QatarTribune Qatar_Tribune QatarTribuneChannel qatar_tribune FRIDAY FEBRUARY 21, 2020 JUMADA AL-AKHIR 27, 1441 VOL.13 NO. 4875 QR 2

Fajr: 4:48 am Dhuhr: 11:48 am HAZE Asr: 3:05 pm Maghrib: 5:32 pm HIGH : 24°C Isha: 7:02 pm LOW : 18°C Business 8 Sports 11 Nation 16 QP af liate books Challenging desert QEERI provides data for long-term capacity at route awaits Manateq 800MWp Al Kharsaah French terminal QCCR solar plant project

Amir reviews Qatar’s 2030 strategy for research development and innovation 2030 research development strategy key pillar of Qatar’s future economy: Amir

“Today I looked at the state’s strategy in the field of research, development and innovation 2030, as it is one of the important pillars of the future economy of Qatar based on knowledge, diversification and innovation. During my visits to the research complex at Hamad Bin Khalifa University, I became acquainted with their research achieve- ments that will inevitably contribute to community service and our development path through accumulation of knowledge and better transfer of experiences and modern technology.”

QNA Innovation Council as part of Qa- tion systems. acquainted with their research part of the second National Devel- Biomedical Research Institute DOHA tar National Vision 2030. “Today I looked at the state’s achievements that will inevitably opment Strategy 2018-2022. (QBRI), as well as the center’s cur- The Amir saw a presentation strategy in the field of research, de- contribute to community service The Amir toured Hamad Bin rent and future plans. THE Amir HH Sheikh Tamim on the strategy, during a visit to velopment and innovation 2030, as and our development path through Khalifa University’s research The Amir was accompanied by bin Hamad al Thani was briefed the council at Hamad Bin Khal- it is one of the important pillars of accumulation of knowledge and centre at Qatar Foundation and Prime Minister and Minister of In- on Qatar’s strategy for research ifa University on Thursday, and the future economy of Qatar based better transfer of experiences and listened to a brief overview of terior HE Sheikh Khalid bin Khal- development and innovation on its seven main themes related to on knowledge, diversification and modern technology,” the Amir said the roles of the Qatar Environ- ifa bin Abdulaziz al Thani, and a Thursday. innovation, business, research innovation. During my visits to via an Instagram post. ment and Energy Research In- number of ministers. The strategy was prepared by infrastructure, finance, govern- the research complex at Hamad The Amir was also briefed on stitute (QEERI), Qatar Comput- Qatar Research Development and ment, legislation, and informa- Bin Khalifa University, I became the strategy’s executive plan as ing Research Institute, and Qatar More on page 16 

Amir, Erdogan Qatar regrets Saudi denying entry permit FM renews Qatar’s call review ties to health minister for attending GCC meet QNA QNA of Foreign Affairs said Saudi Arabia has always DOHA DOHA claimed that the GCC, especially the technical for a binding security committees, is effective and not affected by THE Amir HH Sheikh Tamim Qatar has expressed its regret and the Gulf crisis. But Qatar was surprised, as bin Hamad al Thani on condemnation of Saudi Arabia de- Saudi Arabia has politicised a humanitar- Thursday held a telephone nying entry to Minister of Public ian sector that requires wisdom and the accord for Middle East conversation with Turkish Health HE Dr Hanan Mohamed necessity to keep it away from political President Recep Tayyip al Kuwari to attend an extraordi- differences. Erdogan. During the call, nary emergency meeting of the The statement called on Saudi Ara- ‘Siege countries they reviewed bilateral Gulf Cooperation Council’s (GCC) bia to play its role as the headquarters relations and the ways to Ministers of Health to address of the GCC with impartiality and profes- must return to support and develop them, coronavirus (COVID-19). sionalism, and also af rmed the commitment in addition to discussing The Saudi approval came after the start of of Qatar to cooperate with all Gulf countries to their senses’ a number of regional and the meeting. address coronavirus, wishing all the people of TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK international issues. In a statement on Thursday, the Ministry the region security and safety. BRUSSELS

DEPUTY Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul- rahman al Thani has reiterated Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Going green: Doha Metro hikes Qatar’s call to all countries in Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al Thani speaks before the European Scattered rain the Middle East to conclude a Parliament Committee on Foreign Affairs on Wednesday. likely: QMD binding security agreement. rates to curb paper ticket use “The security agreement populations directly impact you the talks were suspended two LIGHT scattered rain was must be collective and binding here in Europe,” the FM said. months later by the Saudis reported in some parts of TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK based on agreed principles of Security in the Middle East without prior notice,” he said, Qatar on Thursday and it DOHA security, developed with rules is closely linked to international adding that “We still welcome will continue on Friday, ac- of governance, dispute resolu- peace and security, he said. any efforts by Kuwaiti media- cording to Qatar Meteorol- IN order to minimise the us- tion and accountability. It must “We need the EU’s diplo- tion, and we hope that Saudi ogy Department (QMD). age and environmental impact be respectful of sovereignty and matic support for getting every Arabia or any of the blockad- “Radar continues to of paper tickets, Doha Metro non-interference in internal af- Middle East country to the ta- ing countries will come to the monitor scattered rains has revised the pricing of its fairs,” Sheikh Mohammed said ble, enforcing international negotiating table to reach a so- concentrated in the west limited use paper tickets for in a speech before the Euro- law, and restoring the world lution to this crisis.” and north of the country, Standard and Goldclub. pean Parliament Committee on order to keep nations account- He said Qatar understands which may turn into thun- Single journey in a stand- Foreign Affairs on Wednesday. able.” that the loser in this crisis is the derstorm at times,” the ard class that was earlier Any broad security col- Sheikh Mohammed af- entire region, and that there QMD said in a tweet. priced at QR2 will now cost lective agreement must bring firmed, “Qatar will continue will be no winner. “We will all The QMD said strong QR3. A day pass that used to together all countries in the re- to play a role in de-escalating be winners if we can solve it in wind is expected at some cost QR6 will now be QR9. gion to be effective in achieving tensions in the Middle East a way that avoids conflicts in places with high seas. For For a single journey in peace, he noted. because Qatar believes in the the future.” Saturday, the QMD pre- Goldclub, it will be QR15. Ear- “In my region, our primary power of dialogue and commit- Sheikh Mohammed said dicted that it will be misty lier it was QR10. A day pass challenge is establishing peace ment.” that is the important thing that to foggy at rst. Then it that used to cost QR30 will Travel cards, which cost QR10, and stability, which will be re- He expressed Qatar’s ap- should happen in the Gulf. may become mild accom- now be QR45. The new rates PRICE HIKE can be purchased from Doha stored only when all the coun- preciation for the efforts of HH “We hope it will happen. panied by some clouds will be in effect from February ● Single journey in a Metro Stations or from se- tries in the Middle East agree to the Amir of Kuwait to reach a The Saudis and the Emiratis and then cold by night. It 21 (Friday). standard class that was lected supermarkets and can work together to reach consen- solution for the Gulf crisis. will return to their senses and also warned of low hori- If you are using a stand- earlier priced at QR2 will be topped up as and when re- sus on key challenges. This is “We were hoping for reach- stop the campaigns against zontal visibility over most ard or goldclub travel card, now cost QR3. A day quired. The daily pass rate also critical to all of us here because ing an understanding with Qatar,” he said. areas. (TNN) the rates per journey remains pass will now cost QR9 remains same as QR6 if you the current turmoil, transna- Saudi Arabia last November unchanged — QR2 and QR10. are using a travel card. tional terrorism, and displaced when the talks started, but Continued on page 2  02 Friday, February 21, 2020

Contact US: Qatar Tribune I EDITORIAL I Phone: 40002222 I ADMINISTRATION & MARKETING I Phone: 40002155, 40002122, Fax: 40002235 P.O. Box: 23493, Doha.

GANHRI chief, Indian MURAIKHI MEETS CTED EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR politician appreciate outcome of social media conference ASHRAF SIDDIQUI DOHA

THE President of Global Al- liance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), Carlos Negret Mosquera, has lauded the outcome of the re- cently concluded conference on social media in Doha. Talking exclusively to Qa- tar Tribune, he said the large number of participants from Carlos Negret Mosquers Minister of State for Foreign Affairs HE Sultan bin Saad al Muraikhi met with Executive Director of the Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate (CTED) of the United Nations, across the world in the interna- Michele Coninsx, on Thursday. During the meeting, they reviewed the bilateral cooperation relations, in addition to issues of common concern. (QNA) tional conference reflected the importance attached globally to social media today. Mosquera said the high- level event titled ‘Social Media: Challenges and Ways to Pro- mote Freedom and Protect Ac- Qatar aims for excellence in integrated tivists’, which was held for the first time in Doha, saw the par- ticipation of human rights in- stitutions, journalists’ forums, healthcare system in Qatar: Dr Malik EU parliamentarians, Office of Nuzarath Jahan the United Nations High Com- missioner for Human Rights ence. More than 800 delegates are attending the 4th International Primary Health Care Conference being held in Doha and UN special rapporteurs. Meanwhile, Nuzarath Ja- The discussions mainly fo- han, an Indian human rights CATHERINE W GICHUKI challenges and developments, in Qatar.” a small expertise centre for updates in clinical use of an- cused on protecting rights of activist, politician and actress DOHA and provide a platform for en- She said the conference integrated primary health care tibiotics in paediatrics as well social media activists and at who took part in the inter- hancing primary healthcare. was an opportunity to explore in The Netherlands. An expert as panel discussions on the the same time combating hate national conference, has de- MINISTER of Public Health Speaking at the opening areas, including how best to in transitioning from volume- health care transition in Qatar. speeches and attempts to in- scribed the event as “successful HE Dr Hanan Mohamed al Ku- ceremony, PHCC Managing develop integrated and popu- to value-based integrated care Friday’s sessions will fea- cite violence against religious and very well organised”. wari attended the opening cer- Director Dr Mariam Abdul lation health-oriented systems he delivered a presentation ture lipid management: How minorities through misuse of She called for a universal emony of the 4th International Malik said that PHCC has sig- of care, identify specific rede- on ‘Turning vision into reality low should we go; updates on social media, Mosquera point- law to safeguard social media Primary Health Care Confer- nificantly invested in develop- sign strategies and interven- through innovation, integra- asthma care in adults; updates ed out. activists, adding that strict ence on Thursday. ing primary care facilities and tions, and present evidence tion and leadership’. on managing diabetes in pri- He, however, added that laws must also be introduced Dr Kuwari also toured an broadening services provided of their effectiveness. Dr Ma- Dr Jeanelle de Gruchy, mary care; pre-pregnancy BMI the conference also discussed to penalise those involved in exhibition organised on the to the communities. “We have lik said that Qatar, under the president of the Association gestational weight gain and hurdles faced by the social me- attacks on minorities, hate sidelines of the conference, implemented various pro- leadership of HH the Amir, has of Directors of Public Health birth outcomes in Lebanon; dia and journalists. He said the speeches and victimisation of which will conclude on Febru- grammes to improve the qual- exerted efforts to provide the (ADPH) delivered a session on lifestyle: the new trend for pre- task before the participating women and children. ary 22. ity of services, in partnership best healthcare for the com- ‘Current challenges in health venting and reversing disease; human rights organisations Jehan thanked the NHRC Organised by Primary with local, international and munity. promotion and capacity build- immunisation as strategic pre- and other agencies now is to for providing her an opportu- Health Care Corporation university partners. This con- The first day of the confer- ing in a primary health care ventative priority for PHCC; implement recommendations nity to be a part of the confer- (PHCC), the four-day event is ference provides us an inter- ence featured keynote speaker setting’. insight into targeted oral passed at the conclusion of the ence. being attended by more than national platform to share our Dr Marc A Bruijnzeels, an as- Sessions on the first day health programmes, a novel event. Jehan visits Qatar from 800 delegates. progress to date and to high- sociate professor at Leiden also included discussions on Qatari experience; empower- He also lauded the hospi- time to time to pray at her fa- The conference will see light our goals to achieve excel- University Medical School – the role of clinical leadership ing primary care to innovate tality of Qatar and the arrange- ther’s grave, who worked and presentation of 60 research lence in not only primary, but Campus the Hague and the di- on how to improve the per- and accelerate new model of ments made for the confer- died here in the 1980’s. papers reviewing primary care integrated healthcare system rector of Jan van Es Institute, formance of health services, integrated care; among others. Philippine trade mission in Doha ‘We would like to see our region ‘stable’: FM Continued from page 1  our strategic ally and Qatar ate all the efforts by the Eu- develops a plan to resolve the to explore business opportunities is hosting its largest military ropean Union to contribute Palestinian-Israeli conflict, ON the relations between base in the region. Qatar has to peace and security in my but it must be in accordance AILYN AGONIA ing Philippine companies are Doha and Tehran, he said, also neighbourly relations region.” with international legitimacy, DOHA Mother’s Best, a Philippine “Iran is our neighbour and it with Iran.” Regarding the Palestinian and this is Qatar’s position.” brand known for its line of pre- has many problems with the On US-Taliban talks, the cause, he said, Qatar is one of “We urge the two parties, THE Philippine Department of pared and ready-to-use condi- US. Qatar has good relations FM said, “Recently, we wit- the biggest supporters of the through the US, to enter into Trade and Industry – Export ments, marinades and sauces, with Iran, which has opened nessed a breakthrough in the Palestinians and contributes direct negotiations, and we Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB), as well as manufacturer and its airspace and ports to sup- US-Taliban peace talks, which to that either individually or would like to see peace be- in coordination with the Phil- distributor of quality snack ply goods, and we appreciate have been hosted in Doha through programmes imple- tween them, but we must also ippine Trade and Investment foods Jocker’s Food Industries. that, especially in the early for years. This breakthrough mented with various United not ignore the fact that the Center – Middle East and Af- Also part of the delegation days of the blockade. Now, we serves as a step to Afghan Nations agencies. Arab countries agreed to an rica, will conduct an Outbound is one of the Philippines’ lead- would like to see our region peace, and hopeful proof that On US President Donald Arab initiative that they pre- Business Matching Mission ing food companies San Miguel stable and we do not want to a commitment to negotiation Trump’s plan for peace in sented and that initiative con- (OBMM) in Doha from Febru- Foods and Marikina Food Cor- see a conflict between Iran can create results.” the Middle East, he said, “We stitutes a fair basis for such ary 21 to 24. poration, a food manufacturing and the US, the latter being He added, “We appreci- welcome every initiative that negotiations,” he said. The Philippine business business matching, and focused company engaged in the devel- delegation is composed of rep- training and capacity building opment and production of high resentatives of 11 Philippine for both large companies and quality and cost efficient noo- companies mainly in the food micro, small and medium en- dle products. and beverages industry. terprises (MSMEs), which also Other participants are Lipa DOHA MUNICIPALITY TAKES PART IN ‘MILLION TREES INITIATIVE’ The OBMM aims to de- echoes the thrust of Philippine Fresh Coconut, Magic Melt, velop and expand relationships Halal Export Development and Marigold Manufacturing Cor- with business, government Promotion Act (PHEDP). poration, PasciolcoAgri Ven- and multiplier organisations The project supports the tures, PinesVill, Sagrex Foods in Qatar and enhance local un- Export Promotion for Philip- Inc and LBC. derstanding of the current eco- pine Food Sector, which en- DTI-TPG Undersecretary nomic conditions and business deavours to bring Philippine Macatoman reiterated the need opportunities. cuisine, ingredients, and bever- for more Philippine brands to It will be headed by DTI- ages overseas. enter the Middle East markets Trade Promotions Group The programme’s strategy to cater to the demand of Fili- (TPG) Undersecretary Abdul- will build on Strategy No 3 of pinos living there and to pen- gani M Macatoman and in- PEDP 2018-2022, which is to etrate the mainstream market. clude Philippine Commercial design comprehensive pack- He added that the mission also Attaché for the Middle East ages of support that will be able seeks to promote Philippine and Africa Charmaine Mignon to mainstream the Philippine bananas in the Middle East S Yalong, DTI-EMB’s Senior food, food ingredients and bev- markets, among others. Trade and Industry Develop- erages sectors, and encourage The mission will kick off ment Specialist Myrtle Faye L. innovations in major Philip- with a seminar on Basic Export- Solina and Trade and Industry pine commodities and niche ing and Doing Business in the Development Specialist Al- products. Philippine to be held at the Phil- Mahdi I Jul-Ahmad. The featured products for ippine Embassy Doha on Feb- The mission is also an- the Doha mission are food ruary 21. The delegation is also Doha Municipality, in coordination with the Public Parks Department of the Ministry of Municipality and Environment, participated in the one chored in Exporting Marketing items, sauces, spices, mixes and set to have business matching million trees initiative. Of cials from the municipality planted a number of trees in the airport park in support of the initiative, which aims Bureau’s aspiration to engage condiments whereas the servic- events, market scanning, store to encourage the international community to adopt policies that ght climate change and seek sustainable development. The Public Parks with high-level promotion, tar- es include cargo and logistics. visits and meetings with gov- Department is coordinating the efforts of the country’s different municipalities to promote public participation in the initiative. (QNA) geted market intelligence and Among the participat- ernment authorities in Qatar. Nation Friday, February 21, 2020 03 250 KMCC Malappuram district members enrol in insurance scheme for expatriates e expatriate participants in the Bema Takaful insurance scheme are entitled after two years of time to claim up to QR100,000 benets TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Management on the occasion. DOHA The meeting was presided over by KMCC Malappuram THE Indian Cultural Com- district President K Moham- munity Benevolent Forum med Eassa. Also in attendance (ICBF), in association with were: State KMCC Advisory Bema Takaful Insurance Board member Salim Nak- Company, has launched an kalakam, Treasurer Ali Moray- insurance scheme for the In- oor, ICBF General Secretary dian community in Qatar. The Avinash Gaikwad and Vice- KMCC Malappuram District President Mahesh Gowda. Committee and Ali Interna- Ali International Com- tional Company recently add- pany representatives Mu- ed around 250 members to the nas, Shafiq, Gireesh, Zubair, scheme. Sharafu and Nishad; District Muslim League National Councilors including Rafeeq Organising Secretary ET Mo- Kondotty, Salam Wandoor, hammed Basheer MP handed Layis Kuniyil, Majeed Thava- over the applications to ICBF noor, Yunus Vengara, Akbar President PN Babu Raj at the Vengasheri and Basheer Chel- KMCC office. ebra also attended the event. The ICBF president con- The members enrolled in gratulated the KMCC Malap- the scheme are eligible to get puram District Committee and up to QR100,000 benefits Ali International Company upon claim in two years’ time. HBKU CHSS marks World Day of Social Justice Six MES students win

tions from the floor. gold in Hindi Olympiad Experts call for Speaking after the talk, bridging gaps of in- Dr Amal al Malki, found- ing dean, CHSS, said: “The equalities between theme of this year’s World Day of Social Justice reflects countries, genders the urgent need to reduce inequality around the world. TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK As things stand, one in five DOHA workers lives in moderate or extreme poverty, and is ef- IN keeping with its vision to en- fectively trapped by stagnant rich society through transform- wages and geographical dis- ative educational experiences, parities. Gender inequality the College of Humanities also ensures that a significant and Social Sciences (CHSS) at amount of the global popu- Hamad Bin Khalifa University by international organisations, panel considered a range of Social Work; Dr Azza Abdel- lation misses out on the full Phalguni Sehla Kabeer (HBKU) commemorated the non-governmental organisa- social justice issues, including moneium, director of Research benefits of economic develop- World Day for Social Justice tions (NGOs) and other stake- education, accessibility, hu- Department at Doha Interna- ment. This must change. with a public talk. holders. This year’s theme was man rights and nationalism tional Family Institute; Ahmed “Today’s event also un- Celebrated yearly since ‘Closing the inequalities gap to and identity. Habib, senior ICT access policy derlines the college’s com- 2009, the World Day of Social achieve social justice’, which Discussions then turned specialist at Mada Center; Zar- mitment to nurturing socially Justice is a United Nations reflects that inequalities be- to practical steps to encourage qaParvez, affiliate instructor in responsible global citizens be- (UN) declared international tween and among countries positive change by providing Middle Eastern Studies, Col- yond the classroom. Tackling day which emphasises the are weakening social cohe- user-centred accessible envi- lege of Humanities and Social social injustice is by no means global importance of social jus- sion, preventing people from ronments and accepting people Sciences, HBKU; and Ahmed the preserve of academia and tice. Upholding human rights, achieving their potential and of different cultural, linguistic alShahrani, an adapted ath- policy-making circles. This advocating sustainable devel- burdening economies. and ethnic backgrounds. Panel lete. was amply demonstrated by opment and eliminating pov- Led by DrJoselia Neves, as- speakers included Amal A al Proceedings concluded our audience who offered erty are among the issues and sociate dean of social engage- Mannai, chief executive of- with a questions and answers some thought-provoking ideas objectives typically highlighted ment and access, the college’s ficer of Qatar Foundation for session and further interven- and perspectives.” Vidya Singh Amena Khatoon DPS-MIS dance festival mesmerises audience

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK tives and ideas which involve DOHA showcasing young talents. The Dance Club headed THE Dance Club of DPS-MIS by Harini Balamurugan, organised a dance festival with Srobona Mal, Khushi Thob- the theme ‘Gateway to India’ hani and Vrinda Vijaya Ku- recently. mar under the supervision The event was a good op- of Club CoordinatorAnita Saachi Jangle Fida Kabeer portunity for the students to trained the student members understand various types of of classes VI – IX, for the SIX students of MES Indian ous categories of the contest folk dances of India and the year 2019-20. School won gold medals in the were: Amena Khatoon (III B), diverse Indian culture. The event was a fun-filled Akhil Bharatiya Hindi Olym- Saachi Jangle (IV B), Phalguni After the welcome speech learning experience for the piad, an international linguis- Pradeep Kumar (IV F), Fida by Khushi Thobhani and students to explore the lan- tic competition organised by Theruvath Kallungal Kabeer Srobona Mal, the promo of guage of dance. Silver Zone Foundation, New (VII P), Sehla Theruvath Kal- the dance fest, shot by the The show concluded with Delhi, for the academic year lungal Kabeer (IX L) and Vid- press team of Priyanka Vana- the vote of thanks by Harini 2019-20. ya Singh (X L). ma, Naveen Dorairaj and All- Balamurugan and Vrinda A total of 44 students from The school Principal Mrs wyn Antony, was played. the audience glued to the Principal Asna Nafees the event for the first time in Vijaya Kumar. Thanks to its Classes III to X participated in Hameeda Kadar congratu- Various scintillating seat and their unceasing ap- commended the efforts of DPS-MIS. great success, the event will the contest. lated the winners and appreci- dances presented by the plause defined the success of the students and the teachers She said the school was continue to take place in the The MES students who ated their efforts to win laurels members of the club kept the show. in successfully conducting glad to welcome new initia- coming years. bagged gold medals in vari- for the school. (TNN) DPS-MIS holds social science expo to instil sense of responsibility

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA

IN an endeavour to provide the students with a better un- derstanding of the cultural, social, political and economic developments, and inculcate a sense of responsibility towards environment and other global concerns, the Social Science Department of DPS-MIS start- ed an exhibition titled ‘Shristi- The Creation’ for classes VI to VIII recently. In his address on the occasion, the chief guest, ous efforts of the students, encourage students to think Rocky Fernandes, director teachers and the parents in sensibly. She commended The students of Grade but the entire world based on Together ’ respectively. port, Metro Rail and FIFA of DPS-MIS, highlighted the putting up a grand show. the hard work and persever- VI, Grade VII and Grade themes ‘Weave through the The major attraction of the World Cup 2022. Around 350 critical role of social science Speaking on the occasion, ance of the students, teach- VIII presented a wide range Ages’ and ‘Time, Continu- exhibition was the Qatar His- models and 220 charts were in helping the students un- Principal MsAsnaNafees un- ers and the parents and ad- of exhibits encompassing the ity & change’; ‘The Mehrazi’ tory Corner, featuring models displayed celebrating Qatar’s derstand and work towards a derscored the importance of vised the students to remain historical, political, cultural, and ‘Explore the World’; and of Al Zubarah Fort, Museum rich heritage. The event saw more sustainable future. He such activities that promote well-informed about the cur- geographical and economic ‘Journey through the Dec- of Islamic Art, SouqWaqif, the attendance of a large also appreciated the ardu- experiential learning and rent global concerns. boundaries of not only India, ades’ and ‘Moving Forward Hamad International Air- number of parents. 04 Friday, February 21, 2020 (http://www.islamweb.net) Under the guidance and supervision of Ministry of Awqaf (Religious Endowments) Islam and Islamic Affairs Human Rights in Islamic Civilisation HE Western philoso- decent life and have an appropri- pher Nietzsche said, ate standard of living. This right “The weak and the is different from the bare subsist- botched shall perish: ence level stipulated in man-made first principle of our governance systems, which means Tcharity, and one should help them the minimum subsistence level to it.” necessary to maintain life. In total contrast, the philoso- The right to sufficiency in Is- phy and Sharee‘ah of Islam have lam is established through work never deviated from morality and to earn a living. If an individual ethics, represented in the est a b- is unable to work, he receives a lishment of a set of rights granted share of the Zakaah funds. If the to all human beings without an y levied Zakaah funds cannot meet distinction on the basis of colour, the needs of the poor (the Zakaah gender or language. These rights recipients) to sustain a decent also encompassed the surround- life, the difference is paid from ing environment which they in- the state budget to provide these teract with. Islam protected these needs. The Messenger of Allah, human rights by the power of law sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa salam, de- to ensure their implementation scribed this concept when he said: and imposed sanctions on who- “If a believer (dies and) leaves be- ever violates them. hind some property, then his rela- The human being from an Is- tives will inherit that property, but lamic perspective: if he is in debt or he leaves behind Islam adopts a refined perspec- poor children, let those (creditors tive on human beings, founded on and children) come to me (that I dignity and honour, based upon may pay the debt and provide for the Statement of Allah, The Ex- the children), for I am, surely, his alted, which reads (what means): sponsor.” [Al-Bukhaari] He, salla- And We have certainly honoured llaahu ‘alayhi wa salam, also said, the children of Adam and carried stressing this right: “The one who them on the land and sea and pro - spends the night satiated know- vided for them of the good things ing that his next-door neighbour and preferred them over much of is hungry does not truly believe in what We have created, with [defi- me.” [Al-Haakim] nite] preference.} [Qur’an 17: 70] Lauding the solidarity of the This perspective gave human Ash‘ariyyoon (members of the rights in Islam special characteris- Banu Al-Ash‘ar tribe), he, sal- tics and distinct features, the most sition of the human soul in gen- Hakeem, may Allah be pleased zen. Islam holds Taqwa (piety and committed theft. He, sallallaahu lallaahu ‘alayhi wa salam, said: important of which is comprehen- eral, preserving its greatest right, with him, said: “I heard the Mes- mindfulness of Allah) as the sole ‘alayhi wa salam, said: “By Him “When the Ash‘ariyyoon run short siveness. Human rights in Islam which is the right to life. When he, senger of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi criterion for superiority among in Whose Hands my soul is, if of provisions in the battle or run incorporate political, economic, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa salam, was wa salam, say: ‘Allah will torment people. The Prophet, sallallaahu Muhammad’s daughter Faatimah short of food for their dependants social and intellectual aspects. asked about the grave major sins, those who torment peo- ‘alayhi wa salam, said: “O committed theft, I would cut her in Madeenah, they collect what- They are universal, applying to all he said: “Ascribing partners to ple in this worldly Islam mankind, your Lord hand off.” [Al-Bukhaari] ever is with them in one cloth and individuals, be they Muslims or Allah… and killing a soul …” [Al- life.’” [Ibn Hib- is One and your fa- He, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa then distribute it among them- non-Muslims, without any distinc- Bukhaari] baan] adopts a refined ther is one. You salam, in order to establish justice, selves equally by measuring it tion of any kind based on colour, The Hadeeth used the general Equal- perspective on human beings, all descended forbade denying a person’s right with a bowl. They are from me and gender or language. They are not Arabic word ‘Nafs’ (soul) to in- ity among from Aadam, to defend himself. He said: “...the I am from them.” [Muslim] subject to cancellation or change clude any living soul killed with- people: founded on dignity and honour, based and Aadam creditor (owner of the right) has The rights of civilians and pris- because they are associated with out right. After upon the Statement of Allah, The Exalted, was cre- the right to speak.” [Al-Bukhaari] oners of war: the commandments of Allah, The The Messenger of Allah, sal- honour- ated from Furthermore, he, sallallaahu When it comes to the civil- Lord of the Worlds. lallaahu ‘alayhi wa salam, went ing all which reads (what means): And We have earth. The ‘alayhi wa salam, said to the ones ians and prisoners of war in war- This was established by the further to protect the sanctity human certainly honoured the children of Adam and one most put in charge of governing peo- time, human rights reach the Messenger of Allah, sallallaahu of human life even from oneself beings in honoured ple’s affairs and judiciary: “When peak of their greatness in Islam. ‘alayhi wa salam, in his farewell by prohibiting suicide. He, sal- general carried them on the land and sea and provided among you two litigants sit in front of you, do The dominant spirit during war is speech, which was more of a com- lallaahu ‘alayhi wa salam, said: and es- for them of the good things and preferred in the sight not decide till you hear what the that of revenge and punishment prehensive declaration of human “Whoever kills himself by throw- tablishing of Allah is other litigant has to say as you rather than humanity and com- rights in Islam. In his speech, he, ing himself off a mountain will the sanc- them over much of what We have cre- he who is heard what the first had to say, passion. However, Islam adopts sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa salam, said: be continually throwing himself tity of their ated, with [definite] preference.} most pious. No for it is best that you should have a humane approach governed by “No doubt! Your blood, property in Hellfire, dwelling in that state blood, honour [Qur’an 17: 70] Arab is superior a clear idea of the best judgment.” compassion. The Prophet, sal- and honour are held sacred (in- eternally. And whoever kills him- and wealth as to a non-Arab ex- [Abu Daawood] lallaahu ‘alayhi wa salam, said in violable) to one another like the self by drinking poison, his poison well as their rights cept by Taqwa.” [Ah- The right to sufficiency in Is- this regard: “Do not kill an infant, sanctity of this day of yours, in will be in his hand to continually to life, Islam affirms mad and At-Tabaraani] lam a woman or an old person.” [Mus- this town of yours (Makkah), in sip it in Hellfire, dwelling in that the right to equality for all peo- Justice in Islam The Islamic Sharee‘ah grants lim] this month of yours (Thul-Hijjah) state eternally. And whoever kills ple (without discrimination). All Another right associated with a unique right to human beings, This was a partial account of until the day you meet your Lord.” himself with a piece of iron, his are held equal: individuals and the right to equality is the right namely the right to sufficiency, what Islam legislated and estab- [Al-Bukhaari] iron will be in his hand to continu - groups, races and peoples, the rul- to justice. One of the amazing which is unmatched in any man- lished as human rights granted This prophetic speech affirmed ally stab himself in the abdomen ers and the ruled, and the gover- narrations in this regard is the made law, positive system or hu- to every human being on the face a set of human rights, the most with it in Hellfire, dwelling in that nors and the governed. There are statement of the Messenger of Al- man rights charter. The right to of the earth. In their totality, they important of which was the sanc- state eternally.” [Al-Bukhaari] no restrictions or exceptions in lah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa salam, sufficiency means that every indi- reflect the humanistic character of tity of blood, wealth and honour, Moreover, Islam prohibits all this regard. There is no discrimi- to Usaamah ibn Zayd, may Allah vidual living within the confines Islam, which is the essence of the as well as others. actions that undermine a person’s nation in legislation against an be pleased with him, when he of the Muslim state is entitled to Muslim civilisation. He, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa right to life, be it intimidation, Arab or non-Arab, a black person went to intercede for the woman what suffices him of the essential Author: Dr. Raaghib salam, also stressed the lofty po- insult or beating. Hishaam ibn or white person, a ruler or citi- of the Makhzoom tribe who had needs of life to be able to lead a As-Sirjaani

Acts of Charity on Behalf of The Dead MUSLIMS SEEING EVIL AND Question: As-salam Alaekum. I want to ask about the prayer for the dead Muslim. I have lost my parents for few years and I learnt that the best way to remember them is to say this: “Our Lord, forgive me, and my parents, and the believers, on the Day the Reckoning takes place.” [Qur’an 14:41] NOT FEELING DISTRESSED BY IT And do give some sadaqah on their behalf. I recently lost my half brother. I would like to know if there is any special way to remember him or anything I also need to be doing on his behalf. Or should I forget about him because he died at 23. Question: Why is it that when duty of a believer to display protec- out). If he cannot do that, then by his Answer: All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of wor- some Muslims hear music or tive jealousy when one of the sacred heart (by hating it and disapproving ship except Allah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger. they see women, they are not af- ordinances of Allah, The Almighty, of it), and that is the weakest form of First of all, we ask Allah, The Almighty, to forgive your parents and brother, and we implore Him to fected by it? I consider myself is violated. Muhammad ibn ‘Ali ibn faith.’” [Muslim] admit them all to the highest levels of Paradise; verily, He is All-Hearing and All-Responsive. When a to be a good Muslim, but some- Al-Husayn, may Allaah have mercy There is no doubt that there are Muslim wants to supplicate Allah, The Exalted, for his parents – or other than them – it is better to times when I hear music it both- upon him, said: “Prophet Ibraaheem Muslims who do not denounce what recite the reported supplications that are mentioned in the Qur’an and the Sunnah such as the sup- ers me and I hate it. Or when I (Abraham), may Allah exalt his men- they see of sinful acts, even if only by plication that you mentioned. Another example is the supplication for the parents mentioned in the see non mahram women not tion, was protectively jealous, and the their hearts, like non-adherence to verse (which means): “My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small.” dressed properly, I feel an aw- person who is not protectively jealous Hijaab and listening to music. Rather, [Qur’an 17:24] ful feeling, like distress. Why do is none but someone whose heart is they may even respond to them with Moreover, the best gift you can offer to your late brother is to supplicate Allah, The Exalted, for Muslims when they see sin, they turned upside down (faith cannot set- prohibited gazing and listening. This him [for forgiveness], and to offer charity and perform Hajj and ‘Umrah on his behalf. don’t do or say anything about tle within it).” is proof of indifference and weakness The Fatwa of Shaykh Ibn Baaz, may Allah have mercy on him, reads: “A deceased person is in it? Do I have problems with my of faith as they do not denounce sin by need of supplication and charity (offered on his behalf), and the best thing a living person can do for Eemaan? How can I improve their hearts, let alone changing them the deceased person is to supplicate Allah, The Exalted, for him, implore Him to confer His mercy myself? Feeling annoyed and distressed by their hands or tongues. Such peo- upon him, forgive and pardon him, and elevate his status in Paradise, and other similar good suppli- when witnessing or hearing sinful ple are in great danger, as Allah, The cations. Charity bene ts the deceased as well, be it in the form of money, food, clothes or any type of Answer: All perfect praise be to Al- actions is something commenda- Exalted, Says (what means): {Cursed property. All these acts bene t the deceased, as well as performing Hajj and ‘Umrah on his behalf. All lah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify ble, and it is an indication of were those who disbelieved among the of this bene ts the deceased.” [End of Quote] that there is none worthy of worship goodness and evidence of Eemaan Children of Israel by the tongue of Da- For more bene t on charity on behalf of the dead, please refer to Fataawa 89131, except Allah, and that Muhammad, vid and of Jesus, the son of Mary. That 131398, and 117201. Allah knows best. sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa salam, is His (faith). was because they disobeyed and [ha- slave and Messenger. bitually] transgressed. They used not Your question is good and de- However, one should not settle for to prevent one another from wrongdo- serves attention and answer. Yes, it is such protective jealousy and being an- ing that they did. How wretched was “A group of my nation will continue to “I do not permit my self to waste an true that whoever reads the beginning noyed only; rather, it is incumbent on that which they were doing.} [Quran obey the command of Allah, unharmed of the question might find it somewhat a Muslim to forbid such evils to the 5:78-79] hour of time. When my tongue gets strange, but the intended meaning be- best of his ability. It has been narrated It is important to note that it is by those who forsake them or oppose tired of talking to students and my comes clear upon reading the ques- that Abu Sa‘eed Al-Khudri, may Allah wrong to make a generalisation that them, till the Last Day comes while they tion in full. have mercy on him, said: “I heard the Muslims do not experience such feel- eyes get tired of reading books, I lie Feeling annoyed and distressed Messenger of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi ings that you have mentioned, as there are triumphant over the people.” down to rest yet my mind is busy when witnessing or hearing sinful ac- wa salam, say: ‘Whoever among you are many Muslims who are good and – Al-Bukhaari and Muslim] tions is something commendable, and sees an evil, let him change it by his protectively jealous with regard to contemplating and thinking.” it is an indication of goodness and hand (physically). If he cannot do their religion. – [Ibn Aqeel al-Hanbali] evidence of Eemaan (faith). It is the that, then by his tongue (by speaking Allah knows best. World Friday, February 21, 2020 05 Trump ignores outcry China sees drop in new virus and tweets on ally’s cases, but more deaths abroad court sentencing AFP Fatalities in China hit 2,118 but toll abroad climbs to 11 after con rmed deaths in Japan and S Korea WASHINGTON PRESIDENT Donald Trump AFP on Thursday brazenly ignored BEIJING his attorney general’s plea to stop tweeting about ongoing CHINA on Thursday touted court cases, again express- a big drop in new virus infec- ing displeasure with how his tions as proof its epidemic con- longtime ally Roger Stone is trol efforts are working, but the being treated in court. toll grew abroad with deaths in The president questioned Japan and South Korea. the “fairness” in a tweet to his Roger Stone Fatalities in China hit 2,118 nearly 73 million followers, as 114 more people died, but right as a Washington, DC, ration between the White health officials reported the federal judge was opening House and the judiciary -- al- lowest number of new cases in Stone’s sentencing hearing. legedly with the aim of pro- nearly a month, including in Roger Stone was jailed tecting himself and his allies. hardest-hit Hubei province. for 40 months on Thursday Stone, a veteran Repub- More than 74,000 peo- for impeding a congression- lican operative and one of ple have been infected by the al investigation, in a case Trump’s oldest confidants, new coronavirus in China, that ignited a firestorm over was convicted in November and hundreds more in over the US president’s political of lying to Congress, tam- 25 countries. The number of interference in the justice pering with a witness and deaths outside mainland Chi- system. obstructing the House in- na climbed to 11. “They say Roger Stone vestigation into whether the Japan’s toll rose to three lied to Congress. OH, I see,” Trump campaign conspired as a man and a woman in their Trump tweeted before listing with Russia to cheat in the 80s who had been aboard a cases involving opponents 2016 election. quarantined cruise ship died, like Hillary Clinton that “The truth still exists,” while fears there mounted ended without prison terms. said US District Court Judge about other passengers who “FAIRNESS?” Trump asked. Amy Berman Jackson as she disembarked the Diamond The tweet demonstrated handed down the sentence. Princess after testing negative. A message of support which reads ‘Be Strong China’ is seen on a building in Beijing on Thursday. (AFP) Trump’s disregard for the “The truth, still matters. South Korea reported its outcry sparked by his habit of Roger Stone’s insistence first death, and the number of tweeting about the multiple that it doesn’t, his belliger- infections in the country near- Nepalese newspaper de ant Vietnamese hospital discharges court cases and investigations ence, his pride in his own ly doubled on Thursday to 104 after China slams virus criticism 3-month-old after Covid-19 recovery plaguing his administration. lies are a threat to our most -- including 15 at a hospital in Opponents have long fundamental institutions, to Cheongdo county. KATHMANDU: A Nepalese newspaper on Thursday slammed HANOI: A 3-month-old in Vietnam who contracted the new corona- accused Trump of breaking the very foundation of our The mayor of Daegu -- Beijing for trying to muzzle free speech after it was accused of virus that has spread to dozens of countries since its outbreak in the long-held norms of sepa- democracy.” South Korea’s fourth-largest, “deliberate” and “malicious” smearing by the Chinese embassy China was discharged from hospital on Thursday. with 2.5 million people -- ad- in the Himalayan nation. The embassy had sharply criticised the The baby is one of 16 patients who tested positive for the vised residents to stay indoors, Kathmandu Post on Tuesday for publishing a syndicated column Covid-19 disease in Vietnam who has recovered, of cials said. Taliban deputy leader says ‘committed’ while commanders at a major which argued that China’s authoritarian system of government had “We are pleased to announce that the Vietnamese child has to peace in op-ed US military base in the area worsened the deadly coronavirus outbreak. been successfully treated for pneumonia caused by coronavirus,” New York Times restricted access. “The Chinese embassy did not just express its discontent with said Professor Le Thanh Hai, Director of the National Hospital of AFP with the United States, and Iran reported two deaths the article published; it went so far as to disparage the Post’s Pediatrics, adding that the patient will continue to be monitored in KABUL comes as they are believed on Wednesday, the first in Editor-in-Chief and employ threatening language,” the Kathmandu the local health centre. to be days away from signing the Middle East. Deaths have Post said in an editorial.“The undiplomatic -- and frankly menac- The baby was admitted to the hospital 10 days ago, with only THE deputy leader of the an agreement that would see previously been confirmed in ing -- manner in which the Chinese embassy made its objections a slight fever of 37.5 degrees and mild u symptoms, but tested Taliban and one of the America begin to withdraw France, the Philippines, Tai- known is condemnable,” it added. (AFP) positive for the virus, according to of cials. (DPA) world’s most wanted mili- troops from its longest war. wan and Hong Kong. tants has written an opin- It is also believed to the Chinese officials say their ion piece for the New York first time that Sirajuddin drastic containment efforts, the virus with Southeast Asian Although more than 600 Chinese authorities placed munist Party chief warning Times in which he says the Haqqani -- who doubles as including quarantining tens counterparts in Laos, citing new infections were reported the city of 11 million under that officials would be “held Afghan insurgents are “fully head of the Haqqani net- of millions of people in Hubei the latest data. in Hubei’s capital Wuhan, it quarantine on January 23 and accountable” if any infections committed” to a deal with work, a US-designated ter- and restricting movements in Wang said the situation was the lowest daily tally since quickly locked down the rest were missed. Washington. ror group that is one of the cities nationwide, have started was “significantly improving” late January and well down of the province in the days that Cities far from the epicen- The article, headlined most dangerous factions to pay off. in Hubei and Wuhan, but an from the 1,749 new cases the followed. tre have limited the number ‘What the Taliban Want’, fighting Afghan and US-led “Results show that our official in a central govern- day before. Wuhan authorities this of people who can leave their represents the highest-level NATO forces in Afghanistan control efforts are working,” ment team dealing with the The national figure has week carried out a three-day, homes for groceries, while ru- statement from the group -- has given such a lengthy Foreign Minister Wang Yi epidemic said it was still “very now fallen for three straight door-to-door check on resi- ral villages have sealed off ac- on months of negotiations statement in English. said at a special meeting on severe”. days. dents, with the local Com- cess to outsiders.

France, Germany sign News US, Britain blame Russia for France shuts oldest reactors, prototype contract for in brief 2019 cyberattacks in Georgia future fighter jet PARIS: France and Germany Kashmiri freelance AFP tacks against Georgia, a sover- but nuclear power still reigns on Thursday gave the green journalist wins AFP’s LONDON eign and independent nation, light for building a prototype Kate Webb Prize is totally unacceptable,” Brit- AFP of Europe’s next-generation BRITAIN and the United ish Foreign Secretary Dominic FESSENHEIM, FRANCE ghter jet, effectively launch- HONG Kong: Freelance States on Thursday ac- Raab said in a statement. ing a project long held up by reporter Ahmer Khan was cused Russia of orchestrat- “The Russian government FRANCE will start closing its disputes over how the indus- named the winner of the ing a “reckless” cyber assault has a clear choice: continue oldest atomic power plant on trial work would be divvied up. 2019 Agence France-Presse against Georgia last year as this aggressive pattern of be- Saturday after 43 years in op- The Future Combat Air Kate Webb Prize on Thurs- part of an aggressive campaign haviour against other coun- eration, the first in a series of System “illustrates our deter- day for his coverage on the of online attacks worldwide. tries, or become a responsible reactor shutdowns but hardly mination and our ambition for ground in India-controlled The transatlantic allies partner which respects inter- a signal the country will re- European defence,” French Kashmir during Delhi’s lock- blamed the late October hack- national law.” duce its reliance on nuclear defence minister Florence down of the region. ing of some 2,000 websites in The GRU has been linked energy anytime soon. Parly said at the contract The award, named after the former Soviet republic on to a series of major attacks, Unplugging the two reac- signing alongside German one of AFP’s nest cor- Russian military intelligence including the hacking of US tors at Fessenheim, along the counterpart Annegret Kramp- respondents, recognises and vowed to step up efforts to Democratic National Commit- Rhine near France’s eastern Karrenbauer. journalism by locally hired counter Moscow’s activity. tee (DNC) servers before Pres- border with Germany and (File photo) After years of debate, the reactors of the Fessenheim nu- The 150-million-euro reporters in Asia operating in The hack, which they ident Donald Trump’s election Switzerland, became a key clear power plant is due to be de nitively shut down on Saturday. (AFP) ($162-million) contract, risky or dif cult conditions. said was carried out by Rus- in 2016. goal of anti-nuclear campaign- nanced equally by both coun- Khan, 27, was honoured sia’s GRU agency, targeted Last month, US cyber ers after the catastrophic melt- online in 1977, fall far short president Francois Hollande tries, aims to create prototypes for a series of video and the websites of the president, firm Area 1 Security said Rus- down at Fukushima in Japan of those at Fukushima, with just months after Fukushima of the stealth delta-wing jet as written reports that vividly courts and media outlets, sian operatives had hacked a in 2011. some warning that seismic and to close the plant, it was not well as integrated drones and illustrated the impact on among others. Ukrainian energy company Experts have noted that flooding risks in the Alsace re- until 2018 that President Em- network infrastructure of the locals in the Muslim-ma- “The GRU’s reckless and at the centre of Trump’s im- construction and safety stand- gion had been underestimated. manuel Macron’s government new system by 2026. (AFP) jority area following India’s brazen campaign of cyber-at- peachment trial. ards at Fessenheim, brought Despite a pledge by ex- gave the final green light. decision to strip Kashmir of its semi-autonomous status in August. (AFP) Indonesian minister urges fatwa requiring Merkel slams ‘poison’ of racism after 9 killed in Germany shootings rich to marry poor AFP Racism is a poison, hatred is a poison and this The gunman reportedly JAKARTA: An Indonesian HANAU, GERMANY rang the doorbell and then shot minister called for a fatwa, poison exists in our society and it is already to at people in the smoking sec- or religious edict, requiring CHANCELLOR Angela Mer- blame for far too many crimes” tion, mass-market daily Bild the rich to marry the poor to kel condemned the “poison” said. He fled the scene by car reduce inequality, local me- of racism on Thursday after German Chancellor Angela Merkel before opening fire at the Arena dia reported on Thursday. a shooter with suspected far- Bar & Cafe, with witnesses re- “What happens is the poor right beliefs killed nine people hind the shootings, the latest Among the dead were “sev- porting hearing a dozen shots. marry the poor and they at a shisha bar and a cafe in the deadly attack blamed on the eral victims of Kurdish origin”, A total of nine people were create more poor families,” German city of Hanau. far right in Germany. the Kon-Med association of killed, police said, and several Minister of Human Develop- The suspect, identified as “Racism is a poison, hatred Kurds in Germany said in a were injured. ment Muhadjir Effendy was 43-year-old German Tobias is a poison and this poison ex- statement, adding that it was The bloodshed plunged quoted as saying by the R, was found dead at his home ists in our society and it is al- “furious” that authorities were Germany into mourning, and news portal Tempo.co. following an hours-long man- ready to blame for far too many not doing more to combat ris- rallies are scheduled in Ber- A 2017 study by interna- hunt. The body of his 72-year- crimes,” Merkel said in Berlin. ing extremism. lin, Hanau and other cities on tional charity Oxfam found old mother was also found at The suspect left behind on- The rampage started at Thursday to honour the victims. that four richest Indone- the flat in what appeared to be line a “manifesto” and video around 10:00 pm (2100 GMT) Relatives and friends of the sians own as much wealth a murder-suicide. material suggesting “a hostile Wednesday at the Midnight victims gathered at the Arena as the country’s poorest Federal counter-terror attitude to foreigners”, said shisha bar in central Hanau, bar around midday Thursday, A woman holds a poster and owers to show her solidarity with the 100 million citizens. (DPA) prosecutors said they suspect- Peter Beuth, the interior min- some 20 kilometres (12 miles) an AFP reporter said, tearfully victims and their families of the Hanau killings as she attends a vigil ed “a xenophobic motive” be- ister of the state of Hesse. east of Frankfurt. embracing one another. in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin on Thursday. (AFP) 06 Friday, February 21, 2020

ESTABLISHED SEPTEMBER 3, 2006 HAMAD BIN SUHAIM AL THANI CHAIRMAN Opinion ADEL ALI BIN ALI MANAGING DIRECTOR DR HASSAN MOHAMMED AL ANSARI EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

‘Infodemic’ Is Another Coronavirus Threat Time For Trump To e ability of international institutions and other govts to rapidly respond to the outbreak was compromised End His Trade Wars by China’s initially opaque response to the virus HINESE President Xi Jinping has omy has been hit — just as others will be, declared a “people’s war” against the given the nation’s outsized economic role. is would give a boost to US-based exporters and importers and encourage businesses coronavirus. But as Aeschylus, the an- Indeed, Apple, which announced on Mon- cient Greek playwright, apocryphally day that the virus would take a bite out of that have been stymied by uncertainty to begin making new investments said,C “In war, truth is the first casualty.” And revenue, won’t be the last multinational so it seems in China, epicentre of the epi- firm hit by the global crisis. demic, where truth and trust are in as short “This is a case where you can see how of supply as surgical masks reportedly are. authoritarianism elsewhere affects you, The ability of international institutions even if you live in a free and democratic and other governments to rapidly respond to country,” Vidwans said. the outbreak was compro- Including America, mised by China’s initially which should be the glob- opaque response to the vi- America’s world-class scientific al exemplar of transpar- rus. The relative reticence community can combat this ency. That task would be of Xi to take the lead made infodemic with data-driven difficult in any circum- matters worse, which is conclusions. Everyday people stances. It will be par- perhaps why the Chinese ticularly challenging in president has more pub- can help, too, by arming them- what the World Health licly reemerged after his selves with legitimate informa- Organization calls an conspicuous absence at the tion and not allowing xeno- “infodemic” — which the start of the virus crisis. phobia to exacerbate the crisis WHO describes as “an Beijing recently re- overabundance of infor- leased a speech Xi made mation — some accurate to the normally secretive Politburo Stand- and some not — that makes it hard for peo- ing Committee in which he claimed that ple to find trustworthy sources and reliable he had “issued demands about the efforts guidance when they need it.” to prevent and control” the virus on Janu- America’s world-class scientific commu- ary 7, weeks before he publicly spoke about nity can combat this infodemic with data- the outbreak that would soon break beyond driven conclusions. Everyday people can China’s borders to become a global health help, too, by arming themselves with legiti- concern. But instead of quelling the con- mate information and not allowing xenopho- troversy, the speech has only led to more bia to exacerbate the crisis. And given their BENJAMIN POWELL partners. Although far from perfect, the with the European Union, which includes questions about the alacrity and efficacy of legislative and publicity platform, lawmakers TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE agreement preserves most of the benefits three more top US trading partners: Ger- China’s response, which is in keeping with have a special responsibility to focus on facts, provided by NAFTA, the earlier three- many, France and Italy. Pushing for new Beijing’s authoritarian approach. which is why it is so disappointing that Sena- T’S time for President Donald Trump way trade agreement signed during the trade agreements can be a tool to create The party’s “campaign of repression and tor Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) took to Fox to declare victory and end his trade Clinton administration, and eliminates a freer global trading environment, but censorship in this new health crisis is not News to further the already-debunked theo- wars. With the election just nine the uncertainty of a trade war with Cana- thus far all of Trump’s actions have taken an anomaly. It is the rule,” Prachi Vidwans, ry that the virus was potentially connected to months away, it would help both the da and Mexico. the US in the opposite direction. a Human Rights Foundation research as- a biosafety lab in Wuhan, China. economy and his reelection prospects. Ideally, the United States would have sociate told an editorial writer in an email Geopolitics are already strained with I Economies boom and slump for The trade wars Trump has initiated duty- and barrier-free trade agreements exchange. When the virus emerged, “the the new virus, and conspiracy theories will many reasons and politicians often get with all of its trading partners. But even government responded with opacity, hop- only solidify a drift that may make it even too much credit and too much blame have had the opposite effect: Slowing in the absence of such agreements, if the ing to prevent bad news from affecting its harder to garner Chinese cooperation. Cot- for both. Still, an administration’s poli- the US and global economies United States practiced free trade unilat- approval rating and its economy,” Vidwans ton, and others not operating with substan- cies can have a significant effect on the erally we still would benefit economically. said. Of course, both have happened: Even tiated facts, should be more responsible. economy’s performance. And in Trump’s However, the future of Trump’s trade That’s why Trump should declare vic- in an increasingly Orwellian China, dissent The US cannot control China’s authori- case, his tax cuts and general easing of war with China, which had been Amer- tory in his trade wars, take pride in the — especially after the death of a doctor who tarian tendencies. It can, however, offer a business regulation likely contributed to ica’s largest trading partner before the concessions he’s received from other was reprimanded for reporting the disease model of transparency and truth that the the economy’s strong performance dur- trade war began, remains uncertain. The countries and unilaterally begin lowering early on — has emerged. And China’s econ- world needs now more than ever. ing his first three years in office. so-called “Phase One” deal announced in US trade barriers. This would give a boost However, the trade wars Trump has December mostly just pauses the trade to US-based exporters and importers and initiated have had the opposite effect: war, keeping it (at least temporarily) encourage businesses that have been sty- slowing the US. and global economies. from escalating. While the agreement mied by uncertainty to begin making new Roughly half of all US imports are raw stops implementation of new trade re- investments. materials or intermediate goods that are strictions, it also retains most of the du- Most voters understand little about part of the production process for US- ties imposed since the start of the trade the content or effects of trade agree- based firms. Tariffs and restrictions put war — with two-thirds of all Chinese ments, but they know how they feel the in place during trade wars increase busi- imports facing duties that are six times economy is doing. ness costs and slow economic growth. higher than when Trump took office. If Trump declared victory in his trade Similarly, when other countries retaliate Furthermore, the agreement could wars, the vast majority of voters won’t against United States trade restrictions break down if China fails to purchase an know or care much about the details, but by erecting their own trade barriers, US additional (above 2017 levels) $33 billion they’ll have more confidence in the future exporters are harmed. in US manufactured goods, $12.5 billion of the economy and the president will get Those are the direct effects. But in farm products, $18.5 billion in natural the credit in November. there’s more. Trade wars also create un- gas and crude oil and $13 billion in ser- certainty, which is anathema to business vices by the end of this year. These targets (Benjamin Powell is a senior planning. This leads businesses to hold were a stretch to start with, but with the fellow at the Independent Institute back on new investments in their global coronavirus epidemic creating a major in Oakland, California, and execu- supply chains. This, too, retards growth. slowdown in the Chinese economy they tive director of the Free Market In- The United States-Mexico-Canada almost certainly will not be met and the stitute and professor of economics trade agreement is one important step in trade war could resume. at Texas Tech University’s Rawls the right direction. Canada and Mexico To make matters worse, the president College of Business. He wrote (Tribune News Service) are the United States’ two largest trading has signalled the start of a new trade war this for InsideSources.com) Black Folks Are Leading The Vegan Revolution Recent data about the changing American diet show that higher percentage of those reducing meat intake are the people of colour

ZACHARY TOLIVER to have eaten more meat in the previous they did so because of health reasons. will improve our health and expand our TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE year. Nonwhite Americans are also three Black Americans have a lot on the line own compassion. times as likely as white Americans to de- when it comes to what we eat. According It certainly helps the vegan movement EGAN — isn’t that a white thing?” scribe themselves as vegetarian. to the American Heart Association, we grow in the black community when cultur- For longer than I care to re- I can’t speak to why my brothers and are disproportionately affected by obesity al icons like Jay-Z, Beyonce, most of the member, this was a common re- sisters of colour outside of the black com- and more likely to have diabetes than our Wu-Tang Clan, Ava DuVernay, Jermaine sponse from anyone who learned munity have cut back on eating animal white counterparts. The Centers for Dis- Dupri, Angela Davis and Colin Kaepernick about“V my vegan lifestyle. When hearing flesh. Maybe they’ve seen shocking foot- ease Control and Prevention states that (just to name a few) promote the vegan the word “vegan,” they probably thought age from slaughterhouses, where sensitive African Americans have nearly double the lifestyle in one way or another. It’s pretty up images of hip, white people eating animals suffer every single day in dank risk of dying early from heart disease or hard to justify white vegan typecasting $10 avocado toast with a side of raw kale sheds before their throats are slit. Perhaps stroke as whites. Study after study links when Jadakiss and Styles P — some of the rather than me, with my natural locks and they’ve listened to warnings from United these ailments to eating animal flesh, eggs hardest hip-hop artists ever to do it — run melanin existence, cooking up tofu with a Nations scientists who have cautioned and dairy. all-vegan juice bars across New York City. side of black-eyed peas. that meat consumption must decrease by Living vegan is a revolutionary act for Everyone can join in on the vegan Thankfully, these stereotypes are fad- as much as 90 percent in order for us to black people. It’s the process by which we revolution. You’ll save nearly 200 animals ing fast. New data about the changing avoid the most catastrophic effects of cli- decolonise our diet and resist habits that from a horrifying death every year, and American diet show that it’s folks who mate change. have destroyed our well-being. Numerous your body will thank you. But best of all, if look more like me that are ditching meat. After all, there are plenty of reasons to vegan staples, like tofu, rice, quinoa and you’re black like me, you’ll also dismantle Recent Gallup findings revealed that treat fellow sentient beings with respect seitan, originated in communities of col- some unsavoury stereotypes. while 19 percent of whites reported eating and dignity and to go vegan. However, our. I look forward to a day when “slave less meat in the past 12 months, 31 per- I’m not surprised to see more of my own Nonwhite Americans are also three food” — things our ancestors had to eat for (Zachary Toliver is an online cent of people of colour stated that they people going vegan when the same Gal- times as likely as white Americans to survival — like chitlins (animal intestines) news content producer for People had reduced their meat intake. Only 5 per- lup study found that nine out of 10 people describe themselves as vegetarian are left in the past, where they belong. for the Ethical Treatment of Ani- cent of nonwhites from the study claimed who reduced their meat intake said that True soul food is the nourishment that mals (PETA), www.PETA.org)

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THE OPINION AND ANALYSIS PAGES ARE THE AUTHORS’ OWN. QATAR TRIBUNE BEARS NO RESPONSIBILITY. Gulf / Middle East / Africa Friday, February 21, 2020 07

NEWS UN appeals to IN BRIEF Turkey to take Clashes in Syria’s Idlib in more Syria Oman’s new sultan rejigs refugees national anthem AFP MUSCAT: Oman’s Sultan kill 27 ghters: Monitor GENEVA Haitham bin Tariq issued a decree removing the name of Turkey blames the Syrian regime for the deaths of two of its soldiers; bomb explosion wounds two people in Damascus THE UN refugee agency on his predecessor from the na- Thursday appealed to Turkey to tional anthem on Thursday, a take in more refugees from Syr- day after of cial mourning for ia, as hundreds of thousands Sultan Qaboos ended. flee the regime’s brutal assault “Sultan Haitham issued on the last rebel enclave. a decree amending Annex “We need an end to the 3 of the law pertaining to fighting, and access to safety the state ag, emblem and to preserve lives,” UNHCR national anthem,” the of cial chief Filippo Grandi said in a Oman News Agency reported. statement. The lyrics referring to “I am also appealing for Sultan Qaboos, “Qaboos has neighbouring countries, in- come with the blessing of cluding Turkey, to broaden heaven, be cheerful and com- admissions, so that those most mend him to the protection of in danger can reach safety,” our prayers” will be replaced Grandi said. with “raise to the sky and ll Turkey has said it is un- the universe with light, be willing to open its borders to happy and prosper”. (AFP) a new wave of Syrian refugees -- on top of the 3.6 million it IMF delegation has already taken in. meets Lebanon PM Grandi said “capacities over debt crisis and public support are already strained” in neighbouring BEIRUT: A delegation from countries and asked for more the International Monetary international support for gov- Fund met Lebanese Prime ernments taking in refugees. Minister Hassan Diab Most of them are now in in Beirut on Thursday to Idlib and Aleppo governo- discuss how to tackle the rates, where freezing condi- country’s spiralling eco- tions are creating a grave hu- nomic crisis. manitarian situation. The Lebanese premier Grandi said 80 percent asked the monetary insti- of the displaced people were tution for its advice after women and children and un- parliament passed a vote derlined the importance of safe of con dence in his govern- humanitarian access to them. ment last week. Smoke plumes rising following an airstrike by pro-government forces on the western sector of the northwestern Syrian city of Idlib, on Thursday. (AFP) Lebanon’s debt burden had been among the largest AFP sion wounded two people in Macron condemns in the world for some time BEIRUT Turkey must stop supporting terrorists in Syria, says Russia Damascus on Thursday, the in ‘strongest terms’ but a liquidity crunch has state news agency reported, Syrian regime brought the crisis home, CLASHES pitting Turkish MOSCOW: Moscow on Thursday urged Turkey to stop “supporting terrorists” in Syria, saying Russian the latest of several such at- with banks imposing tough forces and their Syrian rebel planes had carried out air strikes against armed groups backed by Ankara. tacks in the Syrian capital. attacks in Idlib restrictions on dollar with- allies against pro-regime forc- “We urge the Turkish side, in order to avoid incidents, to cease support of the actions of terror- “An explosive device plant- BRUSSELS: French Presi- drawals. (AFP) es left 27 fighters dead Thurs- ists and handing them arms,” the Russian defence ministry said in a statement. ed on a pickup truck went off dent Emmanuel Macron on day including two Turkish Russia, which backs Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, accused Turkey of aiding rebels ght- in the Marjeh area” in central Thursday condemned Syrian S.Sudan’s warring soldiers in the northwestern ing government forces in the northwestern Idlib province by ring artillery as the rebels carried out Damascus, SANA said, adding government attacks on the leaders to form Syrian province of Idlib, a war an attack. Moscow said that on Syria’s request its bombers carried out strikes on “terrorist armed that two civilians were wound- city of Idlib, the country’s long-delayed unity monitor reported. formations,” allowing the Syrian forces to repel the attack. ed by the blast. last rebel enclave, warning of The Syrian Observatory for The Russian defence ministry said it told Ankara that it had spotted Turkish artillery ring on The Syrian Observatory for an impending humanitarian government Human Rights said at least 11 Syrian units, wounding four soldiers. Human Rights war monitor disaster. JUBA: South Sudan Presi- pro-regime fighters and 14 on “We note this is not the rst case of support for rebel ghters by Turkey,” the defence ministry said the device was a “sticky As he arrived for a sum- dent Salva Kiir and rebel the rebel side were killed as well said. Russia on Wednesday warned Turkey against attacking Syrian forces after President Recep bomb” planted on a military mit with other EU in Brussels, leader Riek Machar agreed as the two Turkish soldiers. Tayyip Erdogan threatened to launch an operation in Syria’s Idlib region. (AFP) vehicle, although it was not Macron said events in north- on Thursday to form a unity Ankara’s defence ministry immediately clear what the west Syria, where President government, a long-delayed likewise reported two Turkish target was. Bashar al-Assad’s Russian- step towards ending more soldiers killed in an air strike trolled town of Saraqeb. po, it said. The assault has allowed There was no immediate backed forces are seeking than six years of war. in the Idlib region. Turkey They withdrew following Both the Turks and the the regime to reclaim swathes claim of responsibility for the to triumph in the country’s The rivals have over- blamed the Syrian regime for several hours of clashes and Syrian government claimed of territory in the south of blast, nor for a similar explo- nine-year civil war, could not seen a conict that has left the deaths of two of its sol- dozens of Russian and regime the other side had been de- Idlib province and in neigh- sion that wounded five people be ignored. at least 380,000 dead and diers on Thursday in the rebel air strikes, it said. feated. Syrian government bouring Aleppo province. in another neighbourhood of “For weeks one of the forced four million from their stronghold of Idlib, as ten- The Observatory added and allied forces have in re- The fighting has also Damascus on Tuesday. worst humanitarian dramas homes. sions also escalated with Mos- that jihadist group Hayat cent weeks conducted a devas- caused an unprecedented wave The Syrian capital was rou- has been unfolding,” Macron “We have agreed to cow which accused Ankara of Tahrir al-Sham also targeted tating offensive, with Russian of displacement, with around tinely targeted by major car said. “I wish to condemn in the form the government in two “supporting terrorists”. Syrian government forces in backing, to flush out the last 900,000 people -- more than bomb attacks in the course of strongest terms the military days on 22nd February. We The Observatory said Syrian Nayrab. rebel enclave in the country. half of them children -- forced the nine-year-old conflict but attacks carried out for several are still discussing on other rebels backed by Turkish artil- Turkish forces also fired The area hosts some three to flee their homes and shel- blasts have been less frequent weeks by Bashar al-Assad’s things and I am hopeful lery fire had seized the Nayrab artillery at Saraqeb, a regime- million people, many of them ters since December, accord- since regime forces reclaimed regime against the civilian we will resolve them all,” area between provincial capital controlled town on a key high- displaced by violence else- ing to UN figures. full control of the Damascus population of Idlib.” (AFP) Machar said after meeting Idlib and the key regime-con- way from Damascus to Alep- where. Meanwhile, a bomb explo- region in 2018. Kiir. (AFP) Lassa fever hits Lagos as Nigeria deaths top 100 Libya warring rivals resume talks in Geneva 19 children among dead in recent Yemen strikes LAGOS: An outbreak of SANAA: Nineteen children were among at least 31 civilians Lassa in Nigeria has killed AFP it was halting its participation. months of bombardment by said there was “more hope” killed in air strikes on rebel-held northern Yemen last week, the 103 people this year, health GENEVA UN Libya envoy Ghassan Haftar’s forces. this time, mainly because of United Nations said on Thursday. authorities said, as the Salame launched a second The port strikes were the lat- the approval of a UN Security “UNICEF is sad to con rm that the recent attack in Al-Jawf, rst con rmed case was LIBYA’S warring sides have round of military talks on est violation of a tenuous truce Council resolution calling for a north of Yemen, on February 15, took the lives of 19 children reported in the economic resumed talks in Geneva Tuesday with five senior offic- that came into effect in January, “lasting ceasefire”. (eight boys and 11 girls) and injured another 18 (nine boys and hub Lagos. aimed at brokering a lasting ers from Libya’s Government brokered by Russia, which sup- Several rounds of talks another nine girls),” the United Nations children’s agency said “Cumulatively from ceasefire in the war-torn coun- of National Accord (GNA) and ports Haftar, and Turkey, which focused on economic issues, in a statement. week 1 to week 07, 2020, try, the UN said on Thursday. five negotiators representing supports the UN-recognised including fairer distribution “It was an attack on a civilian populated area where 103 deaths have been “The talks are underway eastern military commander government in Tripoli. There of Libya’s oil wealth, have children were in the vicinity,” UNICEF regional communications reported with a case fatality again,” Jean El-Alam, spokes- Khalifa Haftar’s forces. was no immediate claim of re- also taken place in Egypt and chief Juliette Touma told AF P. rate of 17.6%,” said the man for the United Nations The GNA then pulled out sponsibility for the attack. Tunisia, while talks towards Saturday’s air strikes came after the Iran-aligned rebels Nigeria Centre for Disease Support Mission in Libya, told of the process after a barrage The first round of military a political solution are sched- claimed to have shot down an aircraft of the military coalition Control (NCDC) in its lat- AFP, days after the country’s of rockets hit a port in the talks ended with no result uled to start in Geneva on supporting the government. (AFP) est statistics on the virus unity government announced capital Tripoli -- the target earlier this month but Salame February 26. released on Wednesday. The overall number of con rmed cases rose by 115 last week to a total of 586 across the country. (AFP) US sanctions Iranian of cials for barring candidates Netanyahu plans east Jerusalem

Stolen 18th century AFP regime officials responsible for 16,033 potential candidates. settler homes ahead of Israel poll religious crown WASHINGTON preventing the Iranian people Most of those disqualified Iran attempting returned to Ethiopia from freely choosing their lead- were moderates or reformist AFP at the expense of Palestin- THE United States on Thursday ers,” Treasury Secretary Steven candidates, clearing the way further arms JERUSALEM ian rights will not bring peace ADDIS ABABA: A religious slapped sanctions on five Ira- Mnuchin said in a statement. for conservatives to make big deliveries to Houthi and stability to anyone,” said a crown dating back to the nian officials in charge of vet- “The US will continue to gains in the election at the ex- rebels: US military SRAELI Prime Minister Ben- statement from a spokesman 18th century was returned ting candidates for the Islamic support the democratic aspi- pense of moderate backers of jamin Netanyahu announced for Palestinian president Mah- to Ethiopia on Thursday, af- republic’s parliamentary elec- rations of Iranians,” he added. President Hassan Rouhani. WASHINGTON: Tehran con- plans on Thursday to build mud Abbas. ter having been kept hidden tions, in which thousands have The sanctions mean that Also sanctioned was Mo- tinues to deliver weapons to thousands of new homes for The Palestinian leader also in the Netherlands for more been barred from running. any US assets of the officials hammed Yazdi, a former chief Yemen’s Huthi rebels, the US Jewish settlers in annexed warned the move “will lead to than two decades. The officials targeted ahead will be frozen and transactions of the judiciary who was re- military said on Wednesday, east Jerusalem, a controver- more tension and violence in The crown was looted of Friday’s vote include Ahmad with them is a crime for any- cently appointed to the Guard- following a second intercep- sial project unveiled less than the region,” in the statement from an Orthodox church Jannati, a powerful cleric ac- one in the United States. ian Council by Iran’s supreme tion in less than three months two weeks before a general carried by the official WAFA in the northern Ethiopian cused of overseeing the disqual- Jannati is the longtime leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. of what Washington said were election. news agency. village of Cheleqot 25 years ification of candidates as part secretary of the Guardian Yazdi also serves on the Iranian arms. The Palestinians imme- Earlier, Netanyahu’s office ago, Culture Minister Hirut of the Guardian Council. The Council, which is responsible central supervisory commit- “The seizure is consist- diately condemned the move released a video in which the Kassaw told DPA. ultra-conservative also plays a for vetting candidates for par- tee, as do the others sanc- ent with a historical pattern of as a campaign tactic ahead of Israeli leader announced: “I Sirak Asfaw, man of key role in a body that selects liamentary seats. tioned -- Siamakh Rahpeyk, Iranian smuggling of advanced the March 2 vote, designed have huge news today -- we’re Ethiopian origin living in Rot- the regime’s supreme leader. The Treasury Department Abbas Ali Kadkhodaei and weapons to the Houthis in Yem- to please nationalist voters adding another 2,200 units to terdam, saw the stolen crown “The Trump Administra- said that as the council’s sec- Mohammad Hasan Sadeghi en,” said Captain Bill Urban of who could prove crucial to Har Homa.” in the suitcase of a visitor, tion will not tolerate the manip- retary and a member of Iran’s Moghadam, all of whom were US Central Command, which the prime minister’s political The contentious Har according to Ethiopian state ulation of elections to favor the Elections Supervision Commit- Jannati appointees to the is responsible for US forces in survival. Homa community was first broadcaster FANA. (DPA) regime’s malign agenda, and tee, Jannati oversaw the dis- committee, according to the the Middle East. (AFP) “Netanyahu’s attempts to built in 1997, under a previous this action exposes those senior qualification of nearly half the Treasury said. win right-wing Israeli votes... Netanyahu government. Sponsors of ‘Made in Qatar 2020’ honoured PAGE 09

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020

29,116.48 41,170.12 41,170.12 1,620.80 -231.55 PTS +55.76 PTS -152.88 PTS GOLD +0.56% Virus fears weigh down global DOW QE SENSEX stock markets PAGE 10 PRICE PERCENTAGE PRICE PERCENTAGE 18.31 BRENT 59.47 +0.59% WTI 53.82 +0.99% SILVER -0.03% MPHC registers QR1.2 bn in net pro t for 2019 TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK where its share of profit in all DOHA of the group’s joint ventures will be fully exempt from in- MESAIEED Petrochemical come tax liability. Holding Company (MPHC) In the fourth quarter, on Thursday reported a 15 the group reported a net percent fall in its 2019 net profit of QR698 million, profit of QR1.2 billion, amid which was 270 percent up declining selling prices and from QR189 million profit declining sales volumes. reported in the third quarter The Board of Directors of 2019. The increase was has proposed a dividend of mainly due to the adjust- QR0.9 billion, equivalent to ment for income tax exemp- Minister of State for Energy Affairs and Qatar Petroleum’s President and CEO HE Saad Sherida al Kaabi with offcials of Elengy and ENGIE in Paris on Thursday. a payout of QR0.07per share tion, which was effective ret- and representing a payout rospectively from January 1, ratio of 74 percent. 2019, for the full year. How- The region’s premier di- ever, selling prices, group versified petrochemical con- revenue and profits reflected glomerate said it has “deliv- the downward trend against ered on its core objectives of the backdrop of challenging QP af liate books long-term operational excellence and macroeconomic conditions. cost optimization”. Liquidity remained ro- Global economic uncer- bust throughout the year tainty, slowing GDP growth and the group’s balance and trade conflicts weighed sheet strengthened. Cash capacity at French terminal on demand for MPHC prod- held by MHPC (including ucts, with a rising surplus ca- proportionate share of joint pacity, which created an im- ventures) at the end of De- “Qatar Petroleum has long balance in supply-demand cember 31, 2019, reached Deal gives QP a Kaabi meets with French minister invested in and anchored LNG dynamics and pressured the QR1.8 billion and total as- receiving terminal capacity in group’s product prices. sets stood at QR15.5 billion, new LNG import Europe. We have also played a During the year, sell- compared to QR15.3billion terminal position key role in supporting the de- ing prices declined by 15 at the end of 2018, after ac- velopment of vital energy net- percent and sales volumes counting for dividend pay- in Europe work infrastructure in Europe. fell by 5 percent as com- outs for the financial year As the largest LNG producer, pared to the last year and 2018. TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK we are committed to support- both translated into a de- MPHC Chairman Ah- DOHA ing the advancement of EU en- crease in revenue of 19 per- mad Saif al Sulaiti said, “In a ergy policy and to strengthen- cent. The production drop difficult market, we success- QATAR Petroleum on Thurs- ing the security, reliabilityand of 3 percent resulted from fully navigated challenging day said its subsidiary, the flexibility of gas supplies into maintenance shutdowns. macroeconomic headwinds Qatar Terminal Ltd (QTL), Europe.” These shutdowns are part to increase operational reli- has entered into a long-term Elengy’s CEO Sandra of the group’s commitment ability and efficiency, while agreement with Elengy — a Roche-Vu Quang said, “Today to HSE, ensuring plant life, laying the groundwork for subsidiary of ENGIE Group is a key milestone for Elengy. quality and reliability stand- future growth. Entering — for LNG receiving, storage As pioneers in the LNG indus- ards, which ultimately im- 2020, we remain focused on and regasification services at try, we are extremely proud of provesand maintains Group our five-year business strat- the Montoir-de-Bretagne LNG this agreement with our Qatari operational efficiency. egy to strengthen MPHC’s terminal in France. partners, a major step which During the year, the market position, while driv- Under the agreement, QTL hopefully will result in an even group also received an in- ing cost optimization and will subscribe to the equiva- closer cooperation in the com- come tax exemption, with generating improved share- lent of almost 3 million tonnes ing years. This contract se- effect from January 1, 2019, holder value.” per annum of the terminal’s cures long-term activity at the throughput capacity for a term Qatar’s Minister of State for Energy Affairs HE Saad Sherida al Kaabi held talks with France’s Minis- Montoir-de-Bretagne terminal. up to 2035. ter of State attached to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne, in Paris Our LNG hub for North West This will make Montoir- on Thursday. They discussed cooperation between Qatar and France and means to enhance them. Europe offers customers opti- de-Bretagne a new LNG im- The meeting was held on the sidelines of an agreement signing between Qatar Terminal Limited mum flexibility and an evolving port terminal position for and Elengy. range of services, from histori- Microsoft to invest $1.1 bn Qatar Petroleum in Europe, cal LNG regasification to small facilitating the supply of Qatari scale LNG, to meet the energy in Mexico over 5-yr period and internationally sourced and Europe as a whole, reli- transition needs.” LNG to French and European able energy supplies, as well Located on France’s At- DPA “It’s a huge opportunity to customers. as increased utilisation of gas lantic coast, the Montoir-de- MEXICO CITY democratize society.” The The agreement is a result as a cleaner and more envi- Bretagne LNG Terminal was investment plan includes of a formal “Open Subscrip- ronmentally-friendly source of commissioned in 1980 and is TECHNOLOGY giant Micro- a new cloud data centre to tion Period” process that was energy,” Kaabi said. fully regulated by the CRE. soft announced on Thursday serve public institutions, conducted and concluded dur- “We are also taking an- The terminal currently that it will invest 1.1 billion businesses and citizens, as ing the second half of 2019 other step into the future by has 360,000 cubic meters of dollars in Mexico over the well as projects to improve pursuant to the rules of the establishing a long-term part- LNG storage capacity spread course of five years to drive young people’s digital skills French Energy Regulatory nership with Elengy well into across 3 tanks and an annual the digital transformation of and support environmental Commission (CRE). the next decade. And, we look throughput capacity of 10 bil- one of Latin America’s larg- initiatives. The agreement was signed forward to further strengthen lion cubic meters of natural est economies. Lopez Obrador, who in Paris on Thursday by Qa- this relationship in the future.” gas. “Mexico is well posi- came to power just over a tar’s Minister of State for In his remarks, Kaabi The terminal is operated tioned to harness the power year ago, said Microsoft’s in- Energy Affairs and Qatar Pe- Minister of State for Energy Affairs HE Saad Sherida al Kaabi with highlighted the strong Qatari- by Elengy, which has more of new technologies,” Mi- vestment would aid techno- troleum’s President and CEO Elengy CEO Sandra Roche-Vu Quang French partnerships in gen- than 50 years of LNG experi- crosoft’s regional head Ce- logical development in both HE Saad Sherida al Kaabi and eral and especially in the en- ence and operates two other sar Cernuda said alongside public and private institu- Elengy CEO Sandra Roche-Vu attached to the Minister for present at the event. ergy sector, as well as Qatar terminals in France — Fos Mexican President Andres tions, and that it was a sign Quang. Europe and Foreign Affairs “By signing this agree- Petroleum’s commitment to Tonkin and Fos Cavaou on the Manuel Lopez Obrador. of trust in the country. France’s Minister of State Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne was ment, we are providing France, Europe’s energy security. Mediterranean coast. QSE regains upward momentum, climbs 87 points in a week

SATYENDRA PATHAK al investors remain bullish stitutions turn positive with of the total trading value. was the top volume traded were the primary contribu- DOHA throughout the week. net buying of QR110.9 million The Industrial sector was the Market capitalisation of the stock during the week with tors to the weekly index gain. Foreign institutions end- against net selling of QR27.6 second biggest contributor to Qatari bourse increased by total traded volume of 96.3 QIB was the biggest contribu- QATARI stocks closed in the ed the week with net buying million in the week before. the overall trading value, ac- 0.37 percent to reach million shares. tor to the index’s weekly in- positive territory this week of QR27.6 million against net Qatari retail investors turned counting for 16.7 percent of The number of transac- crease, adding 56.3 points to after witnessing four weeks of buying of QR6.1 million in bearish with net selling of the total trading value. QR549.5 billion during the tions also rose by 45 percent the index. Masraf Al Rayan continuous decline. the previous week. Foreign QR139.4 million against net QNB Group was the top week that saw both to reach 32,022 transactions was the second biggest con- The Qatar Stock Exchange retail investors also remained buying of QR12.2 million the value traded stock during the International and Qatari against 22,087 transactions tributor to the mentioned (QSE) index increased by positive with net buying of week before. week with total traded value institutional investors in the previous week. gain, tacking on 27.2 points 87.17 points, or 0.89 percent, QR0.9 million against buying Trading value during the of QR261 million. remain bullish throughout Milaha was the best per- to the index. Moreover, Nak- during the week to close at of QR9.4 million in the previ- week increased by 40.1 per- Trading volume increased forming stock for the week, ilat contributed 17.7 points to 9,934.10 points. ous week. cent to reach QR1.24 billion by 52.1 percent to reach 479.7 the week with a gain of 6.2 percent. On the index. Market capitalisation of According to an estimate against QR891.7 million in million shares against 315.4 the other hand, Salam Inter- Of the 47 listed compa- the Qatari bourse increased by QNBFS, foreign institu- the previous week. million shares in the previous by the banks and financial national Investment Company nies, 24 companies ended the by 0.37 percent to reach tions have bought Qatari eq- The banks and financial week. services sector comprising was the worst performing stock week higher. While 22 wit- QR549.5 billion during the uities worth $232.8 million services sector led the trad- The real estate sector led 27.1 percent of the overall with a decline of 12 percent. nessed decline there was no week that saw both Interna- so far in 2020 on net basis. ing value during the week, the trading volume, account- trading volume. United De- Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB), change in the share price of tional and Qatari institution- The week also Qatari in- accounting for 48.8 percent ing for 32.7 percent followed velopment Company (UDCD) Masraf Al Rayan and Nakilat the remaining one stock. Economy & Business Friday, February 21, 2020 09 Kuwari meets with Kuwaiti PM on sidelines of ‘Made in Qatar’ expo QNA of the available capabilities to fa- KUWAIT CITY cilitate investment procedures for the Qatari and Kuwaiti business MINISTER of Commerce and In- sectors. dustry HE Ali bin Ahmed al Ku- The two sides highlighted the wari met with the Prime Minister economic developments in both of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Khalid al countries in recent years, and dis- Hamad al Sabah on the sidelines of cussed international changes and the ‘Made in Qatar’ expo in Kuwait economic developments in the on Thursday. countries of the region. During the meeting, they re- The meeting also discussed de- viewed bilateral relations between velopments in the Qatari economy the two countries in the commer- in the past years as well as reviewed cial, investment and industrial investment opportunities available fields and ways to enhance and horizons to meet the aspirations of achieving economic diversification in all sectors, investment incen- develop them in light of the distin- the two brotherly peoples. and stimulating mutual invest- tives and legislation approved by guished fraternal ties between the Kuwari also met with Kuwaiti ments in industrial sectors with the State of Qatar, including the two countries. Minister of Commerce and Indus- added value and expansion to- law regulating investment of non- During the meeting, Kuwari try Khaled Nasser al Roudhan. wards major global markets. Qatari capital in economic activ- affirmed the strong cooperation The meeting discussed mecha- The meeting also discussed co- ity, and the initiatives that were and strategic partnership between nisms to unify efforts to support ordination frameworks to enhance launched in order to support the Minister of Commerce and Industry HE Ali bin Ahmed al Kuwari with Kuwaiti the two countries and the shared non-oil industries in light of the competition and consumer protec- private sector and increase foreign Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Khalid al Hamad al Sabah in Kuwait. eagerness to take them to broader two countries’ orientation towards tion and ways to take advantage direct investment. Sponsors of ‘Made in Qatar 2020’ honoured Minister of commerce and industry, QC chairman hand over honouring shields to sponsors TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK QC chairman holds DOHA QATAR Chamber held an meeting with Kuwaiti honouring ceremony for sponsors and entities that provided support for the on- businessmen going ‘Made in Qatar 2020’ exhibition in Kuwait. TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Attiyah as well as Sheikh M inister of Commerce and DOHA Hamad bin Faysal al Thani, Industry HE Ali bin Ahmed QC Board Member Khalid al Kuwari handed over the QATAR Chamber Chair- bin Klefeekh al Hajri and QC prizes to the recipients. man Sheikh Khalifa bin Jas- Director General Saleh bin The event was attended sim al Thani met with many Hamad al Sharqi. by Qatar Chamber Chairman Kuwaiti businessmen at the On the sidelines of the Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim al venue of the ongoing ‘Made expo, Qatar-based Al Ah- Thani, Kuwait Chamber Vice in Qatar’ expo in Kuwait. madani Medical Company Chairman Abdel Wahab al The meetings reviewed and Kuwait-based Sickness Wazzan and businessmen enhancing cooperation re- alert Company (a Kuwaiti- from both sides. lations between the private Omani company) signed Addressing the event, QC sector of both countries and a cooperation agreement Director General Saleh bin ways of activating business- to join hands in distribut- Hamad al Sharqi said that men to forge partnerships ing a medical product pro- holding the ‘Made in Qatar’ and alliances and establish duced by the Kuwaiti-Omani exhibition and its business joint ventures that enhance company. forum coincided with cel- economic and commercial Sheikh Khalifa and Qa- ebrations of Kuwait National cooperation between both tar ambassador to Kuwait Day. parties. witnessed the signing cer- Speaking on the occasion Sheikh Khalifa also met emony. Ibtihaj al Ahmadani he expressed his deep thanks with a delegation from the signed the agreement with and appreciation to the Ku- Kuwait Central Municipal- the company’s owner Fahad waiti Prime Minister Sheikh ity Council (CMC) headed Mubarak al Khrenj. Sabah Khalid al Hamad al- by the its vice president Mo- Commenting on the Sabah for his kind patronage hamed bin Hamad al Attan. singing, Ahmadani said that to the exhibition. Sheikh Khalifa toured the expo gave Qatari com- He also conveyed thanks the pavilions of the expo panies a good opportunity to the Minister of Com- alongside with Qatar’s am- to explore external markets merce and Industry HE Ali bassador to Kuwait HE and promote their products bin Ahmed al Kuwari and his Bandar bin Mohamed al abroad. Kuwaiti counterpart Khalid Nasser al Roudhan for open- ing the exhibition, as well as Qatar’s ambassador to Kuwait HE Bandar bin Mohamed al Attiyah and Kuwait Chamber for facilitating procedures of the expo. Sharqi hoped that the expo would establish a new phase in the course of com- mercial and economic rela- tions between both countries’ businessmen and serve as a starting point for more stra- Qatar Chamber Chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim al Thani witness- tegic partnerships and direct QC Chairman Sheikh shields to sponsors for their of Commerce and Industry ing aegis on behalf of Kuwait es an agreement signing on the sidelines of ‘Made in Qatar’ in Kuwait. investments that meet the as- Khalifa bin Jassim al Thani support to the exhibition. haled Nasser Abdullah al Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah pirations of both parties. also handed over honouring The Kuwaiti Minister Roudan received the honour- Khalid al Hamad al Sabah. ‘Qatar-Kuwait Business Forum’ reviews investment opportunities TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK QFZA Markets Manager Fa- eign investment. prominent of which is the in- DOHA had al Kuwari said that the He pointed out that the vestment opportunities avail- authority oversees three free number of applications submit- able for the development plan THE ‘Qatari-Kuwaiti Business zones which are Ras Bufontas, ted through the Single Window w h i c h a m o u n t e d t o $ 1 0 0 Forum’ was organised at the Umm Alhoul and Meshereb, since it has been launched is billion. headquarters of the Kuwait noting that these zones offer nearly 648 applications. More The second session of the Chamber of Commerce and distinguished services for local than 497 CR had been issued, forum titled ‘Cooperation Op- Industry on Wednesday. and foreign investors. while there are 105 applications portunities in Industry sector T he forum discussed invest- He also noted that these in the signing phase and about and Renewable Energy Sourc- ment climate and business en- free zones managed to attract 46 in the payment phase. es’, focused on means of de- vironment in both countries, 50 international companies, Mohamed Yousef Yaqoob, veloping cooperation between as well as means of enhanc- pointing that investors in free Assistant Director General for both countries in industrial ing joint investments and ex- zones enjoy several legislative Business Development at the sector, as well as challenges change expertise in trade and and logistic advantages. Kuwait Investment Promotion facing the sector, industrial industry sectors. Al Kuwari said that both Authority, said that Kuwait has finance and projects related to The first session, which Ras Bufontas and Umm Alhoul Speakers at the ‘Qatari-Kuwaiti Business Forum’ in Kuwait on Wednesday. adopted several measures to renewable energy in Kuwait. was titled ‘Investment Climate zones offer real estate solutions free its economic sectors such Addressing the session, and Joint Investment Op- and industrial units, noting that ing and land plots. of land establish his project, lated to establishing companies, as the issuance of many eco- Essa al Ansari, head of Business portunities’ and moderated Umm Alhoul offers 54 pre-built Assistant Director of Com- as well as exemption from in- noting that it aims to streamline nomic legislatives, noting that Finance at QDB, said that the by Kuwait Chamber Board facilities dedicated to industries mercial Registration Depart- come tax and customs duties establishing businesses, achieve these measures contributed to bank provides many important Member Omran Habib Hayy- with various areas from 700 ment at the Ministry of Com- on semi-manufactured raw efficiency, operational effective- promoting Kuwait’s stance in services for entrepreneurism, at, touched on investment cli- sqm to 2500 sqm, while Ras merce and Industry Saleh materials. ness and transparency of per- many international indicators. noting that access to finance is mate and opportunities avail- Bufontas zone includes 24 pre- Faraj al Marri said that foreign Al Marri outlined the Single formance, as well as improve He noted that Kuwait through several aspects includ- able in both countries. built facilities with diversifies investors enjoy several incen- Window project which offers Qatar’s position in the ease of business environment offers ing the direct and indirect fi- Speaking on the occasion, options for offices, warehous- tives including the allocation 150 governmental services re- business index and attract for- several incentives, the most nance and export finance. 10 Friday, February 21, 2020 Economy & Business Qatar’s listed banks show steady growth: KPMG Qatari investments in

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Financial Services for KPMG 2019 remained largely in line Jordan reach $1 bn DOHA in the Middle East and South Despite the liquidity pres- with FY 2018. Asia, Omar Mahmood. sures, banks in Qatar grow “The banks absorbed the QNA It also showed that the QATAR’S listed banks have “Margins improved as in- their asset base by 9.3 per- impact of IFRS 9 in 2018, AMMAN number of Qatari investment enjoyed a progressive finan- terest/profit income was up hence the overall provisions contributions in securities cial year 2019, reporting on by 6.5 percent compared to an cent. The growth was driven on lending to customers only QATARI investment in Jorda- ownership reached 384,000 average, a 5.5 percent profit increase of cost of funds of 5.9 by lending to customers increased by QR 244 million. nian stocks at the end of Janu- contributions. increase year-on-year (YOY), percent, as the Qatar Central and financial institutions in The increase was mainly seen ary, 2020 reached 737 million In January this year, Jor- a recent KPMG analysis has Bank reduced the headline de- addition to the purchase of in expected credit losses for dinars, which is equivalent to dan agreed a new $1.3 billion shown. posit rates during the year by investment securities. stage 2, or watchlist custom- $1billion. programme with the Interna- KPMG attributed the feat 50 bps. ers, with a reduction in non- In terms of ownership of tional Monetary Fund (IMF) to higher margins, continued “Furthermore, the cost to performing loan provisions,” securities by nationality, Qa- and will receive a first instal- cost control, and a clear focus income ratio of all banks also 9.3%. The growth was driven Mahmood said. tari investments are ranked ment of $140 million by the on risk. continued to decline as the by lending to customers and “The market sentiment has third among that from the end of March “The stable increase in Bank’s saw a collective de- KPMG’s Omar Mahmood financial institutions in addi- also reflected fundamentals Arab countries in the Jorda- Jordan will receive nine profits of banks in Qatar is a crease in their staff and other tion to the purchase of invest- with the share prices of all list- nian Stock Exchange. instalments of $140 million testament to their efforts to administrative expenses. Qa- listed Banks also continued ment securities. The growth ed banks, except one, showing Statistics provided by Jor- to $150 million over the four- grow their balance sheets, with tar’s banking therefore con- to show grow steady growth. in assets also resulted in the an upward trend which was a dan’s Securities Depository year programme, Jordan’s a clear focus on high quality tinues to maintain one of the On this, Mahmood added, slightly reduced return on as- further positive signal from Centre revealed that Qatari finance minister Mohamad assets, and lower risk yet prof- lowest cost-to-income ratios “Despite the liquidity pres- sets for all but 3 listed banks.” the market on the resilience investors held 184,567 million al-Ississ was quoted as saying. itable business,” said Qatar- in the region.” sures, we have seen banks in The overall provisioning and strength of the banking financial paper at the end of The allocations carry a 3 per- based Partner and Head of The total assets of the Qatar grow their asset base by levels of the listed banks for FY sector in Qatar,” he added. January 2020. cent interest rate.

US economy ‘Fiscal hawks’ now Virus fears weigh down solid, but endangered as US virus ‘could shrugs at huge debt hit supplies’ global stock markets AFP AFP implemented as Trump WASHINGTON WASHINGTON fights for re-election in No- vember against Democrats Investors take pro ts even after China reported a big drop in new coronavirus cases THE US economy is starting AT their national convention who have their own radically the year in a strong position but in 2012, Republicans mount- different spending priorities, the virus outbreak in China has ed a clock counting the grow- analysts worry that there is the potential to create drag, a ing US national debt on the no will in Washington to ad- top Federal Reserve official said wall, a warning of the loom- dress debt and deficit. Thursday. ing financial catastrophe they But economists warn the Recent US trade agree- said imperiled Americans. swelling levels are increas- ments have eased uncertainty Eight years later, the ingly risky and could leave for American businesses, but clock has stopped under the US unprepared to fight Fed Vice Chair Richard Clarida Republican President Don- the next recession. said the central bank is closely ald Trump, and the “fiscal “Ultimately, interest (on watching the impacts from the hawks” whose strident calls the debt) could become the new coronavirus. for action to contain the tril- largest federal government “The fundamentals of the lions of dollars in US govern- program,” warned Marc US economy were solid in 2019 ment debt have either lost Goldwein of the Committee and continuing into 2020,” their influence, or are keep- for a Responsible Federal Clarida said in an interview on ing quiet. Budget. CNBC. The latest sign of this “Your debt cannot rise But he cautioned that the shift away from fiscal disci- faster than the economy for- epidemic will have a “notice- pline was on full display as ever.” able impact on Chinese growth” White House acting chief of - ‘Tidal wave of debt’ at least in the first three months staff Mick Mulvaney said as -While they have remained of the year, and that could spill much in a speech in Britain. silent under Trump, Repub- over to US companies that rely “My party is very inter- licans repeatedly hammered on components from China. ested in deficits when there Obama at every turn, from “Supply chains are very im- is a Democrat in the White his plan to stimulate the portant, so to the extent that House. The worst thing in the economy out of recession supply chains are disrupted by whole world is deficits when in 2009 to his reform of the the coronavirus, that can show Barack Obama was the presi- health care system. up in terms of inputs to the US dent,” Mulvaney said accord- Former House Speaker economy,” he said. However, ing to a report by The Wash- Paul Ryan, one of Obama’s he echoed other officials saying ington Post late Wednesday. most prominent opponents “it is too soon to tell, but we’re But with Trump in office, in Congress, once warned monitoring closely.” “we’re a lot less interested as the president’s fiscal policies Apple warned this week a party,” the former budget would unleash a “red tidal that it will miss its sales targets chief said, calling the grow- wave of debt.” in the quarter and iPhone sup- ing deficit “extraordinarily Republicans blocked Traders work in front of a board displaying the chart of Germany’s share index DAX at the stock exchange in Frankfurt. plies will be constrained due to disturbing.” Obama’s attempt to stimu- problems getting products out The White House budget late infrastructure spending, AFP said analysts at the Charles tense profit-taking after re- The dollar rose against all of China, where the outbreak proposal released last week and put the debt clock front LONDON Schwab brokerage. cord highs on Wednesday, its major rivals, with many has killed more than 2,100 peo- abandons Trump’s deficit and center at their national The People’s Bank of Chi- while European stock mar- analysts pointing to its safe ple and shuttered businesses cutting promises and relies convention ahead of the 2012 CORONAVIRUS fears na (PBoC) lowered its one- kets were also well down by haven status amid the coro- nationwide. on economic growth as- election, where voters ended weighed on global stock mar- year and five-year loan prime the close. navirus crisis. “We are monitoring be- sumptions most economists up giving Obama a second kets Thursday as investors rates, but the moves were “not London, however, outper- However, Matt Weller, cause China’s a huge part of the dismiss as unrealistic to pay term. But the Republican- took profits even after China nearly enough”, said Stephen formed as a weakening pound head of market research global economy,” the Fed offi- down the debt. led Congress had a change reported a big drop in new Innes of AxiCorp. gave a fillip to stock prices in at GAIN Capital, said poli- cial said. However, the “phase The Congressional Budg- of heart in late 2017 approv- cases and eased borrowing “The PBoC needs to ex- the export sector. tics were also playing a role. one” trade deal with China et Office predicts the deficit ing Trump’s massive tax cut costs to cushion the epidem- ceed the market expectations, Air France-KLM shares An “underappreciated driver” that President Donald Trump will surpass $1 trillion and for corporations and the ic’s economic impact. not hit them in this environ- plunged after the airline re- for the greenback, he said, signed last month, as well as government debt will reach richest Americans that has Traders have been betting ment,” he said. ported that the coronavirus “may be the prospects for the signing of the USMCA, a 81 percent of GDP by the end been credited with boosting on central banks doing what The bank’s actions still had blown a large hole in President Trump to get ree- new continental free trade pact of September. growth but also piling on it takes to keep their econo- helped the Shanghai stock 2020 earnings to date while lected”. with Canada and Mexico, has “The fiscal hawks are government debt. mies chugging along as the market reach a 1.8 percent separately unveiling lower Gold, another popular reduced for companies the un- clearly an endangered spe- “The fiscal hawks that new coronavirus hits corpo- closing gain. profits for 2019. safe-haven investment, con- certainty that was seen as a fac- cies,” Bill Hoagland, a former were the loudest and most rate earnings and economic In the best-case scenario, After European bourses tinued firm after reaching a tor holding back investment. Senate budget staffer, told vocal during the Obama growth. the economic hit from the shut, the International Air seven-year high on Wednes- “Coming into the year, cer- AFP. “I really can’t pinpoint administration have been “Coronavirus uneasiness epidemic in China will be Transport Association said day. tainly I was open to the view anybody that’s willing to step largely silent,” said Romina is lingering as cases contin- short-lived, but it comes as that worldwide airline rev- Oil prices rebounded as that we could see a rebound up and clear the plate.” Boccia of Heritage Founda- ue to spread beyond China, the global economy remains enue lost to the virus was pro- hopes spread that the im- in business investment and of Though the budget pro- tion, a conservative Wash- though China did report more fragile, IMF chief Kristalina jected at $29.3 billion, mostly pact of the virus on economic course the housing sector has posal is unlikely to ever be ington think-tank. stimulus measures and some Georgieva said Wednesday. in the Asia-Pacific region, es- growth, and therefore crude been strong and will continue favourable economic data,” Wall Street ran into in- pecially in China. demand, will be limited. to support growth,” he said.

www.guide.com.qa

PAKISTAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL DOHA, QATAR VACANCY FOR TEACHERS PAKISTAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL DOHA, QATAR VACANCY FOR TEACHERS Required For A Medical Complex Conventional System (Female) IGCSE Stream: (Male/Female) English, Urdu & Mathematics. Computer Science Terms & Conditions: - DoctorsTerms & Conditions:with all specialties - Doctors with all specialties Age Limit: 30 to 45 years - NursesAge Limit: 30 to 45 years - Nurses Must have Master degree in related subject, M.Phil. will be preferred Must have Master degree in related subject M.Phil. will be preferred Transferred RP is a must and having minimum teaching experience of 05 years in reputed Transferableand having minimum RP is teachinga must experience of 05 years in reputed institutions. (Private Degree not acceptable). For salary package institutions.Contact: Knowledge and understanding of the Cambridge syllabus please visit school website www.pisqdoha.com. Interested applicants Contacts: andWhatsApp: paper pattern. 33811174 For salary package please visit school website may submit their CV’s to [email protected] (Latest by 3rd WhatsApp: 33811174 www.pisqdoha.com. Interested applicants may submit their CV’s to March, 2020). Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] [email protected] (Latest by 3rd March, 2020). Familial esta for Umm Qarn on opening day of HH The Amir Sword Festival 2020 PAGE 13 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020 Challenging desert route awaits Manateq QCCR

An experienced team of Qatari and Portuguese officials have spent many painstaking hours crossing and re-crossing sandy and gravel trails, small dunes and gatch roads to find stages to challenge the Qatar Airways and QDF will host special booths in the sponsors’ village, world’s finest cross-country drivers. offering all tournament attendees a taste of their world-renowned ve star services at Khalifa Internatioal Complex.

The Manateq Qatar Cross- Country Rally crosses the Qatar Airways and length and breadth of Qatar from coast-to-coast and will see drivers and co-drivers Qatar Duty Free proud from 17 nations tackle six varied sections. sponsors of Qatar Teams and equipment arrive at the bivouac adjacent to the Lusail Sports Arena Total Open 2020

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Day four on Wednesday is split into two parts TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK support major sporting events LUSAIL with the opening Al Shahaniyah selective sec- DOHA that are aligned with the Qa- tion of 219.79km starting at 08.35hrs from the tar National Vision 2030. We COMPETITORS taking part in the forthcoming Dukhan road and heading north, before turning QATAR Airways and Qatar invite spectators at the tourna- Manateq Qatar Cross-Country Rally (MQCCR) will south along the west coast to finish close to the Duty Free (QDF) are proud to ment to discover the QDF booth face some of the most challenging desert terrain Umm Bab highway. sponsor the Qatar Total Open at the entertainment village for in Qatar. A liaison link of 56.37km along the Al Aamriya road Tennis Tournament 2020 at the a chance to win exciting prizes, Drivers and co-drivers from 17 nations will tackle then takes competitors to the start of the second timed Khalifa International Tennis courtesy of Qatar Duty Free. six varied selective sections between February 23rd section of the day – the 124.84km of the Sealine stage and Squash Complex in Doha. “The Qatar Total Open and 27th before the event draws to a close with the cer- – that heads across the southern deserts to the Inland The tournament begins on Tournament 2020 will bring emonial finish at Souq Waqif next Thursday afternoon. Sea before turning north along the east coast to finish Sunday, 23 February and runs world renowned women tennis An experienced team of Qatari and Portuguese of- near the Al Kharrara road, 92.25km from Lusail. through to Saturday, 29 Febru- players and fans through our ficials have spent many painstaking hours crossing and The sixth and final selective section of 254.58km ary. home and hub, Hamad Inter- re-crossing sandy and gravel trails, small dunes and starts on the Zekret road, 81.75km south-west of Lu- The 23-year-old Ashleigh national Airport. We wish all gatch roads to find stages to challenge the world’s finest sail, and heads up the western shoreline before turn- Barty from Australia, currently players a successful tournament cross-country drivers. ing south at a passage control near Al Zubara after ranked world No. 1 in singles by and look forward to providing The action all gets underway at 10.55hrs on Sun- 150.17km. The final timed section then heads through the Women’s Tennis Associa- our visitors with an exceptional day (February 23) with a relatively short selective sec- the central deserts to finish at Ash Shafallahiyah, tion, is leading the champions experience.” tion of 171.25km that starts in the centre of the country 40.89km south of Lusail. competing in the 2020 Qatar Tournament Director Saad and winds its way through two passage controls on the Crews will tackle 1,444.99km in a compact route of Total Open. She is joined by al Mohannadi said: “It has al- Umm Bab highway and across the Al Khararra road to 2,215.04km. some of the world’s top players, ways been a pleasure to host finish close to the east coast. A road liaison of 63.60km Teams and equipment have started to arrive at the including 27-year-old Karolina each edition of Qatar Total then takes crews back to the bivouac at the Lusail The bivouac near Lusail Sports Arena. bivouac adjacent to the Lusail Sports Arena, north of Pliskova from Czech Republic Open, particularly with the great Sports Arena. Doha, and mechanics and technicians will now prepare and Simona Halep, the 28-year- support we’ve enjoyed from our The second leg on Monday is much more demand- is the longest of the event at 340.28km and starts at the cars for the start of technical scrutineering on Sat- old from Romania who has partners and supporters of ten- ing and includes a competitive section of 334.25km 08.40hrs, 61km south of Lusail, on the Salwa highway. urday morning. twice been ranked world No. 1 nis in Qatar - Qatar Airways & that starts off the Al Shamal highway and winds its way The route heads down towards the Inland Sea, before Prior to that, registered drivers and co-drivers will in singles in recent years. Qatar Duty Free. We are grate- along the north-eastern coast and across the northern turning north-west and heading back through the cen- pass their mandatory administration checks at Rally Qatar Airways and QDF ful for their tremendous sup- deserts to finish off the Al Kharsaah road. The day’s tral deserts to finish in the north-west of the country, HQ, where licences, insurances, homologation docu- will host special booths in the port over the years and we are stage includes three passages controls on the Al Zubara 68.55km from Lusail. The day’s special includes four ments and personal details will be thoroughly checked sponsors’ vil- delighted to and Al Jumailah roads and the Dukhan highway and passage controls – two on the Al Kharrara road – and a before the official pre-event press conference and cer- lage, offering all have them as finishes 92.44km from Lusail. further two where the stage crosses the Al Aamriya and emonial start take place at Souq Waqif in downtown tournament at- Sponsorship our sponsors. Tuesday’s third Al Kharsaah selective section Umm Bab roads. Doha on Saturday evening. tendees a taste QTF believes of their world- supports Qatar’s that more lies renowned five ambition to become ahead for these star services. great organi- The Qatar Air- a global leader sations as we ways booth will continue to lift India’s women’s cricketers bat for higher pay feature an in- in sports the profile of teractive green tennis high in AFP screen where guests can get Qatar and in the region.” NEW DELHI their photos printed on stun- Qatar Airways is proud to ning virtual backgrounds, while have developed a wide range INDIA’S women cricketers the QDF booth will feature a of global sports sponsorships, could be forgiven for feeling a guessing game, offering partici- supporting top-level sporting little jealous during the Twen- pants the chance to win exciting events and some of the world’s ty20 World Cup in Australia, QDF prizes. biggest football clubs. As official where the hosts are paid as Qatar Airways Senior Vice- FIFA partner, Qatar Airways much as the men and play in President Marketing and Cor- recently sponsored the FIFA front of packed stands. porate Communications, Salam Club World Cup Qatar 2019™ While Australian women’s al Shawa, said: “Qatar Airways and will sponsor the FIFA Club cricket is on a roll, India’s wom- is very proud of its extensive World Cup 2020 edition ahead en lag far behind their vaunted sports sponsorship portfolio. of the FIFA World Cup Qatar men’s cricketers, who are feted Through our global sponsor- 2022™. as demi-gods with endorse- ships that span a variety of Qatar Airways will also ments and lifestyles to match. sports including tennis, soccer sponsor the upcoming first edi- In Australia, the final of the and golf, we are ensuring that tion of the Qatar Airways Inter- fifth edition of the Women’s Big Qatar is established as a world- national Tournament from 26- Bash League drew a sell-out class venue for top global sports 30 March 2020. crowd in Brisbane last year, un- events. The inaugural event will derlining the growing appeal of “Qatar was once known as feature top national football women’s cricket. a hidden gem. This is no longer teams Belgium, Croatia, Portu- The T20 World Cup final, Captains at the ICC Women’s true as the world is now seeing gal and Switzerland. The airline at the 100,000-capacity Mel- Twenty20 World Cup during a photo Qatar for the fantastic country is also proud to sponsor pre- bourne Cricket Ground, could shoot ahead of the tournament. it is. In addition to the beautiful mier sporting clubs around the attract a record attendance for (PIC COURTESY: ICC/GETTY IMAGES) weather that Qatar offers, the world, including leading Ger- a women’s sporting fixture, ex- world-class facilities available man football team FC Bayern ceeding the 90,185 at the 1999 here in Doha, coupled with the München AG, Italian football football World Cup final in Pas- had to pretend she was a boy port and us, after doing so well, Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Jas- person to say that we need the warm Qatar hospitality, make it club AS Roma, France’s most adena, California. to play matches when she was we should be supported more,” prit Bumrah receive around $1 same thing,” said Mandhana. the perfect destination for a va- successful football club Paris Perhaps it’s no surprise that younger. she said. “But it again it boils million, not counting their lu- “I don’t think any of my riety of world-class events.” Saint-Germain and Argentinian Australia have won four T20 Last year, a women’s T20 down to playing well. If we play crative endorsements. teammates are thinking about Qatar Duty Free Vice-Pres- club Boca Juniors. World Cup titles so far, and are Challenge involving three better, then we will slowly but Last year Kohli was listed this (pay) gap because the only ident Operations, Thabet Mu- Qatar Duty Free has also hot favourites to make it five teams was played alongside the surely get recognition, as does among Forbes’ 100 highest- focus right now is to win match- sleh, said: “Qatar Duty Free is sponsored the Commercial when the tournament starts on cash-rich, globally popular IPL. men’s cricket.” paid athletes worldwide, with es for India, get the crowd com- proud to be a key partner to one Bank Golf Masters since 2009 Friday. Indian cricket president India’s top male cricketers, estimated earnings of $25 mil- ing in and earn revenues.” of the most high profile annual and, this year, extended its Meanwhile in India, the Sourav Ganguly has vowed to led by Virat Kohli, earn more lion. But opener Smriti Man- The hosts are eyeing a mul- sporting events that takes place sponsorship of this sport to the world’s largest cricket market push women’s cricket during than 10 times as much as the dhana said the squad was fo- ti-million-dollar payday should in Doha. This year, the tourna- annual TFWA Golf Tourna- and the sport’s financial pow- his tenure, but for now it’s up to leading women on the annual cused on winning matches for they retain the T20 World Cup ment is a WTA Premier ATP ment at the TFWA World Exhi- erhouse, there’s no women’s the players themselves to prove contract list of the Board of India, “and if that happens, eve- title on March 8 in Melbourne. 500 series with a bigger draw of bition & Conference in Cannes version of the Indian Premier their worth – despite reaching Control for Cricket in India, the rything else will fall in place”. In addition to the increased 56 single players over the course which will welcome more than League, and few opportunities the 50-over World Cup final in world’s richest. “We need to understand prize money of $1 million for of seven days. Last month, we 3,000 duty free and travel retail to play. 2017. On the female A-list, T20 that the revenue we get is the World Cup winners, Cricket sponsored the 29th edition of brands and 500 international A case in point is teenage “There is definitely a big captain Harmanpreet Kaur, through men’s cricket. The day Australia will kick in another the Qatar ExxonMobil Open exhibitors, reaching over 2,000 batting sensation Shafali Ver- gap,” Verma told AFP. Smriti Mandhana and Poonam women’s cricket starts earn- $600,000 should its team along with Qatar Airways and key executives from major land- ma, who cut her hair short and “The men get so much sup- Yadav get $71,500 each, while ing revenue, I will be the first clinch the title. we are delighted to continue to lords and duty free retailers. 12 Friday, February 21, 2020 Sports

PSG’s Ilyas Housni Charges attributed are baseless: Khelai celebrates one of his goals during their TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK without any substance what- of all my dealings, I have been relentless agenda to smear Al Kass International DOHA soever, in the same way as cleared of all suspicions of my reputation in the media Cup match against the primary case,” he said in bribery and the case has been – completely irrespective of Zenit St Petersburg NASSER al Khelaifi said on a statement. dismissed definitively and the facts and the notion of on Thursday. Thursday he expected to “After an exhaustive conclusively.” due process. For that reason, be cleared of all corruption three-year investigation, The Swiss attorney gen- I have requested the relevant charges brought by Swiss where I have fully and openly eral’s office (OAG) said in a Swiss authorities to open a prosecutors investigating the cooperated with the Public statement on Thursday that criminal enquiry into the con- attribution of football broad- Prosecutor in Switzerland, I Khelaifi and former FIFA for- duct of the investigation. I casting rights. am pleased that all charges mer secretary-general Jerome also reserve the right to take Khelaifi, who is the Chair- of bribery in connection with Valcke had been charged “in action against certain media man of beIN Media Group, the 2026 and 2030 World connection with the award of who for three years have re- said Swiss prosecutors had Cups have been dropped. As media rights to various World peatedly published factually- already dropped charges in I have said vehemently and Cup and FIFA Confederations unsupported and highly dam- connection with the 2026 and repeatedly for three years, Nasser al Khelai . Cup tournaments.” aging articles, often based on 2030 World Cups. the charges have not – and “While I have cooperated illegally-sourced and – quite “While a secondary tech- have never had – any basis negotiated at arms-lengths with all authorities during the remarkably in some cases – nical charge remains out- whatsoever, either in fact or and without any improper in- legal process, the three-year faked and fabricated materi- standing, I have every expec- law. It is now – finally – in- fluence in any form. After the investigation has been charac- als, to satisfy their narrative of tation that this will be proven disputable fact that the 2026 most forensic public, private, terised by constant leaks, mis- my supposed guilt,” the state- completely unfounded and and 2030 agreements were lawful and unlawful scrutiny information and a seemingly ment added. Real, PSG through to Al Kass semis

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Player of the match Ilyes DOHA Housni took the plaudits with a fine hat-trick but it was a night Al Rayyan not thinking REAL Madrid took their tally to when all of the PSG players im- 16 goals in just three matches as pressed, and Zenit has no an- they swept aside 2018 runners- swer. up Kashiwa Reysol to reach the The opener came on 13 min- semi-finals of the Al Kass Inter- utes courtesy of a superb curling national Cup. effort by Housni. Ismael Ghar- about title race: Aguirre Real made the break- bi, the two-goal hero in PSG’s through on 30 minutes when 3-0 victory over Kashiwa Rey- Abraham Nobrega who netted sol, began the move with a de- e Lions can his first goal of the tournament. lightful cross-field pass to find Real went 2-0 up on 39 Americo wide on the left, and overtake leaders minutes when Abraham’s cross he fed the ball inside to Housni was turned in by Kashiwa de- who curled a brilliant effort Al Duhail at fender Kai Adachi. beyond Zenit keeper Bogdan Just a minute later it was Moskvichev. summit; Al 3-0 as Lancha found Dave Housni picked up the ball Pecellin (Pece) who teed up on the left and jinked past Iuri Sailiya face QSC Abraham to send in a brilliant Koledin before crossing for long-range effort that Itoh just Odobert to head home from TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK got a hand to but was unable to close range in the second min- DOHA keep out. ute of added on time. Real added a fourth in the Akim Belokhonov came on AFTER a disastrous exit from first minute of added on time for Ilia Rodionov at half-time the AFC Champions League, when Abraham played the ball and within five minutes he had Al Rayyan have won three on into the feet of player of the missed two glorious opportu- the bounce and a win over Al match Lancha who turned Toru nities, but from then on it was Khor on Friday, will see them Nishimura and then had a sim- all PSG. climb to top of the QNB Stars ple finish. PSG extended their lead League ahead of current lead- Real brought on Eric Gomez on 58 minutes when Americo ers Al Duhail. for the start of the second half found the impressive Vimoj The Lions are in the Amir and he took just four minutes to Mungu on the left and he Cup quarter-final and also find the net. Exposito played the crossed for Gharbi to sidefoot beat Al Khor last weekend in ball to Gomez and he beat Itoh home. the Ooredoo Cup albeit penal- from a very tight angle. PSG were creating wave af- ties. Ito was beaten again just ter wave of attacks and Bitshia- Al Rayyan coach Diego three minutes later as Gomez bu fired over after Americo set Aguirre ahead of this we- Al Rayyan players attend a training session ahead of their QNB Stars League match against Al Khor. crossed for Abraham who laid up yet another opening, but the keend’s match, said the eight- the ball back to Pece who sent in French did grab a fourth when time league winners are not ‘let us win the next game and that we must be at the top of mitting some mistakes. We strengths and weaknesses,” a low shot past the keeper. Housni netted his second of the bothered by the results of oth- then we think about the other our level until we achieve the hope we will not make it easy said Omar. It took until the 87th minute match. Tade teed up the long- er teams surrounding them or opponents’,” the Uruguayan victory. I know that our play- for our opponents and that we Also on Friday, Qatar for Real to add a seventh, and it haired striker and he scored at talks of a title race. said. ers can be at their best.” put up a good performance by Sports Club take on Al Sailiya came in bizarre circumstances. the second time of asking after “I think our team is ready On playing Al Khor, who Al Knor on the other hand, achieving a positive result that with both teams needing a Pece turned the ball onto his left Moskivchev had saved his first for this match. Focusing on have lost two of their last need to start picking up points will help improve the team’s positive result after a run of foot and sent a shot crashing effort. There was still time for the title race is very stressful three, Aguirre said, “When I to put a gap between them and position in the table. poor results in the last few onto the bar with the ball hit- Housni to complete his hat- and distracts players’ minds. think about facing Al Khor, I the bottom tow teams. “We know the importance weeks. ting Jaime Amaro and going in, trick when firing home Tay- Presently, all our focus is on know this match will be very Coach Omar Naji said his of this game. We play against Al Sailiya have lost their without the midfielder knowing amoutou’s cross on 87 minutes. the next game against Al Khor difficult. The danger is not side has to do more to correct a strong team whose capabili- last three league matches, much about it. PSG will now face Inter Mi- and the three points. from the fact that Al Khor are their mistakes. ties need not be talked about. while QSC have drawn four Three-time champions Par- lan in the semi-finals, which is “I always tell the players in a difficult position, but from “We are doing a good job They have many outstanding of their last five but boast the is Saint Germain smashed five likely to be a tighter affair as the to avoid thinking about the the level they show against us. during our training sessions. players. We have studied our meanest defence in the league goals past FC Zenit St Peters- Italians have conceded just two results of other teams. I say, I believe what is required is But we pay the price for com- opponents and we know their apart from the top two teams. burg to reach the last four. goals in their three matches.

AFC suspend Bounedjah; Injured Haydos out for rest of season Ten-man Al Ahli hold Al Gharafa to 1-1 draw TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA

AL Gharafa failed to capital- ise on their advantage as they were held to a 1-1 draw by 10- man Al Ahli in their QNB Stars League match on Thursday. It was a disappointing re- sult for the Cheetahs whose recent run of form has seen them exit the Ooredoo Cup The AFC has suspended Al Sadd forward Baghdad Bounedjah for a period of two months due to his actions in last year’s semi- nal against and the Amir Cup as pressure Al Hilal. The Algerian will miss the upcoming home and away games against Al Ain. The news comes at a bad time for Al Sadd who have mounts on Slavisa Jokanovic. lost Hassan al Haydos to a fracture which will keep the Qatari captain out for the rest of the season, the club said in a statement on its Ahmed Alaaeldin put Al twitter handle. The 29-year-old forward’s absence will also be a blow to the national team who are preparing for their next two matches in Gharafa ahead in the 66th Group E of the Asian Quali ers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 next month. Felix Sanchez’s wards will minute, while Shane Lowry Al Ahli’s Nabil El Zhar dribbles between two Al Gharafa players during hope Haydos is ready for the Copa America later in June. helped Al Gharafa draw level their QNB Stars League match on Thursday. in the 71st minute. Al Ahli now have 18 points After a barren first half, and Al Gharafa 25. A Gharafa upped the ante in QSL Standings Al Ahli played with 10 men the second. Ahmed Alaaeldin Club MP W D L GF GA GD Pts from the 23rd minute after found the mark after being set 1. Al Duhail 14 10 3 1 27 12 15 33 Mourinho blames injuries on Spurs’ playing style Jasem Mohammed was red- up by Jonathan Kodjia follow- 2. Al Rayyan 14 9 4 1 31 12 18 31 carded by referee Meshari Ali ing a through pass. al Shammari for his foul on Lowry’s equaliser came off 3. Al Sadd 14 10 0 4 42 23 19 30 AFP right arm on Tuesday was a is an open result. The 1-0 you stormed off when he was re- Al Gharafa’s Ahmed Alaaeldin a cross from the right by Ab- 4. Al Gharafa 15 7 4 4 27 21 6 25 LONDON body blow to Spurs’ chances of can perfectly go there and win placed 20 minutes from time who was clean through on goal. dulrasheed Umaru. 5. Al Arabi 15 5 5 5 25 23 2 20 progressing. the tie,” added Mourinho. and slammed his boots down in Al Gharafa had more of It was the second time in 6. Al Wakrah 14 5 4 5 22 22 0 19 JOSE Mourinho had his excus- “It’s like going to a gun fight “What worries me is that the dugout. the ball in the first half, but Al successive weeks that Al Ahli 7. Al Ahli 15 5 3 7 20 26 -6 18 es ready made for a 1-0 home without bullets, so we did what these are our players for I don’t “I think he was angry with Ahli created more opportuni- and Al Gharafa were facing off 8. Al Sailiya 14 5 2 7 15 20 -5 17 defeat to RB Leipzig that leaves we could do,” concluded Mour- know how many matches. We his performance, not with me,” ties. as the former beat the latter Tottenham needing to recreate inho, who bristled at criticism of have to play in two days again. insisted Mourinho. “I think he Hector Moreno, Koo Ja- 1-0 in the Ooredoo Cup quar- 9. Qatar SC 14 4 3 7 14 17 -3 16 their escape acts of last season his set up. We could see Lucas (Moura) understood why I took him off Cheol and Sofiane Hanni were terfinals. 10. Al Khor 14 2 4 8 16 25 -9 10 to progress to the Champions As the Portuguese com- absolutely dead, (Steven) Berg- and the team improved.” back in action, but they failed Earlier, Al Shahania held 11. Al Shahania 15 1 6 8 14 32 -18 9 League quarter-finals. plained about his lack of re- wijn absolutely dead, (Giovani) Mourinho needs to get to spark any creativity for the Al Arabi to a goalless draw to 12. Umm Salal 14 2 3 9 9 28 -19 9 Already without Harry sources, it was easy to forget Lo Celso dead.” Alli back onside and back to team. see them climb to 11th ahead Kane due to a long-term ham- that Leipzig were the novices at Given his paucity of op- the form of his early weeks in Koo headed wide narrowly of Umm Salal. string injury, the news that Son this stage of the competition. tions up front, Mourinho needs charge at Spurs if they are to and Homam Elamin sent a With only seven rounds of For Al Arabi, the result Heung-min could miss the rest “What I am worried with is to get the best from those he make it back into the competi- booming shot straight to goal- action remaining, Al Shahania was a setback in their bid to of the season with a fractured not with the 1-0 because the 1-0 does have. However, Dele Alli tion next season. keeper Ivanildo Rodriguez. need to start picking up wins. finish among the top four. Sports Friday, February 21, 2020 13

HH THE AMIR SWORD FESTIVAL 2020 Familial esta for Umm Qarn

Qatar and Asian Equestrian Federations President Hamad Abdulrahman al Attiyah presents the Trainer’s Mehdi (No 5) beats Umm Qarn mate Sealine to win the Al Zubara Trophy, the feature race on the rst day Trophy to Alban de Mieulle after Mehdi won the Winning connections of Dominus celebrate the triumph in the Thoroughbred (Class 2) of HH the Amir Sword Festival 2020 at the QREC Racecourse in New Al Rayyan on Thursday. feature race on Thursday. 1,200m race on Thursday. Mehdi, Sealine make it 1-2 in Al Zubara Trophy for trainer de Mieulle HH THE AMIR SWORD FESTIVAL RESULTS (DAY 1) 30th Race Meeting Won by 1, 0.75. Time 2:04.92 Won by 2, neck. Time 1:35.38 TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Mehdi took advantage of being PUREBRED ARABIAN PLATE (4 Year Olds) 1,600m Owner: Mubarak al Naimi. Trainer: Majed Seifeddine Owner: HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa al Thani. DOHA Prize Money: $30,000 (1st 17,100 2nd 6,600 3rd Trainer: Julian Smart younger and managed to clinch 3,300) PUREBRED ARABIAN HANDICAP 1,600m the race in the photo-finish for 1.Mon’nia (Tomas Lukasek), 2. Jabir (Ronan Thomas), 3. Prize Money: $30,000 (1st 17,100 2nd 6,600 3rd THOROUGHBREDS (Class 2) 1,200m IT was a familial fiesta for Umm his first victory in four starts in Maiuf (Faleh Bughanaim) 3,300) Prize Money: $30,000 (1st 17,100 2nd 6,600 3rd Qarn as their Mehdi edged out Qatar. Overall it was his third Won by 4, 2. Time 1:43.53 1.Dahra (Eduardo Pedroza), 2.Djamil (Ronan Thomas), 3,300) Owner: HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa al Thani. 3. Aneeq (Ryan Curatolo) 1.Dominus (Luca Maniezzi), 2.Receding Waves (JP his older half-brother Sealine winner in eight. Thomas had led Trainer: Julian Smart Won by 0.5, head. Time 1:45.92 Guillambert), 3. Mr Diamond (Marco Casamento) by a nose to claim the Al Zubara Mehdi to his previous two wins Owner: Al Shahania Stud. Trainer: Ibrahim al Malki Won by 3, 2. Time 1:10.79 Trophy – the feature event on last season as well. THOROUGHBRED MAIDEN PLATE (Class 6) 1,200m Owner: Abdulhadi al Hajri. Trainer: Stefano Ibido the eight-race card on the open- Sealine, with Oliver Pes- Prize Money: $30,000 (1st 17,100 2nd 6,600 3rd THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP (Class 4) 2,000m 3,300) Prize Money: $30,000 (1st 17,100 2nd 6,600 3rd AL ZUBARA TROPHY 2,000m ing day of the prestigious HH lier astride, was looking for 1.Damon Runyon (Leo Salles), 2.Dreaming Away (Tom 3,300) Conditions: LOCAL PUREBRED ARABIANS 4 Year Olds The Amir Sword Festival 2020. his third in a row and fourth Marquand), 3. Rate Exchanged (Eduardo Pedroza) 1.Jacko (Harry Bentley), 2. What A Surprise (Soufiane & Older Colts & Geldings to carry 58kg, Fillies & At the Qatar Racing & triumph in six races this sea- Won by 2.75, 2.75.Time 1:11.41 Saadi), 3.Al Mujahaz (Marco Casamento) Mares 56kg Less WFA Allowances Equestrian Club Racecourse son, had to be content with the Owner: Al Murtages Racing Syndicate. Trainer: Won by neck, 1. Time 2:02.82 Prize Money: $150,000 (1st 85,500 2nd 33,000 3rd Mohammed al Attiya Owner: Shaheen al Ghanim. Trainer: Jassim Ghazali 16,500 4th 9,000 5th 6,000) in New Al Rayyan, the over- runner-up finish. Ridden by 1.Mehdi (Ronan Thomas), 2.Sealine (Olivier Peslier), cast conditions were lit up by Eduardo Pedroza, She’ris was Woodkid’s rider Tomas Lukasek and other winning connections pose LOCAL THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP 2,000m THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP (Class 3) 1,600m 3.She’ris (Eduardo Pedroza), 4. Ishfaq (Harry Bentley) the Umm Qarn duo who over- third more than eight lengths for a group picture after winning the Thoroughbred Handicap (Class 3) Prize Money: $30,000 (1st 17,100 2nd 6,600 3rd Prize Money: $30,000 (1st 17,100 2nd 6,600 3rd 5.AJS Al Moheeb (Theo Bachelot) 1,600m at HH the Amir Sword Festival 2020 on Thursday. 3,300) 3,300) Won by nose, 8.5, 5.25, 2.75. Time 2:13.66 took the Abdulatif al Emadi- behind the top pair. 1.Al Shomos (Carlos Henrique), 2. Al Adheed (Leo 1.Woodkid (Tomas Lukasek), 2.Sir Commander (Marco Owner: Umm Qarn. Trainer: Alban de Mieulle owned She’ris, who led most Ishfaq, the defending cham- Salles), 3. Rawdat Al Khail (Theo Bachelot) Casamento), 3. Tremendous Leap (Theo Bachelot) of the 2,000m race for four pion from Al Shahania Stud, got (Class 3) 1,600m and the six- all fourth victory in six starts years and older local Purebred the fourth place under Harry year-old bay horse posted his for Mon’nia. Arabian horses, soon after the Bentley. This was the first race maiden win in five runs this Luca Maniezzi helmed oughbred Handicap (Class 4) was a third race here out of four phere and scripted victories. final bend. of the Jassim Ghazali ward in season, taking his overall win- the Abdulhadi al Hajri-owned 2,000m run. The four-year-old in the season for the four-year- Damon Runyon was ridden It was first Mehdi, a five- the season after winning two ners to four in 18 starts. Dominus to a season’s second grey horse, owned by Shaheen old grey filly from Al Shahania to the triumph by Leo Salles year-old grey horse from Majd out of two races last term. He Mon’nia, a four-year-old triumph with a convincing run al Ghanim and trained by Jas- Stud. Overall, it was the fourth in the Thoroughbred Maiden Al Arab and Jaljalah, who beat AJS Al Moheeb, owned by grey filly, has been in a rich in the Thoroughbred (Class 2) sim Ghazali, beat What A Sur- triumph in eight starts for the Plate (Class 6) 1,200m for passed a fading She’ris and be- Mohammed al Attiya, by two form this season after winning 1,200m sprint against Reced- prise, ridden by Soufiane Saadi, Ibrahim al Malki’s trainee. his first victory in 16 races in gan to shake himself off the field lengths and three quarters. two out of three races this sea- ing Waves. The Irish Lotto At by a neck for his third victory in Djamil, ridden by Thomas and three seasons. under Ronan Thomas. Soon HH Sheikh Mohammed son. Lukasek steered her to the totesport.com Handicap win- six races this season. The previ- trained by De Mieulle, got the Al Shomos, a five-year-old Sealine, a six-year-old grey bin Khalifa al Thani-owned third winner as she outsprint- ner claimed the dash by a three- ous two wins came on the dirt better of Aneeq by a head in a bay mare, got the success in five horse from Amer and Jaljalah, Woodkid and Dahra secured a ed Jabir, ridden by Thomas, by length margin. Mr Diamond, track for Jacko. tight finish. starts under Carlos Henrique darted to the front from outside fine double for rider Tomas Lu- four lengths to win the Pure- Mohammed Jassim Ghazali Dahra, with Pedroza astride, Damon Runyon, owned when she beat Al Adheed by a to join Mehdi. kasek and trainer Julian Smart. bred Arabian Plate 1,600m for trainee, was third. recorded her first winner in Qa- by Al Murtages Racing Syn- length in the Local Thorough- Both began to create a big Woodkid pulled himself two four years olds. Two lengths British jockey Bentley tar with a half-a-length margin dicate, and Al Shomos, owned bred Handicap 2,000m. Raw- gap on others and were involved lengths clear of Sir Commander behind was Maiuf under Faleh helped Jacko taste the first vic- against Djamil in the Purebred by Mubarak al Naimi, were in- dat Al Khail was third by three in a thrilling finish for the line. in the Thoroughbred Handicap Bughanaim. This was an over- tory on the turf in the Thor- Arabians Handicap 1,600m. It spired by the Festival atmos- quarters of a length. German Siem shines on rst Federer targets Wimbledon, to miss French Open after knee surgery blow day of Qatar Open golf AFP he had intended to avoid sur- I decided to have arthroscopic PARIS gery if possible but the problem surgery in Switzerland yester- TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK in his right knee refused to go day.” DOHA ROGER Federer has under- away. “After the surgery the doc- LEADING SCORES gone surgery to resolve a long- He will now target a return tors confirmed that it was the FOUR-TIME European Tour Leading scores on the first day of the Qatar Open standing knee problem and for the grass court season and right thing to have done and are winner Marcel Siem had a su- golf at DGC (par 72): said on Thursday he would an assault on a ninth Wimble- very confident of a full recovery. Players R1 Gross perb start to the Qatar Open 1st Marcel Siem (0) 64 64 be out of action until after the don title after reaching the fi- “I can’t wait to be back Amateur Golf Championship 2nd Brandon Robinson Thompson (0) 66 66 French Open while his rivals nal in 2019 where he had two playing again soon -- see you at the Doha Golf Club course 3rd Kevin Esteve (0) 68 68 backed the 38-year-old to re- championship points before on grass.” with the German leading with 4th Max Schmitt (0) 69 69 turn as strong as ever. losing an epic final to Novak Federer, French Open 5th Bryce Easton (0) 70 70 a superb 64. 5th Niklas Lemke (0) 70 70 The 20-times Grand Slam Djokovic. champion back in 2009, will He sank nine birdies and 5th Tom Santa (0) 70 70 winner revealed on his Face- “My right miss Roland Garros for the suffered a bogey, exploiting 5th Jerome Lando-Casanova (0) 70 70 book account that he under- knee has fourth time in five seasons. the rather benign conditions 5th Wilco Nienaber (0) 70 70 went surgery in Switzerland been bother- His absence from Paris 5th Jens Dantorp (0) 70 70 in the morning and getting 11th Mathiam Keyser (0) 71 71 on Wednesday and would ing me for a means his great rival Rafael a two-shot advantage over 11th Andrew Ikstrums (0) 71 71 miss a string of tourna- little while,” Nadal, the 12-time champion, British Brandon Robinson 11th Gudmundur Kristjansson (0) 71 71 ments including the added can draw level with the Swiss Thompson in the event which 14th Michael Young (0) 72 72 May 24-June 7 French the world on 20 majors. Federer also 14th Victor Riu (0) 72 72 has three qualifying slots in 16th Paul McBride (0) 73 73 Open. number underwent surgery on his left the Pro category for the Com- 16th Joel Sjöholm (0) 73 73 “As a result, I will three who knee in February 2016 which mercial Bank Qatar Masters. 16th Daksh Shokeen (0) 73 73 miss Dubai, Indian reached the allowed him just seven tourna- 16th Sean Lawrie (0) 73 73 A smiling and relieved 16th Jordan Massey (0) 73 73 Wells, Bogota, Mi- Roland Garros semi- ments that season. Siem, who shared a 28th ami and the French (File photo) finals last year. However, that surgery-en- place at the 2018 Commercial Selected Open,” he said. Roger “I hoped it would forced absence eventually paid Bank Qatar Masters, was de- 21st Ali Al Shahrani (-1) 74 74 Federer, who has Federer go away, but after an dividends with another Austral- lighted to be on the top of the 26th Saleh Ali Musbah Al Kaabi (-3) 76 76 amassed 103 career reacts examination and dis- ian Open title and then Wim- leaderboard. He commented: titles, explained that cussion with my team, bledon six months later. “It was little windy in the af- ternoon, but it was calmer in German Marcel Siem clears a bunker during the opening day of the Qatar Open golf at the Doha Golf Club the morning. Overall the con- on Thursday. ditions were very nice here Umar Akmal suspended under anti-corruption code today. ways difficult to play and still Marc Van T Sant. The former bogeys fetched him a 69. “Usually the greens are we have two more days to go, also felt inspired and pro- Santa is hotly followed by AFP about the latest case, the Paki- Gladiators in the six-team little firmer during the Qatar so we have to be little careful.” duced a two under par 70 card Austrian Andrew Ikstrums, KARACHI stan Cricket Board (PCB) said PSL. Masters, but here they were “I am feeling felling more to lead the Amateur class. The who posted a first-round 71. Umar had been suspended Often described as a talent- bit softer. Roughs are also not confident with couple of good Doha Golf Club player fired Ikstrums is also based in Qa- PAKISTAN’S perennial prob- and would not play in the Pa- ed yet undisciplined cricketer, as high as usual… it played lit- starts this year. Playing the four birdies but dropped two tar and plays at the Doha Golf lem-maker Umar Akmal was kistan Super League (PSL), Umar has played 16 Tests, 121 tle easier today. So overall it Challenge after 18 years is shots to share the overall fifth Club regularly with Santa. suspended on Thursday un- which starts Thursday in Ka- one-day internationals and 84 was bit easier,” he added. not nice. It’s like when you spot with five other players - Irish Michael Young is in the der an anti-corruption rule, rachi. Twenty20 internationals since Siem, who had a strong miss one class in school, you Bryce Easton, Niklas Lemke, third spot in the Amateur cricket officials announced, “He cannot take part in his debut in 2009. start to the year when he have to go back. I have to go Jerome Lando-Casanova, class with a par card. French sidelining him from the Paki- any cricket-related activity He last played for Pakistan finished a joint 49th in the through the season with play- Wilco Nienaber and Jens player Victor Riu was the 14th stan Super League pending an pending the investigation be- in the Twenty20 series against South Africa Open, said he ing 10-12 challengers or in- Dantorp. and last player to have got a inquiry. ing carried out by PCB’s anti- Sri Lanka four months ago, was pleased with his first vitation events on the tour. I Kevin Esteve, four strokes par round on the opening day. The 29-year-old has re- corruption unit,” the board failing to score in both match- day’s play. “I am happy with have to fight through this year off leader Siem, is a shot Among the Qatari players, ceived numerous fines and said in a statement. es. my score. But I don’t know and I hope 2020 will be good ahead of Max Schmitt, an- Ali al Shahrani came up with suspensions in his 11-year ca- “As this is an ongoing in- Earlier this month, the what’s coming. I had good again,” added the 2014 BMW other German among the top a two over par 74 round. He reer, and was arrested in 2014 vestigation, the PCB will not PCB warned Umar over his finish at last few holes. I am Masters champion. four. Schmitt nailed an eagle is holding the 21st spot and after violating traffic rules in make any further comments.” conduct during a fitness test happy with the score. But as Other players in his group and four birdies but could not two shots adrift him is Saleh his native Lahore. Umar was due to play for where he allegedly made crude we all know, this course is al- were French Tom Santa and maintain his game. His three al Kaabi. Without giving details defending champions Quetta remarks to a trainer. 14 Friday, February 21, 2020 FEATURES best off-the-beaten-path spots on the Yucatan Peninsula 6ELIZABETH FLORES village of Rio Lagartos translates to We learned about the history cienda that once housed a wealthy TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE Alligator River. But we weren’t here of cocoa and its importance to the family. Then we followed a winding after a 2 1/2-hour ride from Merida Mayan people. I was even more path lined by trees that led to a cave OUNGING on a beach with to catch anything, least of all a scaly surprised by the museum grounds, with turquoise water. It was magical, a tropical drink at a resort in reptile. We’d come to explore the where paths cut through lush vegeta- peaceful and tranquil. Cancun or Tulum makes for a bird-rich tangle of nature on the tion, past an array of parakeets and A guide led us, wading, through great escape from the frozen town’s edge known as the Ria La- to a visit with rescued spider mon- the pools into a dark cave. I put on the tundra. That’s why so many gartos Biosphere Reserve. keys. We also saw a reenactment of a goggles the site provided, dipped my AmericansL — myself included — The 233-square-mile reserve Mayan shaman cleansing. And then head into the water and saw a wonder head to the Yucatan, that peninsula holds mangrove forest, saltwater es- there was the gift shop: Let’s not for- of the world. That may be an exagger- at the southern tip of Mexico that tuaries and sand dunes — and about get about the amount of chocolate I ation, but it looked like New Mexico’s splits the Caribbean Sea 400 species of birds, in- coveted (choco-storymexico.com/ Carlsbad Caverns, only underwater. and the Gulf of Mexico. cluding snowy white uxmal---ingles.html). Stalactites seemed to go on forever. Sunshine is abundant. ibis and brown peli- Back into the light, we floated Thoughts of snow melt cans. It’s most known, CENOTE HACIENDA MUCUYCHE down a long green stream lined with the warmth. Re- Travel though, for its vast pop- One of the most unusual natu- by pothos vines to a subterranean laxation rolls in with ulation of flamingos, ral wonders in the Yucatan Penin- waterfall. each wave. said to be the largest in sula are its cenotes, sinkholes cre- Like most cenotes today, Haci- But I’ve also ven- Mexico. ated by the collapse of limestone. enda Mucuyche has locker rooms and tured beyond the popu- We cut our hourlong boat Young female charros hold hands in prayer before performing in a Charreria at There are 6,000 of these pools in a restaurant where local Mayan wom- lar Yucatan beaches. Dur- ride short because of an impend- Xcaret Park. (TNS) the Yucatan. They were once used en make homemade corn tortillas ing my last trip, I stayed in Merida, ing storm, so we didn’t make it to as religious places for the Mayan (cenoteshaciendamucuyche.com/en). a landlocked city with a rich Mayan the flamingos’ nesting site. We were, people, who considered them sa- and colonial history. On day trips however, mesmerized by the number cred wells. Today, many offer rap- CELESTÚN from there, I found places with more of beautiful birds we encountered. pelling activities, diving equipment The small fishing village of Ce- locals than tourists, I searched for al- In the end we spotted one alligator and rope courses. lestun, about 60 miles from Me- ligators and flamingos, swam in caves and a handful of visitors with white Among my favourites are Cenote rida, is near the Celestun Biosphere and bumped down remote roads that clay smeared on their bodies for its Hubiku in Valladolid, and Cenote Reserve, a main courtship area for led to shockingly pink waters, where alleged healing benefits. A beautiful Hacienda Mucuyche in Abala. One greater pink flamingos who flock river and the Gulf of Mexico meet. sunset greeted us as we made our day, we set out from Merida to find there during fall and winter. Tour Each of these off-the-beaten-path watery way back to our car. Mucuyche. After an hour’s drive, guides on the beach wait under places is alluring in its own way, and Find information on the UN- we came to a village where thatch- palapas to take visitors on small- visiting them is surprisingly easy. ESCO Biosphere Reserve at tinyurl. roofed palapas lined dirt roads, their boat excursions to see the flamingos In fact, some of the locations I’ve com/vvhrlwf. inhabitants sleeping in hammocks. and freshwater springs. We opted to explored — all hidden oases of the A wooden sign with “cenote” carved lounge on the secluded white-sand Yucatan, within an hour or two of LAS COLORADAS into it seemed like a good omen. beach, which we shared with locals, Merida — can be easily experienced After our adventure along the Horses were tied to a tree. The crow- cold beers in our hands. It was just during a day trip from the Yucatan’s river, we took a short drive to “the ing of roosters penetrated the air. At another day on the Yucatan. Caribbean side. As for the beach chair pink sea of Yucatan” known as Las the entrance to a deep cave, life jack- back at the resort with your name on Coloradas. These saline lakes ap- The Cenote Hacienda Mucuyche is located A jaguar made its way through its ets dangled from a rope. We were in- XCARET it, well, it’ll be waiting for you. pear in otherworldly hues of rose in the municipality of Abala, Yucatan, less enclosure at the Choco-Story Museum vited to visit the small family cenote The only tourist trap we encoun- and pink, a result of high concentra- than an hour south from Merida, Yucatan. and Eco-Park in Uxmal, Yucatan for a small fee, but it wasn’t Cenote tered was Xcaret, a park with a $100 RIA LAGARTOS tions of algae, shrimp and other or- Hacienda Mucuyche. entrance fee, in Playa del Carmen. It As my partner Joel and I climbed ganisms. Flamingos, which are gray las-coloradas/). among the best preserved Mayan “Down the street, two blocks to felt like a zoo by the ocean, but there onto a small boat, a fisherman ap- early in life, become pink after feed- ruins in the country. So after explor- the left,” a man instructed. We soon was one part that we found phe- proached us. He showed us his day’s ing on the organisms in the coloured CHOCO-STORY MUSEUM ing Uxmal, a popular tourist site, we came upon a large stone gate — and nomenal: the cultural area that in- catch of a not-so-ordinary-looking saltwater. It is prohibited to go into About 40 miles south of Merida, didn’t expect much in comparison our destination. We waited to buy cluded a maze through a makeshift fish. Then he wished us luck in cap- the water. There isn’t much infra- Joel and I hiked through the ancient when we dropped in at the Choco- tickets behind a handful of mostly Mexican cemetery, a Mexican rodeo turing an alligator. structure for travellers — bring your Mayan city of Uxmal, where archaeo- Story Museum across the street. But Mexican tourists. Inside, we were and a big cultural show at the end of I wondered about that com- lunch — but the scene is worth the logical finds include a pyramid, pal- the museum offered far more than led on a brief tour through what re- the evening that was worth the price ment, even though the small fishing drive (thetravelblog.at/pink-lagoon- aces and other buildings that are anticipated. mained of a beautiful, historic ha- of admission alone.

The Cenote Hacienda Mucuyche is located in the municipality of Abala. This A local sherman rids the remains of his daily catch in the shing town of Celestun Dancers performed during a show documenting the history of Mexico through cenote in particular, visitors can take in underground stalactites and stalagmites. in Yucatan, Mexico. dance at Xcaret Park. How soon will a coronavirus vaccine be ready? ANJA GARMS to prepare a potential vaccine for testing in mRNA delivers into the cells. The cells then virus,” Becker said. DPA clinical trials. That means using the form the envelope protein and pre- The next step is to test whether the active genetic sequences in the vaccine, sent it on their surface, mobilising substance can protect animals from infection. S countries battle the spread of the new rather than the virus itself. The se- the immune system. The vaccine will then be produced on a large coronavirus, a vaccine could be critical quence of the new virus has been “The procedure imitates na- scale and undergo toxicological testing. Scien- in limiting the number of deaths in known for weeks. This genetic ture,” said Mariola Fotin-Mleczek, tists can only apply for a clinical trial if all of China and around the world. information reveals how it repro- Science chief technology officer at CureVac. these steps go well. All of the different stages AIn mid-February, a World Health Organi- duces, as well as how it makes the “This powerfully activates the im- are essential. “These vaccines must be safe, or zation conference of 400 experts agreed to pathogens that the body reacts to mune system.” Together with Sut- you’re not doing yourself any favours,” Becker speed up the search for an inoculation. Bio- by forming antibodies. ter’s team in Munich, a group led Scientists around the world are said. With sufficient political or medical pres- tech companies and research institutions in In coronaviruses, this is a pro- by virologist Stephan Becker at the working rapidly to create a vaccine sure, it might be possible to speed up the ap- many countries are now working to develop tein in the viral envelope, Sut- University of Marburg is capable of protecting people from proval process. During the Ebola outbreak a vaccine, but how soon could one be ready? ter said. “The virus uses also working on a vaccine. the novel coronavirus. But safety in West Africa, for example, permission for a “I’m certain we will see the first experimental the protein to penetrate They are using a virus that clinical trial was granted very quickly, he says. vaccines this year,” said Gerd Sutter, a virolo- human cells.” Vaccine re- does not make people sick comes first, meaning an inoculation Becker is optimistic that his potential vac- gist at the Ludwig Maximilian University in searchers are focusing on as a transporter for the could be many months away cine for the coronavirus would also receive a Munich. When and whether it will be tested this protein. The hospital at envelope protein. After vac- speedy approval for a clinical study because on humans is another question. “Developing the Tonji University in Shang- cination, the virus enters cells developers of the vaccine for the MERS virus it uses the same concept that was established a vaccine is a long, arduous process - particu- hai is working with Beijing’s and forms the envelope protein, and hope to adapt that concept for the new with the MERS vaccine. larly the clinical testing and approval.” Devel- Stemirna Therapeutics to develop which the immune system recog- coronavirus. A major advantage of biotechno- But could a vaccine be ready soon enough oping a vaccine usually takes about 15 years. a messenger RNA vaccine, China nises. Becker said he expects the logical methods is that once an approach has to help stop the coronavirus epidemic? “We A vaccine for the MERS virus, another coro- state news agency Xinhua report- vaccination virus to be created, and been established, it can be quickly adapted to don’t know how the epidemic will develop,” navirus causing respiratory illness that was ed. The biotech company CureVac the first production steps to be com- new pathogens. The only thing that scientists Becker said. discovered on the Arabian Peninsula in 2012, in Tuebingen, in Germany, is also pleted, by the end of March. have to adjust is the building instructions for If the virus becomes more widespread, only began clinical testing in 2018. trying to develop an mRNA vac- Sutter and Becker were among the the protein to which the body reacts. a vaccine would be very helpful. “I think it’s But numerous research teams have an- cine. This messenger molecule Developing a potential vaccine is the first money well spent.” WHO Chief Scientist nounced they are trying to find a vaccine contained in cells translates the This handout image obtained February 19, step of a long and difficult process. The phases Soumya Swaminathan believes the first vac- against the new coronavirus, officially known information contained in DNA into a pro- 2020 courtesy of Jason McLellan/University that take the most time are approval and clini- cine tests on humans could take place in three as SARS-CoV-2. tein. The CureVac scientists package the of Texas at Austin shows a 3D atomic scale cal testing. “If there is a candidate, we use ani- or four months. But an approved vaccine for Many are using biotechnological pro- building instructions for the envelope protein map, or molecular structure, of the 2019- mal models to determine whether antibodies widespread use would probably not be avail- cesses and hope to shorten the time required of SARS-CoV-2 into nanoparticles that the nCoV spike protein. are formed at all - and whether they inhibit the able for 18 months. Friday, February 21, 2020 15 KIDS CORNER Bound & Gagged By Dana Summers

Half Full By Maria Scrivan

NITZA ASEELA NAVAS Class V-A Birla Public School Doha, Qatar

Do you have a poem, short story, painting or a kid’s birthday that you want to share? If YES, email to us at [email protected]

THAT SCRAMBLED WORD GAME Los Angeles Times Crossword Puzzle By David L. Hoyt and Jeff Knurek Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis Unscramble these Jumbles, one letter to each square, to form four ordinary words. Level: 1 2 3 4 CAMWA @PlayJumble

TLOTA

ROIRMR

TIRBET Get the free JUST JUMBLE Get app • Follow us on Twitter

Now arrange the circled letters ©2018 Tribune Content Agency, LLC to form the surprise answer, as All Rights Reserved. suggested by the above cartoon. Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit www.sudoku.org.uk (Answers tomorrow) Jumbles: PANTS MOOSE SCREWY FACTOR Saturday’s

By Jim Quinlan Level: 1 2 3 4 Answer: His prediction that he’d become a quarterback

©2019 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

in the NFL had — COMETRAILER TO PASSTRACTOR

Answer: Answer: The truck driver who became a farmer had a — — a had farmer a became who driver truck The

ACROSS 46 Anti-discrimination initials 12 Rhododendron family bloomer Yesterday’s

Jumbles:

1 Like some VIP treatment 47 Mexico’s largest lake 13 __ out: gets excited in a geeky BITTER MIRROR TOTAL MACAW

10 Global Chic designer 49 Cunning way, in slang tomorrow) (Answers

14 Dog trainer’s hand signal, say 51 “Wow!” 15 Popular place for lurking trolls answer here: answer

15 It’ll blow over soon 52 Passed on 20 Psychic’s claim ’ 16 Running smoothly 54 Very little 23 Former TV talk show host your Print

17 Schindler with a list 58 Shut out, in a game Smiley

suggested by the above cartoon. above the by suggested

18 Stings 60 “Pardon, sir ... ” 25 Taylor tot Reserved. Rights All

to form the surprise answer, as answer, surprise the form to 19 Academic acronym 62 Salon option 26 Sun and Sky org. LLC Agency, Content Tribune ©2018

21 The past, in the past 63 Counting-out rhyme opening 27 Unlikely “TGIF” exclaimer letters circled the arrange Now 22 Beat but good 64 Flexible, in a way 28 “Little help?”

24 Absorption processes 65 Secretly communicate 30 Pilot’s digit

app • Follow us on Twitteron us Follow • app Get the free JUST JUMBLE 26 “A Farewell to Arms” setting: in class, pre-texting 34 Narrow furrow GJOREG Abbr. 36 2017 Tony winner about the 29 Algerian DOWN ’90s Israel-PLO accords seaport 1 Dollar competitor 38 Somewhat off 31 __ Pig: British preschool TV 2 Feature of a busy amusement 39 Cloverleaf segments show park 44 Mammal with a rack

32 Start to stop? 3 What needs to be passed on the 47 G.I. Joe nemesis 33 Strauss creation way to the bar, briefly? 48 Writer of anthropomorphic Complete the grid so each row, column and SUFREE 35 Mexican president after 4 Foretell tales 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, Calderón 5 Musical “Late Late” segment 50 Lacks choices 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, 37 Gets all mushy 6 Snowstorm news 53 Perfumery that created Tabu visit www.sudoku.org.uk

40 Kipling’s “Lone Wolf” 7 Prefix with tourism 55 Bit of sports trivia

41 Feudal servants 8 Explorers, e.g. 56 French bean? © 2018 The Mepham Group. Distributed by

YPOLO 42 Daffy depiction? 9 Manage 57 Winged god Tribune Content Agency. All rights reserved. ANSWERS 43 Can’t get enough of 10 Gp. concerned with cheaters 59 Situation Room gp.

45 Abounding 11 Stops the fight 61 Assent

@PlayJumble PXLEE

to form four ordinary words. ordinary four form to

one letter to each square, each to letter one

Unscramble these Jumbles, these Unscramble

By David L. Hoyt and Jeff Knurek Jeff and Hoyt L. David By THAT SCRAMBLED WORD GAME WORD SCRAMBLED THAT 16 Friday, February 21, 2020 The Last Word

AMIR VISITS QF’S RESEARCH CENTRE, RECEIVES BRIEFING ON QATAR’S RESEARCH STRATEGY

The Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani was briefed on Thursday on Qatar’s strategy for research development and innovation, which was prepared by Qatar Research Development and Innovation Council as part of Qatar National Vision 2030. The Amir also toured Hamad bin Khalifa Univer- sity’s research centre at Qatar Foundation (QF). The Amir was accompanied by Prime Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al Thani and a number of ministers. (QNA) QEERI provides data for 800MWp Al Kharsaah solar plant project Qatar aims to produce 20 percent of its electricity through solar energy by 2030 TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK region, noting their relevance DOHA in addressing region-specific challenges and their capacity to IN January, Qatar announced further reduce the cost of photo- its ambitious plans to develop voltaic electricity. the Al Kharsaah photovoltaic Over the past 10 years, there plant, a solar energy site that is has been a continuous decrease the first step towards the coun- in PV system prices with the cost try’s long-term objective to pro- being 10 times lower today than duce 20 percent of its electricity in 2010. This means that install- VCUarts Qatar Dean’s List through solar energy by 2030. ing PV systems has become an Qatar Environment and attractive option in the Middle Energy Research Institute East and North Africa region, luncheon celebrates 105 (QEERI), part of Hamad Bin so, we provided bidders to Kah- “Most of the challenges which has seen among the low- Khalifa University (HBKU), is ramaa’s tender with four years facing Qatar are related to reli- est bids proposed through ten- playing an integral role in con- of data from the physical solar ability and soiling, which can ders in the world. ducting key research in helping stations as well as with data de- negatively affect PV modules, “The price of electricity high achieving students the country harness the power rived from the QEERI satellite inverters and sun trackers. generated by solar is now ex- of the sun, which is in abun- receiver,” Dr Sanfilippo added. Through our research, we are tremely low with Kahramaa TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK dance all year round. In addition to the data assessing the soiling –i.e. how identifying the cost at below DOHA The institute is working which assisted bidders to assess much energy will be lost be- 1.74US cents per kilowatt- alongside the winning bidders the bankability of their offers, cause of the dust that settles on hour. This means that based VIRGINIA Commonwealth – France’s Total and Japan’s QEERI has also developed a so- the modules– which enables us on the size of the Al Kharsaah University School of the Arts Marubeni – and Kahramaa to lar forecasting service and a so- to identify the best technologies plant, the cutting-edge tech- in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) in provide key data and measur- lar atlas. The ability to forecast to employ to mitigate these chal- nology used and cost, the Siraj Education City, a Qatar Foun- ability to ensure optimisation solar radiation minutes, hours, lenges and to forecast them in project is a landmark in the re- dation (QF) partner universi- in developing the solar plant as and days ahead is crucial to opti- order to reduce the O&M costs,” gion and in the world,” added ty, held a special event to hon- part of the Siraj project. mising solar energy integration said Dr Broussillou. Dr Broussillou. our the students whose hard Dr Antonio P. Sanfilippo, by ensuring grid stability and ef- These cutting-edge tech- As the Siraj project enters work and excellent academic Dr Veronica Bermudez and ficient use of diverse energy re- nologies used to address the the development phase, QEERI skills earned them a place on Dr Cedric Andre Broussillou sources, and regulating energy challenges of reliability, soiling will continue to provide their the Dean’s List. Fashion Design programme, List, your names have become are the scientists at the helm markets. The solar atlas is able and highest electricity produc- expertise and insights to real- The families of the stu- 29 are from the Graphic part of the history of VCUarts of QEERI’s involvement in the to measure different aspects of tion are the bifacial modules ize and even surpass the targets dents were also in attendance Design programme, 13 are Qatar. You have set yourselves country’s biggest solar project solar radiation and expected with a single axis sun tracker outlined by Qatar. for the special occasion as the from the Interior Design pro- up to be leaders at VCUarts yet. Once fully operational, the solar output, which can be har- and robotic cleaning. These “The overall target for students were awarded cer- gramme and 15 are from the Qatar and eventually leaders 1,000 hectares (10km²) plant, vested based on the unique set technologies are not main- 2020 was set at two percent tificates recognising their out- Painting and Printmaking in in the community. Contin- estimated at costing QR1.7 bil- of environmental challenges stream in the industry yet, but and based on our calculations, standing academic achieve- programme. ue to lead in this way. We are lion, is expected to produce facing desert climates. are gaining strong momentum we are set to exceed that and ments. Amir Berbić, dean of VC- looking forward to see what 800 megawatts, accounting for “The solar atlas that we have worldwide and the environ- are well on course to meet the The Dean’s List is the rec- Uarts Qatar, welcomed the you do next - both as students a tenth of the country’s current developed will assist the country mental conditions in Qatar 2030 target of 20 percent,” said ognition of superior academic students and their families, here at VCUarts Qatar - and peak energy demand. to establish the optimal location make them particularly rel- Dr Sanfilippo. performance, and only stu- saying, “You are the best and eventually as alumni. The three scientists and to set up future solar plants in evant for the country. Dr Marc Vermeersch, ex- dents with a Grade Point Av- the brightest among our tal- “I also want to congratu- their teams at QEERI’s Energy Qatar. It measures atlas solar “The bifacial modules are ecutive director at QEERI, said: erage of 3.5 or higher qualify. ented and dedicated students. late the parents and families of Center have been involved in the radiation in different locations able to attract the sun’s rays not “Embarking on an endeavour Of the 105 outstanding Dean’s It is no small honour to be on our Dean’s List students. Your project from the outset to ensure and the quantity that can be ex- only from the surface exposed to of this scale is a major feat for list students, 24 are from the the Dean’s List. As Dean’s List encouragement and support, the provision of solar measure- pected for the entire country,” the sun, but also from the back the country, and one that the Art Foundation programme, students you are setting the from their early years to today, ment data, which is one of the said Dr Bermudez. side facing the ground. This QEERI scientists and engineers 18 are from the Art History standard for all other students. have played an important role core functions of QEERI’s en- In parallel with the solar at- technology ensures you’re able are honoured to play an exten- programme, six are from the “As members of the Dean’s in their academic success.” ergy management programme. las, QEERI has also established to harness a large quantity of sive role in, working closely “We have very specialised a solar consortium with leading energy thanks to the high albedo with all key stakeholders to equipment that records the local and international part- that can be measured in Qatar,” support the country in achiev- various components of solar ners – Kahramaa, Total, Han- said Dr Bermudez. ing its ambitious sustainable radiation in real-time and we whaQCells – that undertakes The interest for bifacial energy goals. have 14 solar monitoring sta- key research focused on local modules was underscored dur- “There has been a great syn- tions across Qatar, including climate specificities to further ing the International Confer- ergy between all stakeholders one at the Al Kharsaah site,” complement their global efforts. ence on Sustainable Energy involved. It has been an exciting said Dr Sanfilippo. The solar consortium is a Water and Environment Nexus opportunity for QEERI to pro- “One key aspect of QEERI’s research body which is using the in Desert Climates 2019 (IC- vide its expertise and support involvement in this project is test site installed at QEERI – a SEWEN’19), QEERI’s flagship from the very beginning. The providing precise solar resource 35,000 square meters facility – conference held in December key research and data we have data to reduce the risk of error to understand the behaviour of 2019. Global energy experts, brought to the table for this ex- when calculating the bankability the different technologies of so- who attended the PV in Desert citing and unprecedented pro- - i.e. how much the solar plant lar photovoltaic (PV) and track- Environments workshop held ject will ensure that the winning will be able to produce based ers to address the main chal- as a pre-event for the confer- bidders are able to reliably pro- on the amount of solar power lenges that can be expected from ence, validated the use of bifa- vide solar powered electricity to that can be harnessed. In doing a solar PV operation in Qatar. cial modules with trackers in the the country.”

COMMANDER OF THE AMIRI AIR FORCE WELCOMES PAKISTANI COUNTERPART

The Commander of the Amiri Air Force Major-General Salem bin Hamad al Nabet received Chief of Staff of the Pakistan Air Force Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan on Thursday. During the visit, military relations between the two sides were discussed, and the ways of strengthening them. (TNN)