NaturalN gas has Qatar Total Open: key role in Muguruza, energy Azarenka transition advance in Doha

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TUESDAY 2 MARCH 2021 18 RAJAB - 1442 VOLUME 25 NUMBER 8549 www.thepeninsula.qa 2 RIYALS

Amir honours winners of Education Excellence Award

Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani awarding the high-achieving students and schools. RIGHT: H H the Amir awarding a wheelchair-bound young student.

QNA — DOHA Award Day ceremony for this year was organised amid pre- Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin H H the Amir says State attaches great importance to education cautionary and preventive Hamad Al Thani patronised the for its role in promoting countries and societies. measures to limit the spread of Creativity and excellence occupy priority in our strategic plans, 14th Education Excellence Day Praises students' academic performance despite the pandemic COVID-19. in which education represents the first block. I congratulate Award ceremony, which took Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin and urges them to continue the journey of excellence. those distinguished scientifically for their excellence and place at Doha Sheraton Hotel Hamad Al Thani also met the deserved appreciation, hoping that the diversity of their yesterday. winners of the award on the fields, experiences, and certificates will be an incentive for The ceremony was attended holders, university graduates The ceremony also included sidelines of the ceremony. more positive competition and support for the country and by Prime Minister and Minister and outstanding primary, pre- a speech by Minister of Edu- During the meeting, H H the society's advancement. of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin paratory and secondary school cation and Higher Education, H Amir praised the students’ edu- Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, students, in addition to the E Dr. Mohammed bin Abdul- cation performance and their a number of Their Excellencies winners in the categories of wahed Al Hammadi. Ahmed distinguished efforts, despite Sheikhs and Ministers, and outstanding teacher and Abdullah Al Buainain, a student the circumstances of the coro- knowledge. success in future. senior state officials. school. who won the award in the cat- navirus (COVID-19) pandemic His Highness stressed that The meeting was also H H the Amir honoured the A film about the 2021 Award egory of Master’s degree, also that affected the whole world, the State attaches great impor- attended by Prime Minister and 71 winners of the Education and the winners in various cat- delivered a speech on behalf of noting the importance of con- tance to education for its role Minister of Interior H E Sheikh Excellence Award, who are egories was screened at the the honoured. tinuing the journey of excel- in promoting countries and Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Master’s and PhD degree event. The Education Excellence lence and acquiring scientific societies, wishing the winners Al Thani. `P2 Great efforts made for Qatar affirms continued support continuity of education to Yemeni people amid pandemic: Minister QNA — DOHA QNA/THE PENINSULA — DOHA confront the pandemic to The State of Qatar has affirmed reduce its negative effects in that it will continue to provide Minister of Education and the field of education, as it took support to the Yemeni people Higher Education H E Dr. the decision to implement a to help them overcome the Mohammed bin Abdulwahed distance education system and humanitarian difficulties that Al Hammadi expressed his the transition to this system in burden them, at a time when thanks and gratitude to Amir H Qatar’s schools was smooth they are still looking forward H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al and easy in these exceptional to the peace and stability they Thani for honouring and circumstances. deserve and to get out of the patronising the Education He said this transition was crisis as a prosperous and safe Excellence Award Day implemented because they country. ceremony, with his presence have required infrastructure of This came during Qatar’s and generous patronage of this electronic platforms and digital speech in the Virtual High- award since its inception 14 sources, in addition to trained Level Pledging Event for the years ago. human cadres and students Humanitarian Situation in He said this showed the who have the skills to deal with Yemen, given by Minister of importance attached by His technology, while taking pre- State for Foreign Affairs, H E Highness to this award and his cautionary measures to pre- Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi. PM inspects drive-through vaccination centre belief that education is the serve the health and safety of The Minister of State main engine and mainstay of students and those in schools expressed the State of Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani inspected sustainable development. and universities. The Minister support of the UN efforts and the COVID-19 drive-through vaccination centre in Lusail, yesterday. The Prime Minister was briefed In his speech at the 14th said that despite the challenges, initiatives, represented in the on the functioning of the centre and the drive-through vaccination mechanism for those who meet Education Excellence Award 374 contestants applied from UN Special Envoy of the Sec- the requirements to take the second dose of the vaccine. This is part of the facilities provided by the Day ceremony 2021 yesterday, private and public schools, and retary-General for Yemen, to Ministry of Public Health for the vaccination process, within the National Program for Vaccination Al Hammadi said the Ministry local and international univer- push for a resolution through against coronavirus (COVID-19). had made great efforts to sities. `P3 dialogue. `P2 QP awards contract to expand LNG facilities

THE PENINSULA — DOHA $2bn (including options), was awarded $2bn on a lump sum basis and is the second Qatar Petroleum (QP) announced major onshore EPC contract award for yesterday the award of a major engi- The contract, valued at more than the NFE project. neering, procurement, and construction $2bn, is the second major onshore EPC On February 8, QP awarded the (EPC) contract to Samsung C&T Corpo- contract award for the NFE project. EPC contract for the construction of ration for the expansion of the LNG four LNG mega-trains with associated storage and loading facilities located 77-110 million facilities to Chiyoda Technip Joint within Ras Laffan Industrial City as part Venture. The award of this contract for of the North Field East (NFE) Project. When completed, the NFE Project will the expansion of the LNG storage and The EPC contract was signed yes- increase Qatar’s LNG production loading facilities represents yet another terday by the Minister of State for capacity from 77 to 110 million tonnes important milestone on the road to Energy Affairs and President and CEO per annum (MTPA). substantially increase the State of of Qatar Petroleum, H E Saad bin Qatar’s LNG production capacity. Sherida Al Kaabi, and President and Both contracts represent the cul- Minister of State for Energy Affairs and President and CEO of Qatar Petroleum, CEO of Samsung C&T, Oh Se-chul, at a of senior officials from Qatar Petroleum mination of front-end engineering and H E Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi (right); and President and CEO of Samsung C&T, special ceremony which was held at and Qatargas. design work that began in early 2018. the QP Headquarters in the presence The contract, valued at more than `P2 Oh Se-chul, during the signing ceremony at the QP headquarters, yesterday. 02 HOME TUESDAY 2 MARCH 2021 Amir honours winners of Education Excellence Award

Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani with the winners of the Education Excellence Award at Doha Sheraton Hotel, yesterday.

FROM PAGE 1 of the education sector. gratitude to H H the Amir for valuing H H the Amir’s continuous great potentials provided by the continue their scientific efforts to The meeting was also attended For their part, the winners the opportunity to meet His support to the distinguished and State in the field of education, while achieve the ambition of the State by a number of senior officials expressed great thanks and Highness and honour them, expressing their thanks for the affirming their determination to and society.

Qatar affirms support to Yemeni people QP awards contract to expand LNG facilities FROM PAGE 1 FROM PAGE 1 natural gas resources, and project, and all associated As per Qatar Petroleum’s The Minister stressed on the importance of ending the crisis When completed, the NFE enhancing our position as the pipes, lines and loading lines.” established practice, special through negotiations between Yemenis in line with the Project will increase Qatar’s LNG world’s largest, most reliable The Minister concluded his attention is paid to support the outcomes of the national dialogue, the GCC initiative, and production capacity from 77 to LNG producer.” remarks by saying: “We look highest environmental standards commitment to UN Security Council resolutions especially 110 million tonnes per annum He added: “This contract pro- forward to working with by employing a high-efficiency resolution no. 2216 in order to achieve sustainable peace and (MTPA). The second phase of the vides for the expansion of Samsung to deliver this design, and applying best development as well as to improve the humanitarian condi- planned LNG expansion, the existing infrastructure important component of the available industry technologies tions in Yemen. He praised the pivotal role played by the North Field South (NFS) Project, required to ensure the safe North Field Expansion project in to reduce gas and effluents emis- United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian will further increase Qatar’s LNG loading and on-time delivery a safe, timely, and efficient sions. This contract, in particular, Affairs for their role, noting that the State of Qatar was one production capacity from 110 of our LNG cargoes to our manner. I am delighted that the includes the expansion of of the leading countries who support the office. MTPA to 126 MTPA by 2027. international customers across detailed engineering activities systems that target the elimi- He added that the State of Qatar provided Yemen close Commenting on this the globe. Its scope includes under the contract will take place nation of flaring during the to $195m from 2013 to 2020, to support development efforts. occasion, Al Kaabi said: “The three LNG tanks and three in Qatar, thus leveraging the loading of LNG ships. In addition, He added that the State of Qatar pledged $70m, $10m of award of this contract marks LNG loading berths for NFE, growing technical capabilities for recovery of ‘jetty boil-off gas’ will which were disbursed by Qatar Fund for Development in the another concrete step towards and options for two LNG tanks the development of major help reduce greenhouse gas field of water and sanitation since 2018 for three years in the further development of our and one LNG berth for NFS projects in the country.” emissions (GHG). cooperation with Unicef. He added that there was support of $5m to the UN Populations Fund, $800 thousand of which were disbursed to 800,000 people in the health sector. As for housing, support of $2m was provided for the United Two businesses closed for violating COVID-19 measures Nations Human Settlement Programme. The Minister thanked H E UN Secretary-General Antonio THE PENINSULA — DOHA measures taken by the state to The Ministry stated in a tweet Coronavirus and did not adhere to Guterres, Vice-President of Switzerland and Head of the limit the spread of the coronavirus. on its official account that these the general and special require- Department of Foreign Affairs Ignazio Cassis, H E Minister for The Ministry of Commerce and The two businesses instructed to stores did not comply with the ments for shops. The businesses Foreign Affairs of Sweden Ann Linde for sponsoring the high- Industry (MoCI) has announced the close are the Chinese Health Ministry’s circulars regarding pre- will remain closed until the current level event. He renewed the State of Qatar’s appreciation to all temporary closure of two business Centre in Al Luqta and Mandarin cautionary measures and pre- situation is modified and fines are countries and authorities working on honouring their interna- ventures to implement preventive Cake Shop in Msheireb. ventive measures to confront paid, the Ministry added. tional responsibility in helping Yemen and Yemenis. TUESDAY 2 MARCH 2021 HOME 03

Lusail Drive-through Amir attends opening of Qatar Total Open 2021 Vaccination Center to QNA — DOHA strengthen Qatar’s ability to Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin protect population: Minister Hamad Al Thani attended yesterday part of the opening day of the 19th Qatar Total Open THE PENINSULA — DOHA drive-through vaccination 2021 for women's tennis held at an option for our popu- the Khalifa International Tennis A new COVID-19 Drive- lation. Our first drive- and Squash Complex. through Vaccination through PCR testing H H the Amir watched the Center was opened in centers have been very match between Spain's Garbine Lusail as part of the coun- popular and continue to be Muguruza (the world No. 15) and try’s efforts to combat the successful with high vis- Russia's Veronika Kudermetova COVID-19 pandemic. The iting volumes. The opening (world No. 26) in the third round. vaccination process for of the Lusail COVID-19 The Spaniard won the match 6-2 visitors in the new center Drive-Through Vacci- and 7-6. includes registration, nation Center will further The match was attended by a assessment, vaccination, strengthen our ability to number of their excellencies and observation. protect Qatar’s population guests of the competitions and “Qatar is well on its from the threat of the tennis fans, amidst precautionary way in roll out of its vac- virus,” said Minister of measures taken to contain the cination programme and Public Health, H E Dr. Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani watching the 19th Qatar Total Open 2021 women's tennis at the spread of the novel Coronavirus as per our strategy we are Hanan Mohamed Al Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, yesterday. (COVID-19). now making Kuwari.

Chief of Staff meets Shura Council approves top official of Russian draft law on endowment Armed Forces QNA — DOHA

QNA — DOHA conditions, the civil endowment, and The Chief of Staff of Qatari Armed the supervision of the endowment, its Forces, Lieutenant General (Pilot) The Shura Council held its regular weekly maintenance, architecture and H E Ghanem bin Shaheen Al meeting, via video conference yesterday, investment. Ghanim, met yesterday with the under the chairmanship of Speaker H E The draft law comes to replace Law Deputy Head of the Combat Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al No. 8 of 1996 regarding endowment, in Training Directorate of the Mahmoud, at the Council’s headquarters. the framework of updating legislations Russian Armed Forces, Major During its session, the Council dis- to keep pace with developments in this General H E Alexander Peryazev. cussed the report of the Legal and Leg- regard. During the meeting, they islative Affairs Committee on a draft After an extensive discussion on the reviewed bilateral military rela- law on endowment (Waqf) that includes committee’s report, the Council decided tions and means of strength- 9 chapters and 58 articles and involves to approve the aforementioned draft law ening them. The meeting was Speaker of the Shura Council, H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud, chairing provisions related to the establishment and to refer its recommendations attended by senior officers of the the weekly meeting at the Council’s headquarters yesterday. of the endowment, its distributions and thereon to the esteemed government. armed forces. MoPH reports Great efforts made for continuity of 473 new cases, education amid pandemic: Minister 440 recoveries FROM PAGE 1 The awards ceremony also THE PENINSULA — DOHA The Minister said that 71 winners were witnessed the launch of announced, explaining that the awards the Education Excellence The Ministry of Public Health ceremony also witnessed the launch (MoPH) yesterday announced of the Education Excellence Ambas- Ambassadors Program, who the registration of 473 new sadors Program, who were selected were selected from the previous confirmed COVID-19. Among from the previous winners in order to winners in order to contribute them 29 were travelers contribute to educating and motivating returning from abroad. students, deepening the concepts of to educating and motivating Also 440 people have excellence in the Qatari community, students. recovered from the virus, and promoting positive trends towards bringing the total number of innovation, creativity, and scientific recovered cases in Qatar to research among youth. the ceremony of Education Excellence 153,621. All new cases have He added that despite the chal- Award and honouring the winning stu- Minister of Administrative Development, Labor and Social Affairs, H E Yousef bin been introduced to isolation lenges and difficulties that the educa- dents. She said the presence of H H the and are receiving necessary tional systems in the world faced due Amir increased the happiness among Mohammed Al Othman Fakhroo, witnessing the signing of the MoU. healthcare according to their to the pandemic, they were able, thanks the students. health status. The Ministry also to God and then the guidance of His Dr. Al Sulaiti said the Organising reported death of a person Highness, to overcome this crisis and Committee of the Award held the hon- Ministry, Unicef sign MoU to enhance 49-year-old taking the total were able to finish the previous school ouring ceremony while strictly fol- death toll in Qatar due to year and start the current school year, lowing the COVID-19 measures. “The cooperation in childhood fields COVID-19 to 259. The total as well as to conduct the exams as per 14th Education Excellence Award wit- number of positive COVID-19 the schedule. nessed the largest batch of winners QNA — DOHA Ministry of Administrative Development, cases recorded in Qatar is This is because the State believes since the launch of the Award 14 years Labor and Social Affairs, Ghanem 163,664 and there are 9,785 that education is indispensable, and His ago,” said Dr. Al Sulaiti. The Ministry of Administrative Devel- Mubarak Al Kuwari, and Unicef Head of active cases under treatment. Highness had affirmed in the Shura She said that 71 winners have been opment, Labor and Social Affairs (MADLSA) Office in Qatar, Anthony MacDonald. While the first phase of Council on continuing to focus spending honoured in all nine categories of the and the United Nations Children’s Fund The MoU focuses on cooperation and COVID-19 vaccinations has of the general budget on education and Award. “A total of 374 candidates con- (Unicef) signed yesterday a memorandum exchange of experiences, information and started in Qatar and in the health. This confirms the State’s com- tested for the award this year. Those of understanding (MoU) to strengthen studies related to children and ways to coming months it will be mitment to providing an education whose luck did not favour them this cooperation between them in the childhood develop joint work. available for the public for system characterised by sustainability, year should do more hard work to fields, in the presence of Minister of Admin- The signing of the MoU comes in the free, the Ministry has stressed innovation, quality, and diversity. apply for the next edition,” said Dr. Al istrative Development, Labor and Social context of Qatar’s efforts to cooperate it is important for everyone to CEO of Education Excellence Sulaiti. She said the Organising Com- Affairs H E Yousef bin Mohammed Al with the Unicef, especially on issues play their role in controlling Award, Dr. Hamda Hassan Al Sulaiti, mittee of the Award will begin prepa- Othman Fakhroo. related to early childhood issues, child the virus by following precau- also expressed her happiness over the ration for 15th edition of the award The MoU was signed by Assistant protection, and strengthening partner- tionary measures. generous patronage of H H the Amir to during the coming period. Undersecretary for Social Affairs of the ships in the same field. Number of outstanding students on the rise: Officials

SANAULLAH ATAULLAH great achievement. To a THE PENINSULA question about the ongoing examinations, Al Harqan said The senior officials at the that there is no change in exam- Ministry of Education and ination schedule. Higher have said that the “The questions have been number of outstanding students prepared as per standards is increasing thanks to the agreed between the Exami- State’s efforts to ensure quality nation Control and Evaluation education in the country. Sector. The timing for paper has “The number of outstanding been extended from one and students is increasing year-by- half hours to two hours giving year which indicates that the more time to students solve the efforts of schools and strategies questions,” said Al Harqan. of the Ministry bearing fruits,” FROM LEFT: Assistant Undersecretary for Evaluation Affairs at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, Khalid Abdullah Al Harqan; Director of the Public Rela- said Assistant Undersecretary for Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Higher Education Affairs, Dr. Khalid Abdullah Al Ali; Assistant Undersecretary for Educational Affairs, tions and Communication Educational Affairs at the Min- Fawzia Al Khater, and Director of the Public Relations and Communication Department, Omar Al Yafei. PICS: SALIM MATRAMKOT / THE PENINSULA Department at the Ministry of istry of Education and Higher Education and Higher Edu- Education Fawzia Al Khater. students personalities, educa- from the schools are taking the country and they made great two or three weeks. “The list of cation, Omar Al Yafei, said that Speaking to The Peninsula tional levels even their way of vaccination. She further said contribution in the development scholarship has been updated the Award has proved over the at the honouring ceremony of thinking and participation in that the Ministry is now working of Qatar. “The Award pushes out- with many new universities past years that the country has 14th Education Excellence extra curricular activities," said for upgrading the educational standing students to play greater added to it,” said Dr. Al Ali. full of competent young minds Award at Sheraton Hotel yes- Al Khater. platforms by adding new pro- role in taking the country to new Assistant Undersecretary for who are ready to take their terday, Al Khater said that the Speaking about the grammes with the help of best heights,” he added. Evaluation Affairs at the Ministry, responsibilities. Ministry shouldered the respon- measures taken by the Ministry companies in this field. Speaking about the efforts Khalid Abdullah Al Harqan, said He said that the award will sibility to help students achieve to curb the spread of COVID-19 Acting Assistant Undersec- to ensure quality education, Dr. that the Award will open new achieve the vision and objec- excellence in many ways. during the examinations, Al retary for Higher Education Al Ali said that the National doors to the winners in their tives of the wise leadership, in “The students from Qatar Khater said that the Ministry in Affairs at the Ministry of Edu- Qualifications Framework has practical life enabling them to order to reach the building of a participated in a number of coordination with the Ministry of cation and Higher Education, been approved and now it has serve the country in a better way. scientifically distinguished gen- research works and contests Public Health implemented all Dr. Khalid Abdullah Al Ali, said come into effect. “The award will also eration capable to compete in held at the national and inter- measures and protocols strictly that Qatar gave top priority to “Law for Education Quality encourage the classmates of local and international levels. national levels in which they to protect the children, teachers quality education because it will see the light of the day winning students to achieve the Al Yafei said that the excellence secured higher ranks. The and school staff. About COVID-19 plays key role nation building. soon,” said Dr. Al Ali. To a excellence,” said Al Harqan. He will push further the devel- excellence is not only focused vaccination to teachers and He said that during past question about the scholarship also appreciated the roles of opment of Qatar as the award on curriculum but it covers school staff, Al Khater said that years, the excellent students plan of the Ministry for 2021-22, parents and teachers for sup- reached already to many Qatari many other aspects including growing number of affiliates occupied key positions in the he said it will be unveiled within porting children for making this homes. 04 HOME TUESDAY 2 MARCH 2021 Qatar chairs 155th session of Arab League Council Shura Council participates in

QNA – DOHA third meeting of GCC-European The draft agenda Parliamentary Committee The State of Qatar presided over includes a number of the 155th session of the Council topics, the most of the Arab League at the level of permanent delegates, which important of which are began at the headquarters of the Palestinian cause, the League’s General Secretariat developments in Syria yesterday. and Yemen, the latest Qatar’s Permanent Repre- developments in Libya, sentative to the Arab League H E Ambassador Ibrahim bin solidarity with the Abdulaziz Al Sahlawi repre- Republic of Lebanon, sented the State of Qatar in the and the security of meeting. In a speech after navigation and energy assuming the presidency of the supplies in the Arab Gulf session, the Ambassador said that the State of Qatar, which Qatar’s Permanent Representative to the Arab League, H E Ambassador region. holds the presidency of the new Ibrahim bin Abdulaziz Al Sahlawi, represented the State of Qatar QNA – DOHA opportunities for mutual session of the Council, affirms in the meeting. benefit from the experiences its continuous keenness to Sudan, support for the Federal The Shura Council participated of the Gulf and European sides. cooperate closely with all to fulfills the aspirations of the ministerial level, under the Republic of Somalia, support for yesterday in the third meeting The meeting also discussed promote joint Arab action and peoples for security, stability, chairmanship of the State of the United Republic of of the GCC-European Parlia- the topic of cooperation serve its objectives and that it and prosperity. Qatar, which are scheduled to Comoros, the process of Arab- mentary Committee, which was between the countries of the will spare no effort in seeking He expressed his confidence be held on Wednesday. The African cooperation and Arab- held via videoconferencing. GCC and the EU, to facilitate the to activate resolutions that will that everyone is determined to draft agenda includes a number European dialogue. Other topics The meeting discussed provision of medical supplies develop and strengthen Arab improve to the joint Arab action, of topics, the most important of include Arab relations with several topics suggested by a to be prepared for future pan- cooperation in all fields in order and strive towards overcoming which are the Palestinian cause, international and regional number of legislative councils demic, in addition to the scien- to achieve the aspirations of the and removing all obstacles that developments in Syria and groupings, cooperation in the GCC countries, most tific cooperation between the Arab peoples for prosperity and prevent its development in a Yemen, the latest developments between the Arab League, the important of which was par- Council and Union’s countries stability. He explained that the way that achieves the higher in Libya, solidarity with the United Nations and other inter- liamentary dialogue between in the field of desalination important political, security, common interests of Arab Republic of Lebanon, and the national organizations, support the European Union (EU) and technologies. and economic issues on the countries and benefits their security of navigation and for internally displaced people the GCC countries on energy During the meeting, the agenda require all of us to strive peoples. A draft agenda is energy supplies in the Arab Gulf in Arab countries, Iraqi dis- reduction and transformation, Shura Council was represented towards developing collective scheduled to be discussed region. The draft agenda also placed persons in particular, as well as the issue of the by Their Excellencies Members positions towards them, in a during this session in prepa- includes topics related to and the draft strategy of the impact of the COVID-19 pan- of the Council Nasser bin Khalil manner that preserves the ration for its submission to the support for peace and devel- Arab Women Mediators demic on the energy and envi- Al Jaidah and Reem bint common Arab interests and meetings of the Council at the opment in the Republic of Network. ronment fields, and Mohammed Al Mansouri. Qatar affirms protecting 443 referred Qatar Airways, QDF sponsor Qatar Total Open 2021 to Public THE PENINSULA – DOHA children’s rights Qatar Airways and Qatar Duty Prosecution Free (QDF) are proud to QNA – DOHA Talal Al Naama said that, sponsor the Qatar Total Open within the framework of the for violations 2021 Tennis Tournament at the The State of Qatar underlined State of Qatar’s international Khalifa International Tennis that it attaches great impor- development policies, it has QNA – DOHA and Squash Complex in Doha. tance to promoting and focused on providing the The tournament will run until protecting children’s rights, right to education as a major The designated authorities March 6. considering it a priority issue priority, and has yesterday referred 443 Joining the list of women’s in its development plan, which strengthened its partnerships people to the Public Prose- tennis stars competing this year is based on the Qatar National in this regard by imple- cution for violating the is Ons Jabeur, the Tunisian Vision 2030 and the related menting several programs, preventive and precautionary superstar and the first Arab sectoral strategies. such as “Educate A Child” measures enforced by the woman to reach a Grand Slam The State of Qatar indi- affiliated to the Qatari Edu- country to curb the spread of quarterfinals. The tournament cated that it has adopted an cation Above All Foundation, the coronavirus (COVID-19). will also be graced by the likes integrated perspective of which has succeeded in Among them, 434 people of two-time champion and development that takes into annexing ten million who has were referred to the Public World Number 14 Victoria Aza- with the stated aim of making to extend our partnership to account the basic needs of the been deprived of this right Prosecution for not wearing renka, 2017 winner, and World the nation a hub for sports the 2021 tournament. We are child in terms of nutrition, due to armed conflicts, masks in places where they Number 6 Karolina Pliskova, across the region and thrilled to be part of this unfor- health, education, shelter, and natural disasters, and other are mandatory, while 9 were along with the tournament’s worldwide.” gettable and exciting expe- the provision of a safe and circumstances, through the found violating the maximum number 1 seed and World Qatar Duty Free Vice Pres- rience and to welcome some healthy environment that conclusion of 82 partnerships number of four people Number 5 Elina Svitolina. In ident Operations, Thabet Musleh, of the world’s leading female works on the child’s devel- in 50 countries, at a cost of allowed in a vehicle including total, six of the top ten Women’s said: “Qatar Duty Free has spon- tennis players to Qatar. We opment and survival within a $1.8 billion, where the State the driver, except when they Tennis Association (WTA) sored the Qatar Total Open wish them the best of luck.” framework of integrated pro- of Qatar has contributed a are members of one family. superstars will be vying for Tennis Tournament since 2012. The tournament will feature 32 tection and care. third of it to global efforts The measure are in line glory in Doha. We are proud to once again players and will have a total This came in the speech of between the private sector with the Cabinet decision, Qatar Airways Senior Vice- be a key partner to one of the prize purse of $565,530. This the State of Qatar during the and the civil society and Decree Law No. 17 of 1990 on President Marketing and Cor- world-renowned annual will include four qualifiers in annual meeting on the rights of international organizations. infectious diseases, and the porate Communications, Salam sporting events taking place in the build-up to the crowning the child, titled “Rights of the In the same context, Talal precautionary measures in Al Shawa, said: “Tennis is one Doha. of the singles event. For the child and the Sustainable Devel- Al Naama explained that the force in the country to limit of the cornerstones of the “Sports has the power to doubles format, 16 teams will opment Goals,” at the 46th State of Qatar has pledged to the spread of COVID-19. annual Qatari sports calendar, connect people, physically and compete for top honours. Qatar session of the Human Rights educate one million girls by The designated author- and we look forward with virtually. Despite the chal- Airways is proud to sponsor Council, which was delivered 2021 and to support the “Char- ities called on the public to anticipation to welcome these lenges the travel-retail and support top-level athletes by Second Secretary of the Per- levoix Declaration” on pro- adhere to the precautionary world-class players to Doha. industry faced across the past such as Ons Jabeur, the manent Delegation of the State viding quality education for measures in place to ensure Women’s tennis is an integral year, due to the COVID-19 out- highest-ranked Arab player in of Qatar to the United Nations girls and women in developing their safety and the safety of part of Qatar Airways’ extensive break, it was more important WTA history, and Qatar Total office in Geneva Talal Al Naama. countries. others. sports sponsorship portfolio than ever for Qatar Duty Free Open wildcard. 15 children treated under QRCS ‘Little Hearts’ project in Indonesia

THE PENINSULA – DOHA

Qatar Red Crescent Society’s (QRCS) ‘Little Hearts’ project is going on in Indonesia, in cooperation with the Indo- nesian Red Cross Society (PMI) and Indonesia’s Ministry of Health (MOH). The $106,560 project is aimed at treating 40 children with congenital heart defects, including ventricular septal defects (VSD) and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). It involves performing catheterizations at the National Cardiac Center Harapan Kita (NCCHK) in Jakarta. So far, 15 children ranging from one month to eight years of age have been operated on the heart. Three groups of 16 spe- cialized doctors and con- sultants are engaged in the project, covering the spe- A view of a health facility providing treatment under QRCS ‘Little Hearts’ project. cialties of pediatric cardiology, diagnostic non-invasive car- diology, and anesthesia. At the inauguration ceremony, project to be executed in Indo- The COVID-19 pandemic limited attended by NCCHK’s board nesia, it is part of the Medical the speed of NCCHK’s interventions. members, PMI Secretary-General, Convoys program, which involves Prior to the interventions, COVID-19 and team members, the project was providing treatment for poor screening process has to be finalized. commended as rarely implemented patients, performing surgeries in The NCCHK put more effort to tighten in Indonesia, where the numbers many medical specializations, sup- the COVID-19 protocols, re-disinfected of congenital heart diseases (CHD) plying the host hospitals with sur- the areas, and conducted self-swab are increasing. On average, nine out gical equipment and consumables, tests for both the patients and health of 1,000 born-alive infants have and training medical professionals workers in order to reduce the risks to CHD, with a total of 40,000 babies. in the latest medical COVID-19 around the hospital. Being the first Little Hearts advancements. TUESDAY 2 MARCH 2021 HOME 05 Sidra Medicine performs groundbreaking QU-YSC hosts workshops for surgeries on children with Apert Syndrome elementary school students THE PENINSULA - DOHA these workshops. THE PENINSULA - DOHA Dr. Noora Jabor Al-Thani, Technology is one of the most Director of the YSC, said: “The important skills students must diversity of these workshops Sidra Medicine has introduced acquire in the 21st century, to enhances students’ skills and many cutting-edge surgical develop a capable and adept encourages them to think crea- techniques to Qatar, taking a generation. As a result, Qatar tively, solve problems, and gain multi-disciplinary approach University’s Young Scientists different abilities that contribute to care including the treatment Center (QU-YSC) works hard to the creation of a new gener- of children affected by condi- to develop Qatari youth in this ation of creative leaders who can tions such as Apert syndrome. area and recently hosted a make decisions in different fields A joint collaboration range of workshops and activ- and sectors and achieve Qatar between the Plastic and ities targeting elementary National Vision 2030.” Craniofacial Surgery and Neu- school children. Dr. Noora thanked the rosurgery Divisions, the team Students in the 4th grade sponsors and partners, Ras have conducted operations in Baby Eva, 3.5 months after the joined the YSC’s ‘problem- Laffan Industrial City Com- which large portions of the implant surgery. solving’ track in its 8th cycle. munity Outreach Program, skull bone have been cut, re- This track focused mainly on UNESCO Office in Doha, and configured and sometimes students acquiring critical and the Qatar National Commission “stretched” into new shapes back half of the skull around six creative thinking skills to solve for Education, Culture, and and positions. Many of these months of age, and advancing various problems. Students Science, for their efforts. complex transformations the forehead and eye sockets worked on activities and appli- Science and knowledge are require several surgical stages around one year of age,” con- cations related to forces, their among the most important undertaken over a number of tinued Dr. Stotland. types, and effects. requirements of life. It is years in order to account for Eva’s first surgery was per- The center also organized important to reach students changes related to ongoing Dr. Mitch Stotland, Dr. Noor Owase Jeelani and Dr. Khalid Al Kharazi formed in November 2020, by workshops and activities on from a young age to develop growth of the child. Dr. Mitchell Stotland, Dr. Khalid information and communi- innovation, critical thinking, Apert syndrome is a rare Al Kharazi and visiting locum cation technology (ICT) for 7th creativity, teamwork, and craniofacial condition, neurosurgeon from Great grade students. The ICT track, acquire diverse scientific skills. occurring in approximately Apert syndrome is a rare craniofacial condition, occurring in Ormond Street Hospital, Dr. which is in its second cycle, The YSC follows the STEM 1/65,000 live births worldwide. approximately 1/65,000 live births worldwide. It is known Noor Owase Jeelani. Her focuses on teaching students methodology in the design and It is known to be associated to be associated with a distinct genetic mutation. There are surgery involved the use of an programming skills and preparation of various work- with a distinct genetic mutation. implantable expansion device. designing sensors throughout shops. STEM is an innovative There are no currently under- no currently understood precipitating factors that lead to Once installed, it will gradually different activities and appli- learning system that combines stood precipitating factors that this mutation, and it most commonly occurs sporadically push the back of her skull out cations using an electronic the four core teaching mate- lead to this mutation, and it (meaning it typically does not appear to be passed on in a over a period of weeks. smart sensors development rials: science, technology, engi- most commonly occurs sporad- hereditary fashion from a parent). Dr. Khalid Al Kharazi con- board. neering, and mathematics. This ically (meaning it typically does tinued: “In Baby Eva’s case, we The YSC will hold a closing system aims to promote edu- not appear to be passed on in a had to carefully drill holes in ceremony, where students will cation and prepare students to hereditary fashion from a the back part of her skull and present their projects and the deal with modern practical parent). Pediatric Neurosurgery collab- shallow. In addition, we know then mobilized the skull to winner would be rewarded. A reality by designing activities The Division Chief of Plastic oration. We work hand-in- that babies like Eva have an allow it to be expand. This is total of 54 students from four dif- based on real-life situations and Craniofacial Surgery at hand in this particular area with increased risk of elevated a technically challenging ferent schools in Qatar’s Al- and creative learning to solve Sidra Medicine, Dr. Mitch Sto- neurosurgeons Dr. Ian Pople pressure on the brain, as well surgery as we had to ensure Shamal region participated in problems. tland said: “At Sidra Medicine and Dr. Khalid Al-Kharazi.” as difficulty closing their eyes that she would not face any we are one of the few pediatric Baby Eva was born with all properly both while they sleep long term pressure problems hospitals in the Middle East that the typical findings related to and sometimes even when in her brain. We also needed is able to offer truly ground- Apert syndrome - including they are awake.” to be on hand to monitor and breaking surgical interventions the characteristic cranial and After consultation at Sidra protect the brain during the for rare and complex syn- facial deformities, as well as Medicine, the neurosurgery procedure and oversee the dromes. While the majority of webbed fingers and toes. and craniofacial team’s rec- implantable expansion the Plastic Surgery performed Commenting on Eva’s case, ommendation was to surgi- device’s insertion in Eva’s at Sidra Medicine for cleft lip/ Dr. Stotland said: “As part of cally provide Eva’s brain more skull. The performance of palate, microtia, facial palsy, her Apert syndrome, Eva’s space to grow, and to advance such delicate cranial opera- craniofacial microsomia, hand skull was restricted in growing the eye sockets to allow better tions requires experience, deformities, facial trauma, etc. forwards and backwards, protection for her eyes. skills and cutting edge surgical is undertaken independently, resulting in a so-called “tower “We have brought the equipment which I am proud all cranial reconstructions are skull” deformity and eyes that current avant-garde approach to say are all available at Sidra appropriately performed in a appear to bulge forward due to Apert syndrome to Qatar, and Medicine, thanks to our multi- Elementary students during the QU-YSC workshop. specialized center with expert to the eye sockets being very that involves expanding the disciplinary approach to care.” QBRI hosts expert lecture on COVID-19 epidemiology in Qatar

THE PENINSULA - DOHA

Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) recently highlighted the key findings that have emerged from a year of epidemiology research on COVID-19 in Qatar, which have informed the coun- try’s response. Speakers during the expert lecture on COVID-19 epidemiology QBRI’s expert guest, Dr. Laith in Qatar. Abu-Raddad, professor of Infec- tious Disease Epidemiology at determine important policy economy and society and Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar decisions such as easing or informed the global scientific (WCM-Q), and director of the escalating restrictions. The understanding of the epidemi- World Health Organization model provided the conse- ology of the infection. The (WHO) Collaborating Center for quences of timing and of imple- webinar saw a lot of Disease Epidemiology Analytics, menting various methods for engagement from attendees, focused on a series of epidemi- easing restrictions. with many questions being ological studies that have been As an example, the start date directed to the guest speaker. carried out on the infection. His for easing restrictions was set at Commenting on the lecture, talk expanded on the key findings June 15, 2020, by the model, Dr. Hyung-Goo Kim, Senior Sci- as they related to the pandemic which proved to be a successful entist at QBRI and the mod- dynamics, exposure rates in the strategy as no second wave erator of the discussion, said: population, presence of reinfec- emerged for seven months. “We thank Dr. Laith Abu- tions, and infection severity Dr. Abu-Raddad concluded Raddad for his contribution to among others. that this science-based our webinar. Understanding the Highlighting how influential approach to understanding the factors that lie behind distri- the use of mathematical mod- epidemiology and to informing bution of diseases and identi- eling was in forecasting hospi- the national response mini- fying their sources and causes talization needs, quarantine mized the toll of the infection is very important in fighting and isolation, predicting the and its disease burden, and pre- pandemics such as COVID-19. peak in Qatar, and the effective pared the country well to con- We are happy to continue reproduction of the number Rt, front the pandemic. The inviting renowned guests to Dr. Abu-Raddad said that the approach also facilitated func- share experiences and accurate data was decisive in helping to tionality and stability for the scientific data.” STEM expert from Texas A&M at Qatar conducts professional development workshop for teachers

THE PENINSULA – DOHA School, is a hands-on, cross- emphasized hands-on training curricular STEM solution that and LEGO Education Academy Texas A&M University at Qatar combines LEGO Technic ele- learning approaches, STEM expert Dr. Mohamed ments, classroom-friendly including “Learning through Gharib conducted LEGO software, and standards- Play,” “Holistic Approach to Education Academy Teacher aligned lessons to spark cre- Learning,” and “Character- Professional Development ative confidence and critical istics of Play.” Workshops for teachers at the thinking. Gharib, a STEM expert in the Michael E. DeBakey High This program tackles engi- Office of Engagement, is a School and the Qatar Science neering, coding, and physics Certified Teacher Trainer by and Technology Secondary with intuitive guides and LEGO Education Academy. School for Boys. smart bricks and puts real-life Gharib has also conducted The workshop, LEGO STEM topics right at students’ teacher workshops for Qatar MINDSTORMS Education EV3: fingertips. Academy teachers within Learning Through Play at The workshop topics Qatar Foundation. 06 MIDDLE EAST TUESDAY 2 MARCH 2021 Yemen donor conference seeks $3.85bn to avert famine AP — CAIRO the Coordination of Humani- tarian Affairs warned that more The United Nations yesterday Today, famine is bearing than 16 million people in Yemen launched an appeal for coun- down on Yemen. The race would go hungry this year, with tries to fund its response to the is on, if we want to already some half a million humanitarian crisis in Yemen, prevent hunger and living in famine-like where more than six years of conditions. war has created the world’s starvation from taking Jan Egeland, the secretary worst humanitarian disaster. millions of lives. general of the Norwegian At a virtual pledging con- Refugee Council, who is on a ference, co-hosed by Sweden Antonio Guterres week-long visit to Yemen, and Switzerland, UN Secretary- UN Secretary- General warned yesterday that aid General Antonio Guterres groups were “catastrophically” appealed for $3.85bn this year underfunded and to address the impoverished killed some 130,000 people, overstretched. Arab country’s dire needs. spawned the world’s worst “It’s outrageous that aid “Today, famine is bearing humanitarian disaster and organizations have to beg and down on Yemen. The race is on, reversed development gains by scrape the barrel to provide the if we want to prevent hunger 20 years, according to the U.N. bare minimum food to help Foodstuff aid is prepared by the local charity Mona Relief to be handed out to beneficiaries at a camp and starvation from taking mil- Development Program. keep Yemenis alive, when the for internally-displaced people on the outskirts of Sana’a, Yemen, yesterday. lions of lives,” he told the Half of Yemen’s health facil- countries who wage war and conference. ities are shuttered or destroyed cause so much of the suffering Biden’s administration to bring due to concerns that the aid year, according to David It is unlikely a response and 4 million Yemenis have are still willing to spend mag- an end to the conflict. might not be reaching its Miliband, head of the Interna- from donors will meet UN goals, been driven from their homes. nitudes more on the fighting,” Wealthy countries, such as intended recipients in territories tional Rescue Committee. given that the coronavirus pan- The pandemic, cholera epi- he said. the US, Saudi Arabia and the controlled by the rebels. Norwegian Foreign Minister demic and its devastating con- demics and severe malnutrition US Secretary of State Antony United Arab Emirates, cut back Last year, aid agencies Ine Eriksen Soereide said sequences have hit economies among children have led to Blinken led the US delegation drastically on aid to Yemen last received about $1.9bn — half of Norway would earmark 200 around the globe. thousands of additional deaths. to the conference, which came year amid the pandemic, cor- what was needed and half of million kroner ($23m) to The conflict in Yemen has Separately, the UN Office for amid efforts by President Joe ruption allegations, and also what was given the previous Yemen. Iran insists US lift sanctions first to revive nuclear deal talks Israeli forces raid Tulkarm, arrest REUTERS — DUBAI wants the other to move first. ready to “re-engage in mean- despite scaling back this move will lead to a mess,” The West fears Iran wants ingful diplomacy” and would cooperation. Iranian media quoted 12 Palestinians Iran said yesterday the United to build nuclear weapons, while consult with major powers. Iran’s foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif as States should lift sanctions first Tehran says that has never been While Iran has been urged the International Atomic saying yesterday. “We have in West Bank if it wants to hold talks with its goal. demanding the lifting of US Energy Agency’s (IAEA) solutions for all scenarios.” Tehran to salvage the 2015 “President Joe Biden’s sanctions first, Washington says 35-nation Board of Governors In a position paper sent to QNA — OCCUPIED JERUSALEM nuclear deal with world powers administration should change Tehran must return to com- not to “create a mess” by other IAEA member states that former President Donald Trump’s maximum pressure pliance with the deal, which endorsing a US-led push to before the board’s quarterly The Israeli occupation forces Trump abandoned. policy towards Tehran... If they Iran has been progressively adopt a resolution against meeting this week, Tehran stormed yesterday the Nur President Joe Biden has said want talks with Iran, first they breaching since 2019. Tehran’s decision to scale back warned to end a deal struck Shams camp, east of Tulkarm, Washington is ready for talks should lift sanctions,” Foreign “The new US administra- its cooperation with the UN with the IAEA a week ago tem- amid the outbreak of clashes about both nations resuming Ministry spokesman Saeed tion’s refusal to return to the nuclear watchdog. porarily maintaining some with the Palestinians. compliance with the pact, under Khatibzadeh said. deal is a historic mistake,” Khat- “Europeans, with the monitoring of its activities. During the clashes, 12 which Tehran secured an easing Washington said on Sunday ibzadeh said, saying Tehran backing of the United States, However, diplomats said it Palestinians were arrested of sanctions by limiting its it was disappointed by Tehran’s would continue to work with have initiated a wrong path in was unclear whether the board in the West Bank. nuclear work. But each side refusal to hold talks but was the UN nuclear watchdog the IAEA’s board... we believe would adopt a resolution. In Tulkarm, clashes erupted at dawn on Monday, between the Palestinians and Syria says Israel the Israeli occupation forces, Iran lawmakers visit key province after unrest after storming the Nur attacks areas Shams camp, east of AP — DUBAI shot at fuel smugglers trying to semiofficial Tasnim news experts described as a gov- Tulkarm. around southern cross into Iran from Pakistan, agency reported that the coun- ernment attempt to cripple Eyewitnesses told the Iranian lawmakers yesterday killing at least two and try’s police chief dismissed and protesters’ key tool of Palestinian News Agency Damascus visited a southeastern province sparking protests across the replaced the local provincial communication. that the occupation forces that has been roiled by recent city of Saravan. Demonstrators police commander, an unex- Iran has previously cut off fired stun grenades and tear REUTERS — CAIRO/AMMAN unrest, state-run media stormed a local governor’s plained move that pointed to access to the Internet in tense gas canisters at the citizens, reported, the government’s building and police station, rising tensions over authorities’ times, such as during a wave while they stormed the The Syrian army said on most visible step yet to address clashing with security forces. response to the protests. of nationwide protests in 2019, house of Jaber Yusef Sunday evening that Israeli- rising popular resentment in Some even descended on a Malek Mohammad Fazeli, when a government Fahmawi, and tampered fired rockets struck parts of the region. checkpoint armed with the Saravan parliamentary crackdown reportedly killed with its contents. southern Damascus in esca- Five members of par- grenade launchers, according representative, told IRNA that hundreds. No injuries or arrests lating attacks that regional liament, including from the to the governor, killing one lawmakers will visit “incident The relationship between were reported. intelligence sources say target influential committee for officer. areas” in Saravan and hold the province’s residents and On the other hand, the Iran-linked assets. national security and foreign While information about meetings with residents, authorities has long been Israeli occupation forces A Syrian army statement policy, arrived in the province the unrest in the remote region without elaborating. fraught. arrested at dawn yesterday said the attack came from the of Sistan and Baluchestan to remains sensitive and difficult For several days last Also, in Sistan and Bal- two citizens from the town Golan Heights and that it had investigate the turmoil, state- to verify, the official parlia- week the province reportedly uchestan there are occasional of Isawiya and the Shu’afat downed most of the missiles, run IRNA news agency mentary visit signalled that the experienced wide disruptions clashes between Iranian forces refugee camp, north of in the second such strike in reported. matter is serious for Tehran. of access to mobile data, in and militants, drug traffickers occupied Jerusalem. The less than a month on the out- Last week, border guards A day before, the what rights groups and and small separatist groups. occupation bulldozers also skirts of the capital. proceeded to demolish a An Israeli military house in the town, under the spokesman declined to Syria begins COVID-19 pretext of not being licensed. comment on the report. In Jenin, the occupation Israel has struck a wider vaccinations forces arrested three young range of targets than usual men, including two brothers since the start of the year, REUTERS — DAMASCUS from a village, and a freed including a major strike on prisoner from Silat al- Iranian-linked strongholds Syria’s health ministry said yesterday it had Harithiya, west of Jenin. further east near the Iraqi started administering COVID-19 vaccina- The occupation forces border. Israeli Defence Min- tions to frontline healthcare workers. also arrested seven citizens ister Benny Gantz on Friday “For the second day in a row COVID-19 today from the Hebron gov- said Israel was taking action vaccinations are being given to frontline ernorate, after raiding, “almost weekly” to prevent healthcare workers that are working within searching and destroying Iranian entrenchment in Syria. coronavirus isolation centres across gov- their homes. Israel has regularly ernorates,” a ministry statement said. Meanwhile, the occu- attacked what it says are Ira- It did not make clear what type of pation forces stormed the nian-linked targets in Syria in vaccine Syria had acquired or the quantity. towns of Bani Na’im and recent years, and stepped up Syria had said on Thursday it had received Nuba, and set up military such strikes this year in what vaccinations from a “friendly country” that checkpoints at the entrance Western intelligence sources it did not name. Health officials had said to the northern city of describe as a shadow war to Syria was engaged with Russia and China Hebron and at the entrances reduce Iran’s influence. on vaccines but no bilateral deals have been to the towns of Sa’ir and Israeli Chief of Staff Lieu- announced. The health ministry detected Halhul, obstructed the tenant General Aviv Kochavi Decorating scarves a rise in infections recently, the statement movement of citizens, said in December Israel had said. Syria had recorded 15,588 corona- searched their vehicles and Women decorate hems of Jordanian traditional scarves, in Salt, Jordan, on Saturday. struck over 500 targets in 2020. virus cases with 1,027 deaths up to Sunday. checked their identity cards. UN says arbitrary detentions in Syria conflict may be war crimes AP — GENEVA According to the report, the displaced half the country’s major party that has controlled fighters, other rebel groups and family members have a right to Syrian government arbitrarily pre-war population of 23 territory in Syria since 2011. the US-backed Kurdish-led the truth about their loved ones’ Tens of thousands of civilians arrested and detained indi- million, including 5 million who “The wealth of evidence Syrian Democratic Forces. fate,” said the commission’s in Syria were “arbitrarily viduals and committed “war are refugees abroad. Large parts collected over a decade is stag- It also examines the record chairman, Paulo Pinheiro. detained” in enforced disap- crimes and crimes against of Syria are destroyed and tens gering, yet the parties to the of the Al Qaida-linked Hayat The commission also urged pearances during the country’s humanity in the context of of thousands still live in tent conflict, with very few excep- Tahrir Al Sham and the Islamic the government in Damascus 10-year conflict, a UN detention.” Other parties in the settlements. tions, have failed to investigate State group — both designated to take urgent steps to reveal commission said in a report conflict also committed crimes The more than 30-page their own forces,” said Commis- terrorist organisations by the the fate of the missing. The released yesterday. The fate of by unlawfully and arbitrarily report is based on 2,658 inter- sioner Karen Koning AbuZayd. UN. report appeals on all parties to many remains unknown to this depriving individuals of their views with victims and wit- “The focus appears to be on The fate of tens of thousands halt and prevent violations, day. liberty, it said. nesses conducted from 2011 to concealing, rather than inves- of civilians who were forcibly immediately release specific Thousands more have been Rival groups have been the end of 2020, in addition to tigating crimes committed in disappeared by Syrian gov- groups of individuals, allow subjected to torture and sexual blamed for atrocities since photographs, videos, satellite the detention facilities,” she ernment forces, many nearly a independent monitoring of violence, offenses that can Syria’s conflict broke out in imagery, official documents and added. decade ago, remains unknown, detention facilities and provide amount to war crimes, the March 2011 with anti-gov- reports from multiple sources. The report notes “massive the report said. support to victims. report by the U.N. Commission ernment protests that morphed It is also based on investi- scale of detention” and abuses Many are presumed to have The report is to be discussed of Inquiry on Syria said. The into a civil war. They run jails gations into more than 100 spe- perpetrated by Syrian President died or been executed, while by the UN-backed Human commission has regularly where wide violations are cific detention facilities, history Bashar Assad’s government and some are believed to be held in Rights Council, which set up the reported on suspected human reported against detainees. documents and continued also lists detentions by inhuman conditions of commission, on March 11, as rights violations and abuses The conflict has killed detention-related violations insurgent groups, including detention. part of its current four-week since the civil war erupted. nearly half a million people, and abuses by nearly every Turkey-backed opposition “Hundreds of thousands of session. TUESDAY 2 MARCH 2021 AFRICA 07 US naval destroyer Suspected insurgents kill docks in Sudan for nine civilians in central Mali first time in decades BAMAKO REUTERS — REUTERS — PORT SUDAN Suspected insurgents riding A US naval destroyer docked on The United States and 4x4 vehicles and armed with Sudan’s Red Sea coast yesterday Sudan have started to machine guns killed nine in the latest sign of thawing rebuild political and civilians in attacks on three relations with the United States, economic ties, and late villages in central Mali late on a day after a visit by a Russian Sunday, local officials said. frigate. last year Washington Two different sets of The visits are a sign of inter- removed Sudan from a assailants struck the ethnic national competition for list of state sponsors of Dogon villages of Gorey, influence in Sudan, which sits terror. Simikanda and Djamnati in in a volatile region bridging the Mali’s Mopti region, which Officers stand on a US navy vessel as it docks in the eastern city of Port Sudan, Sudan, yesterday. Horn of Africa, the Gulf, and has been ravaged in recent North Africa, following the 2019 years by Islamist and inter- overthrow of long-time ruler mooring nuclear-powered state sponsors of terror. Under of more than 30 years and is discussed “opportunities for ethnic violence, the officials Omar Al Bashir. surface vessels, and on Sunday Bashir, Sudan was accused of considered a visit with great future military to military said. Some 300 marines standing the Admiral Grigorovich frigate harbouring militant groups. significance and is a return to engagements,” with Sudanese Moulaye Guindo, the at attention aboard the USS became the first Russian “The reason I’m here is the American-Sudanese rela- officials, a US statement said. mayor of Bankass, which is Winston Churchill were greeted warship to enter the port, because I want to learn more tions in the framework of visits Sudanese officials will tour near Gorey and Simikanda, by a Sudanese military band in Interfax news agency reported. about your country, develop of warships,” said Colonel the ship, the US 6th Fleet said, blamed the attacks on the Port Sudan, a strategically The United States and partnerships with your navy,” Ibrahim Hammad, fleet com- and “explore opportunities to same militants who killed important city on the Red Sea Sudan have started to rebuild said Rear Admiral Michael Baze, mander for the Port Sudan work together and establish a eight people in attacks on a that serves as Sudan’s main political and economic ties, and director of maritime affairs for Naval Base. In late January, offi- basis for a relationship com- Malian military post and a port. Russia plans to set up a late last year Washington the US Navy’s Sixth Fleet. cials from the US Africa mitted to security and stability” gendarme base last navel base there capable of removed Sudan from a list of The visit came “after a break Command visited Sudan and with US counterparts. Thursday. Militant groups linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State regularly attack Malian Ethiopia rebuffs US call to withdraw troops from Tigray security forces, UN peace- keepers and civilians in the AP — KAMPALA, UGANDA responsibility of the Ethiopian Alarm is growing over the have reported hearing gunshots have been killed. Humanitarian area, and they have stoked government,” Ethiopia’s foreign fate of Tigray’s 6 million people from the main cities, including officials have warned that a ethnic conflict between Ethiopia’s government is ministry said in a statement as fierce fighting reportedly in Mekelle and Shire,” the UN growing number of people farming communities like the rebuffing calls by the United issued Sunday. continues between Ethiopian Office for the Coordination of might be starving to death in Dogon and Fulani herders. States to withdraw troops from “The Ethiopian government, and allied forces and those sup- Humanitarian Affairs reported Tigray. Guindo and Yacouba Kas- the embattled Tigray region. like any government of a sov- porting the now-fugitive Tigray on Sunday. Accounts of atrocities by sogué, the deputy mayor of In response to US Secretary ereign nation, has in place leaders who once dominated “Residents and aid workers Ethiopian and allied forces Doucoumbo, which is near of State Antony Blinken’s call various organizing principles in Ethiopia’s government. on the ground continue against residents of Tigray were Djamnati, said four people for Ethiopia to immediately its federal and regional struc- The United Nations in its reporting incidents of house detailed in reports by AP and were killed in Gorey, four in withdraw troops from Tigray, tures which are solely latest humanitarian report on searches and indiscriminate by Amnesty International. Ethi- Djamnati and one in Ethiopia’s foreign ministry said accountable only to the Ethi- the situation in Tigray says the looting, including of household opia’s federal government and Simikanda. that it is an issue to be decided opian people.” No foreign “humanitarian situation con- items, farming equipment, regional officials in Tigray both “They attacked, set fires by the Addis Ababa gov- country should try to “dictate a tinues to deteriorate” as fighting ambulances and office vehicles, believe that each other’s gov- and stole cattle,” Kassogué ernment, not a foreign power. sovereign nation’s internal intensifies across the northern allegedly by various armed ernments are illegitimate after told Reuters. “It should be clear that such affairs,” said the Ethiopian region. actors.” No one knows how the pandemic disrupted Mali has been in crisis matters are the sole statement. “Aid workers on the ground many thousands of civilians elections. since militants seized its desert north in 2012, forcing France to intervene the fol- Nigeria starts lowing year to push them Ivory Coast starts vaccination back. registering public But they have regrouped drive with COVAX doses and extended their opera- for COVID-19 tions into central Mali and AP — ABIDJAN, IVORY COAST of the AstraZeneca vaccine made by neighbouring countries in vaccinations the Serum Institute of India. Some West Africa’s Sahel region. Ivory Coast has begun giving shots 24 other African countries are REUTERS — LAGOS to inoculate against COVID-19 with expected to start receiving vaccines vaccines delivered last week by the via COVAX this week in what is the Congo confirms Nigeria launched on online global COVAX initiative, which was world’s largest vaccine procurement registration portal for created to ensure that low- and and supply operation in history, three new COVID-19 vaccinations, its middle-income countries have fair according to WHO and Unicef. primary healthcare agency access to doses. The COVAX initiative, however, cases of Ebola said yesterday, the day before The West African country’s mass has been hampered by the severely Patrick Achi, secretary general of the Ivorian presidency, the first doses are expected to vaccination campaign started yes- limited global supply of doses as well REUTERS — GOMA, DEMOCRATIC receives a vaccine shot against COVID-19 in Abidjan, yesterday. arrive for its 200 million terday with jabs being given to as logistical problems that delayed REPUBLIC OF CONGO people. health workers, teachers, and the global distribution of the Osindeinde Ademilayo members of the armed forces at the vaccines. the population. recorded 32,754 cases and Three new cases of Ebola Abodede, a healthcare worker, Treichville Sports Palace in the com- Ivory Coast’s Health Minister Like many African 192 deaths since its first have been confirmed in was the first to register for the mercial capital, Abidjan, where 95% Eugène Aka Aouélé said the first countries, Ivory Coast case was recorded on eastern Democratic Republic vaccine, the National Primary of the country’s cases have been phase of the campaign will target recently battled a resur- March 11, 2020, according of Congo, bringing to 11 the Health Care Development recorded, according to the health more than 250,000 people. He said gence of the pandemic that to the Africa Centers for number of cases since Agency (NPHCDA) said in a ministry. the nation aims to vaccinate more saw increased cases and Disease Control and Pre- authorities declared a resur- Tweet yesterday. The drive is using 504,000 doses than 5.6 million people, or 20% of hospitalisations. It has vention figures. gence of the virus last month. Her appointment was The new cases were scheduled for March 12 in detected in the Butembo Abuja. health zone, the health min- “Our goal is to introduce Taking vaccine won’t alter your DNA: Ghana President ister of North Kivu province, COVID-19 vaccine in a phased Eugene Nzanzu Salita, told and equitable manner...ulti- REUTERS — ACCRA expressed reservations about to receive vaccines as part of as president, and to reassure the reporters. mately vaccinating all eligible its efficacy, with some taking the global COVAX scheme public that the vaccine is safe, The cases represent a Nigerians within the next two Ghanaian President Nana sides with conspiracy theorists aimed at providing poorer he and the first lady, together flare-up of the 2018-20 epi- years, to ensure herd Akufo-Addo urged citizens of who believe the vaccine has nations vaccines to fight the with the vice president and demic, which killed more immunity,” Health Minister the West African state on been created to wipe out the COVID-19 pandemic. second lady, would take the than 2,200 people before it Osagie Ehanire said in a Sunday to ignore conspiracy African race. This is far from the Ahead of the launch of its vaccine publicly on Monday. was declared over last June. statement posted to Twitter. theories surrounding corona- truth,” Akufo-Addo said in a campaign after receiving He said other senior Four people have died and Nigeria is expecting 3.92 virus vaccines ahead of the nationwide address on Sunday 600,000 doses of AstraZeneca political, religious, judiciary and two have recovered among million doses of the Astra- launch of its nationwide inoc- night. “Taking the vaccine will shots, health authorities in legislative leaders would take the 11 cases, Nzanzu said. Zeneca vaccine to land on ulation campaign against the not alter your DNA, it will not Ghana, like in other countries, their shots in public on Tuesday. Congo has experienced 11 Tuesday. It will be the third virus today (Tuesday). embed a tracking device in your are facing rumours and scep- Ghana has recorded 84,023 outbreaks since the virus was West African country to take “Fellow Ghanaians, I know body, neither will it cause infer- ticism about vaccines, driven coronavirus cases and 607 first discovered near the delivery under the COVAX there are still some who con- tility in women or in men,” he mostly by mistrust of pharma- deaths, with nearly 200 deaths Ebola River in 1976, more scheme, after Ghana and Ivory tinue to express doubts about said. ceutical companies and other in the past month alone, hit by than double any other Coast. the vaccine, others have Ghana was the first country beliefs. Akufo-Addo added that a second wave of infections. country. Over the coming months, Nigeria expects 16 million doses from COVAX, a facility for poor and middle-income Ramaphosa eases restrictions as new virus cases abate countries co-led by Gavi, the vaccine alliance, and the BLOOMBERG according to Health Ministry secured,” he said. “‘The number World Health Organization, data. of sites that will be available for with Unicef as an imple- South African President Cyril The country began a vacci- vaccination will be expanded menting partner. Ramaphosa has eased corona- nation program on February 17, next week from 17 sites to 49.” NPHCDA said in addition virus restrictions as the rate of inoculating health-care workers Ramaphosa moved the to healthcare workers, it will new infections dropped, short- with a single-dose Johnson & country to virus alert level 3, prioritize other “frontline ening a night-time curfew and Johnson shot and more than from level 1, on December 28 workers” including the mil- permitting larger public gath- 67,000 have been inoculated after the emergence of a vir- itary, police, Nigerians at erings. so far. ulent new variant drove a border posts, oil and gas The move to virus alert level The second phase of the second wave of COVID-19 workers and “strategic 1, from level 3, comes a year vaccine roll-out is due to begin infections. The restrictions leaders.” after the first COVID-19 case in April or early May and cover included the closing of all land NPHCDA said that it is was detected in the country, the elderly and other vulnerable borders and most beaches, and taking a multifaceted and will remove most groups. an extended curfew. approach to the vaccine remaining shackles on the The country has signed a The curbs were eased from rollout, which would include struggling economy, Ram- deal to buy 11 million J&J shots, February 1, permitting access a “traditional campaign,” and aphosa said in a televised with 2.8 million to be delivered to beaches, parks and other South African President Cyril Ramaphosa receiving the COVID-19 house-to-house electronic address to the nation on in the second quarter and the public spaces, while some land vaccine at a hospital near Cape Town, on February 17, 2021. registration in addition to the Sunday. rest spread throughout the year, borders were reopened on Feb- online portal. The night-time curfew will according to Ramaphosa. Pfizer ruary 15. Nigeria aims to inoculate run from midnight to 4 am. absolutely necessary,” Ram- dropped to less than 1,500, Inc. had agreed to supply South “The country has now 40% of its population this year Gatherings will be limited to aphosa said. from a peak of about 22,000 Africa with another 20 million clearly emerged from the and 30% more in 2022. 100 people indoors, double the “The threat of the third in early January. More than doses while deals had been also second wave,” Ramaphosa said. As of yesterday, it had previous number. wave is constantly present, as 1.5 million people in South been struck with other vaccine “Most people adhered to the recorded 155,657 confirmed “Our approach has aways is the threat of new variants.” Africa have been diagnosed suppliers, he said. together restrictions and cases and 1,907 deaths from been that restrictions should not The average daily number of with the disease, and almost “From a vaccine-availability adhered to the basic health the coronavirus. remain in place longer than is new coronavirus cases has 50,000 of them have died, point of view, we will be protocols.” 08 VIEWS TUESDAY 2 MARCH 2021 Merkel faces growing pressure Established in 1996

CHAIRMAN DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI to ease COVID-19 restrictions

JAIN ROGERS, ARNE DELFS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF BLOOMBERG DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI [email protected] Chancellor Angela Merkel faces further pressure to lay out a path to ease Germany's ACTING MANAGING EDITOR coronavirus lockdown after MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED Finance Minister Olaf Scholz [email protected] became the latest senior official to call for a quicker reopening of Europe's largest DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR economy. MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI Scholz — the vice chan- [email protected] cellor and the Social Demo- cratic candidate to succeed Merkel in September's election — threw his weight behind proposals to move EDITORIAL away from a reliance on using the seven-day incidence rate Academic honours to manage Germany's pan- demic and focus on ramping EDUCATION is an essential tool for everyone to up testing. The German branch of British-Swedish pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca in Wedel, near enhance knowledge and achieve success in life. Indi- As more aggressive var- Hamburg, Germany. viduals with talent and education excellence are the iants spread, the measure of real wealth of any country. In line with this belief, Qatar new infections has been could trigger another surge in press conference with his European Union is looking celebrated the 14th Education Excellence Day Award inching back up, moving the cases. counterpart from the state of increasingly alarming, after a ceremony and honoured 71 winners in different cate- country further from targets While some children have Saxony, Michael Kretschmer. stuttering start to the bloc's gories. The distinguished students and individuals who Merkel has set for loosening returned to schools and hair- "We should not lose our nerve vaccination campaign. Italy is are honoured annually, represent an added value to curbs. Her coronavirus dressers were allowed to now" and risk a third wave. tightening restrictions in the national Qatari competencies in different fields, cabinet, which includes reopen on Monday, most of Instead, Soeder called on Milan, Turin and other areas, which makes Qatar an incubator for educational Scholz, met on Monday to Germany's lockdown restric- Merkel's federal government the Czech Republic will excellence. prepare for a critical meeting tions remain in place. With the to change Germany's vaccine impose its toughest lockdown Honouring the winners of the Education Excellence with state leaders on pandemic-weary public strategy, which would allow yet, and Germany introduced Award, Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani Wednesday. growing restless ahead of the immediate use of unused a test requirement at its praised the students’ education performance and their Increased testing "must national elections, some offi- doses of AstraZeneca's border with the French distinguished efforts despite the pandemic circum- have an impact on what is cials are keen to ease the strain, vaccine. Moselle region to tackle the stances and noted the importance of continuing the possible in terms of moves to while others are more cautious. At Wednesday's meeting spread of mutations. journey of excellence and acquiring scientific knowledge. open up," Scholz said late Merkel and the state pre- between Merkel and other Austria's government is The Award is the highest academic honour to individuals Sunday in an interview with miers are set to agree on a state leaders, there could only meeting with scientists, oppo- and educational institutions in the State. the Bild newspaper. "It's not broad extension of current be small opening steps and sition parties and provincial The ceremony also witnessed the launch of the Edu- going to happen all at once, lockdown measures until the each would have to be governors in Vienna on cation Excellence Ambassadors Program, who were but there must be a step-by- end of this month, including secured with more wide- Monday to discuss how to selected from the previous winners in order to contribute step process that everyone shuttered non-essential spread testing, Kretschmer proceed. Since Chancellor to educating and motivating students, deepening the can understand." stores, restaurants, gyms and said. Both Bavaria and Saxony Sebastian Kurz's adminis- concepts of excellence in the Qatari community, and To facilitate a faster reo- cultural venues, Business have high infection rates in tration eased a strict promoting positive trends towards innovation, creativity, pening, he said he wants com- Insider magazine reported their border regions with the lockdown three weeks ago, and scientific research among youth. The award panies to test workers and cit- Monday, citing government Czech Republic, where the the incidence rate jumped to encourages students to exert more efforts for academic izens to be able to get free sources it did not identify by mutations are spreading at a 162 from around 100 in early excellence and outstanding academic achievement. COVID-19 checks. His com- name. fast rate. February, making the wide- The increasing interest in the Education Excellence ments indicate a growing At the same time, officials With the country's inocu- spread reopening of restau- Award and the broad and growing participation wit- consensus in Germany to want to lay out a timetable for lation campaign slowly rants, cafes and hotels before nessed in every edition, proves Qatar’s focus on youth focus less on the incidence a gradual easing of curbs ramping up, the country's Easter unlikely. as a main pillar in developing the society, and in rate to determine pandemic beyond March that relies on STIKO vaccination committee While arguing for a cau- achieving its national vision. policy. reducing the incidence rate to is poised to reconsider its tious lifting of restrictions, Developing the capability of students remain the Merkel opened the door to 70, rather than 35, the mag- decision not to recommend Scholz warned that Germany paramount goal of the Ministry of Education and Higher the move last week, saying azine said. A broad extension AstraZeneca's vaccine for shouldn't move too fast and Education and that the ultimate goal is a successful testing could create a "buffer" of current restrictions to the people 65 and older. risk having to reimpose student capable of his, her skills. The Ministry made to allow for opening above end of the month is one "There will be a new lockdown measures. tremendous efforts to confront the spread of the pan- her target of 35 new cases per option being considered, a updated recommendation "What we cannot allow is demic and reduce its negative effects in the field of edu- 100,000 people over seven person familiar with the dis- very soon," Thomas Mertens, an opening up and then cation. The Ministry implemented a distance education days. The figure rose to 65.8 cussion told Bloomberg. head of the committee, said shortly after have to close system, a transition which was smooth and easy. on Monday, according to the Markus Soeder -- over the weekend. Last down again because we have Qatar established an education system that com- RKI public health institute. Bavaria's premier and a month, Germany decided to miscalculated and the plies with the highest standards of global educational potential chancellor can- keep its recommendation for infection rates are rising dra- systems. Latest technologies, educational and research Germany's outbreak didate for Merkel's conserv- the vaccine to be adminis- matically again," Scholz said. programs are being added in the curricula helping stu- receded steadily after peaking ative bloc -- warned against a tered only to people between "But if we can somehow sta- dents to discover their creative potential and enhance just before Christmas, but the hasty opening. the ages of 18 and 64, saying bilize things and improve the scientific research skills in various disciplines. Qatar downward trend has been "The situation is unstable, there were insufficient data situation with the help of has become an academic hub due to its international halted for around two weeks, and the numbers are rising on its effectiveness for older tests and progress on vacci- reputation, social stability, richness and cultural diversity. prompting fears that more again," Soeder said on recipients. nation, then we have more The State attaches great importance to the educational virulent strains of the disease Monday in a virtual The situation across the options." system by preparing students to contribute effectively to knowledge-based economy. Qatar is taking care of its talented youth and knows that they are valuable treasures and that their capabilities must be developed. Tailored ads are killing the informed consumer

CATHY O’NEIL it took me and my shockingly and lame, even as I feel the pandemic, people will be BLOOMBERG patient new husband to every utterly sated. I’ve gone from a searching for work largely yarn purveyor reachable by passionate investigator to a online. The main job sites - D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR In many ways, the tailored car. passive consumer. like LinkedIn, Indeed and EMAIL: [email protected] advertising that supports Now, when I browse I recognize that my expe- Monster - make money by much of the internet works online, I’m accosted by luxury rience is not among the finding the best matches pretty well. It helps people sellers displaying jewel-toned world’s great issues. Yet the between employer and can- EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 with money figure out where reams . As much as I might phenomenon applies else- didate. This means the plat- FAX: +974 4455 7758 to spend it with minimal struggle to ignore it, I am sus- where, too. Consider financial forms will optimize by effort and waste. But I’m ceptible - as evidenced by all services. I’m in no hurry to showing people the jobs that MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 afraid it could lead to the the impulse-buy inventory in revisit the racist lending prac- people like them have extinction a certain kind of my basement, in tones of bur- tices of the 1950s. But as proven most likely to get, as DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 human: the informed gundy, leaf green and tur- recently as the 1990s, I could opposed to the jobs they consumer. quoise. Yet I see and buy only and did visit several different might actually want. Aside LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 The early internet was certain types of yarn, pro- banks to compare their from the obvious risk of pretty useless for finding stuff. duced by big companies with offerings, which were pretty illegal discrimination. this BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 I’m an avid knitter, which is ample marketing budgets. It’s much standard for anyone will have the effect of lim- another way of saying I like strolling through an who walked in the door. Now, iting people’s ambitions, SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 collect yarn. I remember endless mall filled with if I go online, each bank will since they might never see prospecting on the Alta Vista national chain stores, every eyeball my credit and - while the more highly paid posi- ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 search engine in the mid- third of which is Yankee I’m busy streaming “Derry tions that, although harder to email: [email protected] 1990s, before Google: Most Candles. Girls” - push out some tai- get, might be within reach. yarn stores didn’t have web- Sure, with some effort I lored products designed to Again, I’m not saying it’s PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 sites, and even finding discus- can seek out something dif- extract the maximum profit impossible to bypass the tar- email: [email protected] sions was hard. The best ferent. I can go to conventions from me. I can’t be an geting. Savvy job seekers who resource for yarn stores then and specialized websites in informed consumer, because push past the first few pages ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 was a book called the search of rare, local brands. I see only what they choose to of listings might find that FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] MilePost Guide. Updated But I’m no longer as hungry show me. Instead of doing diamond in the rough. But I yearly, it offered the history for the yarn experience, in due diligence, I’m getting pro- fear that by making things too CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 and description of almost large part because it comes to filed and managed. easy, the age of automation email: [email protected] every mile of road in Alaska me daily, sapping my volition. Another consequential might be allowing some of outside of Anchorage. On my The overall experience is example is the job market. As our most valuable skills to SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 Alaskan honeymoon in 1997, simultaneously convenient the economy recovers from atrophy. FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar

/ThePeninsulaQatar The issue is of us being in control of the virus and the virus being in control of us. And right /Peninsula_Qatar now the virus is very much in control.

/ThePeninsulaNewspaper Mike Ryan, WHO emergency expert

+974 6698 6188 TUESDAY 2 MARCH 2021 OPINION 09 Why is Ethiopia downplaying border conflict with Sudan?

SADIK KEDIR ABDU arises from two significant Sudan. There are multiple When Sudan inflame the issue ANADOLU reasons: Ethiopia’s request for speculations raised on this again, Egypt was expressing hard demarcation around the issue. This article will discuss its all-out support against In the wake of the Adwa border and Sudan’s nulling of the major ones and concludes Ethiopia. Inferring from this, victory celebration of its 125th the colonial treaties of border Hence, the treaty in alignment with the one that Ethiopia has strongly believed anniversary, the colonial delimitation. is approximate to not only the that Egypt lobbied the issue to crisis has been creating a The Ethiopia-Sudan allowed Ethiopia politics but socio-economic sabotage ongoing tripartite long-lasting scar in Africa in border was not studied well to get whatever it and cultural demography of negotiations about the Nile general, Ethiopia in particular, during the delimitation desired. Long story both countries. dam. although the country has process. Starting from Firstly, keeping in mind When talking about the succeeded in a battle against emperor Yohannes IV (ruled short, the border is that Ethiopia has been in an border issue, it has not been a colonial power Italy. from 1837-1889) of Ethiopia, roughly delimitated internal operation, some major confrontation area Actually, the current border negotiations and talks about reports say that the border between the two counties. issue between friendly coun- the border have been started. on a map without issue is ignored due to the Diplomacy and friendly rela- tries Ethiopia and Sudan traces However, the treaty any significant security power shift to the tions were kept at the top of to the unfair and cruel deal of signed by emperor Minilik II internal affairs in northern all problems and solved in partitioning Africa during the (ruled from 1889-1913) in marks on the Tigray, which was carried out such a manner. Berlin conference. Even the 1902 with Britain led to the real ground that by Ethiopian armed forces. Nevertheless, it seems a etymological definition of both rough delimitation of the According to a Foreign little tougher this time due to countries refers to the same border. So Britain by then was disputed for more Policy magazine report, military raids and due The Ethiopia-Sudan cultural roots. However, the not ready to confront Ethiopia than a century. Sudan has been showing attention from Sudanese and divide and rule system by the due to rebellion in colonized interest in supporting the Arab world media. border was not then colonial powers installed Sudan. battle between the Ethiopian Ethiopia insists that the studied well during time bombs in different parts of Ethiopia, winning the without any significant marks government and Tigray’s issue should be solved Africa, including the Ethiopia- Adwa Victory over Italy (a on the real ground that dis- TPLF (Tigrian People’s Liber- through diplomacy, but to the delimitation Sudan, and Ethiopia-Somalia major battle between Ethiopia puted for more than a ation Front) to use the timing work out on this, Sudan process. Starting borders which have been dis- and Italy due to Italy’s unfair century. to advance around the border. should pull back to where it puted for decades. desire to babysit Ethiopia and Recently, the Ethiopia- The Ethiopian government was before Nov. 6, which from emperor Therefore, to understand the announcement of the Sudan border conflict has also accuses Sudanese refers to the start of a military Yohannes IV (ruled the recent conflict between country as its colony using the become a major agenda in security forces of using the advancement by Sudan to the from 1837-1889) of Ethiopia and Sudan, one fraudulent Wuchale treaty Horn and North Africa. Sur- opportunity by creating an disputed border. should know the border 17th article that says all Ethi- prisingly, Ethiopia is playing it issue in the disputed area. The On the other hand, Sudan Ethiopia, negotiations delimitation and demarcation opian communications to the with a slight ignorance by not other major point that might stressed that its border was and talks about the process during the colonial external world should be taking aggressive measures be considered is the Sudanese crossed by Ethiopian militias periods. carried out through Italy), was for the Sudanese internal state fragility. It has and raided border securities. border have been Though Ethiopia is an considered a threat by Britain advancement around the not been three years since With a 994-mile long started. independent nation, it has if it will support the Sudanese Fashaga triangle. Sudan passed a military coup shared border, Ethiopia and been subject to various rebels. Hence, the treaty In this article, we specifi- that led to the replacement Sudan have so many colonial agreements to keep allowed Ethiopia to get cally try to go through why and imprisonment of former common cultural and socio- the country in the current whatever it desired. Long Ethiopia is not turning the President Omer Hassan economic values that would shape. According to media story short, the border is agenda page to this decades- al-Bashir. not allow war spirit. When it reports, the current conflict roughly delimitated on a map long border issue reignited by After Abdullah Hamdok is traced back to colonial became the new Prime Min- treaties, the border has been ister, Sudan was somehow kept in diplomatic ways relieved from the constant without hard demarcation. protests. But recently, people So that makes the recent are staging protests in the flaming of the agenda that capital Khartoum, denouncing has a strong reference to an paramilitary units and the external lobby. closure of detention centers. Besides, Ethiopia, instead Therefore, some scholars of directly being involved in believe that the border issue the border issue, has was raised to divert the advanced the agenda of filling internal agenda to an interna- the reservoir of the GERD for tional one. Aware of this, the second time, which Ethi- Ethiopia is downplaying the opian officials believe nullify situation and giving Egypt’s lobby to engage Sudan diplomacy a fair chance. and Ethiopia in the border Al-Fashaga, an approxi- issue to buy time. mately 100 square mile area, Hence, added to the above is not a recent issue. But the two reasons, the third one is catalyzation of the issue also playing a major role in the seems to have an association catalyzation of the situation. with the Grand Ethiopian Ethiopia has chosen to go Renaissance Dam (GERD) in a silent tone focusing on negotiation process. Sudan GERD. If speculations are was the ally of Ethiopia during true, then by the coming six the process but turned out to months, it will get an answer turn back with Egypt after after Ethiopia fills the dam in Ethiopia moved to fill the dam the July and August rainy reservoir’s first phase. season. If not, then the issue Therefore, the other spec- will get another picture that ulation is the Egyptian lobby might affect the horn of Africa A file photo of Ethiopians at a UNHCR refugee camp in the Hamdait border area of Sudan’s eastern Kassala state. on the Sudanese government. significantly. With or without a wall, the border isn’t where you think it is

draconian immigration The Mexican and US gov- instances when the shifting continuous movements But in reality, the border policy, and signed an exec- ernments soon realized that channels of both rivers across the floodplain ren- still rests on shifting sands utive order halting when these rivers shifted forced the border to be dered the land essentially along these rivers - and is construction, effective Jan. across their floodplains, redrawn - only to redraw the stateless. still susceptible to the envi- 27. questions about national border when a river moved Along the Colorado, the ronmental changes they The months ahead will jurisdiction arose. For again. Cocopah and Quechan bring. In one notable recent be a critical test of President example, an exasperated US Therefore, in practice, no adapted their intimate example, according to a DANIEL GRANT Joe Biden’s border agenda. agent reported that “the matter how many times the ancestral ties to the river to report by the Texas Tribune THE WASHINGTON POST The fate of the existing lower Colorado ... alters its IBWC adjudicated the line, cross the border to evade and ProPublica, a privately portion of the wall remains channel from time to time, the rivers remained sources criminal prosecution and funded portion of the border to be seen, and activists cutting off a large stretch of of federal consternation in forced enrollment on Indian wall along the Rio Grande is The Trump administration’s have pressed Biden to dis- land on one bank and depos- defining the boundaries of reservations in the United at risk of falling into the river now-infamous wall on the mantle both the wall and iting the soil on the other or national territory. Because States. In 1913, for example, as fluctuating water levels US-Mexico border has once the laws that made its con- leaving its old bed and both governments struggled a US Indian agent com- erode its foundation. And again taken center stage in struction possible. tearing through a large piece to control and even define plained that some Quechans people migrating into the American politics. When Dismantling the wall is an of silty bottom land to form a the border along the who wanted to remain United States from Mexico President Donald Trump left essential first step, but it is not channel some distance Colorado and Rio Grande, autonomous from the US continue to cross the border office, only 450 miles of his enough. The wall symbolizes away.” The agent went on to people seeking to cross the government “live (in along the rivers because they 738-mile-long, $15 billion more than just xenophobia. It complain that these move- border undetected made use Arizona) just across the river offer “the fastest route to project had been completed. also reflects a fundamental ments made it difficult to of the rivers, even after the from Mexico and when American soil.” Such The Biden administration, belief that the international determine which land fell on US Border Patrol was estab- trouble arises on either side crossings too frequently end citing the need for a more border is fixed in place - an which side of the line, an lished in 1924 to often vio- they cross the river.” The in tragic drownings, “humane policy” toward assumption that long pre- important consideration in lently police legal entry as a river thus provided a means however. The swirling asylum seekers, has pledged ceded the wall and will linger determining jurisdiction of result of rising American of Indigenous resistance to current spares neither body to not build “another foot” of even if it disappears. This idea private land ownership, racism against immigrants increasing border con- nor wall. this unfinished symbol of a is not just historically inac- public health measures and coming from Mexico. For the straints and federal In short, borders cannot curate, but also curtails the Indian conflicts. Meanwhile, Border Patrol to enforce oversight. be truly fixed. Our preoccu- The months ahead will political possibilities for a most people generally immigration along the The completion of dams pation with the need to be a critical test of more humane border policy. moved freely across the line. border, the line needed to on both the Colorado and Rio “control” the border neglects At first glance the interna- This bureaucratic con- clearly delineate Mexicans Grande through the mid-20th the fact that the landscape President Joe Biden’s tional border might appear as fusion was relatively incon- from Americans, including century ultimately stabilized makes a mockery of such border agenda. The a solid line on a map, but that sequential until the late 19th Indigenous groups who did each river’s channel, thus attempts. Instead, seeing the hasn’t always been the case. century, when both govern- not see themselves in either allowing the border to be border as provisional and fate of the existing Of its 1,954-mile total length ments, but especially the US category. more easily established and fluid might help us soften the portion of the wall traversing vast swaths of government, began to police For native people whose enforced along these binary distinctions between desert between the Pacific the movement of people ancestral homelands had stretches. The 1936 com- “us” and “them” that a wall remains to be seen, Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, across the border more sys- been bisected by the modern pletion of the Hoover Dam on tempts us to make. The wall and activists have more than 1,000 miles of the tematically to determine cit- border, increasing border the Colorado River, for today may be incomplete and border are defined by rivers: izenship. The fluid border enforcement made them example, meant that the inert, an unfinished relic pressed Biden to the Colorado and the Rio became seen as a more fixed migrants on their own lands. border would follow the most from the Trump era. But its dismantle both the Grande. In 1848, the Treaty of political line, at least in To avoid federal oversight, recent line that had been ghost still haunts the wall and the laws that Guadalupe Hidalgo ended the theory. To resolve the terri- they sought creative strat- adjudicated by the IBWC. borderlands. US-Mexican War and estab- torial disputes that soon fol- egies to cross the border Subsequent dams reduced the Daniel Grant is an envi- made its construction lished the modern US-Mexico lowed, in 1889, Mexican and using their intimate river along the border to a ronmental historian of the possible. border as the midline of the American diplomats formed knowledge of a river’s bot- trickle. This paved the way for North American west and an Rio Grande. In 1854, the the International Boundary tomlands. On both sides of the Boundary Treaty of 1970 Andrew W. Mellon postdoc- Gadsden Purchase modified a and Water Commission the border, brushy tracts of between the United States and toral fellow in migration and short, 30-mile stretch of the (IBWC). Over the subsequent willow, mesquite and cot- Mexico, which in theory the humanities at the western border to be the 75 years, the IBWC adjudi- tonwood offered refuge from settled all lingering border Mahindra Humanities Center midline of the Colorado River. cated more than 247 border officials because disputes caused by rivers. at Harvard University. 10 ASIA TUESDAY 2 MARCH 2021 Myanmar court files more charges against Suu Kyi

REUTERS — YANGON lawmakers elected last year said 26 people were killed but Myanmar’s ousted leader Aung Two more charges were Reuters was unable to verify San Suu Kyi appeared at a court added against Suu Kyi, that. hearing via video conferencing one under a section of a “We have to continue the yesterday as supporters protest no matter what,” Thar marched in several towns and colonial-era penal code Nge said after police firing tear cities in defiance of a prohibiting publication gas forced him and others to crackdown after the bloodiest of information that may abandon a barricade in a day since the February 1 “cause fear or alarm”, Yangon street. military coup. and the other under a “This is my neighbourhood. Police fired tear gas and It’s a lovely neighbourhood but stun grenades to disperse hun- telecommunications law now we’re hearing gunfire and dreds of protesters in the main stipulating licences for we don’t feel safe.” city of Yangon yesterday, wit- equipment. The military has not com- nesses said. They later combed mented on Sunday’s violence through side streets firing and police and military rubber bullets and at least one spokesmen did not answer calls. person was hurt, media disaster law by breaching coro- The state-run Global New Light reported. navirus protocols was added. of Myanmar newspaper warned Suu Kyi, aged 75, looked in Yesterday, two more that “severe action will be inev- good health during her charges were added, one under itably taken” against “anarchic appearance before a court in a section of a colonial-era penal mobs”. the capital Naypyidaw, one of code prohibiting publication of Demonstrators marched on her lawyers said. Two more information that may “cause Monday in the northwestern charges were added to those fear or alarm”, and the other town of Kale holding up pictures Tear gas and fire extinguisher gas float around protesters as they take shelter behind shields while filed against her after the coup, under a telecommunications of Suu Kyi and live video on clashing with riot policemen during a protest against the coup in Yangon, Myanmar, yesterday. she said. law stipulating licences for Facebook showed a crowd in the “I saw Amay on the video, equipment, the lawyer said. northeastern town of Lashio, she looks healthy,” lawyer Min The next hearing will be on chanting slogans. Police and sol- Tuesday and “listen to the rep- Garneau, called the use of lethal shrugged off diplomatic Min Soe said, using an affec- March 15. Critics of the coup say diers later raided a church in the resentative of the Myanmar mil- force “appalling”. pressure, partly because of the tionate term meaning “mother” the charges were trumped up. town and detained 11 people, a itary authorities”, Singapore’s Tom Andrews, a UN special support of China and Russia. to refer to Suu Kyi. Myanmar has been in chaos church group said in a statement. foreign minister, Vivian rapporteur, said it was clear the A Chinese foreign ministry “She asked to meet her since the military seized power The coup brought a halt to Balakrishnan, told parliament. junta’s assault would continue spokesman urged Myanmar lawyer.” The Nobel Peace lau- after alleging fraud in a Myanmar’s tentative steps Balakrishnan called for the so the international community parties to keep in mind “the big reate, who leads the National November election won by the towards democracy after nearly security forces to desist from should ratchet up its response. picture” of development and League for Democracy (NLD), NLD in a landslide, with daily 50 years of military rule and has the use of lethal force, for Suu He proposed a global arms stability and exercise restraint. has not been seen in public protests getting increasingly drawn condemnation from Kyi’s release and for talks on embargo, more sanctions on The junta has promised a since her government was violent as police and troops try Western countries and growing solutions and a way back to those behind the coup and on new election but not set a date. ousted and she was detained to stamp them out. concern among its neighbours. democratic transition. military businesses and a UN The Assistance Association along with other party leaders. On Sunday, police fired on Foreign ministers from the US Secretary of State Security Council referral to the for Political Prisoners said at She was initially charged crowds in several places killing Association of Southeast Asian Antony Blinken denounced International Criminal Court. least 270 people were detained with illegally importing six 18 people, the United Nations Nations (Asean), of which what he called “abhorrent vio- “We must act,” Andrews on Sunday, from a total 1,132 it walkie-talkie radios. Later, a human rights office said. A Myanmar is a member, will hold lence” by security forces, while said in a statement. said had been picked up since charge of violating a natural committee representing a video meeting on Myanmar on Canada’s foreign minister, Marc The generals have for years the coup. Thai marchers link democracy Activists rally in cause to Myanmar protests Bangladesh over prison death AP — BANGKOK minister appointed by Myan- mar’s junta. AP — DHAKA A new faction of Thailand’s The protest in Bangkok was pro-democracy movement the first to be led by a new group About 300 student activists staged a protest march on calling itself REDEM, short for rallied in Bangladesh’s capital Sunday, linking their cause Restart Democracy, whose self- yesterday to denounce the with that of demonstrators in proclaimed goals are to build death in prison of a writer and Myanmar battling that neigh- democratic socialism and min- commentator who was bouring country’s coup- imize political and economic arrested last year on charges installed military government. inequality. of violating a sweeping digital Marchers sought but failed REDEM was launched last security law that critics say to go to Thai Prime Minister week as an offshoot of Free chokes freedom of expression. Prayuth Chan-ocha’s house, Youth, one of the main groups The protesters marched which is on an army base in that began rallying against the through the Dhaka University Bangkok. Shipping containers Thai government last year. campus and Dhaka’s streets were situated to block them, and Last year’s original protest toward the country’s Home police using water cannons, coalition campaigned for Ministry to also demand the rubber bullets and tear gas Prayuth and his government to annulment of the digital barred the way. Erawan Emer- step down, the constitution to be security law and the release of gency Services said 16 people amended to make it more dem- seven student activists arrested were injured. ocratic and the monarchy during recent protests People gather to register before receiving a dose of COVID-19 vaccine during a vaccination campaign The demonstrators aban- reformed to make it more denouncing the death of at a medical centre, in New Delhi yesterday. doned their plan several hours accountable. 53-year-old Mushtaq Ahmed. later after taking an online vote The demand about the They broke a barricade by of their supporters. monarchy is the most contro- removing barbed wire fences India widens immunisation drive; Their action was linked to versial, because the institution on the way to the ministry, but the informal Milk Tea Alliance has been widely considered an were intercepted by a few of pro-democracy activists from untouchable, bedrock element hundred police officers outside PM takes first dose of vaccine Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand of Thai nationalism. the ministry in downtown and Myanmar, which called for The protest movement lost Dhaka. REUTERS — BHUBANESWAR 70-year-old Modi said on based on early and intermediate efforts on Sunday online and in steam when it took a break in Ahmed was arrested in Twitter, posting a picture of him studies. real life in support of the protests December and January as Dhaka in May last year for Indian Prime Minister Narendra getting the shot at a government “Inspired and humbled by in Myanmar. Thailand was hit by a second making comments on social Modi was inoculated with the hospital in New Delhi. “Together, Hon’ble PM’s remarkable com- In Myanmar on Sunday, a wave of coronavirus infections. media that criticised the gov- first dose of a home-grown let us make India COVID-19 mitment to build an Aat- crackdown on protesters by It is now trying to reinvigorate ernment’s handling of the coronavirus vaccine yesterday, free!” The government said last manirbhar Bharat,” Bharat security forces left at least 18 itself but has been hampered coronavirus pandemic. kicking off an expansion of the week it would let people choose Biotech said in reply to Modi’s people dead, according to the UN by the recent jailing of some of He was denied bail at least country’s immunisation their vaccination centres, effec- tweet, referring to his self- Human Rights Office. its leaders who are pending six times. At least 10 other campaign as infections rise in tively letting beneficiaries pick reliance pitch to back local Prayuth was targeted in part trial on several charges, people were charged with some big states. either the home-grown products. because he met Wednesday in including defaming the sedition under the digital People above 60, and those COVAXIN shot or the Astra- “Yes, we all shall fight Bangkok with the new foreign monarchy. security law in the same case who are 45 or more and suf- Zeneca vaccine, unlike earlier. COVID-19 together and emerge Ahmed faced. fering from certain medical con- The inoculation campaign victorious.” ditions, are now eligible for the has run slower than expected Initial glitches in the Co-Win vaccinations. But some inocu- due to a reluctance of health and portal had hampered vacci- Girl dies after lation centres reported issues front-line workers to take nation, and some of the troubles with the government’s Co-Win COVAXIN, which was approved resurfaced on Monday in states being caned portal used to coordinate the without late-stage efficacy data. such as Odisha in the east and drive, which could slow its Only about 11% of vaccinated Maharashtra in the west, offi- during ‘ritual’ progress. people have opted for the cials said. India, which has reported product developed by Bharat Modi’s home state of Gujarat, AP — COLOMBO the highest number of COVID-19 Biotech and the state-run Indian however, said the roll-out was cases after the United States, has Council of Medical Research. progressing fine. Police in Sri Lanka said so far vaccinated 12 million Bharat Biotech has said “We haven’t faced any yesterday they have arrested health and front-line workers efficacy data from a late-stage glitches,” said Jaiprakash Shiv- two people in connection with since starting its immunisation trial on nearly 26,000 volun- ahare, Gujarat’s commissioner the death of a 9-year-old girl programme in mid-January. It teers who took COVAXIN will of health. “The government of who was repeatedly caned wants to cover 300 million of its be out soon. India has assured us that there during a ritual they believed 1.35 billion people by August. The company, along with is no issue of vaccine availability would drive away an evil spirit. “I appeal to all those who are India’s drug regulator, says and asked us to use the vaccines The two suspects — the Demonstrators during an anti-government protest in Bangkok. eligible to take the vaccine,” COVAXIN is safe and effective, as early as possible.” woman performing the exorcism and the girl’s mother — appeared in court yesterday to hear charges over the girl’s Nepal worried about future supplies of vaccine doses death, which occurred over the weekend in Delgoda, a small AP — KATHMANDU negotiating with India’s Serum AstraZeneca-Oxford University list,” Tripathi said. “So far, we commercial deals with the town about 40km northeast of Institute to obtain 5 million vaccine manufactured under have been able to get vaccines company because we are com- the capital, Colombo. The court Nepal has had a successful start doses for the second stage of the license by India’s Serum with both political and admin- peting with dozens of other ordered the suspects detained of its COVID-19 vaccination campaign, in which 3.7 million Institute. Nepal also purchased istrative help from India. countries, so we need the until March 12. campaign, but authorities are elderly people are to be inocu- another 2 million doses from However, I am very worried influence of the (Indian) gov- According to police worried about future supplies lated starting this weekend, the company at a subsidized now.” ernment,” he said. spokesperson Ajith Rohana, as the country competes with Health Minister Hridayesh Tri- rate with the help of the Indian He said he is hopeful that Nepal is also receiving a gift the mother believed her dozens of other nations for pathi said in an interview government. Indian authorities will again of 500,000 doses of a Chinese daughter had been possessed much-sought vaccines yesterday. “There is huge worldwide help their small northern vaccine this month. Tripathi, by a demon and took her to the produced by a handful of Nepal received a gift from demand for vaccines from a neighbour. however, said Nepal has not home of the exorcist so a ritual manufacturers. the Indian government in handful of companies and we “We will not be able to get decided whether to purchase could be performed to drive The government is January of 1 million doses of the could be at the very end of the the vaccine through simple more of it. the spirit away. TUESDAY 2 MARCH 2021 ASIA 11 Philippines begins mass vaccination campaign AP — MANILA considering a further easing of quarantine restrictions in the The Philippine government Cabinet officials, along capital and elsewhere once the launched a vaccination vaccination campaign gains campaign yesterday to contain with health workers and momentum. With just 600,000 one of Southeast Asia’s worst military and police doses available, yesterday’s coronavirus outbreaks but faces personnel, were among immunisations were billed as supply problems and public the first to be vaccinated symbolic. resistance, which it hopes to at six hospitals in Aside from the donated ease by inoculating top officials. vaccine from China’s Sinovac Cabinet officials, along with Metropolitan Manila, Biotech Ltd., the government health workers and military and after the arrival on has ordered 25 million more police personnel, were among Sunday of 600,000 doses from the company but the first to be vaccinated at six doses of vaccine no date has been set for the hospitals in Metropolitan donated by China. deliveries. Health Secretary Manila, after the arrival on Francisco Duque III said the Sunday of 600,000 doses of arrival of an initial 525,600 vaccine donated by China. doses of vaccine from Astra- At the state-run Philippine reported more than 578,300 Zeneca that was initially Health Secretary Francisco Duque vaccinates a health worker with Sinovac Biotech’s CoronaVac General Hospital in Manila, hos- infections, including 12,322 scheduled for yesterday would vaccine at Lung Center of the Philippines, in Quezon City, Metro Manila, yesterday. pital director Dr. Gerardo deaths, the second-highest be delayed by a week due to Legaspi was inoculated first in totals in Southeast Asia after supply problems. a televised event and was fol- Indonesia. Lockdowns and China’s donation is a tiny behind most other Southeast even among health workers inoculated with the Sinovac lowed by Cabinet and quarantine restrictions have set fraction of at least 148 million Asian countries in securing the over the Sinovac vaccine vaccine, Galvez said Filipinos Department of Health back the country’s economy in doses the government has been vaccines, but the president has because of its lower efficacy could not return to their normal officials. one of the worst recessions in negotiating to secure from said wealthy Western countries rate compared to others lives and the economy would “Let’s get vaccinated, let’s the region and sparked unem- Western and Asian companies have cornered massive doses developed in the West and not recover if people refuse to save lives every day. We need ployment and hunger. to vaccinate about 70 million for their citizens, leaving poorer Russia. get immunized and prefer to move on,” Manila Mayor Isko “Our economy is really Filipinos for free in a massive nations scrambling for the rest. Carlito Galvez Jr, who leads Western vaccines, which would Moreno said in a speech at the down, so the earlier these vac- campaign funded by foreign Aside from supply problems, government efforts to secure come later in the year. hospital, adding he would get cinations gain speed, the better,” and domestic loans. Most of the there have been concerns over the vaccines, said Duterte saw “We should not wait for the vaccinated in about a week President Rodrigo Duterte told shipments are expected to the vaccine’s safety, largely due some surveys showing low so-called best vaccine. There is after the health workers. a televised news conference late arrive later this year amid a to a dengue vaccine scare that public confidence in the Sinovac no best vaccine because the best The Philippines was among Sunday after witnessing the global scramble for COVID-19 prompted the Duterte admin- vaccine and ordered him and vaccines are those which are the last Southeast Asian coun- delivery of the vaccines at an air vaccines. istration to stop a massive other top officials to be inocu- effective and efficient and come tries to receive vaccines due to base in the capital. Duterte’s administration has immunization drive in 2017. lated with it. At the Philippine early,” Galvez said at the delivery delays, although it has Duterte said he was come under criticism for lagging There have also been concerns General Hospital, where he was hospital.

Suga apologises over expensive Australia to increase spending on care for the elderly REUTERS — CANBERRA privately-run, and have long towards them. In too many expected to rise significantly as The government’s response dinners scandal been the subject of media reports instances, it simply neglects the country’s boomer population, to the findings is expected in the Australia will increase spending alleging predatory pricing, them,” the Royal Commission estimated at more than 5 million next budget to be delivered in REUTERS — TOKYO on care for the elderly by A$452m assaults on patients, neglect and report said. people born between 1946 and May, but Morrison said his gov- ($350.5m) after an inquiry substandard care. Responding to the findings, 1964, grow older and need addi- ernment would instantly boost Japanese Prime Minister concluded that one in three The Commission, established Morrison said the sector needs tional care. The report stopped spending by nearly half a billion Yoshihide Suga apologised people is receiving substandard by Prime Minister Scott Morrison “generational change”. short of recommending strict dollars. yesterday following the resig- care. in 2018, made nearly 150 recom- “One in three people have regulation on aged care pro- Australia’s Minister for Health nation of a key spokeswoman, The Royal Commission mendations, having found the received substandard care and viders, however, buoying shares Greg Hunt said the funding will who along with other senior report on Australia’s A$20bn care industry was failing many that deeply disturbs me,” Mor- in the country’s largest listed aged be used to provide a further bureaucrats were reprimanded industry was published on residents. rison told reporters in Sydney. care providers. capacity at care homes, boost for attending expensive dinners Monday, after more than 100 “It does not deliver uniformly More than 250,000 elderly Shares in Estia Health Ltd, training of new staff and conduct hosted by Suga’s son. days of hearings. Care homes in safe and quality care for older and disabled Australians live in Japara Healthcare Ltd and Regis an extra 1,500 audits of facilities Makiko Yamada, Cabinet Australia are mostly people. It is unkind and uncaring care homes, a number that is Healthcare Ltd, all rose. will be conducted each year. Public Relations Secretary, ten- dered her resignation from hospital after being admitted for ill health, the government Pakistan SC upholds said. Suga’s administration and the 60-year-old spokes- secret Senate vote woman had faced public crit- icism after magazine Shukan ANADOLU — KARACHI The opposition parties, Bunshun last month reported including the center-right that Suga’s eldest son, Seigo Pakistan’s Supreme Court Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz Suga, an executive at a yesterday declared that the and the center-left Pakistan company producing television upcoming upper house, Senate, People’s Party, which had programmes for satellite polls will continue being held opposed the government’s broadcaster, had paid for through secret ballot. move, welcomed the judgment, expensive dinners for senior A five-judge bench rejected terming it “victory of the bureaucrats. the government’s plea for an Constitution.” Japan’s National Civil open vote to contain bribery in Under Pakistani law, all Service Ethics Law prohibits Senate elections, which has long polls, except for the election of government employees from been a problem in the country, the prime minister and chief receiving gifts or enter- by a 4-1 majority. ministers of provinces, must be tainment from companies or The top court directed the held through secret ballot. individuals that could be seen Election Commission of Pakistan Over 1,100 members of the to curry favour. (ECP) to take all measures, lower house — the National “I’m very sorry that a including the use of technology, Assembly — and the four pro- member of my family was to hold the forthcoming upper vincial assemblies will elect 48 involved in behaviour house polls in a “free and fair” new members to the 104-seat resulting in public servants manner. Senate on March 3 for six-year Supporters of pro-democracy activists gather for a court hearing over the national security law breaching the ethics law, and Addressing a news con- terms. All the provinces have an outside West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts, in Hong Kong, yesterday. I apologise deeply to citizens,” ference in the capital Islamabad, equal number of seats in the Suga told parliament. Information Minister Shibli upper house, which is currently “I deeply regret that it has Faraz said the government dominated by the opposition, come to a situation, where Security tight as crowds gather for accepts the verdict and hoped hampering legislation on several people’s trust in the adminis- the ECP would adhere to the issues since the ruling Pakistan tration has been damaged” Supreme Court’s directions for Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) came to Yamada’s dinner with Suga’s HK activists’ subversion hearing free and fair elections. power in 2018. son and other executives at the REUTERS — HONG KONG company, one of several that organising and participating in arrest in the history of Hong prompted reprimands for 11 Protest slogans rang out as about an unofficial primary poll last Kong,” said Herbert Chow, 57, China to provide Afghanistan bureaucrats, cost 74,203 yen 1,000 people gathered outside a July aimed at selecting the who was queuing outside the ($696) per person, according Hong Kong court yesterday for strongest candidates for a legis- court and wearing a black face to local media reports. the hearing of 47 democracy lative council election that the mask. with 400,000 doses of vaccine Yamada admission to hos- activists charged with conspiracy government later postponed, “But I have confidence in our pital meant she missed a to commit subversion, as author- citing the coronavirus. judicial system to restore justice. REUTERS — KABUL The vaccination of members Monday parliamentary com- ities intensify a crackdown on the Authorities said the informal It’s the last line of defence.” of the security forces has also mittee meeting where oppo- opposition. poll was part of a plan to “over- Many were dressed in black, China has pledged to deliver begun, according to another sition politicians were expected Security was tight, with more throw” the government, further the colour associated with the 400,000 doses of Sinopharm’s official, who spoke on condition to question her about her than 100 police officers deployed raising alarm that Hong Kong has 2019 anti-government protests, COVID-19 vaccine to Afghan- of anonymity as they were not dinner with the younger Suga, outside the West Kowloon court, taken a swift authoritarian turn while some chanted: “Liberate istan, Afghan officials said authorised to speak to media. which was in 2019 when she in the largest rally this year since Beijing imposed a national Hong Kong, revolution of our yesterday, in a boost for an Afghanistan has already was an official at the Ministry despite social-distancing rules to security law on its freest city last times” and “Fight for freedom, immunisation campaign begun received 500,000 doses of the of Internal Affairs and curb the spread of coronavirus. June. stand with Hong Kong,” popular last week. AstraZeneca vaccine from India, Communications. The activists are accused of “This is the most ridiculous slogans during the unrest. “China’s ambassador to which enabled the nation to Kabul said in a meeting with launch its vaccination drive last health officials that his country Tuesday. would provide Afghanistan with Afghan health officials have China not ready to allow Boeing 737 Max back in the air 400,000 doses of COVID-19 said that the international AP — BEIJING commercial flights after Boeing flight training” and conclusions That makes the 737 Max’s vaccine,” Ghulam Dastagir COVAX programme, which is made technical changes and a of investigations into the two approval by Beijing important Nazari, the health ministry’s aimed at improving access to Beijing isn’t ready to follow the new training regime was put crashes must be clear, Dong for its commercial success. head of the immunisation pro- the COVID-19 vaccine for devel- United States in allowing into place for pilots. said. Crash investigators blamed gramme, told Reuters. oping countries, would provide Boeing’s 737 Max back into the “Major safety concerns” “The technical review has anti-stall software that coun- The Sinopharm vaccine pro- vaccines to cover 20% of the air after a pair of fatal crashes raised by Chinese regulators not yet entered the certification tered the plane’s tendency to duced in China has been country’s 38 million two years ago. have not been fully resolved, and flight test stage,” Dong said tilt nose-up because of the size approved by the World Health population. China was the first country said Dong Zhiyi, deputy admin- yesterday. and placement of the engines. Organization, but it is unclear Afghanistan has registered to ground the 737 Max in 2019 istrator of the Civil Aviation He gave no timeline for That software pushed the when it will be delivered, Nazari 55,733 infections and 2,444 after crashes in Indonesia and Administration of China, at a when that might happen. nose down repeatedly, over- said. deaths. But experts say cases are Ethiopia killed a total of 346 news conference. China is, along with North coming the pilots’ struggles to So far just over 12,000 significantly under-reported people. American regulators Design changes must pass America and Europe, one of the regain control. In each case, a health workers have received due to low testing and limited approved the plane in approval for airworthiness, biggest markets for Boeing Co. single faulty sensor triggered the vaccine in all 34 provinces access to medical facilities in the November to resume pilots must receive “effective and its European rival Airbus. the nose-down pitch. of Afghanistan, he said. war-torn country. 12 EUROPE TUESDAY 2 MARCH 2021 Sarkozy handed jail sentence for indulging in corruption

REUTERS — PARIS Another judge will decide Nicolas Sarkozy was whether to permit Srakozy to A French court found former sentenced to three years wear a bracelet instead of being president Nicolas Sarkozy guilty in prison.However, he imprisoned. Retired from pol- of trying to bribe a judge and may not spend any time itics but still influential among influence peddling yesterday conservatives, Sarkozy has 10 and sentenced him to three in prison. Two years of days to appeal the ruling. He left years in prison, a stunning fall the sentence were the court without speaking. from grace for a man who led suspended, and the He had denied any wrong- France and strode the world presiding judge said she doing, saying he was the victim stage for five years. would accept allowing of a witch-hunt by financial However, he may not spend prosecutors who used excessive any time in prison. Two years him to be tagged with means to snoop on his affairs. of the sentence were sus- an electronic bracelet Sarkozy burst onto the pended, and the presiding judge outside of prison for the world stage as a reformer full said she would accept allowing remaining year. of ideas who would break with him to be tagged with an elec- France’s stagnant past on the tronic bracelet outside of prison domestic front and restore the for the remaining year. inside information about an birthplace of human rights to a Sarkozy, who was president inquiry into allegations that he place of prominence in inter- from 2007 to 2012, is the had accepted illegal payments national affairs. A helping hand second head of state in modern- from L’Oreal heiress Liliane In the flagship reform of his President Emmanuel Macron of France, wearing a protective face mask, talks to a patient as he visits day France to be convicted of Bettencourt for his 2007 pres- term, Sarkozy defied hundreds a COVID-19 vaccination centre at the Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie (France’s local health corruption. Prosecutors per- idential campaign. of thousands of strikers to raise suaded the judges that after “He took advantage of his the retirement age to 62 from insurance funds - CPAM) in Bobigny near Paris, yesterday. leaving office, Sarkozy had status and the relationships he 60. He earned himself the offered to secure a plum job in had made,” presiding judge monikor of the Gallic Thatcher, Monaco for a judge in return for Christine Mee told the court. undertaking market-driven reforms such as loosening the Johnson moves to reassure 35-hour work week and tweaking the tax system to encourage overtime. Outside Britons over virus strain France, he brokered a ceasefire to the 2008 Russia-Georgia BLOOMBERG — LONDON Speaking to reporters yes- work is needed to understand war, championed the 2011 mil- terday, Johnson rejected claims this,” it said. itary intervention in Libya and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson that the UK’s quarantine policy The emergence of the new hosted high-profile G8 and G20 moved to reassure the public — which was finally introduced variant on British soil comes at a summits. over the emergence of a Brazilian on February 15 — had been too crucial moment, because the The only other president of variant of the coronavirus in slow to prevent concerning var- pace at which England’s national the Fifth Republic to be con- Britain, saying there is no reason iants from entering the country. lockdown is unwound will victed of by a court was to think vaccines will be inef- “It’s a very tough regime,” depend on infection rates and Sarkozy’s predecessor, the late fective against the mutation. he said. “We don’t have any hospitalizations continuing to Jacques Chirac, was found Six cases of the variant, reason at the present time to fall. All schools are set to go back guilty of corruption in 2011. which originated in the Ama- think that our vaccines are inef- on March 8, more than two Prosecutors stumbled zonian city of Manaus, have been fective against these new var- months after they were closed, across Sarkozy’s attempts to detected in the UK, according to iants of all types.” and shops and outdoor hospi- obtain confidential information Public Health England. PHE said in a statement on tality are due to open next month. while they were wiretapping While five have been found, Sunday that the Brazilian Johnson told reporters conversations he had with his the identity of the final patient is variant, known as P1, has been during a visit to a school that the lawyer Thierry Herzog after he still unknown because they failed designated “of concern” government was “going at the left office. to complete a test registration because it shares some right pace” in easing lockdown Prosecutors at the time card. Ministers are now appealing “important mutations” with the restrictions. “Getting all schools were investigating allegations to anyone who took a COVID-19 variant first identified in South open on March 8 is something Former President Nicolas Sarkozy leaves after the verdict in his of alleged Libyan financing of test on February 12 or 13 and Africa. “It is possible that this that we have set our hearts on trial on charges of corruption and influence peddling, at Paris the same 2007 presidential hasn’t yet had a result to contact variant may respond less well for a long time and I am con- courthouse, France, yesterday. campaign. the National Health Service. to current vaccines, but more fident we will be ready,” he said. Prince Philip Countries urge drug companies to share vaccine know-how shifted to London AP — PARIS on pharmaceutical companies plant in Bangladesh already countries order. technology, intellectual property heart hospital to share their patent infor- makes vaccines against hepa- “What we see today is a and data. But no company has In an industrial neighbourhood mation more broadly to meet a titis, flu, meningitis, rabies, stampede, a survival of the offered to share its data. AP — LONDON on the outskirts of Bangladesh’s yawning global shortfall in a tetanus and measles. fittest approach, where those The other, a proposal to largest city lies a factory with pandemic that already has All over the world, the with the deepest pockets, with suspend intellectual property Prince Philip was transferred gleaming new equipment claimed over 2.5 million lives. supply of coronavirus vaccines the sharpest elbows are rights during the pandemic, has yesterday to a specialised imported from Germany, its Pharmaceutical companies that is falling far short of demand, grabbing what is there and been blocked in the World London heart hospital to immaculate hallways lined with took taxpayer money from the and the limited amount leaving others to die,” said Trade Organisation by the undergo testing and observation hermetically sealed rooms. It is US or Europe to develop inoc- available is going to rich coun- Winnie Byanyima, executive United States and Europe, home for a pre-existing heart condition operating at just a quarter of its ulations at unprecedented tries. Nearly 80 percent of the director of UNAIDS. to the companies responsible as he continues treatment for an capacity. speed say they are negotiating vaccines so far have been In South Africa, home to the for creating coronavirus vac- unspecified infection, Buck- It is one of three factories contracts and exclusive administered in just 10 coun- world’s most worrisome cines. That drive has the support ingham Palace said. that The Associated Press found licensing deals with producers tries, according to WHO. More COVID-19 variant, the Biovac of at least 119 countries and the The 99-year-old husband on three continents whose on a case-by-case basis because than 210 countries and terri- factory has said for weeks that African Union but is adamantly of Queen Elizabeth II was owners say they could start pro- they need to protect their intel- tories with 2.5 billion people it’s in negotiations with an opposed by vaccine makers. moved from King Edward VII’s ducing hundreds of millions of lectual property and ensure hadn’t received a single shot as unnamed manufacturer with no But rich countries are not Hospital, where he has been COVID-19 vaccines on short safety. of last week. contract to show for it. And in willing to give up what they treated since Feb. 17, to St. Bar- notice if only they had the blue- Critics say this piecemeal The deal-by-deal approach Denmark, the Bavarian Nordic have. Ursula Von der Leyen, tholomew’s Hospital, which prints and technical know-how. approach is too slow at a time also means that some poorer factory has capacity to spare and head of the European Com- specializes in cardiac care. As But that knowledge belongs to of urgent need to stop the virus countries end up paying more the ability to make more than mission, has used the phrase Philip was moved into a the large pharmaceutical com- before it mutates into even for the same vaccine than richer 200 million doses but is also “global common good” to waiting ambulance for the panies who have produced the deadlier forms. WHO called for countries. South Africa, Mexico, waiting for word from the pro- describe the vaccines but the transfer, people held up open first three vaccines authorised vaccine manufacturers to share Brazil and Uganda all pay dif- ducer of a licensed coronavirus European Union imposed umbrellas to shield him from by countries including Britain, their know-how to “dramati- ferent amounts per dose for the vaccine. export controls on vaccines, photographers and the public. the European Union and the US cally increase the global AstraZeneca vaccine - and more Governments and health giving countries the power to The palace says Philip — Pfizer, Moderna and Astra- supply.” than governments in the experts offer two potential solu- stop shots from leaving. “remains comfortable and is Zeneca. The factories are all still “If that can be done, then European Union, according to tions to the vaccine shortage: On her first day as director- responding to treatment but is awaiting responses. immediately overnight every studies and publicly available One, supported by WHO, is a general of the WTO, Nigeria’s expected to remain in hospital Across Africa and Southeast continent will have dozens of documents. AstraZeneca said patent pool modeled after a Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said the until at least the end of the week.’’ Asia, governments and aid companies who would be able the price of the vaccine will platform set up for HIV, tuber- time had come to shift attention groups, as well as the World to produce these vaccines,” said differ depending on local pro- culosis and hepatitis treatments to the vaccination needs of the Spain to consider Health Organization, are calling Abdul Muktadir, whose Incepta duction costs and how much for voluntary sharing of world’s poor. bilateral deals and travel corridors Fourth executive jailed BLOOMBERG — MADRID in Iraq oil bribery case Spain is ready to consider bilateral deals and corridors REUTERS — LONDON Unaoil and its Western, blue- “with third countries” if a chip clients. solution on vaccine certificates A former sales manager of Prosecutors had said that cannot be reached at the Dutch energy services company Unaoil employees worked on European Union level, SBM Offshore was sentenced behalf of SBM Offshore and according to Tourism Secretary to three-and-a-half years in jail with Bond to pay more than Fernando Valdes. after being convicted by a $900,000 in bribes to Iraqi As vaccination campaigns London jury of bribing public public officials at Iraq’s South evolve across Europe, “maybe officials to win oil contracts in Oil Company and the Ministry in summer we will be regaining post-occupation Iraq. of Oil to win a $55m contract British tourists in Spain,” Valdes Paul Bond, 68, was found for offshore mooring buoys by said. How to allow travelling guilty of two counts of bribery skewing a competitive tender across Europe must be decided after a retrial at London’s in their favour. at the EU level but if those deci- Southwark Crown Court on Basil Al Jarah, Unaoil’s sions “cannot be reached we Wednesday. former Iraq partner, was last will be thinking of other solu- His sentencing hearing year sentenced to three years tions like corridors, green cor- was delayed after the judge and four months in jail after ridors with third countries that developed COVID-19 pleading guilty to five bribery can help us to restart tourism symptoms and self-isolated. counts in 2019. Unaoil’s former flows.” Bond is the fourth executive territory managers for Iraq - Valdes’s comments came convicted after a five-year Ziad Akle and Stephen Whiteley amid optimism in the European Trial of police officer's murder Serious Fraud Office (SFO) - received five and three-year tourism industry sparked by the American Finnegan Lee Elder, one of two men accused of killing Carabinieri military police officer investigation into Monaco- sentences respectively. announcement last week of the Mario Cerciello Rega in Rome last year, walks past Rosa Maria Esilio, widow of the slain officer, and based consultancy Unaoil, The SFO investigation orig- UK’s plan to lift all coronavirus Paolo Cerciello Rega, brother of Mario, prior to a trial hearing, in Rome, Italy, yesterday. which uncovered bribes of inally centred on the prominent related restrictions by June 21, more than $17 million to secure Ahsani family, which ran ahead of the summer season. contracts worth $1.7 billion for Unaoil. TUESDAY 2 MARCH 2021 EUROPE 13 EU plans digital vaccine passports to boost travel BLOOMBERG — BRUSSELS The European Commission will unveil a to the point that it may become Merkel’s federal government to provides significant protection, resistant to existing vaccines change Germany’s vaccine at least when it comes to serious European Union health proposal this month for a “Digital Green Pass”, before countries manage to stop strategy, which would allow the complications or deaths,” Hun- ministers were told yesterday which will provide proof that a person has been the pandemic. immediate use of unused Astra- gary’s Chief Medical Officer, they need to ramp up corona- The bloc’s initial setbacks in Zeneca doses. Cecilia Muller, told a televised virus vaccinations as the bloc’s vaccinated, recovered from COVID-19, or has the procurement and approval “We cannot leave one single briefing yesterday. executive arm prepares plans received a negative test. The proposal’s aim of vaccines are now being exac- dose lie around unused,” Soeder Others, meanwhile, blame for certificates that will ease a will be to facilitate travel within the European erbated by a European said. the slow approval process for return to normality for those cacophony over their use, with Last week, Italian Prime the delays. Kyriakides told min- who are immunised. Union. governments split over who Minister Mario Draghi urged EU isters yesterday that the On a video call with min- should be getting shots and leaders to follow the UK European Medicines Agency is isters, EU Commissioner Stella Pass,” which will provide proof But countries including when. example of prioritising admin- set to recommend the authori- Kyriakides said that more mass that a person has been vacci- France have raised objections Despite approval for Astra- istering the first dose of zation of Johnson & Johnson’s testing and genome sequencing nated, recovered from on the grounds that the policy Zeneca Plc’s shot for all adults available vaccines to as many vaccine in the next 10 days, the are needed to track mutations. COVID-19, or has received a may be discriminatory against by the EU’s drugs regulator, people as possible, rather than latest approval to come after a In addition to improvements in negative test. those not vaccinated and governments and national adhering to a strict schedule for US decision. detection, the bloc’s health chief “The proposal’s aim will be infringe on personal data. authorities in countries the second dose. “I find it incomprehensible warned governments they need to facilitate travel within the Given the underwhelming including Germany have cast Finland decided in early that the European Medicines to accelerate inoculations in the European Union based on this EU rollout of vaccines, there reservations over its effec- February to extend the time Agency would take another two weeks and months ahead to medical data that will be may even be a broader question tiveness among seniors. While between first and second dose weeks to examine approval of match the increasing pace of available in this green digital about the usefulness of such there are indications that they to 12 weeks, saying doing so the Johnson & Johnson vaccine,” deliveries. pass,” Commission spokesman certificates if a large share of the are now changing tack, com- brings about a better immune said Stephan Weil, premier of The push comes as govern- Eric Mamer told reporters in population hasn’t been ments from leaders including response and allows more the German state of Lower ments across the bloc face Brussels yesterday. inoculated. France’s Emmanuel Macron people to get some protection. Saxony. “The vaccine was increasing pressure from voters Tourism-dependent econ- The US has administered have sowed doubt among the Hungary is also changing its approved in the USA over the and businesses for a roadmap omies as well as the aviation three times as many popu- public. strategy along these lines to weekend as part of an emer- to end lockdowns and restric- and hospitality industries are lation-adjusted doses of coro- Yesterday, Markus Soeder have as many people as possible gency process. Why can the tions. The European Com- among those that have been navirus vaccines than the EU. — Bavaria’s premier and a get a first shot. responsible committee in mission will unveil a proposal pushing for such “vaccination Officials and health experts says potential chancellor candidate “To different extent, but the Europe only issue a recommen- this month for a “Digital Green passports.” delays allow the virus to mutate — called on Chancellor Angela first dose of vaccines already dation in mid-March?” Hungary stretches vaccine supply to counter 'exponential' rise in cases

REUTERS — BUDAPEST Hungary is the first country necessitate further restrictions in the European Union to if vaccination efforts fail to curb Hungary is adjusting its authorise and use vaccines from the pandemic, she added. COVID-19 vaccination drive to Russia and China, causing That might include a closure give as many first shots as unease among Western peers of elementary schools, she said. possible in the face of fast- but contributing to a rapid rise Hungary has kept secondary spreading infections, widening in vaccinations as supplies now schools and universities closed immunisation by providing at come from five since November, and banned least some protection to recip- manufacturers. public gatherings, while limiting ients, authorities said yesterday. Western procurement has restaurants to take-out and Announcing the initiative, also increased, with Hungary closing hotels. Surgeon General Cecilia Muller upping its order of Pfizer- Meanwhile, Hungarians are said she expected new corona- BioNTech vaccines to 10.87 baking for ambulance workers virus cases to surge in the million from an earlier order of across the country coping with coming weeks, and so Hungary 6.5 million, Muller said. a new surge in infections after would try to stretch supplies by The country also has orders the founder of an online extending the period between from Moderna and AstraZeneca cookery group asked a friend the two jabs, while maintaining and expects to order supplies of in the service how she could safety. the single-dose Johnson & help. Eszter Harmath talks with a paramedic, as she delivers pastries to the ambulance station amid the “Data show exponential Johnson vaccine once it “Before I could finish she pandemic, in Szentendre, Hungary. growth (in infection),” Muller becomes available in the EU, said ‘oh we would love some told an online press briefing. Muller said. cakes’,” Eszter Harmath said of “The coming weeks will be very The new approach to vac- the conversation that launched town of Szentendre, mirrors Harmath said, her son been really heart-warming,” difficult.” The central European cination means a 12-week gap the nationwide movement. other efforts around the world watching eagerly as she Harmath said, while also pre- country of 10 million surpassed between AstraZeneca shots and “They often do rounds where people have made face kneaded dough for cheese paring cinnamon rolls for the 15,000 deaths from coronavirus 35 days between Pfizer shots, dressed in full protective gear masks and hung them on trees scones. Her “My Quarantine ambulance workers, who face at the weekend, a death rate she said. and they can hardly sit down to or prepared hot meals for Kitchen” Facebook group now extra pressure in the coming roughly on par with that seen Authorities had detected a eat in a normal way but the people struggling to make ends has 8,000 members, who days. in the United States. Hungarians rising concentration of the virus cakes are something they can meet. exchange ideas and recipes “People are filled with good who have fallen sick with the in wastewater nationwide, with take on the road.” “It is not a shiny and perfect that are not confined to baking. intentions to help but often can’t disease so far now number the capital Budapest especially The initiative, born out of a kitchen and I often cook with “There have been some find a suitable way to do it,” 432,925. exposed, which might modest kitchen in the small my son Gellert on my back,” incredibly nice stories, it has Harmath said. Over 60% of Russians don’t Orban threatens to quit conservative political group AP — BUDAPEST Orban wrote that the pro- anti-Brussels rhetoric and Also in December, the EPP A spokesman for the EPP want Sputnik V posed rules, which are expected attacking the EPP leadership. voted to suspend Tamas Group in the European Par- Hungary’s right-wing prime to pass with a two-thirds vote The EPP’s new rules would Deutsch, the head of Fidesz’s liament said that the changes vaccine minister has threatened to pull at an EPP group meeting on allow for suspended member delegation, stripping him of his to the rules “have nothing to do his party out of its group in the Wednesday, were “tailor- parties to be expelled with a rights to speaking time in with the situation of Fidesz,” REUTERS — MOSCOW European Union’s legislature as made” to sanction his Fidesz simple majority rather than a plenary sessions and removing and that the vote will go the conservative group edges party, and that “if Fidesz is not two-thirds vote, opening the him from his positions in the forward as planned on Nearly two thirds of Russians closer to excluding its largest welcome, we do not feel com- way for Fidesz’s 11 delegates to Group. The decision, which Wednesday despite Orban’s are not willing to receive Hungarian delegation. pelled to stay in the Group.” lose their place in the group. allowed Deutsch to remain an letter. Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine, and In a letter on Sunday to It is the latest in a series of Some of the EPP’s more EPP member, came after the “There is a broad majority about the same number believe chairman of the European Peo- ongoing clashes between the moderate national delegations lawmaker compared EPP Group support for the new rules,” the new coronavirus was ple’s Party (EPP) group in the right-wing Fidesz and the EPP, have pushed for Fidesz’s leader Weber to the Gestapo Pedro Lopez de Pablo told The created artificially as a European Parliament Manfred the largest political family in expulsion, arguing it no longer and Hungary’s communist-era Associated Press in an email. “If biological weapon, an inde- Weber, Prime Minister Viktor Europe, and marks the closest represents the group’s values. secret police. once they are approved, some pendent pollster said yesterday. Orban condemned a group pro- Orban’s party has come to In a statement in December, the In his letter, Orban wrote MEPs would like to initiate the The Levada Center said a posal agreed to on Friday that losing its place in the group’s EPP Group wrote that “the fre- that he would pull his party out procedure of suspending or poll it conducted last month would allow for entire parties ranks. The EPP suspended quent attacks by Fidesz’ repre- of the EPP Group if the new expelling Fidesz, they will need showed that 62 percent of to be excluded from the center- Fidesz’s membership in 2019 sentatives towards the rules are adopted, signaling he to do it following the new people did not want to get right EPP, rather than just indi- over concerns that it was European Union and its values will not wait to see whether the rules.... We are not changing the Russia’s domestically pro- vidual MEPs as currently eroding the rule of law in are not in line with the core EPP votes his party out at a later rules of procedure of the EPP duced vaccine, and that the allowed. Hungary, engaging in beliefs of the EPP.” time. Group because of Fidesz.” highest level of reluctance was identified among 18 to 24-year-olds. Most respondents cited Independent probe urged side effects — which can include fever and fatigue — as the main reason for not into Navalny poisoning wanting to get vaccinated. The poll, which sampled AP — MOSCOW prohibited chemical weapons, 1,601 people in 50 regions, also and the apparent pattern of found that 64 percent of Two top human rights officials attempted targeted killings, we people thought the new coro- urged an international probe believe that an international navirus was created as a bio- into the poisoning of Russian investigation should be carried logical weapon. opposition leader Alexei out as a matter of urgency in The origin of COVID-19 Navalny and called yesterday order to establish the facts and has been highly politicised, but for his immediate release from clarify all the circumstances the majority of virologists and prison. concerning Mr. Navalny’s poi- infectious disease experts say Agnès Callamard, the soning,” they said in a it is most likely to have evolved Special UN Rapporteur on statement. naturally. A World Health extrajudicial, summary or arbi- Navalny, the most prom- Organisation (WHO) mission trary executions and Irene inent critic of Russian Pres- to China said last month that Khan, the Special UN Rap- ident Vladimir Putin, fell sick it was not looking further into porteur on the promotion and on August 20 during a whether the virus escaped protection of the right to domestic flight in Russia and from a lab, which it considered freedom of opinion and was flown while still in a coma highly unlikely. expression, said Navalny’s poi- to Berlin for treatment two The belief that the virus soning was intended to “send days later. was created as a biological a clear, sinister warning that Labs in Germany, France weapon is predominant in 'Remote tango' entertains people in Geneva this would be the fate of anyone and Sweden, and tests by the Russians aged 40-54, with 71 who would criticize and oppose Organization for the Prohi- Alejandro de Benedictis, professor and owner at Tango Argentin Geneve performs with Clarissa percent of them holding that the government.” bition of Chemical Weapons, Miazza a “remote tango”, without music, wearing protective gear and 1.50 meters apart, amid the view, the poll found. Only 23 “Given the inadequate established that he was percent think the virus pandemic, in Geneva yesterday. response of the domestic exposed to a Soviet-era Nov- emerged naturally. authorities, the use of ichok nerve agent. 14 AMERICAS TUESDAY 2 MARCH 2021 Montreal stadium opens to vaccinate the elderly REUTERS — MONTREAL The Olympic Stadium province’s health services website initially crashed after As COVID-19 vaccinations nicknamed the Big O more than 150,000 people ramp-up in Canada, one of the has been transformed logged on. country’s largest stadiums is “It’s been 10 long months preparing to receive thousands into a site aimed at in this pandemic, people’s of elderly, while provinces inoculating almost nerves are worn raw by nearly enlist dentists, midwives and a year of restrictions, a year of chiropractors to help meet the 3,000 a day, equipped uncertainty, frustration, stress expected rush for jabs. with wheelchairs and anxiety,” Alberta health A slow rollout of vaccines and golf carts to help minister Tyler Shandro told has recently dented Prime Min- reporters last week. ister Justin Trudeau’s popu- those unable to walk, While the country’s most larity, with the lack of domestic organisers said. populous province Ontario will production being blamed for not launch a centralized Canada trailing many other booking system until March 15, developed nations in its vacci- long-term care facilities which some public health units have nation drive. accounted for the majority of already started booking elderly Starting yesterday, Mon- COVID-19 deaths during the patients. Argentina begins 2021 session of Congress treal’s cavernous Olympic first wave. Quebec’s campaign at the Stadium, which once hosted With less than four percent stadium gets underway during Argentina’s President Alberto Fernandez (left) delivers his State of the Nation speech that marks young athletes during the 1976 of the population inoculated so the province’s spring break, the opening 2021 session of Congress, as vice-President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner looks on in summer games, will welcome far, the pace of Canada’s slow amid fears that a variant of the Buenos Aires, Argentina, yesterday. residents aged 85 and over for campaign has caused frus- novel coronavirus could spread vaccinations. tration, resulting in at least two during the holiday. The stadium nicknamed senior corporate executives The Quebec government the Big O has been transformed resigning for trying to jump the is wrestling with plans to Mexico: COVID-19 czar in hospital with into a site aimed at inoculating vaccine queue. bring elderly residents to almost 3,000 a day, equipped “We are going to have eve- inoculation sites like the with wheelchairs and golf carts ryone vaccinated probably by stadium since the Pfizer vac- infection; death toll nears 186,000 to help those unable to walk, the end of the summer,” cine’s cold storage require- organisers said. Trudeau told NBC News’ Meet ments make it impossible to REUTERS — MEXICO CITY coronavirus, giving it the The epidemiologist “There are people who are the Press on Sunday. transport the vaccine to indi- world’s fourth-highest death announced testing positive for coming out of their home for In Manitoba, which plans vidual homes. Mexico’s coronavirus czar has toll from the pandemic, COVID-19 on February 20, after the first time since the start of to enlist chiropractors, massage Quebec has also reached been hospitalised over the past according to a tally. experiencing light symptoms. the pandemic,” said Caroline therapists and optometrists, agreements with pharmacists five days for COVID-19 Lopez-Gatell was admitted A number of high-level offi- St-Denis, director of the vac- more than 300 dentists, or and businesses to expand treatment but is recovering for “early hospitalisation” last cials in Mexico have contracted cination campaign at the about 40 percent of registered inoculations in the coming well, a health official said on Wednesday after his medical the virus, including President stadium. dentists in the province, have months. Sunday, as the country marks team determined he required Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, Canada’s vaccine supplies joined the vaccination effort, Other provinces are ram- the one-year anniversary of its supplemental oxygen, said Ruy who has shunned face masks. are expected to get a boost after said Dr. Marc Mollot, past pres- ping-up staff recruitment with first confirmed infection. Lopez, head of the National Mexico registered another health regulator on Friday ident of the Manitoba Dental British Columbia issuing Hugo Lopez-Gatell, the face Center of Preventative Pro- 458 coronavirus fatalities and approved AstraZeneca’s Association. orders last week allowing of Mexico’s response to the grams and Disease Control 2,810 more confirmed infec- COVID-19 vaccine, becoming The western province of health care workers like den- pandemic, has drawn criticism (Cenaprece). tions on Sunday, for a total of the third shot to be available to Alberta has started using tists and midwives to admin- for downplaying the need for “He has progressed well 2,086,938 cases. The gov- Canadians. pharmacies in Edmonton, ister vaccines. masks and for spearheading a and we hope he can be released ernment says the real number That will help as provinces Calgary and Red Deer to “Vaccines are our ticket strategy of limited testing. from the hospital unit of infected people is likely sig- begin targeting elderly resi- administer vaccines to people out of the pandemic,” Alberta Mexico has registered tomorrow,” Lopez told a news nificantly higher than the con- dents beyond those living at the aged 75 and over, but the health minister Shandro said. 185,715 fatalities from the conference. firmed cases. Huawei CFO back in Canada Migration issues top Biden-Obrador virtual meet agenda AP — WILMINGTON saying only that both countries trade agreement — most crackdowns on migration and it for new arrivals on the pres- court in US agree on the need to expand legal recently updated in 2018 and his desire to construct a wall on ident’s first day in office and President Joe Biden was planning pathways for migration. The 2019 — with Mexico and Canada, the US southern border, yet soon after announcing that an extradition case a virtual meeting yesterday with official insisted on anonymity to which are its second- and third- Trump appeared to enjoy an estimated 26,000 people with Mexican President Andrés discuss private conversations. biggest trade partners after amicable relationship with his still-active cases could be AP — VANCOUVER Manuel López Obrador — a The original Bracero China. The trade agreement Mexican counterpart. released in the United States chance for the pair to talk more program allowed Mexicans to could complicate López Obra- Mexico paid nothing for while their cases played out. A senior executive for Chinese fully about migration, confronting work temporarily in the United dor’s efforts to possibly defund Trump’s cherished border wall, But Biden, through the US communications giant Huawei the coronavirus and cooperating States to fill labour shortages and eliminate independent reg- despite the US leader’s repeated Centers for Disease Control and Technologies was returning to on economic and national during World War II and for a ulatory, watchdog and trans- claims that it would. But López Prevention, has kept extraor- a Canadian courtroom security issues. couple of decades after the war. parency agencies in Mexico. Obrador’s government did send dinary pandemic-related yesterday to begin a series of Mexico’s president has said López Obrador said the US There are also questions of troops to Mexico’s southern powers in place to immediately hearings in which her lawyers he intends during the meeting economy needs Mexican whether López Obrador will border with Guatemala to deal expel anyone arriving at the US will argue her extradition to the to propose to Biden a new workers because of “their warm to Biden’s efforts to with an unprecedented wave of border from Mexico without an US should be halted because Bracero-style immigrant labor strength, their youth.” address climate change and asylum-seekers bound for the US opportunity to seek asylum. her rights have been violated. program that could bring The Biden official said the move to cleaner energy sources. Mexico hosted about 70,000 Mexicans and many Central Canada arrested Meng 600,000 to 800,000 Mexican meeting will enable Biden begin The Mexican president supports people seeking US asylum while Americans are typically Wanzhou, the daughter of and Central American immi- to institutionalize the rela- a measure to make that coun- they waited for dates in immi- returned to Mexico in less than Huawei’s founder and the grants a year to work legally in tionship with Mexico, rather try’s national grids prioritise gration courts, a policy known as two hours under Title 42 company’s chief financial the United States. than let it be determined by power from government plants, Remain in Mexico and officially authority — so named for a officer, at Vancouver’s airport A senior Biden adminis- tweets — a preferred form of many of which burn coal or fuel as Migrant Protection Protocols. section of a 1944 public health in late 2018. The US wants her tration official declined to say diplomacy by his predecessor, oil. The Biden administration law. Biden aides have signaled extradited to face fraud whether the US president would Donald Trump. The Trump era was defined immediately began to unwind they have no immediate plans charges. Her arrest infuriated back or oppose the proposal, The United States shares a by the threat of tariffs, Remain in Mexico, suspending to lift it. Beijing, which sees her case as a political move designed to prevent China’s rise. High court to The US accuses Huawei of Bukele set to win election in El Salvador using a Hong Kong shell weigh Puerto company called Skycom to sell AP — SAN SALVADOR equipment to Iran in violation of US sanctions. It says Meng, Populist President Nayib Bukele Rico access 49, committed fraud by mis- appeared yesterday to have leading the HSBC bank about won control of El Salvador’s to US aid the company’s business unicameral congress, ending a dealings in Iran. two-year standoff with legis- AP — WASHINGTON Over the next several lators of the old parties that weeks, Meng’s defense team have dominated politics in the The Supreme Court agreed will present several justifica- Central American country since yesterday to decide whether tions for halting the extradition the end of the 1980-1992 civil it is unconstitutional to exclude proceedings. war. people living in Puerto Rico They will argue her arrest Bukele, 39, celebrated, from Supplemental Social was politically motivated and writing, “Our people have Security Income. will point to comments made waited 40 years for this.” A pre- The justices said they by former US President Donald liminary count of about 80 would hear an appeal, first Trump that he was using Meng percent of votes from Sunday’s filed by the Trump adminis- as a bargaining chip to force a elections showed Bukele’s New tration, of a lower-court ruling better trade deal with China. Ideas party and a coalition that held that residents of the They also will claim an abuse partner won several times as US territory should have the of process, saying Canada many votes as the established same access to SSI benefits as Border Services Agency officers political parties, the conserv- older, disabled and blind detained and questioned Meng ative National Republican Americans in all 50 states and without a lawyer, seized her Alliance and the leftist the District of Columbia. electronic devices and com- Farabundo Marti Liberation The administration argues pelled her to give up the pass- Front. Exit polls suggested his that a pair of 40-year-old codes before her official arrest. party could win 53 of the 84 Polling station volunteers count ballots after polling closed in the municipal and parliamentary Supreme Court decisions Her lawyers also contend seats in the Legislative elections in San Salvador, El Salvador, on Sunday. already upheld the federal the US is exceeding the limits Assembly. law that created SSI and of its jurisdiction by prose- “His (Bukele’s) victory pandemic. But he has also concern,” Shifter wrote. “The With a majority in the Leg- excluded Puerto Rico and cuting a foreign citizen for reflects how much anger most shown an authoritarian streak. story is not unique to El Sal- islative Assembly, Bukele’s other US territories from it. actions that took place in Hong Salvadorans feel towards the Two years ago, Bukele sent vador — Democratic elections party would not only be able Congress later added in the Kong and that Canada was country’s two discredited and heavily armed soldiers to sur- have yielded antidemocratic to advance the president’s Mariana Islands. misled by the US about the moribund political parties, round the congress building leaders and governments, of the agenda, but also name justices In recent months, a federal strength of its case. which had their chance to during a standoff over security right and the left elsewhere in to the Supreme Court — judge ruled that Puerto Rico Michael Byers, a University govern but failed,” wrote funding, earning rebukes Latin America. Experience tells another Bukele obstacle — as residents should have access of British Columbia political sci- Michael Shifter, president of the internationally. us that such stories often have well as magistrates to the to other federal welfare ben- entist and former law professor Washington-based think tank “Although Bukele is a legi- unhappy endings.” About 51 Supreme Electoral Tribunal, efits from which they have who dealt in extradition law, said Inter-American Dialogue. itmate, democratically pres- percent of El Salvador’s 5.3 the attorney general, the pros- been excluded as well. A the border officers questioning Bukele has blamed congress ident with solid majority million registered voters turned ecutor for the defense of federal judge in Guam said Meng at the airport before she for blocking his efforts in eve- backing, his authoritarian ten- out for Sunday’s election, will human rights and others. residents of that Pacific island realised she was being arrested rything from controlling crime dencies and weakening of any which also decide 262 Essentially his party could also should be able to collect could affect the case. to managing the coronavirus checks on his power is of great municipal councils. replace his loudest critics. SSI. TUESDAY 2 MARCH 2021 AMERICAS 15

Senate panel to Dems back down on raising minimum wage vote to advance The Senate faces a looming deadline to pass nomination of the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill before the middle of the month, when enhanced Garland as A-G unemployment benefits run out for the millions REUTERS — WASHINGTON of Americans who have lost their jobs during The US Senate Judiciary the pandemic. Committee yesterday is due to vote to advance Merrick REUTERS — WASHINGTON weekend gave up on the idea Garland, President Joe Biden’s trying to pass the wage hike by attorney general nominee, Democrats backed down from adding tax penalties to the paving the way for the US an effort to use President Joe COVID-19 bill, after earlier Senate to vote to confirm him Biden’s $1.9 trillion coronavirus being told Senate rules pre- to the post. relief bill to raise the minimum vented them including a Garland has garnered wage to $15 an hour without straight-up wage hike to the support among both Demo- Republican support, but that has legislation. crats and Republicans, who not ended hopes of addressing There are also political cite his prior experience as a the issue in Congress. hurdles: Some moderate Dem- prosecutor and a judge. Democrats and some ocrats, including Senator Joe The timing of a full Senate Republicans have voiced Manchin, have rejected the $15 vote on Garland’s nomination support for the idea of raising the figure as too high and suggested was not immediately clear. minimum wage, now $7.25, for an $11 target could be more Garland would take the the first time since 2009, though realistic. reins at the Justice Department they disagree on how much. “We worked through the Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer delivers remarks beside Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael at a time when it has been Republican Senator Mitt Romney weekend and it became clear Warnock on COVID-19 relief on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, in this file photo. busy handling a sprawling and Tom Cotton last week pro- that finalizing ‘plan B’ with the investigation into the Janury 6 posed an increase to $10 per caucus would delay passage strategies to make it happen,” and their allies control the other that we’ll be in the COVID crisis riots, when supporters of hour, but said employers should and risk going over the jobless a source close to Sanders said. 50. Even this outcome depends we are in now,” Republican former Republican President also verify the wage is going to benefits cliff on March 14,” one In the meantime, the Senate on all the Democrats staying Senator Rob Portman told ABC’s Donald Trump attacked the US workers who are legally in the source said. Democrats want faces a looming deadline to pass united behind the first major bill “This Week.” Capitol in a failed bid to stop United States. the COVID-19 bill signed into the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief to come through Congress in the The coronavirus measure Congress from certifying The House of Representa- law by March 14, when bill before the middle of the Biden administration. would pay for vaccines and Biden’s election victory. tives narrowly approved the enhanced unemployment ben- month, when enhanced unem- Republicans in Congress send a new round of aid to He has also pledged to COVID-19 package, one of efits expire. ployment benefits run out for the say the plan is too expensive households, small businesses reinvigorate the Civil Rights Biden’s top priorities, and aim Senator Bernie Sanders, millions of Americans who have and includes things like trans- and state and local govern- Division, which critics say was to pass it through Senate one of the most progressive lost their jobs during the pan- portation projects that have ments. The big-ticket items decimated under Trump’s through a manoeuvre known Democrats in that chamber, demic, which has killed more than nothing to do with relief for include $1,400 direct payments tenure, failing to police voting as “reconciliation,” which voiced hope that a wage hike 500,000 in the United States. COVID-19. to individuals, a $400-per- rights cases or open investiga- would allow the bill to pass with would still happen. Democratic Vice President “It’s $1.9 trillion, more than week federal unemployment tions into systemic abuses by a simple majority rather than “Senator Sanders is deter- Kamala Harris may have to cast half of it won’t even be spent in benefit through August 29, and police departments. the 60 votes normally required mined to increase the minimum a tie-breaking vote in a this calendar year... So how help for those in difficulty Last week, the Civil Rights by that chamber’s rules. wage to $15 an hour, and he is chamber where Republicans could it be about COVID relief? paying rents and home mort- Division revealed it is looking Senate Democrats over the looking at all available control 50 seats and Democrats No one expects a year from now gages during the pandemic. into whether to launch hate crime probes into the rising number of incidents targeting Asian-Americans after Trump Trump calls for GOP unity, repeats lies about poll loss repeatedly referred to COVID-19 as the “China AP — ORLANDO “Do you miss me yet?” the party or headline the event. followers, even after the deadly It is highly unusual for past virus.” Unlike former Attorney Trump said after taking the While he insisted the insurrection at the Capitol on American presidents to publicly General William Barr, who Taking the stage for the first stage to his old rally soundtrack division was merely a spat January 6. criticize their successors in the told Congress last year he did time since leaving office, former and cheers from the supportive “between a handful of Wash- They also repeated in months after leaving office. not believe systemic racism President Donald Trump called crowd. ington, DC, establishment panel after panel his Ex-presidents typically step plagued the US criminal for GOP unity, even as he exac- Trump, in his speech, tried political hacks and everybody unfounded claims that he lost out of the spotlight for at least justice system, Garland tes- erbated intraparty divisions by to downplay the civil war else, all over the country,” reelection only because of a while: Barack Obama was tified that he believes the attacking fellow Republicans gripping the party over the Trump had a message for the mass voter fraud, even though famously seen kitesurfing on system does not treat all and promoting lies about the extent to which Republicans incumbents who had dared to such claims have been rejected vacation after he departed, Americans equally. election in a speech that made should embrace him, even as cross him: “Get rid of ’em all.” by judges, Republican state while George W Bush said he Garland, a federal clear he intends to remain a he unfurled an enemies list, The conference, held this officials and Trump’s own believed Obama “deserves my appellate judge and former dominant political force. calling out by name the 10 year in Orlando instead of the administration. silence” and took up painting. prosecutor, is widely expected Speaking on Sunday at the House Republicans and seven Washington suburbs to evade Trump, too, continued to He delivered a sharp rebuke to be confirmed as the nation’s Conservative Political Action GOP senators who voted to COVID-19 restrictions, served repeat what Democrats have of what he framed as the new top US law enforcement Conference, where he was impeach or convict him for as a tribute to Trump and dubbed the “big lie,” calling the administration’s first month of official. hailed as a returning hero, inciting the US Capitol riot. Trumpism, complete with a election “rigged” and insisting failures, especially Biden’s On March 9, the Senate Trump blasted his successor, He ended by singling out golden statue in his likeness on that he won in November, even approach to immigration and Judiciary Committee intends President Joe Biden, and tried Rep. Liz Cheney, the No. 3 display. though he lost by more than 7 the border. to hold a confirmation hearing to lay out a vision for the future House Republican, who has Speakers, including many million votes. “Joe Biden has had the most for Lisa Monaco and Vanita of the GOP that revolves firmly faced tremendous backlash in potential 2024 hopefuls, argued “As you know, they just lost disastrous first month of any Gupta, Biden’s choices to serve around him, despite his loss in Wyoming for saying Trump that the party must embrace the the White House,” he said of president in modern history,” in the No. 2 and No. 3 top November. should no longer play a role in former president and his Biden, rewriting history. Trump said. Justice Department jobs.

Teacher vaccine eligibility expands Democratic voting bill in states where would make biggest supply lags changes in decades BLOOMBERG — WASHINGTON AP — WASHINGTON for debate in statehouses across Within weeks, teachers in the country. most US states will be eligible As Congress begins debate this Rep. John Sarbanes, a Mar- for COVID-19 vaccines. It’s week on sweeping voting and yland Democrat who spon- unclear whether school ethics legislation, Democrats sored the bill, said that outside openings will follow as and Republicans can agree on of Congress “these aren’t con- promised or whether supply one thing: If signed into law, it troversial reforms.” Much of it, can keep up with demand. would usher in the biggest he noted, was derived from Eight states are expected overhaul of US elections law in recommendations of a bipar- to allow teachers to get shots at least a generation. tisan commission. in March and two soon after, House Resolution 1, Demo- Yet to many Republicans, it bringing the total to 44, data crats’ 791-page bill, would touch amounts to an unwarranted shows. That adds pressure to virtually every aspect of the elec- federal intrusion into a process reopen school systems that toral process — striking down that states should control. have resisted until educators hurdles to voting erected in the Rep. Rodney Davis exco- are protected. name of election security, curbing riated the measure during a The US Centers for Disease partisan gerrymandering and House hearing last week as Control and Prevention has said curtailing the influence of big “800 pages of election man- vaccinating teachers isn’t a pre- Rescue services get a family of five out of a semi-submerged car in Liberty, Tennessee, US. money in politics. dates and free speech regula- requisite for reopening schools, Republicans see those very tions” that poses a “threat to but some unions have resisted. measures as threats that would democracy” and would State struggles over whom to pri- Heavy rains lead to rescues, both limit the power of states “weaken voter confidence” in oritise come as the Biden admin- to conduct elections and ulti- elections. istration says in-person learning mately benefit Democrats, Citing Congress’ constitu- is a priority, as well as a key step road closures in Appalachia notably with higher turnout tional authority over federal in the economic recovery. among minority voters. elections, Democrats say “This is a piece of the slow AP — LOUISVILLE water in the facility at this time reported. In addition, a child The stakes are prodigious, national rules are needed to pandemic melt,” said Emily and it is still accessible, due to was injured in Nashville when with control of Congress and make voting more uniform, Oster, professor of economics Heavy rain across Appalachia the risk of flooding we made the he tripped over a downed the fate of President Joe Biden’s accessible and fair. The bill at Brown University in Rhode has led to water rescues, decision to relocate,” he said. power line while playing legislative agenda in the would mandate early voting, Island. “It’s not that the day mudslides, road closures and Multiple water rescues were outside, officials said. balance. But at its core, a more same-day registration and teachers are vaccinated, that power outages, officials said. reported in Kentucky, Ten- High water and mud slides foundational principle of other long-sought changes that everything is going to be totally In Kentucky, officials in nessee and West Virginia, blocked roadways in West Vir- American democracy is at play: Republicans reject. regular and cool again. In Magoffin and Pike counties authorities said. ginia and eastern Kentucky, access to the ballot. It would also require so- practice, what will happen if we declared a state of emergency In Kentucky, Wolfe County where flood warnings remained “This goes above partisan called dark money political prioritise teachers for vaccines Sunday due to damage from the Sheriff Chris Carson rescued four in effect Monday morning, the interests. The vote is at the groups to disclose anonymous and more teachers are vacci- flooding and some evacuations adults and a toddler from a National Weather Service said. heart of our democratic system donors, create reporting nated, we will see more school took place including at Salyers- vehicle trapped in flood water by In West Virginia, flooding of government,” said Fred Wer- requirements for online openings, but it will be slow.” ville Nursing and using a tractor with a front end hit some areas that were theimer, president of the non- political ads and appropriate Many students have been Rehabilitation. loader, according to the sheriff’s ravaged by power outages from partisan good government nearly $2bn for election infra- learning online since schools The facility decided to Facebook page. Carson was able ice storms last month. Flood- organization Democracy 21. structure upgrades. Future were shut a year ago to control evacuate residents to assure to get the people in the bucket waters inundated roads in more “That’s the battleground. And presidents would be obligated the spread of the coronavirus: they remain safe, CEO Joshua and then to safety, the post said. than a dozen counties, everyone knows it.” to disclose their tax returns, As of February 28, 55 percent L Calhoun said in a statement In Tennessee, four adults highways officials said. The Barriers to voting are as old which former President Donald of kindergarten through 12th- to WYMT-TV. He said residents and an infant were rescued National Guard assisted with as the country, but in more Trump refused to do. grade students were still were being taken to either a from a partially submerged some evacuations Sunday night recent history they have come Debate over the bill comes attending remote school or a middle school or a hospital. truck that slid off a water- in the Dunlow area of Wayne in the form of voter ID laws and at a critical moment, particu- hybrid programme. “While we do not have any covered bridge, news outlets County. other restrictions that are up larly for Democrats TUESDAY 2 MARCH 2021 16

QA named world’s best airline by eDreams THE PENINSULA — DOHA generous and consistent refund policies in the industry to facil- Qatar Airways has been The accolade drew on itate the changing situation of PRAYER acknowledged for its passengers and entry restrictions. performance during the global feedback from over We have invested significant TIMINGS 61,000 customers PRAYERPRAYRRAAAY TIMINGSMING pandemic as the best airline in resources into leading the the world by eDreams, one of across 667 airlines industry in biosafety by recently Europe’s largest online travel awarding marks for became the first global airline in FAJR 04.39 am agents. service quality not only the world to achieve the pres- SUNRISE 05.56 am The accolade drew on tigious 5-Star COVID-19 Airline feedback from over 61,000 cus- onboard but throughout Safety Rating by Skytrax. Addi- DHUHR 11.46 am tomers across 667 airlines each customer tionally, Qatar Airways’ home ASR 03.07 pm awarding marks for service touchpoint, including and hub, Hamad International MAGHRIB 05.38 pm quality not only onboard but flight refunds, reliability, Airport (HIA), recently named the ISHA 07.08 pm throughout each customer touch- ticket flexibility, value first and only airport in the point, including flight refunds, Middle East and Asia to be reliability, ticket flexibility, value for money, overall “At Qatar Airways fulfilling East region to Africa, Asia, awarded a Skytrax 5-Star for money, overall experience, experience, and safety. our mission and being there for Europe, and the Americas, with COVID-19 Airport Safety Rating and safety. the people needing us is para- more than 130 destinations. We in December 2020,” Antinori Qatar Airways topped the mount. When the pandemic even launched seven new desti- said. rating with a score of 4.4 / 5, began, we were there to bring nations during the pandemic — “Qatar Airways looks reflecting the range of measures coming from one of the leading people home when many other Abuja, Accra, Brisbane, Cebu, forward to continuing our strong to support customers and trade global trade distributors. This airlines stopped flying. Since Luanda, San Francisco, and relationship with eDreams and partners during the pandemic, reflects the uninterrupted and full then, we have kept flying, Seattle - to meet demand so that well as with all our trade partners including the most flexible commitment of Qatar Airways to resuming, and rebuilding our passengers can travel with an in general. Reliability and WEATHER booking and refunds policy. our customers and the trade since network using our varied fleet of airline they can rely on. presence in the market are TODAY Qatar Airways’ Chief Com- the first day of the pandemic. We modern, fuel-efficient aircraft. “Having always offered a important to the industry, which mercial Officer Thierry Antinori have worked hard to be the most “We currently offer more stable and predictable schedule, is why it is one of the corner- said, “We are thankful and very trusted and reliable airline for our destinations and frequencies than subject to local regulations, we stones of our commercial honoured to receive this award travel trade partners.” any other carrier in the Middle have also had one of the most strategy.”

19oC 25oC PHCC implements e-health file Minimum Maximum Misty to foggy at places at first programme in public schools becomes moderate temperature daytime with scattered clouds, QNA — DOHA the Ministry of Education and relatively cold by night. Higher Education, Hamad W ALRUWAIS : 17o → 26o The Primary Health Care General Hospital and Sidra W ALKHOR : 17o → 26o Corporation (PHCC) completed Medicine to implement projects W DUKHAN : 15o → 30o the implementation of the elec- that target students health and W WAKRAH : 18o → 27o tronic health file programme ensure the transition to the and included all public schools concept of preventive health W MESAIEED : 18o → 27o in the country in the electronic and health promotion for them W ABUSAMRA : 13o → 30o health file project for students in line with the objectives of the at the beginning of January National Health Strategy. HIGH TIDE 2021. She explained that with the 06:18– 18:27 The programme comes completion of the inclusion of within the framework of devel- all schools in the country in the LOW TIDE 01:10 – 14:07 oping school health services student’s electronic health file provided in all public schools project, there are aspirations with the aim of providing dis- to work on adding all treatment tinguished and high-quality plans for students with chronic services in accordance with the diseases and adding special ‘Tom & Jerry’ highest international standards tools to administer health to promote student health, surveys for school students, gives box office which is consistent with the including tools for measuring objectives of the second the level of physical activity, some life with Keeping traditions alive national health strategy that proper nutrition for students, pays much attention to the and tools for assessing the psy- $13.7m opening health of children and chological and behavioural Lebanese oud maker and player, Nazih Ghadban, scrubs an oud at his workshop in Ras Baalbeck, adolescents. health of the student, in coop- Lebanon. Ghadban is one of few remaining oud makers in Lebanon today. He has been making AP — NEW YORK Executive Director of the eration and partnership with instruments in his workshop since 1976. Operations Department at the all concerned parties. A not-so-distant recovery for PHCC Dr. Al Abdulla said that The electronic student movie theatres could be with the beginning of the health file project creates a glimpsed on Sunday, as current year the launch of the window of communication Warner Bros.’ live-action- Australian teens lead class action against electronic student health file between school health nurses animation hybrid “Tom & program was completed in all and the treating doctor in Jerry” debuted with $13.7m in Whitehaven’s coal mine expansion 281 public schools in the health centres or government ticket sales, the best domestic country, while 326 school hospitals, which strengthens opening of the year. REUTERS — MELBOURNE to climate change and endanger final approval from the minister. health nurses were trained to the role of school nursing as an The better-than-expected their future. It would create 450 ongoing jobs use programme in the right and essential member of the inte- opening came despite just 42% A class action against a coal mine “In the community, there is during operations with a net proper way. grated health care team to of US theaters being open, extension that begins today could an expectation that big coal mines A$1.2bn ($930m) state economic She added that the impor- ensure the comprehensiveness according to data firm Com- make it more difficult for coal like this do get approved at federal benefit, Whitehaven estimates. tance of the project lies in its of the care provided to stu- score. “Tom & Jerry” also mines to be approved in Australia level and that is precisely the “Our position in relation to the reliance on modern electronic dents. It also allows school played in 2,475 North on the basis of intergenerational reason we are concerned,” said litigation...is that the legal claim systems to manage students’ health staff to see the treatment American cinemas simultane- equity and climate change, if the principal David Barnden of Equity has no merit and should be dis- health files in school clinics, in plans set for students by the ously as it did in the home, claimants prove successful. Generation Lawyers. missed,” Managing Director and which the student’s electronic doctor and follow his recom- where it’s streaming on HBO The landmark claim, by a “This is about emissions and CEO Paul Flynn said in a health file is transferred instead mendations to provide the Max for a month. group of eight teenagers from the contribution to climate statement. of the paper file, as the file required care and help transfer Yet “Tom & Jerry” still across Australia, begins today in change, and harm to people who “As the Australian economy includes all the student’s per- the student to the concerned managed the second-best Melbourne’s Federal Court and is are children today.” Ley’s office starts to recover from the impacts sonal data, his health infor- health authorities if opening of the pandemic fol- expected to last for five days, but did not immediately respond to of COVID-19, it is vital that major mation, in addition to the stu- necessary. lowing Warner Bros.’ “Wonder a judgement may not be made for a request from Reuters for employment-generating invest- dent’s medical history, and the Consultant of Community Woman 1984,” which several months. comment, but she told local media ments in the economy are not vaccinations that he received Medicine and Director of School launched with $16.7m in The students argue that Aus- she was unable to comment while delayed by legal claims that have in advance, and it is linked to Health Programme and Services December while also landing tralia’s Environment Minister a court case was underway. no substance.” the electronic health file of the Dr. Leila Dahnim said that this on HBO Max. Susan Ley has a duty of care to The Vickery open-cut coal Coal is Australia’s second- student at the health centre. achievement was the result of The next-closest debuts — protect them from climate change mine would produce mostly met- most valuable resource export, Dr. Al Abdullah praised the hard work for five continuous “Tenet,” “The Croods: A New and the expansion of Whitehaven allurgical coal for steel-making worth an estimated A$37bn in the continuous cooperation with years on this project, as its Age” — eked out about $10m Coal’s Vickery coal mine in New as well as some higher grade financial year to June, gov- all concerned authorities such implementation began in early on opening weekend. South Wales state will contribute thermal coal and is waiting on ernment figures show. as the Ministry of Public Health, 2016 in several stages. Netflix, Disney win big at a Golden Globes suited for a pandemic

BLOOMBERG — NEW YORK actors Tina Fey and Amy its star Sacha Baron Cohen won responders,” Fey said. Poehler. the Golden Globe for his per- “We are so grateful for the Netflix Inc. and Walt Disney Co. The dominance of the top formance. Other winners work that you do, and that emerged as the big winners at global streaming service and the included Daniel Kaluuya, who you’re here, so that the celeb- the Golden Globe awards, taking top traditional studio won’t sur- was named best supporting rities can stay safely at home.” home most of the evening’s prise many. For the past year, actor in a motion picture for his The picture has been much prizes for their films and tele- many theatres have been closed, role in “Judas and the Black brighter for TV, which the Globes vision shows, in an awards show and the biggest new films have Messiah,” a Warner Bros. film also celebrate. Millions of people tailor-made for the unusual been delayed or put online. That about the FBI’s infiltration of the stuck at home in the U.S. and pandemic-affected times. also meant studios had to hold Black Panthers. John Boyega was abroad over the past year Disney grabbed the top back at least some of their mul- voted best supporting actor in a swarmed to streaming services award, best dramatic motion timillion-dollar marketing TV role for his part in “Small like Netflix and Disney+, which picture, for “Nomadland,” while budgets, making it harder to suss Axe,” an Amazon show about now count hundreds of millions the film’s director Chloe Zhao out clear favorites. Instead, London’s West Indian com- of subscribers globally. became the second-ever woman online viewing was on the rise, munity, and “Schitt’s Creek” cap- Hosts Tina Fey (left) and Amy Poehler are seen in this handout In addition to winning best to take home that prize. Netflix with even Disney leaning hard tured the award for best TV screen grab from the 78th Annual Golden Globe Awards, in Beverly television drama, Netflix’s British especially dominated in tele- into the change, expanding its comedy. Hills, California, US, on Sunday. royal chronicle “The Crown,” vision, with “The Crown” and Disney+ streaming service and Because of COVID-19, the saw the actors who played “The Queen’s Gambit,” grabbing debuting top films over the 78th Golden Globes were held also usually held in January, Hilton, they spoke from separate Princess Diana and Prince a handful of awards at the cer- internet. with presenters and winners when many awards contenders stages there and at the Rainbow Charles, Emma Corrin and Josh emony. In all, the two studios Other streaming services, appearing remotely, unlike past are still playing in theatres. Room in New York. O’Connor, both take home acting won 15 of the prizes handed out particularly Amazon.com Inc., years, when the awards were An opening monologue from “Normally this room is full awards. Gillian Anderson won a Sunday by the Hollywood also picked up key prizes. “Borat handed out in a banquet room at comedians Fey and Poehler of celebrities, but tonight our supporting Golden Globe for her Foreign Press Association in a Subsequent Moviefilm” won best the Beverly Hilton hotel before a highlighted the oddity. Rather audience on both coasts is made portrayal of Margaret Thatcher NBC broadcast hosted by comic picture, musical or comedy, and TV audience of millions. They’re than sharing the stage at the of smoking-hot first in the series.