www.thepeninsula.qa Friday 4 September 2020 Volume 25 | Number 8370 16 Muharram - 1442 2 Riyals

BUSINESS | 11 SPORT | 16

EU finance ministers QFA, SC and will discuss recovery, Concacaf joint revenues at Berlin announce new meeting: Scholz partnership

Choose the network of heroes Enjoy the Internet PM takes stock of safety measures at schools QNA — DOHA

Prime Minister and Minister of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani We congratulate our children for their return to schools visited three schools yesterday despite the exceptional circumstances created by COVID-19 morning, which included Omar pandemic after the state has taken all safety measures for bin Al Khattab Independent students, teaching staff and administration in all schools Preparatory School for Boys, operating in Qatar. With perseverance and cooperation of Al Bayan Second Primary everyone, we will overcome the challenges and it will be a School for Girls, and Qatar successful academic year, if Allah willing. Science and Technology Secondary School for Boys, to inspect the procedures and H E the Prime Minister was briefed on the various precautionary measures taken educational equipment and health preparations by the Ministry of Education made for the new academic year in light of the and Higher Education and the Ministry of Public Health to pandemic. achieve maximum safety for school students, and the H E the Prime Minister also attended a part of the teaching and administrative staff of schools, to prevent the lessons and exchanged discussions with students coronavirus (COVID-19) about their study experience. pandemic. During the visit, H E the Prime Minister was briefed on H E the Prime Minister praised the efforts of the the various educational education sector to continue distance learning equipment and health prepa- during the COVID-19 pandemic and to enhance the rations made for the new aca- utilization of technological progress in this field. Prime Minister and Minister of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani talking to demic year 2020/2021 in light schools staff and students during a visit to one of the schools, yesterday.` P2 of the pandemic, in addition to inspecting a number of attended a part of the lessons Excellency stressed the impor- taken, praising the efforts of technological progress in this Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari and classrooms, scientific labora- and exchanged discussions tance of preserving public the education sector to con- field. a number of their Excellencies tories, isolation rooms, and with students about their study health and educating young tinue distance learning during H E the Prime Minister was senior officials of the Ministry halls. experience and distance people about the need to the COVID-19 pandemic and accompanied during the visit by of Education and Higher H E the Prime Minister also learning, and in this regard, His adhere to the health measures to enhance the utilisation of Minister of Public Health H E Dr. Education. Ministry acts against QFFD signs $50m contribution pact with Global Fund imported nut bars due to THE PENINSULA — DOHA The Global Fund’s long- Hamad Al Thani, QFFD has health for all, eradicate standing commitment to fight pledged $50m towards the incurable diseases and achieve In implementation of the direc- AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria Global Fund’s Sixth Replen- Sustainable Development Goal possible contamination tives of Amir H H Sheikh as epidemics is well aligned with ishment. This commitment will 3 on health,” said QFFD in the THE PENINSULA — DOHA while it was ensured that the Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Qatar Fund for Development’s help the Global Fund to achieve statement. ‘HEMA’ nuts were not imported by the Qatar Fund for Devel- overarching goal of promoting The Ministry of Public Health the agent and that they are not opment (QFFD) has signed a health as a central component announced that it has taken all available in the local markets. $50m three-year Multi-Year for sustainable development and The partnership aims to end the epidemics necessary precautions to deal with The procedures also include Contribution Agreement with empowering people to lead a of AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria by 2030. an international notification sending samples of the nuts for the Global Fund. The part- healthy and prosperous life. regarding two types of nut bars laboratory examination at the nership aims to end the “QFFD is proud of the stra- containing Brazil nuts - ‘EAT central food laboratories and the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis tegic partnership forged with The contribution to support to Sustainable NATURAL’ with an expiry date of results showed that the samples and malaria by 2030, thereby the Global Fund over the past Development Goal 3: Ensure healthy lives and June 2021 and ‘HEMA’ with expiry were free of the bacteria and that contributing to the Sustainable years; we are proud that our promote well-being for all at all ages. dates August 31, 2020; February 28, the product conformed to the rel- Development Goal 3: Ensure partnership continues to 2021 and March 31, 2021, both evant requirements. healthy lives and promote provide smart and effective brands originate in Bolivia. The ministry said that the well-being for all at all ages. health investments and, in The new Multi-Year Contribution Agreement will The international notification quantity of imported nuts that could The new Multi-Year Con- doing so, contributes to saving further strengthen the partnership established in warns about the possible contam- be contaminated are very limited, tribution Agreement will millions of lives by providing 2017 between QFFD and the Global Fund. ination of these two products with but precautionary measures are further strengthen the part- treatment and healthcare Salmonella anaphylaxis and Sal- taken to reduce any potential risks nership established in 2017 services to millions of vul- monella typhimurium. to consumers. The Ministry of between QFFD and the Global nerable people in more than QFFD is proud of the fact that the partnership con- The precautionary measures Public Health affirmed its utmost Fund where QFFD made a 100 countries,” said QFFD in a tinues to provide smart and effective health invest- taken by the Ministry of Public keenness to ensure the highest contribution of $10m for a first statement. ments contributing to saving millions of lives. Health include withdrawal of ‘EAT safety standards for food products funding cycle, said QFFD in a “Under the guidance of NATURAL’ nut bars from all outlets, in Qatar. statement, yesterday. Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin MME campaign removed 6,500 abandoned vehicles this year THE PENINSULA — DOHA committee while launching the to the drive,” said Al Humaidi. campaign, yesterday. Assistant Director of General Taking action under the ongoing He said that the campaign Cleanliness Department and a national campaign, the Joint will continue until the removal member of the joint committee, Education Committee for Removing Aban- of all abandoned vehicles. “The Mohamad Faraj Al Kubaisi said doned Vehicles at the Ministry of campaign was launched in that more such campaigns will City Stadium Municipality and Environment Doha Municipality in July 2020, be launched to aware and warn hosts first has removed 6,500 abandoned then moved to Al Rayan Munic- owners to not abandon their vehicles from different areas in ipality and Al Khor Al Zakhira vehicles. He said that abandoned match the country. The campaign Municipality. Now it has vehicles were spotted at most reached Al Daayen Municipality reached Al Daayen Munici- part of the residential areas, Baghdad Bounedjah yesterday where the Joint pality,” said Mesaifeer. industrial areas and other places. of Al Sadd heads Committe identified over 120 He said that since the “The inspectors of joint the ball against an abandoned vehicle for removal beginning of campaign in July committee pasted warning Al Kharaitiyat player during the drive. over 2,500 abandoned vehicles stickers on abandoned vehicles, during their QNB The campaign is moving have been removed. Head of the giving grace period of three Stars League match from one municipality to another General Monitoring Section of days to their owners to remove in Doha yesterday. to remove abandoned vehicles Al Daayen Municipality, Ali Al it. However, if a vehicle hinders Al Sadd won 5-1 which hinder cleaning opera- Humaidi said that the campaign traffic flow it will be removed at Education City tions, development works and to began from Al Sakhama area as immediately without any Stadium, a 2022 protect health and larger number of the abandoned warning,” said Al Kubaisi. FIFA World Cup environment. vehicles were found there. Lieutenant Yusuf Fahed Al Ali venue that hosted “The Committee in cooper- He said that once the job is at the General Directorate of its first match. The ation with General Monitoring done there, the team will move Traffic and a member of the new QNB Stars Section of Al Daayen Municipality to other areas until all abandoned committee said that the aban- League season spotted over 120 abandoned vehicles were removed. “Large doned vehicles will be taken to kicked off with Al vehicles at a number of places number of people were educated impounding ground where it will Sadd’s commanding across the municipality,” said about the impact of abandoned be kept for three months for win. Marzouq Mubrak Al Mesaifeer, vehicles under the campaign. owners to claim and after that the Assistant Director of Mechanical Many owners removed their road permits will be cancelled. Department and a member of the abandoned vehicles responding `P2 02 HOME FRIDAY 4 SEPTEMBER 2020

PRAYER TIMINGS WEATHER TODAY FAJR03.57 am SUNRISE 05.15 am o o Hazy to misty at some places at first becomes hot daytime 31 C 40 C with local clouds. ZUHR 11.33 am ASR 03.03 pm Minimum Maximum HIGH TIDE 05:07 – 17:42 LOW TIDE 01:11–12:24 MAGHRIB 05.50 pm ISHA 07.20 pm W ALRUWAIS: 30o↗36o W ALKHOR: 29o↗40o W DUKHAN: 29o↗40o W WAKRAH: 31o↗40o W MESAIEED 31o↗40o W ABUSAMRA 25o↗41o

PM visits schools to inspect Qatar attends ministerial OFFICIAL NEWS session of Arab Economic Prime Minister health safety arrangements holds phone call and Social Council with British Premier QNA — CAIRO Minister of Finance, DOHA: Prime Minister and Minis- ter of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin The State of Qatar participated H E Ali Shareef Al Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani held in the 106th session of the Emadi, represented yesterday a telephone conversation Economic and Social Council with British Prime Minister H E Boris at the ministerial level, which the State of Qatar Johnson. During the call, the two began yesterday at the head- in the session, held sides discussed relations between quarters of the General Secre- the friendly countries and ways of tariat of the Arab League, in the virtually. strengthening and developing them presence of the Arab ministers in various fields, especially in the of economy, trade, and finance. Social Council’s committees fields of investment and health, in Minister of Finance, H E Ali and senior officials on addition to the latest developments Shareef Al Emadi represented Wednesday, where they raised of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pan- the State of Qatar in the session, a group of draft decisions in demic in both countries. The phone which was held via preparation for consideration call also dealt with the most prom- videoconferencing. by the ministers. inent regional and international The meeting will discuss She emphasised that the developments of common con- several topics presented to issue of dealing with the cern. — QNA members of the Economic and effects and consequences of Social Council, foremost of the coronavirus (COVID-19) which are the economic and pandemic from various social, MADLSA allows social issues of the Arab League health, humanitarian, and eco- at the level of the next Arab nomic aspects is one of the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, H E Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, summit, support for the Pales- items that will be discussed at 12 nurseries to visiting a school yesterday to inspect the procedures and precautionary measures put in place tinian economy, the 2020 the council meeting, as well as to safeguard the students, teachers, and staff from coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. unified Arab economic report, supporting Palestine’s efforts reopen and the unified Arab speech of to contain the pandemic and THE PENINSULA — DOHA the joint annual meeting of the its social and humanitarian International Monetary Fund repercussions. The Ministry of Administrative Shura Council takes part in and the World Bank for 2020. She added that the council Development, Labour and Also, the ministers will inform will also review several Social Affairs (MADLSA) has the council about the reports measures within the issued a fourth list of 12 nurs- parliamentary webinar on COVID-19 and decisions of ministerial framework of the full Arab eries, in addition to the 47 councils and specialised Arab support for Lebanon and sol- announced earlier in three QNA — DOHA committees. idarity with it, to overcome the lists, which have been In a statement before the effects of the Beirut Port dis- approved by the Ministry to The Shura Council partici- meeting, Head of the Social aster that occurred on August reopen. pated yesterday in a parlia- Affairs sector at the Arab 4, including economic, social, The number of nurseries mentary webinar entitled League, Ambassador Haifa Abu and development support to allowed to reopen following COVID-19 and inclusive soci- Ghazala, said that the agenda enable it to overcome the the preventive and precau- eties, held by the Inter-Parlia- presented to the ministers was repercussions of this tionary measures to curb the mentary Union (IPU), the discussed by the Economic and disaster. spread of COVID-19 has United Nations Sustainable reached 59. Development Solutions The 12 nurseries allowed Network (SDSN) and Parlia- to reopen are: Noor Interna- mentarians for Global Goals MME campaign removed 6,500 tional Kindergarten, Fairy (PFGG). Tales – West Bay, Blooming Discussions during the abandoned vehicles this year Bud’s, Cambridge Stars, Take webinar, in which a number Care of My Baby, The Learning FROM PAGE 1 of experts in various fields Tree, Springfield, Blossom 2, participated, focused on how He said that the abandoned vehicles put hindrance in the way Fairy Tales —AinJ Khalid, Child to make the impact of the of implementing key development projects of the area apart from Corner, Baby Garden, and COVID-19 pandemic positive Shura Council member H E Khalifa bin Ali Al Hetmi attending the other factors related to health, hygiene and beauty of the place. Mickey Mouse. in relation to the achievement webinar. Lieutenant Abdullah Ali Al Marri from International Security The Ministry said these of inclusive societies, by pre- Force, Lekhwiya said that patrolling from Lekhwiya is being nurseries were approved for paring laws that enhance rep- adopting new standards such represented at this webinar by deployed to maintain security and participate with its equipment reopening after they met all the resentation, allocating the as achieving luxury. H E Khalifa bin Ali Al Hetmi, in the operation of the removing the vehicles to protect the conditions, preventive and pre- necessary budgets, and The Shura Council was Member of the Council. environment. cautionary measures to curb the spread of COVID-19. The lists of remaining nurseries for reopening will be published as Qatar Embassy delivers medical aid to the Kingdom of Eswatini soon as they will meet condi- tions, and preventive and pre- QNA — MBABANE Eswatini's Foreign Minister cautionary measures. expressed gratitude for the The Embassy of the State of Qatar to the Kingdom of Eswatini delivered medical assistance provided by Qatar MoPH launches aid and materials from Qatar Charity and praised strong ties (QC) to support Eswatini's efforts to internal network confront the COVID-19 pandemic. between the two countries. The delivery of the aid was attended for information by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Inter- the level of strong relations between the national Cooperation of Eswatini, H E two friendly countries. THE PENINSULA — DOHA Thuli Dladla; Minister of Education of Minister of Education, Lady Howard Eswatini, H E Lady Howard Mabuza; Mabuza, also expressed her sincere The Ministry of Public Health Minister of Health of Eswatini, H E Lizzie thanks and appreciation to the State of (MoPH) launched a new Nkosi and a number of senior officials Qatar for the aid that was provided and internal information network in the Kingdom, as well as Charge confirmed that it will provide students “Natawasal” on Wednesday, d’Affaires at the Embassy of the State of returning to schools with the necessary in order to enhance commu- Qatar to Eswatini, Ahmed bin Tajir materials that protect them from the risk nication within the Ministry. Mohammad Al Sada, and third secretary of exposure to the coronavirus. The new service aims to at the Embassy, Hamad Abdullah Al The foreign and educations ministers improve the communication Suwaidi. On behalf of the government expressed deep gratitude for the efforts process within the Ministry Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Eswatini, H E Thuli Dladla; and people of Eswatini, Foreign Minister of the Embassy of the State of Qatar in and to coordinate between its Minister of Education of Eswatini, H E Lady Howard Mabuza; Minister of Health of Dladla expressed sincere gratitude for Mbabane in supporting the Kingdom to various departments and divi- Eswatini, H E Lizzie Nkosi; Charge d’Affaires at the Embassy of the State of Qatar to the assistance provided by the State of confront the pandemic, wishing bilateral sions through the latest tech- Qatar to the people of the Kingdom to relations further progress and Eswatini, Ahmed bin Tajir Mohammad Al Sada; and third secretary at the Embassy, nological means compatible confront the coronavirus and praised prosperity. Hamad Abdullah Al Suwaidi, during the aid handover event in Mbabane with international standards. It also aimed of raising the effi- ciency of administrative work, improving the mechanisms of Four arrested for violating sharing resources and infor- mation, and benefiting from home quarantine rules shared computing techniques. QNA — DOHA Hassan Al Mohannadi; Commenting on this new Abdulaziz Ali Ibrahim Baker Al service, Mohamed Mubarak Al The competent authorities Haidous; Ahmed Majdi Nuaimi, Director of the Office arrested four people who Mahmoud Kamel; and Adel of the Minister of Public violated the requirements of Abdullah Abbas Ahmed Ali. Health, emphasised that the the home quarantine they The authorities have called internal information network committed to following, which on citizens and residents who is an excellent addition to the they are legally accountable are subject to quarantine to fully electronic services, solutions for, in accordance with the adhere to the requirements set and applications provided by procedures of the health by MoPH, to ensure their safety the Ministry to its employees authorities in the country. and the safety of others. The within the framework of the It is in implementation of authorities have warned that Ministry’s continuous the precautionary measures in anyone who violates these con- keenness to serve employees force in the country, approved ditions will expose himself to and provide all requirements by health authorities repre- the penalties stipulated in that contribute to the devel- MME releases 35,000 baby sea breams in sea sented in the Ministry of Public accordance with the provisions opment of work. Health (MoPH) to ensure the of Article (253) of the Penal Code The distinctive service will Officials from Fish Affairs Department at the Ministry of Municipality and Environment are releasing achievement of public safety No. (11) of 2004, and the provi- serve employees, and provide baby sea breams, weighing around 5gm each, into the Qatari sea waters. In the fourth batch, 35,000 and to curb the spread of sions of Law No. (17) of 1990 space for interaction and to baby sea bream fish were released into the sea yesterday. The Ministry is targetting to release over COVID-19. regarding the prevention of present constructive ideas and 200,000 baby sea bream to increase the strategic stock of fish in the sea. So far, 126,000 fish have The four persons currently infectious diseases, and Law No. proposals that contribute to been released since the start of the initiative. being referred to prosecution (17) of 2002 on the protection improving performance and are Mubarak Rabia Sanad of society. enhancing job satisfaction. FRIDAY 4 SEPTEMBER 2020 HOME 03 Qatar keen on strengthening ties with Greece: Envoy QNA — ATHENS of Thessaloniki and the island of Qatar is a sporting it into a catalyst to achieve more Mykonos, the Ambassador said, destination, and by accomplishments in various fields, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to pointing to the activation of the visa and has become stronger than ever the Hellenic Republic, H E Abdulaziz waiver agreement for holders of dip- hosting the World before despite more than three years Ali Al Naama, has underlined that the lomatic and special passports, which Cup, it seeks to prove to of the blockade. State of Qatar has great interest to entered into force. Since the start of the Gulf crisis, invest in Greece, noting that the rela- Ambassador Al Naama also noted the world that the Arab Qatar has called for dialogue, which tions between Qatar and Greece are Qatar’s increasing interest in the field world has the ability to must be within the framework of a developing continuously. of investment at the regional and inter- charter based on four foundations, In an interview with the Greek national levels. Based on the special organise such huge global namely: mutual respect, common newspaper Ta Nea, the Ambassador agreements in the field of investment events. interests, non-dictation in foreign said that Qatar will provide a rich and between Qatar and Greece, the State policy, and non-interference in unique experience for football fans in of Qatar raises the ceiling of its interest internal affairs, the Ambassador the 2022 World Cup, which will be a in the investment movement in Greece. the tournament begins. explained. gateway to learn about the Arab culture In addition, the State of Qatar has The Ambassador said that Qatar By days, Doha moved to the stage at its best. special institutions and agencies in the has moved from the stage of prepa- of placing the blockading countries in The Ambassador highlighted the investment field, such as Qatar ration for this important incident to the dock, whereby the UAE was placed developing relations between Qatar Investment Authority, which spe- the stage of reality, which includes before the International Court of and Greece in light of the meetings cialises in foreign investment in all planning, preparing and selecting the Justice, due to its continuous viola- between officials in both countries and fields. On Qatar’s preparations to host stadiums that will host the opening tions of human rights against the State the exchange of high-level official the 2022 World Cup, the Envoy said and the final matches, referring in this of Qatar and its citizens. Doha also visits. Qatar is a sporting destination, and by context to the announcement of the took Saudi Arabia to international He said that the State of Qatar is hosting the World Cup, it seeks to prove Supreme Committee for Delivery and human rights organisations with Ambassador of the State of Qatar to keen on strengthening bilateral rela- to the world that the Arab world has Legacy of the schedule of matches for regard to its politicisation of the Hajj, the Hellenic Republic, H E Abdulaziz tions with Greece, noting the mutual the ability to organise such huge global the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, and and the obstruction of Qatari pilgrims Ali Al Naama diplomatic support in international events. that Al Bayt Stadium which takes the freely performing their religious conferences and organisations, the He stressed that the coronavirus name and character of the traditional rituals. The World Trade Organization signing of a number of agreements, pandemic did not affect or delay tents and can accommodate 60,000 spectators. also issued its ruling against Saudi increasing air traffic, and completing Qatar’s preparations and hosting spectators, will be the stage for the On the unjust blockade imposed Arabia's violations of the intellectual important pending agreements that projects for the 2022 World Cup, opening of the tournament hosted by on Qatar, the Ambassador underlined property rights of Qatari companies, highlight the development of bilateral referring to the inauguration of the Qatar on Monday 21 November 2022. that Qatar has succeeded in over- specifically because of Riyadh’s relations. Education City Stadium, the third The final match will be played on coming the blockade and its negative refusal to take measures against the Within the scope of air navigation, stadium for the FIFA World Cup. He December 18, 2022, which coincides effects. Qatar has triumphed over the piracy channel “ beoutQ” and to Qatar Airways added two destinations added that the last stadium will be with the country’s National Day, at blockade imposed on it by sisterly encourage this piracy against the in addition to Athens, namely the city completed in 2021, one year before Lusail Stadium in front of 80,000 countries, and has turned Qatari company beIN SPORTS. MoPH: 214 new EAA Foundation launches virus cases, #UniteToProtect campaign 202 recoveries THE PENINSULA — DOHA THE PENINSULA — DOHA cation from attack.” Through evidence-based advocacy, The Ministry of Public Health The Education Above All Foundation awareness and empowering rights- (MoPH) yesterday announced (EAA) and partners — Unicef, Unesco, holders, the #UniteToProtect campaign the registration of 214 new Qatar Fund for Development and the aims to ensure perpetrators are held confirmed cases of COVID-19 Save Our Future Now campaign — have accountable for their actions and attacks in the country. Among them launched #UniteToProtect, a global on education aren’t met with impunity. six were travellers returning campaign that calls for the protection of The protection of education has to Qatar from abroad. education from attack, with the long- remained an issue in policy-making plat- Another 202 people have term aim of reducing the impunity for forms, with little to no involvement of recovered from the virus, education-related violations of interna- the wider public or grassroots bringing the total number of tional law, and to ensure everyone’s right communities. recovered cases in Qatar to to safe, inclusive and equitable quality The campaign uses and merges a 116,313. education. multiplicity of voices, stakeholders and The Ministry has also Mubarak Al Thani, Head of Advocacy platforms to flag and encourage dialogue reported two new deaths due The #UniteToProtect campaign aims to reduce the impunity for education-related at EAA, said, “The world is witnessing a to push forward the issue as a priority to COVID-19. The deceased violations of international law, and to ensure everyone’s right to safe, inclusive and disturbing trend of systemic and delib- on the global agenda, highlighting how were aged 74 and 79 who were equitable quality education. erate attacks being carried out on edu- each role is key to ensuring decision- receiving medical care. cation. According to the Education Under makers are protecting those most vul- All new cases have been Attack 2020 report, there have been nerable or marginalised. 9th of September comes amid a global through both high-level and grassroots introduced to isolation and are more than 11,000 attacks on education “Attacks on education destroy the pandemic, which has exacerbated platforms for the protection of education receiving necessary healthcare in the last five years. hopes and ambitions of generations of existing inequities in education with for the most vulnerable communities, according to their health "In that same time period, children children and impact negatively on sus- over a billion learners out of school the #UniteToProtect campaign is intent status. The Ministry further have been forcibly abducted or recruited tainable development, supporting and 184 country-wide school closures. on moving the global response to these said that measures to tackle from their schools in at least 17 coun- peace and human rights,” said Dr It is our responsibility to work towards attacks beyond mere condemnation. We COVID-19 in Qatar have suc- tries. The global community has Maleiha Malik, Executive Director of reimagining and rebuilding an edu- each have a role to play to ensure pro- ceeded in flattening the curve responded with complacency and tol- Protect Education in Insecurity and cation system that is innovative and tection and accountability become and limiting the spread of the erance. EAA and its partners are com- Conflict (PEIC) Programme at EAA. resilient, with protection and account- essential issues at all levels of gov- virus. The number of daily mitted to driving top-down and grass- “The inaugural #UniteToProtect cam- ability as a cornerstone.” ernment and civil society,” said Mubarak new cases and hospital admis- roots effort for the protection of edu- paign and observance of the “By driving transnational advocacy Al Thani. sions has gradually declined over the past few weeks. The Ministry has also said that Qatar has one of the QF’s Quranic Botanic Garden launches gardening helpline lowest COVID-19 death rates in the world, as a result of THE PENINSULA — DOHA interest among audiences in relaxation, increases patience, Director QBG, said, “It is Qatar’s young population, Qatar and the region and and improves both sleep and delightful to see the public’s proactive testing to identify The Quranic Botanic Garden helped many kickstart their breathing, due to being in an positive response and high cases early, expanding hospital (QBG) has launched a free-of- own home gardens, as well as open-air environment,” said interest in this service, since capacity — especially intensive charge ‘Home Garden improve the quality and Dr. Mobayed. it was launched. The QBG care — to ensure all patients Helpline’ service, which quantity of their yield. In Maha Al Kuwari, one of the ‘Home Garden Helpline’ receive the medical care they enables any member of the addition to the positive impact beneficiaries of the telephone service aims to support the need, and protecting the public, locally or interna- that home gardening has on line service, said: “From my Environmental Development elderly and those with chronic tionally based, to address the environment and the con- point of view, the idea is pillar of Qatar National Vision diseases. home gardening questions. tribution it makes to food excellent, as it contributes to 2030 and protect global eco- However the Ministry has Public can call the helpline security, it also has a positive raising awareness before any systems, by enabling the com- emphasised the importance of at +974 3091 8519 every effect on mental wellbeing. problem or injury occurs to the munity to be active contrib- taking precautions against Monday from 9am to 12:30pm, Dr. Mamoun Mobayed, plant. It also contributes to utors to the sustainable devel- COVID-19. “Unless we follow and every Wednesday from Consultant Psychiatrist and reducing agricultural costs by opment of the planet. all precautionary measures, 12:30pm to 2:30pm. Director of the Treatment and life cycle of the plant itself providing pre-purchase coun- Everything we do at QBG is we may experience a second The QBG ‘Home Garden Rehabilitation Department, elicits a person’s meditative selling, and finally increases about serving the country and wave of the virus and see Helpline’ is suitable for sea- Behavioral Healthcare Center and reflective side. This brings the demand for agriculture, the community. In line with numbers increasing — there soned horticulturalists with in Qatar, said,“Home gar- forth feelings of gratitude, with the public being aware this, over the month of Sep- are already signs of this hap- experience in the field, as well dening is an essential factor in optimism, and creativity, and that there are entities keen on tember, we will host ‘Fun and pening in other countries as anyone interested in taking helping overcome certain psy- boosts the production of hor- teaching agriculture, even Learn’ programme, which will around the world. Now more up gardening as a new hobby. chological issues. mones associated with hap- from a distance, with a teach primary school students than ever, we must be careful To date, the service has gen- “It makes people feel piness. In addition, gardening hotline.” in Qatar about plant life and and protect the most vul- erated a significant amount of hopeful and optimistic and the enhances mental and physical Fatima Al Khulaifi, the environment.” nerable,” the Ministry said. QRCS preparing $50,000 relief plan for flood-affected families in Sudan THE PENINSULA — DOHA urgency. Heavy rains and flash host communities. floods since the end of June Another 39,000 houses, 34 Qatar Red Crescent Society have affected over 380,000 schools, and 2,671 health facil- (QRCS) is working with the people and killed nearly 90 ities have been damaged, Sudanese Red Crescent Society across 17 states in Sudan, according to HAC. Food security (SRCS) on a relief proposal with according to preliminary data might have been further com- an initial budget of $50,000, to from the Government’s promised, as approximately provide nonfood items (NFIs) Humanitarian Aid Commission 1,300 animals have died, and for the flood-affected families (HAC). The continued storms thousands of acres of crops in Sudan. and flooding are causing have been lost or will not be Under the scheme, many damage to houses, schools, cultivated. tarpaulins, blankets, mosquito water points, and other critical In the White Nile State, mit- nets, jerrycans, and mattresses infrastructure, with North igation efforts carried out by will be urgently supplied. Also, Darfur, Sennar, and West civil defense and local organi- awareness sessions will be held Kordofan states amongst the sations helped to protect to inform the public about hardest-hit. several people who were stuck health safety protections. More than 37,000 homes by the rise of floodwaters on the Around 350 worst-affected have been destroyed, forcing White Nile. However, over families will receive prompt most of the families affected to 10,000 people remain impacted A view of relief assistance deployed with the help of QRCS in flood-affected areas in Sudan. assistance as a matter of seek shelter with relatives and by flash floods across the state. 04 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA FRIDAY 4 SEPTEMBER 2020

Al Islah Party Army finds more parliament explosive chemicals member killed in Yemen clashes outside Beirut port ANATOLIA — SANA'A

REUTERS — BEIRUT The Lebanese army A member of Yemen’s said it had found parliament was killed in Lebanon’s army said yesterday clashes with Houthi rebels in it had found 4.35 tonnes of 4.35 tonnes of Marib province, the official ammonium nitrate near the ammonium nitrate Saba news agency reported entrance to Beirut port, the site near the entrance yesterday. of a huge blast last month President Abdrabuh caused by a large stockpile of to Beirut port, the Mansur Hadi issued a condo- the same highly explosive site of a huge blast lence message for Sheikh chemical. last month caused Rubaish Al Ali, who played a Army engineers were major role in the fight against “dealing with it,” according to by a large stockpile the rebels in the country, said an army statement carried by of the same highly Saba. Palestinians hold images of prisoner Daoud Al Khatib during a protest against his death in Israel’s the state news agency NNA. The explosive chemical. Ali died while com- Ofer jail, in Nablus, West Bank, yesterday statement said the chemicals manding an attack against were found outside entrance Houthi militias in Marib, the nine to the port. site of a collapsed building in report said. Palestinian prisoner dies in Israeli The catastrophic explosion the Gemmayzeh area, the city's Yemen’s Defence Ministry on August 4 that ripped through governor told reporters at the also issued a condolence the city killed about 190 people. scene. The public remains message, saying Ali was a brig- jail months before his release The authorities said it was anxious that more hazardous adier in the army and lost his caused by about 2,750 tonnes materials are being stored life while on duty to protect his ANATOLIA — RAMALLAH worsened as a result of delib- the risk of a slow death in the of ammonium nitrate that had badly, putting them at risk. country. erate medical negligence by prisons,” he added. been stacked in unsafe condi- Earlier yesterday, Pres- Ali was a deputy of the Al A Palestinian detainee died on Israeli prison authorities. Two sections of Ofer prison tions in a port warehouse for ident Michel Aoun ordered Islah Party, a Yemeni Islamist Wednesday in Israel’s Ofer “The conditions of impris- were closed on Wednesday. years. The blast smashed entire repairs to be made to old refu- party. prison, months before he was onment caused a deterioration Israeli authorities isolated the neighbourhoods, gutting elling infrastructure at Beirut Yemen has remained set to complete his 18-year of his health, particularly after sections after an officer was buildings and injuring 6,000 airport and called for an inves- wracked by violence since sentence. the surgery,” Amani Sarahneh, diagnosed with the novel people. tigation into a report that thou- 2014, when the Iran-aligned Daoud Al Khatib, 45, from a spokesman for the PPS, told coronavirus. Chilean rescue workes sands of litres of fuel had Houthi group overran much Bethlehem was detained in Anadolu Agency. The PPS statement said continue search operation leaked from the system. of the country, including the 2001 for committing acts of The number of detainees forces recently stormed sec- through the rubble of a badly Beirut airport head Fadi El capital Sana’a. resistance against the Israeli who have died in Israeli prisons tions of Ofer prison where damaged building in Beirut Hassan told a news conference The conflict escalated the occupation. He suffered a heart has increased recently because around 850 prisoners are yesterday, of possible survivors that a leak of 84,000 litres of following year when Saudi attack in 2017 and underwent of the policy of negligence prac- detained to quell protests. from a mega-blast at the fuel had occurred in March Arabia and its Arab allies open-heart surgery, the Pales- ticed by the Prisons Adminis- According to the group, adjacent port one month ago, 2019 and repairs were com- launched a massive air cam- tinian Prisoners’ Society (PPS) tration as a form of torture 4,500 detainees are currently after scanners detected a pulse,. pleted in two months. He said paign aimed at rolling back said in a statement against prisoners, Sarahneh said. incarcerated in Israeli prisons A sniffer dog used by Chilean international investigators had Houthi gains in Yemen and The statement said he suf- “There are more than 300 including 700 patients, 300 of rescuers on last night described the repairs as supported the country’s pro- fered the latest heart attack on detainees suffering from which are suffering from responded to a scent from the “satisfactory”. Saudi government. Wednesday and his situation chronic diseases who are facing chronic diseases.

Mozambique 25 Palestinian groups call for general elections army eyeing bid ANATOLIA — RAMALLAH Central Elections Commission, to President Mahmoud Abbas internal and external condi- plans in the occupied West to retake port ahead of the intra-Palestinian and the heads of Palestinian tions, it was necessary to rear- Bank. Several Palestinian civil society meeting scheduled to take place groups, asking them to conduct range our resistance and While the last presidential from militants and rights groups urged lead- in the evening. parliamentary and presidential strengthen the resilience of Pal- elections were held in 2005, the ership to conduct presidential Addressing a press con- elections. estinian citizens. parliamentary elections were AFP — MAPUTO and parliamentary elections. ference in front of the Elections “We demand Abbas to issue President Abbas and Hamas conducted a year later in 2006. Signed by 25 Palestinian Commission office in Ramallah, a presidential decree to set a Political Chief Ismail Haniyah These elections led to an Troops are preparing an oper- groups, a letter was handed Issam Arouri, director-general date for elections in line with and other groups will be holding ongoing political and geo- ation to recover a strategic port over to Hanna Nasser, the of Jerusalem Legal Aid Center, the basic law,” Arouri said. a meeting to discuss ways of graphical split between the in northern Mozambique that chairman of the Palestinian said the letter will be presented He said keeping in view the aborting Israeli annexation Gaza Strip and the West Bank. was seized by militants three weeks ago, sources say. Militants occupied Israeli strikes on Mocimboa da Praia, the focus Morocco’s blocked border with Spain brings suffering of a scheme to develop the east Syria kill 16 region’s offshore gas wealth, AFP — FNIDEQ, MOROCCO on August 12 following days of Iran-backed attacks. Thousands of Moroccans who A senior military source fighters once crossed into Spanish who asked not to be named AP — BEIRUT enclaves on the North African said on Wednesday that the coast to work every day are state still has “no control” of A Syrian opposition war struggling after six months of the town. monitor said airstrikes on border closures due to corona- Another source, who was eastern Syria believed to have virus restrictions. also speaking in Palma been carried out by Israeli “Everything is at a stand- 60kmbnorth of the port, said warplanes early yesterday still,” said 43-year-old yesterday that the military’s killed 16 Iranian-backed Mohamed Bouhlal, who worries “priority is taking back” fighters. how to pay his rent. He fears he Mocimboa da Praia. The Britain-based Syrian and his family will be thrown “Steps are already Observatory for Human Rights out of their home. underway to retake the town,” said the strikes hit positions of The frontiers of the two a source in the capital Maputo Iranian-backed fighters near Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and said on Wednesday. the towns of Mayadeen and Melilla, which have the only Locals have reported Boukamal close to the Iraqi land borders between the seeing busloads of soldiers border. European Union and Africa, moving northwards towards There was no official have been shut since March in Mocimboa da Praia on the comment from Syrian state a bid to forestall the spread of highway from Pemba, the media, which reported an air- the novel coronavirus. But the A picture taken from the Moroccan town of Fnideq shows a general view of Spain’s North African enclave capital of Cabo Delgado strike late Wednesday on the pandemic restrictions have of Ceuta which lies on the Strait of Gibraltar. Deprived of a livelihood because of the border closures, province. T4 air base in the central created problems. “If the border thousands of Moroccan cross-border workers despair of returning to work in the Spanish enclaves Neighbourhood leaders province of Homs. does not reopen, I will have no of Ceuta and Melilla, after six months of paralysis linked to the pandemic of the new coronavirus. have also been advising vil- There were also Israeli other choice but to beg,” said lagers to vacate their homes strikes Monday night that, domestic worker Fadwa, who — including restaurant staff and have been dismissed, Merouane March, I have not received a and head to Palma to minimise according to Syrian state worked for the past 18 years in business traders, housekeepers said. But while those who opted salary. I am stuck at home,” she civilian losses in the event of media, hit military posts south Ceuta, less than 10km from her and those working in tourism to stay on the Spanish side kept said. It is compounding wider clashes. of the capital Damascus killing home in Morocco. — have lost their jobs in the two their jobs, they have since faced economic misery for Morocco. The loss of Mocimboa da two Syrian soldiers and While the border post is enclaves, unions say. other challenges. Official figures predict the Praia marks the latest step in wounding seven others. deserted, police keep a close Some 3,600 have been They range from “divorce pandemic could push the an intensifying insurgency in Israel rarely comments on eye on frontier. The enclaves made unemployed in Ceuta, sit- or depression, because they country into its worst recession the country’s north since 2017 such reports, but is believed to are surround by high barbed uated just across the Strait of chose to be stranded from their since 1996, with a contraction that has killed more than have carried out dozens of wire fences, erected in a bid to Gibraltar from mainland Spain, relatives to keep their jobs”, he of more than five percent of its 1,500 people and displaced raids targeting Iran’s military stop the large numbers of and 5,000 have lost their work said. Usually, crossing the GDP. While nearly six million 250,000. presence in Syria. The Observ- African migrants who seek to in Melilla, further east along the border is simple. An agreement families needing help after It was the second time this atory said the airstrike near cross and enter the EU by land. African coast, they say. between Morocco and Spain loosing their incomes received year that the port —the logis- Boukamal killed nine fighters Fnideq, a small shopping Chakib Merouane, the exempts cross-border workers state aid for three months, tical springboard for the Afungi while the strike near May- town just across the border in general secretary of Moroccan from needing a visa. nothing has been done for the liquefied natural gas (LNG) adeen killed seven. It added Morocco, is usually crowded at workers in Ceuta, said the sit- Fattouma Chairi, 73, has Moroccans who lost work due project — has been occupied, that other fighters were also this time of year. Now it is quiet. uation was serious. Some of been commuting across the to the closure of the borders although the previous event wounded in the strikes. More than 8,000 people those unable to cross the border border for half a century. “Since with Spain, residents say. lasted only a day or two. South African healthcare workers protest, threaten strike

AP — PRETORIA endangered as some health cause serious problems for in South Africa, according to front of the offices of President Khusela Diko, stepped down facilities have inadequate sup- South Africa’s hospitals, which official figures. South Africa has Cyril Ramaphosa at the Union after being linked to irregular South African healthcare plies of protective equipment have been stretched to the limit recorded 630,595 positive cases Buildings. They held up purchases. Her husband’s workers have protested against like surgical masks. by the coronavirus. Although of COVID-19, the highest in placards, some reading “Thank company allegedly charged poor working conditions and The union leading the dem- the number of new confirmed Africa, and the sixth-highest in You Frontline Workers” and more than five times the regu- urged the government to end onstrations, the National Edu- cases of COVID-19 has the world. “Remove Corrupt Officials.” lated amount for surgical masks corruption in the purchase of cation, Health and Allied decreased, South Africa is still More than 27,300 health South Africa has been and sanitizers. COVID-19 personal protective Workers’ Union, has threatened reporting more than 2,000 new workers have tested positive rocked by allegations of cor- Gauteng provincial health equipment. that its 200,000 public workers cases per day and the country and 230 have died from the ruption related to the pro- minister, Bandile Masuku, was The protesters gathered will go on strike on Sept. 10 if has been warned of a possible disease, according to official curement of personal protective also forced to step down due to yesterday in Pretoria and Cape their issues are not addressed. second wave of infections. figures from last month. equipment. allegations he was linked to the Town, charging that the lives of A widespread strike by The pandemic has so far The demonstrators in Pre- President Cyril Ram- irregular procurement of health healthcare workers are healthcare workers would claimed more than 14,300 lives toria, the capital, marched in aphosa’s spokeswoman, supplies. FRIDAY 4 SEPTEMBER 2020 ISLAM 05 The Quranic meaning of Iman According to the Quran, Iman is conviction which is based upon reason and knowledge; a conviction that results from full mental acceptance and intellectual satisfaction; the kind of conviction that gives one a feeling of inner contentment and peace. And a Mu’min is one who accepts truth in such a way that it ensures his own peace and helps him to safeguard the peace and security of the rest of humankind.

MANSOOR ALAM them listen [to thy message] and use he root of the word “Iman” is their reason? Nay, they are but like Ta-m-n which means: to be calm cattle - nay, they are even less con- and quiet (in one’s heart); to be scious of the right way! (25:44) protected from fear; trustworthiness, The Quran expects man to think and truthfulness. and use his power of understanding in Iman means to accept truthfully, the light of the guidance provided by to be convinced, and to verify some- wa‘hi or revelation from Allah. These thing, to rely upon or have confidence two sources of guidance, i.e., reason in something. Iman is usually trans- and revelation, are supplementary to lated in English as faith or belief, and each other. If they are kept within their faith in turn signifies acceptance proper spheres, then there will be no without proof or argument, without conflict between them. The Prophet reference to reason or thought, (PBUH) is commanded to say: knowledge or insight. Say, O Prophet: “This is my way: According to the Quran, Iman is Resting upon conscious insight acces- conviction which is based upon reason sible to reason, I am calling [you all] and knowledge; a conviction that unto God - I and they who follow me.” results from full mental acceptance and (12:108) To accept everything which the influenced by others, it no longer built as a coherent system is flawed. intellectual satisfaction; the kind of It is clear from these verses that Quran says as truth is Iman. (2:26) remains private. So much so, that an Now if the foundation itself is conviction that gives one a feeling of Allah puts an extraordinary emphasis In order to acquire Iman in Allah, accomplished religious leader can defective, no matter how much tink- inner contentment and peace. And a on (human) reason and intellect. Those it is necessary to first reject every cause havoc in people’s lives to the ering and patch-up job is done to save Mu’min is one who accepts truth in who do not use reason are called worse authority other than Allah. (2:25-26) extent that a single statement of his the superstructure (of a society), sooner such a way that it ensures his own than animals by Allah. The revelation Iman will lead human beings from may cause them to give up their lives or later it is going to collapse. Many of peace and helps him to safeguard the from Allah is meant to be used with darkness towards light. (2:257) and/or take other people’s lives. them have collapsed already and many peace and security of the rest of reason and understanding in order to In matters of Iman, one’s profession And we know that this scenario is are on the way moving towards their humankind. enlighten our minds and hearts and is irrelevant. (26:111-112) physically as well as psychologically final destiny. In fact, Al Mu’min is one of the not to be followed blindly: Unless Iman enters the heart, it impossible now in the age of the infor- In fact, we are all on a mission and attributes of Allah Himself (59:23). Allah Say: “Are those equal, those who cannot be called Iman. One can only mation super highway, World Wide a journey, continuously moving gives a comprehensive and an objective know and those who do not know?” say that one has surrendered to Islam. Web, and the Internet. As a matter of towards a final destination whether definition of Iman in the Quran: “To (39:9) (49:14) fact, this distinction between private we realize it or not. The electrons and believe in Allah, and in the hereafter, And most important of all, Allah Allah does not discard anyone’s and public domain of human life is the neurons in our bodies, the earth we and in Malaika (angels or Allah’s says that even His revelations are not Iman. (2:143) product of a concept called dualism inhabit, the solar system, the galaxy— forces), and in the Book, and the to be accepted blindly. The Believers Finally, an important aspect which which finds no sanction anywhere in from the smallest to the biggest, eve- Prophets.” (2:177) (Mu’minin) according to the Quran are: must be emphasised here is that no the Quran. Life is a unity which cannot rything and everyone and life in “And who, whenever they are form of force or coercion (direct or be bifurcated into private and public general, are all on a journey towards The Importance of Reason in reminded of their Sustainer’s messages, indirect, temporal or spiritual) can be parts, religious and secular parts, or their goal determined by Allah. Iman do not throw themselves upon them used in connection with Iman. This is material and spiritual parts. In the Allah says in the Quran that if all The Quranic view of reason and its [as if] deaf and blind.” (25:73) because it contradicts the very defi- words of Iqbal: “Thus the affirmation the trees on the planet became pens place in human life deserves careful Thus, the Quran calls upon all nition of Iman. (As we have seen, Iman of spirit sought by Christianity would and all its oceans became ink, the consideration. Man has been granted human beings to apply their minds is derived from a-m-n which means come not by the renunciation of words of Allah (and the meanings con- a mind which enables him to think, and (with open minds, not with an a priori peace in the heart.) So any forced con- external forces which are already per- tained in them) would not be exhausted through the instrument of intellect, is bias, prejudice or ancestral customized version cannot be allowed in Islam. In meated by the illumination of spirit, (31:27, 18:109). supposed to build up a system of thoughts) to its teaching, and to strive fact, forced Iman is no Iman at all. but by proper adjustment of man’s That means we are limited by our knowledge. Reason converts the raw constantly to grasp its meaning and Therefore, Iman in Islam is not a relation to these forces in view of the finite capacity of knowledge and data supplied by the senses into rationale. The following commands are (blind) faith held privately and subjec- light received from within. understanding. But still, Allah enjoins knowledge and the Quran assigns to for everyone (and not just for the tively (without any rationale or reason) “...With Islam, the ideal and real [i.e. on every one of us (who call ourselves reason an important role in life: scholars): between an individual and God. As we spiritual and material] are not two Muslims) to use our reason, intellect, Verily, the vilest of all creatures in “Will they not, then, try to under- have seen, there is a clear, explicit, and opposing forces which cannot be rec- and the up-to-date human knowledge the sight of God are those deaf, those stand this Quran?” (4:82, 47:24) objective definition of Iman given in onciled. The life of the ideal [i.e. spir- and to directly try to understand and dumb ones who do not use their “(This is) a Book (the Quran) which the Quran and Allah has Himself itual life] consists, not in a total breach explore the meanings of His revela- reason. (8:22) We have sent down to you, full of explained the process of how to acquire with the real [i.e. material life] which tions (as noted earlier in many verses, This is a graphic description of the blessings that they may ponder over it in various other verses related to this would tend to shatter the very organic especially verse 25:73). degradation of man when he does not its Verses, and that men of under- topic. Therefore, it is not proper (for wholeness of life into painful We will never be able to exhaust employ reason to his service. Such a standing may remember.” (38:29) any Muslim, at least) to say that faith oppositions... the meanings of Allah’s words but we man, the Quran tells us, not only lives Thus, Iman has to be individually is a private, subjective matter between “Islam, however, faces the oppo- are asked, nevertheless, to keep a worthless and debased life here but acquired which requires that each of an individual and God. Nevertheless, sition with a view to overcome it... striving continuously. That is why it is also renders himself unfit for the here- us consciously strive to acquire the maxim “faith is a private matter” Islam, recognising the contact of the all the more important not to give up after which he enters after death: knowledge and understanding by using is accepted as a universal truth. It ideal with real, says ‘yes’ to the world and stop this process by saying that our “Many are the Jinns and men we our own God-given gift of reason and seems no one thinks that any serious of matter and points the way to master great scholars of the past have already have made for Hell: They have hearts intellect in the light of the revelation effort is needed to investigate its in- it with a view to discover a basis for a explored all there was to be explored wherewith they understand not, eyes given in the Quran, so that Iman can depth meaning and provide a proof for realistic regulation of life.” (Recon- and they have understood all there was wherewith they see not, and ears enter our hearts. this oft repeated phrase. struction of Religious Thought in Islam, to be understood. And we simply have wherewith they hear not. They are like A moment’s reflection, however, pages 7-8) to refer to them in matters of Islam. cattle,- nay more misguided: for they Characteristics of Iman reveals that those who believe in this Unfortunately, this is what life has This passive approach on our part will are heedless (of warning). (7:179) Here is list of several characteristics maxim are really contradicting them- become today—comprised of painful not absolve us from our duty to ponder This point is again emphasized in of Iman from the Quran which shed selves in their daily lives. A good reli- oppositions in our feelings and emo- directly in the Quran as required by Sura Al Furqan. The Prophet (PBUH) some further light on its reality: Iman gious speaker greatly influences peo- tions, in our thoughts and actions— Allah. This requirement is for each and is addressed: is not to accept it with the tongue but ple’s thoughts and beliefs. The moment because the foundation (i.e. Iman) on every generation and for all time to Or dost thou think that most of to accept it with the heart. (2:8-9) one opens one’s private belief to be which the life’s superstructure is to be come. www.islamicity.org/

“So do not weaken and do not grieve, and you will be superior if you are true believers. If a wound should Despair not of divine mercy touch you; there has already touched the opposing OTHMAN MOHAMMAD hope-enducing. The story of advice. He then took it upon mountains. They had lost some people a wound similar to it. And these days of Yusuf (peace be upon him) for himself to break this stone with of their greatest men in this varying conditions We alternate among the people so t is a hallmark of depressed instance is a remarkable ode to his own blessed hands. battle, including the uncle of our that Allah may make evident those who believe and people that they give up on hope that the Quran beautifully He grabbed the sledge- Prophet, the brave and noble Ihope. Life for these people captures. hammer of Salman Al Farsi and man, Hamzah. He was savagely may take to Himself from among you martyrs; Allah can seem void of colour, so The chapter narrates the hit the rock thrice, shattering it killed and mutilated, causing does not like the wrongdoers.” (Quran 3:139-140) mundane that it is not worth story in which Prophet Yaqub into pieces.With each strike, the Prophet (PBUH) himself to living any more. (PBUH) kept hope in finding his there was a spark and with each cry for him on that day. Their Any energy spent on the face son Prophet Yusuf (PBUH) for a spark, the Prophet said Allahu wounds were still open and martyrs; Allah does not like the during the night, in private and of earth seems such a waste for quarter of a century until Allah Akbar and gave the Muslims their souls were shaken and wrongdoers.” (Quran, 3:139-140) in public, so much so that some them. Hence, depressed people brought them back together. glad tidings. “Bismillah.” One- defeated. They feared that this A great lesson, that despite the of us have lost hope in ourselves seem to care less about putting This a lesson for all of us to keep third of the rock was broken. He would be the end of their nation defeat of our ummah, if we are true that we will ever repent to Allah. an effort to change, or to make the hope in Allah. In out times said, “Allahu Akbar! I was given and that the Quraish would believers, we should not feel Just like this young man, we all meaning of their existence. Many of tribulations, Allah Almighty the keys of Damascus. I swear have the upper hand afterward. demoralised and we are to hold have hope that one day we will of them lose track of the whole will find an exit for us with His by God that I see the red manors They felt ashamed that they onto the rope of hope in Allah. be granted the precious gift of purpose of life and extinguish into mercy: “Despair not of the of Damascus now!” Then, he had made the Prophet go out for In the Musnad of Imam repentance and steadfastness. demise or wilfully end their lives. mercy of Allah...” said, “Bismillah!”again and hit war when he felt that it was not Ahmad, there is a story that This is a great lesson that we It is my belief that the same During the battle of Al the rock with the sledgehammer wise to do so. The Prophet’s life people came complaining to the should never lose hope that cascade of misery that applies to Ahzab (also known as the battle again. One-third of the rock was itself was endangered and he was Prophet that a youth was a hyp- Allah will accept us, that His an individual also applies to a of the trench) the tribe of broken. beaten so savagely that the ocrite because he prays all night mercy is greater than our sins. community or even a nation at Quraish had formed a coalition The Prophet (PBUH) said, metallic sheaths of his helmet (or prays qiyam at night), and We should never lose hope large. We often refer to Islam as against the Muslims in Madinah. “Allahu Akbar! I was given the penetrated into his holy face. when he wakes up in the on our Ummah, never lose hope a way of life. I think Islam is also The coalition included Quraish keys of Persia. I swear by God In the midst of all this morning, steals from people. on the validity and uniqueness an art of living. This is because themselves, Jewish tribes near that I see the city of Madayin of turmoil, Allah revealed these It seems that the com- of our Islam or our Muslim Islam allows us for ornamentation Al Madinah and other strong the Chosroes and his white blessed verses from Surat panions felt uncomfortable that identity. If we lose hope, we will to give meaning to life, but within Arab tribes such as the tribe of manors!” Then, he said “Bis- (chapter) Aal Imran: someone with such a great hon- get depressed as individuals and the parameters of Islam. One of Ghatafan. The Muslims felt at millah!” again and hit the rock “So do not weaken and do ourable deed such as qiyam, as a nation, and we will not be the hallmarks of the religion is loss until they decided to adopt with the sledgehammer; the not grieve, and you will be would still live a double life and able to achieve the role that that Allah Almighty asked us to a military strategy. They remaining part of the rock was superior if you are true would commit a major sin. The Allah has allocated to us in the have faith in divine hope. It can decided to dig a trench around broken into pieces. The Prophet believers. If a wound should Prophet (PBUH) planted the seeds Holy Quran, a mercy to be an ibada, and arguably, one of the city of Madinah so that their (PBUH) said, “Allahu Akbar! I touch you; there has already of hope for people like this young mankind, like our Prophet was: the noblest and most honoured enemies might not reach them. was given the keys of Yemen. I touched the opposing people a man when he said: “His prayer “And thus we have made in the eyes of God. One very cold night as the swear by God that I see the gates wound similar to it. And these will eventually forbid him from you a just community that you It is also no surprise that the Muslims were digging the of Sana’a now!” (Narrated by days of varying conditions We committing this sin.” will be witnesses over the Holy Quran and the Seerah (life) trench, they faced a huge white Imam Ahmad in his Musnad). alternate among the people so In this story, there is a great people and the Messenger will of the Prophet (peace be upon rock that they were unable to After the battle of Uhud, the that Allah may make evident lesson that we are all human be a witness over you.” (Quran, him) have an abundance of par- break. They turned towards the Muslim were exhausted and those who believe and may take and that we have our short- 2:143) ables and stories that are Prophet (PBUH) asking him for defeated as they retreated to the to Himself from among you comings. We sin in the day and Source: SuhaibWebb 06 ASIA FRIDAY 4 SEPTEMBER 2020 Almost 84,000 virus cases in a single day spark fear in India

ANATOLIA — NEW DELHI According to an at IPE global, an international health care development con- India yesterday witnessed update issued by sultancy, said. another single day spike of 83,883 the country’s Health “Luckily so far the severity of in new COVID-19 cases, sparking cases in India is not as bad as fear that the South Asian nation Ministry, the nation some of the other countries and may soon become the worst-hit has now a total of health systems in our major cities country in the world. have been able to face the storm According to an update 3.85 million positive of cases efficiently,” he added. issued by the country’s Health cases with 1,043 Sikka said as they are close Ministry, the nation has now a to 4 million cases, awareness total of 3.85 million positive more deaths reported in smaller towns and villages is cases with 1,043 more deaths in the last 24 hours. required. “Since these parts The New Diamond, a very large crude carrier chartered by Indian Oil Corp, that was carrying the reported in the last 24 hours. The country has didn’t see much case surges in The country has recorded a the first 4-5 months of equivalent of about two million barrels of oil, after a fire broke out off east coast of Sri Lanka, yesterday. total of 67,376 coronavirus recorded a total of lockdown, there is a miscon- related deaths. 67,376 coronavirus ception amongst people that the With the number of worst is over,” he said. Warships join fight to put out fire COVID-19 cases steadily related deaths. “This is resulting in a lot of increasing each day, India is people across the country low- approaching pandemic figures ering their guard, which can on oil tanker off Sri Lanka similar to those of Brazil, which transfers itself into endemic.” have devastating impact on the is currently ranked second in the John, however, said it is very caseload and related complex- AFP — COLOMBO Panama-flagged vessel, of the New Diamond, a 330 world. difficult to predict the number ities,” according to Sikka. according to the navy. metres long very large crude The ministry also said that of spikes the country will He said besides effective Russian and Indian warships "An Indian coast guard carrier (VLCC). 1.17 million tests have been con- witness in the coming days. communication, the gov- yesterday joined the battle to put vessel and one of our ships are The ship's third officer, also ducted in the last 24 hours, The government figures ernment and private sector out a fire on a massive oil tanker now in the process of dousing a Filipino, had suffered serious taking the number of total tests Wednesday revealed recoveries hospitals can focus on off Sri Lanka's eastern coast, the the flames that have spread to burn injuries and was taken to to over 45 million. in India crossed 2.9 million. “increasing ICU bed capacity island nation's navy said. the deck of the tanker's service a local hospital. Health experts in India said Experts believed by the end with ventilators/oxygen The New Diamond, with a area," de Silva said. Two Russian warships the massive increase is related of September India may even support, ensuring availability cargo of 270,000 tonnes of There was no immediate which were at Sri Lanka's to the peak of virus in the surpass the US — currently the of test kits and increasing avail- crude and 1,700 tonnes of danger of a leak from the southern port of Hambantota country. worst-affected country ability of different regimen diesel, issued a distress call stricken vessel, he added, to take on food and water were “I believe the peak of the worldwide. medication.” earlier yesterday, navy which was 60km from the now headed to the New Dia- epidemic curve of COVID-19 in “Before the end of the week, The US-based Center for spokesman Captain Indika de coastal town of Sanga- mond's location to help with the India is round the corner,” India will have second highest Disease Dynamics, Economics Silva said. mankandi Point. rescue. Thekkekara Jacob John, Indian cases of COVID-19 in the world Policy in April estimated that The vessel had a crew of 23 The navy spokesman said Neighbouring India was virologist and veteran vaccine and by the end of September, India has approximately 1.9 — 18 Filipinos and five Greeks. the missing crew member was sending three navy vessels and researcher, said. “Post the peak, may also cross the US tally to million hospital beds, 95,000 One was missing, another was a Filipino who could not be two more coast guard vessels I think the numbers will start claim the pole position,” ICU beds and 48,000 injured, and the rest were accounted for after an in addition to providing aerial going down, until the epidemic Himanshu Sikka, practice lead ventilators. rescued from the explosion in the engine room reconnaissance.

Facebook bans India ruling party Rohingya arrested at sea shunted back to Myanmar camps AFP — YANGON and unable to travel freely. But around 600,000 more were taken to the Muslim camp, and seek refuge in other coun- politician over One of the group tested pos- Rohingya remain in Myanmar, where its inhabitants were told tries, many spending months or Myanmar has returned dozens itive for coronavirus, but the rest living in what Amnesty Inter- they had no choice but to accept even years behind bars. hate speech of Rohingya to camps in arrived Wednesday night in national describe as “apartheid” them, one resident said, asking Burma Human Rights conflict-wracked Rakhine state, Kyaukphyu in central Rakhine conditions. not to be named. Network (BHRN) last week AFP — NEW DELHI officials said yesterday, after state, local MP Ba Shein said. Kyaukphyu is one of many “They had been travelling called for more international arresting them at sea as they His constituents were “very strictly segregated towns with without sleep or food...so we pressure on Myanmar in its Facebook has banned an tried to flee what rights groups worried” by the coronavirus its Muslim population of over agreed to let them come in,” he report titled “Nowhere to Run outspoken right-wing Indian brand as “apartheid” conditions. risk, he said. 1,000 people confined to a said, adding his community was in Burma: Rohingya trapped politician for spreading hate A group of 42 Rohingya Local officials said the group camp since inter-communal scared it would be even more between an open-air prison and speech about Muslims as the Muslims — including two children was due to be sent by boat to violence in 2012. stigmatised because of the coro- jail”. social media giant battles accu- — was detained last Thursday off- camps further north on Friday. It is mainly home to Kaman navirus risk. Executive Director Kyaw sations of bias over its handling shore of Bogale in Ayeyarwady Military operations in 2017 Muslims, a minority that —unlike “We’re already facing huge Win decried the “weaponi- of rival parties in the key market. region, local police said. forced some 750,000 Rohingya the Rohingya — is officially rec- problems -- they (the author- sation” of Myanmar’s legal T Raja Singh, a regional The long-persecuted to flee from northern Rakhine to ognised in the Buddhist-majority ities) are just causing more system “against an entire ethno- lawmaker for Prime Minister Rohingya are widely regarded Bangladesh in violence that now country, even though they also trouble for us.” Hundreds of religious group born and living Narendra Modi’s ruling party, as illegal immigrants in sees Myanmar facing genocide suffer discrimination. Rohingya have been arrested in the country for was blocked “for violating our Myanmar, refused citizenship charges at the UN’s top court. The detained Rohingya while trying to flee Rakhine state generations”. policy prohibiting those that promote or engage in violence and hate from having a presence on our platform,” a Arrest of Australian Facebook spokesman said. An “extensive” process was followed in making the anti-lockdown decision to block Raja Singh, the spokesman added. Raja, who made headlines activist sparks outcry for reportedly saying that Muslim Rohingya refugees from AFP — MELBOURNE in her pyjamas — that she is Myanmar should be shot, will under arrest “in relation to now be put on a Facebook list Australian police yesterday incitement”. of “dangerous individuals”. defended arresting a pregnant “Excuse me, incitement for He said he would fight the woman in her home for a what? What the... what on ban and that Facebook’s action Facebook post promoting a Earth?” she asks the officers, was an attack on Modi’s Hindu rally against virus lockdowns, instructing someone to film nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party. as footage of the incident went what is happening. “They (Facebook) are tar- viral and triggered a civil “I have an ultrasound in an geting the BJP through me,” Raja liberties debate. hour,” she remonstrates, as she Singh said, calling the ban “abso- The live-streamed video is read her rights and becomes lutely wrong”. “It’s an intentional shows officers handcuffing the tearful. move against the BJP,” he said. woman in front of her two The footage has prompted Facebook has been caught in children and has racked up a civil liberties debate in Aus- the middle of accusations of bias millions of views online. tralia, with critics from across from rival sides in India’s feverish Nepalese defy lockdown for chariot procession The woman Zoe Buhler, the political spectrum voicing political battlefield. India is the told local media yesterday that concerns about the balance American firm’s biggest market People throw stones during clashes with the police after authorities tried to halt the annual Buddhist she had posted the protest between rights and in terms of number of users. chariot procession of Rato Machindranath amid a lockdown in Lalitpur, near Kathmandu, yesterday. plans without knowing it was obligations. illegal in the locked-down state Amnesty International Aus- of Victoria, which is battling a tralia said police were guilty of major outbreak of COVID-19. overreach while rights group A reputed media organization Landslide, flash floods kill Buhler, whose Facebook Liberty Victoria called the in Qatar is looking for Reporter page is awash with posts arrest disturbing. 12 in Nepal, dozens missing arguing against lockdowns and “The prospect of pre- [ .Q%CR .:0V : CV: 7V:` V6]V`1VJHV8 some even labelling the virus emptive arrest and the laying REUTERS — KATHMANDU for victims and the death toll a hoax, described her actions of criminal charges to prevent [ :H.VCQ`; RV$`VV 1J =Q%`J:C1I5 I: HQII%J1H:QJ Q` : could rise, he said. as a “bimbo” moment. engagement in peaceful protest `VC: VR VCR8 Flash floods and a landslide “This is the biggest natural “I am just a passionate is a disturbing development,” [ $ :JRLQ` &'() V6]V`1VJHV 1Q%CR GV :J :R0:J :$V8 triggered by heavy rains killed disaster of the year,” Wasti told person and I am sick of the Liberty Victoria said. [ 1C1J$%:C ^)`:G1HL'J$C1._ 1 :J :R0:J :$V8 12 people in Nepal and at least Reuters. “We have reports of lockdowns,” Buhler said. Conservative pundits, pol- [ (. 8 36 people were missing in the 48 victims — 12 dead and 36 Australia has moved to iticians and conspiracy theo- Himalayan nation’s biggest missing — but there could be arrest activists who organise rists — who have continually monsoon-related disaster this many more victims as people demonstrations defying a ban criticised virus restrictions in [ Q0V`1J$ :1$JIVJ  :JR RV0VCQ]1J$ Q1J 1RV: 1J Q year, officials said yesterday. were trapped while they were on mass gatherings to try to the country — seized on the `VCV0:J JV1 HQJ VJ 8 Home Ministry official still sleeping.” control the spread of the virus. video as evidence of what they [ /QCCQ11J$ ]`VH`1GVR VR1 Q`1:C  7CV :JR `Q`I: 8 Murari Wasti said rescuers had Army spokesman Santosh Victoria is currently trying called a “police state” in [  :7 :%JVR Q CQH:C5 `V$1QJ:C :JR  : V 1%V :JR .V1` pulled 12 bodies out from B Poudyal said soldiers using to bring its second wave of Victoria. VcVH  QJ CQH:C HQII%J1V8 muddy debris in the Baglung shovels and picks were trying COVID-19 infections under The arrest is the latest in a [ )VJR1J$ HQII%J1 7 V0VJ  :JR CQH:C :JR `V$1QJ:C district of northwest Nepal, to search through the debris for control with a mix of lock- string of confrontations where nearly 30 houses were survivors but that rescue work downs and stay-at-home between police and anti- IVVJ$ : :1$JVR8 washed away by floods or was being hampered by heavy orders. lockdown activists ahead of a %:C1VR H:JR1R: V :`V 1J01 VR Q VJR .V1`  Q7 buried in the landslide that rains that prevented helicopters The video shows police planned protest in Melbourne, [email protected] struck before dawn. from landing in the remote telling the incredulous and dis- which remains under Rescuers are still searching area. traught woman — who is still lockdown. FRIDAY 4 SEPTEMBER 2020 ASIA 07 Afghan govt frees all Taliban prisoners except ‘few’ AFP & AP — KABUL “The negotiation team of the Islamic republic But repeated squabbles over Najia Anwari, spokes- Although Washington has the prisoner exchange delayed woman for the State Ministry pushed the warring sides to the The Afghan government said is now in full preparation to attend the the negotiations, including the for Peace Affairs, said on negotiating table, America’s exit yesterday it had released 400 talks.” Fraidoon Khwazoon, spokesman Taliban’s demand that 400 pris- Thursday the government had is not dependent on the success Taliban prisoners under an oners accused of serious crimes “removed all the obstacles for of talks, but on the Taliban ful- exchange deal with the mili- to Afghanistan’s High Council for National be among those freed. the direct talks to start”. filling their commitment to not tants, except for “a few” Reconciliation, which is leading the overall The prisoner exchange agreed “The negotiation team of the support terrorist groups and opposed by foreign nations, and between the US and the Taliban Islamic republic is now in full fight against them and ensure expected peace negotiations to peace process, said they were to leave for stipulated that Kabul should preparation to attend the talks.” Afghanistan cannot be used as start soon. peace talks yesterday. release a total of 5,000 militants Fraidoon Khwazoon, a staging arena for attacks The two warring sides have in return for the insurgents freeing spokesman to Afghanistan’s against the US and its allies. grown closer this week to 1,000 Afghan troops. High Council for National Rec- Washington has already launching direct talks, tying up convicts, except the few for militants because of their links The Taliban have said they onciliation, which is leading the begun reducing its troop levels the end of a contentious and which our partners have reser- to the murders of French and were willing to begin negotia- overall peace process, said they and by November will have less months-long prisoner vations,” National Security Australian civilians and troops tions “within a week” of the were to leave yesterday. than 5,000 soldiers still in exchange. Council spokesman Javid Faisal in Afghanistan. prisoner swap being completed The peace deal, which calls Afghanistan, down from around Kabul has already sent a said on Twitter. “Australia and France have and blamed Kabul for delaying for the intra-Afghan negotia- 13,000 when the deal was logistical team to Doha where “Diplomatic efforts are some considerations about the negotiations. tions, was signed by the US and signed in February. the Taliban’s political office is ongoing. We expect direct talks them,” one Taliban official said President Ashraf Ghani said the Taliban in February and was Taliban political spokesman based, with the negotiators to start promptly.” Two Taliban on condition of anonymity. A date on Wednesday that a “critical seen at the time as Afghanistan’s Suhail Shaheen earlier said a expected to depart later officials confirmed the pris- for talks to start is yet to be fixed. stage of peace” had been best hope at peace after four cease-fire would be among the yesterday. oners had been freed but that Negotiations were initially reached and that the talks decades of war. first items on the negotiation table. “The Islamic Republic of those opposed by France and supposed to begin in March as would help reduce violence and The deal was brokered to The group has reportedly com- Afghanistan has received our Australia were still in gov- agreed in a deal between the finalise a permanent ceasefire. provide for America’s exit from pleted its agenda and its commandos held hostage by ernment custody. Taliban and Washington in Feb- Afghan officials, meanwhile, Afghanistan after nearly 20 years 20-member negotiation team Taliban, after which the Gov’t Paris and Canberra made ruary, from which Kabul had called for the start of direct talks of war and calls on the Taliban reports directly to Taliban chief released the remaining 400 protests over the release of the been excluded. with the Taliban. to fight against militant groups. Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada.

Thailand reports Xi praises resistance first domestic spirit in marking coronavirus case end of Pacific War in 100 days REUTERS — BANGKOK AP — BEIJING in a speech following the ceremony. Thailand reported its first President Xi Jinping yesterday “The Chinese people will domestic coronavirus trans- praised China’s spirit of refuse any person or any force mission in more than 100 days resistance in commemorating that attempts to distort the yesterday, after a man recently the 75th anniversary of the end history of the Communist Party, jailed and with no overseas of World War II in the Pacific, its character or its mission,” he travel history tested positive saying any attempt to alter the said. in a Bangkok prison during a nation’s course under Xi’s remarks come as China routine check for new inmates. Communist Party rule would be faces increasing political and Authorities moved quickly resisted by all of its 1.4 billion economic pressure from the US, to locate and isolate people in citizens. friction along its border with contact with the 37-year-old Xi led government officials India and push-back from and trace his movements over in a minute of silence and pres- European countries and the past two weeks, including entation of floral wreaths at a Southeast Asian nations over its three places where had memorial hall dedicated to sol- economic and territorial High school students paint a banner to commemorate the 75th anniversary of victory of the War worked, the jail and the court diers and civilians who partic- ambitions. of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, which marks the end of hostilities between China and at which he had appeared. ipated in the war, in which Japan launched a full-on Japan and World War II, in Lianyungang in China’s eastern Jiangsu province, yesterday. “We may go further back China endured a brutal invasion invasion of China in 1937, but we will examine this first,” and occupation of much of its marked by urban warfare and soldiers and resources from it first held nationwide their legitimacy to rule. Chiang said Walailak Chaifu, Director territory by Japan. atrocities such as the notorious battlefields elsewhere with low- celebrations. relocated his Republic of China of the country’s Bureau of “The Chinese people dem- Rape of Nanking. While armies level engagements. The Communists swept to government to Taiwan, where Epidemiology. onstrated to the world their under Nationalist Party leader Although Japan formally power in 1949 following it continues to enjoy strong, The new case will be a patriotism, national character, Chiang Kai-shek fought most surrendered aboard the USS renewed civil war against the though unofficial, US support setback for Thailand, which has heroism and a strong will to win of the major battles, Communist Missouri on Sept ember 2, Nationalists and continue to after making a transition to full been credited with keeping the during the war,” Xi, who is also Party guerrillas under Mao 1945, China marks the end of uphold the struggle against democracy more than two highly contagious virus under Communist Party leader, said Zedong forced Japan to divert the war on September 3 when Japan as a source of decades ago. control, while maintaining months of immigration curbs that have devastated its Pakistan issues tourism-reliant economy. It has More than 40 missing after cattle ship sinks off Japan removed most of its internal COVID-19 SOPs for coronavirus restrictions. REUTERS — TOKYO/WELLINGTON Wednesday night, Japan’s The Philippines gov- owner is Amman-based The inmate, a former international flights coastguard said. By last evening, ernment said it was coordi- Rahmeh Compania Naviera SA, nightclub DJ, tested positive on from August 26 More than 40 crew members he was still the only person nating with the Japanese coast- according to Refinitiv Eikon Wednesday and had not trav- were missing after a ship rescued so far, a coastguard guard in the search. data. The ship manager is Hijazi elled abroad or been in close INTERNEWS — ISLAMABAD carrying cattle from New official said, adding the bodies Typhoon Maysak made & Ghosheh Co. contact with a known case, the Zealand to China capsized in of some cattle had been landfall in South Korea on Calls to the owner and corrections department said. The Civil Aviation Authority of stormy weather in the East recovered. Thursday, bringing lashing manager were unanswered. All of Thailand’s cases since Pakistan has issued Standard China Sea, the Japanese coast- The crew of 43 was made winds, and at least two people The young cows were late May — typically less than a Operating Procedures (SOPs) guard said yesterday. up of 39 people from the Phil- were killed in the southern city exported by Australia-head- handful each day — have been for international passengers, A lone crew member from ippines, two from New Zealand, of Busan. Another storm, quartered Australasian Global found in state quarantine among chartered and private flight the Gulf Livestock 1 had been and two from Australia, the Typhoon Haishen, was brewing Exports, which specialises in people returning from overseas. operations between August 26 rescued so far. Three vessels, coastguard said. south of Japan and is expected live animal exports and owns It has reported just 3,427 cases to October 31, 2020. four airplanes and two divers According to Edvarodo, the to hit the Korean coast on quarantine facilities in China. and 58 deaths in total. According to an official were taking part in the search, ship lost an engine before it was Sunday or Monday. The cows were worth Thailand is the second notification, the SOPs will the coastguard said. hit by a wave and capsized, a The Gulf Livestock 1 around 20,000 yuan each, said country in Southeast Asia to see come into effect from August The ship, with a cargo of coastguard spokeswoman said. departed Napier in New a manager at AGE’s subsidiary community transmission resume 26 and will be followed in full nearly 6,000 cattle, sent a dis- When the ship capsized, crew Zealand on Aug. 14 with a cargo Beijing Muhuayuan Interna- following a lengthy containment compliance by all the airlines tress call from the west of were instructed to put on life- of 5,867 cattle bound for the tional Trade Co Ltd. period, after the virus resurfaced and operators. Amami Oshima island in south- jackets. Edvarodo told the coast- Port of Jingtang in Tangshan, New Zealand animal rights in Vietnam in late July, also after The SOPs included pre- western Japan on Wednesday guard he jumped into the water China. The journey was organisation SAFE said the dis- a 100-day absence. embarkation, during flight, as Typhoon Maysak lashed the and did not see any other crew expected to take about 17 days, aster showed the risks of the Methipoj Chakametikul, and post-disembarkation area with strong winds and members before he was rescued. New Zealand foreign ministry live animal export trade. head of Bangkok’s disease phases. heavy seas. Pictures provided by the officials said. “These cows should never control division, said five “high The first phase included Sareno Edvarodo, a coastguard showed a person in The 139-metre, Pana- have been at sea,” said cam- risk individuals” had been iden- the disinfection of an aircraft 45-year-old chief officer from a lifejacket being hauled from manian-flagged vessel was built paigns manager Marianne tified at the inmate’s home plus from the airline and operator the Philippines, was rescued on choppy seas in darkness. in 2002 and the registered Macdonald. two others who had left Bangkok. by a CAA official. The aircraft will be required to keep an inventory of essential PPE, safety gear as well. At least two people killed as Typhoon Maysak pummels Koreas As per the SOPs, the com- pletion of international pas- REUTERS — SEOUL as Typhoon Maysak smashed The ninth typhoon of the Korea, officials said. Flights Parts of the South Korean senger health declaration form into the Korean peninsula on season and the fourth to hit the were cancelled or delayed and resort island of Jeju reported by passengers or guardians At least two people were Thursday, bringing heavy rain peninsula this year left about downed trees and other debris more than 1,000mm of rainfall will be the operator’s reported killed and thousands and lashing winds to areas still 120,000 households without caused light damage, Yonhap since Tuesday, according to the responsibility. were temporarily without power recovering from Typhoon Bavi. power across South news agency reported. weather agency. The guidelines said that One person died when North Korea took the brunt passengers will be scanned winds shattered a window in of Typhoon Bavi, and for a through thermal devices for South Korea’s second-largest second week in a row state TV coronavirus before boarding. city of Busan, which bore the carried rare live reports of “Boarding passes shall be brunt of the storm’s 170kph storm surge and flooding, issued with a gap of at least winds, Yonhap reported. including in the coastal town on one adjacent seat. The off-duty Another man in the city was Wonsan. crew will be accommodated found dead, believed to have The reports showed a on seats in such a way that the fallen from the roof of his house damaged bridge and flooded gap of at least one seat will be while repairing a leak, the farmland, while a van with maintained,” the SOPs said. agency reported. loudspeakers broadcast Passengers were urged to The peninsula typically sees warnings to residents. wear masks and follow social only one typhoon a year, but Later in the day, state TV distancing, in case of any another typhoon, Haishen, is reported that the typhoon apparent symptoms, they are brewing south of Japan and is warning had been lifted, with to inform the cabin crew expected to hit the Korean coast no immediate reports of immediately. on Sunday or Monday, NASA’s casualties. The cabin crew were also Earth Observatory reported. North Korea’s agriculture urged to serve food and bev- Some of the areas hardest sector is particularly vulnerable erages with proper precau- hit on Thursday were still to severe weather, and this tions during the flight and to counting the cost of last week’s summer’s storms and floods spray disinfectant in the lava- Typhoon Bavi and one of the have raised concerns over the tories after every 60 minutes A man looks at a house damaged by Typhoon Maysak in the southeastern port city of Ulsan, South wettest monsoon seasons on country’s tenuous food during a flight. Korea, yesterday. record. situation. 08 VIEWS FRIDAY 4 SEPTEMBER 2020

Established in 1996

CHAIRMAN DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI [email protected]

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI [email protected] Syrians gather for a demonstration by the ruins of a building, in the town of Ariha in northwestern Idlib province. EDITORIAL The civil war is threatening Championing education for peace OUT of its awareness that investment in education is an ancient way of life in Syria the most important investment as it defines the future of the country, Qatar has always held education as the no longer maintain their livelihoods or find The Syrian civil war, however, has country’s top priority spending millions and millions in sufficient fodder for their herds. Many of brought a new set of challenges constructing infrastructure, training teachers, making them already lost significant portions of state-of-the-art study material and technology available their herds and have been internally dis- for these communities, further to the school fraternity. placed or pushed across international threatening their traditional The visit by Prime Minister and Minister of Interior borders. livelihoods and culture. H E Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani to Khaled Abu Amer from al-Mawali tribe, DAWN CHATTY & HAIAN DUKHAN three schools yesterday in itself is a proof of the impor- AL JAZEERA for example, told us how the conflict tance the country pays to education and safety of staff between the regime and opposition forces tryside of recently-liberated Raqqa. in educational institution. During the visit, H E the Prime drove him to leave the countryside of After losing much of their mobility and Minister reviewed the precautionary measures put in For centuries, Bedouin tribes moved Hama and seek safety in Idlib province in access to natural grazing land, Bedouin place at schools to protect the students, teachers and around the vast semi-arid steppe land in 2018. As a result of his inability to find herders have been forced to buy fodder, other staff. H E the Prime Minister was briefed on the Syria, searching for water and pasture for pasture for his herd there, he lost three- which they can ill afford, to feed their new equipment at schools to continue the learning their herds of camels, sheep, and goats. quarters of his sheep. animals. Moreover, as the government’s process during the unprecedented circumstance This ecologically sustainable mobility and Since the beginning of the conflict, veterinary services ran out of animal vac- brought in by the global pandemic COVID-19. way of life indelibly contributed to the rich seeking safety and sanctuary from armed cines and routine drugs, it has become World over, education institutions are struggling cultural heritage of the country. groups, rather than looking after the live- harder for herders to keep their animals with the dilemma of whether or not to open schools About 100 years ago, first under the stock, became the main priority of Bedouin healthy and productive. Many have been and colleges. A vast majority of the education fraternity French mandate and later the new nation- herders. In some cases, the nomadic forced to smuggle their herds across the have turned to modern communication technology to state, a series of policies were implemented herders were besieged by regime forces in borders to Jordan, Iraq, and Turkey to sell continue with the learning process. But there are mil- to pressure the Bedouin to give up their opposition-controlled areas along with them at reasonable prices. Where this has lions of children across the world who find it next to nomadic lifestyle and settle in villages, towns sedentary civilian populations. This was not been possible, Bedouin have had to sell impossible to adapt to the new system, because they and on the outskirts of cities. As a result, the case for Bedouin herders who got their sheep in Syria for whatever they can cannot afford the equipment and gadgets essential for Syria’s nomadic pastoral population declined, trapped in eastern Ghouta during the get in order to survive the war. following online learning, leaving tens of thousands of from 13 percent of the total population in regime’s siege of the area. To avoid star- The impact of Syria’s armed conflict on children deprived of their basic right to a decent edu- 1930 to 7 percent in 1953 and less than 2-3 vation, they were forced to slaughter and Bedouin herders is rarely mentioned in the cation. This is on top of those millions whose education percent by the turn of the millennium. eat their livestock. As a result, they lost media. Yet among the many narratives of was already disrupted by conflicts and calamities. The few remaining Bedouin commu- their capital - their herds - and were forced loss and suffering during the Syrian civil In this regard a global campaign, #UniteToProtect, nities managed to resist the forces pushing to work as daily wage labourers to survive. war, the Bedouin’s stand out. launched by the Education Above All Foundation (EAA) them to settle and continued to make a Bedouin herders also faced targeted Sheep herding makes up a significant and partners Unicef, Unesco, Qatar Fund for Devel- comfortable living moving around the attacks by both the Syrian government part of Syria’s GDP, but the rapid disap- opment (QFF) and Save Our Future Now assumes great desert, raising mainly sheep. The Syrian forces and ISIL (ISIS). pearance of Syria’s nomadic herders is not significance. The campaign calls for the protection of civil war, however, has brought a new set Traditionally, Bedouin herders have merely an economic loss. Mobile sheep education from attack, with long-term aim of reducing of challenges for these communities, had the ability to move across borders herding is the most efficient and ecologi- the impunity for education-related violations of inter- further threatening their traditional liveli- between states when local conditions cally sound approach to life in the semi- national law and to ensure everyone’s right to safe, hoods and culture. became difficult. Over the years, this arid lands of Syria. No other occupant can inclusive and equitable quality education. The semi-arid steppe in Syria, called al- mobility has made the ruling regimes sus- take care of this vast land the way nomadic EAA’s role in championing the education of under- Badia in Arabic, makes up about 80 picious of their loyalties. These suspicions herders do. privileged, out-of-school children had drawn applause percent of the country’s landmass - 10 rose to the surface during the course of the Today, a way of life that has withstood from around the world long back. It had been instru- million hectares (nearly 25 million acres) of Syrian civil war. The different factions the vicissitudes of cyclical drought, of con- mental in bringing smile to millions of children across the central and northeastern part of the involved in the conflict became increas- flict between tribes, and settled societies for the world by providing quality education and country, spreading across the provinces of ingly suspicious of the intentions of the more than a thousand years is shrinking, employment opportunities. Aleppo, Deir Az Zor, Hamah, al-Hassekeh, herders who refrained from openly perhaps irreversibly. As Bedouin herders Qatar can be proud of its selfless services to the Homs, al-Raqqa, and to a lesser extent, aligning themselves with any group, and are forced to settle in villages and towns, world in several fields, whether its is in peace brokering, Deraa and al-Suwayda provinces to the therefore were targeted indiscriminately. take up employment as labourers or seek development of infrastructure, charitable activities and, south. For example, in 2018, the Syrian regime refuge in neighbouring countries, not only above all, education. Qatar believes that catching people These governorates became major bat- forces bombed the tents and the animals of an ancient, sustainable way of life but also young and training them to be the builders of modern tlefields in the Syrian civil war, gravely Bedouin herders from al-Omour tribe near a significant component of Syria’s cultural societies by inculcating human values, respect for affecting Bedouin herders living there and the city of Palmyra, claiming that they were heritage is being lost. others, developing tolerance and sense of equality is making a living by selling pastoral products members of ISIL. The attack killed four the best way to bring lasting peace and harmony to the like milk, cheese and meat. Military opera- herders and destroyed most of their sheep. Dawn Chatty is Emeritus professor at Uni- troubled world of today. tions hampered Bedouin efforts to access The same year, herders from the same versity of Oxford and Fellow of the British grazing land, water sources and post- tribe had to escape ISIL’s repressive rule Academy and Haian Dukhan is a research harvest farmland stubble. After 10 years of and attempts to tax them in the countryside fellow at the Centre for Religious Studies at conflict, many Syrian Bedouin herders can of Palmyra by heading north to the coun- the Central European University.

D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR EMAIL: [email protected] Rest of Asia will miss Abe more than Japan will MIHIR SHARMA begun to think. No leader in especially during crises like the the importance of open seas EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 BLOOMBERG recent memory has so com- one the region is suffering at and open markets. FAX: +974 4455 7758 pletely and profoundly trans- the moment. But it’s also about hard A month before he ended his formed strategic thinking in As one researcher puts it, cash: Under the “Abe model,” MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 first stint as Japan’s prime Asia. the government in Tokyo can Japan has invested strongly in minister in 2007, Shinzo Abe This point should not be nudge its companies into the region’s infrastructure, both DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 addressed the Indian lost now that Abe is stepping “uncharacteristically rapid” directly and through the Asian Parliament in New Delhi. down from a second spell as decisions when it comes to Development Bank. Many LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 Quoting the Mughal scholar- prime minister, the longest in overseas investment. Japan’s growth-hungry countries in prince Dara Shikoh, Abe spoke Japan’s history. However pandemic stimulus package Asia are struggling to attract BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 of the “confluence of the two sweeping the changes he insti- didn’t only include a subsidy Western finance and are con- seas” - the Indian and Pacific tuted at home, his successors for companies that considered cerned about the strings SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 Oceans - that were undergoing are likely to continue most of reshoring their production; it attached to Chinese a “dynamic coupling as seas of his domestic policies. Where earmarked a fraction of that investment. Japan’s huge pool ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 freedom and of prosperity.” Abe’s absence will be felt most money for those who wished to of investible savings is central email: [email protected] India and Japan, said Abe, keenly is in the region he trans- shift production from China to to their aspirations for shared an interest in and formed just as dramatically. Southeast Asia. Such policy development. PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 responsibility for securing Asian democracies will markers have an impact that Finally, the Indo-Pacific email: [email protected] these seas “by joining forces have to hope that Japan con- dwarfs the actual sums of needs Abe’s central project to with like-minded countries.” tinues down the path Abe laid money involved. continue. Japan must see itself ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 In the years since, it has out, for several reasons. First, Second, the countries of the as a sensible and reliable par- FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] become commonplace to they need the Japanese gov- Indo-Pacific need a self-con- ticipant in military partnerships speak of the “Indo-Pacific.” ernment to push its powerful fident Japan to continue to aimed at deterring and man- CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 Abe’s vision, as expressed then, corporations to think strategi- promote its values overseas. aging China’s regional ambi- email: [email protected] is now integral to how dip- cally about investing in coun- This is partly a question of sus- tions. Neighbors might respect lomats and politicians across tries such as India. Such jaw- taining a positive, liberal nar- Japan’s deep-rooted concerns SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 Asia, Oceania and beyond have boning makes a difference, rative that continues to stress about militarism. FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar Unless governments take rapid and decisive action /ThePeninsulaQatar to protect child well-being as part of their pandemic /Peninsula_Qatar responses, we can continue to expect soaring child poverty rates, deteriorating mental and physical /ThePeninsulaNewspaper health, and a deepening skill divide among children.

+974 6698 6188 Gunilla Olsson, Director of Unicef Research office FRIDAY 4 SEPTEMBER 2020 EUROPE 09 Tycoon acquitted in Slovak journalist's murder case

REUTERS — PEZINOK Prime Minister Igor Matovic said on Facebook: “It seems that the apparent plotters of murder A politically connected Slovak businessman was acquitted want to escape the claws of justice... Let’s hope yesterday on charges he that justice awaits them both.” ordered the murder of investi- gative journalist Jan Kuciak, a case that shook the nation and The prosecutor who brought Zsuzsova, who was accused of brought down longtime premier the charges appealed the helping arrange the hit. Robert Fico. verdict, sending the case to the Shocked and in tears over The Special Criminal Court country’s Supreme Court, which the Kocner verdict, relatives of in Pezinok, north of the capital can uphold the ruling or order the victims left the courtroom Bratislava, convicted another a new trial. as Judge Ruzena Sabova kept defendant of taking part in the Kuciak and Kusnirova were reading out details of the murder but found no evidence gunned down in their home judgment. “beyond a reasonable doubt” outside Bratislava, four months “I had planned to go to Mar- that businessman Marian after the murder in Malta of tinka and Jan’s grave to tell them Kocner ordered the February another journalist investigating that, finally, all who had done 2018 killing. corruption, Daphne Caruana this to you will be punished. The murder of Kuciak, 27, Galizia. Unfortunately, as you see, this is and his fiancee Martina Kus- Bringing Kuciak’s killers to impossible,” a weeping Zlatica Slovak businessman Marian Kocner, accused of ordering and carrying out the murders of investigative nirova forced Fico to step down justice has been a test of Slova- Kusnirova, the mother of journalist Jan Kuciak and his fiancee Martina Kusnirova, walks inside the courtroom to receive his as prime minister, sparked kia’s judicial and political Martina, told Czech Television verdict in Pezinok, Slovakia, yesterday. massive protests and ushered system, long regarded as sus- outside the court building. in a new government in March ceptible to corruption. Slovak President Zuzana apparent plotters of murder convicted after admitting for forging 69 million euros in this year whose main election Prosecutors said Kocner, the Caputova, a former human want to escape the claws of involvement. A former soldier promissory notes. He has promise was to clean up cor- subject of Kuciak’s reporting on rights lawyer, said she was justice... Let’s hope that justice who was the gunman got 23 appealed that decision but ruption and sleaze. graft involving politically con- stunned and that those respon- awaits them both.” years in prison, and the other remains in custody. Yesterday's judgment nected entrepreneurs, had sible for the murder need to be The court sentenced 15 years. The murder investigation shocked the victims’ families, ordered the killing. Kocner held to account. another defendant, Tomas Kocner, well known in has forced the resignation of who left the courtroom in tears, denied the charge. Prime Minister Igor Matovic Szabo, to 25 years in prison for Slovak business and political several politicians and judicial and also drew criticism from The court also acquitted was also critical, saying on helping carry out the murders. circles, has received a 19-year officials on account of their pre- political leaders. Kocner’s acquaintance Alena Facebook: “It seems that the Two others have been prison term in a separate case vious links to Kocner.

Portuguese youth Kremlin rejects claims Navalny poisoned with Novichok sue 33 states over

AFP — MOSCOW ago — prompted widespread adding it was clear that the ‘life-threatening’ condemnation and demands Use of nerve agent is considered European Union and United The Kremlin yesterday rejected for an investigation. States were seriously consid- climate change claims that Moscow was behind Russia denies there is any use of chemical weapons: OPCW ering new sanctions. the poisoning of opposition evidence that Navalny was poi- “The main question is, how REUTERS — TBILISI leader Alexei Navalny, as calls soned and Kremlin spokesman REUTERS — AMSTERDAM Such an allegation is a matter far will they decide to go?” it mounted for international Dmitry Peskov said yesterday of grave concern,” the OPCW said. Six Portuguese children and action after Germany said he that Berlin had not provided The poisoning of any indi- said. A new crisis in relations young adults, who have faced had been dosed with Novichok. Moscow with proof. vidual with a toxic nerve agent The chemical formula for with the West could also deadly wildfires and heat- Western leaders are “There is no reason to is considered use of a banned Novichok was added to a list threaten Russia’s Nord Stream waves, yesterday filed a demanding answers from accuse the Russian state,” chemical weapon, the global of “Schedule 1” chemicals at 2 project, a $11bn pipeline near lawsuit against 33 countries Moscow after Berlin said on Peskov said, rejecting talk of chemical weapons agency the OPCW in June, following completion beneath the Baltic with the European Court of Wednesday there was “une- economic sanctions and urging OPCW said, in a statement its use in 2018 in the English Sea which is set to double Human Rights (ECHR), quivocal evidence” that the the West not to “rush to about Russian opposition city of Salisbury against Russian natural gas shipments claiming government inaction 44-year-old Kremlin critic had judgement”. leader Alexei Navalny. former Russian spy Sergei to Germany. on climate change jeopardises been afflicted by the infamous Already suffering from Germany has said Skripal and his daughter Yulia. The project has been their future. nerve agent. wide-ranging Western sanc- Navalny was poisoned with a The agency has 193 delayed for months after Wash- The applicants, aged Navalny, one of President tions imposed over its 2014 Soviet-era toxin called Nov- member countries and said it ington moved to impose new between eight and 21, want the Vladimir Putin’s fiercest critics, annexation of Crimea, as well ichok, a chemical that was was ready to help any of them sanctions on companies governments to ramp up fell ill on a flight last month and as the effects of the coronavirus specifically banned this year as required. involved in Nord Stream 2, over efforts to curb planet-heating was treated in a Siberian hos- pandemic and the drop in oil by the Organisation for the The OPCW, based in The fears of growing Russian emissions, saying failure to do pital before being evacuated to prices, Moscow will be anxious Prohibition of Chemical Hague, Netherlands, oversees influence. so threatened their lives and Berlin. to avoid any further pressure Weapons (OPCW). the 1997 Chemical Weapons Germany’s biggest news- wellbeing. Germany’s claim that he on its economy. “Any poisoning of an indi- Convention (CWC), which pro- paper Bild yesterday called for “It’s terrifying to have a fire was exposed to Novichok — Germany’s announcement vidual through the use of a hibits the development, pro- the project to be suspended, close to your home,” said Cat- the same substance used on Wednesday sent the ruble nerve agent is considered a duction, stockpiling, transfer saying that “if the (German) arina Mota, 20, one of four against Russian ex-double plunging to its lowest level use of chemical weapons. and use of classified toxins. government does not stop the applicants from Portugal’s agent Sergei Skripal and his against the euro since 2016 and construction of Nord Stream 2, Leiria region, which was daughter in the English town Moscow’s RTS stock exchange “Russia’s relations with the poisoned by Novichok,” wrote we will soon be financing among the worst hit by 2017 of Salisbury two years fell more than three percent. West have once again been business daily Kommersant, Putin’s Novichok attacks”. fires that killed about 120 people. “I live with the feeling that every year my home becomes Five children found dead in a more hostile place and as I get older, I will be exposed to violent heatwaves that will last German apartment: Police for several weeks, and it scares AFP — BERLIN taken under police protection. me a lot,” she told an online According to Bild, the chil- press conference. “With so Five children were found dead dren’s grandmother called the little time left to stop this, we in an apartment in western police and reported that her must do everything we can to Germany yesterday, police said, daughter, 27, had killed five of force governments to properly with local media reporting they her children and was possibly protect us.” were murdered by their mother on the run with another child “The action targets the 33 who later tried to kill herself as with the intention of killing largest greenhouse gas well. herself. The woman’s 11-year- emitters among the 47 The children were found in old son was later found member states of the Stras- a private apartment in the city unharmed, it said. bourg-based ECHR, including of Solingen in North Rhine- The mother later travelled all European Union countries, Westphalia state, police said to the main station in Dues- Britain, Switzerland, Norway, without giving further details. seldorf, some 35km away, Russia, Turkey and Ukraine.” They were one, two, three, where she jumped in front of a According to research con- six and eight years old, train, according to Bild. sortium Climate Action according to a report in the Bild She was rescued from Tracker, those 33 countries are daily. between two track beds and not doing enough to meet an The mother later threw taken to a local hospital for internationally agreed goal of herself in front of a train but treatment, national news limiting global warming to survived with serious injuries, agency DPA reported, citing well below 2C (3.6°F) above the report said. She has been emergency services. pre-industrial times. Pupils sit in a class during a lesson on their first day of school at Harris Primary Academy Shortlands, amid the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in London, yesterday. Belarus President replaces security chiefs UK ramps up virus tests, mulls Portugal arrivals quarantine AFP — MINSK out over disputed polls on “could not agree earlier,” AFP — LONDON step forward in our battle new lockdowns this week in August 9. Lukashenko told Mishustin, against the virus,” he added, parts of northern England and Belarus strongman Alexander Tens of thousands have adding that opposition protests Britain yesterday said it was announcing new funding of in the Scottish city of Glasgow. Lukashenko yesterday replaced taken to the streets for weeks were a “lesson” for the two expanding trials of a new rapid $665m. Travel sites meanwhile his security chiefs and said in unprecedented protests countries. test to detect coronavirus cases, The package will go to reported a rush on flights back progress was being made on against Lukashenko’s 26-year “This lesson prompted us to and flagged potential travel enlarging existing trials of a to Britain from Portugal fol- plans to bring Moscow and rule. make relevant conclusions,” he restrictions on the popular 20-minute saliva test around lowing a surge in infection rates Minsk closer. The moustachioed leader said. holiday destination of Portugal. the southern port of South- in the southern European Lukashenko, who is under has refused to quit and has Lukashenko added he Health Secretary Matt ampton, and new trials in country. huge pressure from protesters instead sought support from the planned to “dot all the i’s on Hancock defended the govern- Salford, near Manchester in Hancock appeared to to step down after last month’s Kremlin. issues that are very sensitive ment’s testing approach for northern England. indicate that Portugal would disputed election, replaced the In recent years the Kremlin and delicate for the two states” COVID-19, after the BBC The government, anxious soon be added to a list of heads of the KGB security has pushed for closer economic when he meets Russian Pres- reported that some people were about the mounting economic COVID-19 hotspots such as service, the security council and political integration ident Vladimir Putin in Moscow being directed to centres more toll of the outbreak and nearly France and Spain, from where and the state control between the two ex-Soviet in the next few weeks. than 160km from their homes. three months of lockdown, has all travellers returning to committee. countries but Lukashenko has Mishustin, who arrived with “Of course there are oper- been urging Britons to return England must self-isolate for 14 The reshuffle was so far resisted outright a large delegation in tow, hailed ational challenges from time to to work and school this week. days. announced during the visit of unification. plans to tighten up ties. time but it (the system) works But its testing approach, and An announcement will Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Yesterday, he indicated he “We see progress on many well,” he told Sky News tele- a programme to track and trace come on Friday, he said, after Mishustin, who became the might be open to bringing the issues,” he told Lukashenko, vision. “Being able to expand new COVID-19 cases via mobile Portugal’s weekly rate of most senior Moscow official to nations closer. adding their future “union mass testing with these new app, have hit repeated snags. infection climbed over a British make a public visit to Belarus “We agreed” on issues on state” will help remove “unnec- technologies is a huge positive Local flare-ups required government threshold. since the political crisis broke which Russia and Belarus essary” trade barriers. 10 AMERICAS FRIDAY 4 SEPTEMBER 2020 NY pushes ahead with more reopenings from Wednesday

REUTERS — NEW YORK “Thanks to the hard work of New Yorkers, we are at a point in our fight against this Governor Andrew Cuomo yesterday announced more virus where we can safely reopen malls reopenings in New York state in New York City as long as they adhere to as new coronavirus infections remained low in what was once strict health and safety protocols,” Governor the US hot spot of the pandemic. Andrew Cuomo said. “Masks, enhanced air Next Wednesday, New York City malls will be allowed to ventilation systems, and social distancing will reopen at 50% capacity and be mandatory,” he said. casinos statewide can reopen at 25% capacity, Cuomo said. “Thanks to the hard work compliance and enforcement weeks in a row, but infections of New Yorkers, we are at a remained a major hurdle in are surging in the Midwest. Democratic US presidential nominee and former vice-president Joe Biden departs after a private point in our fight against this doing so. Iowa, North Dakota and South meeting with family members of Jacob Blake in the aftermath of the shooting of Blake by a police virus where we can safely “We open restaurants, Dakota are reporting the officer, in Kenosha, Wisconsin, yesterday. reopen malls in New York City that’s going to complicate by highest percentage of positive as long as they adhere to strict the hundreds if not thousands test results in the country - over health and safety protocols,” the number of establishments 20% in each state. Biden meets family of African Cuomo said. “Masks, enhanced that need to be monitored,” he Iowa, with a population of air ventilation systems, and said. more than 3.1 million people, social distancing will be Indoor dining is allowed in saw over 8,300 new cases last American shot by police mandatory.” New York state with the week, up 116%. That compared The governor also waded exception of New York City, with about 4,400 new cases in AFP — MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN occurred. During his trip Trump series of US cities shaken by into the hotly debated issue of where more than 300 restau- New York state, which has did not meet or speak with the racially charged unrest. indoor dining in New York City, rateurs recently filed a class- more than 19.4 million resi- US presidential hopeful Joe family of Blake, who survived Violent demonstrations saying during a conference call action lawsuit seeking $2bn in dents, according to a Reuters Biden met yesterday with rela- the shooting but is likely para- occurred in May and June in with reporters that the final damages, according to media analysis. tives of Jacob Blake, the black lyzed from the waist down. Minneapolis, in the neighboring decision rested with the state. reports. Cases also rose 27% last father shot multiple times by a While in Kenosha the pres- state of Minnesota, and else- New York City Council On Wednesday, gyms in week in Minnesota and 34% in white police officer in ident pushed a message of law where after a police officer Speaker Corey Johnson came New York City opened for the Indiana. Wisconsin in an incident that and order as he met police, there killed an unarmed black out on Wednesday in favour of first time in months. They must The US Centers for Disease sparked days of violent unrest. other first responders and resi- man, George Floyd, by kneeling allowing indoor dining in the operate at 33% capacity, with Control and Prevention has told The Democratic nominee dents whose businesses were on his neck for more than eight city, which is home to a thriving floors rearranged so patrons state officials to prepare to dis- and his wife Jill Biden entered damaged or destroyed in the minutes. Protests also hit south restaurant industry that was can exercise more than 6 feet tribute a potential coronavirus a private meeting at the Mil- violent protests that followed the Los Angeles this week after battered by the pandemic. (1.8 m)apart. vaccine as early as October, waukee airport with several shooting of 29-year-old Blake. sheriff’s deputies shot and killed “It’s time to allow indoor New York has seen by far according to documents made members of Blake’s family, After talking with the Blakes, a black man during a violent dining in New York City with the most deaths from COVID-19 public by the agency on including his father and three Biden travels south to nearby confrontation. reduced capacity and clear of any US state, more than Wednesday. siblings, the Biden campaign Kenosha where he will partic- And demonstrations have guidance to ensure social dis- 32,000, but its rate of new The vaccines would be said. Blake’s mother partici- ipate in a community meeting in rattled Portland, Oregon for tancing and safety,” Johnson infections has dropped to given first to healthcare pated via telephone. an effort to “bring together weeks, prompting Trump to said in a statement. among the lowest in the workers, national security The meeting comes two Americans to heal and address threaten to send in federal Cuomo said he would like country. personnel and nursing homes, days after President Donald the challenges we face,” forces to cities where “weak” to see restaurants reopen for Nationally, new cases of the agency said in the Trump also visited Kenosha, the according to the campaign. Democratic leaders have failed indoor dining in the city but that coronavirus have fallen for six documents. nearby city where the shooting Kenosha is one of the latest in a to quell violence.

US sanctions Brazil court Chinese, UAE Colombia arrests 3 Venezuelans tied to anti-Maduro plot dismisses Lula's firms skirting AP — MIAMI corruption case Iran oil embargo Police in Colombia have arrested three Venezuelans who were part of a failed plot ANATOLIA — BOGOTA AFP — WASHINGTON organized by a former US Green Beret to sneak across the border and oust President A Brazilian court annulled one The United States yesterday Nicolás Maduro, The Associated Press has of nine criminal cases opened imposed sanctions against 11 learned for alleged corruption against Iranian, Chinese and United The three were arrested in simultaneous former President Luiz Inacio Arab Emirates companies raids by heavily-armed security forces early Lula da Silva because there accused of helping to bypass Wednesday in the capital of Bogota, a was “insufficient evidence” to the American embargo on person in contact with the men at the time continue the process. Iran’s oil exports. of their arrest said. The person, who insisted The decision issued “Iran must stop exploiting on anonymity to discuss the continuing Tuesday referred to accusa- its natural resources to fund investigation, said the three were picked tions of alleged corruption, terror and destruction across up on charges of providing military training influence peddling, money the region,” US Secretary of for illicit and “terrorist” activities, which laundering and illicit State Mike Pompeo warned in carries a prison penalty of 20 to 30 years. associations. a tweet. It was the latest in a Two of the men, Maj. Juvenal Sequea Da Silva was accused of series of sanctions that Wash- and Capt. Juven Sequea, are the older engineering a bribery scheme ington has slapped on foreign brothers of the confessed commander of Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro (right), speaking next to Industry Minister and former with Brazilian construction companies doing business the failed May 3 incursion, Capt. Antonio vice-president Tareck El Aissami, during a televised message, at Miraflores Presidential company Odebrecht, in with Tehran. Sequea, who is jailed in the Venezuelan Palace in Caracas, yesterday. relation to contracts in Angola. US President Donald capital of Caracas. The third, Rayder Ruso, Odebrecht is being inves- Trump in 2018 pulled out of is a civilian who has long sought Maduro’s tigated for bribing presidents, the international agreement armed overthrow. of dozens of would-be combatants, The aides said they backed out of the deal former presidents and other signed with the country to All three lived for months in rustic including two of Goudreau’s former special before Christmas due to a mix of differ- government officials from 12 prevent it from acquiring camps along Colombia’s Caribbean coast forces buddies, Luke Denman and Airan ences with Goudreau and a change in countries to obtain con- nuclear weapons, which he where Jordan Goudreau, an American war Berry, who quickly pleaded guilty and were strategy. struction contracts. said was ineffective, and veteran, was helping organize a volunteer sentenced to 20 years in prison. They said no money changed hands The decision was handed immediately re-established army for a rapid cross-border strike against “Donald Trump OK’d my murder, I am except $50,000 to cover Goudreau’s initial down by a court in Brasilia and tightened US sanctions Maduro. not exaggerating, and they are trying to expenses. that had already dismissed against the Islamic Republic. But the men deserted the ragtag effort, send a group of snipers or hire snipers in A full telling of the plot and what, if any- some of the accusations last The US State Department known as Operation Gideon, prior to the Venezuela to kill me,” Maduro said Tuesday, thing, US officials knew in advance has been year, but is still pursuing imposed punitive measures on beach assault— one of them month before recalling the bizarre attack. elusive despite questions from Democrats charges corresponding to Iran-based Abadan Refining — viewing it as a suicide mission that lacked The US-backed Venezuelan opposition in Congress angry over the raid. alleged corruption and Company, three China-based the necessary support from the US. leader Juan Guaidó was also linked to the There were media reports that a fourth influence peddling. The former companies (Zhihang Ship What was dubbed the “Bay of Piglets” plot when it was revealed that two of his person, Yacsy Álvarez, who served as president spent 19 months in Management CO Ltd., New Far —after the failed 1961 invasion of Cuba by aides in Miami signed last fall a 42-page Goudreau’s translator and assistant in prison between April 2018 and International Logistics LLC, Sino anti-communist exiles —ended in a prop- contract with Goudreau’s Florida company, Colombia, had also been arrested on November 2019 in another cor- Energy Shipping Ltd) and aganda victory for Maduro with the capture Silvercorp USA, to carry out regime change. Wednesday in Colombia for aiding the plot. ruption case. another based in the UAE (Chemtrans Petrochemicals Trading LLC). Three executives from Abadan, New Far and Sino Election head dismisses Energy were also targeted. Trump’s advice to vote twice Hurricane Nana ANATOLIA — WASHINGTON during an address in hits Belize, drives Wilmington. across Guatemala Election officials in the state of “If you get the unsolicited North Carolina said yesterday ballots, send it in, and then go, AP — PUNTA GORDA, BELIZE it is against the law to vote make sure it counted. And if it more than once, a day after US doesn’t tabulate, you vote. You Hurricane Nana made landfall President Donald Trump just vote. And then if they tab- in Belize, pelting a relatively advised North Carolina resi- ulate it very late, which they sparsely populated stretch of dents to vote twice. shouldn’t be doing, they’ll see the country’s coast with heavy “It is illegal to vote twice in you voted, and so it won’t rain and wind, before weak- an election,” head of North count. So, send it in early, and ening to a tropical storm while Carolina State Board of Elec- then go and vote. And if it’s not pushing across Guatemala. tions Karen Brinson Bell said tabulated - you vote. And the The US National Hurricane in a statement. vote is going to count,” he said. Center reported that Nana hit State law makes it a “Class The president has land between the coastal I felony” for a voter “with intent repeatedly said that the mail-in towns of Dangriga and Pla- to commit a fraud to register or voting system could pave the cencia shortly after midnight vote at more than one precinct way for a “rigged” election and at an area around 50 miles or more than one time... in the fraud. “If a voter tries to check south of Belize City with same primary or election,” in who has already voted, they maximum sustained winds of according to the statement. will be prevented from voting 75mph, making it barely a “Attempting to vote twice a regular ballot. A voter will be hurricane. The storm was Getting ready to fly in an election or soliciting offered a provisional ballot if moving westward at 15 mph. someone to do so also is a vio- they insist on voting, and this A worker wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) disinfects a plane, at LATAM airline’s hangar at Later in the morning, Nana lation of North Carolina law,” ballot will be researched after El Dorado International Airport in Bogota, Colombia, yesterday. The country is resuming international weakened to a tropical storm Brinson Bell said. Election Day to determine flights gradually as the El Dorado airport reopened on September 1. with maximum sustained Trump asked supporters to whether it should be counted,” winds near 45 mph . test the mail-in voting system Brinson Bell said. BUSINESS FRIDAY 4 SEPTEMBER 2020 11

PAGE | 12 PAGE | 13 Bank of England Amazon to create 7,0007,000 says regulators permanent jobs in must keep ahead Britain as virus fuelsls of stablecoins online demand

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Stocks in Singapore appear to meeting, says Scholz be the best-placed in Asia Pacific to benefit from a potential REUTERS — BERLIN cyclical recovery and success in finding a cure for the corona- EU finance ministers will virus, analysts say. discuss in Berlin next week the Cheap valuations, strong implementation of a €750bn European Union links to the global economy and recovery package and how to leaders in July better control over the virus out- give the bloc its own resources clinched an historic break are all seen working to the to pay back joint debt, German advantage of shares in the city- Finance Minister Olaf Scholz deal on a massive state, where cyclicals such as (pictured) said yesterday. debt-financed financials and real estate European Union leaders in command a more than 80 July clinched an historic deal on stimulus plan for percent weighting in the a massive debt-financed their coronavirus- benchmark index. stimulus plan for their corona- throttled economies, “We rate Singapore one of People take photos of the upcoming Apple store at the Marina virus-throttled economies, but our most-preferred markets in Bay Sands in Singapore recently. Apple has previously announced they left open details on how but they left open could move away from the the region,” backed by the imminent opening of Apple Marina Bay Sands, its third and quickly the funds should flow details on how requirement to agree major “recession valuations” and arguably most distinctive retail store in the country of Singapore. and how the bloc would repay decisions unanimously and expectations of an earnings the borrowed money. quickly the funds reach agreements with a qual- recovery, said Hartmut Issel, like technology and communi- percent to 7 percent this year. Speaking at an event of the should flow and how ified majority also on tax head of APAC equities and credit cation services. Banks at 41 While only a handful of daily Bruegel institute via video-link, the bloc would repay matters. at UBS Global Wealth percent, real estate at 22 percent new virus cases are registered Scholz said Germany, which “This would be a real break- Management. and industrials at 17 percent are recently, Singapore has faced a currently holds the rotating the borrowed money. through,” Scholz added. Stocks whose fortunes are the most dominant sectors. tumultuous road coping with the presidency of the 27-nation EU, Germany also wants the EU heavily tied to business cycles HSBC Private Banking is issue, and Trade and Industry wanted to finish the process of finance ministers to speed up are gaining investor attention betting on dividend-paying Minister Chan Chun Sing last setting up the recovery plan and plastic and pass the money on stalled talks about bank amid nascent signs of a revival property managers as Singapore month warned of “recurring the EU’s long-term budget. to the EU. But more negotia- reforms, a project also known in world trade, some strives to resume business waves of infection and “For the recovery to be truly tions among finance ministers as the European banking union, improvement in Asia’s manu- activities. disruption.” successful, we must recover are needed to agree details on but Scholz insisted that all facturing gauges and promising Meanwhile UBS favours Meanwhile, this year’s steep together and use this oppor- a proposed tax on digital countries had to move to reach updates by drugmakers racing banks, citing their regionalised decline, the second-worst in tunity to transform our services and on goods imported a compromise, not only Berlin. to develop a coronavirus business model, which means Asia Pacific, has cheapened the economy,” Scholz said, adding into the EU from countries with Scholz, a Social Democrat, vaccine. Analysts forecast the lenders will benefit once econ- valuation of shares. Down 21 that the first tranches of the EU lower CO2 emission standards. last November outlined changes Straits Times Index to climb omies rebound. Any rise in US percent so far, the STI gauge is recovery money should be paid Both fiscal steps are likely for the euro zone to complete about 15 percent over the next Treasury yields will also be a trading at 0.9 times its estimated out early next year. to increase trade tensions with its banking union reforms, 12 months, versus an 11 percent boon for their net interest book value, versus an average “To get Europe’s economy the United States and China. offering a key concession from gain seen for the broader MSCI margins. of 1.2 over the past decade. back on track, investment is Scholz will discuss the issue Germany, conditional backing Asia Pacific Index. That said, many things need “If there is a rise in global key. Coupled with smart, with his European counterparts for a pan-European deposit At about 84 percent, the to fall in place for a sustained rates coupled with a strong credible reform packages, it can at an informal meeting which protection scheme (EDIS). weighting of cyclical stocks in rebound in the city-state’s domestic economic and create growth opportunities he will host in Berlin on Sep- Scholz said he didn’t want the STI gauge makes for the shares. earnings recovery, the Sin- and make our economies more tember 11-12. discussions to focus only on the highest exposure among major The trade-reliant economy gapore market could do well resilient,” Scholz said. Scholz said he also wanted issue of EDIS as his package of benchmarks in the Asia Pacific shrank by a record margin last vis-à-vis the peers,” said James EU leaders have agreed to to discuss with his European proposals also included other region. That’s even after quarter, and the government Cheo, HSBC’s chief market strat- impose a tax on non-recycled counterparts how the bloc important bank reforms. excluding pandemic winners expects a contraction of 5 egist for Southeast Asia.

Canadian trade recovers to US trade gap within 5% of pre-virus levels surges to BLOOMBERG indicators in confirming that $63.6bn in July Canada’s recovery has remained Canadian trade with the rest of intact,” Omar Abdelrahman, an on jump in the world continued its recovery economist at Toronto- to more normal levels as the Dominion Bank, said in a report. imports: Govt global economy rebounded “However, notable head- from Covid-19 lockdowns. winds mean that the road AFP — WASHINGTON Merchandise exports rose forward for both is mired with 11.1 percent in July, adding to a uncertainty. For one, growth in US imports jumped nearly 20.5 percent gain in June, Sta- services trade, as evidenced by 11 percent in July, driving the tistics Canada said yesterday in today’s report, is expected to trade gap up to $63.6bn in Ottawa. Imports increased 12.7 remain restrained.” the month, the Commerce percent in July, after gaining Fragile Services Service Department reported yes- 20.3 percent in June. Combined, exports are still down 23 percent terday, far more than econ- exports and imports have from pre-pandemic levels, com- omists had expected. increased 35 percent since pared with 6 percent for mer- Although American falling to a decade-low in April, chandise exports. On the exports also rose in July, it leaving them 5 percent shy of imports side, services are still was far less than imports, pre-pandemic levels. 33 percent lower than February contributing to the $10.1bn The figures will bolster con- levels, versus 4.1 percent for jump in the overall deficit, fidence in Canada’s rebound, goods. nearly 19 percent higher though economists caution a full The quicker rebound in than June, according to the IFA, Europe’s biggest tech fair recovery is far from assured. imports caused the country’s report. While global trade has been merchandise trade deficit to Though trade has picked A view shows an almost empty booth at the IFA consumer technology fair, amid the coronavirus robust in some sectors like widen to C$2.45bn in July, from up pace it “remained below disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Berlin, Germany, yesterday. IFA, which opened yesterday, is Europe’s autos, other industries are still a revised C$1.59bn in June. pre-pandemic levels, biggest technology showcase, and attended by most of the major players in the industry, including languishing, including travel. Economists had expected a reflecting the ongoing Huawei, LG, Samsung, Philips and Sony to launch their product ranges. “July’s trade data joins other deficit of C$2.5bn. impact of COVID-19, as many businesses continued to operate at limited capacity or ceased opera- tions completely, and the Oil prices at one-month low on demand worries movement of travelers across borders remained REUTERS — LONDON down $1.02, or 2.5 percent, at even another record close in the quarter of next year. maintenance closures over the restricted,” the Commerce $40.49 a barrel. US stock market was able to Opec’s second largest pro- coming months that will no doubt Department said in the Oil prices extended losses yes- Both benchmarks fell more change the direction of the herd,” ducer also said it may seek to impact demand for crude oil”, report. terday, falling by more than 2 than 2 percent on Wednesday. Tamas Varga of oil brokerage extend by two months until the ANZ Research said in a note yes- However the report said percent to their lowest point US gasoline demand last PVM said. end of November the period for terday. Due to shutdowns ahead it could not quantify or sep- since early August, as worries week fell to 8.78 million barrels Other data, such as US private making additional compensation of Hurricane Laura, US refinery arate the impact of the pan- about weaker US gasoline per day (bpd) from 9.16 million employers hiring fewer workers cuts under the Opec+ deal. Ana- utilisation rates fell by 5.3 per- demic on the trade data. demand and a sluggish eco- bpd a week earlier, Energy Infor- than expected for a second lysts warn that the upcoming centage points to 76.7 percent of “A strong and sustained nomic recovery from the mation Administration (EIA) data straight month in August, also fed refinery maintenance and the total capacity, the EIA said. rebound in trade flows is COVID-19 pandemic dented showed on Wednesday, with fears that economic recovery was end of the summer driving “These factors suggest a sea- uncertain given a still weak sentiment. consumption of other oil lagging. season would also limit crude sonal drop-off in refinery runs global growth and demand Brent crude fell $1, or 2.25 products also falling. Oil markets, however, drew demand. and higher oil inventory levels as backdrop,” said Rubeela percent, to $43.43 a barrel by 1118 “It is the latest data set that some support from Iraq’s denial WTI crude has come under we advance through September,” Farooqi of High Frequency GMT. US West Texas Interme- possibly caught the eye of those it was seeking exemption from pressure “after US refiners ear- AxiCorp market strategist Economics. diate (WTI) crude futures were who ran long positions, and not Opec+ oil cuts during the first marked a long list of Stephen Innes said. 12 BUSINESS FRIDAY 4 SEPTEMBER 2020

Britons slowly EU share of electric cars grew during returning to workplaces, says COVID-19 pandemic lockdown months statistics office

AP - FRANKFURT REUTERS - LONDON

The market share of electric People in Britain continued to cars in Europe increased during gradually return to their work- and immediately after the worst The share of places in late August, some- of the pandemic lockdowns, chargeable thing Prime Minister Boris industry figures showed yes- Johnson wants to speed up in terday, even as overall sales of cars rose to September to help the economy vehicles of all types plunged recover from its historic coro- during the second quarter. The 7.2 percent in navirus slump. new figures come as auto- the April-June Fifty-seven percent of makers ramp up electric car working adults traveled to production under pressure to quarter from work between August 26 and meet tough new emissions August 30, up from 55 percent limits next year. 6.8 percent in two weeks earlier and 33 The share of chargeable cars the first quarter, percent in May, the country’s rose to 7.2 percent in the April- statistics office said yesterday. June quarter from 6.8 percent according to Those working exclusively in the first quarter, according to figures from from home slipped to 20 figures from the European percent from 22 percent, the Automobile Manufacturers the European Office for National Statistics Association. The figures include said. That figure stood at nearly both battery-only vehicles and Automobile 40 percent in June. plug-in hybrids, which combine Manufacturers Tesla CEO Elon Musk on his white Tesla car tours the construction site of the future US electric car Johnson has urged more a battery that can be charged giant Tesla, yesterday in Gruenheide near Berlin. Tesla builds a compound at the site in Gruenheide people to get back to their from a wall plug with an Association. in Brandenburg for its first European “Gigafactory” near Berlin. workplaces as schools across internal combustion engine, to Britain reopen after the extend range. Uptake of electric cars had been in the same period a year ago. gases and pollutants that harm summer holidays. Chargeable vehicles sales come fully into force next year. slow until this year due to con- Diesel sales have plummeted in people’s health. “2020 is the Last week, one of the coun- fell, to 129,000 from 167,000, The new limits, aimed at com- cerns about range, places to the wake of Volkswagen’s 2015 year of the electric car in try’s business leaders said big but the overall car market bating global warming, mean charge and higher prices. scandal over diesel cars manip- Europe,” he said. urban centres looked like ghost shrank even more, by more that carmakers must make and Battery prices have been falling, ulated to cheat on emissions The US, with cheap gasoline towns, putting at risk swathes than 50 percent for both diesel sell more low-emission cars. however, and a carmaker con- standards in the US. and a federal government that of companies which cater to and gasoline-engine cars. The Carbon dioxide is the main sortium is building a network Lucien Mathieu, e-mobility wants to roll back fuel economy commuter workers. April-June quarter included the greenhouse gas blamed by sci- of highway fast-charging sta- analyst with environmental requirements, is moving more The ONS said footfall in worst of the lockdowns that entists for global warming. tions. Governments have also lobby Transport & Environment, slowly in adopting electric retail areas hit more than 75 limited movements and The second half of the year increased subsidies for electric said that “despite the pandemic, vehicles. In China, a reduction percent of its level a year gatherings. will see Europe’s largest car- vehicle sales as part of eco- electric car sales are growing at in subsidies led to a slowdown earlier in the week starting Market share is important maker, Volkswagen, launch nomic stimulus programs aimed an unprecedented rate” and in electric sales late last year, August 24, largely driven by because carmakers will be sales of its battery-only ID.3, at cushioning the pandemic that electric vehicles and but the government is moving people returning to high streets. judged by their fleet average intended as a mass-market recession. The share of sales hybrids are taking market share ahead with requirements for Counts of cars, pedestrians under tough new limits on electric option starting at less that went to diesel cars fell to from diesel and gasoline more low-emission vehicles and cyclists in London and the carbon dioxide emissions that than €30,000 ($35,500). 29.4 percent from 31.3 percent models, which emit greenhouse over the long term. north east of England returned to around pre-lockdown levels. However, there was a reminder that Britain is facing Nigeria power companies raise prices for electricity higher unemployment as the government winds down its job BLOOMBERG less than 12 hours of power were inadequate to recover witnesses. retention scheme, online job daily or who consume less than their costs and survive in the The Nigerian Labour Con- adverts remained around 55 Nigerian power-distribution 50 kilowatts a month are business. Despite the privati- gress, the country’s biggest percent of their 2019 average companies have implemented exempt from the increase. sation, Nigeria still suffers trade union coalition, rejected for a fourth consecutive week, a new tariff regime that will “Customers who receive extended power cuts, forcing the tariff hike, accusing Pres- the ONS said. have most consumers in Africa’s more energy will pay more than most homes and businesses to ident Muhammadu Buhari of Separately, a survey pub- most populous country paying those who get fewer hours of rely on expensive generators. adding to the already heavy lished by the Bank of England 50 percent more for supply,” said Sunday Oduntan The new tariff regime ties economic burden citizens have showed companies expect the electricity. (pictured), the executive sec- higher charges to improved faced due to the coronavirus hit to sales and employment The new rates will enable retary of the Association of power supply. pandemic. Presidential from the pandemic to last well distribution companies to Nigerian Electricity Distributors. Gasoline prices have also spokesman Femi Adesina into next year.” The Decision recover the cost of their oper- “So in a way, it will hit the rich jumped, at least, 5 percent in declined to comment when Maker Panel survey, conducted ations and make “a reasonable more than the poor.” Power major cities across the country contacted on the phone. between August 7 and August return on the capital invested generation and distribution of more than 200 million The NLC, as the coalition is economic distress,” Ayuba 21, also found the share of in the business,” the Abuja- companies created when the people on Wednesday after the known, “completely condemns Wabba, its president, said in an employees on furlough fell to based Nigerian Electricity Reg- former state monopoly was dis- regulator approved higher and totally rejects any plan to emailed statement. “It will be 12 percent in August from 18 ulatory Commission said on its mantled in 2013 have for long prices, Lagos-based Punch inflict further pain on Nigerians resisted by the Nigerian percent in July and a peak of website. Customers supplied complained that tariff rates newspaper reported, citing at this very time of great working class and people.” 36 percent in April. China to plan big support for domestic semiconductor industry to counter Trump

BLOOMBERG supplies,” said Dan Wang, tech- nology analyst at research firm China is planning a sweeping Gavekal Dragonomics. set of new government policies “In the face of stricter US to develop its domestic semi- restrictions on chip access, conductor industry and counter China’s response can only be to Trump administration restric- keep pushing its own industry tions, conferring the same kind to develop.” Shares in several of priority on the effort it major Chinese chipmakers Bank of England says accorded to building its atomic gained. Shanghai Fudan Micro- capability, according to people electronics Group finished 4.3 with knowledge of the matter. percent higher in Hong Kong. Beijing is preparing broad On mainland bourses, Will regulators must keep support for so-called third-gen- Semiconductor, the second eration semiconductors for the most valuable listed Chinese five years through 2025, said chip firm, rose almost 10 ahead of stablecoins the people, asking not to be percent. Xiamen Changelight identified discussing gov- closed 14 percent up while REUTERS - LONDON through them,” Bailey said in a ernment deliberations. A suite Focus Lightings Tech jumped speech to the Brookings Insti- of measures to bolster research, 5.6 percent. Financial regulators must avoid tution. Existing regulatory education and financing for the The Ministry of Industry and playing catch up with digital standards must be examined industry has been added to a Information Technology, which A file picture of scientists in protective gear working in a research payment methods like stable- and updated where necessary draft of the country’s 14th five- is responsible for drafting the lab in China. coins and crypto-assets, Bank in light of stablecoins, he said, year plan, which will be pre- tech-related goals, did not reply of England Governor Andrew calling for a clear G20 mandate sented to the country’s top to a request for comment. Bailey (pictured) said for standard-setting bodies to leaders in October, the people Elsewhere China imports company’s equipment from frequency chips, military-grade yesterday. refresh or clarify standards. said. more than $300bn worth of their telecom networks. radars and electric vehicles. Stablecoins are still a rela- Any stablecoin based on the China’s top leaders will integrated circuits each year This month, Huawei, the Since no single country now tively niche corner of the pound that was launched in gather next month to lay out and its semiconductor devel- country’s largest handset dominates the fledgling, third- cryptocurrency world that Britain should meet standards their economic strategy for the opers rely on US-made chip maker, will even lose access to generation technology, China’s barely featured on policy- similar to those applied to next half decade, including design tools and patents, as well chips from the likes of Taiwan gamble is its corporations can makers’ agendas until banks, Bailey said. The issuer efforts to ramp up domestic as critical manufacturing tech- Semiconductor Manufacturing compete if they accelerate Facebook unveiled its Libra of such a coin would need to be consumption and make critical nologies from US allies. But under new American regula- research into the field now. stablecoins last year. based in Britain, he added. technology at home. President deteriorating ties between tions that prohibit suppliers Global leaders such as US- Central banks and financial “If a sterling retail sta- Xi Jinping has pledged an esti- Beijing and Washington have anywhere in the world from based CREE and Japan’s Sum- regulators feared Libra, blecoin wishes to operate at mated $1.4 trillion through 2025 made it increasingly difficult for working with the company if itomo Electric Industries are planned as a stablecoin backed scale in the UK, then we will for technologies ranging from Chinese companies to source those suppliers use American just beginning to grow this by a wide mixture of currencies strongly consider the need for wireless networks to artificial components and chipmaking equipment. The tighter rules business, while Chinese tech and government debt, could an entity to be incorporated in intelligence. Semiconductors technologies from overseas. have raised the urgency of giants such as Sanan Optoelec- destabilise monetary policy and the UK.” Such a requirement are fundamental to virtually The US government has building domestic alternatives tronics and state-owned China facilitate money laundering, may impact plans for Libra. every component of China’s blacklisted dozens of China’s in Beijing. Electronics Technology Group with some threatening to block In April, the Geneva-based technology ambitions, and an tech companies so they can’t Third-generation semicon- have made inroads on third- it. Libra Association, which will increasingly aggressive Trump buy American parts, and ductors are mainly chipsets generation chipsets. “If stablecoins are to be issue and govern the planned administration threatens to cut slapped bans on ByteDance’s made of materials such as The country’s other chip- widely used as a means of stablecoin, said it would offer off their supply from abroad. TikTok and Tencent Holdings’ silicon carbide and gallium makers, which include Semi- payment, they must have stablecoins based on a still- “The Chinese leadership WeChat. In the case of tech- nitride. They can operate at conductor Manufacturing Inter- equivalent standards to those undecided line-up of individual realises that semiconductors nology giant Huawei Technol- high frequency and in higher national, Will Semiconductor that are in place today for other currencies, citing those based underpin all advanced technol- ogies, the Trump administration power and temperature envi- and National Silicon Industry forms of payment types and the on the dollar, euro and sterling ogies, and that it can no longer sanctioned the company and ronments, and are widely used Group, may benefit more forms of money transferred as possible examples. dependably rely on American pressed allies to ban the in fifth-generation radio broadly from the state support. FRIDAY 4 SEPTEMBER 2020 BUSINESS 13 Amazon to create 7,000 permanent jobs VW battery partner in Britain as virus fuels online demand QuantumScape to list AFP — LONDON The company, a challenging time for many after blank-check deal businesses, it is hugely encour- Amazon will create 7,000 per- which has aging to see Amazon creating manent jobs in the UK by the already created 10,000 jobs in the UK this year,” BLOOMBERG acquisitions in the North end of the year, the US e-com- Sharma said. American auto sector. merce giant announced yes- 3,000 new “This is not only great news QuantumScape, the technology “This vote of confidence terday as the coronavirus pan- permanent UK for those looking for a new job, developer that’s partnering with from investors, and the capital demic fuels online shopping but also a clear vote of confi- Volkswagen on advanced provided by this transaction, while hurting bricks-and- roles this year, dence in the UK economy as we electric-car batteries, will list in will drive a more sustainable mortar businesses. build back better from the pan- New York after merging with future for generations to come,” Following Amazon’s added yesterday demic,” he added. blank-check company Ken- said Jagdeep Singh , founder and announcement, coffee chain that it will offer Britain’s economy shrank by sington Capital Acquisition. Chief Executive Officer of Costa said it planned to axe 1,650 one fifth in the second quarter, The deal will raise about QuantumScape. roles in Britain. more than more than any European $700m for QuantumScape, The deal means the While several British neighbour, as the lockdown including $500m from Fidelity developer will be fully funded retailers and eateries have individuals in a diverse range of 20,000 seasonal plunged the country into its Management & Research and to the start of battery production together axed thousands of jobs good jobs from operations man- positions across deepest recession on record. Janus Henderson Investors as it in the VW venture, which the following the country’s virus agers and tech professionals There is meanwhile much begins trading on the New York partners have previously said lockdown, others including through to people to handle cus- the country uncertainty surrounding the Stock Exchange, according to a could be as soon as 2023. supermarket giant Tesco are tomer orders” across the UK. ahead of the strength and pace of recovery, statement yesterday. The com- QuantumScape, founded a creating lots of jobs to cope with “Our people have played a prompting Costa’s bined company will be valued decade ago by former Stanford booming online demand. critical role in serving customers festive period. announcement yesterday on its at about $3.3bn, including debt. University researchers, is a Amazon said it will add in these unprecedented times planned job cuts. The transaction underscores developer of solid-state bat- “7,000 permanent roles by the and the new roles will help us “We have had to make these investor interest in emerging teries, an advance on existing end of 2020 across more than continue to meet customer giant has experienced, as the difficult decisions to protect the electric-vehicle technologies lithium-ion cell technology that 50 sites, including corporate demand and support small and e-commerce sector boomed business and ensure we safe- amid forecasts for sharply rising promises to pack in more offices and two new fulfilment medium sized businesses selling during the pandemic,” noted guard as many jobs as possible consumer demand. It also energy to extend driving range, centres”. on Amazon,” he added. Susannah Streeter, senior for our 16,000 team members,” marks the latest in a surge of lower costs, improve safety and Its total permanent UK The company, which has investment and markets analyst Neil Lake, managing director for back-door listings onto public cut recharging times to as little workforce will number more already created 3,000 new per- at Hargreaves Lansdown. Costa Coffee UK and Ireland, exchanges via special purpose as 15 minutes from several than 40,000, up by a third in just manent UK roles this year, Business Secretary Alok said in a statement. acquisition companies (SPACs), hours. one year as the pandemic added yesterday that it will offer Sharma hailed Amazon’s Although the huge drop off which have become a fast- The firm’s technology, along triggers a surge in online more than 20,000 seasonal announcement, with UK unem- in visits to UK stores is easing growing alternative to tradi- with other industry develop- shopping. positions across the country ployment set to surge after the after the government lifted its tional initial public offerings. ments, are key to delivering Stefano Perego (pictured), ahead of the festive period. government ends next month its lockdown in late June, it was still Kensington, led by former cheaper and better batteries that Amazon’s vice president of “This huge expansion Covid-19 furlough scheme that down 30.8 percent in August executives from carmarkers will make electric models a European customer fulfilment, announced in the UK by Amazon is paying wages for millions of compared with a year earlier including General Motors and “realistic option for every car said his company is “employing comes as little surprise, given the private-sector workers. according to a survey yesterday Chrysler Group, raised about owner,” Bill Gates said in a blog thousands of talented massive surge in sales the tech “While this has been by data provider Springboard. $200m in June to focus on post last month. QATAR STOCK EXCHANGE

QE INDICES SUMMARY QE MARKET SUMMARY COMPARISON WORLD STOCK INDICES EXCHANGE RATE

QE Index 9,836.22 +0.25 % 03-09-2020 Index Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low Currency Buying (QAR) Selling (QAR) QE Total Return Index 18,909.80 +0.25 % Index 9,836.22 All Ordinaries 4207.354 110.624 2.7 5069.5 3829.4 US$ 3.6305 3.6500 Change +24.65 CAC 40 Index/D 3176.13 -0.06 0 4169.87 2979.87 QE Al Rayan Islamic Index - Price 2,285.20 +0.26 % Pound Sterlig 4.4682 4.5313 % +0.25% DAX - Composit/D 531.14 8.71 1.67 667.98 485.74 Swiss Frnac 3.7067 3.7591 QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 4,076.74 +0.27 % DJ Indu Average 0 0 0 12876 9936.39 YTD% -5.65 Japanese yen 0.03355 0.0342 QE All Share Index 3,045.19 +0.29 % Volume 284,230,644 Egypt Cma Gn Idx 675.91 13.3 0.95 1567.23 143.08 Australian Dollar 2.2895 2.3346 QE All Share Banks & Value (QAR) 489,801,540.75 Hang Seng Inde/D 19783.67 452.97 2.34 24468.64 18868.11 Canadian Dollar 2.5502 2.6003 Financial Services 4,099.54 +0.52 % Trades 10,851 ISEG Overall/D 2510.71 44.36 1.8 3037.89 2333.35 Up 23 | Down 19| Unchanged 05 Karachi 100 In/D 11311.29 276.37 2.5 12768.4 11032.2 Indian Rupee 0.0474 0.0483 QE All Share Industrials 2,996.95 +0.16 % Pakistan Rupee 0.0225 0.0231 02-09-2020 Nikkei 225 Index 9038.74 94.26 1.05 10891.6 8227.63 QE All Share Transportation 2,810.84 -0.33 % Index 9,811.57 S&P 500 Index/D 0 0 0 1370.58 1039.7 Philipine Peso 0.0712 0.0726 QE All Share Real Estate 1,728.79 +0.43 % Change +54.01 Straits Times/D 2821.09 -62.91 -2.18 3280.77 2847 Bangala Takka 0.0425 0.0433 QE All Share Insurance 2,118.72 -0.20 % % -10.59 Sri lanka Rupee 0.0187 0.0191 QE All Share Telecoms 894.88 -0.43 % YTD% -5.89 GOLD AND SILVER Nepalese Rupee 0.0297 0.0302 Volume 377,757,672 South African Rand 0.1887 0.1925 QE All Share Consumer GOLD QR207.7520 gramme Value (QAR) 596,166,080.23 Goods & Services 8,092.46 -0.12 % Euro 3.8966 3.9508 Trades 12,276 SILVER QR1.7958 per gramme 14 SPORT FRIDAY 4 SEPTEMBER 2020 Returning US Open: Djokovic through Pironkova stuns as Pliskova crashes out Muguruza

AGENCIES – NEW YORK AFP – NEW YORK 6-1 win. The world number seven traded 24 aces with 10 Spanish 10th seed Garbine Muguruza was Novak Djokovic overcame an double faults against a player bundled out of the US Open second round early scare to move into the ranked 223 inside an empty yesterday, losing in straight sets to the third round of the US Open but and humid Louis Arm- returning Tsvetana Pironkova. Wednesday but top women’s strong Stadium to move into Pironkova, who made a comeback to seed Karolina Pliskova round three. tennis this year after a three-year break crashed out in the tourna- “I was sweating through following the birth of her son, stunned ment’s first shock. my shoes, which is unusual,” two-time Grand Slam singles winner Djokovic extended an said Zverev, explaining a Muguruza 7-5, 6-3 in 1hr 25min. undefeated run in 2020 to 25 footwear change during Pironkova, who does not have a world matches as Pliskova was the match. “I needed to go ranking due to her long absence from the stunned in straight sets by from the dry tires to the circuit, will now face Croatian 18th seed France’s Caroline Garcia, the wet tires a little bit.” Donna Vekic in the third round. world number 50. Belgian seventh seed Vekic advanced to the last 32 on World number one David Goffin also Thursday with a 6-2, 6-1 defeat of Roma- Djokovic dropped the first nia’s Patricia Maria Tig. against Britain’s Kyle Edmund Prior to this week, Pironkova, 32, had but rallied to progress 6-7 not played in a Grand Slam or any event (5/7), 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 inside a since her appearance at Wimbledon in subdued, spectator-free 2017, when she lost in the second round Arthur Ashe Stadium at of a tournament eventually won by Flushing Meadows. Muguruza. “I’m really glad having an Thursday’s victory marks only the early kind of tough match second time that Pironkova has reached because it kind of serves me the third round of the US Open in 12 better I think for the rest of the appearances stretching back to 2005. tournament,” said Djokovic. progressed as the top seeds Pironkova’s best performance in a The Serbian superstar is continue to dominate at the Grand Slam came in 2010, when she looking to close the gap on Billie Jean King National reached the semi-finals at Wimbledon. Roger Federer and Rafael Tennis Center. Meanwhile, Stefanos Tsitsipas Nadal, both absent from In the women’s draw, weathered a serve-volleying storm from Flushing Meadows, in the race 2018 champion Naomi Osaka Maxime Cressy before grinding the for the all-time men’s Slam sailed into the third round, American wildcard down 7-6(2), 6-3, 6-4 singles title record. dismantling Italy’s Camila to reach the third round. Novak Djokovic of The 33-year-old -- who Giorgi 6-1, 6-2 in just 1hr In a slow-burning contest of short, Serbia hits a backhand won an eighth Australian 9min. sharp points, fourth seed Tsitsipas had to against Kyle Edmund Open title in February -- is on Sixth seed Petra Kvitova fight off a set point against the French- 17, with Nadal on 19 and vanquished Kateryna Kozlova of the United Kingdom born Cressy, who fired 21 aces and rushed Federer on 20. of Ukraine 7-6 (7/3), 6-2 while (not pictured) during the net 92 times on a muggy night at Pliskova -- the 28-year- Germany’s Angelique Kerber their US Open second Arthur Ashe Stadium. old world number three from beat compatriot Anna-Lena round match on "My experience in playing in Arthur the Czech Republic -- suffered Friedsam in straight sets. Wednesday. Ashe was one of the best," he said gener- a miserable 1-6, 6-7 exit to a The 17th seed won 6-3, 7-6 ously in his on-court interview. confident Garcia who rushed (8/6) in one hour 40 minutes to a 5-0 lead in the first set. inside Louis Armstrong Elsewhere, in the men’s Stadium. Naomi Osaka of draw Wednesday, fourth seed Also in the women’s event, Japan hits the ball Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece unseeded Russian Varvara Mask after mask, Osaka brings against Camila Giorgi defeated American Maxime Gracheva dumped out French of Italy at USTA Billie Cressy 7-6 (7/2), 6-3, 6-4 in his 30th seed Kristina Mladenovic protest to international audience Jean King National first runout on the famous 1-6, 7-6 (7/2), 6-0. Tennis Center, on Ashe court. Mladenovic’s exit came Wednesday. Earlier, fifth seed Alex- after a remarkable collapse. REUTERS – NEW YORK put out there compared to, like, George ander Zverev defeated The Frenchwoman led 6-1, 5-1 Floyd or Breonna Taylor. For me, today American wildcard Brandon and failed to convert four Naomi Osaka stepped into the Arthur was very special in the way that I Nakashima in a far from match points as Gracheva Ashe Stadium wearing a mask that read wanted to represent him very well,” smooth 7-5, 6-7 (8/10), 6-3, came roaring back to win. “Elijah McClain” ahead of her second- she said. round U. Open victory on Wednesday, The fourth-seeded Osaka, who has harnessing tennis’s global appeal in her seen her platform grow with her fight for racial justice. success on the court, sent shockwaves The 22-year-old’s mask honored through her sport when she announced McClain, the 23-year-old Black man last week that she would forego her Osaka receives emoji who died after a violent encounter with Western & Southern Open semifinal in Aurora, Colorado, police officers in protest of police brutality and racial advice from mother 2019. injustice in the United States. “I think tennis - people watch it all “I feel like the platform I have right REUTERS – NEW YORK around the world,” she said in a tele- now is something I used to take for vised interview after her match. granted,” she said. Naomi Osaka received plenty of encouragement and advice from “Things that we think (are) common her mother Tamaki after her second round victory at the US Open names (are) probably not common Naomi Osaka on Wednesday, although it came in the form of emojis printed on overseas.” She had previously worn a wearing a mask a sheet of paper. mask honoring Breonna Taylor, a Black with the name Shortly after defeating Italian Camila Giorgi 6-1, 6-2, 2018 woman killed by police officers who Elijah McClain champion Osaka was led to a courtside big screen to take a video burst into her apartment in March, at on Wednesday. call from her mother in Florida, which momentarily caught the her first-round match on Monday, and McClain was 22-year-old off guard. said she had seven different masks with killed by police What followed was a slightly awkward exchange between her at the tournament. in Aurora, mother and daughter amid audio connection issues, before Tamaki “When I heard about his story it Colorado. held up a sheet of paper with her message. was very hurtful,” Osaka later told “There were four lines. Thumbs up fire, which is like ‘good reporters, when asked about McClain. job’. There was like a Twitter bird, whatever. She was saying ‘don’t In a lawsuit filed last month against the go on social media, get some sleep’. Then ‘drink a lot of green city of Aurora and its police, McClain’s juice, get some rest’. And ‘I love you’. “... It was kind of a tech issue family alleged he was tackled by police because normally I’m able to talk to her quite soundly. It would officers during an encounter despite be kind of bad if all our conversations ended up like that. Defi- presenting no physical threat. nitely was a tech issue.” “I still don’t think his name is very Braves beat Red Sox 7-5 to complete sweep Nets hire Hall AGENCIES – BOSTON MLB RESULTS of Famer Nash Indians 5, Royals 0 Dodgers 3, Diamondbacks 2 The visiting Atlanta Braves got a three- Blue Jays 2, Marlins 1 Phillies 3, Nationals 0 as head coach homer performance for the second Rays 5, Yankees 2 Twins 8, White Sox 1 AFP – NEW YORK straight night, this time by Adam Duvall Astros 2, Rangers 1 Brewers 8, Tigers 5 in a 7-5 win over the Boston Red Sox on Cubs 8, Pirates 2 Mets 9, Orioles 4 Wednesday. Rockies 9, Giants 6 Reds 4, Cardinals 3 Two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Steve The result gave Atlanta a three-game Nash was named coach of the Brooklyn sweep of Boston, the first time the Braves Nets yesterday, taking charge of a team with swept three from the Red Sox since 2002. All-Star playmakers Kevin Durant and Duvall matched the three-homer Kyrie Irving. effort by Marcell Ozuna on Tuesday, when Nash takes on his first coaching job after he became the first National League five years as player development coordi- player to hit three home runs in a game nator for the Golden State Warriors, serving at Fenway Park. Duvall and Ozuna as a consultant for a team that won two became the first pair of Atlanta players NBA crowns and made four consecutive with three-plus-homer games in the same trips to the NBA Finals. season since Bob Horner and Ken Griffey “Coaching is something I knew I wanted Sr. did it in 1986. to pursue when the time was right and I’m Atlanta starter Robbie Erlin pitched humbled to be able to work with the out- four innings and allowed five runs on six standing group of players and staff we have hits. The winning pitcher was Tyler here in Brooklyn,” Nash said. Matzek (3-2), who struck out three in 1 “I am as excited about the prospects of 1/3 scoreless innings. Boston’s opener the team on the court as I am about moving was Robinson Leyer, who worked one to Brooklyn with my family and becoming shutout inning. The losing pitcher was impactful members of this community.” Andrew Triggs (0-1), who allowed three Minnesota Twins first baseman Miguel Sano (left) catches a ball to force out Chicago White The 46-year-old Canadian will try and runs, including two homers, in three Sox third baseman Yoan Moncada at first base in the first inning at Target Field on Wednesday. revive a Nets team that has won only one innings. playoff series since 2007. FRIDAY 4 SEPTEMBER 2020 SPORT 15 QMMF signs deal with Ten Kate Racing for bike upgrades

THE PENINSULA - DOHA new season,” Al experience Ten Al Hamad said yesterday: “It Hamad said. Kate Racing is with great pride we announce QMMF has signed an agreement Ten Kate gains by com- that we will cooperate with Ten with Dutch bike handlers Ten Racing said in a peting in the top Kate Racing and get their fine- Kate Racing for upgrading 12 statement of the World tuned race bikes. This team has pedigree Yamaha YZF 600 released by Series is shared many years of proven expe- bikes which will become the QMMF: “First of straight to the rience and this has been evident official ride for the Superstock all we wish to race in their long dominance of the 600 class in the 2021 QSTK express that we department of sport. They are the pioneers in season. are honoured, Ten Kate Racing the field of preparing winning The upgraded bikes will excited and Products in race bikes.” replace the Kawasaki 600 bikes highly moti- Nieuwleusen. He added: “Moving from the that were used in the previous vated to be This is where Kawasaki bikes to the new Ten years. partner of this the Ten Kate Kate YZF R-6 bikes will step up The riders in Superstock project for Yamaha race- the level of competition in the used to finish the local season QMMF. It is bikes and Superstock class. Riders in the on Kawasaki bikes and then go great to be engines for cus- class used to end the season on to the Spanish Championship involved in this tomers are Kawasakis and then move to to race on Yamaha bikes which QMMF sup- prepared.” the Spanish Championship became a challenge for the ported Superstock series to The statement added: “With racing on Yamaha YZF R-6 riders, a top QMMF official said prepare the TKRP (Ten Kate the outstanding performance of which would force any rider to yesterday. Racing Products) Yamaha the Yamaha YZF-R6 using the make major adjustments. “After more than four YZF-R6 race bikes, but also to Yamaha R-series DNA and the "Now the Qatar National months communicating with support and further develop the valuable Ten Kate experience Championship will be a various teams around the world upcoming Qatar racing talent combined in one package, the shakedown for the riders and it and satisfying the bidding com- on the track as well.” ultimate QMMF Yamaha would be natural to them once mittee regulations, we have “Ten Kate Racing has a long YZF-R6 Superstock bike for the they move from local season to finalised a deal with Ten Kate and successful history in both QMMF Superstock series is pre- international competitions. Racing,” Amro Al Hamad (pic- World SSP and SBK champion- pared as a winner. We like to “Ten Kate will not only tured), the QMMF Executive ships. Today Ten Kate Racing thank QMMF for their trust and supply us with the bikes but also TEN KATE RACING WILL UPGRADE 12 PEDIGREE Director, said yesterday. participates a full line up in giving us the opportunity to take cooperate with spare parts and YAMAHA YZF 600 BIKES WHICH WILL BECOME “The upgraded bikes are WordSSP300 (Glenn van part of this project. Of course accord surplus strategies during THE OFFICIAL RIDE FOR THE SUPERSTOCK 600 expected to arrive in Doha Straalen), WorldSSP600 (Steven we are looking forward for the our regular season.” Al Hamad CLASS IN THE 2021 QSTK SEASON around mid-November or at the Odendaal) and WorldSBK (Loris first roll out on Losail track later added. "It is going to be an beginning of December for the Baz) series. The knowledge and this year.” exciting time for the riders." Kazakh Lutsenko ITINERARY Ponting wants run penalties not Australia vs England ‘Mankads’ for ‘cheating’ batsmen wins Tour de France Sep 04: England vs Australia, 1st T20I I just think that we have got to The Rose Bowl, Southampton find a way around trying to stop stage six as Yates Sep 06: England vs Australia, 2nd T20I the batsman cheating. We have The Rose Bowl, Southampton had this conversation already. I don’t want to see anyone running retains yellow jersey Sep 08: England vs Australia, 3rd T20I two or three yards down the wicket. The Rose Bowl, Southampton I think there should be some sort of a run penalty. If you are to get to the top of your REUTERS - MONT AIGOUAL, FRANCE Sep 11: England vs Australia, 1st ODI bowling action and stop, and it shows that the Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester batsman is cheating and is out of his crease, I Kazakh Alexey Lutsenko claimed his maiden victory on the Tour de think put a run penalty on them. France when he won the sixth stage, a 191-km trek from Le Teil Sep 13: England vs Australia, 2nd ODI And do it right from the start, because that yesterday as the top guns again delayed the fight for the general clas- Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester sification. will stop him right away. Imagine taking 10 runs Astana rider Lutsenko, a former Under-23 world champion, pre- Sep 16: England vs Australia, 3rd ODI off a team total because you have taken yards. vailed from an eight-man breakaway at the top of Mont Aigoual to add Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester Those sort of things need to be looked at. to his 2017 Vuelta stage win. Spain’s Jesus Herrada took second place, 55 seconds behind with Belgian Greg van Avermaet in third, 2:15 off the pace. Briton Adam Yates retained the overall leader’s yellow jersey after staying tucked in the main peloton, which crossed the line with a deficit Cricket: England, Australia of 2:53. “We talked about it in the team bus this morning and we agreed that it was a stage that suited me,” said Lutsenko, who broke clear in renew rivalry in T20 series the punishing ascent to the Col de la Lusette, a 11.7km climb at an average gradient of 7.3%. Behind him, the main favourites did not use the ascent to test each AP - LONDON in Southampton, starting today, pumped to be playing interna- Banton will have to drop other, leaving defending champion Egan Bernal’s Ineos team to set a and will be special because it tional cricket again.” down the order if he is to start moderate pace. Denied a Twenty20 World Cup is being played without spec- Having won both of their Test against Australia, with England “We knew that this climb was tricky, it was a pretty bad surface. I this year because of the coro- tators in accordance with series - against the West Indies captain Eoin Morgan saying think we climbed at our own speed and saved energy, we just tried to navirus outbreak, cricket fans COVID-19 restrictions. and Pakistan - England’s focus is Thursday that Buttler will open stay safe,” said Ineos domestique Michal Kwiatkowski. might have the next best thing Then again, that’s nothing totally on the white ball now. the batting with Jonny “Everyone is keeping their powder dry and is saving energy for the in the upcoming days. new particularly for the A 1-1 draw with Pakistan in Bairstow. next days,” said Yates, who was never threatened throughout the stage. A series between England English, who have managed to a three-match T20 series was Australia has a tried-and- Slovenian Tadej Pogacar, who is third overall, suffered an untimely and Australia. fit in a full international a good way to prepare for the tested T20 lineup that has lifted puncture in the climb up to the Col de la Lusette but managed to regain They are the top two teams summer of cricket in all Australians, and England will the team atop the ICC rankings his place in the peloton easily, thanks to the bunch’s slow pace. in the T20 world rankings - formats against the West have a stronger squad at its dis- in the format, so batsman The only sparkle came in the final metres, when Frenchman Julian Australia is No. 1 - and their Indies, Ireland and Pakistan posal now the likes of Jos Marnus Labuschagne will likely Alaphilippe produced a brief attack to regain one second after losing fierce sporting rivalry is deep- despite the pandemic. Buttler, Jofra Archer and Mark need to wait for his debut the yellow jersey to Yates following a 20-second penalty for illegal rooted. They also have some of Australia is the latest nation Wood are out of the Test despite impressing in both the feeding on Wednesday. the most explosive batsmen to fly to England and stay in bubble. The hosts are missing Test and ODI teams over the Today’s seventh stage is a 168-km ride from Millau to Lavaur, which and fastest bowlers in world what is termed a “bio-secure key players in all-rounder Ben past year and hitting a century is expected to favour the sprint specialists. cricket. bubble,” essentially meaning Stokes, who is unavailable for in a warmup game this week. What more could you ask its players have done no more selection following his return “We are pretty settled on for? than practice and spend time to New Zealand to be with his the way that we structure up Team Mitchelton rider “I hope it’s a preview for in a hotel since they arrived 11 father who has cancer, and our T20 side at the moment,” Great Britain’s Adam the final,” Australia captain days ago. opener Jason Roy, who has a Finch said, in the only selection Yates celebrates his Aaron Finch said yesterday, After a few intra-squad left side strain. hint he gave in a pre-match overall leader yellow referring to the next T20 World matches, their players are Joe Root, the Test captain, video call. “He (Labuschagne) jersey on the podium Cup that will now take place in itching for the real thing - has been left out of the T20 played nicely the other day but at the end of during India in October-November something they haven’t had squad but is in the ODI squad I think he might have to wait a the 6th stage of the 2021. since mid-March when the for the three-match series little bit longer in T20 cricket.” 107th edition of the “The England-Australia scheduled ODI series against starting Sept. 11. Morgan said Australia was Tour de France cycling rivalry is always huge,” he New Zealand was One exciting newcomer to “probably” the favourite to win race, 191 km between added, “regardless of who you abandoned. the team is Tom Banton, a tall the series. Le Teil and Mont are playing in front of and “The way the players have opening batsmen who is a 360- “They have their strongest where you are playing. You Aigoual, yesterday. hit the ground running has hitter and likes to go on the squad here,” he said, “so they’ll could play in a street and it been really exciting,” Finch attack immediately. be putting out their best XI. So would still be there.” said. He scored 71, 20 and 46 in if you’re to go on that, I’d This three-match series is “I know not just me but the recent games against probably say they’re just taking place at the Rose Bowl everyone is just absolutely Pakistan. favourites.” Morgan says Root in England’s T20 plans

REUTERS - LONDON Morgan added that the team lacks a middle-order batsman Joe Root has a future in England’s Twenty20 setup but he was who can help accelerate the run rate, especially in the absence left out for the three-match series against Australia as his spot of all-rounder Ben Stokes, who skipped the last two Tests in the playing 11 was not guaranteed, captain Eoin Morgan said against Pakistan to visit his father, who has brain cancer, in yesterday. New Zealand. Test captain Root was included in England’s one-day inter- “There are periods where... guys will have opportunities national squad but Morgan said the 29-year-old was better to bat in their normal position or elsewhere,” Morgan added. off returning to Yorkshire to play county cricket rather than “One of the challenges we do have down the line is trying staying with the squad. to find a lower-order batter that can come in and play in an “We’ve spoken to Joe and he certainly does have a future,” aggressive manner from ball one.” Morgan told reporters ahead of today’s series opener in Australia are the world number one side in T20s and Southampton. Morgan said the tourists would be favourites going into the “The conversation was surrounding Joe not getting into series, which is being played without spectators due to the the best 11 at the moment, but also we didn’t want to carry him COVID-19 pandemic. around and not play any cricket. “They have their strongest squad here and so will probably “Joe wants to play T20 cricket and put his best case forward, be putting in their best 11,” Morgan said, adding that the lack particularly when he doesn’t have a lot of opportunity to go of fans would not affect them in any way. back to Yorkshire and play T20 cricket. We felt this was a really “I don’t think it bothers them. Some guys really enjoy good opportunity to do that.” playing away from home.” SPORT SPORT | 14 SPORT | 15

Djokovic through Captain Morgan as top seed says Root in Pliskova crashes England’s out of US Open T20 plans

FRIDAY 4 SEPTEMBER 2020

QFA, SC and Concacaf announce new partnership

– DOHA THE PENINSULA As a result of the between the SC’s Generation Cup, the collaboration will also Amazing Programme and Con- provide multiple knowledge With just over two years to go partnership, the reigning cacaf’s NextPlay Programme. sharing opportunities between until the FIFA World Cup Qatar AFC Asian Cup champions “Generation Amazing uses the organizing bodies of Qatar 2022, the Qatar Football Asso- will make their appearance the power of football to create 2022 and the FIFA World Cup ciation (QFA) and the Supreme in the Concacaf Gold Cup sustainable social development 2026, which will take place in Committee for Delivery & as a guest nation in 2021 in communities around the the Concacaf region. Legacy (SC) have formed a new world. Since it was launched as Concacaf President and FIFA strategic partnership with and 2023. part of Qatar’s bid to host the Vice-President, Victor Montag- Concacaf, the governing body World Cup, it has positively liani, commented on the Qatar for football in North America, impacted the lives of more than national team’s invitation to play Central America and the 500,000 people around the in the 2021 and 2023 Concacaf Caribbean. world. Looking to the future and Gold Cup completions. The partnership will see the the further expansion of this “In 2017 we entered into a QFA the SC play an important important legacy project, we are Memorandum of Understanding role in all levels of football and excited to announce this stra- with the Asian Football Confed- sport across the Concacaf region tegic partnership with the Con- eration which has been mutually and help deliver long-term cacaf’s own football for devel- beneficial for both regions, and football for development pro- opment programme, to ensure paved the way for this important grammes across the region. the growth of both initiatives and agreement between Concacaf, The partnership includes deliver a greater impact on the the Qatar Football Association Qatar’s participation as a guest lives of even more people, in and the Supreme Committee. nation in the region’s top football even more countries. Most “The Qatar National Team competition, the Concacaf Gold importantly, this partnership will will be a guest participant in the Cup, in both 2021 and 2023. The nation on November 21, 2022. help ensure a lasting human prepare the national team ahead help ensure a sustainable, lasting Concacaf Gold Cup, the flagship reigning AFC Asian Cup cham- The partnership also legacy for the 2022 World Cup. of their opening World Cup tournament legacy in North men’s international competition pions will make their Gold Cup includes long-term “The Concacaf Gold Cup is a match on 21 November 2022. America, Central America and in our region. We look forward debut in July of next year after involvement in the region’s prestigious tournament and “Winning the 2019 AFC the Caribbean, well after the last to welcoming them and we their second appearance as a football for development initi- we’re thrilled Qatar has been Asian Cup marked an important ball is kicked in 2022.” know that as reigning AFC Asian guest nation at the Copa atives through the SC’s flagship invited to compete in the 2021 milestone in our development Al Thawadi added, “From a Cup Champions they will America, South America’s top human and social legacy pro- and 2023 editions,” said QFA plan, and so we head into the footballing perspective, it will be provide stern opposition for our football competition, next year. gramme, Generation Amazing, President, Sheikh Hamad bin Gold Cup confident that we can great to see Qatar’s national national teams. This innovative The national team’s and the Concacaf NextPlay Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani. compete with Concacaf’s best team take on some of the world’s partnership with the QFA and appearance marks another programme. In particular, the “Qatar’s participation in the teams. We look forward to the best when they meet in the 2021 the SC includes a significant important football devel- partnership will have a signif- tournament next year takes competition.” edition of the Gold Cup, ahead football development and social opment milestone on the road icant focus on community place just 17 months before the SC Secretary-General, of their historic participation on responsibility component, to Qatar 2022 and will help coach development, which will FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Hassan Al Thawadi, commented home turf at the FIFA World Cup offering huge benefits to the further prepare the team ahead benefit thousands of young kicks off, so it will be a great on the long-term football for 2022.” game across the Concacaf of their first match as host people across the region, and opportunity to help further development partnership As hosts of the next World region,” added Montagliani. Five-star Al Sadd off to a flying start at brand new Education City Stadium WEEK 1 FIXTURES THE PENINSULA — DOHA Player of the Year and Joint-Top Scorer Akram Afif and his team-mate, Tareq Salman, the Best U-23 Player, YESTERDAY'S are honoured by the Al Sadd and Al Kharaitiyat players before the kick off of the 1st match of the season RESULTS Spanish star Santi Carzola spearheaded Al at the Education City Stadium, yesterday. Sadd's dominant show with a brace as the Al Sadd 5 - 1 Wolves defeated newly promoted Al Al Kharaitiyat Kharaitiyat 5-1 at the brand new Education Al Sailiya 1 - 1 City Stadium in the opening day of the new Al Rayyan QNB Stars League (QSL), yesterday. Al Gharafa 2 - 0 New recruit, Cazorla scored in the 27th Qatar SC and 60th minutes while Baghdad Bounedjah (54) before Mohammed Salam TODAY'S FIXTURES scored an own goal in the 71st minute. The Al Duhail vs Umm QFA Player of the Year, Akram Afif scored Salal Al Sadd's fifth in the 84th minute. (18:15, Education City Rashid Tiber Kanin scored Al Kharaiti- Stadium) yat’s goal. Al Ahli vs Al Wakrah The majestic 40,000-seat Education (18:15, Al Ahli City Stadium dubbed the ‘Diamond in the Stadium) Desert’, had only few spectators present Al Khor vs Al Arabi at the stands yesterday, but the presence (20:30, Al Ahli of plenty of top class action was there. Stadium) Following a digital launch announcing the completion of Education City Stadium in June this year, specially programmed as a tribute to frontline healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, the venue saw it's first match after the presentation of the QFA Awards to Player of the Year would rue the two dropped points in their and Joint-Top Scorer Afif and his team- bid to regain the league shield. The Lions mate, Tareq Salman who was named the had finished runners-up in the 2019-20 Best U-23 Player. QNB Stars League. Cazorla continued his good form in Al Rayyan, coached by Uruguayan Qatar, having scored on his debut for Al Diego Aguirre, lagged behind champions Sadd in their Ooredoo Cup 2-0 semi-final Al Duhail (52 points) only by one point in victory over Al Ahli few days ago. the final standings. Al Sadd, who had finished third in the Al Rayyan’s best chance in the first half recently-concluded 2019-20 season, dom- went to Abdulaziz Hazza in the 16th minute, inated the proceedings with Brazilian but his shot was saved by Al Sailiya’s much- Guilermo Torres making his debut in Qatar. experienced goalkeeper Amine Lecomte. Torres, along with South Korean star Nam Mohanad, who has previously plied his Tae-Hee, 2018 Asian Player of the Year trade in Al Duhail, took Al Sailiya ahead by Abdelkarim Hassan and Hassan Al slotting home a pass from Tiago Bezerra, Haydous unleashed shots against Al who switched to The Peregrines this season Kharaitiyat, who are back in the top flight from Al Khor. after a gap of one season. Al Rayyan were not to be denied as they The Thunders had finished at the found the equaliser not long after the bottom in the 2018-19 season and were resumption. relegated to the Second Division. Traore was on target with a bicycle kick Elsewhere, at A lGharafa Stadium, Al when the ball rebounded off the horizontal Sailiya held Al Rayyan to a 1-1 draw. following a corner kick by Yacine Brahimi, Mohanad Ali (28th minute) scored for the joint top-scorer in the previous QSL Al Sailiya, while Dame Traore (52nd season. Al Rayyan's Yacine Brahimi, winner of the Mansour Muftah Award for Joint-Top Scorer, and Best Coach, Diego Aguirre minute) was Al Rayyan’s scorer. In the third match of the day, hosts Al receiving their awards before the kick off of their first match of the season, yesterday. Possession was even and Al Rayyan Gharafa defeated Al Khor 2-0.