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al khaliji Almoez becomes reports first player QR372m to score in net profit three different for H1 continental events

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FRIDAY 16 JULY 2021 6 DHUL-HIJJAH - 1442 VOLUME 26 NUMBER 8685 www.thepeninsula.qa 2 RIYALS

6th Dates Festival opens at Souq Waqif with 80 farms

AYENI OLUSEGUN The event will hold this festival at Souq Waqif THE PENINSULA because it is a heritage place continue until July 30 and one of Qatar’s historic The 6th Local Dates Festival and will be open landmarks. kicked off yesterday at Al "The festival is a chance for Ahmad Square, Souq Waqif, as daily from 4pm to farms to showcase their sellers and visitors hailed 10pm. The 3,600 products and visitors to buy organisers for holding the event fresh dates as if it from palms this year at the historical square metres directly.” market. The festival last year festival tent can To promote healthy was held in partnership with Al produce from the participants, Meera due to the restrictions in host 720 people at the Organising Committee of place to curb the COVID-19 one time. the festival has set require- pandemic. ments for the dates offered for The event will continue sale. For instance, the Rutab has until July 30 and will be open customer interaction, despite to be ripe and mature. The daily from 4pm to 10pm. The COVID-19 preventive measures, product must be fresh and bug- festival tent has been built to would help drive sales com- free and have no unusual smell Deputy Prime Minister meets Saudi Ambassador host 720 people at once over pared to last year. or taste. 3,600 square metres. The “It is good to have this fes- Some of the Qatari dates Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs H E Dr. Khalid bin Mohammed Al Attiyah opening day saw a remarkable tival in open space again. For a being sold include Al Ikhlas, Al met yesterday with Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Qatar H H Prince Mansour bin turnout — expected to increase seller, customer interaction is Shishi, Al Khenaizi dates, and Khalid bin Abdullah Al Farhan Al Saud. The meeting dealt with reviewing bilateral military relations, as the festival continues. important to drive sales and Al Barhi. Others include Al Iraqi, and means to enhance them. H E the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence The Ministry of Municipality encourage many farms after a Al Selaji, Al Sukkari, Al Saqi, Al Affairs wished H H Prince Mansour bin Khalid bin Abdullah Al Farhan Al Saud well in his new role as and Environment (MME) had challenging 2020. We are glad Zaghioul, Nabat Seif, Al Lolo, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the country. earlier stated that the festival the Ministry decided to host it Al Helail, Al Rzizi and Al would feature a significant again this year, and hopefully, Kabkab. variety of dates from over 80 we will gradually return to The festival was established Eid Al Adha holiday for local farms across Qatar. normal activities,” the seller to promote Qatari agricultural DIFI highlights virus' impact financial institutions The dates prices are being said. products in line with the MME’s regulated by the Authorities to Meanwhile, Yousef Al marketing programme to on mental health of families begins on Sunday ensure control and prevent Taher, one of the participants improve these products and consumer exploitation. at the festival, while speaking incentivise farms to use THE PENINSULA — DOHA No One Behind,” the event QNA — DOHA Speaking to The Peninsula, to Qatar TV, said: “The festival advanced technology to raise focused on global resilience one of the participating farms opened today and will continue production quality and The COVID-19 pandemic has and sustainable recovery from Qatar Central Bank (QCB) said this year’s event with until July 30. It is important to quantity. upended the lives of millions COVID-19. It addressed chal- announced yesterday that Eid of families all over the world. lenges and solutions to achieve Al Adha holiday for all financial Creating unprecedented condi- physical and mental health institutions in the country, tions that can affect a family’s equity. including banks, exchange mental wellbeing, it has The event included state stores, insurance companies, disrupted routines, altered remarks by ambassadors of finance, investment and family roles, caused member states, presentations financial advisories, will start employment instability, and by scientific experts, and talks on Sunday, July 18. QCB indi- precipitated social isolation. from leaders of health and cated that all financial institu- Doha International Family mental health programmes in tions and banks will resume Institute (DIFI), a member of Sierra Leone, the Democratic their business for the public on Qatar Foundation, has studied Republic of the Congo, Nepal, Sunday, July 25. the impact of COVID-19 on the and India. mental wellbeing of families Dr. Al Emadi said: “Fos- Over 50 dead as in Qatar. The findings were tering understanding of how floods strike Europe presented by Dr. Sharifa Al the COVID-19 pandemic has Emadi, Executive Director, affected the family’s mental DIFI, at an event held on the wellbeing, and learning from AP —BERLIN sidelines of the High-Level the outcomes of the unprece- Political Forum on Sustainable dented conditions this crisis Over 50 people have died and Development 2021 (HLPF has brought, is critical to cre- dozens were missing as heavy 2021) recently. ating a better future for flooding in Germany and Belgium Titled “Building Back Better families. turned streams and streets into after COVID-19 through "DIFI offers valuable insight raging torrents that swept away Addressing Health Equity, on this topic, and it is an honor cars and caused houses to Mental Health, and Well-being: to have the opportunity to collapse. Among the worst-hit Visitors shopping for fresh dates after the inauguration of the Dates Festival at the Souq Waqif Contributions of Psychological present part of our studies at German villages was Schuld. yesterday. PIC: ABDUL BASIT MOHAMMAD/THE PENINSULA Science and Practice to Leave this important platform.”`P3 `Full Story on P9 Over 29,000 firms registered on GAC single window system Al Nadeeb

AYENI OLUSEGUN access to a digital customs facilitating customs clearance THE PENINSULA authority,” Alabhag stated in the and the flow of goods, inte- newsletter. gration, and connectivity with The General Authority of Customs He stated that the GAC seeks government agencies. (GAC) single window system ‘Al to automate all customs processes “The system provides many Nadeeb’ has registered 29,462 and procedures, provide specific statistical and information companies. Al Nadeeb also services to create a stimulating reports, such as financial, control, completed 294,476 statements in investment environment while and statistical reports, to make the last six months, Bakheet facilitating trade to ensure the development plans and improve Salem Alabhag, Acting Assistant flow of goods to and from Qatar. performance,” Alabhag added. Director of Operations The Authority, through Al Nadeeb, He stressed the need for Management and Risk Analysis will also upload customs docu- importers to understand the Department, said in the GAC’s ments, easing data transfer and requirements and ensure they monthly newsletter. enhancing user experience by follow the required processes to The Al Nadeeb system elec- providing user-friendly screens. avoid delays in processing their tronic system was designed to The Al Nadeeb system has consignments. facilitate commercial and aided businesses and companies Al Nadeeb is fully integrated customs operations, focusing on by providing them a unified into all ports and customs facil- Qatar inaugurates new Embassy headquarters in Rwanda customer satisfaction following platform for all government ities in Qatar and offers a wide the standards of the World services of quality, performance, range of services to both the The Embassy of the State of Qatar in the Republic of Rwanda celebrated the inauguration of Customs Organization and the and reliability, which contributes private and public sectors. The its headquarters in Kigali in the presence of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International World Trade Organization to reducing time, cost, electronic system is a web-based and app Cooperation of the Republic of Rwanda H E Dr. Vincent Biruta, and a number of heads of agreements. authorization, attaching docu- customs service explicitly diplomatic missions accredited to the country. On this occasion, the Ambassador of the State “We are working on the ments and files to the customs designed to digitise and of Qatar to Rwanda H E Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Sayed affirmed that the opening of the concept of smart customs in line statement, as well as fast com- streamline the customs clearance embassy headquarters confirms the depth of friendly relations between the two countries. with technological progress and pletion of customs transactions, processes in the country. 02 HOME FRIDAY 16 JULY 2021

Over 221,800 recover OFFICIAL NEWS from COVID-19: MoPH Amir sends QNA — DOHA congratulations to President of Turkey The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) PRAYER reported yesterday 82 new confirmed DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin TIMINGS cases of COVID-19 among community Hamad Al Thani and Deputy Amir PRAYERPRAYRRAAAY TIMINGSMING and 49 among travellers. H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad The MOPH recorded 140 recoveries Al Thani sent yesterday a cable of congratulations to President of 03.26 am from the virus during the past 24 hours, FAJR bringing the total number of cases the Republic of Turkey H E Recep SUNRISE 04.53 am recovered in Qatar to 221,805. The MOPH Tayyip Erdogan on the occasion DHUHR 11.40 am issued a statement on COVID-19 devel- of his country’s Democracy and ASR 03.05 pm opments in Qatar, which said 82 new National Unity Day. Prime Minister confirmed cases of COVID-19 among and Minister of Interior H E Sheikh MAGHRIB 06.28 pm community and 49 among travellers Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al ISHA 07.58 pm were announced on Wednesday. Thani also sent a cable of congrat- A total of 3,474,944 COVID-19 ulations to Turkish President on the vaccine doses have been administered occasion. — QNA since the start of the program. As many as 22,709 COVID-19 vaccine Amir sends doses were administered in the past 24 condolences to hours. 78.2 percent of the eligible pop- Minister of State meets Afghanistan FM ulation has now received at least one German President Minister of State for Foreign Affairs H E Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi met yesterday with dose of the vaccine. Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan H E Mohammed Haneef and Chancellor 98.6 percent of over 60s (the most WEATHER vulnerable population group) have been Atmar, on the sidelines of the conference titled “Central and South Asia Regional Connectivity, DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin TODAY vaccinated with at least one dose, while Challenges and Opportunities” that is currently taking place in the Uzbek capital Tashkent. Hamad Al Thani and Deputy Amir 93.5 percent have received both doses. The meeting dealt with reviewing bilateral cooperation between the two countries. H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani sent yesterday cables of con- dolences to President of the Federal Republic of Germany H E Frank- Qatari Forum for Walter Steinmeier, and German Chancellor H E Dr. Angela Merkel 33oC 40oC Authors invites on the victims of floods in the West of Germany, wishing the injured Minimum Maximum a swift recovery. Prime Minister Hazy to misty at places at first, writers to participate and Minister of Interior H E Sheikh becomes hot daytime with Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al scattered clouds. in Unesco initiative Thani also sent a cable of condo- W ALRUWAIS : 30o → 36o lences to German Chancellor H E W ALKHOR : 32o → 39o QNA — DOHA Dr. Angela Merkel on the victims of floods, wishing the injured a swift W DUKHAN : 27o → 41o The Qatari Forum for Authors has invited Qatari recovery. — QNA → W WAKRAH : 31o 40o writers and authors to nominate for the United W MESAIEED : 31o → 40o Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Amir sends W ABUSAMRA : 27o→ 38o Organization (Unesco) - Bangladesh Interna- condolences to tional Prize for the Creative Economy. The initiative aims to recognise projects or Pakistan President, HIGH TIDE programmes organised by individuals, institu- Prime Minister 08:03–20:40 tions, or organisations in the creative economy LOW TIDE 04:13 – 14:59 MoFA Secretary-General meets Iran envoy to encourage youth starting from 16 to DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin rewarding and promoting youth Hamad Al Thani and Deputy Amir Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs H E Dr. Ahmed bin Hassan Al entrepreneurship. H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Hammadi met yesterday with the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to The Director-General of the Qatari Forum Thani sent yesterday cables of con- the State of Qatar H E Hamid Reza Dehghani. During the meeting, they reviewed for Authors, Maryam Yassin Al Hammadi, dolences to President of the Islamic bilateral cooperation and relations between the two countries. encouraged Qatari writers and authors to apply Republic of Pakistan H E Dr. Arif Qatar-Pakistan for the award, which encourages creative Alvi and H E Prime Minister Imran thought, initiative and innovation and supports Khan on the death of former Paki- joint military the efforts and talents of young people in stani president Mamnoon Hussain. committee meets various cultural fields, affirming that writers Prime Minister and Minister of Inte- have played a leading and pioneering role rior H E Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa QNA — DOHA throughout history and in various countries of bin Abdulaziz Al Thani also sent a the world through what they presented, not cable of condolences to H E Prime The joint Qatari-Pakistani only in writing but also changing thought and Minister Imran Khan on the death military committee held its fifth developing societies. of former Pakistani president Mam- meeting which took two days, Al Hammadi asked the forum’s members to noon Hussain. — QNA with participation from Pres- email the forum at programs.qfamcs.gov in case ident of the International of participation, bearing in mind that the Prime Minister Military Cooperation Authority deadline for submission is July 21, 2021. receives phone call Brigadier General Abdulaziz The invitation, published by the forum on Saleh Al Sulaiti, and Director social networking sites, stated the nomination from Somali PM General of Foreign Military conditions, which must include a description of Cooperation of Pakistan H E the candidate’s background and the initiatives DOHA: Prime Minister and Min- Major General Zahid Mahmood. achievements and a detailed description showing ister of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid The meeting dealt with how the initiative contributes to the award’s bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani presenting the most important objectives. Supporting documents (photos, video received yesterday a telephone call activities held between the two testimonials from the programme’s benefici- from Prime Minister of the Federal countries in the military field, Al Hammadi bids farewell to Belgian envoy aries, reports) and a letter of support from the Republic of Somalia H E Mohamed discussed bilateral military Qatar National Commission for Education, Hussein Roble. The call dealt with Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs H E Dr. Ahmed bin Hassan cooperation and the means to Culture and Science must be attached. reviewing bilateral relations and the Al Hammadi met yesterday with the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to enhance them. At the end of It is noteworthy that the creative economy means to enhance them, in addition the meeting, the two sides the State of Qatar H E Dr. Bart de Grove, on the occasion of the end of his tenure. includes various sectors such as cinema, design, to discussing the latest develop- exchanged commemorative The Secretary-General thanked the Ambassador for his efforts in supporting and media arts, music, performing arts, publishing, ments in Somalia and a number shields. strengthening bilateral relations, wishing him success in his future missions. and visual arts. of issues of joint interest. — QNA Prime Minister Large haul of banned receives call from tobacco seized by customs Moldova’s Acting PM DOHA: Prime Minister and Min- THE PENINSULA — DOHA ister of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani The administration of the Maritime Customs at Hamad Port has received yesterday a phone call foiled an attempt to smuggle banned tobacco. After inspecting a from Acting Prime Minister of the shipment with the x-ray machine, Customs officials suspected Republic of Moldova H E Aureliu the content of the shipment. After thorough inspections, officials Ciocoi. The call dealt with review- found 2,738.75 kg of tobacco hidden inside pomegranate boxes. ing bilateral cooperation and the The Customs officials duly carried out the appropriate pro- means to enhance them in all fields, cedures for the seizure and transferred the perpetrators and their in addition to discussing a number seized cargo to the security authorities concerned. of issues of joint interest. — QNA The General Authority of Customs continues to strengthen its inspection process to protect the Qatari community from harmful items, notwithstanding the various creative methods smugglers Bulgarian FM come up with. meets Qatar’s Ambassador

Municipality officials inspect the quality of meat at a supermarket. QNA — SOFIA

Minister of Foreign Affairs of MME intensifies preparations for Eid Al Adha the Republic of Bulgaria H E Svetlan Stoev met with QNA — DOHA measures to ensure proper The Ministry confirmed the Ambassador of the State of workflow, intensifying health provision of equipment, Qatar to Bulgaria H E Rashid The Ministry of Municipality control over restaurants and machinery and workers in the bin Ali Al Khater, on the and Environment (MME) health facilities, and ensuring places of beaches and slaugh- occasion of the end of his term announced that its competent their compliance with all health terhouses, to carry out the nec- of office. authorities have intensified requirements. essary work and tasks during The Minister praised the continuous inspection Campaigns on beaches have Eid Al Adha holiday. The Min- efforts of the Ambassador and campaigns on food establish- also been intensified, working istry also said that fishing and contribution in enhancing ments, squares, mosques, roads, to direct and guide the public picnic boats will be monitored, bilateral relations in all fields public parks and beaches, as and educate them about the eti- and joint inspection campaigns to benefit the interest of the part of its preparations for the quette and controls of using will be conducted with Coast two peoples. The Ambassador blessed Eid Al Adha. public places during the Eid Al Guard to control marine viola- expressed his appreciation for The preparations included Adha holiday, providing con- tions, as well as cleaning all Eid the support of Ministry of intensifying control over tainers and guide signs, distrib- chapels in preparation for the Foreign Affairs and the Bul- slaughterhouses and sacrifices, uting waste bags to beachgoers, Eid Al Adha prayer, and inten- garian government during his emphasising the adoption of and controlling violations and sifying pesticide spraying and term in office, saying it helped The seized tobacco weighed more than 2,738 kg. precautionary and health taking legal action. rodent control operations. him carry out his role fully. FRIDAY 16 JULY 2021 HOME 03 QAS students record outstanding results for International Baccalaureate programme

THE PENINSULA — DOHA

Qatar Academy Sidra’s (QAS) Class of 2021 students cele- brated the results of their Inter- national Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, announced worldwide this month. The results for QAS, part of Qatar Foundation’s (QF) Pre- University Education, revealed that the average score for its students was 35.2 points — above the global average — with some students achieving a high score of 40 points. A 100 QAS Class of 2021 percent pass rate was achieved Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces H E Lieutenant General (Pilot) Ghanem bin Shaheen Al Ghanem by all those who entered for the meeting Director-General of Foreign Military Cooperation of Pakistan Major General Zahid Mahmood. qualification, and two-thirds of forward to hearing how they US; McGill University, Canada; students bagged a bilingual continue to become future University of Amsterdam, Neth- diploma. changemakers.” erlands; American University Chief of Staff meets Director-General of Dr. Carolyn Mason Parker, The students are now pre- of Beirut, Lebanon; Koč Uni- Director, QAS, said, “Students paring to attend a variety of versity, Turkey. Foreign Military Cooperation of Pakistan have faced new situations over universities all over the world, QAS’s Class of 2021 offi- the past 18 months. The QAS including Georgetown Uni- cially joined a global com- QNA — DOHA General of Foreign Military reviewing bilateral military graduates have risen to the versity in Qatar, a QF partner munity of nearly one million Cooperation in the Islamic relations, and the means to challenges of learning during a university; University of International Baccalaureate- Chief of Staff of the Armed Republic of Pakistan Major enhance them. pandemic. We congratulate Reading, UK; University of educated men and women in Forces H E Lieutenant General Zahid Mahmood, on The meeting was attended them on their outstanding Edinburgh, UK; American Uni- May when they graduated from General (Pilot) Ghanem bin the occasion of his visit to the by a number of ranking results. We are proud of their versity of Cairo, Egypt; Uni- the two-year programme in an Shaheen Al Ghanem met country. officers of the Qatari and the contributions to our school versity of Toronto, Canada; Uni- official graduation yesterday with Director The meeting dealt with Pakistani armed forces. community, and we look versity of California San Diego, ceremony. Lebanon’s Caretaker Prime Minister meets Qatar Ambassador

QNA — BEIRUT

Caretaker Prime Minister of the Lebanese Republic H E Dr. Hassan Diab met yesterday with Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Lebanon H E Mohammed Hassan Jaber Al Jaber, on the occasion of the end of his term of office. The meeting dealt with reviewing bilateral cooperation. The caretaker Prime Minister expressed his thanks to the Ambas- sador for his efforts in advancing rela- tions between the two countries. Meanwhile, Speaker of the Leb- Haiti Embassy in Doha anese parliament H E Nabih Berri also met teh Qatari envoy on the occasion opens book of condolences of the end of his term of office. The meeting dealt with reviewing THE PENINSULA — DOHA respect to the memory of bilateral cooperation. former President Jovenel Moise The Speaker of the Lebanese par- The Embassy of the Republic of Haiti. More than fifty digni- liament expressed his thanks to the of Haiti in Doha opened a book taries, ambassadors and offi- Ambassador for his efforts in Caretaker Prime Minister of the Lebanese Republic H E Dr. Hassan Diab meeting Ambassador of condolences on Tuesday and cials have signed their words advancing relations between the two of the State of Qatar to Lebanon H E Mohammed Hassan Jaber Al Jaber, in Beirut, yesterday. Thursday to pay words of of condolences. countries. DIFI highlights virus’ Ooredoo to support EAA initiative for Gaza children impact on mental THE PENINSULA — DOHA agreement. With many Sponsorship, and Media to minimise the impact of the schools damaged, destroyed, at Ooredoo, said, “It’s a recent atrocities on the health of families Ooredoo Qatar has or in use as shelters due to core element of our cor- children of Gaza and look FROM PAGE 1 announced its support for a the recent atrocities in Gaza, porate social responsi- forward to working together fundraising campaign education has been badly bility strategy to support on many more such initiatives As one of the scientific experts at initiated by Education Above affected. EAA’s Al Fakhoora the communities in in the coming months.” the event, Dr. Al Emadi presented the All Foundation (EAA), a Programme aims to enable which we operate, and Donations to the campaign “Impact of COVID-19 on Family global education foundation children in the Gaza Strip of right to a better future. also to promote access to edu- can be made via https:// Mental Health”, highlighting the with which it has a long- Palestine to regain access to Moza Khalid Al cation for all. We’re proud to donate.educationaboveall.org/ effects of COVID-19 on family standing partnership education to protect their Muhannadi, Director CSR, be helping EAA in their efforts ar/project/571. cohesion, caregiving, work-family balance, and domestic violence. She also discussed the mental wellbeing support services families need during QF alumni use digital art to raise awareness of Palestinian crisis COVID-19. The presentation was based on THE PENINSULA — DOHA different research data, including DIFI The message is that there studies titled “Surviving a Crisis: People all over the world are Impact of Coronavirus on Family coming together in the are children in these Cohesion in Qatar” and “Adolescents digital sphere to raise buildings who are killed Wellbeing in Qatar.” awareness of the Palestinian every day, and they are like The studies showed that 64 crisis by sharing historical, percent of families experienced a pos- cultural, and political truths our children. itive impact from the pandemic on the occupation. Three regarding family cohesion, saying Qatar Foundation artists Jaber Henzab they became closer and more con- have joined the global nected. In comparison, 15 percent of outcry by expressing their Texas A&M University at Qataris and non-Qataris surveyed for solidarity through art. Qatar alumnus the study noted that the onset of Jaber Henzab, a Texas COVID-19 negatively impacted their A&M University at Qatar families and relationships, while 21 alumnus, draws unique percent stated that their situation had sketches over photos of graphic design. He began a not changed. Qatar. Henzab feels that it is series on Instagram called Almost half of the parents in the his duty as an artist to raise “Artists for Resistance,” studies also experienced positive awareness of the conflict by which brings together local results from remote work in terms of using his Instagram account and international artists, parenting, explaining that it gave them as a platform — as he designers, and change- more time to spend with family, take believes we can no longer makers to tell unconven- care of their children, communicate, depend on traditional media tional stories of resistance and do various activities with them. sources. and social change through However, 28 percent said remote “I have two works on their creative practice. work negatively affected their tasks A sketch by Jaber Hanzeb Palestine. One of which I “I aim to highlight and as parents, as it put them – especially came across a photo of a archive the creative narra- the mothers – under tremendous young Palestinian girl coming out of an explosion the #Art_For_Palestine Instagram page @ tives of local and interna- pressure in balancing work and family hugging a baby doll by her – and I saw a girl there. The social media campaign. bothaynaa. tional artists and designers responsibilities. family’s home in Gaza, message is that there are “This is my first time “A girl from South Africa despite their gender, eth- The presentation cited several which had been destroyed. children in these buildings reacting to a political issue and a French account nicity, or culture,” Asif support systems and practices that As a father of a girl of similar who are killed every day, through my art. Sometimes reposted my work, as well explained. can help families to preserve mental age, I was deeply affected by and they are like our you feel like you are as a few Americans. I did not “With my work, I brought wellbeing. Staying connected with the photo. So I drew the girl children.” hopeless, and you want to talk to them, but I hope that attention to social and others, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, hugging Al-Aqsa Mosque in Henzab’s work can be do something about it. I it moved them or political movements hap- and creating a daily schedule can help Jerusalem, representing found at @henzab.art. wanted to help, so I did what encouraged them to learn pening in Sudan, Kashmir, improve family unity. Alleviating the Qatar and other countries’ Graphic designer I am good at,” she said. more about the issue. And Black Lives Matter, stresses that come with giving care to support and compassion Bothayna Al Zaman is a She used her unique this was the main purpose COVID-19, and currently the a family member includes speaking towards the people of Pal- Northwestern University in style to capture the Pales- behind it, for me was to raise apartheid in Palestine.” to mental health specialists through estine,” Henzab said. Qatar alumnus who sells her tinian culture, the people, awareness about what is Asif has recently used his hotlines and joining support groups. “The second artwork I brand of stickers and t-shirts and the heritage. Al Zaman’s happening.” platform to spotlight artists Dr. Al Emadi also stressed the impor- created while watching the at the National Museum of artwork gained interest and Hazim Asif is a Virginia who use their art as an act tance of the continuity of flexible news about Gaza on Al Qatar. Al Zaman was among engagement from people Commonwealth University of resistance in Palestine. working arrangements after the pan- Jazeera’s Instagram account many designers and illus- outside of Qatar, and her School of the Arts in Qatar His work can be found at @ demic for better family and societal was an image of smoke trators who participated in work can be found on her alumnus who studied worldofhazem. cohesion. 04 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA FRIDAY 16 JULY 2021 Renewed strikes on Syria’s last rebel enclave kill 9 AP — BEIRUT Unicef said 512 Violence has been rising in children were recent weeks in the last-rebel Syrian government rockets hit enclave between government two villages in the last rebel verified killed in Syria and allied forces and insurgents stronghold in northwestern last year. on the edge of the territory, Syria yesterday, killing at least home to nearly 4 million nine civilians, including three people. children, rescue workers and a injuring four others. All were Unicef said 512 children war monitor said. from the same family, the White were verified killed in Syria last The UN Children’s agency Helmets said. year, the majority in the confirmed three children were In eastern Idlib, at least six northwest where there are 1.7 killed, calling it a “terrifying were killed, including a child, million vulnerable children, sign” that violence is returning when rockets hit an area where many of whom have fled vio- to the area that has been under a quarry is located near Foa, lence several times. In the past a cease-fire for over a year. according to the Britain-based week alone, Unicef said, at least The Syrian Civil Defense Syrian Observatory for Human 10 children were killed. team that operates in oppo- Rights. Those killed were stone “This is a terrifying sign that sition areas, known as White cutters, the Observatory said. violence is coming back to Helmets, said guided missiles The White Helmets also Syria. Communities face a Sport for Syria's war injured struck in Ibleen, a village in reported the strike, but said two serious risk of losing the little War injured and internally displaced Syrians play basketball in wheelchairs in Al Bab city, northern southern Idlib, killing a woman, children were among those respite they had during the lull Syria, on July 13, 2021. her daughter and a child and killed. in violence,” the agency said. Iraqi cleric Sadr says he won’t take part in October election WHO: COVID-19 deaths in Africa REUTERS — BAGHDAD assess. Sadr, a long-time blame the government for both. Sadr’s main rivals are Iran- bring it to its knees”. adversary of the United States The results of an investigation backed Shia groups, which have “Watch out before Iraq’s surge 43% The Iraqi Shia cleric Moqtada who also opposes Iranian will be announced within a blamed his party over state fate becomes like that of Syria, Al Sadr said yesterday he will influence in Iraq, typically week, the prime minister’s failings. Afghanistan or other states that week-on-week not take part in elections in wields power without holding office said on Tuesday. Sadr has millions of fol- have fallen victim to internal, October and withdrew his elected office. Sadr’s move appeared lowers and, like his Tehran- regional and international pol- REUTERS — DAKAR support from the government, He has withdrawn from aimed at deflecting popular dis- backed rivals, an armed icies,” he said. distancing himself from the frontline politics before, without content over the hospital fires, militia. A source close to Sadr told Africa recorded a 43% jump state at a time when deadly dismantling his powerful and over power and water cuts “I inform you that I will not Reuters the decision followed in COVID-19 deaths last week hospital fires have angered movement. which have sparked protests, participate in these elections. a campaign by Iran-backed as infections and hospital Iraqis. Even if he does not run, can- said Hamdi Malik, an associate The nation is more important groups to sully the reputation admissions have risen and One of the most influential didates loyal to him could stand, fellow at the Washington than all of that,” Sadr said, of Sadr’s movement, worried countries face shortages of figures in Iraq, Sadr led a allowing him to retain his Institute. adding that he was “with- that it would sweep the vote. oxygen and intensive-care political bloc that emerged as influence. “Sadr is trying to distance drawing his hand from those In reference to his Iran- beds, the World Health the biggest in the 2018 parlia- Dozens of people were himself from the terrible man- who belong to this current gov- backed rivals, Sadr had told fol- Organization said on mentary election, with 54 seats killed this week by a fire at a agement of Iraqi officials,” said ernment and the following one”. lowers at a recent meeting there Wednesday. in the 329 seat legislature, and COVID-19 hospital in the Malik, predicting Sadr’s party In a televised speech, Sadr were “factions ready to burn The continent’s case his movement has big sway. southern Iraqi city of Nassiriya, would take part and do well in said Iraq was being subjected Iraq to prevent the Sadrists fatality rate — the proportion The impact of his the second such fire in Iraq in the election, despite his promise to a “satanic regional scheme from forming the next gov- of deaths among confirmed announcement was difficult to three months, and many Iraqis not to stand personally. to humiliate the country and to ernment”, the source said. cases — stands at 2.6% against the global average of 2.2%, IN BRIEF WHO Africa said in its weekly briefing. Thousands of flamingos die in Turkey drought “Africa’s third wave con- tinues its destructive pathway, Algerian President and Palestinian REUTERS — ISTANBUL pushing past yet another grim milestone as the continent’s counterpart hold telephone call Thousands of baby flamingos case count tops six million,” have died at Turkey’s Lake Tuz Matshidiso Moeti, WHO ALGIERS: Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune received in the past two weeks from a Regional Director for Africa, today a phone call from his Palestinian counterpart Mahmoud drought that environmentalists told the briefing. Abbas on Wednesday. said was the result of climate The surge in infections, The Algerian presidency said, in a statement, that Tebboune change and agricultural irri- which is partly driven by the received a phone call from Abbas, in which they exchanged the gation methods. Drone footage presence of the highly trans- latest developments in the region, as well as the Arab summit to of the large saline lake in missible Delta variant of the be held in the future in Algeria. The Algerian President stressed Turkey’s central province of coronavirus in 21 African that his country will always stand by the Palestinian people and Konya showed dead flaminglets countries, is leaving a “brutal their just cause. For his part, the Palestinian President stressed lying partially buried in dried cost in lives lost” in its trail, the depth of relations between the two countries, pointing to the mud. Lake Tuz is home to a she said. support provided by Algeria to his country and the Palestinian flamingo colony where up to Deaths have climbed The remains of flamingos that died of drought are seen in Turkey’s cause. — QNA 10,000 flaminglets are born steeply for the past five weeks Lake Tuz near Cihanbeyli, a town in Konya province, on Wednesday. every year. to 6,273 last week, just a per- Turkish Minister of Agri- centage point shy of its S African mother throws baby to culture and Forestry, Bekir area, a designation that aims to Environmentalist and weekly peak recorded in Pakdemirli said around 1,000 protect biological diversity, wildlife photographer Fahri January. safety from burning building birds were thought to have died natural and cultural resources. Tunc said water supplies from “This is a clear warning but denied that agriculture was Environmentalists blame a canal which feeds Lake Tuz sign that hospitals in the most JOHANNESBURG: A 2-year-old girl survived unharmed after her to blame. “With less water and farming practices along with were being redirected for impacted countries are mother threw her to safety as they escaped a burning high-rise increased concentration ratio climate change for the drought, farming. reaching a breaking point,” building in the South African city of Durban during protests. in the water, we observed which saw demand for water “This is the irrigation canal Moeti said. The mother, 26-year-old Naledi Manyoni, said on Wednesday deaths of flaminglets that were in the area outstrip supply by that comes from Konya. It Namibia, South Africa, that she had been on the 16th floor when the fire started on unable to fly,” he said. 30 percent last year, according needs to deliver water to Lake Tunisia, Uganda and Zambia Tuesday. She ran down the stairs with her daughter. “I want to stress that there to a report published by Turkish Tuz. As you can see, the water accounted for the bulk of the Manyoni made her way to a ledge above the street and tossed is no direct or indirect con- environmental foundation is not coming through. It fatalities, WHO said. the toddler to a group of people below as bystanders cried out in nection between this incident TEMA. stopped,” environmentalist and Public fatigue with restric- consternation. and the wells in the area or the In 2020, the annual water wildlife photographer Fahri tions to daily life aimed at “After throwing her, I held my head in shock, but they caught agricultural irrigation.” reserve in central province of Tunc said. curbing the spread of the virus her,” Manyoni recalled outside the building as her daughter sat Pakdemirli said “the nec- Konya’s close basin was 4.5 Tunc said only 5,000 eggs was also to blame for the on her shoulders. “She kept saying, ‘Mama you threw me down essary measures” had been billion cubic meters, while the had hatched in the colony this surge, WHO Africa said, which there.’ She was scared.” “What was important was for my daughter taken, without elaborating. consumption reached 6.5 year and most of the chicks had has seen the continent record to be out of that situation... I couldn’t escape alone and leave her In 2000, Lake Tuz was billion cubic meters, TEMA died for lack of water on the an increase of 1 million cases behind,” she said. — Reuters declared a specially protected found. partially dried lake. in the shortest time so far in the pandemic. It took just a month for infections to increase by the Pandemic disruptions push millions of Nigerians into hunger latest 1 million, compared with the three months it took REUTERS — LAGOS/LONDON at least one adult who does not ordinarily not imagine queuing to rise to 5 million from 4 eat for an entire day at a time, up for food, are now in that cat- million, Moeti said. Shehu Ismaila Gbadebo has compared with 6% before the egory of people that we serve,” Monoclonal antibody worked as a barber for two pandemic, according to the Sunbola said. The World Bank therapies, which the WHO decades. The money he made World Bank. Inflation is near estimates that price shocks in approved for treatment of at his rented stall in a bustling an all-time high, and food 2020 pushed 7 million addi- COVID-19 patients last week, suburb of Nigeria’s megacity, prices account for almost 70% tional Nigerians into poverty, will be out of reach for many Lagos, used to be plenty for him of the rise. The UN food agency an increase of nearly 10%. people in Africa due to their to pay bills and set aside some has warned that food import Marco Hernandez, the World high price tag of about $2,000 savings. Now, he relies on costs worldwide are expected Bank’s lead economist for per patient, she said. donated food and sometimes to surge to records this year, as Nigeria, said the weakening “We are advocating for skips meals to feed his family. price increases for nearly all naira, trade restrictions and generics to be produced Since COVID-19 hit Africa’s agricultural commodities and land border closures targeting rapidly to make these most populous nation and a rally in energy prices boost smuggling also boosted prices. products more affordable,” biggest economy, prices for production and shipping costs. Cost increases hit the food she said. some staples such as eggs, But in Nigeria, galloping bank too; a 100-kg (220-lb) bag Africa was forced to onions and palm oil, have risen inflation is combining with the of beans that cost it 30,000 naira pause its vaccine roll-out due Women queue for food parcels during distribution by volunteers by 30% or more. Fewer people impact of a teetering economy, before COVID-19 hit now takes to supply challenges and only of the Lagos food bank initiative in a community in Oworoshoki, can afford a haircut, and those rising unemployment and inse- 65,000 naira, forcing it to cut the 53 million doses of COVID-19 Lagos, Nigeria, on July 10, 2021. who can are demanding dis- curity in farming regions to pull amount of food in each pack. vaccines have been admin- counts off Gbadebo’s 500 naira even the formerly middle class Beans and other staples are istered so far, Moeti said, and ($1.22) rate. “The money I have into dire straits. adding that the nation’s limited Food Bank Initiative distributed grown mainly in Nigeria’s only 18 million Africans are is not enough for what we Some experts warn of social safety net left millions packs of rice, oil and other increasingly unstable north. Leg- fully vaccinated. The conti- need,” Gbadebo, 38, told worsening malnutrition and with little help. essentials. Food bank president islators warned in April the nent’s population is 1.3 Reuters after tending a the potential for unrest. “Crime is actually skyrock- Michael Sunbola said demand nation was “on fire” due a wave billion. customer. “What we are experiencing eting on daily basis, because was 40% higher than before the of violence and lawlessness. In “This clearly needs to Millions of Nigerians like in Nigeria is different from people are trying to make ends pandemic. The distribution in November, Islamist militants urgently increase,” she said, Gbadebo, who were once on what is being experienced all meet.” On a cloudy Saturday mixed-income Oworonshoki, beheaded dozens of farmers in adding that deliveries from solid financial footing, can no over the world,” said Idayat afternoon, dozens of women where brick apartment blocks northeastern Borno state, and in the United States, Europe and longer reliably feed themselves Hassan, director of the Abuja- lined up in the Oworonshoki buttress ramshackle shanties, the northwest, armed gangs kid- the global vaccine sharing or their families. Roughly 18% based think-tank Centre for neighbourhood on the edge of was new. “Middle class fam- napping for ransom are driving COVAX scheme are expected of households in Nigeria have Democracy and Development, the Lagos lagoon as the Lagos ilies, people who would farmers to abandon their fields. to gather pace in the next few weeks. FRIDAY 16 JULY 2021 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 05 Turkey marks 5th anniversary of crushed military coup

AP — ANKARA “We will never be a be able Government officials insist to repay the brave men who, that Gulen’s network remains Turkey marked the fifth anni- through their sacrifices that a threat to Turkey. In a speech versary of a failed military coup dark night, brought a (bright) in parliament on Wednesday, with a series of events yesterday morning for our nation and Erdogan said his government commemorating the people who democracy,” Erdogan said yes- was determined to go after the died trying to quash the uprising terday. “Through its resistance network “until the last member against the government. on July 15, our people not only is neutralized.” The observances kicked off averted a coup attempt but also The government declared a with visits to grave sites and prevented an attempted occu- state of emergency after the memorials honouring the dead, pation (of) our country.” failed coup. Tens of thousands where prayers were held. Turkish Two brothers, Huseyin and of people were arrested for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan Cengiz Hasbag, were among alleged links to the coup and to led a ceremony in parliament thousands of people who Gulen. Some 4,900 people were before heading from Ankara to rushed to the streets after sentenced to prison, including Istanbul to attend more events Erdogan called on the people to around 3,000 who were given marking the crushing of the July resist the attempt. Cengiz died in life sentences, the state-run 15, 2016 coup attempt. violence that took place on the Anadolu Agency reported. On that night, factions Bosporus bridge, which links More than 130,000 people within the military used tanks, Istanbul’s Asian and European were fired from public service warplanes and helicopters to try shores and has since been jobs through emergency decrees, to overthrow Erdogan’s gov- renamed the “July 15 Bridge.” among them teachers and police ernment. Heeding a call from “I said, ‘Cengiz, I will go out officers. Defence Minister Hulusi the president, thousands took for Allah and the Prophet (peace Akar said this week that 23,364 to the streets to oppose the be upon him), and pursue my military personnel were fired takeover attempt. cause,’” Hasbag told AP, from the armed forces for their A total of 251 people were recalling the night five years Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan lays carnations at a monument during a ceremony to mark alleged ties to the network. More killed and around 2,200 others ago. “Cengiz said, ‘Brother, I will the fifth anniversary of failed coup attempt, in Ankara, yesterday. than 100 people with purported were wounded as the coup- come too.’” links to Gulen were detained plotters fired at crowds and On the bridge, the brothers abroad or extradited to Turkey bombed parliament and other gov- began to help people wounded like an explosion. shoulder and chest,” he said. attempted coup. Gulen rejects to stand trial, including a ernment buildings. Around 35 by soldiers taking part in the “I looked at my brother Turkey has blamed US- the accusation. The Turkish nephew of the cleric who was people who allegedly participated coup. Hasbag said he then Cengiz. He was martyred by a based cleric Fethullah Gulen, a government designated his reportedly captured by Turkish in the plot also were killed. heard a noise that sounded bullet that entered his right former Erdogan ally, for the network a terrorist group. security in Kenya. Lebanon PM-designate quits as Israel arrests IN BRIEF dozens of students Ethiopia accuses aid groups President rejects cabinet lineup linked to Hamas in West Bank of ‘arming’ Tigray fighters BLOOMBERG & AP — BEIRUT “I presented my apology for not being AP — OCCUPIED JERUSALEM NAIROBI: Ethiopia’s government has accused humanitarian aid able to form a government and God groups working in its war-hit Tigray region of “arming” Tigray Lebanon’s Prime Minister- help the country,” Prime Minister- Israel says it arrested “dozens” fighters and threatened to halt some groups’ operations there. designate Saad Hariri stepped of Palestinian students in the The accusations reflect the latest frictions between Ethiopia’s down yesterday after his latest designate Saad Hariri (pictured), said occupied West Bank who are government and aid groups that for months have sought unre- proposed cabinet lineup was after his slate of ministers failed to win linked to the Hamas group. stricted access to the largely cut-off Tigray region where hun- rejected by the president, plunging the approval of the country’s The military said that those dreds of thousands of people face famine conditions and scores the country deeper into a political arrested belong to a Hamas have starved to death. crisis that’s compounded an President, Michel Aoun. Aoun, an ally student group at Birzeit The spokesman for the Tigray emergency task force, Redwan economic meltdown. of the Iran-backed Hezbollah group, University and were “directly Hussein, alleged that aid groups are “playing a destructive role” “I presented my apology for involved in activities, including in the eight-month conflict. “Instead of coordinating aid, (they) not being able to form a gov- says his position as president allows money transfers, incitement are widely engaged in coordinating, from a distance, campaigns ernment and God help the him to name Christian ministers close and the organization of Hamas of propaganda to harass and defame the Ethiopian government,” country,” Hariri told reporters to him and has sought veto power in activities.” he said. after his slate of ministers failed Hamas condemned the Redwan also said Ethiopia’s government may “reconsider its to win the approval of the coun- the new government. arrest of the students, who it agreement to work with some of them” if humanitarian workers try’s president, Michel Aoun. says were paying a solidarity do not “confine their activities to aid and humanitarian issues.” "It is clear that we will not be experts to manage the financial tinues into what caused it. visit to the demolished home He didn’t name names. But the World Food Program yesterday able to agree with the president,” crisis that’s depleted foreign But since Hariri was again of a Palestinian who allegedly responded to a broadcast by the pro-government Esat news station Hariri said, after a 20 minute currency reserves and driven named premier-designate, a killed an Israeli and wounded that alleged the United Nations agency was supportive of the Tigray meeting with President Michel legions of Lebanese into power struggle has emerged two others in a drive-by fighters that have been battling forces from Ethiopia and neigh- Aoun. Hariri met on Wednesday poverty. Aoun, an ally of the between him on one side and shooting in May. He was boring Eritrea. with Aoun after weeks of a Iran-backed Hezbollah group, Aoun and his son-in-law, Gebran arrested days after the attack. “WFP in Ethiopia and elsewhere in the world strictly adheres stalemate in renewed efforts to says his position as president Bassil, who heads the largest bloc The man’s estranged wife, to the humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, neu- resolve the political deadlock and allows him to name Christian in parliament, on the other. The who said she knew nothing trality and operational independence,” the agency said, adding following a quick trip to Cairo, a ministers close to him and has top leaders locked horns over the about the attack, and their that “WFP’s number one priority is to deliver emergency food close ally. He proposed a new sought veto power in the new shape of the government while three youngest children were assistance to vulnerable and hungry communities.” 24-minister Cabinet and expected government. the country’s economic living in the home before it The Tigray forces regained control of much of the region last a response from Aoun by yes- Hariri, 51, resigned from his problems, unfolding since late was demolished earlier this month including the regional capital, Mekele, while Ethiopian terday. There were reports this was post in October 2019 in a bow to 2019, worsened. Lebanon has month. The case drew forces retreated and the government declared a unilateral a last-ditch effort by Hariri. nationwide protests which had been under a caretaker cabinet attention to Israel’s policy of cease-fire. Aoun told Hariri that he demanded major reforms and since August when outgoing punitive demolitions, which Though Ethiopia’s government has said the cease-fire is on needed more time and that the condemned the entire political Premier Hassan Diab resigned Israel says are needed to deter humanitarian grounds, aid groups have said access remains two won’t agree on this cabinet, class. A year later, he was named in the aftermath of massive attacks but which human severely restricted and both the United States and European Union Hariri said. Aoun will now have once again to the post by par- explosion at Beirut’s port that rights groups say amounts to have compared the situation to a “siege.” Phone links, internet to name a new candidate as prime liament amid a crippling eco- killed at least 200 people and collective punishment. and electricity have been cut off across most of the region. -AP minister after consulting with nomic crisis and months after the destroyed swaths of the capital. The Prisoners Club, an parliament. In September, former massive Aug. 4 explosion in Bei- The government, which organization representing the Six dead, two missing in floods, ambassador Mustapha Adib failed rut's port that compounded the defaulted on $30bn in interna- thousands of Palestinians to form a government, citing country’s woes. More than 200 tional debt over a year ago, has imprisoned by Israel, said 45 landslides in northeast Turkey opposition from political parties. people died in the blast that struggled to implement reforms students were detained Hariri suggested a gov- defaced the city and injured given its limited authority and Wednesday but that 12 were ANKARA: At least six people have been killed and two people are ernment of non-partisan thousands. An investigation con- political backing. later released. missing after heavy rains hit Turkey’s northeastern Black Sea coast, triggering floods and landslides, Turkey’s health minister said yesterday. The heavy downpour struck the tea-growing province of Rize S Africa deploys 25,000 troops to end week of rioting late on Wednesday, sweeping away cars and causing a number of houses to collapse. Video images from the region also showed AP — JOHANNESBURG mudslides destroying tea plantations. A 75-year-old woman was found dead amid the debris of her South Africa’s army began three-story house in Rize’s Muradiye district, state-run Anadolu deploying 25,000 troops Agency reported. Rescuers also recovered the bodies of three yesterday to assist police in people who died after mudslides partly destroyed a wooden house. quelling the weeklong riots and The victims also included the head administrator of the nearby violence sparked by the impris- village of Asmaliirmak, who died after being swept away by the onment of former President raging waters, Anadolu reported. Jacob Zuma. Rescue teams sent to the region were searching for two people In the largest deployment of who remain unaccounted for, Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said, soldiers since the end of white adding that one other person was hospitalized. The private DHA minority rule in 1994, the South news agency said sniffer dogs and divers were aiding the search- African National Defence Force and-rescue mission. The heavy rains also shut down access to has also called up all of its dozens of villages and cut off power supplies, it said. More than reserve force of 12,000 troops. a hundred people were evacuated from their homes. Turkey’s In a show of force, a convoy Black Sea region is frequently struck by devastating torrential of more than a dozen armored rains and flash floods. -AP personnel carriers brought sol- diers yesterday into Gauteng Algeria leader pardons protest province, South Africa’s most populous, which includes the movement members largest city, Johannesburg, and Volunteers clean up the streets after days of looting, in Durban, South Africa, yesterday. the capital, Pretoria. ALGIERS: Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune ordered the Buses, trucks, airplanes and The protests in Gauteng and Johannesburg, the country’s supported us with transport to release of 101 members of a protest movement that forced his pred- helicopters are also being used KwaZulu-Natal escalated into largest city. Army troops stood get here. We came here with ecessor Abdelaziz Bouteflika to step down, the presidency said. to move the large deployment of a spree of theft in township guard at the large Maponya mall two buses,” said George Elected in December 2019, Tebboune has vowed to carry out troops to trouble spots in Gauteng areas, although it has not spread in Soweto, which was one of the Moswetsa, a resident of economic and political reforms and urged the opposition to opt and KwaZulu-Natal province that to South Africa’s seven other few retail centers not badly hit Vosloorus in eastern Johan- for dialogue to maintain stability. Algerians late last year voted have seen a week of violence in provinces, where police are on by the rampaging but remained nesburg who was helping to a new constitution to give the prime minister and parliament a mainly poor areas. alert. More than 1,700 people closed. clean up a mall that had been greater role, despite a low voter turnout after a boycott by a large The violence erupted last have been arrested for theft and Volunteer groups cleaned trashed. part of the opposition. week after Zuma began serving 72 have died, mostly in chaotic up shattered glass and debris The unrest, however, con- Mass protests broke out in February 2019 demanding reforms a 15-month sentence for con- stampedes when shops were from shops that had been tinued Thursday in KwaZulu- and the departure of the entire ruling elite, resulting in the resig- tempt of court for refusing to being looted, according to stormed and looted in Johan- Natal, Zuma’s home province. nation of Bouteflika and the detention of several senior officials comply with a court order to police. nesburg’s Soweto, Alexandra There were renewed attacks on over corruption charges. testify at a state-backed inquiry The armed patrols have and Vosloorus areas. shopping centers and several The government later banned demonstrations to stop the investigating allegations of cor- brought stability to Gauteng, “I spoke to some of the guys factories and warehouses were spread of the coronavirus, and arrested several protesters defying ruption while he was president South Africa’s most populous who are unemployed in my area smoldering after being hit by authorities. Wednesday’s pardon marks the 59th anniversary of from 2009 to 2018. province which includes to come and help. The mayor arson attacks. the country’s independence from France.-Reuters 06 ASIA FRIDAY 16 JULY 2021 Vaccine deliveries rising as delta variant slams Asia AP — JAKARTA “There’s no such warned this week of a “wid- ening global vaccine divide” and As many Asian countries battle thing as too late — said wealthy countries needed their worst surge of COVID-19 vaccinating people to increase the pace of following infections, the slow flow of through on their pledges. vaccine doses from around the is always worth “It’s a shame it didn’t world is finally picking up doing - but the later happen earlier and can’t happen speed, giving hope that inocu- the vaccines come, faster,” Alexander Matheou, the lation rates can increase and Asia-Pacific director of the Red help blunt the effect of the the more people will Cross, said of the recent uptick rapidly spreading delta variant. die,” said Asia-Pacific in deliveries. “There’s no such With many vaccine pledges thing as too late — vaccinating still unfulfilled and rates of Director of the Red people is always worth doing - infection spiking across mul- Cross. but the later the vaccines come, tiple countries, however, the more people will die.” experts say more needs to be Vietnam, Thailand and done to help nations struggling chief in Indonesia of Unicef, South Korea have all imposed with the overflow of patients which is in charge of the distri- new lockdown restrictions over and shortages of oxygen and bution of vaccines provided the past week as they struggle People queue for free coronavirus disease rapid antigen tests at a mass testing station, as the spread other critical supplies. through COVAX. “It seems now to contain rapidly rising infec- of COVID-19 continues, in Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday. Some 1.5 million doses of to be, and not just in Indonesia, tions amid sluggish vaccination the Moderna vaccine arrived a race between the vaccines and campaigns. four percent have. at least one dose of a vaccine, additional 208.2 million people yesterday afternoon in Indo- the variants, and I hope we win In South Korea — widely “Parts of the world... are primarily Sinovac. Several coun- vaccinated by year’s end and is nesia, which has become a that race.” praised for its initial response talking about reclaiming lost tries also have their own pro- giving 1 million shots daily. dominant hot spot with record Many, including the World to the pandemic that included freedoms such as going back to duction capabilities, including “Every single dose does make high infections and deaths. Health Organisation, have been extensive testing and contact work, opening the cinemas and South Korea, Japan and a huge difference.” The US shipment follows critical of the vaccine inequal- tracing — a shortage in vaccines restaurants,” Matheou said. Thailand, but still need more Many other countries in the three million other American ities in the world, pointing out has left 70 percent of the pop- “This part of the world is far doses to fill the needs of the region have vaccination rates doses that arrived on Sunday, that many wealthy nations have ulation still waiting for their first away from that.” region’s huge population. far below Indonesia’s for a and 11.7 million doses of Astra- more than half of their popula- shot. Thailand, which only Indonesia started aggres- “Both Moderna and Astra- variety of reasons, including Zeneca that have come in tions at least partially vacci- started its mass vaccination in sively vaccinating earlier than Zeneca have been really critical production and distribution batches since March through nated, while the vast majority early June, is seeing skyrock- many in the region, negotiating in ramping up these numbers issues as well as an initial wait- the UN-backed COVAX mech- of people in lower-income eting cases and record deaths, bilaterally with China for the and ensuring that the supplies and-see attitude from many anism, the last earlier this week. countries are still waiting on a and only about 15 percent of Sinovac jabs. Now about 14 are available,” said Unicef’s early on when numbers were “It’s quite encouraging,” said first dose. people have had at least one percent of its population — the Kadandale, noting that Indo- low and there was less of a Sowmya Kadandale, health The International Red Cross shot. In Vietnam, only about fourth largest in the world — has nesia plans to have some sense of urgency. India’s COVID-19 infection rate edges up IN BRIEF Malaysia to stop using Sinovac REUTERS — NEW DELHI week questioned federal and stands at 0.86 in the world’s Bodies washed up on the state authorities in the most second most populous nation, banks of the Ganges. vaccine after supply ends A rise in India’s COVID-19 populous state of Uttar Pradesh online publication Our World States had largely lifted infection rate is worrying why the mass religious gath- in Data shows, a jump of more curbs as infections slowed, but KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s health ministry yesterday said the authorities who are concerned ering should be allowed. than 25 percent in a month. the second wave has not yet country will stop administering the COVID-19 vaccine produced that pilgrimages and tourism The home ministry flagged Bhalla warned of the risk ended, top officials have by China’s Sinovac once its supplies end, as it has a sufficient could prove to be “super- the increase in the infective rate of a faster spread of infection warned. number of other vaccines for its programme. spreader” events in the battle as a cause for concern in some when the rate exceeds 1. India’s tally of 30.99 million Malaysia’s inoculation drive will be largely anchored by the to douse a devastating second states, urging officials “You may be aware that any infections is second only to the Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA vaccine moving forward, health minister wave of infections that has nationwide to enforce social increase in ‘R’ factor above 1.0 United States, with 411,989 Adham Baba told a news conference with other top ministry killed thousands. distancing and clamp down on is an indicator of spread of deaths. officials. In a pilgrimage this month, overcrowding at tourist sites. COVID-19,” he added. Prime Minister Narendra The Southeast Asian country has secured about 45 million thousands of Hindus are set to “We must guard ourselves Still, the website showed Modi has warned against over- doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, enough to cover 70 percent walk hundreds of miles across against complacency and laxity, the 0.86 figure is off an April 9 crowding and called for vigi- of the population, compared to 16 million doses of Sinovac’s shot, northern cities, carrying which creep in as positivity peak of 1.47. lance against new variants, the officials said. pitchers of water from the declines,” Home Secretary Ajay By May, that had propelled saying vaccination efforts “About half of the 16 million have already been distributed, Ganges, a river they consider Bhalla told them in a letter on India’s daily cases to a stag- needed to be sped up. so the rest will be used to cover second doses,” Adham said. sacred. Wednesday, at a time when gering 400,000, leaving thou- India is trying to inoculate “For those who have yet to be vaccinated, they will receive The pilgrims could act as most cities have lifted strict sands in cities, including the all 950 million adults by year- the Pfizer vaccine.” “super spreaders” and set off a lockdowns. capital New Delhi, scrambling end, but vaccine shortages and The government had previously said it had secured 12 million third wave of infections, a top The effective reproduction for oxygen, hospital beds, logistics hurdles have meant Sinovac doses, as part of a deal which would see state-linked firm medical body has warned. rate of the disease, which health ambulances and ultimately, just eight percent have received Pharmaniaga carrying out a fill-and-finish process on the vaccine The Supreme Court this experts call the “R” factor, now morgues. both doses for local distribution. - Reuters Flood traps 14 workers in tunnel Swaying of China skyscraper under construction in China BEIJING: Rescuers were pumping out water yesterday to try to attributed to find 14 construction workers trapped by a flood in a highway wind on mast tunnel being built in southern China. The rescuers have not been able to contact the workers missing AP — BEIJING since the 3.30am flood, the Zhuhai city emergency management department said in an online post. The swaying of a 70-storey “Rescue work is proceeding in an intense and orderly way,” skyscraper in the southern it said. Chinese city of Shenzhen was Workers were about 1.1 kilometers (0.7 miles) from the entrance the result of winds causing to the tunnel when a strange noise was heard and material started vibrations on a roof-top mast falling from the top of the tunnel, Yan Dawu, the deputy general intended for lightning manager of the construction company, said at a news protection and for guiding conference. aircraft, authorities said An evacuation was ordered, but water gushed in and 14 people yesterday. were unable to get out, Yan said. “We feel deeply guilty and deeply The government of the blame ourselves,” he said. -AP business and technology hub said the SEG Plaza was con- Melbourne joins Sydney in lockdown sidered safe and crews were removing the mast and using as coronavirus spreads other methods to provide its People wait in line to get coronavirus test at a testing site in Seoul, South Korea, yesterday. functions. SYDNEY: The Australian state of Victoria was ordered into a Scores of experts were five-day lockdown yesterday following a spike in COVID-19 infec- brought in from around China tions, joining Sydney as the country’s two main population hubs to investigate the cause of the battle an outbreak of the highly contagious Delta variant. swaying and assess the building’s Cases rise in S Korea regions with less curbs From midnight, the state of 6.6 million people was told to stay safety. China has experienced a home except for grocery shopping, essential work, exercise, construction boom in recent AP — SEOUL vaccine dose. It further erases senior Korea Disease Control healthcare and getting vaccinated. The lockdown in Australia’s years, along with the graduation what had been a success story and Prevention Agency official, second-largest city of Melbourne is its fifth since the pandemic of record numbers of engineers South Korea reported a near- in the pandemic and under- during a briefing. “We ask our began a year and a half ago. and project managers. high in coronavirus infections scores the challenges policy- people to cancel unnecessary Combined with a stay-home order already in force in Sydney, the In the May 18 incident, yesterday as a weeks-long makers face in balancing meetings and refrain from measure means nearly half Australia’s 25 million population is under offices and shops in the building surge extends beyond the measures to control virus out- going out as much as lockdown. “You only get one chance to go hard and go fast,” Victoria began swaying but there was capital region and the country’s breaks without further dam- possible.” Premier Daniel Andrews told a televised news conference. little damage. The swaying toughest pandemic restrictions. aging their economy. Yesterday’s 1,600 new cases “If you wait, if you hesitate, if you doubt, then you will always prompted the building’s evac- The surge, increasingly “Over the past week, there nearly matched South Korea’s be looking back wishing you had done more earlier. I am not pre- uation and a stampede of fuelled by the more contagious has been a clear increase in the high from a day earlier and was pared to avoid a five-day lockdown now only to find ourselves pedestrians nearby. delta variant, is a worrisome speed of transmissions not only the ninth straight day exceeding in a five-week or a five-month lockdown.” Owners of businesses in development in a country in the (Seoul) metropolitan area 1,000. The country’s caseload Melbourne spent about third of 2020 under curfew as the the 20-year-old building will where 70 percent of the popu- but also in non-metropolitan is now 173,511, including 2,050 epicentre of the country’s initial outbreak, suffering most of Aus- be allowed to return “as soon lation is waiting for their first areas,” said Bae Kyung-taek, a deaths. tralia’s 31,400 cases and 912 deaths to date. -Reuters as possible,” the city gov- ernment said. The building’s first 10 floors are an electronics Sri Lanka says it is probing allegations against spy agency market and office space takes up most of the rest, topping out AP — COLOMBO The Catholic Church in Sri group of bishops and priests led by attack was imminent. Wickremesinghe should be at more than 300 meters tall Lanka wrote to the president on Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Media Minister Keheliya Ram- investigated because the report with a helipad on its roof. Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Tuesday raising concerns about Malcolm Ranjith, called on the bukwella said Wednesday that all concluded that his soft The incident prompted the Rajapaksa has ordered an the government’s handling of president to take legal action of the findings of the commission approach to Islamic extremism US Consulate in the nearby investigation of allegations that the suicide bombings and against former President have been handed over to proper had led to the attacks. Guangzhou to issue an advisory some members of state intelli- asking it to investigate alleged Maithripala Sirisena for negligence authorities. “There are so many The letter also said author- urging citizens to avoid the plaza gence agencies knew and met links between intelligence per- as recommended by a presidential things flowing in and the best ities have not taken legal action and surrounding area because with people who carried out sonnel and the group that inquiry commission report. thing the president can do is to against 11 police officers, two of “inadequate information to Easter Sunday bombings in carried out the attacks. Sirisena’s government came refer them to relevant authorities,” officials from the Attorney Gen- assess the safety risks” and to 2019 that killed more than 260 The letter from the National under heavy criticism for not Rambukwella said. eral’s Department, and two stay away until authorities people, a government official Catholic Committee for Justice to acting on near-specific foreign The church group also said Muslim politicians named by sounded the all-clear. said. Easter Sunday Attack Victims, a intelligence warnings that an former Prime Minister Ranil the commission. FRIDAY 16 JULY 2021 ASIA / EUROPE 07 Officials, Taliban strike truce in western Afghanistan

REUTERS — KABUL “Ten tribal elders had The defence ministry spokesman was not immedi- Government officials in a taken the responsibility ately available for comment. western Afghan province said of ceasefire, so they Pakistan, worried about a yesterday they had negotiated first talked to the spillover of fighting, has shut its “an indefinite ceasefire” with side of the Spin Boldak-Chaman the Taliban to prevent further Taliban, and then border, which lies on the main attacks on the capital of the talked to the local commercial artery between the province. second Afghan city of Kandahar The move came after government and and Pakistani ports. fighters from the Islamist group both sides reached a Clashes between the Taliban secured complete control over and government forces have all the districts in Badghis ceasefire,” Provincial intensified as US-led interna- province, reflecting wider gains Governor Husamuddin tional forces have been with- by the Taliban over territory drawing. The Taliban have cap- and infrastructure in the weeks Shams said. tured several districts and since US President Joe Biden border crossings in the north announced the withdrawal of and west. US troops by September 11. capital, Kabul, were not The government has “Ten tribal elders had taken available to comment. accused the Taliban of the responsibility of ceasefire, There were conflicting destroying hundreds of gov- so they first talked to the reports yesterday about who ernment buildings in 29 of the Taliban, and then talked to the was in control of a major country’s 34 provinces. The local government and both trading town on the border with Taliban deny accusations of sides reached a ceasefire,” the Pakistan. The Spin Boldak- extensive destruction by their provincial governor, Chaman border post is the fighters. Husamuddin Shams, said. second most important crossing A senior Afghan government People on vehicles, holding Taliban flags, gather near the Friendship Gate crossing point in the The Taliban reached an on the Pakistan border and a official in Kabul, Nader Nadery, Pakistan-Afghanistan border town of Chaman, Pakistan. agreement with the tribal elders major source of revenue for the said the security forces were to move to the outskirts of Qala- Western-backed government working to push back Taliban focused on pushing the rival minister Fawad Chaudhry said expected to fly to Qatar this e-Naw, the capital of Badghis, in Kabul. fighters and regain control over Afghan sides to make progress on Twitter that Pakistan was weekend for talks with Shams said. A senior Afghan government 190 districts. towards a ceasefire. arranging more talks and that members of the Taliban who A spokesman for the Taliban official said yesterday security The deteriorating security sit- Pakistan was for years important leaders including have an office in the capital, denied they had agreed to a forces had retaken control of uation has raised fears of a new accused of backing the Taliban former President Hamid Karzai, Doha. ceasefire but said they had left the town hours after the Taliban Afghan refugee crisis. President with the aim of blocking the who remains an influential The militants ruled the city to avoid civilian casu- seized it on Wednesday. Ashraf Ghani met regional influence of its old rival India in figure, had been invited. Afghanistan from 1996 until alties. “Qala-e-Naw is the only Taliban spokesman Zabi- leaders in Uzbekistan yesterday Afghanistan. But Pakistan Chaudhry said Taliban they were ousted in 2001, city in Afghanistan where the hullah Mujahid dismissed that and Pakistan said it would host denied that and now says it leaders would not be attending weeks after the September 11 Taliban announced a ceasefire,” and said his forces still held it. a conference of senior Afghan wants to encourage negotia- as Pakistan was holding sep- attacks on the United States. said Abdul Aziz Bek, the head “It is merely propaganda leaders in an effort to find tions to ensure a peaceful arate talks with them. They have fought since to expel of the provincial council in and a baseless claim by the solutions. outcome. Karzai and some top foreign forces and topple the Badghis. Afghan officials in the Kabul administration,” he said. Diplomatic efforts have Pakistani information Afghan political leaders are government in Kabul.

Dutch crime reporter De Vries Traces of explosives detected in bus blast probe: Pakistan REUTERS — ISLAMABAD/BEIJING Pakistan originally blamed $65bn investment plan aiming told a regular briefing earlier However, Wang told dies after shooting a mechanical failure, but yes- to link western China to the yesterday that China would Qureshi that if it was indeed an in Amsterdam Pakistan said yesterday traces terday Information Minister southern Pakistani port of cooperate closely with attack, Pakistan should imme- of explosives had been Fawad Chaudhry tweeted: Gwadar. Pakistan in the diately arrest the culprits and detected during an initial “Initial investigations... have CPEC is part of Beijing’s investigation. punish them severely. AP — THE HAGUE investigation into a bus blast now confirmed traces of explo- massive Belt and Road On Wednesday, Zhao had Wang, who is China’s State that killed 13 people, including sives. Terrorism cannot be ruled Initiative. called the blast a “bomb attack” Councillor and foreign minister, Peter R de Vries, a renowned nine Chinese workers, and out.” Chaudhry said Pakistani but Pakistan said a mechanical said “lessons should be learned” Dutch journalist who fearlessly said a terrorist attack could China is a close ally and Prime Minister Imran Khan was failure caused a gas leak that and both sides should reported on the violent under- not be ruled out as the cause major investor in Pakistan, personally supervising all led to the explosion. strengthen security measures world of the Netherlands and of the incident. and various anti-Pakistani developments in the matter. Senior Chinese diplomat for China-Pakistan cooperation campaigned to breathe new Wednesday’s blast in government militants have in “In this regard government Wang Yi met Pakistani Foreign projects to ensure their safe and life into cold cases, has died at northwest Pakistan sent the bus the past attacked Chinese is in close coordination with Minister Shah Mahmood smooth operation. age 64 after being shot in a hurtling over a ravine. Beijing projects. Chinese embassy, we are com- Qureshi on Wednesday and Wang and Qureshi spoke brazen attack last week, his initially said it was a bomb The Chinese workers killed mitted to fight menace of ter- urged Pakistan to investigate in Dushanbe, the capital of family said yesterday. attack but later backed away on the bus were employed at rorism together,” Chaudhry the blast but he stopped short Tajikistan, on the sidelines of a “Peter fought to the end, from the assertion and said it the Dasu hydroelectric project, added in his tweet. of calling it an attack, the foreign ministers’ meeting of but was unable to win the would send a team to help part of the China-Pakistan Eco- Zhao Lijian, a Chinese Chinese foreign ministry said the Shanghai Cooperation battle,” the family said in a investigate. nomic Corridor (CPEC), a foreign ministry spokesman, on its website. Organisation. statement sent to Dutch media. While the motive for De IN BRIEF Vries’ shooting remains unknown, the July 6 attack on an Amsterdam street had the Virus cases surge to six-month high hallmarks of the gangland hits taking place with increasing in Tokyo, a week before Olympics regularity in the Dutch under- world the journalist covered. TOKYO: New coronavirus cases surged to 1,308 in Tokyo yesterday, Two suspects have been a six-month high, as fears rise of a possible dramatic increase detained. Dutch police said the that could flood hospitals during the Olympics that start in eight suspected shooter is a 21-year- days. old Dutchman, and a 35-year- Tokyo is under a fourth state of emergency, which began old Polish man living in the Monday and requires restaurants and bars to close early and not Netherlands is accused of serve alcohol through the Olympics, which start July 23. driving the getaway car. They Yesterday’s tally is the highest since 1,485 were recorded on were arrested not long after Jan. 21, when Japan was under an earlier state of emergency, and De Vries was wounded. is also a jump from Wednesday’s 1,149. De Vries rose rapidly from Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike noted that the largest increase in a young cub reporter to serious cases and hospitalisations was among people in their 50s become the Netherlands’ best- and younger who are largely unvaccinated. She expressed concern known journalist. He was a about the impact on the medical system as infections are pro- pillar of support for families of pelled by the more contagious delta strain of the virus. - AP slain or missing children, a campaigner against injustice Greece offers Lithuania support over and a thorn in the side of gangsters. sharp rise in migrant numbers “Peter has lived by his con- viction: ‘On bended knee is no ATHENS: Greece has offered to share its experiences on migrant way to be free,’” the family issues with Lithuania as it handles a sharp rise in the number of statement said. “We are unbe- Cooling off with mom people crossing its border, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis lievably proud of him and at said yesterday, after what he called an “orchestrated effort” by People cool off near a water sprinkler on a hot summer day in central Kiev, Ukraine, yesterday. the same time inconsolable.” Belarus to pressure its neighbour. The comments, following a meeting with Lithuanian Prime Romania party Minister Ingrida Simonyte in Athens, come as Lithuanian and EU officials have accused Minsk of using illegal migrants to pressure leader gets early EU likely to decide on Moderna vaccine the European Union because of the bloc’s sanctions. “What Belarus is doing is simply unacceptable,” Mitsotakis jail release shot for children next week said, adding that the leaders had discussed how to ensure proper reception facilities, speed up asylum procedures, and also how AP — BUCHAREST to “effectively and quickly return those not entitled to interna- AP — AMSTERDAM by the end of next week,” he temporary and that the benefits tional protection”. A former leader of Romania’s said. of vaccination still far out- Amid rising tensions between the European Union and Belarus Social Democratic Party who A top official at the European Moderna’s vaccine was weighed the risks of COVID-19. this year, more than 1,700 people have crossed the border into was sentenced to 3 ½ years in Medicines Agency said a given the green light for use in Last week, European Com- Lithuania, including 1,100 in July alone. - Reuters jail for corruption in 2019 will decision on whether to anyone 18 and over across the mission President Ursula von be released early, a court ruled recommend that Moderna’s 27-nation European Union in der Leyen said the EU has now Ukraine parliament accepts yesterday. COVID-19 vaccine be January. It has also been delivered enough vaccines to Liviu Dragnea, who was authorised for children is licensed in countries including immunize 70 percent of its resignation of interior minister convicted by the Supreme Court expected late next week. If Britain, Canada and the US, but adult population and many in May 2019 for official mis- approved, it would be the first so far its use has not been countries are looking to inoc- KYIV: Ukraine’s parliament yesterday voted to accept the resig- conduct, was considered Roma- such licence for the shot’s use extended to children. To date, ulate children, despite the sig- nation of the country’s Interior Minister Arsen Avakov. nia’s most powerful politician in children globally. the vaccine made by Pfizer- nificantly lower risk they face Avakov submitted his resignation on Tuesday, but didn’t dis- at the time of his sentencing. At a press briefing yes- BioNTech is the only one from COVID-19. close the reasons for his decision. The 57-year-old political heav- According to prosecutors, terday, Dr. Marco Cavaleri, the approved for children under 18 Although Britain’s regu- yweight has been in office since 2014 and was the longest-serving Dragnea intervened to keep EU drug regulator’s head of in Europe and North America. latory agency has authorized interior minister in Ukraine’s post-Soviet history. two people employed by his vaccines strategy, said its expert The EMA said last week the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for Lawmakers have cast 291 votes out of 450 in support of Ava- party on the payroll of a family committee was currently eval- there was a “ possible link ” children, its vaccine advisory kov’s resignation yesterday. welfare agency while he was uating Moderna’s application between the vaccines made by group has yet to recommend Avakov has been widely viewed as one of the most influential a government official between to extend the use of its corona- Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech that teens be immunised. Cabinet members in Ukraine. 2008 to 2010. The women virus vaccine for children 12 to to very rare cases of chest and Moderna has also filed for its He has served as interior minister in four different govern- admitted receiving salaries 17 years old. heart inflammation, mostly in vaccine to be licensed for ments and under two presidents, holding on to the post despite from the public agency while “We expect that the com- younger adult men. They said younger teens and children in frequent government reshuffles and numerous corruption alle- working for the party. mittee will reach a conclusion the effects were mostly the US. gations. - AP 08 VIEWS FRIDAY 16 JULY 2021 Private Israeli firm helped governments Established in 1996 CHAIRMAN hack journalists and rights advocates DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI JOSEPH MARKS THE WASHINGTON POST EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI An Israeli hacking for hire [email protected] firm has helped government clients spy on more than 100 victims around the world ACTING MANAGING EDITOR including politicians, dissi- MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED dents, human rights activists, [email protected] embassy workers and jour- nalists, according to a Microsoft report. DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR The firm, which goes by MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI the name Candiru, is part of a [email protected] burgeoning industry of largely unregulated spyware com- panies that sell snooping technology to government EDITORIAL intelligence services and law enforcement agencies - often with questionable human rights records. ransomware epidemic inc authoritarian regimes to prominent spyware company, Advocating multilateralism Candiru has likely sold luding threatening Russian export self-censorship around another Israeli firm called spying tools to governments President Vladimir Putin with the world and that’s exactly NSO, in US federal court. The QATAR has once again called for adopting multi- in the Middle East and Asia, severe consequences if he what companies like Candiru Facebook affiliate claimed lateral approach and taking collective action in the according to the cybersecurity doesn’t crack down on the are allowing them to do.” The NSO acted illegally by helping face of challenges facing the world, especially the research group Citizen Lab, criminal groups operating on full capabilities of Candiru’s governments hack hundreds least developed countries. Doha has long been an which identified people tar- Russian territory. But the spying tools aren’t clear but of its customers including advocate of multilateralism and global cooperation geted by Candiru’s malicious United States has been far less they likely allow users to journalists, human rights to face the myriad challenges ranging from climate software and helped Microsoft aggressive about the prolifer- intercept victims’ communi- workers and women who had change to wars and conflict, and from poverty to the compile its report. Those gov- ation in spyware. cations, steal their data, track been targeted with online coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. ernments then use the spying Microsoft is part of a their location and spy through attacks. In her keynote speech at a virtual event on the tools independently The chorus of large tech firms that microphones and cameras, Microsoft filed a brief sup- sidelines of the 2021 High-level Political Forum on report comes amid roiling are increasingly criticizing the Scott-Railton said. The tools porting WhatsApp’s position in July 14, Assistant Foreign Minister and Spokesperson concern about the prolifer- spyware industry and calling were effective against both that case, which is still working for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Vice-Chairperson ation of cyber weapons once on governments to regulate Windows and Mac computers its way through the legal of Qatar Fund for Development H E Lolwah Al Khater limited to a handful of nations their products through export as well as iPhone and Android system. Far less is known said: “Now is the moment, to design bold actions and that are now becoming far bans and other measures. As smartphones. about Candiru’s activities. The invest in building the resilience of individuals and com- more widespread. In addition part of its investigation The researchers also firm has maintained a high munities to overcome the long-term development chal- to helping authoritarian Microsoft patched major bugs found phony websites mas- level of secrecy, including by lenges and prepare better for future crisis. We will regimes spy on dissidents and that Candiru used to spy on its querading as international changing its official corporate strive to realise the sustainable development goals adversaries, that growth has users. media, human rights organi- name four times during its six ambitions and work hand in hand to put together a enabled a wave of criminal “A world where private zations and other legitimate years in operation, according strengthened framework to support LDCs (least hacks, including ransomware sector companies manufacture groups that were used to to a Citizen Lab report. The developed countries).” campaigns that have dis- and sell cyberweapons is more deliver Candiru spyware. firm is official named Saito The Forum was held under the theme of ‘Building rupted US oil supplies and dangerous for consumers, Among them were phony sites Tech Ltd. now, though still back better to realise the SDGs in LDCs: Accelerating meat production. businesses of all size, and gov- that appeared to be affiliated widely known as Candiru, the action to achieve inclusive, sustainable, resilient The Biden administration ernments,” Cristin Goodwin, with the Black Lives Matter report states. recovery – approaches on the road to the LDC5 con- has moved aggressively to general manager of Microsoft’s movement and sites related to “Candiru has tried to ference in Doha’. Hosted by Qatar Fund for Devel- confront the Digital Security Unit said in a gender equality. remain in the shadows ever opment and the Global Green Growth Institute, the blog post. Spyware firms have effec- since its founding but there is event brought together high-level representatives from Microsoft is part of Citizen Lab researchers tively leveled the playing field no space in the shadows for LDCs and leading experts from international organi- identified targets of Candiru’s for countries that wish to spy companies that facilitate sations to discuss ways in which the international a chorus of large spyware across the globe sug- on dissidents and government authoritarianism,” Bill community could help speed up the acceleration of tech firms that gesting governments are critics but lack the technical Marczak, a senior fellow at climate action post-COVID-19, especially in LDCs and using the tool to target and resources to develop their Citizen Lab, said. small island developing states. The event explored are increasingly silence citizens and critics own spying tools. Human Microsoft is referring to the needs and the priorities of the LDCs in the context criticizing the living outside their borders. rights advocates have accused Candiru’s activities under the of achieving the SDGs and against the background spyware industry The group, which is based at such firms of running name Sourgum, part of a of the COVID-19 pandemic; approaches required to the University of Toronto’s roughshod over civil liberties naming convention it’s ensure LDCs can build back better and recover in a and calling on Munk School, found victims in and enabling harassment and developed to describe non- resilient way post COVID-19; and good practices and governments to Israel and the Palestinian ter- oppression of government government hacking groups lessons learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic. ritories, Iran, Lebanon, opponents, though the firms using the names of trees and Qatar has played a leading role in the global efforts regulate their Yemen, Spain, the United say they only aid legitimate shrubs. The company has a to fight and recover from the pandemic. Doha has products through Kingdom, Turkey and law enforcement and intelli- separate naming convention provided medical and humanitarian assistance to Singapore. gence operations. for hacking groups linked around a hundred countries to aid their efforts against export bans and other “Every time we find one of Candiru did not respond with national governments the pandemic. Aid from government and non-gov- measures. these companies, it’s only a to emails seeking comment. A based on elements on the ernment entities stands at over $256m, and has been matter of time before we find phone call to a company periodic table. offered to around 88 countries, according to Qatar’s abuses associated with them,” number was not answered. Joe Marks writes The Government Communications Office. John Scott-Railton, a senior The most significant tech Cybersecurity 202 newsletter Multilateralism and collective action is needed researcher at Citizen Lab, response came in 2019 when focused on the policy and pol- now more than ever to ensure equal access to said. “We cannot allow WhatsApp sued the most itics of cybersecurity. COVID-19 vaccines. This will help the global com- munity recover from the pandemic fast and will also stem the rise in inequality and poverty. EU forces pace on carbon cuts, challenges others to follow

PHILIP BLENKINSOP & MARK pressure on those nations that that this discussion will take Trade Organization challenge, JOHN — REUTERS remain as climate outliers and years and years,” he told although the EU executive says spoilers,” he added. In its most reporters, acknowledging it is legally sound. D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR The European Union is using ambitious bid yet to hit a goal there was globally “a lot of A starting point EMAIL: [email protected] its heft as a wealthy trade bloc of cutting net greenhouse gas attention, curiosity and Voter surveys across of half a billion consumers to emissions by 55% from 1990 concern” about the plan. Europe - which this week suf- set the global pace of climate levels by 2030, the EU on The fact the levy will only fered deadly flash floods after EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 record rainfall that some offi- FAX: +974 4455 7758 change action, challenging Wednesday laid out proposals kick in gradually from 2026 others to match the ambitions that would consign the internal may help to overcome China’s cials linked to global warming MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 of its latest carbon cutting combustion engine to history initially negative view of it - show that climate change is a plans. and raise the cost of emitting given the high level of carbon growing preoccupation among DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 The question now is carbon for heating, transport “embodied” in its imports to many of its citizens. whether the EU gambit and factories. Europe While there has been Although it accounts for LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 becomes an established A proposed carbon border no reaction from Beijing yet, just 8% of the world’s green- BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 benchmark upon which levy would seek to impose on researchers at Tsinghua Uni- house gas emissions itself, the investors and sectors like the trading partners a carbon versity already concluded in a EU hopes it can use its clout as SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 auto industry set transition price reflecting the level set by paper in May that the impact the world’s biggest consumer strategies and how big the EU’s carbon emissions would fade over time and market to set the climate ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 emitters like the United States market, the largest of its kind there was no evidence the levy agenda as it has done in fields email: [email protected] and China respond ahead of in the world. would have a long-term ranging from food labels to PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 UN climate talks later this Paolo Gentiloni, the adverse impact on China’s labour standards. email: [email protected] year. “Amongst G7 and G20 European Commissioner for development. Andre Sapir, senior fellow nations, the EU position is now economic matters, said a With aluminium, cement, at Brussels-based Bruegel MARKETING: TEL: 4455 7657 the explicit global 10-year transition from 2026 electricity, fertiliser, iron and think tank, described it as the email: [email protected] benchmark,” said Julian for the carbon levy on goods steel the initial products tar- starting point for discussions Poulter, Head of Investor such as steel, fertiliser and geted, it could have more with other trading powers ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 857 Relations at Inevitable Policy cement, would give others impact on smaller economies with some compromise inevi- FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] Response, a consultancy on time to adapt. such as Russia and Turkey. tably required. CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 environmental economics. “At the same time we Moscow estimates $7.6 billion “Just saying ‘take it or email: [email protected] “It will exert a new cannot wait for a quite difficult of its goods could be subject to leave it’ is not going to work,” influence on that basis, in other global carbon pricing system the EU levy. Australia says it he said. “It’s also an exper- SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 industrialised nations and their to take place because we smacks of protectionism. The iment and we have to see how FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected] financial sectors and increase know, knowing our partners, levy could trigger a World it goes.”

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar

/ThePeninsulaQatar There had been a premature push to rule out the theory that the virus might have escaped from a Chinese /Peninsula_Qatar government lab in Wuhan. I was a lab technician myself, I’m an immunologist, and I have worked in the lab, and /ThePeninsulaNewspaper lab accidents happen. It’s common.

+974 6698 6188 Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General FRIDAY 16 JULY 2021 EUROPE 09 Over 50 dead in western Europe floods, dozens missing At least 42 people have died in Germany and dozens were missing as hundreds of soldiers were helping police with the rescue efforts, using tanks to clear roads of landslides and fallen trees, while helicopters winched those stranded on rooftops to safety.

REUTERS & AP — SCHULD, GERMANY

More than 50 people have died and dozens were missing yesterday as heavy flooding in LEFT: Damaged cars and debris are seen on a flooded street in Pepinster, Germany and Belgium turned Belgium, yesterday. TOP: A general view of flood-affected area following streams and streets into raging heavy rainfalls in Schuld, Germany. torrents that swept away cars and caused houses to collapse. Belgium, two men died due to the had thought that water would goes out to the families of the issues are one of the main battle- houses in the southern province At least 42 people have died torrential rain and a 15-year-old come in here one day, but dead and missing.” Armin grounds in the election campaign, of Limburg, where several care in Germany and dozens were girl was missing after being swept nothing like this,” local man Laschet, the conservative can- in which Laschet is going head-to- homes were evacuated. missing yesterday as record away by a swollen river. Michael Ahrend told Reuters TV. didate to succeed Merkel as head with Social Democrat can- In addition to the fatalities rainfall in western Europe caused Hundreds of soldiers were “This isn’t a war — it’s simply chancellor at a general election didate Olaf Scholz and Annalena in the Euskirchen region, rivers to burst their banks, swept helping police with the rescue nature hitting out. Finally, we in September and the premier of Baerbock of the Greens. another nine people, including away homes and flooded cellars. efforts in Germany, using tanks should start paying attention to it.” the hard-hit state of North Rhine In Belgium, around 10 two firefighters, died elsewhere Eighteen people died and to clear roads of landslides and The floods have caused Ger- Westphalia, blamed the extreme houses collapsed in Pepinster in North Rhine-Westphalia. dozens were missing around the fallen trees, while helicopters many’s worst mass loss of life weather on global warming. after the river Vesdre flooded In the town of Schuld, wine-growing region of Ahr- winched those stranded on in years. Flooding in 2002 killed “We will be faced with such the eastern town and residents houses were reduced to piles of weiler, in Rhineland-Palatinate rooftops to safety. In Ahrweiler, 21 people in eastern Germany events over and over, and that were evacuated from more than debris and broken beams. state, police said, after the Ahr two wrecked cars leant steeply and more than 100 across the means we need to speed up 1,000 homes. The rain also Roads were blocked by river that flows into the Rhine against either side of the town’s wider central European region. climate protection measures, on caused severe disruption to wreckage and fallen trees. rose and brought down half a stone gate and locals used snow Chancellor Angela Merkel European, federal and global public transport, with high- “What I experienced? It was dozen houses. shovels and brooms to sweep expressed her dismay. “I am levels, because climate change speed Thalys train services to catastrophic,” said 65-year-old Another 15 people died in the mud from their homes and shops shocked by the catastrophe that isn’t confined to one state,” he Germany cancelled. Down- pensioner Edgar Gillessen, Euskirchen region south of the after the floodwaters receded. so many people in the flood areas said during a visit to the area. stream in the Netherlands, whose parental home had been city of Bonn, authorities said. In “I was totally surprised. I have to endure. My sympathy Climate and environmental flooding rivers damaged many damaged. UK records 63 COVID-19 deaths; Russia bans investigative news outlet on national security grounds REUTERS — MOSCOW activities constituted a “threat The decision to declare a Proekt came under steering clear of it because its supermarkets ask to constitutional order and media outlet undesirable pressure last month when story selection did not follow shoppers to keep Russia declared investigative security”. It described the outlet appears to be a serious esca- police raided the homes of two pro-Kremlin state media. news outlet “Proekt” yesterday as a US-based non-govern- lation of the crackdown against of its journalists and detained News website VTimes wearing masks an “undesirable” organisation mental organisation. media the authorities see as a third as part of a criminal announced its closure last on national security grounds Roman Badanin, Proekt’s hostile. investigation into suspected month after being labelled a REUTERS — LONDON and banned its activities, in the editor-in-chief, described the The justice ministry lists 40 slander. “foreign agent”, a designation latest blow against media which move as the best possible proof groups that have received the Police seized laptops and it said had scared away its Britain yesterday recorded look into areas the authorities that his outfit was doing good same designation. None of them other property from the homes partners, ruined its business and 48,553 new coronavirus infec- say are off-limits. work, adding that it was not are media outlets. of Badanin and Proekt reporter made it harder to report the tions and 63 deaths within 28 The move is part of a wider going anywhere. Under a 2015 law, Maria Zholobova. Its deputy news. days of a positive test, official crackdown ahead of Septem- He did not elaborate further members of “undesirable editor-in-chief, Mikhail Rubin, Radio Free Europe/Radio government data showed. ber’s parliamentary election on in a Facebook post reacting to organisations” can be fined or was also detained. Europe has been fined heavily That compared to 42,302 media seen by the authorities the designation. jailed for up to six years for Several non-state outlets for refusing to comply with a cases and 49 deaths reported as hostile and foreign-backed. Authorities yesterday ignoring the ban. have complained of mounting rule requiring it to publish dis- a day earlier. Proekt has published a series of also labelled eight journalists The Kremlin has previously government pressure in recent claimers on its content saying Daily positive cases have deeply researched and unflat- as “foreign agents”, including denied that any media months. it fulfils the function of a foreign been rising in Britain for over tering investigations into Rus- reporters from Proekt, as crackdown is underway and has Online news site Newsru agent. a month but one of the world’s sia’s ruling elite. well as the Open Media described Russia’s media announced its closure earlier Latvia-based independent fastest vaccination pro- In a statement, the General outlet, the Interfax news market as vibrant with many this year for economic reasons, outlet Meduza has also been grammes appears to have Prosecutor’s Office said Proekt’s agency reported. different outlets to choose from. saying that advertisers were labelled a foreign agent. weakened the link between infections and deaths, with IN BRIEF daily fatalities remaining low. They have also started to edge up however. Germany loses Gazprom gas pipeline The data also showed that 46.1 million people have had appeal as court sides with Poland a first dose of the vaccine and 35.3 million have had two. BRUSSELS: Berlin lost its fight yesterday to overturn a ruling limiting Britain’s biggest super- Gazprom’s access to the OPAL pipeline, which links the Russian gas market groups will encourage producer’s Nord Stream line to Germany. Europe’s top court upheld staff and customers to keep the ruling, siding with Poland which sees European reliance on Russian wearing face coverings from gas as a regional security threat and has diversified its own supplies Monday despite new rules by buying liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States and making it a matter of personal others. The case is part of long-running dispute over Russian supplies choice. pitting Germany against Poland and other east European states that The government is once lived in the orbit of the former Soviet Union. removing most pandemic The 470km Opal pipeline, which links Nord Stream 1 with restrictions from July 19 in onshore European gas grids, runs from northern Germany to the England, saying a rapid rollout Czech Republic and has an annual capacity of 36 billion cubic of COVID-19 vaccines has metres of natural gas. Polish gas firms launched a case against largely broken the link Opal after losing some transit volumes and tariff incomes resulting between infections and from the opening of Nord Stream 1 in 2011. -Reuters serious illness or death. Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Facebook in talks with UK law Morrisons and Aldi all said they would prefer staff and officials to tackle online racist abuse customers to keep wearing masks. Healthcare workers administer a Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine to men during a vaccination rollout LONDON: Facebook Inc said yesterday it was in talks with UK law The groups — who are for homeless at a vaccination centre in Valencia, Spain, yesterday enforcement officials to help support investigations into online racial among Britain’s biggest abuse against English soccer players following their recent loss to Italy private sector employers - in the Euro 2020 final. Black players in the England team were said they would keep other As COVID-19 wards fill again, Spanish subjected to a storm of online racist abuse after their defeat in the final safety measures in place, of the soccer tournament, drawing wide condemnation from the including limits on the number doctor warns young they’re vulnerable squad’s captain, manager, royalty, religious leaders and politicians. of people in stores, protective The comments also prompted a police investigation, although screens at checkouts and critics accused some ministers of hypocrisy for refusing to support a regular cleaning. REUTERS — BARCELONA few months, a rise in tourism have pre-existing conditions high profile anti-racist stance the players took during the tournament. “We’re asking our cus- and students’ summer break. and was either unvaccinated or Facebook said it was in discussions with Britain’s National Police tomers and colleagues to be A week ago, the COVID-19 “All this has been an not fully vaccinated. Chiefs Council, the UK Home Office Football Policing Unit and local on the safe side,” Tesco, Brit- hospital ward in Barcelona explosive cocktail that has led The doctor is not the only police forces to understand how it can support active investigations, ain’s biggest supermarket where doctor Inmaculada us to this fifth wave that has one with the words of warning. while ensuring that valid data requests are submitted.-Reuters group, said. Lopez Montesinos works had surprised us in mid-July,” the Wearing an oxygen mask, An opinion poll published just a few patients. 34-year-old told Reuters, Cesar Lopez, a 35-year-old Bar- EU court rules employers can yesterday by Kantar Public Now it is full and the Hos- pleading for people to avoid celona businessman, said that found two thirds of people pital del Mar has opened two crowds, keep social interactions before being admitted to the limit religious symbols wanted some, most or all of extra floors for such patients as to a minimum and use face hospital two weeks ago he felt the coronavirus restrictions to a surge in infection driven by masks. so bad he even thought of BERLIN: The European Union’s top court ruled yesterday that remain and 60% thought eve- the more contagious Delta Facing Spain’s highest leaving a farewell note to his employers may forbid the wearing of visible symbols of religious or ryone should continue to wear variant rips through Spain’s 14-day infection rate of 1,068 family. political belief, such as headscarves. But the Luxembourg-based face masks in shops and on mostly younger, unvaccinated cases per 100,000 people, more “I would like to tell you that tribunal said in its ruling that courts in the bloc’s 27 member states public transport. population. than double the national this is something very serious... should weigh up whether the ban corresponded to a “genuine need” Prime Minister Boris Although mortality is much average, regional authorities in I also thought that it could be on the part of the employer. They must also consider the rights and Johnson has acknowledged lower than in earlier waves of Catalonia, where Barcelona is just a cold or a flu but you have interests of the employee, including by taking into account national that a wave of infections is the pandemic, Lopez Mon- located, said on Wednesday to take this really seriously, get legislation on freedom of religion, it said. The case was brought inevitable when restrictions tesinos said hospitals like hers they would reimpose a curfew vaccinated, think about others,” before the Court of Justice of the European Union by two women in end, but said worse harm were under growing pressure. on 158 municipalities. he said. Germany who chose to wear Islamic headscarves at their work- would come from keeping the She attributes this sudden jump Lopez Montesinos said the “Unfortunately there will be places. One works as a special needs carer while the other is a sales economy shut and pointed to in cases to a lifting of restric- typical patient she was seeing lots of people who won’t be able assistant and cashier. Both filed legal complaints before German the successful vaccine rollout. tions across Spain over the past was aged 40 or below, did not to tell this tale.” courts, which in turn referred questions to the EU tribunal. -AP 10 AMERICAS FRIDAY 16 JULY 2021 Biden and Merkel work to renew ties after tensions under Trump

REUTERS — WASHINGTON The two governments are at odds over a host of tough issues, including the Nord Stream 2 pipeline President Joe Biden welcomed being built from Russia to Germany under the Baltic outgoing German Chancellor Angela Merkel to the White Sea, which Washington fears will hurt Ukraine and House yesterday to discuss increase European reliance on Russian gas. disagreements over Russia and China as the two leaders seek to strengthen a relationship that broader issues, and both want much time to work together on suffered under former President to strengthen the transatlantic strengthening ties between the Donald Trump. relationship that suffered under world’s largest and fourth- The United States and Trump’s frequent, withering largest economies. Germany are key Nato allies. criticism of close US allies. Merkel, chancellor since Biden and Merkel have known “The cooperation between 2005, plans to exit Germany’s and worked with each other for the United States and Germany government after national elec- years. is strong and we hope to con- tions in September, meaning But their two governments tinue that, and I’m confident she is likely to be seen as a are at odds over a host of tough that we will,” Biden said at the “lame duck” in her final months issues, including the Nord start of their meeting in the Oval in power. Stream 2 pipeline being built Office. “I value the friendship,” Polling shows her Christian US President Joe Biden holding bilateral meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in the Oval from Russia to Germany under Merkel said, noting the US role Democrats are poised to take Office at the White House in Washington, US, yesterday. the Baltic Sea, which Wash- in building a free and demo- the lead in forming a gov- ington fears will hurt Ukraine cratic Germany. ernment after the election, but Washington given Germany’s leaders discussed geopolitical hosted by the Bidens at the and increase European reliance They will likely discuss it remains unclear which parties role as the largest economy in threats and challenges. They White House. She is also on Russian gas. threats to democracy around would be included in a coalition. Europe and a Nato ally, as well promised to continue working receiving an honorary degree They also disagree over the the world, countering Russian Biden’s Democratic Party has as its importance as a bridge together on the pandemic, global from the School of Advanced wisdom of partnering with China cyberattacks and territorial tenuous majorities in the US builder in dealing with Russia, health and the environment, International Studies at Johns on business projects, restrictions aggression in Eastern Europe Congress that could evaporate the Middle East and North Sanders said. Hopkins University. on travel to the United States and China’s push to dominate in the 2022 congressional Africa. Germany hosts some “We can indeed cooperate Merkel’s White House visit - from Europe and Germany’s advanced technologies, officials elections. 36,000 US troops on its soil. very well in order to boost our the first by a European leader opposition to temporary patent in both governments said. John Emerson, who served Merkel started her official shared values,” Merkel said. since Biden took office in January waivers aimed at speeding Ending the pandemic and as ambassador to Germany day in Washington at a breakfast Later Merkel will attend a — shows the United States is COVID-19 vaccine production. curbing climate change are also under former President Barack with Vice-President Kamala one-on-one meeting with trying to make amends with an Biden, 78, and Merkel, 66, on the agenda. Obama, said the relationship Harris. Harris’ spokesperson Biden, a news conference with ally that was often attacked see eye to eye on a string of The two leaders do not have remains “indispensable” for Symone Sanders said the two the president and a dinner during the Trump years. Cuba’s leader lays some blame for protests on his government IN BRIEF AP — HAVANA Bolsonaro recovers media and the US government Cuban President Miguel Díaz- for the weekend protests, Trudeau condemns violent repression in Cuba in hospital, no Canel for the first time is offering which were the biggest seen surgery planned some self-criticism while saying in Cuba since a quarter REUTERS — MONTREAL Canada maintained ties with Cuba after its that government shortcomings century ago, when then-Pres- 1959 revolution, and Trudeau paid an official visit RIO DE JANEIRO: Brazilian in handling shortages and other ident Fidel Castro personally Canada, one of Cuba’s closest Western allies, to the island in November of 2016. That has meant President Jair Bolsonaro was problems played a role in this went into the streets to calm yesterday condemned the violent response and that Canada has sometimes acted as a go-between recovering in a Sao Paulo week’s protests. crowds of thousands furious arrests of protesters this weekend by the Cuban with the Cuban government and the United States hospital yesterday after being But in a televised address on over dire shortages following government, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other countries on issues such as the disputed rushed for treatment of intes- Wednesday night he also called the collapse of the Soviet saying the people in the country deserve elections in Venezuela. tinal obstruction, but is on Cubans to not act with hate Union and its economic sub- democracy and freedom. On Sunday, thousands of Cubans staged the unlikely to need surgery, the — a reference to the violence sidies for the island. “We are deeply concerned by the violent biggest anti-government protests in decades to president’s son Flavio said on that occurred at some of the Díaz-Canel, however, said crackdown on protests by the Cuban regime,” protest against a deep economic crisis that has his official Twitter account. rare street demonstrations in that failings by the state played Trudeau said at a news conference in Montreal, in seen shortages of basic goods and power outages. The president’s office said which protesters voiced griev- a role in the unrest. one of his few comments on Cuba in recent years. They were also protesting against the govern- in a statement that the pres- ances over high prices, food “We have to gain experience “We stand with the people of Cuba who want - ment’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic and ident was doing better and that shortages and power outages, from the disturbances,” he said. and deserve — democracy, freedom, and respect.” curbs on civil liberties. his clinical and laboratory while some people also called for “We also have to carry out a results were “satisfactory,” but a change in the government. critical analysis of our problems it gave no expected discharge Until now, the Cuban gov- in order to act and overcome, In the protests, many Cubans and shortages of food and med- vandalism... yelling for deaths... date. The statement, signed by ernment had only blamed social and avoid their repetition.” expressed anger over long lines icines, as well as repeated elec- planning to raid public places, the president’s doctors, did not tricity outages. Some demanded breaking, robbing, throwing mention surgery. Bolsonaro, a faster pace of vaccination stones.” 66, was admitted to a hospital against the coronavirus. But there Authorities did not report in Brasilia, the capital city, on were also calls for political the number of people arrested, Wednesday with abdominal change in a country governed by Col. Moraima Bravet of the pain, and following days the Communist Party for some Interior Ministry said only that marred with chronic hiccups. six decades. they are mostly between the He was transferred to a Sao Police moved in and ages of 25 and 37 and will be Paulo hospital later in the day arrested dozens of protesters, prosecuted such crimes as after consulting with the sometimes violently, and the public disorder, assault, con- surgeon who operated him in government has accused pro- tempt, robbery or damage. 2018 after Bolsonaro was testers of looting and vandal- Cuba is suffering its worst stabbed in the abdomen on the izing shops. Smaller protests crisis in years from a combination campaign trail. His doctors continued on Monday and offi- of the coronavirus pandemic that said they needed to do further cials reported at least one death. has paralyzed its economy, exams to evaluate whether No incidents were reported on including the vital tourism there was a need for an emer- Wednesday. industry, inefficiencies in the gency surgery.-AP “Our society is not a society state-run economy and the tight- that generates hatred and those ening of US sanctions on the NYC Chinatown people acted with hatred,” Díaz- island. Canel said. “The feeling of The administration of Pres- museum reopens Cubans is a feeling of solidarity ident Donald Trump imposed NEW YORK: A city museum A demonstrator reacts during a protest against the Cuban government outside the Cuban Embassy, and these people carried out more than 200 measures against dedicated to telling Chinese in Buenos Aires, Argentina, yesterday. these armed acts, with the island in four years. American history marked its reopening to the public on Wednesday, with an exhibit on Argentina struggles to fully vaccinate Asian Americans and racism Some Colombians in Haiti knew of that it curated partially people as deaths rise to 100,000 through submissions gathered during the pandemic and a plot to kill Moise: President Duque surge of anti-Asian bias inci- BLOOMBERG — BUENOS AIRES dents around the country. BLOOMBERG — PORT-AU-PRINCE The opening was a long Argentina is facing large delays in its inoculation program against Security chief for assassinated time coming for the Museum COVID-19, with experts cautioning for a change in strategy as Some of the former Colombian of Chinese in America, not only virus deaths top 100,000. soldiers who flew to Haiti knew Haitian president detained: NYT because of the pandemic The country of 45 million people has already given out 26 of the criminal conspiracy that shutdown of over a year but million of COVID-19 vaccine shots, but only about one out of 10 led to the July 7 murder of Pres- PORT-AU-PRINCE: The head of palace security for assassi- because of a fire that ravaged Argentines are fully vaccinated. That makes it the country with ident Jovenel Moise, while nated Haitian President Jovenel Moise has been arrested and though the space where its col- the largest gap between vaccine doses in Latin America, followed others believed they were on a is in police custody, the New York Times reported yesterday. lection was housed in January by Brazil and Mexico. mission to provide security, A spokeswoman for the national police confirmed that the 2020. Luckily, most of the col- Argentina decided in March to delay the second jab by three Colombian President Ivan security chief of the presidential palace, Dimitri Herard, had lection was salvaged. -AP months to reach as many people as possible with a first dose, but Duque said yesterday. been detained, the newspaper said. Prosecutors are seeking cases and deaths have continued to climb, with the country passing Duque’s statements come as to know why the attackers did not meet more resistance at the Chile's constitutional 100,000 deaths Wednesday. As concerns mount that the delta Colombian, US and Haitian president’s home, it said. Haiti National Police Director Leon delegates detained variant will become more prevalent, a top infectologist on the investigators are still trying to Charles said at least four members of Moise’s security team board that advises Alberto Fernandez’s government on Covid determine how more than 20 are in custody. The Washington Post, citing Haiti government SANTIAGO: Chilean police strategy says the current plan needs to change. Colombian citizens, some of sources, said that the head of Moise’s security, Dimitri Herard, yesterday detained two dele- “The one-dose strategy isn’t enough with the Delta variant,” doctor them former army members, is also under arrest. -Reuters gates to Chile’s constitutional Eduardo Lopez said in a phone interview from Buenos Aires. “The ended up allegedly participating convention in a central square March strategy was set based on variants where a single dose was in the assassination of Moise. in the capital Santiago during efficient. Argentina needs to get out and get more vaccines.” Many of the Colombians recruited but never travelled, Colombia’s Caracol Radio that a protest over political pris- The Health Ministry has reported 15 cases of delta from who travelled to the Caribbean and one man who went to interim Prime Minister Claude oners, their coalition said on travelers coming from abroad. nation thought they were going Haiti but returned before the Joseph was a suspect in the Twitter. Armed police wearing South America’s second-largest economy has relied so far on to work as bodyguards and crime. murder. helmets and flak jackets 30.5 million doses of Russia’s Sputnik V, China’s Sinopharm and provide personal security, The president’s comments On Twitter, the police said hauled off the two delegates, AstraZeneca Plc. Part of the delay is explained by widespread Duque told Colombia’s La FM echo those of Haitian officials that investigation had not Alejandra Perez and Manuel shortages of the second dose of Sputnik V. radio. who believe that not all turned up “any link” with Woldarsky, in a chaotic scene Argentina recently changed its local vaccine regulations to “But inside that group there members of the 28-man hit Joseph and that the suspects relayed on social media. speed access to a wider range of vaccines including those made was a smaller group that, squad were aware of their true who have been interviewed Protesters screamed at by USlabs as the Biden administration steps up global donations. apparently, knew the details of mission. It also comes as the provided no such security forces as the repre- The country also signed a contract this week to get 20 million of the criminal operation.” country continues to search for information. sentatives were loaded onto a Moderna Inc. shots that will arrive starting the first quarter of Duque said Colombian the ultimate masterminds and Joseph took the reins of the truck with other detainees. It 2022. The government’s “minimum priority” should be to com- investigators had received the financiers of the crime. nation of 11 million in the wake was not immediately clear plete full vaccinations for those aged 60 and up and any adults information from family Also yesterday, Haiti’s of Moise’s death and amid a why the delegates had been with pre-existing risk factors, Lopez said. members, people who were police denied a report by power vacuum. detained by police.-Reuters