after the region was pounded by tions refugee agency (UNHCR). for protection, visited Bhasan China’s fertility rate stands at bo, tapping into a deep unease of sex-selective abortions and heavy rain. “The Rohingya who are there Char island, facilitated by the gov- 1.3 — below the level needed to with long working hours, sky- abandoned baby girls. became unruly the moment the ernment of Bangladesh. Gulf Times 10 Tuesday, June 1, 2021 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar [email protected] 44350478 (News), 44466404 (Sport), 44466636 (Home delivery) 44350474 facebook.com/gulftimes twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar GULF TIMES Pupil beats master as Tuchel gets the better of Guardiola A self-confessed admirer of Pep Guardiola, Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel got the better of his mentor as the Blues kept Manchester City waiting for Champions League glory by winning Saturday’s fi nal 1-0. Victory in Porto rounded off a rollercoaster vefi months for the German, who was sacked by Paris Saint-Germain on Christmas Eve and handed the chance to revive Chelsea’s fortunes less than a month later. Chelsea were languishing ninth in the Premier League table at the time with owner Roman Abramovich seeing little return on his £220mn outlay on new players last summer under Frank Lampard. Qatar one of the world’s best Kai Havertz was the most expensive purchase of that splurge after his £71mn move from Bayer Leverkusen. Getting the best out of Havertz was one of Tuchel’s major tasks and the 21-year-old came good on the biggest stage of all with the only goal three minutes before half-time. in meeting Covid-19 crisis Unlike Guardiola, Tuchel did not have a glittering playing career. A series of knee injuries forced him to retire at 25 and take up a job as a waiter, while he began his coaching career in It also has one of the lowest capacity per educational facility. instructions about the virus, in pandemic, Qatar, thanks to the the youth ranks of Stuttgart. death rates due to the The Ministry of Public Health has addition to providing remote medical preventive measures and restrictions From afar he watched been able to give the coronavirus consultations services in many medical imposed, was able to avoid recording and was inspired as quality and excellence of vaccination to a large percentage specialities. 1mn additional virus infections among The Catalan’s Guardiola won 14 trophies the healthcare system of teachers and administrators The ministry also provides mental the population of Qatar, according to in four years at Barcelona in schools, as Qatar is also one of health services as it launched a the Chair of the National Strategic confi dence will before joining him in the first countries to vaccinate support line dedicated to providing Group on Covid-19. Germany where they QNA educational and administrative psychological counselling to people To prevent harm to the economic be shaken when battled for Bundesliga Doha cadres in schools. who feel anxious due to the current sectors as a result of the pandemic, supremacy in charge of The Ministry of Health also gave situation, especially for children, the Qatar announced, during the fi rst he comes face-to- Borussia Dortmund and priority to health workers to take the elderly and healthcare workers. wave, a package of economic measures Bayern Munich. ith the acceleration of vaccine, due to the important role In addition, MoPH in co-operation to support the private economic sector, they are entrusted with in providing with the Hamad Medical Corporation including a support package worth face with Tuchel During Tuchel’s fi rst the pace of vaccination Wprogramme against the treatment to patients and ensuring the and the Primary Health Care QR75bn which continued, especially in again in the meeting with Guardiola Covid-19, Qatar continues to fi ght progress of healthcare. Corporation, launched a webpage for the second wave. the two football obsessives the virus by implementing the largest The vaccine was also given to Covid-19 that provides the population The Ministry of Public Health has Premier League talked long into the night vaccination campaign in its history for frontline workers in many ministries with a reliable and accurate source of also launched Ehteraz application on using glasses and salt and citizens and residents of the country, and state institutions. information about everything related smartphones that has been developed next season pepper shakers to mimic free of charge. In addition to the national to the virus. to protect society from the spread of formations. Qatar ranks among the top ten programme for vaccination against the The decisions taken in order to the Covid-19. “I was such a huge admirer of Pep when he was a player and countries in the world, compared to virus, Qatar has taken many preventive confront the coronavirus were guided The application tracks the then when he became a coach it was like learning on the job for its population, and it is also among the measures that have contributed to by the scientifi c approach and the transmission chains of the spread of me. I was an academy coach and then in the Bundesliga with countries that have the lowest death limiting the spread of the virus. evaluation of doctors, as innovative the virus, provides users with accurate Mainz, but I don’t think I missed a game because there was so rates in the world due to the quality and As a precautionary step, the Ministry decisions were applied in the fi eld information and helps specialised medical teams to provide healthcare much to learn,” Tuchel said last week. excellence of the healthcare system in of Public Health allocated four of pandemic control in line with the country. hospitals to treat those infected with international practices and protocols, when needed. “There was a lot of tactical talking and discussions and it was Nearly 9 out of 10 people over the the virus, in addition to allocating a for example, the period of isolation It also alerts community members if so interesting to hear his beliefs, his self-confi dence and also age of 60 — which is the group most at fi eld hospital, especially during the of the infected, the time criteria for a case of coronavirus is detected. the doubts in what he’s doing.” risk of disease — have received at least beginning of the fi rst wave of the virus. ending the isolation, and the use of the When registering in Ehteraz The Catalan’s confidence will be shaken when he comes one dose of Covid-19 vaccine, while It also adopted an eff ective viral load to guide managing infected application, the profi le of each face-to-face with Tuchel again in the Premier League next nearly 8 out of 10 people in this group programme to examine people, cases. application is linked to the QR code season. got both doses. detect infected cases and follow the This scientifi c approach and optimal by automatically extracting the user’s Tuchel did not win any of the fi rst fi ve clashes between the The number of vaccination doses transmission chains of the virus, which use of resources, along with research health information from the offi cial pair during his time at Mainz and Dortmund against Guardiola’s that were given to citizens and contributed to signifi cantly reduce its conducted by doctors and researchers bodies according to categorisations, as dominant Bayern side. residents of Qatar until mid-May 2021 spread. in Qatar and published in prestigious the A new symbol has now been added, But he has now won three in the past six weeks as Chelsea exceeded two and a half million doses, By May 24, 2021, the number of scientifi c journals, has enabled local showing the Golden Frame around the completed a treble of victories over the English champions after while more than 1,170,000 people people who were tested reached more and international eff orts to combat the QR code, which states that a person have received at least one dose of the than 1,990,000 people, while the virus, including researches that dealt has received two doses of vaccination wins in the FA Cup semi-fi nal and Premier League. vaccine so far, with about 35,000 doses number of daily tests to detect the with the eff ectiveness of the vaccine against the virus. Guardiola spoke glowingly ahead of the game on how Tuchel during only 24 hours. virus reached about 15,000. against new strains and the duration of Meanwhile, Qatar is implementing has revived Chelsea’s fortunes by changing to a 3-4-3 formation About 52% of the adult population The health system in Qatar has immunity. a successful travel and return policy that denied City’s abundance of creative midfi elders space in Qatar has received at least one dose demonstrated its resilience during this Qatar’s strategic plan in response to to the country, with the aim of further between the lines. of the vaccine so far, while 36.5% of pandemic as it has developed eff ective Covid-19 pandemic has been extremely addressing the coronavirus pandemic. That allowed Tuchel to arguably win the tactical battle before the adult population has received both emergency preparedness plans and successful as the continuation of The travel and return policy includes a ball had even been kicked. doses of the vaccine. responded to this challenge with vital facilities to operate has been the criteria for travel and entry into Often accused of overly tinkering with his line-ups when Vaccination against the virus is determination and commitment. harmonised with the imposition of the country as well as quarantine the pressure is ramped up in the fi nal stages of the Champions provided in Qatar through 35 centres, Since the start of the pandemic, the fl exible restrictions that have largely procedures for returning travellers, League, Guardiola’s bold call to start without a recognised and some drive-through vaccination Ministry of Public Health has launched prevented the further spread of the whether through a hotel or home holding midfi elder backfi red. centres in specifi c areas, which cater a special support and assistance virus. quarantine to ensure that the virus is During the fi rst wave of the Tuchel was dismissed by PSG despite leading the French for people receiving their second hotline that provides inquiries and prevented from spreading, especially dose only, which helped expand and through travellers returning to the giants to their own first Champions League final in accelerate the vaccination campaign. country. August. Qatar was one of the first According to offi cials in the state’s That time he had to suff er the pain of a 1-0 defeat to Bayern countries in launching the national health sector, the quarantine policy Munich, but his desire not to leave Portugal empty-handed vaccination programme, as the applied in Qatar to all people returning again was in evidence as he prowled the touchline, constantly vaccination campaign against the from abroad is one of the most cajoling his players and whipping up the Chelsea fans into a virus was launched in December stringent quarantine policies in the frenzy. 2020, after the Ministry of Public world. Chelsea fans showed they have not forgotten the club’s all- Health (MoPH) approved the Pfizer- This policy has proven its time record goalscorer with cries of “super Frank” in honour of Biontech and Moderna vaccines for eff ectiveness in rapidly detecting and Lampard’s part in getting the Blues into the top four last season emergency use, which are the two isolating the infected persons and to qualify, and through the group stages before his dismissal. vaccines that have proven safety contributed to delaying the arrival of and effectiveness. new strains of the virus to the Qatari But this was Tuchel’s triumph. Based on the belief that anti- community. coronavirus vaccinations remain the Also, all travellers coming to most eff ective way to deal with the Qatar are currently required to To Advertise virus, as on May 17, 2021, the Ministry undergo a Covid-19 examination at of Public Health launched a campaign one of the health centres approved [email protected] to vaccinate children between the ages by the country of arrival within of 12 and 15 with the Pfi zer-Biontech 72 hours before arriving in Qatar, Display vaccine. while travellers undergo repeated 44466621 44418811 The state also gave priority to (Covid-19) tests before their exit vaccinating teachers, in order to ensure from quarantine. Classified the continuation of the educational During the second wave of the 44466609 44418811 process and to ensure that students pandemic, new cases of infection continue their usual course of continued to decline at a steady pace, Subscription lessons, especially through blended especially since mid-May 2021, as the learning, which was largely applied number of daily infections in April [email protected] during the second wave of the virus, 2021 exceeded 900, while the number as it combined distance learning currently does not exceed 300, thanks with school attendance through the IN THE VANGUARD: Inoculation in progress at the Qatar National Convention to the restrictions and procedures © 2021 Gulf Times. All rights reserved introduction of a specifi c intake of total Centre vaccination facility. (File photo) imposed in the country. Gulf Times Tuesday, June 1, 2021 11 WORLD Is it all Greek to you? Covid variants get new names

By Emma Farge given the letters Alpha, Beta, Gamma, resembled an English swear word. Geneva Delta according to the order of their Historically, viruses have often detection. been associated with the locations Other variants of interest continue from which they are thought to Coronavirus variants with clunky, down the alphabet. have emerged such as Ebola which alphanumeric names have now been “While they have their advantages, is named after the eponymous assigned the letters of the Greek these scientific names can be diff icult Congolese river. But this can be Alphabet in a bid to simplify discussion to say and recall, and are prone damaging for the places and often and pronunciation while avoiding to misreporting,” said the WHO, inaccurate such as with the so-called stigma. explaining the decision. ‘Spanish flu’ pandemic of 1918 whose The World Health Organisation The choice of the Greek Alphabet origins are unknown. revealed the new names yesterday came after months of deliberations in “No country should be stigmatised amid criticism that those given by which other possibilities such as Greek for detecting and reporting variants,” scientists such as the so-called South Gods and invented, pseudo-classical said WHO epidemiologist Maria African variant which goes by multiple names were considered by experts, Van Kerkhove. Before the new WHO names including B.1.351, 501Y.V2 and according to bacteriologist Mark Pallen scheme, some scientists had adopted 20H/501Y.V2 were too complicated. who was involved in the talks. But their own simplified nomenclature As such, the four coronavirus variants many were already brands, companies for variants such as a February paper considered of concern by the UN or alien names. using bird names. However, it was agency and known generally by the Another idea to refer to variants criticised on the grounds that this public as the UK, South Africa, Brazil of concern as VOC1, VOC2 etc. was could imperil birds and by the mother and India variants have now been scrapped after he pointed out it of a girl named ‘Robin’.

Democrat walk-out scuppers French police Texas vote Europe demands overhaul Democrats in the Texas capture fugitive legislature used a dramatic walk-out late Sunday to torpedo Republican plans for a restrictive voting bill that President Joe ex-soldier after Biden had decried as voter answers after US suppression and an “assault on democracy.” The law would — among other huge manhunt changes — make mail-in voting more diff icult by requiring voters to give extra information, bar local off icials from sending spying claims absentee ballot applications to anyone who did not request one, and end after-hours and drive- through voting. US agency reported to have eavesdropped on Danish Supporters say Senate Bill 7 is designed to make voting more underwater Internet cables from 2012-2014 to spy on secure, but critics say it aims to make it more cumbersome for top politicians in Germany, Sweden, Norway and France ethnic-minority voters, who tend to vote Democrat. “Republicans came into the AFP can services,” he said. military intelligence unit re- not yet known. legislative session hell-bent Copenhagen “Between allies, there must fused to comment on the revela- Bramsen was however in- on passing legislation that be trust, a minimal coopera- tions. formed of the spying in August would rig our democracy for tion, so these potential facts are Defence Minister Trine 2020, according to DR. their team,” Democrat state rance warned yesterday serious,” said the minister. Bramsen, who took over the de- Shortly after that, FE director representative Jessica Gonzalez Dordogne prefect Frederic Perissat (centre), prosecutor Solene that alleged US spying He said the facts must fi rst fence portfolio in June 2019, has Lars Findsen, his predecessor tweeted after the walk-out. Belaouar (left) and General Andre Petillaut (Rright) during a Fon European allies us- “be verifi ed” and then “con- neither confi rmed nor denied who was in the post until 2015 “Tonight, Texas Dems drew a press conference following the successful manhunt in Le Lardin- ing Danish underwater cables clusions drawn in terms of co- DR’s report, telling AFP only Thomas Ahrenkiel, and three line in the sand and made it clear Saint-Lazare, near Sarlat, southwestern France, yesterday. (AFP) would be “extremely serious” operation”. that “systematic eavesdropping other FE employees were re- that we will fight day and night, if confi rmed, as questions Denmark’s neighbours also of close allies is unacceptable”. moved from their positions but every tactic available to us, for AFP rocky woods. mounted over whether Den- demanded explanations. US eavesdropping on Europe- no full explanation was made your right to vote.” Le Lardin-Saint-Lazare The search began after mark knew what the US was “It’s unacceptable if coun- an leaders is, however, not new. public. But the bill could yet make it Dupin showed up at his ex- doing. tries which have close allied co- In 2013, former NSA contrac- At the time, the government into law. Texas Governor Greg partner’s home at around In an investigative report on operation feel the need to spy on tor Edward Snowden revealed said an audit had raised suspi- Abbott said after its defeat that olice in southwest midnight on Saturday, police Sunday, Danish public broad- one another,” Norwegian Prime thousands of classifi ed docu- cions that FE was conducting il- he would call a special session to France yesterday de- sources said, despite a re- caster Danmarks Radio (DR) Minister Erna Solberg told pub- ments exposing the vast US sur- legal surveillance between 2014 get it through the legislature. Ptained a former soldier straining order following four and other European media out- lic broadcaster NRK. veillance put in place after the and 2020. At about 10.45pm on Sunday, who fl ed into a forest after fi r- previous domestic violence lets said the US National Secu- She said Norway had asked September 11, 2001 attacks. In November 2020, DR re- as the bill was discussed on the ing on security forces in an in- convictions, the most recent rity Agency (NSA) had eaves- Denmark “for all the informa- Among other things, the vealed that the US had used floor of the State House, the cident that sparked a massive in February. dropped on Danish underwater tion they have”. documents showed the US the Danish cables to spy on the Democratic members departed manhunt, offi cials said. He allegedly struck the Internet cables from 2012-2014 Swedish Defence Minister government was spying on its Danish and European defence the chamber en masse, leaving The government’s top of- woman and then fi red a .30- to spy on top politicians in Ger- Peter Hultqvist said he had been own citizens and carrying out industries from 2012-2015. the body short of the required fi cial in the Dordogne region, 30 Winchester hunting rifl e many, Sweden, Norway and “in contact with Denmark’s de- widespread tapping worldwide, A month later, Denmark’s 100 members in attendance to Frederic Perissat, told a press at her new boyfriend, without France. fence minister to ask if Danish including of Merkel’s mobile justice ministry ordered a com- pass anything. conference in Le Lardin- hitting him. The NSA was able to access platforms have been used to spy phone. mission of inquiry into FE’s op- Saint-Lazare that the suspect Dupin was wearing an ankle text messages, telephone calls on Swedish politicians.” However, if the Danish-US erations. Its conclusions are due US, EU leaders call was shot and wounded after bracelet that informs police and internet traffi c including A German government spying is confi rmed, it went on at the end of 2021. exchanging fi re with police, if he approaches the former searches, chats and messaging spokesman said yesterday that during and after the 2013 Snow- Snowden, who now lives in for more action at and had been taken into cus- partner, with whom he had services — including those of Berlin was “in contact with all den aff air. Russia, called on Twitter for climate summit tody. three children, but it does not Germany’s Chancellor Angela relevant national and interna- In 2014, following the Snow- “full public disclosure” from His injuries are “serious,” function as a tracking device. Merkel, then-foreign minister tional interlocutors to get clari- den scandal, a secret internal Denmark and the US. said Andre Petillot, the head “Contact had been estab- Frank-Walter Steinmeier and fi cation”. working group at FE began The latest revelations are Top US and EU representatives of the gendarme police for the lished several times... but was then-opposition leader Peer DR said the NSA had taken looking into whether the NSA “new pieces of the puzzle,” yesterday urged other countries Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, followed by gunfi re. Each time Steinbruck, DR said. advantage of a surveillance had used the Danish-US spying Thomas Wegener Friis, an intel- to do more in the global initiative who added that no offi cers had there was contact with him, “It is extremely serious,” collaboration with Denmark’s collaboration — called XKey- ligence expert and professor at towards a greener planet, been wounded. he’s opened fi re,” Perissat said France’s Europe Minister military intelligence unit FE to score — to spy on Denmark’s al- the University of Southern Den- stressing the world “cannot Authorities had released on Sunday. Clement Beaune told France eavesdrop. lies, DR said. mark, told AFP. aff ord to wait” at a virtual summit earlier yesterday a picture of The man had indicated that Info radio. But it was unclear whether The group’s report, code- “It’s exactly the same kind of hosted by South Korea. Climate the suspect, Terry Dupin, de- he intended to go down guns “We need to see if our part- Denmark knew at the time that named Operation Dunhammer, scandal as the one with German change is a major threat to global scribing the bearded 29-year- blazing, and Petillot said yes- ners in the EU, the Danes, have the US was using the cables to was presented to top FE man- services helping the Ameri- growth, with perils ranging from old as a “dangerous individu- terday that “he was still in a committed errors or faults in spy on Denmark’s neighbours. agement in May 2015. cans to spy a few years ago,” he disease outbreaks and declines al.” suicidal frame of mind.” their cooperation with Ameri- Contacted by AFP, Denmark’s What happened after that is added.. in crop yields. But international He was hiding out in a for- Dupin was no longer al- negotiations on how to tackle est outside the village of Le lowed to own weapons and it have long been hampered by Lardin-Saint-Lazare, whose probably obtained the rifl e il- Italy judge hands Riva brothers prison terms over Ilva pollution disagreements over burden- 1,800 residents had been or- legally, a police source said. sharing between rich countries dered to stay indoors during He was sentenced to 16 An Italian court yesterday sentenced the caused a surge in cancer in the adjacent city appeals before a sentence becomes definitive. that bear far more historical the search. months in prison for the most former owners of the Ilva steelworks, Fabio of Taranto. Wrapping up a trial that lasted five The Riva brothers have denied wrongdoing responsibility for climate change Elite tactical units and recent domestic violence con- and Nicola Riva, to 22 and 20 years in jail years, a Taranto court also handed prison and their lawyers said they had spent heavily and the rising giants that are around 300 gendarmes backed viction, of which eight were respectively for allowing it to spew out deadly terms to 24 ex-managers at Ilva, consultants to respect environmental norms. “The Riva now among the world’s biggest up by armoured vehicles, heli- suspended, but in May a court pollution. Once the largest steel producer in and local politicians, including the former family has constantly invested large amounts polluters. But yesterday’s copters and sniff er dogs had reduced the sentence to an ob- Europe, the factory emitted a lethal cocktail head of the Puglia region, Nichi Vendola, of capital in Ilva in order to improve the statement came as many of the surrounded a four-square- ligation to wear an electronic of carcinogenic dioxins and mineral particles who received a 3-1/2 year sentence. All the plants and operate in compliance with the largest emitters have so far failed kilometre patch of dense and bracelet. for more than half a century, that medics say defendants have the automatic right to two regulations,” lawyer Luca Perrone said. to keep up their commitments. Top Pak talk-show host taken off air after taking on military

Reuters Critics say the crackdown is part of a cam- request for comment. from the incident, the information ministry Islamabad paign to coerce Khan’s opposition and si- “I was banned twice in the past. Lost jobs has said. lence critical voices in the media to prop him twice. Survived assassination attempts but Toor is the second dissident to be attacked up as the military’s protege. Both the mili- cannot stop raising voice for the rights given in recent months after a former senior jour- rominent Pakistani political TV talk- tary and Khan deny the accusation. in the constitution,” said Mir, who hosts one nalist Absar Alam survived a bullet wound show host Hamid Mir was suspended “Forcing a popular news talk show host of the country’s highest-rated political talk by an unidentified gunman in the capital Is- Pfrom his regular programme yesterday, like Hamid Mir off the air after voicing criti- shows on Geo News, part of the country’s lamabad, and yet another journalist, Matiul- his media group Geo News network said, fol- cism of Pakistan’s military, and support for a largest media group. “Nothing new for me.” lah Jan, was abducted by unknown gunmen lowing comments he made last week against fellow journalist, only underscores the lack Over the weekend, Mir criticised the in police uniforms last year. the powerful military for its role in media of true press freedom in Pakistan,” said Ste- military during a protest rally that was held Since the 2018 crackdown, around 3,000 censorship. ven Butler, CPJ’s Asia programme coordina- against last week’s assault on a former TV media personnel have lost their jobs in Pa- A spokesman for Geo did not specify if tor in a statement. news producer, Asad Ali Toor, who has been kistan, say local journalists’ unions. The Mir’s absence was permanent, but his show A Geo News TV spokesman told Reuters producing video blogs on his YouTube chan- country is ranked among the five deadliest was hosted by a stand-in anchor yesterday. Mir wouldn’t be hosting his show “for now” nel, often questioning the army’s role in places for journalists to work by Reporters Mir, who survived an assassination at- starting yesterday. politics. Toor told police he was tortured by Without Borders. tempt in 2014, is the latest target of an al- Several of the group’s officials, speaking three gunmen who broke into his apartment, Mir was shot multiple times and wounded leged military backed media crackdown on condition of anonymity, said the channel and that one of them introduced himself as critically in 2014. that started in the run-up to 2018 election was under intense pressure from the military an official from the Inter Services Intelli- “This time I’m ready for any consequences that brought Prime Minister Imran Khan to to terminate Mir since his latest criticism. gence (ISI) spy agency. and ready to go at any extent because they are SUSPENDED: Hamid Mir power. The military didn’t respond to Reuters’ The ISI “completely disassociated” itself threatening my family,” Mir said on Twitter. Gulf Times 12 Tuesday, June 1, 2021 QATAR

Amir meets president of Equatorial Guinea His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and Equatorial Guinea President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo held an off icial talks session at the Amiri Diwan yesterday. During the session, they discussed bilateral relations and ways to enhance and develop them, especially in the fields of investment, economy, energy, transportation and agriculture, in addition to exchanging views on a number of issues of common concern. After the talks, the Amir and Nguema Mbasogo witnessed the signing ceremony of a number of agreements and a memorandum of understanding between the governments of the two countries. The Guinean president was accorded an off icial reception at the Amiri Diwan. Cycling counters installed to ensure safety of riders

From Page 1

Yousef al-Emadi, director of Projects Aff airs at Ashghal, said that the opening of the new pe- destrian and cycling path along with the Olympic Cycling Track The shared pedestrian and will allow more amateur and cycling track is 38km long and professional athletes to practise 6m wide, and goes through 18 sports and have an active life- underpasses to provide smooth style, especially with the provi- and uninterrupted movement. sion of cycling counters that off er Yousef al-Emadi: the new Badr Darwish: The counters various data and safety-related pedestrian and cycling path will display alert messages in case of Below: A view of the shared information for riders. allow more athletes to practise bad weather or accident on the pedestrian and cycling track He added: “Ashghal seeks to sports. path. along Al Khor Road. deliver sports-promoting infra- structure in the country and this provide them with a safe journey, includes the provision of about as the devices display alert mes- 2,647km of pedestrian and cy- sages in case of bad weather or in cling paths in Qatar by 2022. the event of any accident on the “With this new opening, Al path, besides other useful data Khor Road has become a major that riders may use during their sports track as it includes the trip. Olympic Cycling Track and a key link connecting many vital sports Olympic Cycling Track: facilities such as Lusail Stadium, Ashghal opened the Olympic Cy- Al Bayt Stadium, Lusail Sports cling Track in 2020, facilitating Complex and Doha Golf Club.” international sports competi- On the other hand, Badr Dar- tions, as the track is designed to wish, Highway Projects manager allow speeds of up to 50kph. at Ashghal, noted that the shared The track is 33km long and 7m pedestrian and cycling path is a wide, and allows for a non-stop new addition for cyclists and jog- ride with 29 tunnels and fi ve gers. bridges. Stadium by linking Al Majd Road, track for holding international He said it provides an option in addition to facilitating ac- sports events, especially given for amateur bike riders and an al- Al Khor Road and sport cess to Semaisma Youth Centre, the high speed that the contest- ternative to the Olympic Cycling facilities: Al Khor Youth Centre, Al Khor ants can reach. Track on the opposite side of Al The road is considered a major Sports Club, Lusail Sports Com- There are 80 bicycle stands, Khor Road. link to many sports facilities, as plex, and Doha Golf Club. 100 benches and 20 rest facilities He added that six cycling it connects directly with Lusail provided along the route, besides counters have been installed for Stadium and Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor Road and Guinness 1,450 lighting poles installed riders to ensure their safety and and eases access to Al Rayyan World Record: along the Olympic track to enable In September 2020, Ashghal suc- people to explore it at night. ceeded in breaking two records Ashghal’s team accelerated the for the longest connected cycling pace of work on the project and path, as well as the longest piece opened it to the public to break of continuously paved asphalt on the record for the longest piece of Al Khor Road. continuously paved asphalt. an expressway with fi ve lanes in various options for road users to Recreational facilities: The length of the longest piece The team carried out uninter- each direction, enabling about travel between the northern and The road will also provide of connected asphalt pavement rupted work for 10 consecutive 20,000 vehicles per hour in eastern regions, as well as the smooth traffi c movement to reaches 25.275km, while the days, during which they poured both directions, instead of about western and southern regions via those heading to a number of longest connected cycling path 1.8mn sq m of asphalt to pave 8,000 vehicles per hour on the Al Majd Road. recreational facilities such as with is 32.869km long and 7m 65km. old road. Katara – the Cultural Village, Se- wide. This will not only increase the Residential neighbourhoods: maisma Beach, Al Farkiah Beach, Through the Olympic Cycling Alternative to Al Shamal Road road’s carriage capacity but en- Apart from Doha and Al Khor cit- Al Daayen Celebration Complex, Track, Ashghal aims to imple- linking with Doha: hance traffi c safety that Ashghal ies, the Al Khor Road serves more and Al Khor Corniche. ment a connected and safe net- The Al Khor Road extends along pursues by providing two lanes than 20 residential neighbour- work of cycling paths, raising the eastern coast of Qatar, along for emergency transport. hoods, such as Semaisma, Umm Educational facilities: public awareness about healthy 33km from the northeast of Doha Qarn, Tinbak, Wadi Al Banat, Al Khor Road also facilitates ac- transportation and motivate the to the northeast of Qatar, after Connecting major roads: Rawdat Al Hamamah, Lusail, cess to many educational insti- community to practise sports, successfully converting the old Al Khor Road is connected to The Pearl-Qatar, Leqtaifi ya and tutions such as Qatar University, the statement notes. Al Khor Road into a highway that several main roads throughout, Al Tarfa, among others. the Community College of Qatar, The track is completely sepa- extends from Al Khor City to Qa- including connections with par- The road also facilitates access the College of the North Atlan- rated from vehicular traffi c to en- tar University Street in Doha. allel roads such as Al Khor-Se- to Mesaieed and Dukhan through tic – Qatar, the Qatar Leadership sure the safety of cyclists. The old road of two lanes in maisma Road, Al Majd Road and the intersection of the road with Academy, and the Doha Institute Such elements qualify the each direction is converted into Al Tarfa Street, which provide Al Majd Road. for Graduate Studies.