Future World No.1 prospects Farag bright for retains natural gas: Qatar GECF Classic title

Business | 01 Sport | 08

SUNDAY 8 NOVEMBER 2020 22 RABIA I - 1442 VOLUME 25 NUMBER 8435 www.thepeninsula.qa 2 RIYALS Get a smart Wi-Fi device as a gift and enjoy the fastest internet With Ooredoo ONE Terms and Conditions Apply Biden elected 46th US President

I am humbled by the victory and it was time for the battered nation to set aside its differences.

It’s time for AGENCIES — WASHINGTON Michigan and Wisconsin as well America to unite. as Pennsylvania, onetime Dem- And to heal. Democrat Joe Biden defeated ocratic bastions that had flipped President Donald Trump to to Trump in 2016. become the 46th president of the Biden, in a statement, said he With the campaign United States yesterday, posi- was humbled by the victory and over, it’s time to put tioning himself to lead a nation it was time for the battered nation gripped by a historic pandemic to set aside its differences. the anger and the and a confluence of economic “It’s time for America to harsh rhetoric and social turmoil. unite. And to heal,” he said. behind us and come It was Biden’s native Penn- “With the campaign over, it’s sylvania that put him over the time to put the anger and the together as a nation. top, the state he invoked harsh rhetoric behind us and throughout the campaign to come together as a nation,” connect with working class Biden said. “There’s nothing we voters. He also won Nevada on can’t do if we do it together.” Sunday pushing his total to 290 Trump was not giving up. Electoral College votes. Departing from longstanding Biden’s to tame, including nations governed by His victory came after more democratic tradition and sig- and he campaigned leaders who got along with than three days of uncertainty as nalling a potentially turbulent pledging a big gov- Trump. election officials sorted through transfer of power, he issued a ernment response, The leaders who sent con- a surge of mail-in votes that combative statement while he 290 214 akin to what gratulations included British delayed the processing of some was on his Virginia golf course. Franklin D. Roo- Prime Minister Boris Johnson, EU ballots. It said his campaign would take president trying to sow doubt to serve in government, four sevelt oversaw with Commission President, Ursula Trump refused to concede, unspecified legal actions and he about a bedrock democratic years after Trump defeated the New Deal during the von der Leyen; President of the threatening further legal action would “not rest until the process. Hillary Clinton. Depression of the 1930s. European Council, Charles on ballot counting. American People have the Kamala Harris also made Trump is the first incumbent Biden, born in Scranton, Michel; Canada Prime Minister Biden, 77, staked his can- honest vote count they deserve history as the first Black woman president to lose reelection since Pennsylvania, and raised in Del- Justin Trudeau, Irish Prime Min- didacy less on any distinctive and that Democracy demands.” to become vice-president, an Republican George H W Bush in aware, was one of the youngest ister Micheal Martin, Greece political ideology than on galva- Trump has pointed to delays achievement that comes as the 1992. candidates ever elected to the Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitso- nising a broad coalition of voters in processing the vote in some US faces a reckoning on racial More than 236,000 Amer- Senate. Before he took office, his takis, Italian Prime Minister around the notion that Trump states to allege with no evidence justice. The California senator, icans have died during the coro- wife and daughter were killed, Giuseppe Conte, Spanish Prime posed an existential threat to that there was voter fraud and who is also the first person of navirus pandemic, nearly 10 and his two sons badly injured Minister Pedro Sanchez, French American democracy. The to argue that his rival was trying South Asian descent elected to million have been infected and in a 1972 car crash. President Emmanuel Macron and strategy proved effective, to seize power — an extraor- the vice-presidency, will become millions of jobs have been lost. Congratulations poured in for German Chancellor Angela resulting in pivotal victories in dinary charge by a sitting the highest-ranking woman ever The pandemic will soon be Biden from world capitals, Merkel. ILO praises Qatar’s labour achievements Top UNRWA official lauds QNA — DOHA balanced and Qatar for strong support attractive work The State of Qatar participated environment. yesterday via videoconference H E Yousuf bin SANAULLAH ATAULLAH mandated to provide educa- in the work of the 340th session Mohamed Al THE PENINSULA tional, health and social of the International Labour Othman Fakhroo services to 5.8 million Pales- Organisation (ILO) Governing stressed the con- Commissioner-General of the tinian refugees in West Bank, Body. tinuation of close United Nations Relief and East Jerusalem, Gaza, Syria, The State of Qatar was rep- cooperation with Works Agency for Palestine Jordan and Lebanon. resented in the session Minister the International Refugees in the Near East “We have half-a-million of Administrative Development, Labor Organi- (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini, boys and girls attending Labour and Social Affairs H E zation and friendly has lauded State of Qatar for UNRWA schools, more than Yousuf bin Mohamed Al countries through extending strong support to the half of them are in Gaza others Othman Fakhroo. joint programs. agency especially at its tough are in West Bank, East Jeru- The Minister of Adminis- The members time. salem, Lebanon and Syria,” said trative Development, Labour of the Interna- “We have been receiving Lazzarini. and Social Affairs delivered a tional Labour very strong support from the He said that UNRWA speech before the Governing Organization’s Qatari government. They were focuses on how to overcome Body in which he talked about Governing Body first one to step in very strongly the problems of education such the legislation that the State of praised what has in 2018. I am here in Doha to as lack of connectivity and pro- Qatar had implemented in the been achieved in hold talks on future partnership visions of devices to ensure the field of labour, which moved the field of labour Minister of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs H E Yousuf and I am very confident that the proper e-learning of the the Qatari labour market to an in the State of bin Mohamed Al Othman Fakhroo during the meeting. partnership between Qatar and students. effective and competitive stage Qatar and joint UNRWA will be further During his visit, Lazzarini and contributed to enhancing cooperation, through the and workers’ team, the Asian Britain, the United States of strengthened,” Philippe Laz- signed a memorandum of the work and investment envi- speeches and interventions of group, the European Union, and America, Canada and zarini told The Peninsula understanding (MoU) with ronment, and creating a representatives of employers the governments of India, Switzerland. during his recent visit to Qatar. Qatar Red Crescent Society He said that Qatari people have (QRCS) on November 3, to work showed great support and sol- together to provide diverse idarity for Palestinian forms of humanitarian support Take precautions to avoid possible rise in virus cases refugees. for Palestinian refugees. Speaking about the chal- Giving details of the MoU, FAZEENA SALEEM Medical Microbiologist and especially the youth avoid people get mislead about mis- lenges of UNRWA, he said that Lazzarini said: “We - UNRWA THE PENINSULA Chairman of Infection Control masks, and they do not information and myth spread the Agency is facing financial and QRCS - signed partnership Committee, Al Wakra Hospital, maintain social distancing in over the Internet. For example, problem. “COVID-19 brought a agreement for three cam- With several countries around Dr. Naser Alansari. public places. “This can be some advocate against wearing number of challenges like con- paigning events for fund the world report an increase in He said that many countries because they are overwhelmed masks. ducting so many screenings of raising. `P2 the number of COVID-19 cases, in the Europe and North with COVID-19 restrictions, or “People shouldn’t get coronavirus. We are also forced people in Qatar have been America have started to have they are tired of the repeated mislead over such information to readdress the ways of pro- urged to follow precautionary surge in the number of guidelines but it is important and risk themselves. It’s very viding the services for example, measures to avoid a similar COVID-19 cases. “We want to that they follow precautionary important that people follow health services have been scenario in the country. prevent that happening in measures,” he said. information from reliable shifted into telemedicine, banking Nine tips to protect “Although Qatar has not Qatar,” Dr. Alansari told The “Unless we follow all pre- sources such as the WHO, CDC classroom education has been yourself online `P 04 showed signs of a second wave Peninsula. cautionary measures, we may and Ministry of Public Health,” converted into e-learning and of COVID-19, number of cases “We should be wise and see numbers increasing – there said Dr. Alansari. relief projects have been trans- Included with might increase or have small take the lesson from those are already signs of this hap- According to him, wearing formed into home deliveries of outbreaks if people do not countries and should prevent pening in other countries mask is one of the proven ways food assistance to the people,” today’s edition is a follow precautionary going back to the scenario,” Dr. around the world,” said Dr. of limiting the spread of said Lazzarini. special supplement measures,” said Consultant Alansari said that some people, Alansari. He also said that some COVID-19. `P2 He said that UNRWA was 02 HOME SUNDAY 8 NOVEMBER 2020 First organ transplant at HMC since COVID-19 onset

THE PENINSULA — DOHA which we can be extremely proud The success of Qatar’s of. We have a single, unified Surgeons at Hamad Medical organ donation and waiting list and we have in place Corporation (HMC) have recently exemplary care and ongoing performed first organ donation transplantation support for donors and their fam- and transplant procedures since programmes is ilies,” Dr. Al Kuwari said. the start of the COVID-19 something which we can “Qatar’s national strategy for pandemic. be extremely proud of. organ donation and transplan- The Minister of Public Health We have a single, unified tation is not only world-leading H E Dr. Hanan Mohamed Al in terms of the clinical and ethical Kuwari met with the family of a waiting list and we have standards it applies, Qatar also has deceased organ donor whose in place exemplary care the depth of clinical expertise and donation changed lives of three and ongoing support for facilities to perform these proce- people awaiting organ trans- donors and their families. dures and provide safe and plants. In the first organ donation effective follow-up care for trans- and transplant procedures per- plant patients,” she added. formed since the start of the H E Dr. Hanan Mohamed Medical Director at Hamad COVID-19 pandemic, two kidneys Al Kuwari General Hospital and Director of and a liver were donated after his Minister of Public Health Qatar Center for Organ Trans- family gave permission to donate plantation (QCOT), Dr. Yousuf Al his organs. Maslamani said the team had five His kidneys were trans- father is currently recovering kidney transplant procedures Minister of Public Health H E Dr. Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari and HMC officials meet an organ transplant planted to two people – a man under the care of HMC teams. scheduled for December with the recipient. aged 63 and a 15-year-old female Dr. Al Kuwari met with the organs being donated from live patient (whose transplant pro- family of the deceased donor and donors. organ transplantation pro- expertise in Qatar to perform praised the care and support pro- cedure was performed at Sidra thanked them for their altruistic “An organ transplant can be gramme. This could not happen these surgeries and we also have vided to him and his family by Medicine). His liver was donated act. She also met with the recip- a life-saving procedure and it can without the multidisciplinary overwhelming community HMC. to a 35-year-old woman in ients and their families at Hamad also significantly improve the teamwork involving the organ support for the organ donation “I am thankful to my doctors another surgery performed by General Hospital and with the quality of life for someone with donation team, transplant sur- programme. Since the Qatar and the entire team who has cared HMC’s highly trained surgeons. young living donor and her father. chronic organ failure,” said Dr. Al geons, nephrologists, hepatolo- Organ Donor Registry was for me,” he said, adding, “I am also In another selfless act, a young “Organ donation is not only Maslamani. gists, the histocompatibility lab, launched in 2012, more than grateful I was able to have this female law student, aged 22, an act of true compassion; it also “Now we have emerged and the highly skilled nursing 430,000 donors have signed up lifechanging procedure here in donated one of her kidneys to her saves lives. The success of Qatar’s from COVID-19 and we are staff.” to become an organ donor.” Qatar and did not need to travel father. This procedure was per- organ donation and transplan- opening up more services, we “We have the technology, The man who was a recipient abroad. This has been of great formed three weeks ago, and the tation programmes is something have been able to restart our facilities and access to the of a kidney from his daughter comfort to me and my family.” QGBC hosts launch of WorldGBC Health and Wellbeing Framework Top UNRWA official lauds Qatar for THE PENINSULA — DOHA Goals for Sustainable Devel- strong support opment, our bold, new Promoting the health and well- framework redefines the scope FROM PAGE 1 being agenda is a key driver to of health and wellbeing in the wider sustainability and built environment. In the past, Now we are planning to climate actions, was the central we only considered the health launch it, the first one will start message of Qatar Sustainability and wellbeing of the occupiers in November this year and two Week’s (QSW) second Focus — or ‘end users’ — of buildings. other events will take place in Day, which launched the But this is only part of the 2021. We will be using QRCS WorldGBC’s Health and Well- picture. We must consider the platform to reach out to Qatari being Framework in Mena. impacts across the entire value people.” Organised by Qatar Green chain.” He said that the agreement Building Council (QGBC), a The WorldGBC and its is very important because the member of Qatar Foundation, members recognise a number needs of Palestinian refugees on November 5, the event held of important stakeholders with increased significantly especially two panel discussions high- the power to exert influence to during COVID-19. “We aim for lighting the ongoing efforts swell the green building the campaign in November to among regional stakeholders movement. These include both raise $1m donation to support the to promote the health and the built environment and the winterisation programme for wellbeing agenda in the Mena Director Qatar Green Building Council Meshal Al Shamari takes part in a panel discussion. wider industry as well as the Palestinian refugees in Gaza,” region. public, academic experts and said Lazzarini. The Health and Wellbeing Meshal Al Shamari, Director help everyone work towards increased interest in inte- policymakers. Framework is WorldGBC’s QGBC, followed by a welcome building a sustainable future; grating wellbeing considera- The GBCs in UAE, Jordan, global project created to note by Cristina Gamboa, CEO, in this context, we are helping tions into buildings, especially and Qatar have been part of the support Green Building WorldGBC. every institution to contribute since the COVID-19 pandemic, steering committee for the 202 new virus Councils (GBC) and their As part of the opening to a sustainable environment, and thus the importance of the development of the Health and members worldwide, to session, Catriona Brady, Head a healthy lifestyle, and a wise wellbeing agenda in Qatar is Wellbeing Framework, and, cases: MoPH increase the demand and of Better Places for People, and resource-oriented man- increasing. This agenda is rel- working jointly with the Mena supply of green buildings. provided an overview of the agement, aiming to achieve an atively new in comparison to network, are running its THE PENINSULA — DOHA The project aims to prove Health and Wellbeing enhanced economic produc- other sustainability topics, so regional launch. the benefit of green, sus- Framework, and Khaled tivity. These aims are not iso- international and regional col- The panel discussions fol- The Ministry of Public Health tainable buildings to people’s Bushnaq, Chair of the Mena lated but rather support each laborations are needed to lowing the opening sessions (MoPH) yesterday announced health and wellbeing, to Regional Network, WorldGBC, other in an integrated model, accelerate the application in featured local and interna- the registration of 202 new influence demand, and accel- gave the ‘Mena Regional where human health, safety, our buildings and cities. This tional experts in green building, confirmed cases of COVID-19. erate a sustainable built Problem Statement’. and happiness work as key Focus Day is a starting point health and wellbeing frame- Also, 194 people have recovered environment. During his opening components of the sustainable for discussion on that front.” works, and sustainability. The from the virus bringing the total The Focus Day commenced remarks, Meshal Al Shamari, built environment.” Cristina Gamboa, said: first session discussed number of cases recovered in with opening remarks from said: “Our aim at QGBC is to “We are witnessing an “Grounded in the UN’s Global ‘Regional Collaboration’. Qatar to 131,075. Take precautions to avoid QRCS promotes public awareness about breast cancer possible rise in virus cases THE PENINSULA — DOHA

FROM PAGE 1 Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has concluded a series If an infected person wears of community awareness the mask, he will prevent sessions on breast cancer. spreading the virus through The events were held droplets by four folds. And a non during the Breast Cancer infected person will be protected Awareness Month, celebrated by 6 folds, if he wears a mask. globally every October to Dr. Alansari also explained commemorate the heroic that cloth reusable masks are stories of breast cancer sur- suitable for healthy and young vivors and raise awareness people, but it is advisable for among women about the elderly and people with chronic importance of early detection Dr. Naser Alansari diseases to wear surgical masks and healthy lifestyles. as those can provide extra layers Breast cancer is very of protection. However, he said, times of COVID-19,” he said. He treatable if detected early. N95 masks are needed only for said that getting a flu vaccine can Studies show that early healthcare professionals and reduce the possibility of detection of breast cancer can they are at a higher risk of getting becoming co-infected with flu ensure a 100% cure rate. Over exposed to the virus, and it is and COVID-19, which could end October, QRCS’s Training and more uncomfortable to wear for up with a severe illness. Development Center held prolonged time. “It is more important for the many awareness events on “It is important for everyone vulnerable people of the society breast cancer prevention. A file photo of QRCS mobile clinic for early diagnosis of breast cancer in Lebanon. to play their role in controlling as elderly, children below 5 years The health educators the virus by following precau- of age, pregnant women, delivered an interactive tionary measures including healthcare workers, people with workshop at the headquarters administrative staff, and and health exhibitions as well Also, informative fliers adherence to physical distancing, chronic illnesses such as hyper- of Mowasalat (Karwa) with all parents at the Moza Prepar- as posting awareness and pre- were distributed to women at avoid close contact with others, tension, diabetes, lung diseases preventive and social dis- atory School for Girls and vention messages on the streets and shop owners. avoid crowded places and con- and immunity compromising ill- tancing measures. Haleema Al Saadiya KG. website and social media Dozens of health education fined closed spaces where other nesses,” said Dr. Alansari. Attended by 40 female The two lectures focused platforms. sessions were held at Syrian people congregate, wearing a He highlighted that with vis- employees, the session on the definition, causes, The purposes of these refugee camps and woman face mask and washing hands itors and residents being allowed involved informative and symptoms, and prevention of activities are to promote care organisations. regularly,” said Dr. Alansari. to enter the country, it is practical sections on how to breast cancer. knowledge among women, To exchange technical and Dr. Alansari also urged the important for them to follow protect against breast cancer. There was a demon- encourage self-examination medical expertise in relation public to take the influenza quarantine regulations. He said It was praised as beneficial by stration on self-examination on a monthly basis and routine to early diagnosis of breast vaccine as it is more important that testing and proper quar- all the trainees. and guidance to the advanced screening on a yearly basis, cancer, QRCS’s mission in than ever to protect from the antine helps to prevent anyone Under the QRCS School procedures followed at health and pay attention to healthy Lebanon cooperated with Jor- seasonal flu. Dr Alansari, who with the virus spreading it into Program, implemented by care centres across the food and exercising. dan’s King Hussein Cancer regularly gets himself vaccinated the community. QRCS’s Volunteering and country. In Lebanon, QRCS worked Center to discuss the results against the seasonal flu, said that “We have a very effective Local Development Division Throughout the year, QRCS together with Kuwait Red of the breast cancer project, vaccine is the most safe and system for testing and quar- in cooperation with the Min- executes a breast cancer Crescent Society (KRCS) to which involved free-of-charge effective way to prevent a flu. antine travelers. On average we istry of Education and Higher awareness and training pro- deploy mobile medical clinics services including radiog- “Vaccine can avoid the risk record around 25 to 30 Education, two awareness lec- gramme that involves distri- for early detection of breast raphy, ultrasound imaging, of flu, will protect the community COVID-19 positive cases among tures were delivered remotely bution of health education cancer among Syrian refugees medical examinations, and and help the health system in travelers,” said Dr. Alansari. to 100 students, teachers, publications at public events and the host community. surgeries. SUNDAY 8 NOVEMBER 2020 HOME 03 Participants inspired by speakers at Aspire Academy Global Summit THE PENINSULA — DOHA “40% of my body is tech- To meet like this online nology, she said. “I started The 6th Edition of Aspire is a testament to fencing at an early age of 5, and Academy Global Summit Aspire Fellows when l was 11 l was struck by Football Performance and Community’s strength, meningitis, and while every- Science 2020, held virtually, belief, and excellence thing changed, my family didn’t was applauded by participants and remain very important in as a resounding success topped that together we have my life and career.” off by inspirational talks from nurtured and Not many would immedi- outstanding diverse speakers. developed since we ately see the link between an In attendance were about 200 began in 2014. Astronaut and the other invited Aspire Fellows speakers. At this year’s event, Community members from 50 NASA Astronaut Mike Fincke leading clubs and 11 national Professor Valter Di shared the importance of federations. Salvo, Executive teamwork. He also highlighted Speaking during the Director of the Summit the importance of strength and Summit, Executive Director of fitness in the life of Astronauts. the Summit, Professor Valter Di “Spaceflight is the most Salvo, said, “To meet like this prominent team sport there is – online is a testament to Aspire entitled ‘Aspire Fellows Meet it can be argued that it’s not Fellows Community’s strength, Other Sports’ and aimed at football or any other such sport, belief, and excellence that tapping into the benefits derived l say so because it takes 15 nations together we have nurtured and from the introduction of sharing A screenshot of participants during the 6th Edition of Aspire Academy Global Summit Football working together to build the developed since we began in the concept with expertise Performance and Science 2020, held virtually. International Space-station. 2014. coming from other sports with Spaceflight is like sport. There is “This year, the Summit has the Fellows Community. Then sack, he said, “For weeks l was Talking about his per- Meanwhile, Paralympian lots of training and working moved from roundtable to TED the 2022 summit will go by the depressed, cried and was angry spective on talent, Vialli said, fencer Bebe Vio (Beatrice Vio) together required to succeed. We Talk format as we learn from title, ‘Aspire Fellows In the and felt insecure. After a while “Talent is a gift, but it is not the talked about how she and go through things like staying fit inspirational speakers from dif- World Cup’ as the FIFA World and having spoken to a friend, l most important aspect in a fellow impaired athletes are out by lifting weights in a weightless ferent sports and fields. We will Cup Qatar 2022 draws near,” realized l needed to be honest sportsman’s life - the process to inspire a new generation of environment. The following travel from football, fencing, he added. with me and be self-analytical. of nurturing that talent is more athletes to find the strength that values, keeping faith and trust, athletics, eSports, and Space- The Summit’s first speaker I realized l had made mistakes important. Work ethic, body lies with everyone. The only keeping moving forward, flight. Aspire Academy is a Gianluca Vialli, a former Italy and accepted them and learn language, attitude, energy, and wheelchair fencer in the world embracing a feedback culture, leader in sports performance international, shared stories on from them,” said Vialli, who con- effort require zero talent but are to compete with no arms and and managing one’s emotions, and science in Qatar and personal history, talent, lead- siders himself lucky to have an essential part of trans- no legs, Bebe Vio shared on form the core to achieving beyond,” said Di Salvo. ership, and failure. Speaking on transformed his passion into a forming your passion into a inner belief and drive her family success in Spaceflight “, said “The 2021 edition will be his time as Chelsea manager and career as a footballer. job.” has been her mainstay. NASA Astronaut Mike Fincke.

Qatar to host ANNHRI conference in June The Executive Committee affirmed the ANNHRI’s readiness to assist Sudan in establishing a national human rights QNA — DOHA Issam Yunus, head of ANNHRI’s challenges, solutions, and the ANNHRI’s readiness to provide current session, and head of the role of national human rights all necessary or required institution in accordance with 1993 Paris Principles, and in The State of Qatar will host the Independent Commission for institutions in light of this assistance to Sudan to establish coordination with the High Commission for Human Rights Arab Network for National Human Rights in Palestine. pandemic. a national human rights insti- and the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Human Rights Institutions Executive Director of The ANNHRI Executive tution in accordance with the (ANNHRI) conference under the ANNHRI Sultan bin Hassan Al Committee praised the role and 1993 Paris Principles, in coor- Institutions. title “International Solidarity in Jamali, heads of national insti- efforts of the network’s general dination and cooperation with the Implementation of the 2030 tutions that are members of the administration during the pan- the High Commission for human rights in the Arab world. “if there is no place for the Pal- Sustainable Development ANNHRI Executive Committee demic, and unanimously agreed Human Rights and the Global Also, the meeting dealt with estinian issue, there is no need Goals.. the pivotal role of Goal in several Arab countries, sec- to approve the date of its 17th Alliance of National Human new challenges to the Pales- for human rights institutions.” 16 Peace, Justice and Strong retaries-general, members, General Assembly on June 1, Rights Institutions. tinian issue from the attempts They affirmed that Palestine is Institutions,” and the General advisors, and experts of these 2021, in Doha so that the pres- Also, it encouraged to com- to annex the West Bank, witnessing an unprecedented Assembly of the Network in institutions attended the idency of the network will be plete cooperation with the Arab Judaize Jerusalem and scene, and the Arab Network June. meeting. The meeting discussed transferred from Issam Yunus Charter on Rights Human rights demolish homes, which mul- must stand in support of Pal- This came during the first the networks strategy and to HE Dr. Ali bin Smaikh Al and human rights management tiplied after the wave of nor- estine’s position and support it meeting of the 2020 Executive examining the decisions and Marri, President National in the Arab League in a way that malization and the new chal- internationally through the Committee, which was held by recommendations of the pre- Human Rights Committee contributes to raising and lenges that this resulted in and activation of international ANNHRI, headquartered in vious General Assembly. The (NHRC). building capabilities, developing violations of the rights of the humanitarian law and inter- Doha, via videoconferencing meeting discussed the The Executive Committee the Arab human rights system, Arab people in Palestine. national human rights under the chairmanship of COVID-19 implications, affirmed the and promoting and protecting The meeting affirmed that mechanisms.

Ooredoo Money Wadah Malaeb announces bank with his family. account transfers to Bangladesh

THE PENINSULA — DOHA

Ooredoo has announced it has extended its popular money transfer service to Ooredoo Money customers wishing to remit funds to Bangladesh, with the launch of transfers direct to bank accounts using MoneyGram. In addition to instant cash transfers, customers wishing to send funds to Bangladesh can now do so directly to bank accounts with Mon- Lebanese engineer eyGram via Ooredoo Money. Customers sending turns dream into reality transfers to Bangladesh can now access MoneyGram’s THE PENINSULA — DOHA applied for season 12, coronavirus superior exchange rates and was primarily in China, and that he world-class service via Wadah Malaeb has spent many did not think that it would reach the Ooredoo Money and rest years trying to turn his dream into Arab world, or spread across the assured the funds will be reality, and on Friday night —after globe in such a short space of time. received directly into the ben- winning season 12 of Stars of Science Learning to adapt to change eficiary’s bank account in — he proved that nothing can stand was one of the many skills Wadah Bangladesh. in the way of ambition and deter- learned during his time on the show. Sending transfers with mination, even when faced with “I was presented with challenges, MoneyGram via Ooredoo unprecedented challenges. The as many institutions and research Money means customers will 26-year-old Lebanese engineer centers that my project was get access to one of the best claimed the title of top Arab inno- dependent on closed their doors to rates in the market, with no vator on the QF TV show, after me. However, with the support of back-end fees and quick winning over the jury members and Stars of Science, I was able to transfer times of just 1-2 days. viewers and receiving 54.8 percent overcome this barrier, and antic- This new service is of the vote with his innovation ipate the reactions of institutions, available 24/7, 365 days a Ductal Organoid-on-a-Chip. so was able to change my plans and year, with the speed of service Wadah, who is in Baissour and adapt accordingly,” he said. subject to banking hours, learned about his win via a virtual “Ultimately, Qatar Foundation system availability, funds ceremony, said, “I am delighted. I and Stars of Science provided the availability, approval by Mon- want to thank everyone who necessary support to us, the con- eyGram verification systems, believed in my project and voted testants, to present our ideas and and compliance with regu- for me. “There is no other pro- develop them, and because of this latory requirements. gramme like it. Stars of Science we were able to complete what Director PR at Ooredoo provided me with the platform to we started, and this is an Sabah Rabiah Al Kuwari com- succeed and helped me turn my achievement in itself. “I would like mented, “We’re delighted to idea into a tangible model — from to encourage aspiring innovators offer our customers wishing the experts who provided critical to apply for Stars of Science, to to remit funds to Bangladesh feedback, to the equipment and search for solutions to challenges yet another option for them supplies that allowed me to build that face our societies and learn to do so, through our ongoing the prototype. Three months on how we can better address them. partnership with global Stars of Science is the equivalent Even if they do not have sufficient finance leader MoneyGram. to working three years outside in experience in a specific field, they We know peace of mind is the real world. “I plan to continue will receive the necessary support important to our customers, developing the product, establish from the program,” he said. especially in such uncertain an industrial pipeline, and work Wadah attributed his success to times, and we’re proud to be with research institutions to test his family. His mother Hilana could able to give them a safe, and perfect the innovation.” not hide her joy at her son’s win. secure option through which In a season filled with chal- “The greatest joy for any mother is they can send money to loved lenges brought on by the pandemic, to see her child succeed. My feeling ones back home.” Wadah explains that when he today is indescribable,” she said. 04 HOME SUNDAY 8 NOVEMBER 2020 Bedaya Center, Innovation Café partner Real estate transactions reach QR1.75bn in October to support local entrepreneurs QNA — DOHA transactions amounted to QR 76,306,889, and the Al Khor and THE PENINSULA —DOHA The volume of real estate trans- Al Dhakira municipality We would like to thank action in sales contracts regis- recorded transactions worth QR Bedaya Center for Entrepre- those in charge of tered with the real estate regis- 86,506,916, followed by Al neurship and Career Devel- tration department at the Shamal municipality with trans- opment (Bedaya Center), a joint Innovation Café for Ministry of Justice during the actions worth QR 34,429,613, and initiative by Qatar Development providing such an month of October of this year finally Al Shahaniya municipality Bank and Silatech, has forged excellent opportunity for amounted to QR1,753,466,311. recorded transactions worth QR a partnership with Innovation entrepreneurs to display The data of the analytical real 1,700,000. Café located at the Porto Arabia and promote their estate bulletin issued by the Min- In terms of the traded areas to provide local entrepreneurs istry of Justice showed that 494 index, the indicators show that the ideal platform to display products. real estate deals were registered the municipalities of Doha, Umm and promote their products. during the month. Salal, and Al Rayyan recorded the This partnership is a con- Abdulla Faleh Al Saeed The municipalities of Doha, most active municipalities for real tinuation of the pioneering and Board Member and Al Rayyan, and Al Dhaayen estate areas traded during the effective role undertaken by Acting General Manager received large number of trans- month of August, by 24 percent the Bedaya Center to support actions in terms of financial for Doha municipality, Umm Salal entrepreneurs by providing of Bedaya Center value, followed by the munici- municipality by 15 percent, and beneficial opportunities for palities of Umm Salal, Al Khor, Al-Rayyan 30 percent. Al Khor small and home businesses to Bedaya Center products on display at Innovation Cafe. Al Dhakira, Al Wakrah, Al and Al Dhakira recorded 7 display and promote their conditions necessary for dis- Shamal and Al Shahaniya. percent each. Al-Wakrah and Al- products in one of the newest playing products at “Inno- Highlighting the new part- to a wider spread and reach for The financial value of the Shamal recorded traded areas of Qatari cafes in a plush area of vation Cafe”, which can be nership, Board Member and these products, especially In transactions of Al Daayen 5 percent. Al Dhaayen recorded the country. accessed by visiting the Acting General Manager of light of the remarkable devel- municipality amounted to QR a trading area of 14 percent. Under this agreement, center’s website. Some of the Bedaya Center, Abdulla Faleh opment those businesses are 254,366,209, while the financial In terms of transactions Innovation Café employees will terms and conditions include Al Saeed, said: “We would like witnessing.” value of the transactions of the carried out in The Pearl Qatar sell the displayed products in one-month participation for to thank those in charge of He added: “This partnership Doha municipality amounted to and Al Gassar areas, the total exchange for a nominal per- each entrepreneur, the Innovation Café for providing is in line with Bedaya’s goals to QR 595,990,577, and the number of sales and purchases centage according to each products should be designed such an excellent opportunity help young people strengthen financial value of the transac- last month were 78 with a total product’s price. This or manufactured in Qatar, all for entrepreneurs to display and their projects by providing a tions of Umm Salal municipality value of QR189,550,527. arrangement is cost-effective participating businesses must promote their products. This distinctive space to display their amounted to QR 205,606,126, Data show that real estate for entrepreneurs as they do not be licensed, and the displayed partnership is part of our products at competitive prices and the financial value of Al trading in October continues its need to provide their staff to sell products must be packaged keenness to support small and and provide them with the Rayyan transactions reached QR steady growth, boosted by new their products. and presented in adequate home businesses and to supply opportunity to reach a larger 498,559,981. laws related to real estate bro- Bedaya Center also shape and should be of high the Qatari market with national segment of consumers easily.” The financial value of Al kerage and laws attracting local announced a set of terms and quality. products, which will contribute Wakrah municipality’s and foreign capital. Five masterclasses to feature speakers for WISH 2020

THE PENINSULA — DOHA

The World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH) has announced details of five masterclasses being presented by top international speakers during WISH 2020, the fifth edition of the biennial summit that will take place in a unique virtual 3D format from November 15-19. In keeping with its fully inter- Safiya Al Bahlani Alastair Campbell Yasmin Mogahed Giles Duley active format, participants will Henry Timms have a chance to interact with the speakers during a Q&A session how we can use the growth of the photographer, storyteller, and The final masterclass on at the end of each class. influence of new powers to build In keeping with its fully interactive format, participants will humanitarian. The founder and November 19 will be presented The first masterclass on healthier societies. His thinking have a chance to interact with the speakers during a Q&A CEO of the NGO Legacy of War by Safiya Al Bahlani, an Omani November 15, ‘New Power: Using on “new power” was first fea- session at the end of each class. The first masterclass on Foundation, Duley is a cam- artist, creative designer, and our Hyperconnected Societies to tured as the Big Idea in Harvard paigner for the rights of refugees inspiring disability rights activist, Build a Healthier World’, will be Business Review, one of 2014’s November 15, ‘New Power: Using our Hyperconnected Societies and those living with disability sharing her personal journey of presented by Henry Timms, Pres- top TED talks, and by CNN as one to Build a Healthier World’, will be presented by Henry Timms, caused by conflict. Duley is doc- how art has helped her overcome ident and CEO, Lincoln Center for of ten top ideas to change the President and CEO, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. umenting the long-term impact some of the physical challenges the Performing Arts. Timms has world in 2015. of conflict globally through his in her life, and her use of art in won critical acclaim from the On November 16, ‘A Study of photographic project Legacy of her daily life. Her unique and worlds of business and academia Emotional and Psychological War. ground-breaking work has gar- for his compelling perspective Resilience’ is a masterclass by personal reflections, lessons, and affirming account of his lifelong In 2011, while working in nered her critical praise, driving and insights on power and Yasmin Mogahed, author, inter- quotes. struggle with depression. Afghanistan, Duley was severely her to continue to push her work influence. His international best- national speaker, and lecturer to Alastair Campbell – writer, Campbell will also share his injured by an IED and, as a result into the mainstream and seller, New Power, co-authored discuss human resilience and the strategist, and director of com- insights about the stigma asso- of his injuries, is a triple-amputee. advocate for people with special with Jeremy Heimans, combines role that spirituality plays in munications for Tony Blair during ciated with talking about During his masterclass, needs. original research with their keeping people mentally strong his tenure as UK prime minister depression and how to he ‘Reframing our View of Disability’, The 45-minute masterclasses decades of experience as during difficult times such as the – will present the masterclass overcame it. he will speak about how disabled and Q&A sessions, will take place movement-builders and leaders current pandemic. Mogahed is ‘Living Better: Learning to Survive Day four of the summit, 18 people are viewed in society and virtually in the Ibn Sina Theatre, of world-changing organizations, currently an instructor for Depression’ on November 17. He November, provides an oppor- how, despite recent changes, there from 7.30pm to 8.15pm (Doha and discusses the rise of tech and AlMaghrib Institute and AlBuruj will talk about aspects of his latest tunity to attend a masterclass, are aspects where the status quo time (GMT+3)) on days one to four social media as the “new Press, a writer for the Huffington bestselling book Living Better: which is part of Qatar Founda- has not changed when it comes of WISH 2020, and from 2:00pm powers”. Post, and author of two books How I Learned to Survive tion’s Education City Speaker to including this community in to 2:45pm (Doha time (GMT+3)), His masterclass will discuss that include collections of Depression, a moving and life Series, by Giles Duley, reportage decision-making processes. on the final day.

AlBahie to host JOB VACANCY no-reserve

A LEADING PUBLISHING HOUSE IS LOOKING auctions for FOR AN EXPERIENCED carpets, rugs

THE PENINSULA — DOHA

GRAPHIC DESIGNER AlBahie Auction House has announced to host for the very first time the no-reserve auctions for carpets and rugs. A carpet on offer for auction by AlBahie Auction House. This auction will be divided into three QUALIFICATIONS auctions - 1st chapter on Friday, November 13 at 7pm, 2nd chapter on Saturday, November 14 at 7pm and 3rd chapter on Sunday, November 15 at 7pm For its very first time AlBahie will take you to the experience of a no-reserve auction; it is a sale with no restrictions, the auction will be conducted in USD. !" For the preview exhibition at the $ auction house’s permanent exhibition space Katara Cultural Village, Building 22C, interested candidates can contact on 44080534. The auction will include DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES : amongst others, carpets and rugs from  Persia, India, China, tribal as well as Kilims. AlBahie advises those interested in & bidding on carpets from the sale to reg- ister ahead of time for the auction on the $ website www.albahie.com, by e-mail &' [email protected], or telephone +974 4408 0534. Representatives are available to provide additional information and to ()*+ help guide anyone unfamiliar with the auction and bidding process. The live [email protected] auction starts at 7pm sharp on Friday, Sat- urday and Sunday and is free to attend and open to everyone. SUNDAY 8 NOVEMBER 2020 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 05

Iran urges next Aoun challenges US sanctions against son-in-law US administration

President Michel Aoun asked the Lebanese “circumstances” leading to to learn from foreign ministry to make the necessary those accusations, but didn’t sanctions demand evidence. contacts to secure any evidence and Aoun said the US evidence documents that prompted the US Treasury and documents against Bassil AFP — TEHRAN should go to the Lebanese judi- sanctions on Gebran Bassil, who leads the ciary. Aoun said he would per- Iran’s President Hassan largest bloc in parliament and is also the sonally oversee the case, Rouhani said yesterday he including bringing it to court hoped the next US adminis- President’s son-in-law. when and if necessary. tration will have learnt that The independence and sanctions cannot make Tehran AP — BEIRUT crises, and a deepened political integrity of Lebanon’s judiciary bow to American policy. impasse after the government is widely seen as being compro- US President Donald Lebanon’s leader yesterday resigned in August. mised by the influence of the Trump, who appears to be on asked the United States to offer The US Treasury desig- ruling sectarian parties. Four the verge of having lost Tues- evidence to back up new sanc- nation did not mention Bassil’s months after the massive day’s election to challenger Joe tions against the former alliance with Hezbollah, but the explosion that devastated Bei- Biden, has applied a Lebanese foreign minister, who broadening sanctions appeared Lebanon President Michel Aoun rut’s port and parts of the city, “maximum pressure” policy is an important political ally of to be part of the Trump admin- no senior government official and punishing sanctions the Iran-backed Hezbollah istration’s maximum pressure minister, and minister of energy government funds to indi- or minister was named for against Iran since his 2018 group. campaign against Iran and its and telecommunications over viduals close to him through a probing, despite questions over withdrawal from a landmark President Michel Aoun allies. the past 12 years. group of front companies, the their collective role in covering nuclear agreement with Iran. asked the Lebanese foreign Speaking to Lebanon’s LBC Bassil was a prominent designation stated. up the presence of enormous “We hope the three-year ministry to make the necessary TV station late Friday, US target of anti-government pro- Because of the sanctions, amounts of dangerous chem- experience will be a lesson for contacts to secure any evidence Assistant Secretary for Near testers who took to the streets Bassil will be denied entry into icals stored at the port. America’s next administration and documents that prompted Eastern Affairs David Schenker last year against endemic cor- the United States and any assets Immediately after the to abide by laws and regula- the US Treasury sanctions on said it is possible to challenge ruption and state misman- he owns there would be frozen. announcement of US sanctions, tions and return to its commit- Gebran Bassil, who leads the the designation through the agement in Lebanon. He is Bassil is not the first Leb- Bassil tweeted that the desig- ments,” Rouhani said in a tel- largest bloc in parliament and Treasury or the Office of believed to have ambitions to anese official to face US sanc- nation didn’t frighten him. evised speech. is also the president’s Foreign Asset Control, but run for the presidency himself. tions. The United States has The FPM, Bassil’s party, said “Our people have faced son-in-law. called the case solid. The US government desig- been sanctioning Hezbollah the accusations against him economic terrorism for the The move against Bassil on “As you know these things nation, under the 2012 Mag- officials for years, and recently were a “blatant defamation” past three years.” Rouhani said Friday was a major expansion are very difficult to do because nitsky Act, said Bassil was “at began targeting politicians close and “the use of US laws to take Iran would “continue its of the scope of US sanctions tar- the case is so solid. These des- the forefront of corruption” in to the group. revenge of a political leader for resistance and patience until geting Hezbollah’s political ignations take months to Lebanon, was involved in “mis- In September, the Treasury refusing to go against his prin- the other side bows before partners in Lebanon. There prepare, are reviewed by the appropriation of state assets” imposed sanctions on two ciples and national choices and laws and regulations”. were concerns that sanctioning interagency, by lawyers and are and “the expropriation of former Lebanese Cabinet min- convictions.” It was an apparent The Islamic republic hoped Bassil, who is still an influential based on facts,” Schenker said. private assets for personal isters allied with the militant reference to Bassil’s alliance that “those imposing sanctions politician, would further com- “He is welcomed to do so.” gain.” group in a strong message to with Hezbollah. realise their path was wrong plicate efforts to form a gov- Bassil leads the president’s While minister of energy Hezbollah and its allies who Hezbollah called Bassil’s and that they will not achieve ernment in the country. Christian political party, the in 2014, Bassil was involved control majority seats in Par- designation purely political and their goals in any way”. Lebanon is grappling with Free Patriotic Movement, and in approving projects that liament. Aoun also sought clar- a blatant interference in Leb- Iranian officials have said multiple economic and financial has served as Lebanon’s foreign would have steered Lebanese ifications for the anese affairs. they will focus on the policies of the next US administration rather than who becomes president. Arab League condemns Tehran has also stressed that a possible US return to the nuclear agreement would have Israeli policy on to be accompanied by compen- sation for damages caused by the withdrawal and a “guar- home demolitions antee” it will not be repeated. Iran’s supreme leader Aya- QNA — CAIRO the village’s population, tollah Ali Khamenei said marking the largest forced dis- Tuesday that the US election The Arab League condemned placement incident in more would have “no effect” on yesterday the Israeli occupa- than four years, in the context Tehran’s policies towards tion’s escalation in home of the occupation’s ongoing Washington. Biden has said he demolitions policy which rose crimes and gross violations of plans to embark on a “credible to more than 200% this year, the rules of the international path to return to diplomacy” as part of the ongoing Israeli law and international cove- with Iran if he wins the presi- aggression against the Pales- nants that criminalise such sys- dency and raised the possibility tinian people within full view tematic practices. of returning to the 2015 nuclear of the international Dr. Abu Ali called on the deal, negotiated when he was community. European Union and the inter- vice president under Barack The Arab League called national community, espe- Obama. upon the international com- cially the Security Council and munity to shoulder its respon- relevant international organ- sibilities urgently intervene to isations, to assume their Daily virus stop these crimes by imposing responsibilities and immedi- Iraqi riot policemen stand guard during a demonstration outside the entrance to Baghdad’s highly- pressure on the occupation ately intervene to stop these fortified Green Zone, yesterday. cases in Iran government to enforce the crimes by exerting pressure on rules of international law and the occupation to implement exceed 9,000 provide the necessary pro- the rules of international law Hundreds in Baghdad demand tection for the Palestinian and provide the necessary pro- AFP — TEHRAN people. tection for the Palestinian In a statement yesterday, people in accordance with the Iran yesterday announced a Assistant Secretary-General Fourth Geneva Convention. new record of more than US troops leave the country and Head of the Palestine and He noted that the occu- 9,000 new cases of COVID-19 Occupied Arab Territories pation authorities intend to infections in the Middle East’s AFP — BAGHDAD top Iranian general Qasem Enraged by the ongoing Sector at the Arab League, Dr. start the demolition of a neigh- worst hit country, as the Soleimani and the Hashed’s attacks, the US in late Sep- Saeed Abu Ali, warned of the bourhood and a commercial government imposed new Several hundred protesters deputy head, outraged Iraqi tember threatened to close its risks and repercussions of such market affecting more than restrictions. gathered in the Iraqi capital parliamentarians voted to oust Baghdad embassy and carry out criminal policies that fall two hundred industrial and The latest official figure of yesterday afternoon to demand all foreign forces deployed in bombing raids against hard-line within the framework of ethnic commercial establishments in 9,450 positive novel corona- US troops leave the country in the country. elements of the Hashed. cleansing practices and the Wadi Al Joz neighbourhood in virus cases in a 24-hour period accordance with a parliament The US has sent thousands Pro-Iran factions occupation’s annexation occupied Jerusalem which falls comes after a consistent daily vote earlier this year. of troops to Iraq since 2014 to announced a temporary truce projects in the Palestinian ter- within the so-called “East count of more than 8,000 in “We will choose resistance lead an international coalition in October that put an end to ritories, in addition to their Jerusalem City Centre” master the past six days. if parliament’s vote is not rat- helping Baghdad fight the the attacks, with no rockets tar- social, economic and educa- project, which is one of the Iran’s virus caseload now ified!” read one of the banners Islamic State group. geting the embassy or foreign tional implications aimed at largest Judaisation projects for stands at 673,250, the health at the demonstration, which Washington has drawn troops since. Iraq has long been further impoverishing the Pal- the city of Jerusalem aiming to ministry announced. took place near an entrance to down those forces in recent caught in the struggle for estinian society. change the citys landscape and The virus has also claimed the high-security Green Zone, months to around 3,000, and influence between its two main He said that during the past transform its Palestinian cit- another 423 lives in the Islamic where the US embassy and other coalition countries have allies, the US and Iran, with the week, the occupation author- izens to a minority. republic, raising the total other foreign missions are also shrunk their footprint. tug-of-war intensifying under ities demolished more than 76 This doubles the responsi- number of victims to 37,832. located. Others carried signs Starting in October 2019, US President Donald Trump. buildings, including residential bility of the international com- The number of infections bearing the logo of Hashed al- rockets regularly targeted those Baghdad has been closely facilities owned by 11 Pales- munity to confront this con- and deaths have kept rising Shaabi, a state-sponsored troops as well as diplomats at monitoring the results of the US tinian families consisting of 73 tinuous and escalating and hit several new highs since network of armed groups the US embassy. presidential elections, seeing a people with 41 children in aggression, not only against the September, prompting officials including many supported by Over the summer, there was change in the White House as Khirbet Hamsa Al Fawqa north Palestinian people and their to announce new Iraq’s powerful neighbour Iran. a marked increase in attacks a sign that tensions between of the Palestinian Jordan rights, but also against the will restrictions. Following a US strike on against coalition logistics Washington and Tehran could Valley, which led to the dis- of the international community, Yesterday, President Baghdad in January that killed convoys using roadside bombs. decrease. placement of three quarters of its charters and laws. Hassan Rouhani outlined a new list of measures during a meeting with the COVID-19 Tunisia govt reaches deal with UN panel urges Iran to speed probe of downed jet taskforce meeting. Speaking in a televised protesters to restart oil production REUTERS — TEHRAN in which we urged its author- recommendation that the final speech Rouhani said under the ities to expedite the accident report appears within 12 new measures non-essential A governing panel at the United investigation,” council pres- months, which in this case runs businesses such as malls, small AFP — TUNIS Demonstrators in the Nations’ aviation agency urged ident Salvatore Sciacchitano until early January, though retailers, cinemas and gyms long-marginalised desert Iran on Friday to accelerate an told a meeting of the com- many high-profile probes take would close from 6pm for a Tunisia yesterday said it had region of Tataouine, some investigation into the downing mittee, according to ICAO. longer. month starting from Tuesday. reached a deal with protesters 420km south of the capital of a Ukrainian airliner in Iran’s representative to Although the deadline has This would apply to the in the impoverished south Tunis, began staging sit-ins January, while an Iranian ICAO, however, said he had not yet been reached, some capital Tehran, province cap- who had blockaded oil and and cutting off production in official said a final report on the made a full report to the council states including Canada are itals and “cities with high pop- gas facilities for months to mid-July. crash would be circulated soon. on the progress of the investi- concerned about what they ulations”, he added. allow operations to resume. They had demanded the The International Civil Avi- gation. A draft of the final report view as a lack of transparency, The rising toll has brought “An agreement has been state follow through on ation Organization said has been completed and is according to a person familiar a number of health experts and reached between the gov- promises to create thousands members of its 36-nation being translated, Farhad Par- with the discussions. officials to call for a lockdown ernment and representatives of jobs under deals ending council issued the call, nearly varesh said. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard in the capital as a minimum of Tataouine,” Slim Tissaoui, previous rounds of protests. 10 months after a Ukraine It will be sent to partici- has said it accidentally shot measure. Iran has not imposed government adviser on social Tissaoui said the gov- International Airlines flight was pating nations in “a couple of down Ukraine International a full lockdown since it was hit affairs, said. ernment had promised to hire shot down by an Iranian weeks,” he said, adding that Airlines Flight PS752 on January by Covid-19 in February, with The government said hundreds of local people and ground-to-air missile, killing Iran was adhering to interna- 8, mistaking it for a missile at a Rouhani arguing the country’s energy companies resumed create an investment fund for 176 people. tional rules on air investigations time when tensions were high sanctions-hit economy cannot their activities yesterday the region, which regional offi- “We have had several known as Annex 13. between Iran and the United afford to be shut down for an without further details. cials said totalled about $29m. exchanges with the Iranian CAA Those rules include a States. extended period. 06 HOME SUNDAY 8 NOVEMBER 2020 SUNDAY 8 NOVEMBER 2020 AFRICA 07 Ethiopia aims to remove leadership of defiant Tigray region

AP — NAIROBI The vote by the upper house of parliament, the House of Federation, to set up an interim Ethiopia moved yesterday to replace the leadership in the administration needs no further approval, and country’s northern Tigray region, it gives Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed the power where clashes between regional forces and those of the federal to carry out the measures against a Tigray government have led to fears that leadership his government regards as illegal. a major African power could slide into civil war. Neither side appeared to welcome the of the world’s most strategic yet government before Abiy took dialogue that experts say is vulnerable regions, the Horn of office in 2018 and introduced needed to avert disaster. Africa. Observers warn that a civil sweeping political reforms that The vote by the upper house war in Ethiopia, Africa’s second won him the Nobel. Those of parliament, the House of Fed- most populous country with 110 change left the TPLF feeling mar- eration, to set up an interim million people, could suck in or ginalised, and it broke away last administration needs no further destabilise neighbours such as year when Abiy sought to turn approval, and it gives Prime Min- Sudan, Eritrea and Somalia. the coalition into a single Pros- ister Abiy Ahmed the power to A statement posted yesterday perity Party. carry out the measures against a on the Facebook page of the Tensions rose in recent Tigray leadership his government Tigray government, the Tigray weeks as the Tigray region, regards as illegal. People’s Liberation Front, said it objecting to the delay of the Ethiopia’s federal gov- will win the “justified” war, and national election until next year ernment said the interim admin- added that “a fighter will not and Abiy’s extended stay in office, istration will “appoint officials, negotiate with its enemies.” held a local election in September ensure the respect for rule of law, “Tigray’s people are now that the federal government Ethiopia’s Amhara Region militiamen pose in the town of Musebamb, 44km northwest from Gondar, approve the region’s budget and armed with modern weaponry called illegal. yesterday. facilitate the process of con- that could reach the seat of the The fighting began early ducting elections.” In a new infidels,” it added, an apparent Wednesday when Abiy accused continue, the prime minister said, to restore internet and phone public gatherings and movement. statement yesterday, the Nobel reference to Ethiopia’s capital, the TPLF forces of attacking a and he warned the Tigray pop- links. They also warn of a “If they come under pressure Peace Prize-winning prime min- Addis Ababa. There was no ref- military base in Tigray. In a major ulation: ”In order to avoid unex- brewing humanitarian disaster from the south, from Abiy ister asserted that “criminal ele- erence to yesterday’s move by escalation on Friday, Abiy pected peril, I advise that you if the conflict continues, which Ahmed’s federal forces, then (the ments cannot escape the rule of the federal government. announced that airstrikes in mul- limit group movements in cities.” experts warn is likely if the two TPLF) may decide to make a stra- law under the guise of seeking The conflict in Tigray is tiple locations around the Tigray Communications remain almost sides reject talks. tegic retreat or even punch into reconciliation and a call for playing out between former allies capital “completely destroyed completely severed with the Tigray is increasingly boxed Eritrea, which would then inter- dialogue.” in Ethiopia’s ruling coalition who rockets and other heavy Tigray region, making it difficult in by Ethiopian federal forces and nationalise this conflict,” Dino Experts and diplomats are now see each other as illegal. weapons” and made a retaliatory to verify either side’s assertions a six-month state of emergency Mahtani with the International watching in dismay as two The TPLF long dominated the attack impossible. and leading to pleas from aid imposed by the federal gov- Crisis Group said in comments heavily armed forces clash in one country’s military and The military operations will groups and human rights groups ernment that sharply curbs posted on Friday. Tanzania oppn leader takes refuge in German envoy’s residence Guinea court declares Alpha REUTERS — NAIROBI will deal with me once and for threat against him. Lissu is just Police said the demonstra- all,” he said. creating things. There are no tions were illegal and were Conde elected President Tanzanian opposition presi- “We are waiting for the threats against him,” Dar es meant to cause violence. dential candidate Tundu Lissu embassy to negotiate with the Salaam police special zone Magufuli, who was sworn said he took refuge at the government for us to leave (to commander Lazaro Mam- in on Thursday for his final AFP — CONAKRY German ambassador’s resi- go) abroad. I cannot leave in a bosasa said. five-year term, has promised dence in the commercial normal way without security Lissu was shot 16 times and to work with his rivals. Guinea’s Constitutional Court capital Dar es Salaam assurance.” serious wounded in 2017 in He is praised by some for yesterday declared incumbent yesterday after receiving death Officials at the embassy what remains an unsolved pushing through big-impact Alpha Conde had been reelected threats following a disputed were not immediately case. infrastructure projects and a for a controversial third term as election. reachable for comment. He and other opposition sweeping anti-corruption president at the age of 82, while Lissu, who as head of Police said there were no leaders including CHADEMA campaign. security forces surrounded his leading opposition party threats against Lissu and were chairman Freeman Mbowe and His critics accuse his gov- main opponent’s house CHADEMA was the main chal- unaware of him seeking refuge, ACT-Wazalendo party leader ernment of intolerance and following deadly clashes. lenger to President John adding that he had been pro- Zitto Kabwe were briefly authoritarianism, including a With 59.5 percent of the Magufuli in the October 28 vided with police security in arrested this week after calling crackdown on critical voices, votes cast, Conde’s support was election, said that immediately the run-up to the elections. for demonstrations to demand closure of some media outlets above the absolute majority after the vote he started getting “He finished the campaign a re-run of the election, saying and preventing opposition needed to win in the first round, death threats. safely and he went to vote it was riddled with fraud. They rallies. judges found, throwing out chal- Guinea President Alpha Conde “I received two unknown safely. He is safe and (from) also want a new independent The government denies lenges to the October 18 ballot calls whose callers told me they what we know there is no electoral commission. that it stifles dissent. from figures including his main designed to “modernise” the opponent Cellou Dalein Diallo. country’s institutions and offer The official count from the a greater role for groups like Ceni national election com- women and the young. Ivory Coast oppn mission gave Diallo 33.5 percent. But the text fits into a But the 68-year-old insists growing trend for African leader N’Guessan that data his activists gathered leaders to resort to legal at polling stations shows he won manoeuvres to cling on to arrested in Abidjan the vote and is the victim of power, and opposition leaders “large-scale fraud”. called its adoption a “coup While observers from other d’Etat”. AFP — ABIDJAN African countries have backed Clashes between security the official results, France, the forces and Diallo supporters in Fugitive Ivory Coast opposition leader European Union and United the wake of the election have Pascal Affi N’Guessan has been arrested States have cast doubt on them. again proved deadly, with the north of Abidjan, officials and his party said Diallo had already alleged opposition saying 46 people yesterday, as prosecutors investigate Pres- ahead of yesterday’s decision have been killed in a “wave of ident Alassane Ouattara’s rivals for rejecting that the constitutional court was terror” while the government his reelection. beholden to Conde. puts the toll at 21, including Ouattara won by the October 31 ballot His home was surrounded some gendarmes. by a landslide, but Ivory Coast is caught in by security forces as the ruling Diallo’s UFDG party has a political standoff since opposition leaders was read out. published a list of names of the boycotted the vote and vowed to set up a Heavy anti-riot vehicles and dead, including photographs of rival government after accusing him of pickups blocked the road their corpses, matching its breaking with two-term presidential limits. leading to the opposition poli- higher count, which comes on At least 40 people have been killed in Ivorian gendarmes patrol near the house of former president and opposition chief Henri tician’s house in the suburbs of top of 90 people it says had clashes over Ouattara’s third term since Konan Bedie in Abidjan, yesterday. capital Conakry, while security already been killed since August, reviving fears francophone West forces kept people at a October last year. Africa’s top economy could slide into post- Konan Bedie had called for a campaign of world’s top cocoa producer after years of distance. Amnesty International has election violence like a decade ago when civil disobedience during the election. After unrest. But the sudden death of his chosen Diallo had originally accused Guinean security fighting killed 3,000. rejecting the result, they said they would successor in July prompted the former IMF planned a press conference for forces of firing live rounds at “Affi N’Guessan was arrested during the set up a transitional government as Ouat- economist to change his mind. He says a the early afternoon. protesters in the post-election night,” in the central eastern town of Bong- tara’s mandate was over. 2016 reform allows him to reset presidential There is no way for Conde’s unrest. ouanou, said Eddie Ane, a member of his After days of tension, Abidjan and other term limits and run for a third time. opponents to appeal the consti- Nevertheless, the oppo- Ivorian Popular Front party. Ivory Coast cities have returned to their His bid angered opposition chiefs, tutional court decision, leaving sition has said it will keep up N’Guessan, 67, a former prime minister, usual activity and traffic, with no signs of stoking tensions over a possible post- the path clear for the president the pressure on Conde with was the opposition spokesman and a can- opposition protests. election crisis like in 2010-2011 when then to begin a new six-year term — protests. didate himself in the presidential election. Diplomatic and government sources say president Laurent Gbagbo refused to accept with the option for a second Although it harbours rich Two government sources confirmed his talks are ongoing between the two sides to defeat by Ouattara. under a new constitution intro- mineral and water resources, arrest. resolve the standoff, though little progress The country was already divided in two duced in March. Guinea is one of the poorest “Affi N’Guessan has been detained near has been made so far. after a 2002 civil war — the north held by Even before the election, countries in the world and has the border with Ghana. He was on the run,” In power since 2010, Ouattara had said rebels and the south by Gbagbo’s forces. the incumbent’s announcement seen frequent bouts of political one government source said. that at the end of his second term he Ouattara won a long delayed 2010 that he would stand again trig- violence. Security forces have blockaded the planned to make way for a new generation, election, but Gbagbo refused to step down gered months of demonstrations Its politics are mainly homes of several opposition chiefs in bringing hopes for an end to the long feuds despite international recognition for his and violence claiming dozens drawn along ethnic lines: the Abidjan and prosecutors have accused three between ageing leaders that defined Ivorian rival’s victory. French troops eventually of lives, almost all of them president’s base is among the of them of insurrection and terrorism over politics for decades. intervened as Abidjan became a battle- civilians. ethnic Malinke community their election protest. Supporters praised him for bringing ground and Ouattara loyalists were able to Conde had said in March while Diallo has strong backing N’Guessan and opposition chief Henri economic growth and stability to the oust Gbagbo from his bunker. that the new constitution was among the Fulani people. Wildfire kills 2 in Algiers Nigeria central bank freezes accounts of 20 prominent figures

AFP — ALGIERS coop. More than 50 additional AFP — LAGOS decades. statement late Friday that a expected to give evidence on firefighters were dispatched The demonstrations federal court ordered the Saturday as the youth repre- A wildfire has killed two people from Algiers to help tackle the Nigeria’s central bank has descended into widespread freezing of the accounts “for a sentatives boycotted it in west of the Algerian capital, the blaze which broke out on Friday frozen the accounts of 20 unrest after peaceful protesters period of 90 days pending the protest. emergency services said night. Over the past 24 hours, prominent figures involved in were gunned down in Lagos on outcome” of an investigation. The police say that 51 yesterday, one of a spate of fires have been reported in protests against police brutality October 20 during a crackdown Among those targeted was civilians and 22 officers were seasonal blazes to hit the north northern Algeria in 10 of the that rocked the country. by security forces. one of the youth representatives killed during the protests and African country. country’s 58 provinces. Africa’s most populous The protests have fizzled sitting on a judicial panel in subsequent unrest. Nearby residents were evac- Already in September, country was swept by weeks out in recent weeks but key Lagos set up to probe the Amnesty International says uated from their homes after the authorities in Tipaza announced of demonstrations sparked organisers have complained of shooting of demonstrators. the army and police shot dead fire swept through forest near the their worst year for wildfires police abuses in October that harassment including being The move saw the panel at least 12 peaceful protesters coastal city of Tipaza trapping since 2010, with nearly 900 hec- turned into one of the biggest barred from travelling abroad. suspend a hearing at which in the heart of biggest city and killing two men in a chicken tares of forest or crops destroyed. challenges to the ruling elite in The central bank said in a senior army commanders were Lagos. 08 VIEWS SUNDAY 8 NOVEMBER 2020 New amendments to the Law of Established in 1996

CHAIRMAN Associations and Private Foundations DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI The Qatar Society of Petroleum Engineers EDITOR-IN-CHIEF welcomes Decree Law 21 of DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI 2020 that was issued recently. [email protected] The decree law relates to Private Association Laws, which is under the umbrella ACTING MANAGING EDITOR of the Ministry of Adminis- MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED trative Development, Labor [email protected] and Social Affairs. The new amendments in the decree law address the DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR resulting problems from the MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI way some administrative [email protected] matters used to function in the past. The amendments undoubtedly constitute an important factor in the devel- EDITORIAL opment of many applications that relate to the mechanism of performance of associa- tions in are more flexible pro- viding practical environment. Doha is the best choice They are expected to facil- itate the burdens of the tasks DOHA is part of the 2030 Asian Games bid race. With that are shouldered by the a sports infrastructure un-rivalled anywhere in the associations and by private region, Doha’s promise to deliver a memorable edition institutions. This is manifested of the Asian Games in 2030 is a reality waiting to starting with the registration happen. Doha, house to the world’s biggest indoor process of the association An early morning view of West Bay area skyline. PIC: THE PENINSULA sporting facility at the Aspire Academy, delivered a members and including all grand show in 2006 when it hosted the then biggest procedures of member related to the procedure for provides real support to stim- Asian Games. From 1 to 15 December, 2006, more councils. This change is also obtaining prior approvals. ulate the transition to a wider than 10,500 athletes from 45 countries and regions meant to regulate the election Instead of obtaining prior space of productivity. It is also featured in 46 disciplines across 39 sports in 424 process as well, including all approval in order to organize to cater for and to provide a events. It was a spectacular show of guts, gumption other types of amendments. a new event, it is now done by further guarantee for the and glory for over two weeks. The amendments are simply notifying the Ministry interest of the individual and In December 2006, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad comprehensive to vital provi- about the intended activity or to that of the family alike. Al Thani riding a horse up a steep climb to light up sions that include many event. This positive transfor- Such constructive cooper- the Asian Games torch is a memory that has never administrative, executive and mation gives greater flexi- ation between the Ministry been replicated at any Asian Games edition. The financial aspects. One of the bility in the preparation and the Private Institutions Opening Ceremony was attended by Father Amir H most prominent amendments process for any activity and SHEIKH DR. FAISAL BIN FAHAD and Associations, will ulti- H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. Then Interna- to the new law is the one thus saves effort and time for AL THANI — Chairman of Qatar mately achieve solidarity in Society of Petroleum Engineers tional Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques those in charge of various the interest of the home Rogge joined representatives of the the Association The amendments work events. country. This constitutes an of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) and the undoubtedly These amendments also attending the scheduled important pillar in the face of Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) for the opening cer- keep pace with the require- meetings and elections. It is any fluctuations or crises of emony at the iconic Khalifa International Stadium. constitute an ments of the present-day worth noting that the amend- any kind. For two weeks, thousands of fans attended the multi- important factor in hi-tech solutions currently ments also approve the Finally, it is our duty at disciplined sports gathering at world-class venues. available. This would also adoption of the national the Qatar Society of Qatari athletes did not disappoint home fans, winning the development of help in bringing technology in address of all society Petroleum Engineers to 9 gold, 12 silver and 11 bronze for a rich haul of 32 many applications its various forms to the insti- members. provide heart-felt gratitude medals. that relate to the tutional process by adopting The Ministry of Adminis- to all those in charge of man- Fourteen years on, Doha is now waiting for the correspondence through trative Development, Labor aging the private institutions outcome of the Asian Games bid race result that will mechanism of e-mails as an approved com- and Social Affairs keeps and societies in the Ministry be announced next month. This weekend, the Qatar performance of munication tool among all abreast of the requirements of of Administrative Devel- Olympic Committee (QOC) President H E Sheikh Joaan concerned members and the societal arena and of the opment, Labor and Social bin Hamad Al Thani - who headed the longest Asian associations in councils. aspirations of officials, in Affairs, for their tireless work Games Torch Relay in the build-up to the 2006 Asiad are more flexible As for the invitations that addition to that of those in in developing the wheel of - declared Doha’s readiness to deliver another mag- used to be addressed through charge of the private associa- community development, nificent show, provided it wins the bid race. The QOC providing practical registered mail, it is now to be tions. It all indicates a broad and for their support to Chairman underlined that the sporting infrastructure environment. done through e-mails to the awareness of the need to private associations. We also in Doha remains unmatched as Qatar’s continues to designated members. This is a provide high-quality pro- look forward to an ever- prepare for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. confirmation to the fact that grams that keep pace with the deeper partnership in order With the state of the art Metro system connecting the invitation is received, and development in the mandated to take the realm of social all sports venues in the country - the commute time thus it is an effective means of areas. work into a wider space of between stadiums does not exceed 20 minutes - and notification to push for This kind of approach also prosperity and progress. the expansion of the Hamad International Airport gives Doha an edge in the bid race. Doha has hundreds of hotels that offer visitors pretty much the comfort they desire during a short or long stay. The QOC Chairman Who are the Biden and Trump lawyers slugging it out? this week clearly stated that Doha will work with OCA to meet every bit of requirement needed to host the JENNA GREENE names is any guarantee of local election officials failed general counsel Matt Morgan, Games in 2030. REUTERS success. to comply with the law. Pas- a former deputy assistant to Doha indeed is the best choice for another edition David Boies, arguably the santino and Vincent Russo of the president and deputy of the Asian Games. When it comes to celebrity most famous lawyer in Robbins Ross did not respond chief of staff to the vice supporters, Joe Biden domi- America, couldn’t save presi- to requests for comment. president. nates the A List. Think Taylor dential candidate Al Gore in In Michigan, Hearne, of Included in that litigation Swift. Among lawyer nerds, the court battle with George four-lawyer True North Law, are multiple lawsuits pending the same thing could be said W. Bush in the 2000 election. sued in Michigan to stop vote in Pennsylvania, led by perhaps about Biden’s stand-out legal And Elias was general counsel counting and demand greater the Trump campaign’s biggest D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR team, with former White to Hillary Clinton, for all the access to the tabulation guns, Consovoy, of Consovoy McCarthy, and Sekulow. EMAIL: [email protected] House counsel Bob Bauer, good it did her when she lost process. former deputy White House the presidential election to Michigan Court of Claims They’ve asked the U.S. counsel Dana Remus and Trump in 2016. Judge Cynthia Stephens Supreme Court to intervene in EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 election law giant Marc Elias For Trump’s team, while tossed the suit on Thursday. a fight over counting absentee FAX: +974 4455 7758 at the helm. its lawyers might not be Hearne in an interview ballots that they say are Also on board are former famous, they are certainly said the campaign would “untimely and unlawful.” MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 solicitors general Walter Del- busy. In Georgia, for example, make a decision whether to Biden lawyers are pushing linger III and Donald Verrilli the Trump campaign and the appeal once they see the back. Bauer told reporters on DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 Jr., plus former Attorney Georgia Republican Party on judge’s written decision. In the Thursday that the legal chal- General Eric Holder. Nov. 4 sued to stop the event of a recount, he said, the lenges were a “meritless” dis- LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 The Trump campaign, by counting of absentee ballots key issue - to ensure “trans- traction and “part of a contrast, has tapped less in Chatham County. parency and oversight and broader misinformation cam- BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 prominent lawyers in filing The suit was filed by observation for the various paign that involves some election-related challenges, lawyers from Robbins Ross stakeholders” - will be crucial. political theater.” SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 although we can’t overlook Alloy Belinfante Littlefield as I couldn’t agree more. As for Elias, who did not William Consovoy and Jay well as Taylor English Duma In Nevada, the campaign respond to a request for ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 Sekulow, who’ve risen to in Georgia. Neither is among on Thursday said it planned to comment, post-election liti- email: [email protected] prominence during his presi- the largest or best-known file a federal suit to stop vote gation is familiar ground. dency. Also on board is Mark firms nationally. counting, citing what it called The Perkins Coie partner PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 “Thor” Hearne II, former Pres- However, former deputy voting irregularities. An previously served as lead email: [email protected] ident George W. Bush’s White House counsel Stefan earlier suit was filed in state counsel for former Demo- national legal election counsel. Passantino, now a partner at court by lawyers from the cratic Senator Al Franken in ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 But overall, the bigger legal 242-lawyer Michael Best & small firms of Marquis the 2008 U.S. Senate election FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] names are in the Biden camp. Friedrich, adds additional Aurbach Coffing, the O’Mara recount in Minnesota; for Vir- To be clear, I’m not sug- muscle to the complaint. On Law Firm and Harvey & ginia Attorney General Mark CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 gesting that any attorneys Thursday, Chatham County Binnall, seeking greater Herring in a 2013 recount email: [email protected] aren’t up to the task at hand - Superior Court Judge James access for election observers. fight and for former Senator or for that matter, that having Bass Jr. threw out the lawsuit, Keeping track of the Harry Reid in connection with SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 lawyers who are household finding “no evidence” that Trump campaign litigation is his 1998 recount. FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar

/ThePeninsulaQatar Biden has got what it takes to be President and already carries himself that way, because he /Peninsula_Qatar will enter the White House facing a series of extraordinary challenges no incoming President /ThePeninsulaNewspaper ever has. +974 6698 6188 Barack Obama, Former President SUNDAY 8 NOVEMBER 2020 OPINION 09 I have seen the World Food Programme in action and it deserves the Nobel Peace Prize

I hunger worldwide is vital to humanitarian and health provision of food and nutrition their survival and to global assistance when most of the is also more effective when peace and security. world has been at a standstill. undertaken as part of a global In being awarded the Aside from the pandemic, effort, ensuring that those WFP’s work during the Peace Prize, WFP was praised In being awarded which is its own crisis, there most at risk receive the nec- by the Nobel Committee ‘for are currently serious food essary help. outbreak of COVID-19 acting as a driving force in the Peace Prize, insecurity issues in Yemen, After Rome, when I went has been inspiring efforts to prevent the use of WFP was praised Congo, Nigeria, S. Sudan and on to work in post conflict and hunger as a weapon of war and Burkina Faso, the complexity developing countries and with with the organisation conflict’. In conflict an enemy’s by the Nobel and severity of which illus- different UN organisations and continuing to provide food supply or delivery of food Committee ‘for trates how important it is to international courts, I saw the humanitarian and may be targeted, supply chains acting as a driving have international cooperation WFP, working alongside SHANNON MAREE TORRENS can be disrupted, or people on issues of hunger assistance. others, providing food and health assistance may be forcibly displaced from force in efforts to At the WFP I saw coun- emergency assistance which when most of the their resources, resulting in an prevent the use of tries working together in an was part of the broader needs was a young twenty-some- inability to feed themselves and attempt to provide some relief of the country, whether that be world has been at a thing when I worked with the their families. For example the hunger as a weapon to the issue of hunger and I peace, justice, development or standstill. Aside from Australian delegation to the Commission on Human Rights of war and conflict’. began to understand how human rights implementation. World Food Programme in South Sudan has said of the international cooperation can It is difficult to achieve any of the pandemic, which is (WFP) at the organisation’s conflict that, ‘both Government work effectively in practice. those things if people are its own crisis, there are headquarters in Rome, Italy. I and opposition forces have quiet achiever of the UN Recent years have seen a rise starving. sat in meetings listening as deliberately used the starvation world. The blue WFP emblem in governments and world I have seen people receive currently serious food countries discussed the needs of civilians as a method of is common in conflict, post- leaders who espouse beliefs food and other assistance from insecurity issues in of the most vulnerable in the warfare … sometimes as an conflict and developing coun- about national interests the WFP in multiple countries world, debated responses to instrument to punish non- tries with the organisation trumping the international who would otherwise not Yemen, Congo, Nigeria, emergency situations and aligning communities’. operating alongside other UN and seek to disengage from receive a meal. I have seen S. Sudan and Burkina shared statistics about hunger At the WFP, I came to organisations, NGOs and gov- international cooperation and children so thin and malnour- Faso, the complexity that were difficult to understand the devastation ernment assistance projects in international agreements. ished that they were consid- comprehend given the over- that many people live countries in need. WFP pro- We have seen the Trump erably undersized and under- and severity of abundance of food on this through, sometimes vides food, nutrition and other government pull out of the weight for their age and close which illustrates planet and the excessive food throughout their entire lives emergency supplies to those Paris Climate Change to death. I have seen other waste that exists. due to hunger, food insecurity who are food insecure or Agreement and actively seek children unable to learn and how important it is That the WFP has been and malnutrition as a result of requiring nutrition. During an to derail International progress in life due to chronic to have international awarded the Nobel Peace a range of seemingly intrac- emergency the organisation is Criminal Court investigations. malnutrition. It is difficult to Prize this year is well table issues: food shortages, there on the ground when The UK has withdrawn from witness a starving person cooperation on issues deserved. Whilst a number of poor infrastructure, poverty, states are still deciding the European Union and there receive food aid and to not of hunger assistance. countries and leaders are government corruption, whether to get involved in is increasing hostility towards think the organisation does an moving away from global ini- climate change and conflict. their own individual capacity. asylum seekers, refugees and incredible job at making our tiatives and agreements, the Today over 820 million WFP’s work during the migrants across Europe. world a better place. WFP’s essential work feeding people, one in every nine outbreak of COVID-19 has There is a rise in those We fail as an international the increasing number of people, suffer from hunger. been inspiring with the organ- opposing the United Nations, community when we do not individuals suffering from The WFP is very much the isation continuing to provide who see it as ineffective and work together effectively with irrelevant in today’s world the interests of the collective compared to when it was in mind but rather prioritise established 75 years ago. individual interests above all Many argue against the else, as is increasingly the benefits of international col- case. International cooper- laboration despite this being ation is not an outdated or an increasingly intercon- ineffective aspiration but a nected world. They fail to see real benefit in addressing key that any ineffectiveness by the issues affecting the world. UN and the inefficiency of When governments act uni- international cooperation laterally, they are not able to more generally is normally fully address the complex, due to states obstructing the political and long-standing collaborative process. drivers behind issues such as International cooperation hunger worldwide. That the is not just relevant in today’s WFP was awarded the Nobel world, it is increasingly rel- Peace Prize reaffirms the evant and important for coun- importance of international tries to work together in cooperation which should be response to global issues. Uni- further embraced alongside lateral action by individual recognising the benefit of states is not as effective. If the concerted global effort. WFP did not provide Shannon Maree Torrens is assistance to the 97 million an international and human starving people in 88 countries rights lawyer from Sydney. in the world as it did in 2019, She has worked at the UN this gap would not be filled by international criminal courts states themselves. It is only and tribunals. She holds a through international cooper- PhD in international criminal The World Food Programme’s flag flutters on the roof of WFPheadquarters after theorganization won the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize, ation that this assistance law from the University of in Rome, Italy, on October 9, 2020. becomes a reality. The Sydney. Time to confront the right-wing myth-makers

anarchists are taking over. This exclusion from the highest (e.g., capitalism, family enforcing academic standards. is what happens when Pelosi is rungs of government, or disap- integrity). These myth-makers Stanford University houses the speaker.) They intentionally pointment from their lack of a shape an army of irrational Hoover Institution, where Scott confuse media commentary broader intellectual influence. voters who fear anyone outside Atlas worked before going to and academic writings with Many in the right-wing their cult. They perpetuate con- the administration and run-of-the-mill, center-left media bubble are marooned in spiracy-mongering, science becoming a notorious anti- policy. Somehow, the “1619 a weird time warp in which the denial and economic illiteracy, masker apparently without JENNIFER RUBIN Project” has become a justifi- “other side” is some Cold making fellowship and rational consequence. Think tanks THE WASHINGTON POST cation for voting against Biden. War-era Marxist caricature. debate among Americans with should strongly consider And, somehow, “Democrats” (Hence, the infatuation with the different political views nearly setting up peer-review panels were out to demonize Justice word “socialist.”) But there is impossible. with input from outside The greatest challenge to our Amy Coney Barrett’s faith also a jaw-dropping, willful What do we do about this experts to police propagandists democracy is not that we hold because there was chatter on blindness about US history and phenomenon? Appealing to the masquerading as researchers deeply polarized beliefs, but Twitter, even though no Dem- race that allows Trumpian better angels of their nature and academics. This should not that one party refuses to ocrat in the Senate raised it media personalities to exempt seems like weak tea. Instead, be intended to change ide- operate in a fact-based world during her confirmation anyone from the charge of we need steady determination ology, but rather to insist on that might challenge its hearings. white supremacy unless they to rebuke falsehoods at every intellectually defensible beliefs. Whether it is Sen. Ted Conservative operatives don a robe and hood. These turn and drain the myth- standards. When public dis- Cruz, R-Texas, propounding have adopted a rhetorical opinion-makers and politicians makers of some of their effec- honesty becomes a public Russian propaganda, or the shorthand that rests on pre- have imbibed an unhealthy tiveness. Some public-spirited hazard, the think tank should These myth-makers Wall Street Journal editorial posterous assumptions, which dose of authoritarianism and billionaires’ investment in cut the propagandist loose. shape an army of page fanning Hunter Biden they never seek to examine: self-satisfaction with the status media outlets - not to change None of this seems all that laptop conspiracy theories, or immigrants “cost jobs”; climate quo to the exclusion of concern their ideological outlook, but to satisfying, but the problem will irrational voters right-wing websites circu- change is a hoax; supply-side for social justice, tolerance, insist on strict adherence to not vanish on its own. Rather who fear anyone lating falsehoods about crime tax cuts permanently affect freedom, equality and inclusion. reality - would be welcome. A than gatekeepers, we have outside their cult. and immigrants, we are growth; “regulation” is invar- Wittingly or not, they are the willingness to debunk right- right-wing mob leaders out to awash with conservatives iably anti-business (even if it quintessential defenders of wing dishonesty on its own turf make a buck and gain fame by They perpetuate seeking to exploit the fears, leads to cronyism that coddles white supremacy, in which (God bless former South Bend, bamboozling Americans. The conspiracy- ignorance and prejudices of Big Business). The policy con- challenges to authority are Ind., mayor Pete Buttigieg for result is a warped body politic mongering, many Americans. clusions and rhetorical output painted as extreme and dan- going on Fox News) might also and dangerously divisive There is a whole industry on underscores the adage gerous. Mix in a heap of White help. (Disclosure: I’m a con- culture. We have seen one science denial and the right that seeks to ration- “garbage in, garbage out.” evangelical Christians’ sense of tributor for MSNBC.) And, painful consequence of this economic illiteracy, alize support for President Why the non sequiturs, victimhood (for whom no legal sometimes, an intervention intellectual dishonesty: Mil- making fellowship Donald Trump by pushing the fearmongering and hysteria? accommodation of religious comes from within, as when lions of Americans are con- phony narrative that ordinary We would need an army of liberty is sufficient), and you get numerous reporters and vinced to put themselves at and rational debate Democrats - such as former therapists to discern the moti- a writhing right-wing culture editors at the Wall Street risk of contracting a deadly among Americans vice president Joe Biden or vations. Acela-corridor con- that feels justified in its intel- Journal revolted against the disease rather than listen to with different House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, servatives, many of whom lectual dishonesty. It is more editorial page’s proclivity to fact-based “elites.” Many have D-Calif. - are conduits for antifa have benefited from “elite” or than willing to recklessly dis- play fast and loose with facts. died as a result, and self-gov- political views or hate America, religion and Ivy League educations and live pense whatever snippets of There are also heroic efforts ernance has been weakened. nearly impossible. the police. They specialize in happily with the benefits of information advance its phi- among Never Trumpers, such The sooner we confront the finding obscure figures on the blue America, love nothing losophy with little regard for as the team at the Bulwark, to right-wing myth-making left spouting nonsense and then more than to tell red America the source’s credibility. The take on purveyors of right- industry, the better. leaping to associate Democratic that city dwellers look down results are injurious to our wing lies and nonsense. Jennifer Rubin writes politicians with their views or on them. Perhaps they suffer democracy and often even to Perhaps think tanks should reported opinion for The rhetoric. (Oh look, Portland from greed, or resentment over the right wing’s stated values take responsibility for Washington Post. 10 ASIA SUNDAY 8 NOVEMBER 2020 India, UK launch clean air street initiative

IANS — BENGALURU “This is done in an closed to motor vehicles between 12pm yesterday and India and the United Kingdom effort to demonstrate 12am today till February 2021. (UK) have come together to innovative ways “The initiative is aimed at launch a clean air street initi- of combating air reprioritising clean mobility and ative at Church Street here highlighting the benefits it yesterday to jointly address the pollution,” DULT brings. The project will also global challenges of air Commissioner V serve as a showcase for inno- pollution and climate change. vative UK and Indian solutions The initiative launched by Manjula said and to tackle climate change,” UK the UK Catapult Network and added that this was an Minister of State for South Asia the Directorate of Urban Land and the Commonwealth, Lord Transport (DULT), Karnataka, opportunity to prove Tariq Ahmad said in his video will help transform Church that targeted activities message. Street in Bengaluru into a green He added that the launch of haven for pedestrians by to reduce motor the clean air street initiative is banning traffic movement on vehicle traffic can help an example of India’s forward Commuters make their way along a busy road under heavy smog conditions in New Delhi, yesterday. every weekend from this week reduce pollution. movement on climate action onwards for the next three and to show what both coun- months. tries can do when like-minded High Commissioner Jeremy UK-Karnataka collaboration on Two of the UK’s leading “This is done in an effort to wider Innovating for Clean Air nations work together. Pilmore-Bedford said that the climate action can deliver sub- technology centres — Energy demonstrate innovative ways (IfCA) programme that is being He said that the UK, as the launch of the Clean Air Street stantial progress towards Systems Catapult and Con- of combating air pollution,” rolled out in phases across COP 26 President, is committed initiative in Bengaluru could not reducing emissions and helping nected Places Catapult that DULT commissioner V Manjula Bengaluru. to join forces with all countries, have come at a more important to build back better and form part of the Catapult said and added that this was an Businesses especially res- with civil society, business, and time. greener,” he said. Network — will work with opportunity to prove that tar- taurants on this street will be with individuals, to inspire “The Covid lockdowns here According to the statement partners to measure the dif- geted activities to reduce motor allowed to extend their seating action ahead of the conference and across the globe made us the Indian Institute of Science ference in air quality after the vehicle traffic can help reduce outdoors temporarily, in line in November 2021. all appreciate the importance — one of the partners in this ini- intervention and also work with pollution, improve the quality with social distancing norms, “We owe it to our children and beauty of clean air and tiative — will be carrying out electric vehicle innovators to of life and be beneficial to local thereby encouraging patrons to to use this tough year to pause, skies. The next year is a crucial research to gauge the impact on increase citizen awareness and businesses. stay safe whilst enjoying cleaner reflect and build back better,” year for our climate with the UK the quality of life for local res- evaluate their experiences She said that the clean air air. he added. hosting COP 26 in November idents as well as the economic through test rides, the statement street initiative is a part of the Church Street will remain British Deputy 2021. I am confident that impact on businesses. read. Australia to allow additional 450 India, China talks on border tensions end in deadlock IANS — NEW DELHI that Lieutenant General PGK While talks were on, Chief He also said that China’s occupied critical mountain citizens to return Menon led the Indian military of Defence Staff General Bipin People’s Liberation Army is heights on the southern bank of The military talks between delegates. Rawat on Friday claimed that facing unanticipated conse- the Pangong Lake such as before year-end India and China at Chushul in Earlier, he had attended two situation at Line of Actual quences for its misadventure in Rechin La, Rezang La, Mukpari, Eastern Ladakh to resolve the such rounds of talks but the del- Control remains to be tense and Ladakh because of firm and Tabletop that were REUTERS — SYDNEY border dispute and de-esca- egation was led by then Lieu- war with China cannot be ruled responses by Indian forces. unmanned till now. India has lation of forces ended in tenant General Harinder Singh out. Top military commanders also made some deployments Australia will permit an addi- stalemate. The soldiers of both who was transferred last month He said: “In the overall of both the countries met seven near Blacktop. The movement tional 450 citizens to return to the countries to remain exposed to the Indian Military Academy security calculus, border con- times in a bid to resolve the six was carried out after the the country before the end of to minus 20 degrees Celsius. (IMA) where he would be in frontations, transgressions, month standoff. The last Chinese tried to make a provoc- the year, slightly increasing a “There was no headway charge of training the future unprovoked tactical military meeting happened on October ative military move. cap enforced to reduce risks during the talks as China was generations of Army officers. actions spiralling into a larger 12 and that too ended in a Now, dominance at these 13 of fresh coronavirus infections not ready to withdraw from the Joint Secretary from the conflict therefore cannot be deadlock. peaks allows India to dominate being imported, Prime disputed position. We had made Ministry of External Affairs discounted.” So far both the countries the Spangur Gap under Chinese Minister Scott Morrison said it clear there is going back an Navin Srivastava was also part General Rawat said the sit- have agreed to maintain dia- control and also the Moldo gar- yesterday. inch,” said a government of the delegation. uation along the Line of Actual logue and communication rison on the Chinese side. Australia has since July source. “We have firmly stated to Control in eastern Ladakh through military and diplomatic India and China have been capped the number of locals The eight Corps Com- China that disengagement will remains tense. But he pointed channels, and arrive at a engaged in a seven-month-long allowed to return home each mander level talks between happen at all friction points and that India’s posturing is unam- mutually acceptable solution for standoff at the LAC. Despite week in an attempt to reduce both the countries began at not at the selected locations as biguous and “will not accept disengagement as early as several levels of dialogue, there the threat of spreading 9.30am and ended at 7pm on they want. Our stand is clear,” any shift in Line of Actual possible. has not been any breakthrough COVID-19. Friday. It was for the first time the source said. Control.” On August 30, India had and the deadlock continues. Australia allows 6,315 cit- izens and permanent residents to return each week. But with thousands stranded Next US president should overseas and pressure growing, Morrison said Tasmania state has agreed to provide accom- not interfere in HK: Lam modation for the additional 450 people to undergo quarantine on AP — BEIJING “Hong Kong has recovered the island. its stability and has not seen “We’re working every Hong Kong leader Carrie any large-scale violent inci- option to help as many Aus- Lam said on Friday that dents,” Lam said. tralians return home as whoever wins the US presi- “With this stable envi- quickly as possible,” Morrison dential election should end ronment we can focus on eco- said in an emailed statement. US interference in the nomic development and Australia’s second internal affairs of her city improving people’s lives.” COVID-19 outbreak started and China overall. Earlier ojn Friday, Lam met after people returning from She accused the Trump with a top Chinese Communist overseas in Victoria state administration of repeatedly Party official who endorsed her spread the virus to hotel interfering over the past year, rule, saying her government workers while undergoing a citing US sanctions on officials had restored order and revived mandatory 14-day quarantine, including herself and the sus- the economy. who in turn passed the virus pension of special trading con- Vice-Premier Han Zheng, in the community. ditions previously granted to one of seven members of the After daily cases in the Hong Kong. party’s top leadership body, state peaked at more than 700 “That is totally unrea- praised her administration for infections, Victoria placed sonable,” she said at a news implementing the national nearly five million people Indonesia evacuates people near Mount Merapi conference wrapping up a security law and protecting around Melbourne into a four-day visit to Beijing. “I hope Hong Kong’s stability, and for stringent lockdown for more An evacuating villager receives assistance while boarding a truck in Glagaharjo village in Cangkringan, that they will come back to nor- its handling of the COVID-19 than 100 days. Yogyakarta yesterday, following signs of volcanic activity in nearby Mount Merapi, in Indonesia. malcy and accept that the rela- pandemic, easing the eco- tionship has to be built on nomic burden on the mutual respect and population. cooperation.” Under Lam, the gov- UN urges truce to tackle virus ahead of Myanmar vote The US took issue earlier ernment has “overcome all this year with China’s kinds of difficulties and dealt AP — UNITED NATIONS humanitarian action, human Last year, a UN fact-finding obligations under international enactment of a national with the challenges,” the Vice- rights and democratic reforms, mission said some 600,000 humanitarian law and to security law for Hong Kong Premier said. The UN chief appealed for a including civilian control over Rohingya were still living in protect civilians and civilian which was designed in part to It was a far cry from a year cease-fire across Myanmar the military.” “deplorable” conditions in infrastructure,” he said. snuff out pro-democracy pro- ago, when parts of the city were ahead of today’s elections to Guterres also hopes the Rakhine state, subject to restric- The secretary-general says tests that rocked the city for awash in tear gas and Lam’s tackle surging COVID-19 cases, elections will “help pave the tions on movement that touch unimpeded humanitarian months last year. leadership and ability to return expressing concern at intensi- way for refugee returns in almost every aspect of their access for the UN and its The Trump administration peace to her city seemed to be fying clashes including in safety and dignity,” he said, The lives. partners “is crucial,” Dujarric backed democracy activists in question. Rakhine State where hundreds government of Myanmar, a Dujarric, the UN said. who said that the law ended the China responded by of thousands of Rohingya Buddhist-majority nation, has spokesman, said the secretary- In today’s election, there are “one country, two systems” enacting the national security Muslims can’t vote because the refused to recognise Rohingya general is concerned at the about 37 million registered framework under which Hong law, which curtailed protests government has denied them as citizens or even as one of its “legal limbo” of the Rohingya voters though observers say Kong is part of China but given that were already dwindling citizenship. ethnic groups, rendering the in Rakhine and their inability turnout is expected to suffer a high degree of autonomy over because of coronavirus Secretary-General Antonio vast majority stateless. to vote. “It is important that because of the recent surge in local affairs. restrictions on public Guterres appealed for a global Myanmar’s military began everyone have a voice and be coronavirus cases. Lam said the national gatherings. cease-fire to tackle the a harsh counterinsurgency able to participate in these elec- In 2015, hopes were high of security law has been an Lam was accompanied on COVID-19 pandemic on March campaign against the Rohingya tions in a very... inclusive way,” ending more than five decades effective deterrent after pitched her visit by several top city 23, and UN spokesman in August 2017 in response to he said. of army-directed rule. battles between demonstrators officials, which she said dem- Stephane Dujarric said the UN an insurgent attack. More than In renewing his cease-fire The National League of and police during protests last onstrates the breadth of Hong chief was renewing his appeal 700,000 Rohingya fled to appeal, the secretary-general Democracy party of Aung San year. Kong’s integration into on Friday to focus on com- neighboring Bangladesh to “remains concerned about Suu Kyi roared to a landslide Some more radical pro- China’s national batting the surge in coronavirus escape what has been called an armed conflict in many areas election victory. The 75-year- testers attacked businesses development. cases in Myanmar. ethnic cleansing campaign of Myanmar, especially the old Nobel Peace Prize laureate seen as pro-Beijing and set fires She was heading from Dujarric said the secretary- involving mass rapes, killings intensifying clashes in Rakhine became Myanmar’s de facto in the streets. Beijing to Guangdong, the general believes “the holding of and burning of their homes — and Chin states, which continue leader after many hard years at They said the escalating southern province that borders peaceful, orderly and credible which the government denies. to take a heavy toll on vul- the forefront of a non-violent tactics were necessary to get Hong Kong, for economic talks elections is an important oppor- Bangladesh currently houses nerable civilians,” Dujarric said. struggle against military dicta- the attention of a government on the Greater Bay Area, a tunity to help advance inclusive over one million Rohingya Guterres urges all com- torships that won international that was ignoring their region that also includes nearby sustainable development, refugees. batants “to respect their admiration. demands. Macao. SUNDAY 8 NOVEMBER 2020 ASIA 11 Bomb attack in Kabul kills former TV presenter

AFP — KABUL ordered an investigation into The Afghan Journalists the murders, the presidential A former Afghan television Safety Committee, a palace said. presenter and two other panel set up by media Targeted killings of prom- civilians were killed in a Kabul inent figures, including jour- bombing yesterday, in an attack networks to oversee nalists, clerics, politicians and officials blamed on a group security for journalists rights activists, have become linked to the Taliban. more common in recent Yama Siawash was killed in the country, called months amid growing violence when a bomb attached to his for “identifying and in the country. vehicle exploded near his home On Thursday, the father of in the Afghan capital, police prosecuting the Zarifa Ghafari, one of Afghan- spokesman Ferdaws Faramarz perpetrators” of the istan’s first female mayors, was told journalists. gunned down in front of his The murder of Siawash attack. President house in Kabul. comes amid a rise in violence Ashraf Ghani ordered His assassination was con- across the country even as the an investigation into demned by US Secretary of Taliban and Afghan gov- State Mike Pompeo, who had ernment engage in peace talks the murders, the awarded Ghafari with the Inter- Anti-France protest in Karachi in Qatar to end the country’s presidential palace national Women of Courage grinding war. award earlier this year. Activists of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan, take part in an anti-France protest rally in Karachi, yesterday. Siawash, who recently said. US watchdog Special joined Afghanistan’s central Inspector General for Afghan- bank as an adviser, used to be “I am shocked at the killing istan Reconstruction (SIGAR) a prominent political and of former Tolo News anchor said in a report this week that Second virus wave more lethal, warns current affairs presenter with Yama Siawash,” Ross Wilson, violent attacks in the country Tolo News, the country’s US charge d’affaires in Kabul, had surged by 50 percent biggest private TV channel, said on Twitter. during three months to Sep- Pakistan Medical Association known for his hard-hitting “This attack is an assault on tember when compared to the interview style. freedom of the press, one of previous quarter. INTERNEWS — ISLAMABAD The PMA has sought per- recent times appeared to be No group claimed respon- Afghanistan’s core democratic Dozens of people were sonal protection equipment for severely ill than before. sibility for the attack, but the principles.” killed in less than two weeks in Urging compliance to COVID-19 doctors and paramedical staff Meanwhile, the National interior ministry blamed the Abdullah Abdullah, who Kabul in brutal attacks that also SOPs, Pakistan Medical Asso- from the government, and Command and Operations Centre Haqqani network, a group heads the country’s overall left scores wounded. ciation (PMA) has cautioned demands release of funds (NCOC) has issued new Standard linked to the Taliban. peace and reconciliation On Monday, a deadly raid against a deadly second wave. promised under an already Operating Procedures (SOPs). “Such targeted attacks and process, also said Siawash’s by militants on Kabul Uni- The association wants announce package. According to the new SOPs, explosions of sticky bombs is murder targeted freedom of versity left 22 people dead, action against those who refuse Professor of Endocrinology anyone not wearing a mask will the continuation of crimes by expression in Afghanistan. many of them students. to wear masks in public, urging Dr. Rauf Niazi told The News be fined Rs100. However, the Haqqani network and the “This is an unforgivable and The Islamic State militant government to ensure certainty that the COVID-19 was more violator would be given three Taliban,” Tariq Arian, unforgettable crime,” he said in group claimed responsibility of the repercussions. lethal in the second wave com- masks. Indoor wedding cere- spokesman for the ministry, a statement. for the attack but the gov- “The virus has claimed lives pared to the first surge in monies have also been banned told reporters. The Afghan Journalists ernment blamed the Haqqani of at least eight doctors in the Pakistan. from November 20th. Washington has listed the Safety Committee, a panel set network. past three weeks, said PMA in The publication said a The centre has also directed Haqqani network as a terrorist up by media networks to The attack on the uni- a statement. mutation of the virus has added that only 50 percent of group. oversee security for journalists versity came just days after a They also suggested the to its gravity, which is very dan- employees at all private and gov- Siawash’s death drew in the country, called for “iden- suicide bombing near an edu- government organize a mask gerous for people struck by it. ernment offices will be allowed immediate condemnation from tifying and prosecuting the per- cational centre killed 24 distribution drive, ensure prices Dr. Niazi said the patients to call into work from today. The senior Afghan officials and petrators” of the attack. people. That attack was also of masks and sanitisers were received by Pakistan Institute remaining will have to work foreign diplomats. President Ashraf Ghani claimed by IS. controlled. of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in from home, the NCOC said. US urges WHO chief to invite Peace seems impossible on Afghanistan's front lines AFP — MAIWAND attacks.” The village is located in fighters crossed the frontline, Taliban, divided by a no man’s became deaf.” Such scenes are Taiwan to Maiwand district — the scene of reaching a nearby village called land of desert. playing out across Afghanistan, The dry and dusty village of Aziz a notorious British military defeat Deh Qubat before being pushed “All our families are split... with the Taliban harassing assembly Abad sits on the frontline of in the 19th century — in Kandahar back. for the past 18 years I have not Afghan army and police bases Afghanistan’s war and is province, where the insurgents “The Taliban were hiding seen their happiness or sorrow, and launching large-scale REUTERS — GENEVA currently under government have kept control in some rural behind walls, in houses and in the I have not attended their attacks, including one on control — but only just. areas despite 19 years of war. mosque. They were everywhere,” funerals,” he said. Lashkar Gah, the capital of The US mission in Geneva Every night, 20-year-old The insurgents are close to recalled Atta Jan, a 28-year-old The peace talks came after neighbouring Helmand urged World Health Organi- paramilitary policeman Zainullah’s makeshift base, farmer, who was having the Taliban and Washington province. zation chief Tedros Adhanom Zainullah and his colleagues where barbed wire fencing and breakfast when militants stormed signed a deal in February, with The US Special Inspector Ghebreyesus on Friday to must seek refuge in filthy shredded sandbags offer scant his street in Deh Qubat, a the US agreeing to withdraw all General for Afghanistan Recon- invite Taiwan to a major trenches at their battered protection. 35-minute drive from Aziz Abad. foreign forces in exchange for struction (SIGAR) said in a meeting the body is hosting outpost on the edge of the After months of US cajoling Sardar, a farmer in Aziz security guarantees and a report Thursday that overall next week expected to focus village while insurgents target and concessions, the Taliban Abad, said his mosque no longer Taliban promise to start talks. attacks against Afghan forces on the COVID-19 pandemic. them at an increasingly fierce finally agreed to start peace talks offers evening prayers because “Since the talks began, the and civilians were up 50 “We encourage the WHO to tempo. with the Afghan government in of the volatile security fighting has intensified every percent in the three months to expand its efforts to offer “The Taliban do not want September, but the Islamist situation. day,” said Ahmad Ikhlas, a the end of September, com- Taiwan increased meaningful peace,” said Zainullah, who like hardliners have only stepped up Walls in his village have police commander with hearing pared to the previous quarter. cooperation and collaboration many Afghans only goes by one attacks in the weeks since. “Lots been destroyed by fighting and damage from a recent Taliban And where Afghan forces with the organization, and this name. of our colleagues have been the roads are all but truck bombing. around Aziz Abad could once (an invitation to participate) “They are detonating land- killed and many others abandoned. “One of our colleagues died rely on US military support, would be a needed step in that mines, roadside bombs, sticky wounded,” Zainullah said. Separated by the war, some in the explosion a couple of now they must increasingly direction,” it said in a statement. bombs and launching rocket In late September, Taliban of Sardar’s family live under the weeks ago. After the blast, I fend for themselves. Washington has been deeply critical of the WHO and its boss Tedros for its handling of the pandemic, saying it is Pakistan gears up to too close to China, and plans to withdraw. Backed by the United States, thwart India’s claim Taiwan has stepped up lobbying this year to take part in the meeting of the WHO’s decision- on Basmati rice making body as an observer, angering China, which claims INTERNEWS — ISLAMABAD travel to Afghanistan on a the democratically-run island two-day trip on November 16 as its own territory. Pakistan is all geared up to to kick-start negotiations on the Taiwan, which was praised thwart India’s attempt to obtain revision of the Afghan-Pakistan internationally for quickly branding rights for Basmati Transit Trade Agreement containing the coronavirus, rice, The News reported. (APTTA). was not invited to an earlier Advisor to PM on Com- Reflecting that Afghanistan meeting by the same body in merce Abdul Razza Dawood was a tough negotiator, the May and it agreed to put off said that the government had advisor still hoped the revised the issue until later in the year. prepared a detailed response agreement would be finalised Western diplomats say it is in the matter and would submit in three to four months. unlikely to change now. it before the European Union “Smuggling of goods into Asked about next week’s Commission on December 10. Pakistan is a major concern and meeting of the World Health He hoped the Indian’s claim Islamabad has conveyed its list Assembly at a Friday news on Basmati rice would be with the Afghan authorities.” briefing, the WHO’s Principal rejected in totality. “The When asked about the market Legal Officer Steven Solomon Cambodia royals return after health check-up in China decision is expected within a access after the recent US elec- said: “Taiwanese involvement one-year period,” he added. tions, he said that the new US at the WHA as an observer Cambodia’s King Norodom Sihamoni (right) and his mother former queen Monique greet Minister We are in possession of government would take some continues to be a question for of Interior Sar Kheng (left) upon their arrival at Phnom Penh International Airport in Phnom Penh many documents which we will time to settle down but getting member states”. The body has yesterday after a health check-up in China. present as documentary proof market access from Washington previously said it has no to the EU Commission to prove was not an easy task yet mandate to invite Taiwan Basmati rice is our brand, the Islamabad would continue its since members disagree on the advisor told The News. efforts to get increased market island’s participation. Police kill 2 militants, seize weapons in Punjab Dawood said India’s stance access. The virtual meeting of 194 on Basmati rice was impossible When asked about the member states is set to focus AP — MULTAN Ghazi Khan. The intelligence- The Dera Ghazi Khan dis- to prove since Pakistan pos- establishment of Special Eco- on COVID-19 and related based operation was underway trict is where Pakistan’s three sessed every proof to foil their nomic Zones (SEZs) under CPEC, health issues. The WHO coop- Pakistan’s counterterrorism at the militants’ hideout in Choti provinces — Baluchistan, Sindh attempt. “The first statement he said that it requires a lot of erates with Taiwan on various police said they killed two mili- Bala area when they opened and Punjab — meet, and north- will be submitted on December spadework and acquisition of health matters including on tants belong to an Al Qaeda fire on the raiding party, trig- western Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 19, the application will be sub- land is a provincial subject. aspects of the pandemic. subcontinent chapter in an gering a shootout, said Imran province is not far. Militants mitted in the second round. I He said that the SEZ at “There has been an active, overnight operation in eastern Asghar, a counterterrorism from insurgency-wrecked Bal- met with the attorney general Dabeiji would be quite crucial really wonderful exchange with Punjab province. official. uchistan and fighters linked to yesterday to ensure we hire a because land scarcity was ham- colleagues and scientists from In a statement yesterday, He said that two other mil- the banned Pakistani Taliban, good law firm to present our pering Karachi’s industrialists. Taiwan’s CDC and others,” said police said the militants had itants escaped in the dark and also known as Tehreek-e- Basmati case before the EU Once SEZ at Sundar became Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO plans to carry out “subversive police seized arms and Taliban Pakistan, often take commission.” successful, its model would be technical lead for COVID-19. activities” in the district of Dera ammunition. shelter in the district. Dawood is scheduled to replicated. 12 EUROPE SUNDAY 8 NOVEMBER 2020

7 charged with Three on trial for helping Barcelona attack cell selling virus test

AFP — BARCELONA Two of the defendants conspiracy to wreak havoc. jail sentence for renting the The attacks traumatised documents at are accused of Chemlal, 23, told investi- van used in the Barcelona Spanish society but were Three men go on trial at Spain’s gators they had been planning attack. quickly overtaken by the Paris airport top criminal court on Tuesday belonging to the attacks “on an even greater Prosecutors also want an political maelstrom that fol- for helping the perpetrators of IS cell while the scale”, with Barcelona’s Sagrada eight-year jail term for Said Ben lowed in Catalonia, whose AP — PARIS twin IS attacks in 2017 that Familia basilica, the stadium of Iazza, 27, for collaborating with regional leaders staged a failed killed 16 in Barcelona and a third is on trial for the Barcelona football club or a terror group and lending them independence bid in October Officials in France said Friday nearby seaside town. collaborating with the the Eiffel Tower in Paris among his van and ID. 2017 that triggered Spain’s that seven people have been The Islamic State group group. the suspected targets. But prosecutors have not worst political crisis in decades. arrested for selling false certif- claimed responsibility for the But an accidental explosion charged any of them with direct Many questions about the icates of negative coronavirus bloodshed which left another at a house in Alcanar, a coastal responsibility. attacks remain unanswered to tests to travelers at Paris’s 140 people wounded on August attack, five of the driver’s town between Barcelona and “For us, someone who is this day. largest airport, Charles de 17 and 18 in Barcelona and accomplices staged a second Valencia where the cell had part of the cell is just as respon- How did the radicalisation Gaulle. Cambrils, a resort 100km (60 attack in Cambrils, ramming been preparing explosives, sible as the person who carries of these young men go unno- The six men and one miles) to the south. pedestrians and stabbing a pushed them to hurriedly out the attack,” said Robert ticed? Did they have help from woman ages 29 to 52 were When the trial opens at the woman who died of her injuries. improvise the two attacks. Manrique, an adviser to UAVAT, abroad from earlier trips to charged with forgery, use of National Court in Madrid, the All five were shot dead by Chemlal survived the blast, a support group representing France, Belgium or Morocco? forgery and complicity in trio will enter the dock facing police. but it killed Abdelbaki Es Satty, 72 victims at the trial. And why was Es Satty, the imam fraud. charges of helping the attackers, Two of the defendants are a 44-year-old imam from the But Luis Alvarez Collado, from Ripoll who was known to The Bobigny prosecutor’s one of whom rammed a van accused of belonging to the IS sleepy northern town of Ripoll who is representing Oukabir, the security forces, not being office said the faked certifi- into pedestrians on Barcelona’s cell while the third is on trial for who was allegedly responsible said he would ask for an watched? cates were being sold to Las Ramblas boulevard, killing collaborating with the group. for radicalising the acquittal. “We understand that there travelers for $180 to $360. 14 people. Prosecutors are seeking a youngsters. “The fact that he hired a van must have been mistakes made The arrests came as part of The driver then went on the 41-year prison term for Driss Oukabir, 31, whose doesn’t mean he knew it was and we need to find out what an investigation that started run, killing another person, and Mohamed Houli Chemlal, who brother was one of the going to be used to carry out the those were... let’s figure out with the discovery of a pas- was shot dead by police several is on trial for belonging to an IS attackers, is facing the same attack,” he said, adding that what failed so it never happens senger who checked in for a days later. group, the manufacture and charges as Chemlal, with pros- Oukabir turned himself in after again. That’s at the heart of the September flight to Addis One day after the first possession of explosives and ecutors calling for a 36-year the attacks. trial,” Manrique said. Ababa with a phony document that certified receiving neg- ative test results. The seven suspects face up Protest in Leipzig over to five years in prison and a maximum fine of $445,000, if virus restrictions they are convicted. AP — BERLIN many actually showed up were Czech Republic not immediately available. Thousands of people demon- The court did not issue reports 11,549 strated in central Leipzig details about its reasoning. yesterday against government- Protesters carried German new virus cases imposed restrictions meant to flags and one woman carrying slow the spread of the corona- a sign saying “For: truth, justice REUTERS — PRAGUE virus after a court issued a last- and freedom” wore a mask over minute decision rejecting the her eyes while leaving her nose The Czech Republic reported eastern city’s attempt to move and mouth uncovered. 11,549 new coronavirus the protest elsewhere. The demonstration came as (COVID-19) cases for “It is hard to explain how Germany finished its first week November 6, raising the coun- only two households are per- into what is being called try’s total tally since the mitted to meet together and yet “lockdown light” with new pandemic started to 403,497, 16,000 people are allowed to restrictions to try and slow Health Ministry data showed demonstrate on one plaza,” city spiking coronavirus cases. yesterday. spokesman Matthias Hasberg The country’s disease The ministry also recorded told the dpa news agency after control centre, the Robert Koch 196 new deaths, including 110 the appeals court decision. Institute said yesterday that on Friday along with revisions By the city’s calculations, Germany’s states had reported from previous days. only 5,000 people could gather 23,300 new cases overnight, The country has regis- in the Augustusplatz plaza surpassing the record of 21,506 tered the most deaths per outside the opera house and set the day before, which was Demonstrators holding a replica of a coronavirus in a rally to protest against the current measures to capita in Europe in the past keep 1.5 metres from one the first time the country had curb the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) at the Augustusplatz square in Leipzig, yesterday. two weeks and one of the another, so administrators had registered more than 20,000 continent’s highest infection sought to have the demon- daily cases. restrictions imposed. Shops and In Munich, an appeals court The court ruled authorities rates. stration moved to a larger A four-week partial schools remain open. yesterday upheld the southern in the Bavarian city were within Some 4,330 people in all location outside the center. shutdown took effect on The Robert Koch Institute city’s ban on demonstrations their rights to ban the demon- have died in relation to Demonstrators said 16,000 Monday, with bars, restaurants, says that the effects will first be against coronavirus restrictions strations under infection pro- COVID-19 in the central were expected at the rally, leisure and sports facilities seen two to three weeks from that were scheduled for Sat- tection regulations, dpa European country of 10.7 though figures indicating how being closed and new contact the start of the closures. urday and Sunday. reported. million. WHO: Six states Dublin hails Biden amid Brexit fears; Irish relatives rejoice reported virus AFP — DUBLIN president-elect Biden among Blewitt left Ballina for New York counting on Biden’s support as on mink farms their own,” he said, pledging to in 1851 amidst the diaspora it nervously watches for Brit- Ireland yesterday hailed welcome Biden back to Ireland fleeing Ireland’s famines and ain’s post-Brexit plans at the AFP — COPENHAGEN Democrat Joe Biden as “pres- when circumstances allow. grinding poverty of the period. end of the year, once a tran- ident-elect” of the United States “Joe Biden has always been “It’s absolutely amazing. sition period expires and Denmark and the United and a staunch friend of his a stalwart friend and supporter We’re beyond excited by it,” London is formally free of States are among six countries ancestral homeland who would of Ireland, including of the pros- Biden’s third cousin Laurita European Union rules. that have reported new coro- support peace in Northern perity, stability and opportunity Blewitt, 37, said by phone from Britain has introduced leg- navirus cases linked to mink Ireland, as Britain leaves the EU. made possible by the Good Ballina on Ireland’s west coast, islation that unilaterally farms, the World Health Prime Minister Micheal Friday Agreement (for Northern where a giant mural lauds the rewrites its EU divorce treaty, Organization said. Martin (pictured) was among Ireland), to which he has former vice president. with potential implications for Italy, the Netherlands, the very first foreign leaders to pledged his ongoing steadfast “I suppose we had full con- relations between Ireland and Spain and Sweden are the react and relatives of the Irish- support.” fidence the last couple of days the restive UK territory of other nations to have dis- American Biden also rejoiced, Biden’s family roots run that it was going to come Northern Ireland. covered SARS-CoV-2 in minks, after US networks declared him their ancestors whose toil and deep in Ireland, with a heritage through,” she said. At the same time, London WHO said in a statement. the winner of the bitter White genius have enriched the described as “roughly five- “I just spoke to them (other has been trying to negotiate a Denmark has imposed House race over President diversity that powers America,” eighths Irish” by genealogist relatives) there and they’re post-Brexit trade deal with the strict measures on the north Donald Trump. Martin said in a statement. Megan Smolenyak. obviously so excited, but it was US administration. of the country after warning “Ireland takes pride in Joe “This is a particularly She traces his lineage to the lovely to just be in touch with In September, Biden tweeted that a mutation of the virus Biden’s election, just as we are special day for the people of county of Louth and the town the family and be part of the that Northern Ireland’s Good had jumped from minks to proud of all the generations of County Louth and of County of Ballina. His great-great- celebrations from afar.” Friday peace agreement must not humans and infected 12 Irish women and Irish men and Mayo who count great-grandfather Edward Politically, Ireland is become a “casualty of Brexit”. people. Copenhagen has warned the mutation could threaten Police in France question children the effectiveness of any future vaccine and has ordered the for supporting teacher’s beheading slaughter of all the estimated 15-17 million minks in the AP — LE PECQ assassination by arguing that it country. was forbidden to offend the Britain yesterday, banned Police in France questioned Prophet (PBUH),” she said. entry to all non-resident for- four 10-year-olds who voiced Paty was killed October 16 eigners coming from Denmark support for the beheading of a outside his Paris-region school after the mutation linked to schoolteacher and who said by an 18-year-old refugee of mink farms was found in they would kill their own Chechen origin after he showed humans. teacher if he lampooned Islam’s his class caricatures of the Scientists say virus muta- Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him), Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) tions are common and often the government reported as the for a debate on free expression. harmless, and this one doesn’t prime minister warned The children in Albertville cause a more severe illness in yesterday that extremists are were released after questioning. humans. recruiting in France with “igno- Judicial authorities ordered But Danish health author- rance and hate.” educative training for them, the ities have expressed concern The children and their ministry spokeswoman said. this strain, known as “Cluster parents were detained and French Prime Minster Jean 5”, is not inhibited by anti- questioned for several hours on Castex warned that extremists bodies to the same degree as Thursday by police in the were recruiting French citizens. the normal virus, which they Alpine town of Albertville, “We know the enemy. Not only fear could threaten the efficacy Interior Ministry spokeswoman is it identified, but it also has a of vaccines that are being Camille Chaize said. name: It is radicalism, a developed across the globe. On Monday, when French political ideology that dis- “Initial observations schools held a nationwide figures the religion by dis- suggest that the clinical pres- minute of silence to honour the torting its texts, its dogmas and entation, severity and trans- slain teacher, Samuel Paty, the its commandments to impose mission among those infected Monohulls children voiced support for his its dominance by ignorance are similar to that of other cir- killing last month near Paris, and hate, an enemy that ben- Imoca 60 monohulls are seen at the starting site of the 2020 edition of the Vendee Globe around culating SARS-CoV-2 viruses,” the spokeswoman said in a efits from support overseas but, the world monohull solo sailing race, at the Vendee Globe village in Les Sables-d’Olonne, yesterday. the WHO statement said on video statement Friday night. alas, also counts French citizens Friday. They “justified the teacher’s in its ranks.” SUNDAY 8 NOVEMBER 2020 EUROPE 13 Coronavirus deaths in Europe surge past 300,000

AFP & BLOOMBERG Two-thirds of these With populations growing PARIS / MOSCOW fatalities have been increasingly weary of lock- downs, demonstrators and the A second coronavirus wave registered in the police have also clashed in parts ploughed on relentlessly United Kingdom, Italy, of Italy and the Czech Republic through Europe which reported France, Spain and in recent weeks. more than 12 million cases and The Italian government 300,000 deaths. The continent Russia. As countries announced new measures early has become the new epicentre raced to try and curb yesterday to help businesses of the pandemic and a total of their spiking cases, and families cope with the latest 300,688 deaths have been restrictions, which include a reported in Europe since the they imposed new national night curfew and COVID-19 virus first hit, lockdowns despite lockdown in four regions. The according to an AFP tally of latest aid package would total health authorities figures. signs of growing €2.5bn), media reported. Two-thirds of these fatal- unrest. Giorgio Gori, the mayor of ities have been registered in the Bergamo said “there is more United Kingdom, Italy, France, tiredness and more distrust Spain and Russia. As countries booked out. around” than during the first raced to try and curb their The measures follow the lockdown, after people pro- spiking cases, they imposed imposition of restrictions in tested outside his home. new lockdowns despite signs of Italy, France, Ireland and In the southern Italian growing unrest. Britain, while Switzerland is region of Calabria, the top Greece became the latest also being hit hard by the virus. health official has been fired European nation to enter Poland imposed fresh after giving journalists evasive lockdown yesterday with the measures yesterday too, closing and imprecise answers to ques- A woman wearing a face mask crosses a bridge above a deserted road in Athens yesterday, on the continent reeling from a second, most shopping centres. The tions on the virus. Saverio Cot- first day of a three-weeks lockdown. relentless coronavirus wave. government is also shutting ticelli appeared not even to Under the measures, which cinemas, theatres, galleries and know that it was his job to Friday. Russia has reported with over 90 percent of beds from the pandemic. Instead, it came into force before day- other cultural institutions and prepare an operational plan to 1,733,440 total cases, the fourth- devoted to COVID-19 occupied. issued a nationwide order last break, Greeks can only leave making hotels available for fight the pandemic. most globally. That’s even after authorities set week to wear masks in public. home if they receive authori- business travellers only. Russia for the first time “The trend is alarming,” up more than 25 percent more Governments are also sation to a mobile phone Germany reported record reported more than 20,000 Kremlin spokesman Dmitry emergency places in hospitals for exploring mass testing as a way request. Essential shops can stay daily figures yesterday with COVID-19 cases as a surge in Peskov said. “Additional virus patients than during the to curb the pandemic. In England, open, including supermarkets 23,399 new cases and 130 some regions is overwhelming measures are being taken” to spring peak. Liverpool began the country’s and pharmacies. deaths. Thousands of demon- local hospitals’ ability to care for limit the spread, but it’s “early” Even as colder weather first city-wide coronavirus testing The capital’s main shopping strators, few of whom were patients. There were 20,582 to discuss imposing a broad pushes more people indoors, program. All 500,000 residents throughfare Ermou street was wearing face-masks, protested new coronavirus infections, lockdown, he added. Deputy the Kremlin has resisted new will be offered repeat tests, even quiet. But hairdressers have in Leipzig, eastern Germany with two-thirds of them outside Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova restrictions to combat the epi- if asymptomatic, under a pilot been allowed to stay open for against the restrictions imposed of Moscow, the government’s said on October 28 that the situ- demic’s second wave in hopes scheme that could be rolled out two more days and they were to rein in the pandemic. virus response center said on ation was “critical” in 16 regions, of reducing the economic fallout nationwide if successful. Belarus police Head doctor at hospital that detain many doctors ahead of treated Navalny promoted anti-govt rally AFP — MOSCOW Murakhovsky has been appointed to the post of the REUTERS — MOSCOW The chief doctor of a hospital Health Ministry of the region”. in the Siberian city of Omsk In a Twitter post, Navalny Belarusian police yesterday that briefly treated poisoned mocked Murakhovsky’s detained dozens of medical Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny has appointment: “You lie, fake test professionals who had been promoted to head of the results, are ready to please the planned to take part in an anti- regional health ministry, local bosses in any way - you get an government protest in the authorities said yesterday. award and a promotion”. capital Minsk, a prominent In August, 44-year-old He added that now the human rights group said. Navalny fell severely ill on a healthcare of the region is in Viasna, which is based in flight from Siberia to Moscow the hands of a “lying nobody”. Minsk, said 60 doctors and and was hospitalised in Omsk On Friday, the Siberian other medical staff who had after an emergency landing. branch of the interior ministry gathered for a rally were taken The anti-graft campaigner said doctors in Omsk confirmed to police stations. was eventually transferred for Navalny’s illness was caused by Natalia Ganusevich, a treatment to Germany where metabolic problems and pan- spokeswoman for the Minsk experts ruled he was poisoned creatitis, ruling out poisoning. police, confirmed that some of with the Soviet-designed nerve Navalny has claimed that the demonstrators had been agent Novichok. Russian President Vladimir detained and called on the Alexander Murakhovsky, Putin is personally responsible population not to take part in the head physician of Omsk for the poisoning. unauthorized protests, TASS Emergency Hospital No.1, was The Kremlin has rejected all Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko visits the nuclear power plant, near the town of Astravets, news agency reported. At least among the doctors who allegations it could have been Belarus, yesterday. 14 people were detained at a claimed no traces of poison involved and has accused separate women’s march yes- were found in Navalny’s system Germany of not cooperating in terday in the Belarusian and stalled his transportation investigating the incident. capital, Viasna said. Lukashenko opens N-power plant to Berlin. In October, the EU sanc- Belarusian leader Alex- A statement published on tioned several senior Russian ander Lukashenko is facing a AP — KIEV, UKRAINE electricity from Belarus when Belarus suffered severe the website of the Omsk officials over the poisoning, weeks-long political crisis in the plant began producing elec- damage from the 1986 Cher- regional government said saying the attack with Nov- which tens of thousands of Belarus President Alexander tricity on Tuesday. nobyl nuclear disaster, which Murakhovsky “has completed ichok could not have been Belarusians have regularly Lukashenko yesterday formally Russian state nuclear cor- spewed radioactive fallout from all the professional steps, as a carried out without the com- taken to the streets of Minsk opened the country’s first poration Rosatom, which built a plant in then-Soviet Ukraine doctor and leader knows and plicity of the FSB security calling for him to resign. nuclear power plant, a project the plant, has rejected the across large areas of Europe. understands all the processes service, the defence ministry Thousands of people have sharply criticized by neigh- Lithuanian complaints, saying That painful legacy has fueled that take place in healthcare”. and Putin’s office. been arrested at demonstra- boring Lithuania. the plant’s design conforms to opposition to the nuclear plant It said his candidacy “was Navalny, who remains in tions since a disputed Aug. 9 Lukashenko said the launch the highest international project in Belarus. confirmed with the leadership Germany for treatment, has presidential election. Rights of the Russian-built and standards as confirmed by the Andrei Sannikov, a prom- of the Health Ministry of the vowed to return to Russia after groups say hundreds of -financed Astravyets plant “will International Atomic Energy inent opposition figure who Russian Federation. Alexander fully recovering. detainees reported being sub- serve as an impetus for Agency. Upon its planned com- was imprisoned for 16 months jected to beatings and other attracting the most advanced pletion in 2022, the plant is to after running against abuse. The opposition has technologies to the country, and have two reactor units, each Lukashenko in the 2010 pres- Portugal declares health emergency accused Lukashenko of rigging innovative directions in science generating 1200 megawatts. idential election, tweeted Sat- the election that granted him and education”. Currently, the one working urday that the plant consti- AFP — LISBON a sixth term. Lithuania has long opposed reactor is generating 400 tutes a “geopolitical weapon” A former collective farm the plant, located about 40km megawatts. against the European Union. Portugal President on Friday declared a state of health emer- manager in power since 1994, southeast of its capital, Vilnius. The power plant’s con- Lithuania closed its sole gency that will come into force next week to allow the government he has rejected that accusation Lithuanian authorities say the struction was delayed when a Soviet-built nuclear power to impose further coronavirus restrictions. In a televised and ignored the opposition’s project has been plagued by reactor vessel slipped to the plant in 2009. In recent weeks, appearance, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa said he had just signed a calls for him to step down. The accidents, stolen materials and ground in 2016 after workers Lithuanian authorities have decree “relating to a second state of emergency” since the start 66-year-old has faced strong the mistreatment of workers. failed to strap it properly during handed out free iodine pills to of the pandemic that will last at least two weeks. criticism from the medical com- In line with a law banning installation. Rosatom insisted at residents living near the Belarus It will be “very limited and largely preventative” but “paves the munity and general population electricity imports from Belarus the time that the reactor wasn’t border. Iodine can help reduce way for new measures such as restricting traffic to certain times and for having resisted calls for strict once the nuclear plant started damaged, but it agreed to replace radiation buildup in the thyroid certain days, in highest risk municipalities”. Some 7.1 million people lockdown measures to contain up, Lithuania’s Litgrid power the unit at the demand of Bela- in case of a leak at the nuclear are currently living under new restrictions. Portugal has reported the virus pandemic. operator cut the inflow of rusian authorities. plant. close to 167,000 cases and more than 2,700 deaths. Slovakia virus tests draw large crowds

REUTERS — ZILINA of 79 of the nation’s counties. churches... we will know that we Because Slovaks in areas have this tool (to control the epi- Slovakia held a second round of with lower rates of infection - demic),” Matovic said. nationwide coronavirus testing including the capital Bratislava The antigen test produces yesterday in an effort to curb — could voluntarily go for tests results in 15-30 minutes but is increasing infections, with more it was not clear how many less accurate than the standard than half a million people would participate. PCR tests. Overall, Slovakia screened by noon. The government had esti- reported 2,579 COVID-19 cases Last weekend, more than 3.6 mated that it could test up to 2.6 yesterday through PCR testing, million people — two thirds of million people. bringing the total to 73,667, with the population — took part in the As of noon (1100 GMT), gov- 351 deaths. first round of a scheme that ernment data showed 553,377 Compared with other parts other nations are studying as had been tested with 3,677 pos- of Europe, Slovakia recorded they look for ways protect their itive results. relatively few cases after the health systems. Prime Minister Igor Matovic pandemic started spreading in The government this time said the country now had a way March but infections have called on people from regions to handle the epidemic. soared in recent weeks. where more than 0.7% tested “When we agree that we The government has warned A healthcare worker collects a swab sample from a person at a COVID-19 test site during second positive last weekend to repeat would want to have more the increase could overwhelm round of mass nationwide testing at The New Synagogue arts centre in Zilina, Slovakia, yesterday. the procedure, testing in 45 out freedom, to open theatres, hospitals. 14 AMERICAS SUNDAY 8 NOVEMBER 2020 Guatemala mudslides push storm death toll near 150 REUTERS — GUATEMALA CITY/ The US National Footage from another part TEGUCIGALPA Hurricane Center has of Guatemala showed boats fer- rying villagers in flooded The death toll from torrential warned 'catastrophic regions and rescue workers car- downpours unleashed by storm flooding' in the region rying children on their backs, Eta leapt on Friday as Guate- wading through water up to malan soldiers reached a would continue. their hips. mountain village where around One of the fiercest storms 100 people were killed by a to hit Central America in years, landslide, adding to dozens of decade ago, which killed Eta on Friday dumped more other dead in Central America dozens, he said. torrential rain across swaths of and Mexico. “Now with all this phe- Central America. The US Many of those who lost their nomenon it collapsed again,” he National Hurricane Center lives in the village of Queja in added. (NHC) warned “catastrophic A person swims next to a bus in a flooded street after the passage of hurricane Eta, in Omonita, El the central Guatemalan region Photos of the Queja land- flooding” in the region would Progreso municipality, Yoro department, Honduras, on Friday. of Alta Verapaz were buried in slide showed a lengthy strip of continue. their homes after mudslides brown mud peeled from the Rescue operations across swallowed around 150 houses, lush green hillside. A video Honduras and Guatemala have Across the border from Management System said. “We have a lot of people army spokesman Ruben Tellez shared by the army showed sol- been slowed by destroyed roads Guatemala in the Mexican state “We have been without food trapped we have not been able said. diers trying to get to Queja and bridges, forcing authorities of Chiapas, flooding has killed for two days... waiting to be to reach,” said Guatemalan The devastating weather having to haul themselves to bring in the military and use 19 people, many swept up by evacuated,” William Santos, President Giammattei. front brought destruction from through a morass of mud with helicopters and speedboats to rivers whose banks burst, state sheltering on top of a banana The devastation harked Panama to Honduras and the aid of a guide rope. rescue people stranded on top authorities said. packing plant with about 300 back to Hurricane Mitch, which Mexico, which between them The army said about 100 of their houses. North of Chiapas in Tabasco people in northern Honduras, killed some 10,000 people in have registered more than 50 people are believed to have died “This is the worst storm state, the deluges killed two told Reuters. Central America in 1998. flood-related deaths. in Queja alone, though searches Honduras has seen in decades. more people, the federal gov- Eta hit Nicaragua as a Cat- The high winds and heavy Tellez said it was not the for survivors continue. The damage will undoubtedly ernment said. egory 4 hurricane on Tuesday rain have damaged thousands first time disaster had struck the Guatemalan President Ale- be significant,” said Mark Con- In Honduras, flooding has blowing furious winds of 241 of homes in Honduras, Gua- remote corner of Alta Verapaz. jandro Giammattei hinted the nolly, Unicef representative in killed 23 people and two are kph. It weakened to a tropical temala, Costa Rica and Nica- The area around Queja death toll could be higher, with Honduras, who estimated about missing, the government said. depression inland but the rain ragua, whose government has appeared to be the site of a huge the number of dead and missing 1.5 million children there will Many remained trapped on continued. Bad weather is ham- not yet detailed the human cost landslide on a road pass a in Queja estimated at about 150. be affected. their roofs, the National Risk pering rescue efforts. of the storm. Coronavirus-hit Peru says diphtheria outbreak under control US expert panel votes ‘no’ on AFP — LIMA outbreak have been identified,” grammed follow-up vaccina- contained,” Suarez said. coronavirus pandemic has had deputy health minister Luis tions that would have immu- “There is no reason to gen- a “devastating impact” on experimental Peru’s health ministry said on Suarez told a press nised her for a decade. erate a national alarm, nor is it health care systems in Latin Friday that a diphtheria conference. The second victim, a necessary to carry out a specific America and the Caribbean, Alzheimer’s drug outbreak in the South American Diphtheria is a highly con- 69-year-old woman, died on vaccination day for diphtheria where many health services country had been brought tagious and potentially fatal Wednesday, but health author- at this time,” he said. have been overwhelmed and AFP — WASHINGTON under control, indicating it was disease that mainly affects the ities said she had not been Peru is however planning unable to care properly for a minor outbreak. nose and throat but sometimes contagious. vaccinations against five dis- people with other illnesses and A US government-convened Health authorities launched also the skin. An emergency vaccination eases this weekend, to resume problems. expert committee on Friday a national epidemiological alert Five cases of the disease campaign in the area where the a campaign suspended by the Peru has registered over voted against recommending late last month after detecting came to light in the La Victoria child lived led to 7,000 people coronavirus pandemic. Among 900,000 COVID-19 cases and the approval of the first new the country’s first case of the area of the capital Lima. receiving vaccinations, the min- the vaccines are those for diph- more than 34,700 deaths, Alzheimer’s drug in almost two deadly disease in 20 years. Two of the victims died, istry said. theria and influenza. although its daily infection and decades after finding insuffi- “So far, the investigation including a five-year-old girl “We hope that with the vac- The World Health Organi- death rates have been steadily cient evidence of its benefit. and control allows us to say that who had been vaccinated at cination of the 7,000 people, zation warned several months decreasing over the last two The decisions reached by no additional cases to the family birth but never received pro- the outbreak in La Victoria is ago that the months. such panels, while nonbinding, are often accepted by the Food and Drug Administration. Argentina ‘could receive’ 750,000 Maker Biogen was hopeful its drug aducanumab would doses of eventual Pfizer vaccine be the first ever approved to treat the cognitive decline REUTERS — BUENOS AIRES COVID-19 but large global associated with Alzheimer’s — trials are well underway and a major medical milestone. Argentina President Alberto early results are expected in It would also have been the Fernandez said on Friday his November and December. first drug approved against the country could receive Pfizer´s vaccine is among disease since 2003. 750,000 doses of an eventual the most advanced. But an FDA advisory com- coronavirus vaccine from US Fernández added that the mittee concluded that the data drugmaker Pfizer Inc in country also hopes to shore in its favour fell well short of December, a glimmer of hope up access to an eventual the mark. as cases in the South American vaccine from Britain-based “I think Alzheimer’s nation show signs of receding AstraZeneca Plc in con- treatment is a huge, urgent, following months of quar- junction with University of unmet need — I also think that antine. Oxford. if we approve something The announcement comes Argentina is among the where the data is not strong, just days after the country said world´s hardest hit countries. we have a risk of delaying it was expecting to receive at It has logged 1.22 million cases good treatments and effective least 10 million doses of Rus- of the disease and 32,766 treatment for many years,” sia’s main experimental deaths. said Joel Perlmutter, a pro- COVID-19 vaccine, known as The country´s daily fessor of neurology at Wash- Chile anti-govt protest Sputnik V, between December infection rate has started to ington University in St. Louis, and January. slow in recent weeks, indi- one of the experts who A riot police water cannon sprays on demonstrators during clashes following a protest against Chilean Regulators have yet to cating the crisis may have participated. President Sebastian Pinera’s government in Santiago, on Friday. approve a vaccine for passed its peak. Ahead of the meeting, the FDA released a set of docu- ments that signaled a positive US removes tone and raised speculation Second Mexican state to enter highest virus alert level the panel might vote in favor group condemned of the drug. There have been REUTERS — MEXICO CITY said on Friday. The northern the lower orange or yellow alert cases of coronavirus infections two major late-stage clinical by China from state of Durango will as of levels. Since exiting the strictest and 551 additional fatalities, trials to test aducanumab, with A second Mexican state will tomorrow join Chihuahua, a phase of lockdown in June, the bringing Mexico’s total to one demonstrating benefits terror list from next week enter the neighbouring region on the US country has eschewed the kind 955,128 cases and 94,323 from taking the intravenous highest level of coronavirus border, in the red alert phase of tough restrictions recently deaths. medicine, and the other failing AFP — WASHINGTON alert as authorities bid to following an increase in hospi- applied again in parts of Europe, The government says the to produce the same level of contain a recent jump in infec- talizations. opting for milder measures. real number of infected people evidence. Biogen could The United States said on tions in the north of the Most of Mexico’s 32 regional The ministry on Friday is likely significantly higher conduct more studies in order Friday it had removed from its country, the health ministry governments are currently at reported 5,931 new confirmed than the confirmed cases. to better make its case. list of terror groups a shadowy faction regularly blamed by China to justify its crackdown in the Muslim-majority Brazil off to bad start on Xinjiang region. In a notice in the Federal Paris climate deal: Watchdog Register, which publishes new US laws and rules, Secretary AFP — RIO DE JANEIRO the Amazon. The world’s of State Mike Pompeo said he biggest rainforest is a vital was revoking the designation Brazil’s carbon emissions resource in the fight against of the East Turkestan Islamic surged last year because of climate change, as its trees suck Movement (ETIM) as a “ter- rising deforestation in the carbon from the air. But when rorist organization.” “ETIM Amazon, jeopardising the they are felled and burned, they was removed from the list country’s commitments under release it back. because, for more than a the Paris climate accord, an “The growth in (Brazil’s) decade, there has been no environmental group warned emissions last year was driven credible evidence that ETIM Friday. by deforestation in the Amazon, continues to exist,” a State The South American which surged,” the Climate Department spokesperson country spewed a total of 2.17 Observatory said in a report. said. billion tonnes of CO2 into the It said 72 percent of the The administration of atmosphere in 2019, an country’s emissions were George W. Bush in 2004 added increase of 9.6 percent from caused by agriculture and land ETIM, also sometimes called 2018, said the Brazilian Climate use, including deforestation, the Turkestan Islamic Party, Observatory, a coalition of which rose 85 percent last year. to a blacklist as it found environmental organizations. Under the 2015 Paris common cause with China in That coincided with the first accord, Brazil agreed to cut its the US-led “war on terror.” Colombia Palace of Justice siege anniversary year in office for President Jair emissions by 37 percent from Beijing has regularly Bolsonaro, a far-right climate- 2005 levels by 2025. Photographers take pictures of portraits of victims of the 1985 siege of the Palace of Justice by the blames ETIM for attacks as it change skeptic who has pre- But last year’s emissions members of the M19 guerrilla, during a demo in Bogota, Colombia, on Friday, on its 35th anniversary. justifies its measures in sided over a sharp increase in came in 17 percent over target, Xinjiang. deforestation and wild fires in the Climate Observatory said. SUNDAY 8 NOVEMBER 2020 AMERICAS 15 Trump rejects outcome as Democrats celebrate Biden’s win BLOOMBERG People around Trump said have great challenges ahead of us as a country. Now more than ever, we need President Donald Trump rejected the they think the President will to come together as Americans.” outcome of the 2020 election and concede at some point. But Spontaneous celebrations erupted promised further legal challenges as on the streets of cities including New Democrats and liberal groups cele- advisers are split on how York, Washington, DC, and Los Angeles brated Joe Biden’s victory. far to take the legal fights. after news organisations called the race Trump, who was at his golf course over. There were cheers and honking in Northern Virginia when the race was horns across New York City, including called, issued a statement continuing outside Trump Tower on Fifth Avenue to attempt to undermine the legitimacy in Philadelphia, where they com- in Manhattan. A large crowd gathered of the election with unfounded accu- plained that Trump’s supporters were outside the White House. sations of widespread voter fraud. unable to observe ballot counting as The US Chamber of Commerce, the “This election is far from over,” closely as they wanted. largest business lobbying group, con- Trump said. “Joe Biden has not been “Wow! All the networks,” Giuliani gratulated Biden and said it stands certified as the winner of any states, said after all major networks had called ready to work with his administration let alone any of the highly contested the race. “We have to forget about the and leaders on both sides of the aisle. states headed for mandatory recounts, law — judges don’t count! All the net- Former President Barack Obama or states where our campaign has valid works! All the networks! Don’t be ridic- said in a statement that Biden would and legitimate legal challenges that ulous. Networks don’t get to decide represent Americans interests could determine the ultimate victor.” elections, courts do.” People around regardless of whether they supported People celebrate near the White House in Washington, DC, after Joe Biden was Networks and the AP called the Trump said they think the president him, and encouraged people to give declared the winner of the 2020 presidential election yesterday. race yesterday after Biden won Penn- will concede at some point. But him a chance. sylvania. Biden’s Twitter account was advisers are split on how far to take Obama called on Americans “to swiftly updated to identify him as the the legal fights. But GOP leaders in Congress were them both as people of good will and reach out beyond our comfort zone, to “president-elect.” “I am honoured and Some of Trump’s supporters in the largely silent. admirable character.” listen to others, to lower the temper- humbled by the trust the American House stood by him. Senate Majority Leader Mitch Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, ature and find some common ground people have placed in me and in Vice Representative Jody Hice of McConnell of Kentucky last tweeted a Republican who has been critical of from which to move forward, all of us President-elect Harris,” Biden said in Georgia, a Republican, blamed the on Friday, saying: “Every legal vote Trump’s response to election results, remembering that we are one nation, a statement, referring to his running media: “The mainstream media — on should be counted. Any illegally-sub- also congratulated Biden in a tweet and under God.” House Speaker Nancy mate, California Senator Kamala behalf of their Democrat pals — are mitted ballots must not.” Senator Mitt described him as “president-elect.” Pelosi, a California Democrat, said in Harris. trying to convince the American people Romney, the Utah Republican and out- “Everyone should want our pres- a statement that Biden’s victory “marks Trump’s allies, led by his attorney this is already over.” “It’s not,” Hice spoken Trump critic, congratulated ident to succeed because we need our the dawning of a new day of hope for Rudy Giuliani, held a news conference added. Biden and Harris, tweeting: “We know country to succeed,” Hogan said. “We America.” World leaders congratulate Trump joins rare club of defeated presidents AFP — WASHINGTON pandemic stimulus checks to symbols that they have at their Biden, Harris on poll win Americans and delivered his disposal.” Donald Trump has boasted of Republican convention speech Trump is the first president AP/REUTERS Other leaders who sent He also congratulated Vice being an atypical leader but he’s at the White House. never to cross 50 percent congratulations included Ger- President-elect Harris in a sep- now entered a rare club he will His actions sparked accu- approval in Gallup polls and Although US President Donald many’s Chancellor Angela arate tweet for her “path- definitely not appreciate — US sations Trump violated the was intensely divisive over his Trump wasn’t conceding defeat, Merkel, Indian Prime Minister breaking” success and said her presidents who have lost Hatch Act, which restricts the nearly four years, with wide world leaders swiftly congrat- Narendra Modi — who’d been win is a “matter of immense reelection. use of the federal government opposition to his handling of the ulated Joe Biden for his election known for public displays of pride” for all Indian-Americans. Since World War II, only for political activity. pandemic, his abrasive rhetoric victory yesterday and expressed bonhomie with Trump — and Her election struck an imme- two other presidents who “There is a reason why it’s and incessant personal hope that the new White House British Prime Minister Boris diate chord internationally. “It sought a second term from unusual for incumbents to be scandals. George HW Bush, by will prioritise the fight against Johnson, a Trump ally. makes us proud that the first voters have failed: Jimmy Carter defeated. Incumbents have the contrast, basked in nearly 90 climate change. Hailing Biden’s victory and woman to serve as vice pres- and George HW Bush. ability to use the bully pulpit to percent approval as he led the Relief was a common theme the “historic achievement” of ident of the USA traces her roots US TV networks called the their advantage; they can first Gulf War in 1991. The dif- expressed in many parts of the Kamala Harris’ election as the to India,” said the leader of race for Democrat Joe Biden change the storyline,” said Matt ference, Dallek said, is that both world to the news that Trump’s first Black woman vice pres- India’s opposition Congress yesterday, despite the Repub- Dallek, a political historian at Bush and Carter failed to unify reelection bid failed. ident, Johnson said he looked party, Rahul Gandhi. lican seizing on the power of George Washington their parties. Congratulations poured in forward to “working closely Harris’ late mother was incumbency. University. Trump, on the other hand, for Biden from world capitals, together on our shared prior- from India. Kamala is Sanskrit Trump held rallies across “They have all the trappings virtually took over the Repub- included in nations governed ities, from climate change to for “lotus flower,” and Harris the country in front of Air Force of the White House — executive lican Party, whose 2020 by leaders who got along with trade and security.” Cascading gave nods to her Indian her- One, insisted on putting his power, the Oval Office, Air platform said only that it Trump, essentially ignoring his around the globe on social itage throughout the campaign. name on the 150 million Force One. These are powerful backed his agenda. claims that the divisive election media and live news broad- “She will be an incredible race wasn’t over. casts, word of the victory in example and important role Oman's Sultan H M Haitham Pennsylvania that pushed model for young girls bin Tariq Al Said congratulated Barack Obama’s former vice throughout the world, showing Democrat Joe Biden on winning president past the threshold of them girls and boys enjoy the the US Presidential election, the 270 Electoral College votes same rights and opportunities,” state news agency reported. needed to take over the Oval Belgian prime minister Alex- The Sultan sent a letter to Office sparked cheers in a ander De Croo said. Biden expressing "his sincere Rome coffee shop and celebra- Western allies quickly congratulations for winning the tions elsewhere. looked forward to a fresh start confidence of the American A city official in Berlin said, with a new administration in people and for his election as “After the birth of my son, the Washington. “We’re looking President of the upcoming election of Joe Biden is by far forward to working with the presidential term", the state the best news of this year.” next US government,” German news agency added. “Everything won’t get better Foreign Minister Heiko Maas “The Americans have overnight, but Trump is finally tweeted. “We want to work in chosen their President. Con- gone!” tweeted the official, our cooperation for a new gratulations @JoeBiden and @ Sawsan Chebli. Indian’s prime trans-Atlantic beginning, a New KamalaHarris! We have a lot to minister posted a photo of Deal.” Italy’s foreign minister, do to overcome today’s chal- himself with Biden and sent Luigi Di Maio, closed out his lenges. Let’s work together!” congratulations for “your spec- tweeted message of congratu- tweeted French President tacular victory!” “I look forward lations with Italian and US flags. Emmanuel Macron. to working closely together “Ready to keep on working to “Welcome back America!” once again to take India-US make our relations ever Supporters of US President Donald Trump march to the State Capitol in Raleigh, North Carolina, tweeted the mayor of Paris, relations to greater heights,” stronger in defence of peace yesterday, to protest against election results and perceived corruption in the voting process. Anne Hidalgo. Modi said. and freedom,” he said. Trump to Biden transition could be rockier, some experts worry Virus cases in

REUTERS — WASHINGTON he did not provide evidence of a person close to Biden’s controls an annual budget of deputy chief of staff, and others US hit record anything inappropriate. camp. There had been no sign more than $4.5 trillion. involved in the transition, take US law maps out clear instruc- Foreign diplomats and so far of any drastic moves White House officials say their reputations seriously, she for third day tions for an orderly transfer of other observers are girding for planned. they are abiding by statutory said, and a peaceful transfer of power from one president to possible abrupt policy moves The Biden campaign had no requirements but declined to power remains a central tenet AFP — WASHINGTON the next, but Joe Biden’s path by the Republican president immediate comment. provide details. of the US political system. is expected to be rockier than between now and January 20 It is also unclear whether Since Trump took office in “To what extent are people The United States has set a most of his modern-day pred- inauguration day — from trade Trump, who so far has refused January 2017 he has openly going to want to participate at third straight daily record for ecessors. decisions to troop withdrawals to concede defeat, will abide attacked civil servants and the end of the administration new COVID-19 infections, A drawn-out legal fight by to presidential pardons — that by historic protocol and meet Democrats and it remains to in blowing up relationships and notching more than 127,000 President Donald Trump that could undercut the incoming personally with his successor, be seen whether his outgoing institutions?” Kumar asked. cases, John Hopkins University triggers recounts of ballots in administration when it will as President Barack Obama did administration maintains that Biden’s team is headed by Ted reported on Friday. several US states could hold up need to grapple quickly with with Trump shortly after the tone. Incumbent officials have Kaufman, a longtime adviser And the death toll as of many transition-related activ- the coronavirus pandemic and 2016 election. leeway over how cooperative appointed to fill out his term in 8:30 pm (0130 GMT) over the ities, as happened in 2000, the concurrent economic The Biden transition team’s and helpful they want to be, the Senate after he was elected past 24 hours was 1,149, the when George W Bush wasn’t crisis. “We worry about the website — buildbackbetter.com people involved in previous as Obama’s vice president in Baltimore-based university declared the victor until five unpredictable,” said a gov- — went live on Wednesday and transitions said. 2008. said. weeks after the election. ernment official of a US ally even after declarations of his In 2016, then-President The legal framework, The outbreak has been “A long legal battle would based in an embassy in Wash- victory yesterday there was Obama directed his staff to “be however, can’t avert potential surging for weeks across the delay the transition, and that ington. “This kind of infighting just a single page visible and professional” and cooperate acrimony between the tran- country, with the Midwest could be dangerous on the is bad for America’s credibility no explanation of plans. closely with Trump’s team. sition teams or prevent Trump worst-hit even as the number foreign policy front,” said one in the world.” Jordan Strauss, a former But turnover on Trump’s from issuing executive orders of new diagnoses were Republican congressional The Presidential Transition White House official and now transition staff and a reluctance and administrative rules that approaching springtime levels source. “The world isn’t Act, first passed in 1964 and managing director of business to take any materials prepared Biden might oppose. in the south, northeast and standing still while we’re all amended many times since intelligence at Kroll, a division by Obama’s aides seriously Kate Shaw and Michael west. While deaths remain far focused on the election.” then, gives career civil servants of Duff & Phelps financial con- marred the effort, multiple Herz, law professors at Yeshiva lower than the peak in spring, With Democrat Biden significant power over the sultancy, said some 200 Biden sources involved in the process University in New York, said Friday was also the fourth day having secured enough elec- process of transferring data people had been working to said. the participation of career offi- in a row that fatalities were toral votes to claim the presi- and expertise to incoming offi- craft plans and policies for the Despite that, political sci- cials should limit the damage, above 1,000. The last time dency, there is concern that cials, an arrangement meant new administration for entist Martha Joynt Kumar, but the handoff of intelligence people were dying of norm-breaker Trump could to limit the risk of months. author of a 2015 book on White and security data remains a COVID-19 at that rate in the limit cooperation and make the politicisation. They are deploying hun- House transitions, was upbeat concern since those briefings US was early September. typically staid process a messy Biden’s aides will watch dreds of representatives across about the resilience of the are overseen by the director of As of Friday evening, the affair. closely for any sign of Trump dozens of agencies in coming process this time. Trump offi- national intelligence, John Rat- US — the worst hit country in Yesterday after major tel- or his loyalists taking action weeks to lay the groundwork cials so far had adhered to rules cliffe, a Trump loyalist. the world in terms of deaths evision networks called the on domestic or foreign policy for Biden to replace more than such as facilitating security Shaw and Herz wrote in an and total cases — had more election for Biden, Trump meant to sabotage the new 4,000 Trump political clearances for Biden represent- essay in The Atlantic: “Plenty than 236,000 coronavirus- accused his rival of “rushing to Democratic president once he appointees, the nucleus of a atives, Kumar said. of things could still go wrong related fatalities and 9.7 falsely pose as the winner” but assumes office, according to federal bureaucracy that Chris Liddell, White House before noon on January 20.” million known infections. SUNDAY 8 NOVEMBER 2020 16

Disney pulls ‘Death on the Nile’ movie off holiday calendar

REUTERS — LOS ANGELES The only remaining Disney- PRAYER owned movie to be released this TIMINGS Adventure movie “Death on the year is the independent Oscar PRAYERPRAYRRAAAY TIMINGSMING Nile” has been taken off the hopeful “Nomadland,” starring holiday movie calendar, further Frances McDormand as woman jeopardising the chances for a who loses everything in a FAJR 04.26 am revival this year of the industry. recession. Hollywood studios have SUNRISE 05.46 am Walt Disney Co said the release pushed a string of movies, of the mystery adventure, based including the new James Bond film DHUHR 11.18 am on an Agatha Christie novel and “No Time To Die” and action movie ASR 02.26 pm with a star cast that includes Gal “Black Widow,” into 2021. MAGHRIB 04.51 pm Gadot and Kenneth Branagh, had The move by Walt Disney Co been delayed indefinitely. comes after several European ISHA 06.21 pm It had been due to open in countries reimposed tough lock- North America and much of the downs to combat a surge in coro- world on December 18 and was the navirus cases. Movie theatres in the latest film to be pushed back as the biggest US markets, New York City industry struggles to get back to and Los Angeles, remain shut. business amid the coronavirus Efforts to get Americans back pandemic. “Wonder Woman 1984,” into theatres after the pandemic Thailand amusement park from Warner Bros., is now the last shuttered cinemas worldwide in This photo taken on November 1, 2020 shows tourists taking photographs of larger-than-life potential Hollywood blockbuster March have proved disappointing sized figures of animals made of rice straw at an amusement park on the shores of Huay Tueng still on the calendar for 2020, with given the dearth of new films to WEATHER Thao lake outside Chiang Mai, Thailand. TODAY a December 25 release date. attract audiences. Food emissions Spain mulls ‘Netflix tax’ to fund cinema could push Earth AFP — MADRID Global giants like “Providers with a turnover Those earning under ¤10m o o Amazon, Google and of more than ¤50m generated in Spain will be exempt from past global 28 C 34 C Spain is preparing legislation from services in Spain must the proposed tax. Minimum Maximum that would impose a Netflix often pay very allocate 5.0 percent of these Global giants such as warming limits Hazy at places at first becomes partly 5.0-percent tax on steaming little tax in nations revenues to finance European Amazon, Google and Netflix AFP — PARIS cloudy and chance of scattered rain giants like Netflix with the funds audiovisual works or as a con- often pay very little tax in maybe thundery with blowing dust. used to boost Spanish cinematic where they are not tribution to the Cinematog- nations where they are not Even if all fossil fuel emissions production, the government raphy Protection Fund,” it says. physically present, presenting ended immediately, green- W ALRUWAIS : 26o → 32o physically present. said on Friday. Of that amount, 70 percent a major challenge for many house gasses from the food we W ALKHOR : 20o → 33o The draft law, which would must be used to finance audio- countries. eat could drive global temper- W DUKHAN : 24o → 31o tax online entertainment plat- aims is to improve the country’s visual works by independent Early last month, the atures above internationally W WAKRAH : 29o → 33o forms on the basis of earnings appeal as one of the most producers, and a minimum of Spanish government gave final agreed warming limits, a new generated in Spain, seeks to attractive locations for shooting 40 percent must be used to fund approval to a 3.0 percent tax on study has warned. W MESAIEED : 29o → 33o bring existing legislation “in line films and series. independent films “in any of revenues generated by digital The system to feed Earth’s W ABUSAMRA : 23o → 33o with the reality of the market The text “extends the obli- Spain’s official languages”. giants such as Google, Apple, 7.7 billion people accounts for where new audiovisual players gation to fund European audi- For those earning under Facebook and Amazon which nearly a third of global total have multiplied as a result of ovisual production to those pro- ¤50m, that 5.0 percent can be will come into effect within greenhouse gas emissions, HIGH TIDE 10:02 – 20:01 new technologies”, an economy viders offering services in Spain diverted into buying the rights three months. including from land clearing ministry statement said. even if they’re not based there” to finished European produc- It will apply to all Internet and deforestation, fertiliser use LOW TIDE 00:32 – 00:00 The reform is part of the in a nod to platforms like tions, but at least 70 percent giants with annual global sales and livestock. government’s Digital Spain Netflix, HBO, Disney and must go towards works by inde- of over ¤750m and ¤3.0m in Researchers in the United 2025 strategy, one of whose Amazon Prime Video. pendent producers. Spain. States and Britain said the only way to avert devastating levels of warming would be to transform what we eat, how it Johnny Depp exits ‘Fantastic is produced, and the amount we waste. Beasts’ franchise “Our work shows that food is a much greater contributor AP — NEW YORK Warner Bros. to climate change than is confirmed Depp’s widely known,” said co-author Johnny Depp has exited the Jason Hill, a professor in the “Fantastic Beasts” franchise departure and said Department of Bioproducts following his failed libel case the role will be recast. and Biosystems Engineering against The Sun tabloid news- at the University of paper for a 2018 article that Minnesota. labelled him a “wife beater.” allegations against Depp were “Fortunately, we can fix Depp said on Friday in a “substantially true.” this problem by using fertiliser letter posted on Instagram that Depp had sued News Group more efficiently, by eating less he would depart the role of the Newspapers, publisher of The meat and more fruits, vege- dark wizard Gellert Grind- Sun, and its executive editor, tables, whole grains and nuts, elwald after the studio Dan Wootton, over an article and by making other requested his resignation. accusing him of assaulting important changes to our food Depp said his Heard. system.” announcement came “in light “The surreal judgement of The study in the journal of recent events.” the court in the UK will not Science forecasts future food “I wish to let you know that change my fight to tell the truth system emissions using I have been asked to resign by and I confirm that I plan to expected trends in population Warner Bros. from my role as appeal,” Depp said on Friday. growth, dietary changes and New Delhi street art Grindelwald in ‘Fantastic “My resolve remains strong the additional amount of land Beasts’ and I have respected and I intend to prove that the thought to be needed to feed An artist gives final touches to a mural along a street in New Delhi, India, yesterday. and agreed to that request,” allegations against me are false. the world. said Depp. My life and career will not be The authors found that, if Warner Bros. confirmed defined by this moment in left unaddressed, these future Depp’s departure and said the time.” food-related emissions would Fortnite could soon return to Apple iPhones role will be recast. “We thank Fantastic Beasts, a prequel by themselves push Earth Johnny for his work on the franchise spun off from the above the 1.5 degrees Celsius AFP — NEW YORK its App Store on August 13 after which could offer Fortnite to films to date,” the studio said “Harry Potter” films, has warming threshold — seen as Fortnite developer Epic Games Apple users, the BBC said. in a statement. The third “Fan- grossed nearly $1.5bn between the guardrail for avoiding dev- The popular Fortnite vide- released an update that dodges Nvidia could announce the tastic Beasts” film is currently 2016’s “Fantastic Beasts and astating climate impacts — by ogame could be restored to revenue sharing with the Fortnite offering on the in production. Where to Find Them” and 2050. By the end of the Apple mobile devices through iPhone maker, and the com- platform before the winter hol- Depp also said he would 2018’s “Fantastic Beasts: The century, they would lift tem- a gaming programme that runs panies are now locked in a legal idays, the report said. Epic and appeal the decision earlier this Crimes of Grindelwald.” peratures to nearly 2C above on a browser, allowing it to battle Now Silicon Valley tech Apple are fighting over whether week by a British judge. After Warner Bros. on Friday preindustrial levels — the limit evade a ban by Apple amid a firm Nvidia has developed a Apple’s tight control of the App hearing testimony from Depp postponed the release of the set in the 2015 Paris dispute over fees, the BBC version of its GEForce Now Store, and its 30 percent cut of and ex-wife Amber Heard in third “Fantastic Beasts” film Agreement. There are multiple reported. cloud gaming service that runs revenue, counts as monopo- the high-profile case, Justice from November next year to sources of greenhouse gasses Apple pulled Fortnite from on Apple’s Safari browser, listic behaviour. Andrew Nicol said that the summer 2022. in the food system besides carbon dioxide emitted by burning fossil fuels in pro- duction and supply chains. Diversity, streaming reshape video games for a new generation Land clearing and defor- estation releases carbon AFP — HONG KONG benefited from a 1990s push to revolution as gaming’s popu- and 90s. It was really... an impression that they were the dioxide (CO2) and nitrous attract more customers, ana- larity skyrocketed. upper-middle-class kind of domain of young men has been oxide (N2O), the authors said, In the quarter of a century since lysts say, with the PlayStation There are 2.7 billion gamers entertainment at that point,” challenged. while production and the use Sony launched the ground- leading the way in breaking worldwide, Newzoo estimates, said Mikael Jakobsson, research “Developers are increas- of fertilisers and other breaking PlayStation, video down gender, age and class and nearly half are women. coordinator at the MIT Game ingly taking diversity seriously, agrichemicals emit CO2, N2O games have exploded into the barriers. Gamers have also become Lab. The impact was clear in the expanding the number of and methane. Methane — biggest form of entertainment “In the last couple of older in many major markets United States, he said, “where female and minority lead pro- which has a warming potential in the world, and analysts say decades, we have witnessed a — the age range of the average the PlayStation started to appeal tagonists in their games,” said 28 times greater than CO2 over the growing diversity of billions strong move towards the gamer in the United States is to lower-middle-class, Newzoo’s Fernandes. a 100-year period — is also of players is reshaping the democratisation of gaming. 35-44, according to the Enter- working-class people in a way It is not just gamers who are released by livestock like industry. Twenty-five years ago, gaming tainment Software that previous console genera- becoming more diverse, but cows, sheep and goats as well The Japanese tech giant and was still considered by most Association. tions just hadn’t”. also the ways in which people as rice production. its American rival Microsoft are people a marginal form of Affordability has also The spread in recent years enjoy games. The 2015 Paris climate deal preparing to launch their latest entertainment,” said Guilherme brought in a bigger audience, of inexpensive yet highly Video games are now a saw nations commit to limit consoles next week, competing Fernandes, a market consultant experts say. Sony caused a stir capable smartphones has spectator sport too. Major tour- temperature rises to “well in an estimated $175bn global at the gaming and esports ana- with a surprisingly low price for further broadened audiences, naments attract thousands of below” two degrees Celsius. market — bigger than film and lytics firm Newzoo. the first PlayStation, which with people playing games on fans and $950m in esports rev- Earth has warmed by about music combined. After the PlayStation came proved a commercial success. their mobile devices and con- enues are expected in 2020, 1.2C so far. UN says to stay Earlier seen as niche enter- Microsoft’s Xbox in 2001 and “If we correct for inflation, necting over social media. according to Newzoo. under the safer 1.5C cap, emis- tainment usually marketed to Nintendo’s Wii in 2006, fol- consoles are so much cheaper With games becoming a Fans have also flocked to sions must fall 7.6 percent young men, gaming has lowed by the smartphone today than they were in the 80s more universal pastime, the watch others play online. annually this decade.