1996 - 2021 SILVER JUBILEE YEAR

Qatar among Barty tops world's largest Azarenka to markets for reach Miami Islamic finance quarters

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WEDNESDAY 31 MARCH 2021 18 SHA'ABAN - 1442 VOLUME 26 NUMBER 8578 www.thepeninsula.qa 2 RIYALS

Qatar vows $100m Amir and US Mayors discuss bilateral relations support for Syrian humanitarian needs THE PENINSULA — DOHA and stability and maintains the unity of Syria. The State of Qatar pledged another He said that the State of Qatar $100m to alleviate the Syrian human- stresses the importance of the Syrian itarian crisis. constitutional committee in helping to This came during the speech of end the crisis, and its commitment to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of support the committee in cooperation Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed with the UN Special Envoy for Syria, by bin Abdulrahman Al Thani at the 5th engaging with Syrian parties and sup- Brussels conference on Supporting the porting the voluntary return of Syrian Future of Syria and of the Region, which refugees. took place yesterday via video The Deputy Prime Minister and Min- conference. ister of Foreign Affairs said that holding His Excellency stressed the impor- today’s conference reflects the interna- tance of having a collective response tional community’s continued support and enhancing contributions in alle- of the Syrian people in alleviating their viating the suffering of the Syrian humanitarian crisis that has been people and the region. He added that ongoing for 10 years. `P2 the State of Qatar’s financial and humanitarian aid to the Syrian people Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani met at Sheikh Abdullah Bin Jassim Majlis at the Amiri Diwan yesterday morning was more than $2bn since the start with a delegation of Their Excellencies Mayors of a number of US cities, on the occasion of their visit to the country. H H of the crisis, whether in the form of The State of Qatar’s financial and the Amir met with Mayor of Miami, Florida, Francis Suarez, who is also the Second Vice-President of the US Conference governmental support or through humanitarian aid to the Syrian of Mayors, Mayor of Quincy, Illinois, Kyle Moore, and Mayor of Rochester Hills, Michigan, Bryan Barnett. The meeting dealt non-governmental and charitable with reviewing the strategic friendship and cooperation ties between the State of Qatar and the friendly United States of people was more than $2bn since America, in addition to discussing a number of issues of joint interest. organisations. the start of the crisis, whether in The Deputy Prime Minister and Min- ister of Foreign Affairs renewed the State the form of governmental support of Qatar’s position of supporting inter- or through non-governmental and national efforts aiming to reach a political charitable organisations. Age limit for COVID-19 vaccination lowered to 40 resolution to the Syrian crisis in line with Geneva I statement of 2012, UN Security QNA — DOHA conditions, health care leading to significant who are eligible for the H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Council resolutions, and in particular res- workers and other key numbers of people being vaccine at this stage will be olution no. 2254 which meets the aspi- Abdulrahman Al Thani The Ministry of Public Health essential workers, MoPH admitted to hospital and contacted directly by rations of the Syrian people for security (MoPH) has announced that added. intensive care every day Primary Health Care Corpo- it has lowered the age At present priority with severe symptoms. Since ration via SMS or phone call threshold for COVID-19 groups for COVID-19 vacci- the start of the pandemic it to arrange their vaccine eligibility to 40 years nations are people aged 40 is the elderly who have been appointment. People who of age. years of age and above most at risk from severe meet the new 40 years of The change comes as regardless of their health complications, but in this age and above eligibility cri- part of the phased roll-out conditions, people with second wave of the virus the teria and who have already of the National COVID-19 moderate chronic medical health care system is now registered their interest Vaccination Programme, conditions, additional health seeing more younger people online via the MOPH vaccine which prioritises those care professionals and other becoming sick and needing registration service will be members of the population key workers in different medical care. Lowering the given priority for appoint- most at risk from ministries and industries, age limit to 40 years will ments over the next three to COVID-19. including teachers and enable this age group to get four weeks. More than 765,000 administration staff in vaccinated and reduce their Anyone who has not doses have been adminis- education. risk. already registered their tered since the start of the In the past few weeks, The appointment interest in getting vaccinated campaign to older people, the number of COVID-19 process for vaccinations can do so at www.MOPH. those with chronic cases has risen continuously, remains the same. People gov.qa QP to become 100% owner of Qatargas (1) from first January 2022

THE PENINSULA- DOHA Mitsui. QG1 was the pioneering as well as to continue serving the ExxonMobil, for stepping in at a LNG project to be developed in world’s need for cleaner energy.” critical juncture of the project and Qatar Petroleum (QP) has Qatar, whose success has paved Minister Al Kaabi added, “I leveraging their experience to announced that it will not be the way for the development of would like to thank our valued help making the project a reality; renewing the Qatargas Liquefied Qatar’s LNG industry, leading to partners, Total, ExxonMobil, and to Mitsui and Marubeni for Natural Gas Company Limited where it stands today. Marubeni and Mitsui for their their valuable contributions in (QG1) joint venture upon the Minister of State for Energy Established in 1984, QG1 is a joint venture between Qatar Petroleum efforts in the development and securing anchor offtakes for the expiry of the relevant agree- Affairs, the President and CEO of and affiliates of Total, ExxonMobil, Marubeni and Mitsui. QG1 was the operation of QG1 over the past project and for their great support ments on December 31, 2021. As Qatar Petroleum, H E Eng. Saad pioneering LNG project to be developed in Qatar. three decades. Each one of them during the early phases. Thanks, a result, Qatar Petroleum will bin Sherida Al Kaabi, said: “The has played an instrumental role and appreciation are also due to become the sole owner of 100 takeover by Qatar Petroleum will With a production capacity of approximately 10 million tonnes per in the success of QG1. In par- Chubu Electric, QG1’s foundation percent of the QG1 assets and conclude more than 25 years of annum of LNG, QG1 facilities will continue to be operated by ticular, I would like to express my customer, for their key role in facilities on January 1, 2022. successful operations of QG1, sincere thanks and appreciation anchoring this project as the Established in 1984, QG1 is a from which the first ever Qatari Qatargas on behalf of Qatar Petroleum to Total, for being a foundation primary LNG buyer as well as to joint venture between Qatar LNG cargo was exported. This is shareholder from inception and the other Japanese buyers and, Petroleum and affiliates of Total, a momentous event that high- to further enhance the utilisation benefit of our country and its for their valuable contributions of course, the country of Japan as ExxonMobil, Marubeni and lights Qatar Petroleum’s efforts of our natural resources for the current and future generations throughout this journey; to a whole." `P2

MoI plans awareness drive to reduce motorcycle accidents banking Mobile banking usage set Qatari banks show Trends to watch in banking to rise further `P 04 resilience amid challenges `P 05 industry `P 06

Special Supplement Wednesday 31 March 2021 SIDI MOHAMED a list of all motorbikes and roads further saying they needed Digital transactions rise as banks innovate

The delivery companies and motorbikes in SACHIN KUMAR banking apps, digital cheques that allows customers to payment using the D-Pay plat- introduced a brand new THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA and other such innovations process Commercial Bank form without having to carry version of its Corporate Inter- have made doing banking con- QNB, cheques via the bank’s mobile their wallets, credit cards, net Banking portal with delivery companies after the awareness programmes. nnovations in the Qatari venient for customers. application. The bank has debit cards, or smartphones, new additional features banking sector have QNB, Commercial Bank, Commercial also launched e-Gift feature and enhancing customer related to payments, trans- encouraged customers Dukhan Bank, QIB and other Bank, Dukhan which allows customers to experience at the checkout. fers, cards management and particular increased during the past year with to move towards digital banks have already launched Bank, QIB and send cash gift to their loved Dukhan Bank launched trade finance. The introduc- transactions. Banks in contactless debit and credit ones. Customers can send an fixed and mobile POS termi- tion of the new portal has led IQatar have launched several cards which have become other banks have e-Gift as a transfer through nals that allow companies and among others, to achieving a increase in motorcycle linked Al Hajri pointed out that the innovative banking solutions popular among banks. The its ATM network in Qatar, or retailers in Qatar to accept 100 percent local & Interna- already launched and initiatives that have made contactless cards have done as a local or international payments using credit cards tional digitization of wages’ performing banking transac- away the need for pressing contactless debit account transfer. and debit cards, as well as the payments for all QIB’s corpo- tions effortless and easy for the Personal Identification and credit cards Dukhan Bank has most advanced contactless rate customers, and 93 percent the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic as sales customers. This has resulted Number (PIN) at the retail out- which have launched Dukhan Pay payment feature on D-Pay, its now of all transfers are per- in huge rise in digital transac- lets. Contactless cards allow (D-Pay), its contactless pay- contactless payment platform. formed online. With a sharp increase in motor- road accidents. motorbike is considered a tions in Qatar. customers to pay by sim- become popular ment platform, to meet QIB launched, last year, QIB is also the first Islamic The innovative products and ply tapping the card on the among banks. customers’ increasing mPay digital wallet on its Bank in Qatar to launch an services allow customers to do Point of Sale (PoS) machines The contactless demand for digital bank- award-winning Mobile App. integrated Host-to-Host (H2H) banking from their homes doing or ATMs. ing products and services. IB’s mPay digital wallet pro- Online Payment Management away the need toto visit bank Contactless transactions cards have done Recently,Recently, Dukhan Bank also vides a cashless and card solution for large corporatescorporates,, transactions were being made online. branches.branches. Although almost all areare as safe as traditional card awayaway the need launchedlaunched a set of advanced less payment gagatewayteway within in line with itsits endeavors cycle related road accidents in He also said that department vehicle and motorcyclists must thethe banks in Qatar were swift in payment transactions.transactions. Each services including:including: Point-of-Point-of- Qatar.Qatar. for pressingpressing to automateautomate aandnd acceacceler-ler- adopting the lalatesttest technology,technology, transactiontransaction uses state-of-the-artstate-of-the-art SaleSale ((POS)POS) solutionsolution,, Remote QIB is tthehe ffirstirst IsIslamiclamic ateate papaymentyment managementmanagement COVID-19 outbreakoutbreak accelerated securitysecurity to generategenerate a random thethe PPersonalersonal Deposit Capture ((RDC)RDC) serv-serv- Bank in QatarQatar to launch a experiences of its corporate thethe ppaceace of launch of tech-tech- verificationverification code tthathat cannotcannot be IdentificationIdentification ice,ice, onlineonline tradetrade system, in corporate mobile bankinbankingg customers. The Bank has also nology-based babankingnking counterfeited. It also provideprovidess NumberN b (PIN(PIN))at) at addition to the upcoming application, ofofferingfering corpocorpo-- introduced a RemoteRemote Deposit solutions.solutions. more control,control, since the card rolloutrollout ofof thethe bank’sbank’s elec-elec- rate customers a convenient,convenient, ChequeCheque (RDC) service as a the country, the Ministry of is working on awareness pro- abide by the traffic rules, as the thet retailtil outletsoutlets.outl t DigitalDigital bankinbankingg has also doesdoes not leave customer’s hand tronictronic paymentpayment gatewaygateway / trusted, and safe way to fulfill safe,safe, fast and efficient solu-solu- pplayedlayed a supportingsupporting role in toto be swiped bbyy the merchant. e-Commerce servservice.ice. theirtheir ffinancialinancial requirements tion for compancompaniesies to remotely llimitingimiting the spread of COVIDCOVID-- EveryEvery time a customer performs Additionally, thethe bank has remotely.remotely. The QIB Corporate depositdeposit Cheques from their 1199 as customers now prefer to a contactless transaction he ggetsets releasedreleased wristwristbandsbands tthathat wiwillll Mobile App also offers QIB’s own offices, in addition to a Interior is set to form a grammes targeting motorcy- traffic control radars monitor dobankingtransactionsfromdb kit ti f informedif diSpecial immediately ditl via iSMS SMS residentsresidentstogoforcashlessid t tto go ffor cashlesssupplements hl facilitatepaymentunderthefilitt t dth corporatett customers fllfull con CtDitOl committee to prepare a list of all clists. “We dealt with official their violations. included with today’s edition the motorcyclists and delivery bodies in this regard including “Also motorcyclists must 2 companies to initiate awareness Qatar Post because they have obtain a driving licence from the Every 2021 Mazda models Honda launches new programmes for them. many motorcyclists and we had General Directorate of Traffic. win top safety award CBR600RR in Middle East Colonel Mohamed Radi Al awareness cooperation for The delivery companies and PAGE 04 PAGE 03 WEDNESDAY 31 MARCH 2021 SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT

Hajri, Director of the Awareness Qatar Post riders,” he said. motorbikes in particular THE WASHINGTON POST than a fuel-powered pickup truck and four times more efficient than he dream began in 1955, with the average electric vehicle. At least a tiny, toylike creation called 90% of the power produced by the the "Sunmobile." Built from Aptera's solar panels goes toward balsa wood and hobby shop making the vehicle move, the and Information Department at Speaking to Qatar Radio yes- increased during the past year Ttires, it was just 15 inches long. The 12 company says. selenium solar cells that decorated its The Aptera can be recharged the exterior produced less horsepower same way a standard electric than an actual horse. But it was proof vehicle is fueled - by simply plugging of a concept: Sunlight alone can make it into an outlet. Its extreme effi- a vehicle run. ciency means the car can go 150 the General Directorate of terday, Al Hajri noted that acci- with the outbreak of coronavirus The years went on, and the dream miles after just 15 minutes at an evolved into a converted vintage buggy ordinary charging station. with solar panels on its roof. Then a But an average electric car would glorifiedgy bicycle, a retiree's garage gg need a solar ppanel "the size of a semi project, a racecar that crossed the ttruck"ruck" to go farther than a few miles, Traffic, has revealed that a com- dents increased due to a large pandemic as sales transactions MojaveMojave Desert at 51 miles per hourhour.. Fambro said. Meanwhile, a relatively It is a dream of pperpetualerpetual motion. small number of solar cells can ppropelropel mittee is being formed to create number of motorcyclists on the were being made online. `P3 Of journeys thatthat last as lonlongg as the sun the Aptera 02 HOME WEDNESDAY 31 MARCH 2021 Countering terrorism an utmost priority for Qatar, says FM QNA — DOHA and regional cooperation in this Qatar's top diplomat says terrorism continues to pose threat regard. Deputy Prime Minister and The Deputy Prime Minister Minister of Foreign Affairs H E to international peace and security, noting that the success of and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul- the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, especially in Iraq and Syria, condemned in the strongest rahman Al Thani yesterday reit- reflects the commitment of the international community to terms the current situation in erated that the State of Qatar combating terrorism. Mozambique and the brutal gives an utmost priority to attacks by the ISIS that threaten countering terrorism. the stability of Africa, noting He underlined that Qatar is Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Iraq and other countries, in that it is a reminder that the an active partner in the inter- Al Thani said terrorism con- order to fight this international ISIS remains a global threat. national cooperation in con- tinues to pose a great threat to criminal phenomenon and He also extended thanks to fronting terrorism at the international peace and keep abreast of its develop- US Secretary of State H E national, regional and interna- security, noting that the success ments and forms. Antony Blinken as well as tional levels; and it will con- of the Global Coalition to Defeat He emphasised the need to Deputy Prime Minister and tinue to carry out its role as an ISIS, especially in Iraq and Syria, continue to address the threat Foreign Minister of Belgium H active partner in the interna- reflects the commitment of the posed by foreign terrorist E Sophie Wilmes for hosting tional community to maintain international community to fighters and to reintegrate them this important meeting which international peace and combating terrorism. into their communities, in order comes amidst ongoing chal- security, and combat the phe- The Deputy Prime Minister to maintain the success of the lenges imposed by the coro- nomenon of terrorism locally and Minister of Foreign Affairs coalition’s efforts in combating navirus (COVID-19) pandemic, by participating in all interna- stressed the importance for the terrorism, noting that it is not noting that holding the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh tional and regional efforts in international community to possible to maintain the pos- meeting affirms the determi- Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani attending the meeting of this regard, and it will also con- participate positively and to itive momentum in the battle nation of the international tinue the humanitarian support the Ministers of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, held virtually. provide the necessary support against terrorism without community to continue joint it provides in order to restore to restore security and peace addressing its true causes, efforts within the framework stability in the affected areas Addressing the virtual Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS in the countries facing terrorist ending armed conflicts and of the Global Coalition to in Syria and Iraq. meeting of the Ministers of the held yesterday, Sheikh groups, such as the Republic of strengthening the international Defeat ISIS. 'Qatar's mediation efforts underpinned by principle of neutrality' Qatar vows $100m support for Syrian QNA — DUSHANBE firm belief that harmony, cohesion and cooperation are very important elements humanitarian The State of Qatar participated yesterday for the success of the collective and indi- needs in the ninth Ministerial Conference of vidual efforts to bring peace to FROM PAGE 1 Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process on Afghanistan. Afghanistan, hosted by the Republic of He added that Qatar looks forward He added that humani- Tajikistan. to working with regional and interna- tarian conditions in Syria con- The delegation of the State of Qatar tional players and partners, including tinue to deteriorate in light of to the conference was headed by Min- the Republic of Turkey, with whom Qatar the Syrian regime’s continued ister of State for Foreign Affairs H E will co-host the international conference human rights violations and Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi. on Afghanistan under the auspices of the war crimes that present an In a speech to the conference, he said United Nations next month. obstacle to a political solution, that the State of Qatar appreciates the The Minister said that there is no mil- adding that the coronavirus efforts of Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process itary solution to the situation in Afghan- pandemic (COVID-19) and its in promoting political negotiations, istan, adding that Qatar calls on all economic impact has made regional cooperation and building con- parties to exercise maximum restraint living conditions for Syrians fidence to help Afghanistan achieve and to reduce violence throughout even harder, which requires Minister of State for Foreign Affairs H E Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi leading Qatar's peace and prosperity. Afghanistan in order to accelerate the and urgent intervention by the delegation at the Ministerial Conference of Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process on The State of Qatar believes in the peace process that leads to compre- UN and its agencies, particu- same issue, he noted, adding that the Afghanistan, in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. hensive peace, ceasefire and a political larly the World Health Organ- State actively participated in resolving settlement that is approved by the ization (WHO) to prioritise various conflicts in the Middle East and Doha Agreement signed on February both sides can achieve peace and that Afghan people. delivering vaccines to Syria. beyond through dialogue and mediation 29, 2020, is an example of this, as it they have shown their willingness to do He expressed deep gratitude to the He stressed that success in based on basic principles that include served as an important milestone in the so. He stressed Qatar’s readiness to help Republic of Tajikistan for its warm facing the humanitarian dis- both neutrality, impartiality and inde- Afghan conflict, and the Afghan nego- the parties reach a political settlement welcome and hospitality, and for hosting aster resulting from the Syrian pendence in accordance with interna- tiations in Doha on September 12, 2020 so that Afghanistan and the Afghan the ninth Ministerial Conference of Heart crisis cannot come without a tional law and consent of the parties. mark the beginning of a historic people can live in peace, security and of Asia-Istanbul Process on Afghanistan, political resolution to the In this regard, the Minister of State moment as well. stability. despite the challenges of the COVID-19 crisis, which is difficult to for Foreign Affairs indicated that the He said that the State believes that He also stressed the State of Qatar’s pandemic. achieve given the regime’s stubbornness and rejection of the Syrian people’s legitimate demands. Minister of State for Foreign Qatar University holds career fair He thanked the European Union and the UN for their Affairs meets Tajikistan FM THE PENINSULA — DOHA On the inaugu- efforts in holding the fifth ration of the event, Dr. edition of the conference, and QNA — DUSHANBE of Asia-Istanbul Process on The Career Development Hassan bin Rashid Al to all countries who continue Afghanistan, which is hosted by Center at Qatar University (QU) Derham, President of to support Syrians despite the Minister of State for Foreign Tajikistan. yesterday kicked off a virtual Qatar University, said, health crisis. Affairs H E Sultan bin Saad Al The meeting reviewed the career fair with 170 students “The University of He also thanked all coun- Muraikhi met yesterday with bilateral cooperation ties and and more than 1,500 visitors in Qatar has worked and tries and organisations that Minister of Foreign Affairs of ways of promoting and devel- attendance. is still working to meet contribute to providing the Republic of Tajikistan H E oping them, in addition to the The exhibition featured 45 national requirements humanitarian aid to the Syrian Sirodjidin Muhriddin, on the peace process in Afghanistan informational booths from gov- to achieve further people. sidelines of the Ninth Minis- and the efforts of the State of ernment and private progress and pros- terial Conference of the Heart Qatar in this regard. organisations. perity for the nation. The event is to provide QU “Through this Virus cases rise students and alumni with the virtual exhibition, we QP to become 100% owner of opportunity to meet and will be able to identify to 720; three new interact with employers and the most important Qatargas (1) from January 1, 2022 companies’ representatives to professional opportu- deaths: MoPH seek employment and training nities offered by the FROM PAGE 1 QU President Dr. Hassan bin Rashid Al opportunities. Qatari labour market THE PENINSULA — DOHA Derham “Furthermore, I would also like to sincerely thank QatarGas The first-day feature by participants from all operating company leadership and employees for their excellent included; virtual 'CV clinic' in sectors of the state. The Ministry of Public Health work and dedication that made this company a success over the Arabic and English; mock inter- clinic' in Arabic and English; Opportunities of employment (MoPH) reported 720 new last 24 years” views presented in Arabic; mock interviews presented in and field training will benefit cases of COVID-19 yesterday. Minister Al Kaabi concluded his remarks by saying, “This event Qatarisation role presented by Arabic and English; 'Reach your students in developing their Among them, 93 were trav- marks the start of the next chapter in QG1’s history, which we Qatar Islamic Bank in Arabic; full potential' presented by skills and from the lectures and ellers returning from abroad. hope and believe will be even more successful than the last chapter, virtual mock job interview North Oil Company in Arabic; training workshops that will be A total of 412 people and we look forward to serving our customers for the next three workshop in Arabic; and intro- 'Create a professional LinkedIn held during the exhibition." recovered from COVID-19 yes- decades from this world-class asset.” With a production capacity duction to Al Darb programme profile' in collaboration with The event will feature terday, bringing the total of approximately 10 million tons per annum of LNG, QG1 facil- presented by Qatar Airways in QU Library in English; and lead- activities and training work- number of people recovered ities will continue to be operated by Qatargas on behalf of Qatar English. ership journey programme pre- shops that will help the stu- in Qatar to 163,684. Petroleum and will play an important role in supplying LNG to The second day will feature sented by 'Teach for Qatar' in dents in preparing for profes- The total number of pos- the world’s markets in a safe and reliable manner. five events, including virtual 'CV Arabic. sional life. itive COVID-19 cases recorded in Qatar is 179,184 and there are 15,211 active cases under treatment. The Ministry also MME to hold waste management conference on April 5-6 announced three deaths aged 43, 57 and 69 years old. QNA — DOHA sustainability in implementing future of waste management exhibitions. Meanwhile, the A total of 25, 566 doses of the Ministry’s sustainable Registration for the and recycling and expressed Assistant Manager of the waste COVID-19 vaccines were The Ministry of Municipality strategy and the National confidence that the participants’ management department at the administered in 24 hours. The and Environment (MME) has Development Strategy and conference is open to all ideas and visions will contribute MME, Hassan Nasr Al Nasr, total number of vaccine doses announced that the 1st interna- Qatar National Vision 2030. those interested. More to strengthening the man- explained that the conference administered since the start of tional waste management He pointed out that the con- information is available at agement of waste. would discuss many topics, the vaccination campaign is conference would be held on ference is an interactive www.wmdoha.com Director of the Public Rela- including circular economy, 790,676. April 5 and 6. platform to discuss the latest tions Department of the MME, integration between the public Several governmental and waste management and recy- Abdullah Muhammad Al Falasi, and private sectors, and modern semi-governmental institutions, cling solutions and aims to learn that Qatar has developed a said that holding the con- technologies for converting Two arrested for the private sector, local fac- about the latest technologies comprehensive strategy to deal ference, days after Qatar Inter- waste into energy, research, and tories, some external parties, and systems in developing with all types of waste, whether national Environmental Exhi- development in the field of violating home and a group of experts and spe- waste management and recy- from residential places, com- bition, confirms the country’s waste, food waste, smart man- cialists in local and interna- cling system. mercial and industrial sites, interest in supporting all sectors agement of waste collection and quarantine tional waste management and It will also explore inte- construction, and other sectors. and services related to MME’s transportation, waste and chal- treatment would participate in grating public and private He added that Qatar also work to achieve the objectives, lenges in light of the COVID-19 QNA — DOHA the event. sectors, academic and research adopted a comprehensive plan mission, and strategic plan of pandemic, recycling and other Assistant Undersecretary for institutions’ role in supporting to manage and recycle this the Ministry. topics related to waste recycling The designated authorities Public Services Affairs at the efforts in this field, and mech- waste by establishing a waste He emphasised the impor- management of various kinds. arrested yesterday two people MME Eng. Ahmed Mohammed anisms investing national and management and treatment tance society plays in public He said participation and for violating home quarantine Al Sada said, during a press con- international expertise and centre in Mesaieed, which is one hygiene and waste recycling, registration in the conference requirements they committed ference yesterday to announce experiences to achieve sus- of the largest in the region. which requires the intensifi- and following up its sessions to following as part of this event, that holding the con- tainable development and a The Assistant Undersec- cation of media and awareness and outputs are open to all COVID-19 measures, ference comes within the better future for future gener- retary for Public Services Affairs campaigns, side by side, with interested parties from various The violators being framework of the MME’s ations and improve the quality expressed aspiration for distin- the implementation of projects, countries through the con- referred to prosecution were interest in developing its of life. guished participation in the initiatives, and services and ference website www.wmdoha. identified as Mohammed Arfan services and achieving Eng. Al Sada pointed out conference to contribute to the holding conferences and com. and Rokal Mayn. WEDNESDAY 31 MARCH 2021 HOME 03

Ghani meets Minister of State for Foreign Affairs

QOC president meets UK ambassador President of the Qatar Olympic Committee H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani met at his office President of Afghanistan H E Dr. Mohammad Ashraf Ghani and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs yesterday with Ambassador of the United Kingdom to the State of Qatar H E Jonathan Paul Wilks. H E Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi during their meeting in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, yesterday. During the meeting, Sheikh Joaan lauded the good relations between Qatar and the UK as both officials reviewed the sport cooperation between the two countries and the means to further enhance QNA — DUSHANBE capital of the Republic of part, the Afghan President them. The meeting was also attended by Jassim Rashid Al Buenain, the Secretary-General of the Tajikistan, Dushanbe. entrusted the Minister of State Qatar Olympic Committee. President of the Islamic At the beginning of the for Foreign Affairs with his Republic of Afghanistan H E Dr. meeting, the Minister of State greetings to the Amir, wishing Mohammad Ashraf Ghani met for Foreign Affairs conveyed him health and happiness and 340 referred to prosecution for violating COVID-19 measures yesterday with Minister of State the greetings of Amir H H the Qatari people continued for Foreign Affairs H E Sultan Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al development and prosperity. QNA — DOHA measures. Among them, 285 people were referred bin Saad Al Muraikhi, on the Thani to the President of the They reviewed bilateral to the Public Prosecution for not wearing masks sidelines of ninth Ministerial Islamic Republic of Afghan- cooperation and relations, the The designated authorities yesterday referred in places where they are mandatory, 50 for not Conference of Heart of Asia- istan, and His Highnesss' wishes peace process in Afghanistan, 340 people to the Public Prosecution for violating adhering to social distancing, and 4 for not down- Istanbul Process on Afghan- for the Afghan people for devel- and the efforts of the State of the COVID-19 preventive and precautionary loading the Ehteraz app. istan, Which is held in the opment and growth. For his Qatar in that regard. Ministry of Education launches World Book Day activities in schools QNA — DOHA organized in all schools, through conscious personality, in the most beautiful cover of a knowledge and information, celebrate the World Book Day, various activities, taking into addition to encouraging stu- story or book, as well as repre- consolidating the principle of which falls on the 23rd of April The activities of the reading account the precautionary dents to attend learning sentative scenes and teamwork, and strengthening every year, as the United week organised by the Ministry measures and through remote resource centres and benefit workshops. cooperation between schools. Nations Educational, Scientific of Education and Higher visual communication tech- from their services, exchange Criteria for these events Organizing the activities of and Cultural Organization Education within the Reading nology, aims to spread ideas and experiences among have been set to promote and the Reading Olympiad comes (Unesco) in its meeting held in Olympiad were launched in the awareness of the importance of members of participating spread the culture of reading, from the vision of the Ministry Paris in 1995 approved this date country’s schools. books among students, and to schools, and activate partici- spread awareness of its impor- of Education and Higher Edu- since that year, to be a day to The celebration coincides instil the habit of reading in pation all schools in events. tance and the value of books, in cation, and in its belief in the encourage reading and preserve with the World Book Day and them from a young age, to The week includes a variety addition to promoting books in importance of reading and pro- authors rights, encouraging the Arabic Libraries Day. become part of the components of activities, with both public its various forms (traditional viding students with reading authors, and the Arab League The Reading Olympiad, in of their personalities and con- and private schools partici- and electronic), directing stu- skills, and preparing a gener- Educational, Cultural and Sci- which public and private school tributing to raising the average pating in all academic levels, dents to invest their spare time ation capable of advancing the entific Organization (Alecso) students participate, includes person’s reading in the State of where activities vary between by practicing literacy and cul- homeland and positive inter- decided that the tenth of March two main activities: the reading Qatar by promoting books and storytelling, cultural lectures, tural activities, enhancing the action with the current data and of each year be a day to cele- week, and read and interpret reading, and educating students poetry recitation competitions, value of libraries in students its informational and cognitive brate libraries in all Arab coun- competition. about books importance and discussion of different books hearts, and highlighting their revolution tries, under the slogan Arabic The reading week, which is role in building an educated and and competitions for drawing role in spreading the culture of Countries around the world Libraries Day. HMC launches new parking system at hospitals

THE PENINSULA — DOHA are set by the Ministry of Finance and are in line with As part of its plan to ensure other paid parking facilities in patients and visitors have safe Qatar. and fast access to parking spots, After the first three hours, Hamad Medical Corporation patients and visitors will be (HMC) will introduce a new charged QR15 for one additional parking system on its Hamad hour and then QR5 per hour bin Khalifa Medical City campus thereafter. The maximum in Doha. charge per day is QR70. Special The new policy means that exemptions will be given to from Thursday April 1, patients patients undergoing chemo- and visitors will have access to therapy and dialysis. three hours of free parking at When a patient or visitor all hospitals and facilities within opened four new hospitals on enters a paid parking zone, they Hamad bin Khalifa Medical our Doha campus since 2016 will collect a ticket from the City. and this has led to an increase machine at the entrance to the HMC’s Chief of Healthcare in demand on parking spaces parking facility. When they Facilities and Acting Chief of due to more services being leave, they must visit one of the Business Services, Hamad Al operated,” Al Khalifa said. conveniently located machines Khalifa (pictured), said as the “The introduction of a paid to validate and, where appli- facilities and services offered parking system at HMC will cable, pay the fee. by the Corporation continue to ensure that patients and visitors “One of our main focuses grow, so does the need to have access to adequate and has been to increase capacity ensure safe and convenient convenient parking when and for both public and staff parking parking for patients and where they need it. Our areas. Since 2016, we have visitors. research shows that most of added 35 percent more capacity “Qatar’s population has hospital visits last less than to our public parking areas and grown significantly in recent three hours, so the vast majority by establishing clear separation years and this is putting of patients and visitors will not between public and staff pressure on car parking spaces have to pay for parking – the parking areas we are able to due to the increasing number first three hours are free of ensure sufficient parking of patients being treated at charge.” capacity for patients and vis- HMC. Additionally, we have Al Khalifa said the new fees itors,” added Al Khalifa. More than QR12.6m paid MoI plans awareness to Zakat beneficiaries drive to reduce during February 2021 motorcycle accidents QNA — DOHA FROM PAGE 1 The Zakat Fund of the Ministry of Endowments This phenomenon pushed companies and Islamic Affairs has provided more than compete through quick deliveries and this is QR12.6m in aid for the eligible beneficiaries of something good but the problem is that it families registered inside the State in February increased motorbikes accidents,” Colonel Al 2021. Hajri said. The aid included the permanent and irregular The General Directorate of Traffic earlier monthly aid, tuition fees and treatment aid, all announced the launch of a study to know more of which are granted to eligible families in about the reasons behind these accidents and accordance with Shariah rules. how to deal with the problem. The Zakat Fund is the governmental body Motorcycles have increased in the recent entrusted with the law to collect the Zakat funds period with the coronavirus pandemic due to and provide them to those who are eligible in people relying more on delivery requests espe- accordance with the Shariah regulations. cially for food items. The funds included the QR7,431,690 in Among the reasons behind these accidents monthly aid provided for eligible families; also include incentive from companies or QR2,439,220 in lump-sum aid; QR2,524,194 in people encouraging delivery boys to reach fast. tuition fees for eligible students; and QR 277,372 Also some boys usually indulge in speeding for families that prove their entitlement to the when they have more orders to deliver during medical expenses of their sick members. rush hours. 04 HOME WEDNESDAY 31 MARCH 2021 Ashghal holds workshop on technology optimisation in construction

THE PENINSULA – DOHA several points of discussion More than 70 local firms regarding the use of important The Public Works Authority attended the workshop latest technologies in con- (Ashghal), represented by the conducted as part of a struction and outputs of their Technical Office, organised an proper usage. This includes online workshop on "The series of workshops the latest sustainable building Optimisation of Technology in launched by Ashghal in systems, the possibility of Construction" to reduce cost cooperation with several using modular and volumetric and create a more efficient partners and intensive building systems work environment. stakeholders on the use such as steel and prefabri- More than 70 local firms cated materials, and the latest attended the workshop con- of technology in construction systems using ducted as part of a series of construction. Many engineered timber to check workshops launched by experts, specialists, and carbon dioxide in the atmos- Ashghal in cooperation with researchers representing phere and to reduce climate several partners and stake- Ashghal and external change resulting from human holders on the use of tech- intervention. nology in construction. stakeholders also The importance of voca- Eng. Ahmed Al Ansari, attended the event. tional training for workers in Shura Council reviews parliamentary Technical Office Manager at the construction sector and its Ashghal, talked about the role in the institutional and workshop's objectives, Innovation and Coordinator economic reform process relations with US Congress explaining Ashghal's current of UNESCO-UNEVOC, College were also discussed. approaches in using the latest of the North Atlantic in Qatar Other points of discussion The Qatar Parliamentary Friendship Group with the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand construction techniques. (CNA-Q); Steven Humphrey, in the workshop include the in the Shura Council, chaired by H E Nasser Bin Khalil Al-Jaida, member of the Shura Council, held The dignitaries who talked Director, Leigh & Orange ability of new building tech- a meeting yesterday with a delegation of senior congressional staff, currently visiting the country. in the workshop included Dr. Middle East Ltd. Many experts, nology systems off-site, the During the meeting, they reviewed parliamentary relations between the Shura Council and Alex Amato, Head of Sustain- specialists, and researchers role of using construction the US. Congress and ways to support and develop them. The meeting was attended by H ability at Qatar Green Building representing Ashghal and robots, and their contribution E Dahlan bin Jaman Al Hamad and H E Abdulla Bin Fahad Al Marri, members of the Qatar Council (QGBC); Prof. Michael external stakeholders also to reduce costs, time, and size Friendship Group. Phillips, Academic Manager, attended the event. of workers involved in Applied Research and The experts put forward projects.

Shura Council participates in QU-CAS targets leadership role in region parliamentary THE PENINSULA – DOHA have the skills and knowledge Care Center. they need to achieve their The College remains focused The College of Arts and Sci- meeting on strong The College of Arts and Sciences dreams and aspirations. on the quality of the student ences sought to institute many economies (CAS) at Qatar University (QU) Prof. Ibrahim AlKaabi, learning experience, so the initiatives to enhance and aspires to be a regional leader Acting Dean of CAS, said, “The graduates have the skills and support student learning expe- in interdisciplinary education success of the College in pro- knowledge they need to rience by enhancing student QNA – DOHA and research and advance viding high-quality education employability by ensuring societal progress. and fulfilling the achievements achieve their dreams and alignment of programme cur- The Shura Council partici- The CAS is the heart of QU’s is a genuine reflection of the aspirations. ricula with changing market pated yesterday in a liberal education model. The shared governance, teamwork, needs, promoting student pro- meeting on cross-regional College prepares well-rounded, commitment to academic excel- fessional development and cooperation and the role it creative, and competent grad- lence, and dedication by faculty employability, and improving plays in in shaping resilient uates through interdisciplinary and staff within the College. The College has new and teaching and learning quality economic recovery. The enquiry, which equips them While progress in CAS since it proposed programmes, in academic programmes. meeting was held by the with imaginative and critical was founded has been trans- including BA in Geography, BA Others are benchmarking Parliamentary Assembly of thinking skills to be effective formative, our mandate Fine Arts, BA in Criminology, academic programs that will Turkic-Speaking Countries members of society. CAS fosters remains to build on this for the Prof. Ibrahim AlKaabi, Acting BSc in Physics, Minor in Actu- produce competent graduates, (TURKPA) and the Parlia- an intellectual environment that future successively.” Dean of QU's College of Arts arial Mathematics and MSc in enhance the teaching and mentary Assembly of the stimulates creativity, inclu- While talking about new and Sciences. Chemistry. learning process by integrating Union for the Mediterranean siveness, and a global. and on-going projects, AlKaabi CAS has several important approaches to e-learning where (PAUfM), via videoconfer- The academic year 2019- said, “The College has promoted conferences were scheduled, memorandums of under- possible, enrich the student encing. 2020 saw several goals accom- interdisciplinary projects across but due to the COVID-19 pan- standing with the external experience by developing extra- During the meeting, they plished. Taken together, they and within CAS departments demic, many of them have been partners like The French curricular activities to support exchanged views on policies signify the steady development through research centers and postponed. CAS has scheduled Institute of Qatar, Joaan bin the Qatar National Vision 2030 and legislative strategies to of the College to new heights, collaborative research clusters. five conferences, 18 seminars Jassim Joint Command and Staff by establishing academic pro- accelerate economic innovation, and excellence. The The Total publications reached and public lectures, five work- College, EmilyonBusiness grammes based on the needs of recovery in the two regions, College remains focused on the 1,662 and received four major shops, and seven other public School, The Koln University of a knowledge-based society and and discussed the best ways quality of the student learning NPRP grants.” events,” he said while talking Applied Science, Hacettepe Uni- global trend towards interdis- to ensure that economic experience, so the graduates “Numerous events and about upcoming events. versity, and Behavioral Health ciplinary education. recovery policies are properly aligned with green and digital transformation strategies, as well as develop HEC Paris leverages technology to drive development of leaders at QF cooperation in the field of vaccines and strengthen sol- THE PENINSULA – DOHA To be delivered to 30 Qatar Professor Pablo Martin de Holan, not least that it gives participants a trend that was already gaining idarity in order to achieve Foundation managers and forecasts that digitally-enhanced, access to a much wider range of momentum before the outbreak economic recovery. HEC Paris ensures the continuity leaders, the program was origi- socially-distanced learning will global faculty and also the pos- of the COVID-19 pandemic, but During the meeting, the of Qatar Foundation’s executive nally planned to be delivered in become a mainstream of exec- sibility of adjusting the speed of it has accelerated throughout the Shura Council was repre- education schedule by trans- a conventional classroom setting. utive education in the post- their learning, taking more time world and has met with consid- sented by HE Member of forming its Executive Leaders The move online comes as HEC COVID world. for what is difficult and less for erable success, especially in Council Ali bin Abdullatif Al Program 2021 to a technology- Paris in Qatar Dean and Aca- “There are many advantages the things that come easy” he world-class institutions such as Misnad Al Muhanadi. enhanced format. demic Director of the program, to technology-enabled learning, explained. “Online learning was HEC Paris. Looking to the future, it will be increasingly sought after as we move into the post-COVID times.” This year’s high-impact Exec- utive Leaders Program, the fourth cohort in the Qatar Foundation series, will be delivered in seven modules spread over seven months from March until December. The modules will comprise live virtual sessions, business simulations, and expe- riential learning activities. The pedagogic approach includes case studies covering a range of topics, such as dynamic leadership, strategic thinking, and education, leading an organi- zation in a digital world, strategic business management simu- lation, and leading teams towards innovation. “In an ever-changing envi- ronment, skills should be contin- uously cultivated. This is what learning does: it takes learners outside of their comfort zone and enhances their existing skills, and develops new ones in a safe envi- ronment. HEC Paris continues to innovate and expand the scope of its use of technology in the classroom to offer learners and corporate clients worldwide solutions that are flexible, rel- evant, and deliver clear learning outcomes that are actionable for the person and their organi- sation,” explained Dean Martin de Holan. “Qatar Foundation has again demonstrated its strong commitment to the professional development of its future leaders, and at HEC Paris in Qatar, we are proud of the dig- itally enhanced program we have designed for QF.” WEDNESDAY 31 MARCH 2021 HOME 05

Ehsan continues to provide support QRCS supports PRCS COVID-19 and guidance services to elderly

QNA - DOHA providers as well, including control efforts in West Bank nurses or workers in an elderly The Elderly Empowerment and home. THE PENINSULA - DOHA All the contracted supplies Care Center (Ehsan), affiliated The center had were procured on the delivery with Qatar Foundation for announced that it had begun to The representation mission of dates. Social Work (QFSW), continued receive new cases interested in Qatar Red Crescent Society This project is part of to provide social and health health social support and coun- (QRCS) in the West Bank and QRCS’s initiative to back the support and counseling seling services at the beginning Jerusalem has executed a fellow National Societies in 22 services, whose services were of the current year, as nearly COVID-19 response project, countries across six continents, launched last year, coinciding 1,300 beneficiaries of the working together with Palestine aimed at protecting 320,000 with the spread of the services provided by the team Red Crescent Society (PRCS) to persons against the virus, with COVID-19 pandemic. were registered through phone control the outbreak in the West a total budget of QR2,236,827. The provision of home care calls, text messages and edu- bank. These countries are: Pal- services stopped due to the cational clips. With an overall budget of estine, Afghanistan, Pakistan, extent of the elderly’s need for The team works to $40,000, the project falls under Nepal, Tajikistan, Mongolia, support, guidance and direction provide support services and the COVID-19 Emergency Laos, Vanuatu, Ethiopia, Chad, and a desire to develop services social counseling for the elderly Response Initiative in 22 coun- Senegal, Mauritania, Ivory for the Ehsan center. and their family and those tries across the world’s six Coast, Mali, Sierra Leone, The center continued in interested, whether they are continents. QRCS has provided medications, medical consumables and medical Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, providing these services, after their children or caregivers, to The purpose of the project equipment to support efforts to control COVID-19 in West Bank. Venezuela, El Salvador, Peru, the support and social coun- raise their spirits by communi- is to upgrade PRCS’s capacity and Panama. seling team proved its success cating with them and check on to fight the pandemic, ease the The list of activities con- during the past year through their general health, enhance burdens on Palestine’s Ministry able to continue providing its signs monitors were purchased ducted by QRCS in support of continuous communication their psychological state, follow of Health (MOH), and protect emergency medical services and installed into 26 ambulance those countries includes pro- with a specific category of their health, social and psycho- 8,500 children, women, and amid increasing numbers of vehicles engaged in the vision of equipment and sup- elderly who need to talk with logical state, provide instruc- men per month. COVID-19 infections. response, following the plies for health facilities, pro- specialists in social service and tions, advice and some videos To that end, QRCS provided The National Society is the standard technical specifica- vision of medicines and medical health education to raise their that train them to practice spe- medications and medical con- main ambulatory service pro- tions and applicable tendering supplies, protection for medical spirits, reduce psychological cific exercises for physical sumables at a cost of $10,320, vider in the West Bank, taking procedures. professionals and volunteers, and social pressures, and help therapy and health care, and as well as $23,400 worth of the patients to and among hos- Based on the needs of PRCS, provision of food and shelter for them face some of the problems direct them to follow the advice medical equipment, under strict pitals. Some of its facilities are a list of medications and families worst affected by loss and difficulties they face in of Ehsan through social media. preventive measures as per the used as quarantine and iso- medical consumables was of income, and provision of pro- their lives. The center also provided instructions of MOH. lation centers, in coordination developed. Then, the contract tective supplies including Also included was helping the elderly with numbers for PRCS had issued an appeal with MOH. was awarded to the winning masks, gloves, and sanitizers, their children on how to deal hotlines concerned with health for support, to be Under the project, 26 vital bidder. among others.. with them, as they need special and psychological counseling. treatment, and the special team The center also provided is concerned with social and them with numbers for home health support and counseling, delivery services and Bedaya Center inaugurates special pavilion with the help of service pharmacies. to display products of 6 Qatari projects Ooredoo re-certified THE PENINSULA - DOHA platform for entrepreneurs to display and promote their as Cisco Gold Partner Bedaya Center for Entrepre- products to the diverse seg- neurship and Career Devel- ments of society formed by the opment (Bedaya Center), a joint Lulu hypermarket regular cus- THE PENINSULA - DOHA Certification, Ooredoo gains initiative by Qatar Development tomers, which also reflects the access to Cisco’s compre- Bank and Silatech, inaugurated quality of these products and Ooredoo, the nation’s leading hensive sales, technical, a special pavilion to display the their ability to compete in the digital enabler for business, has training, lifecycle services, and products of 6 Qatari projects in local markets. announced it has been support. cooperation with LuLu Hyper- Commenting on this initi- re-certified as a Cisco Gold Chief Commercial Officer market, one of the largest retail ative, Abdulla Faleh Al Saeed - Partner. Ooredoo Sheikh Nasser Bin stores in Qatar. Board Member and General Achieving the Cisco Gold Hamad Bin Nasser Al Thani – This initiative aims to Manager of Bedaya Center, said, Partner certification indicates said, “We are delighted to share strengthen the Center’s con- “We are thrilled today to exalt that Ooredoo meets the rig- the news of our re-certification tinuous efforts to support entre- the successful partnership with orous global standards set out as a Cisco Gold Partner. I can preneurs and stimulate growth Lulu Hypermarket, one of the by Cisco. confidently state that such cer- of their businesses. largest retail stores in the The official evaluation cri- tification confirms once again In a bid to participate in this country. We have previously Products of six Qatari projects on display at Lulu Hypermarket. teria cover networking com- that Ooredoo Business provides initiative, Bedaya Center held multiple collaborative petency, service, support, and business customers with high- received a large number of informative workshops tackling about the necessities for their of supporting and embracing customer satisfaction. quality services and support as applications on its website. The the requirements of retail plat- participation in retail Qatari startups, small and home In every technical activity we respond to the needs of a applicants were filtered and six forms, with the aim of raising platforms.” businesses by opening new area under scrutiny, Ooredoo’s continuously growing ICT Qatari projects were selected awareness among entrepre- From his side, Director of horizons for a large number of provision was found to meet market. to be part of this endeavor to neurs and owners of SMEs and Lulu Group International, Dr. entrepreneurs who avail the the high standards required. "We share the same impec- display their products from home businesses about the Mohamed Altaf, said, “We are Center’s support especially Cisco Systems has been cably high standards as various fields for free for a most important steps that elated to witness the successful when the Qatari products have solving business challenges esteemed partners such as period of three months at the should be considered by those results of the strategic part- proven their worth and ability since the company was Cisco and are proud to be con- Lulu Hypermarket. This initi- wishing to develop their nership with Bedaya Center, to compete in terms of high founded in 1984. sistently recognised within the ative is intended to offer a great projects, and to educate them which is in line with our vision quality and premium prices.” With Cisco Gold industry for our efforts.”

HBKU’s CIS Journal of Islamic Ethics first to be accepted for Scopus indexing Planet Tec launches big sale in Qatar

THE PENINSULA - DOHA HBKU in general, and CIS and THE PENINSULA - DOHA CILE in particular. More impor- The Journal of Islamic Ethics, tantly, this milestone promises Planet Tec, the official distrib- established by the Research to help expand their global utors of Hitachi-Japan and Center for Islamic Legislation reach for disseminating critical Midea Air Conditioners in Qatar, and Ethics (CILE) at the College research in the nascent field of has begun its first ever BIG SALE of Islamic Studies (CIS), part of Islamic ethics. in Qatar at their main Hamad Bin Khalifa University “I would like to congrat- showroom on Salwa Road in (HBKU), has become the first ulate the CILE team and the Souq Thuraia. Islamic studies journal in Qatar international editorial board for Planet Tec has a wide range and the Middle East to be their extensive efforts and of Hitachi Home Appliances accepted for inclusion in the important review work since including many ‘Made in Japan’ prestigious Scopus index of the inception of the journal in models of Vacuum Cleaners and peer-reviewed journals. 2017, and all our authors for Air Purifiers. Pioneering on several their support. We look forward Hitachi, incidentally, is the fronts, the Journal of Islamic to even greater efforts to market leader in the Drum Ethics, which is published by support this research field,” he Vacuum Cleaner segment with Brill, the Netherlands-based added. a strong 50%-plus market international academic pub- Dr. Maurits van den share! Planet Tec’s new GM, lisher, has the distinction of Boogert, Publishing Director at Mohammad Anis, conveyed that being the first academic journal Brill, adds: “We are very happy this is the first time in the last on Islamic ethics globally. that the Journal of Islamic 15 years of operation that Planet It is also the first human- Ethics has been accepted in Tec has launched a sale of this ities journal edited by HBKU to Scopus. This is a tribute to the magnitude, adding that it will be indexed by Scopus. efforts of the journal’s editors, henceforth be a regular annual Scopus is the most author- both at CILE and outside Qatar, feature. Planet Tec, the official distributors of Hitachi-Japan and Midea Air Condiitioners in Qatar, has kicked itative abstract and citation who work hard to publish the Planet Tec is constantly off its first ever Big Sale in Qatar at their main showroom at Souq Thuraia on Salwa Road. The big database of peer-reviewed lit- highest level of scholarship in expanding its repertoire of sale offers up to 50 percent off on an exceptionally wide range of electronic products and appliances erature in the world, including the journal. We very much look brands and products which now till April 18, to be followed by Ramadan promotion. scientific journals, books, and forward to continuing our col- includes the OTO range of conference proceedings. laboration with HBKU and CILE premium massage products Managed by Elsevier, all in the future.” from Singapore. The range requirements of Qatar’s dis- on Salwa Road which is close Refrigerators, Cookers and publications in the index are The Journal of Islamic includes state-of-the-art auto- cerning customers. to the Jarir Bookstore provides Laundry Machines – proven rigorously vetted against the Ethics focuses on the ethical mated Massage Chairs apart The range of ACs includes a completely safe and compre- products that are sure to satisfy requirements for initial approaches embedded in from many other portable Floor Standing, Split ACs, hensive shopping experience Qatar’s demanding indexing, such as academic Islamic philosophy, theology, massage products like the Window ACs, and Duct & Cas- for its customers and offers customers. contribution to the field and mysticism, jurisprudence, as Handy Spa, Facial Massagers, sette-type ACs for small and ample parking space adjacent The current BIG SALE offers quality of content, and are re- well as Islamic civilization and Foot Massagers and Slimming medium project to the showroom. up to 50% off on an excep- evaluated each year. their intersection with applied Belt for fat reduction. requirements. Customers can even expe- tionally wide range of electronic Dr. Emad El Din Shahin, fields such as bioethics, eco- Exercise products like With its impressive range of rience the newly launched OTO products and appliances till the Dean of CIS, said: “Achieving nomics, education, and others. Treadmills and Rowbikes are Hitachi products from Japan, Massage Chairs in their April 18, 2021, following which Scopus indexing is an out- It was created by CILE to also part of the OTO range of Midea ACs , along with OTO, showroom while following all the Ramadan promotion will standing achievement, and offer an academic podium for products now on offer now with Planet Tec has a formidable necessary COVID-19 safety kick in. reflects the high caliber of innovative research output in discounts up to 50% during the product base which is regularly protocols. Planet Tec has invited qual- articles published by the Islamic ethics. sale period. enhanced with new as well as Planet Tec will be soon ity-oriented customers to gen- Journal of Islamic Ethics. I am It is published in Open Planet Tec’s Midea range of improved product categories to launching the full range of the uinely benefit from this first- confident that the recognition Access.The journal will be Room Air Conditioners are cater to the evolving needs of MABE brand of quality products time sale, not only at their will greatly contribute to the accessible via Scopus soon after renowned for providing total customers. from Mexico which will include Salwa Road showroom but at visibility and rankings for the acceptance. solutions for the RAC The Planet Tec showroom premium American-designed select hypermarkets as well. 06 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA WEDNESDAY 31 MARCH 2021 UN seeks $10bn as need for Syrians' support soars

REUTERS — BRUSSELS largest in four years. The EU’s In the fifth annual support, which comes from its The United Nations urged inter- conference to common budget and is sep- national donors to pledge up to keep Syrians from arate from its members, was $10bn yesterday to help Syrians steady at ¤560m. Other fleeing a decade of civil war in starvation, the pledges came in throughout the midst of the COVID-19 event hosted by the day, including $100m from pandemic, saying that the need Qatar and almost $600m from for humanitarian support has the European Union the United States. never been so great. is seeking $4.2bn Britain pledged £205 m In the fifth annual con- ($281.16m), although David ference to keep Syrians from for people inside Miliband, president of the Inter- starvation, the event hosted by Syria and $5.8bn for national Rescue Committee, the European Union is seeking said the amount was lower than $4.2bn for people inside Syria refugees and their the 300 million pounds pledged and $5.8bn for refugees and hosts in the Middle last year, urging London to their hosts in the Middle East. East. Some 24 million provide more. Some 24 million people The total was expected to need basic aid, a rise of four people need basic aid. be announced later yesterday. European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell speaks during an online joint news conference with million over the past year and US Secretary of State UN Undersecretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Mark Lowcock the highest number yet since a Antony Blinken late on Monday at the conclusion of a conference ‘Supporting the future of Syria and the region’ at the European crackdown on pro-democracy message. called for Syria’s borders to be Commission headquarters, in Brussels, Belgium, yesterday. protesters by Syrian President “Syria’s economy has been kept open to allow unhindered BasharAl Assad in 2011 led to ravaged and now the impacts access and the free flow of aid, Fighting between Syrian militaries, continue to attack International Committee of civil war. of COVID-19 have made things a call echoed by the EU’s top army forces and rebels has sub- rebel outposts. the Red Cross head Peter “I call on you to help us worse. Almost half of all fam- diplomat Josep Borrell. sided since a deal a year ago The Red Cross Red Crescent Maurer urged world powers to address rising needs and to step ilies lost their source of income. “It’s vital that assistance can ended a Russian-led bombing Movement urged international reach a peace deal or face many up your financial and humani- Nine in 10 Syrians is living in reach those in need... It’s of vital campaign that had displaced donors to help rebuild Syria, more annual donor conferences tarian commitments,” United poverty,” he said. importance for humanitarian over a million people, but particularly to repair critical for Syria. “The ultimate respon- Nations Secretary-General Germany pledged ¤1.738 help being able to be brought to Russian air strikes, along with health, water and electricity sibility lies with parties to the Antonio Guterres said in a video bn ($2.04bn), its amount these people,” Borrell said. Iranian and Syrian-backed services. conflict,” he said. Kuwait parliament passes COVID-19 France heightens pressure on Lebanon to form govt AGENCIES — BEIRUT must immediately halt,” it said. nowhere as Lebanon’s politi- Tripoli. According to the report month by Lebanon’s military relief bill “The time has come to cians continue to bicker about released yesterday, people prosecutor with “terrorism, France’s foreign minister has strengthen pressure” to end the the shape and size of a new detained at protests were tor- forming criminal associations REUTERS — KUWAIT cranked up pressure on blockage, it added. cabinet while the country is tured and faced “unsubstan- and stealing public property Lebanese leaders to form a Last week, talks between mired in the worst economic tiated terrorism charges” at mil- during protests” in Tripoli at Kuwait’s parliament approved government, urging them in Aoun and Hariri on the for- crisis in its modern history – a itary courts which, under inter- the end of January, HRW laws guaranteeing bank loans personal phone calls for an mation of a new cabinet broke situation exacerbated by pan- national law, should not have reported. for businesses hit by the immediate halt to what he down. demic restrictions. jurisdiction over civilians. The report quoted 34-year COVID-19 pandemic after the called “deliberate obstruction” Le Drian is also asking The Lebanese economy is In addition to the terrorism detainee Ali Hashem as saying government took its oath of that is driving the country European counterparts to join in free fall with parliament charges and alleged torture, the that military intelligence office yesterday, but rejected towards collapse. the push for action. Last year approving on Monday an emer- report also highlights violations officers “beat, slapped, and an amnesty pardoning people Jean-Yves Le Drian called French President Emmanuel gency funding package simply of due process, forced disap- kicked him while he was blind- charged with storming Lebanese President Michel Macron proposed a road map to keep the lights on after one pearances and inhumane folded and handcuffed”. parliament in 2011. Aoun, acting Prime Minister to break the political impasse of the country’s largest power detention conditions – the Four of the 35 charged Only 33 of 50 members of Saad Hariri, and parliament in the former French plants ran out of fuel. prison was reportedly very cold, remain in detention and 19 have parliament attended the speaker Nabih Berri and protectorate. More than half the popu- dirty, and not well ventilated. been released. Quoting lawyers session, the number required deplored the seven months of Macron has been pressing lation lives in poverty, HRW said it spoke with five working on the case, the report for a quorum. political deadlock that is wors- Lebanese politicians to form a according to the United Nations. detainees, families of five pro- says “authorities have refused In its first session since ening Lebanon’s economic cabinet made up of non-par- Meanwhile, Human Rights testers, two lawyers involved in to identify the other 12 Amir H H Sheikh Nawaf Al crisis, according to a statement tisan specialists who can work Watch said in a report that Leb- the case, a judicial source, and defendants, citing the ‘secrecy’ Ahmad Al Sabah suspended it from the foreign minister’s on urgent reforms to extract anon’s military intelligence has Police Commander Major of the investigations”. for a month, parliament office on Monday. Lebanon from a financial crisis “forcibly disappeared and General Imad Othman for the “I didn’t leave a person or a approved a draft law to end “The deliberate obstruction worsened by the August 4 allegedly tortured” people who report that focuses on the cases place that I didn’t ask,” said the pre-trial detention in freedom of any prospect of an exit from explosion that devastated protested against lockdown of at least 35 people, including mother of one of the detainees, of speech cases and sent it for the crisis … by demands that are Beirut. conditions and the deteriorating two children. 28-year-old Tarek government approval, the unreasonable and out-of-date Those efforts have led to economy in the northern city of The group was charged last Badawiyyeh. assembly said. In addition to passing draft bills guaranteeing local bank loans for small and medium Turkey reimposes curbs businesses affected by the pandemic, it approved a law deferring loan payments for after rise in virus cases citizens for six months. After December elections, AP — ANKARA which are in the red category, a majority of lawmakers which constitutes the very high- backed a motion to question Turkey is re-introducing risk category, has reached 58 - Prime Minister H E Sheikh weekend lockdowns in most of representing 80 percent of the Sabah Al Khalid Al Sabah on its provinces and will also population.” various issues, including his impose restrictions over the “We will have to make some choice of ministers. Muslim holy month of sacrifices during the month of The Cabinet responded by Ramadan following a sharp Ramadan,” he said, adding that resigning, and Sheikh Sabah increase in COVID-19 cases. restaurants and cafes would be named a new cabinet this Infections in Turkey have allowed to serve takeout food month. soared less than a month after only during the holy month, A government priority now authorities divided the 81 prov- which starts on April 13 in Turkey. is to push through a debt law inces into four color-coded cat- Mass gatherings for allowing Kuwait to tap inter- egories and relaxed restrictions Ramadan meals held before national markets to strengthen in some provinces under a sunrise and after sunset would finances hit by low oil prices “controlled normalisation” be barred, he also announced. and the pandemic. effort. The Turkish Medical Asso- The number of confirmed ciation meanwhile, blamed the Iran braces for daily infections have since increase in infections on inad- almost tripled to around equate contact-tracing, the new virus surge French President receives Iraq's Kurdistan President 30,000, matching the record government’s reluctance to numbers that were reported in impose measures in a timely triggered by New French President Emmanuel Macron welcomes President of the Kurdistan region in Iraq Nechirvan December. The country of manner out of economic con- Barzani before a meeting at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, yesterday. nearly 84 million is also cerns as well as the premature Year celebrations reporting around 150 deaths relaxing of the restrictions. per day, up from around 65 at “We, as healthcare profes- REUTERS — DUBAI the start of the month. sionals and society, are paying Syria's Assad, wife recover from COVID-19 In a televised address fol- for these wrong policies,” the Iran said yesterday a fourth lowing a Cabinet meeting late group said on Twitter. wave of the coronavirus AP — BEIRUT public appearance in weeks. According to the World Monday, President Recep Erdogan has come under pandemic had taken hold in Syria is witnessing a sharp Health Organisation, there are Tayyip Erdogan said 58 out of intense criticism for holding his western and central areas of Syrian President Bashar Assad increase in cases. Earlier this nearly 21,000 cases in the last Turkey’s 81 provinces, ruling party’s congresses inside the country, triggered by wide- and his wife have recovered month, state media has rebel stronghold in Syria’s including Istanbul and Ankara, packed sport complexes across spread travel and celebrations from COVID-19 and returned reported that intensive care northwest along the border were now designated as “red” the country, despite a new during the current Iranian to their regular duties units in state hospitals in the with Turkey, as well as some or “very high-risk” areas and surge of COVID-19 cases. He New Year holidays. yesterday, three weeks after capital of Damascus were full 9,000 cases in areas controlled would be subjected to lock- has been accused of double “A fourth coronavirus they had tested positive for the and that medical staff have by US-backed Kurdish-led downs on both Saturdays and standards for disregarding the wave has definitely begun in coronavirus, the president’s been called to stay on alert to fighters in the northeast. Sundays. Nighttime curfews government’s own social dis- many parts of the west and office said. deal with coronavirus patients. The real numbers are that are in place across the tancing rules. In one such centre of the country and is According to the statement, Syria has been mired in civil believed to be much higher, as country would continue, he event, Erdogan boasted about advancing towards the east,” Syria’s first couple had their war for 10 years since anti-gov- testing is limited. Many Syrians said. the size of the crowds. Health Ministry spokeswoman PCR tests and the results were ernment protests that began as cannot afford PCR tests amid the Only 17 provinces were in Critics say the political rallies Sima Sadat Lari told state negative, and the mild part of Arab Spring uprisings country’s severe economic crisis. the “red” category on March 2, have likely contributed to the television. symptoms of the virus that they turned into an insurgency in The pandemic, which has when schools partially resumed surge. Health Minister Fahrettin New cases jumped by had experienced before were response to a military severely tested even developed face-to-face education, cafes Koca told reporters yesterday that more than 900 to 10,255 in the now gone. crackdown. A decade of fighting countries, has been a major and restaurants were allowed he saw no benefit in “keeping the past 24 hours, a more-than- Assad, 55, and his wife, has resulted in the deaths of challenge for Syria’s health care to operate at half-capacity and issue on the agenda.” three-month high, Lari said. Asma, who is 10 years younger hundreds of thousands of people sector, already depleted by 10 weekend curfews were eased Variants of the initial coro- She blamed the surge above and had announced her and displaced millions. years of conflict. in several cities. navirus now account for all on millions of Iranians trav- recovery from breast cancer in Syrian authorities have so WHO said last week it will “The increase in the number around 75 percent of the cases elling or holding family gath- 2019, had isolated themselves far registered more than 18,000 oversee a coronavirus vacci- of cases and patients as well as in Turkey, he said. The minister erings during Nowruz, the since testing positive on March cases of the coronavirus and nation campaign in Syria that the increase in the number of also said Turkey has received New Year holiday. 8. 1,247 deaths in government- is expected to start in April, with deaths, is forcing us to review 2.8 million doses of the Pfizer- Iranhas reported a total of Later yesterday, Assad’s held parts of the country, where the aim of inoculating 20 the existing measures,” Erdogan BioNtech vaccine and is set to almost 1.9 million cases and office said the president headed the first case was reported in percent of the population by the said in an address to the nation. receive 1.7 million more within 62,569 deaths. a Cabinet meeting, his first March last year. end of 2021. “The number of our provinces the next 10 days. WEDNESDAY 31 MARCH 2021 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 07

Tanzanian Probe into Suez Canal blockage begins President names Experts boarded the Ever Given as it idled Finance Minister yesterday in Egypt’s Great Bitter Lake, just as deputy north of the site where it previously blocked the canal. A senior canal pilot said that experts BLOOMBERG — DODOMA were looking for signs of damage and trying to Tanzanian President Samia determine why the vessel ran aground. Suluhu Hassan has appointed Philip Mpango, who has been serving as finance minister, to AP — SUEZ Given as it idled yesterday in be vice president. Egypt’s Great Bitter Lake, just All 363 lawmakers that Experts boarded the massive north of the site where it previ- voted on the matter yesterday container ship yesterday that ously blocked the canal. A approved the nomination, had blocked Egypt’s vital Suez senior canal pilot, speaking on Speaker Job Ndugai said in the Canal and disrupted global condition of anonymity because capital, Dodoma. Hassan trade for nearly a week, seeking he was not authorised to talk to became president of the East answers to a single question journalists, said that experts African nation following the that could have billions of were looking for signs of death of John Magufuli this dollars in legal repercussions: damage and trying to determine month. She is yet to name a What went wrong? why the vessel ran aground. replacement at the finance As convoys of ships again There could be significant ministry. began travelling through the damage to the ship, Konrad The nation’s sixth post- artery linking the Mediter- warned. Stuck for days across independence ruler, Hassan is ranean and Red Seas, a canal the canal, the ship’s middle rose the first woman to occupy the service provider said more than and fell with the tide, bending post and while widely 300 vessels carrying everything up and down under the tre- regarded as an astute poli- from crude oil to cattle were still mendous weight of some Members of security forces ride on a patrol boat as a ship sailing through Suez Canal as traffic resumes tician, the 61-year-old lacks a waiting for their turn in a 20,000 containers across its after a container ship that blocked the waterway was refloated, in Ismailia, Egypt, yesterday. powerful political constituency process that will take days. 400-metre length. On Monday, of her own. She succeeded Egyptian government officials, when workers partially floated identify them by name. It also day in maritime commerce. investigation will follow which Magufuli under a constitu- insurers, shippers and others the ship, all that pressure came refused to discuss possible Analysts expect it could take at will determine the cause,” the tional provision that the pres- similarly waited for more forward to its bow. causes of the grounding, least another 10 days to clear firm said. ”Evidently the cause ident’s deputy will serve out details about what caused the “Structural integrity is No. including the ship’s speed and the backlog — though Egypt’s will impact upon the legal lia- their term if they die in office. skyscraper-sized Ever Given to 1. You know, there was a lot of the high winds that buffeted it president said yesterday it bilities of the ship and cargo “Dr Mpango is a renowned become wedged across the strain on that ship as it was during a sandstorm, saying it would take just three. The interests.” liberal democrat in the eco- canal on March 23. sagging in the waterway,” could not comment on an losses to shippers, as well as Egyptian President Abdel nomic speak, who will help When blame gets assigned, Konrad said. “They have to ongoing investigation. Initial any physical damage to the Fattah Al Sissi travelled yes- push forward the president’s it will likely lead to years of lit- check everything for cracks and reports also suggested a vessel itself, likely will see terday to the canalside city of economic agenda,” said igation to recoup the costs of particularly that rudder and the “blackout” struck the vessel, lawsuits. Ismailia to praise those who Bravious Kahyoza, an eco- repairing the ship, fixing the propeller in the back that’s con- something denied by the ship’s Shoei Kisen Kaisha Ltd is freed the vessel. nomics lecturer in the com- canal and reimbursing those nected to the engine room.” technical manager. covered with some $3bn in lia- Speaking to a small group mercial hub of Dar es Salaam. who saw their cargo shipments “And then they have to go The company added that bility insurance through 13 Pro- of reporters on a dock over- “The fact that he is not disrupted. Since the vessel is through all the mechanical any damage to the ship was tection & Indemnity Clubs. looking the waterway, Al Sissi entangled in any factions or owned by a Japanese firm, equipment, make sure they test believed to be mostly on its keel. Those clubs are not-for-profit deflected questions about the groups within the ruling party operated by a Taiwanese the engines, all the safety It said it was not immediately mutual insurers used by the vast investigation, saying Egypt means that he does not come shipper, flagged in Panama and valves, all the equipment, and known whether the vessel will majority of global shipping would not interfere in a probe with any political luggage.” now stuck in Egypt, matters then determine that it’s safe to be repaired on site in Egypt or firms. that will be left to “the As finance minister since quickly become an interna- sail either by itself or with a tug elsewhere, or whether it will Global legal firm Clyde and specialists.” 2015, Mpango oversaw macr- tional morass. escort to the next port,” he eventually head to its initial Co said the Ever Given’s owner “We want to confirm to all oeconomic stability and “This ship is a multinational added. destination of Rotterdam. That likely would pay Egypt’s canal the world, that things are back prudent fiscal policy that conglomeration,” said Captain The ship’s owner, Shoei is a decision to be made by its authority for the assistance to as they were,” he added. He helped the country’s economy John Konrad, the founder and Kisen Kaisha Ltd, said yesterday operator, rather than the ship- already rendered to the vessel. stood before a sign that said: grow at an average of six CEO of the shipping news that it would be part of the owner, the company said. The authority also could fine the “Welcome to the Suez Canal: percent to seven percent over website gcaptain.com. investigation along with other The grounding of the ship Ever Given. Egypt’s lifeline of peace, pros- the past five years, according Experts boarded the Ever parties, though it did not had halted billions of dollars a “We anticipate a detailed perity and development to government data. S Sudan virus campaign will be Tens of thousands feared displaced in Mozambique REUTERS — MAPUTO died when militants ambushed located is home to around sands, aid workers said. the town were also searching hampered by a convoy of vehicles trying to 110,000 people, according to Some would likely be trying for survivors. Portugal will send soldiers to escape a besieged hotel on UN estimates. They include to make their way south to the Lionel Dyck, who runs Dyck logistics: UN Mozambique to help train the Friday. Witnesses have about 43,600 who sought provincial capital, Pemba, by Advisory Group, a South African armed forces in its former described bodies in the streets, shelter there after fleeing boat, they said, while others were firm that works with Mozam- REUTERS — NAIROBI colony, where authorities some of them beheaded. attacks elsewhere in Cabo headed north through the bush bique’s government, said his battling an Islamist insurgency “It’s a real humanitarian Delgado province, which has toward the Tanzania boarder. helicopters had come under Though South Sudan has searched for tens of thousands catastrophe,” Lola Castro, been home to a simmering A group arriving in Pemba heavy fire from insurgents secured more than two million of civilians who fled an World Food Programme Islamist insurgency since 2017. told the UN refugee agency that wielding AK-47s, machine guns COVID-19 vaccines it will onslaught on the northern regional director, told Reuters. “(Many) came to Palma their initial attempts to seek and mortars as they plucked struggle to get shots into arms coastal gas town of Palma. “People are... scattered all over looking for safety, and they have safety in Tanzania were people from the bush. as the rainy season Many of those fleeing are the place - by boat, by road.” left Palma without any,” said thwarted by a difficult river He said most were being approaches, rendering many believed to have scattered into It has not been possible to Jonathan Whittall, director of crossing. flown to a camp outside Palma roads in one of the world’s dense surrounding forest or to independently verify the analysis at international aid group WFP had flown doctors into used by the gas developments, poorest nations impassable, have attempted to escape by accounts from Palma, a logistics Medecins Sans Frontieres. the Palma area and ferried hun- which are led oil by oil majors the outgoing head of the UN boat when Palma came under hub for adjacent gas projects Portugal will send 60 sol- dreds of people to safety, like Total. mission in the country said. attack on Wednesday, aid worth around $60bn. Most diers to help train armed forces including aid workers. Islamic State claimed the Getting vaccines out to the workers said. Some waded out communications to the town in Cabo Delgado next month, However, three humanitarian attack on Palma on Monday via population “is not as easy as it to sea to hide, one survivor told were cut on Wednesday. Phone state news agency Lusa workers remained unaccounted its Amaq news agency. A US sounds, in a place like South Reuters. calls to Mozambique’s gov- reported. for, Castro said. official said it may show the Sudan where logistics are so Mozambique’s government ernment and security officials The number of people dis- A private security firm con- group’s increasing “brazenness” difficult”, said David Shearer, has confirmed dozens of deaths, went unanswered yesterday. placed in the latest attack was tracted by the government and in Mozambique, where militants who leaves the country next including at least seven who The district where Palma is likely to be in the tens of thou- companies with personnel in are now seeking to hold towns. month after heading the more than $1 billion per year United Nations peacekeeping mission since 2016. Kenyan hospitals run out South Sudan is expected to receive 2.3 million shots in the of oxygen as cases surge coming months through the global vaccine-sharing pro- BLOOMBERG — NAIROBI ($730), she said by phone gramme COVAX. But their yesterday. arrival will coincide with rains Kenyan hospitals are running Public health facilities in the that flood many of the only out of oxygen as the number of East African nation have only 16 400 kilometres (250 miles) of Covid-19 patients surge and percent of the gas they need, paved road in a country nearly individuals and companies are Kagwe said. While the state has as large as France. Shearer holding onto cylinders that 73 oxygen plants across the said vaccines would need to would normally be available to country, some of the facilities are be delivered by river barge. health facilities. producing gas with concen- The world’s newest nation Demand for oxygen has tration levels that are at a “sig- has recorded only 10,119 infec- more than doubled to 880 nificant variation” from the gov- tions and 108 deaths from tonnes a month from 410 tons ernment’s own standards, he COVID-19, according to data before the coronavirus pan- said. from Africa’s disease control demic struck, Health Secretary Where companies want to body, but inadequate testing Mutahi Kagwe said in a tele- step in, such as Devki Steel prevents a clear picture of the vised briefing. The nation has Mills Ltd’s offer to provide free pandemic. 50,000 medical oxygen cyl- oxygen for public hospitals, Nearly a decade after South inders, but only 60 percent of there are no cylinders. Central Sudan gained independence them are in circulation, said and county government hos- following a bitter war, the Marion Gathoga-Mwangi, man- pitals can collect the gas at country is grappling with the Relatives mourn Sarah Hussein Obama, the grandmother of former US President Barack Obama, aging director of BOC Gases Devki’s factories “in exchange triple threat of conflict, climate before her burial at their home in Nyangoma-Kogelo village in Siaya county, western Kenya, yesterday. Ltd. for empty cylinders,” the change and the COVID-19 pan- “I wish to make an appeal company said on Monday. demic, Shearer said. to those holding cylinders — be One solution would be to Nearly all the population Obama family matriarch buried in Kenya they hospital facilities or indi- install high-capacity tanks at depends on international food viduals in other sectors —please hospitals and to pipe oxygen aid, he said, and most basic AP — KOGELO SIAYA while undergoing treatment at a because of the pandemic. return those cylinders to man- directly to beds, according to services such as health and hospital. President Obama did “Mama Sarah built me a ufacturers so they can refill and Gathoga-Mwangi. BOC can education are provided by the Sarah Obama, the matriarch of not attend the burial yesterday. four-roomed house in 2000 use them in hospitals that need install the storage at its own U.N. and aid groups. former US President Barack For decades, Sarah Obama when my home was crumbling them,” Kagwe said on Monday. cost and charge hospital for “I don’t see a government Obama’s Kenyan relatives, was helped orphans, raising some because my husband who was Many of the cylinders, refills. The tanks cost as much looking and taking care of its buried yesterday at a funeral in in her home and providing the breadwinner had died and color-coded black and white as 15 million shillings for people,” he said, adding that western Kenya with only about others with school supplies, I was sleeping in the rain, said for medical use, could be lying 20,000 litres, she said. some of the conflict between 100 mourners in attendance uniforms and school fees. Mary Auma Odima. “Today I in hospital storerooms, or may Kenyan hospitals are grap- ethnic communities could be due to COVID-19 restrictions. The village of Nyangoma was unable to attend her burial have been converted for indus- pling with record numbers of prevented by “leaders who are Mama Sarah, as Obama’s Kogelo was under heavy because only few people were trial use such as welding, critical-care patients, stretching looking at serving their people step-grandmother was fondly security during the burial yes- allowed in as they observed according to Gathoga-Mwangi. a system that was inadequate above all rather than neces- called, was at least 99 years old terday, preventing thousands COVID-19 protocols. I feel so The cost of importing a medical even before the outbreak of sarily serving themselves”. when she died early Monday of her admirers from attending very sad,” she added. cylinder is 80,000 shillings COVID-19. 08 VIEWS WEDNESDAY 31 MARCH 2021 The EU needs to face its Established in 1996

CHAIRMAN DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI institutional racism problem

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED SARAH CHANDER [email protected] AL JAZEERA

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI The European Union’s anti- [email protected] racism summit, which took place on March 19, was a critical opportunity for the EU to meet the demands of last EDITORIAL year’s global protests against police brutality and structural racism. Unfortunately, EU leaders did not meet expecta- A haven for women’s rights tions. QATAR reiterated yet again that gender equality and Although racial justice women empowerment are central to Qatar’s success movements have made clear and vision. Qatar is an outspoken advocate for women’s their demands for an end to A file photo of a demonstrator putting a sign on a fence in Parliament Square during a Black Lives rights at home and abroad, a Government Communi- police brutality and institu- Matter protest in London. cation Office statement said in response to Human Rights tional racism, during the Watch. The GCO said that the Human Rights Watch summit, EU leaders focused In Belgium, where many organisations, shutting down themselves perpetuate racial report inaccurately portrays Qatar’s laws, policies and overwhelmingly on the indi- of the EU’s institutions are – among others – the Collectif inequality and violence. practices related to women. The accounts mentioned in vidual dimensions of racism, based, there has been a spate Contre l’Islamophobie en In addition, the EU needs a the report are not aligned with our Constitution, laws or such as hate speech. of deaths at the hands of the France (Collective against new relationship with civil policies and the government will investigate these cases There was little talk of police. In April 2020, Adil, a Islamophobia in France). society organisations fighting and prosecute anyone who has violated relevant laws. how EU states and institutions 19-year-old man of Moroccan These developments are racism. For too long, it has Only people with some vested interest or those who themselves reinforce racism descent was killed while not aberrations, they are insti- scrutinised and even are blind and deaf can criticise Qatar for its treatment with their own policies, how being pursued by police. In tutional racism at play. They obstructed the work of racial of women in the country whether they are nationals or racialised people are dying at January this year, Ibrahima, a are business as usual for the justice activists. When we residents. For decades Qatar has been at the forefront the hands of police or how 23-year-old Black man, died EU. If the Union really wants have been too critical, we for promoting women’s role in society by giving them anti-racism civil society after filming the police con- to take action on racism, then have faced exclusion from more opportunities in every field whether in education, organisations are facing ducting an ID check on him. there needs to be fundamental proceedings and sometimes sports, governance, business or administration. unprecedented attacks. In Sweden, a recent study change at all levels. even black-listing. We need to When the first university in Qatar was opened way In short, little of the dev- has shown that being an As the Equinox Initiative shift from suspicion and back in 1973, out of the 157 initial students, 103 were astating reality of racism in immigrant from a low or for Racial Justice, an initiative scrutiny to outward support female and the ratio of women-to-men students Europe was addressed at the middle-income country sig- led by people of colour set up and structural investment in remained steady in the proceeding years. In 2003 summit and there is a danger nificantly increases the risk of to influence EU policy, we organisations working to Sheikha Abdullah Al Misnad became the first woman that that EU governments will death from COVID-19. have put forward recommen- promote racial justice. president of Qatar University and remained in that go back to “business as usual” All across Europe’s dations for how the EU insti- Lastly, the EU institutions position till 2015. More than half of the Ministry of Edu- after its conclusion. southern borders, people of tutions can make a funda- must show us a sustained cation staff are women. The growth rate in the number of But the present status quo colour are dying horrible mental shift towards racial political will to tackle racism. female students have surpassed that of males in public has already proven deadly. deaths while trying to reach justice. To truly meet the This will require more than schools by 2008. A large number girl students are pur- Systemic racism prevails in the continent. The EU’s ambitious goals of tackling conferences and action plans. suing their education at several private schools and uni- Europe; it constitutes – to response to migration has racism as set out in its 2020- It will necessitate dedicated versities in Qatar. paraphrase American scholar been to invest in and facilitate 2025 Anti-Racism Action action: speaking out when Through the Civil Service Act and Order No.13 and activist Ruth Wilson “pushbacks” and “pullbacks”. Plan, the EU must address its people of colour are mur- passed by the Cabinet in 2001, Qatar created a legal Gilmore – state-sanctioned The top priority of the EU own institutional racism. This dered by police and putting framework protecting women’s rights in the workforce. production of vulnerability to Migration Pact, announced in includes correcting the over- legislation in place to provide Another law passed in 2002 allowed women retirement premature death for certain September 2020, is not to whelming whiteness of its accountability when agents of benefits. The number of Qatar’s women workforce is racialised groups.” keep people safe, but to ramp institutions and ensuring fair the state harm us. not only the highest in the GCC region, but also higher People of colour in Europe up detention and deportation. representation of racial and Racism by law than the world average. continue to die prematurely In France, there has also ethnic minorities. enforcement sparked this In 2000, Qatar Women’s Sports Committee was due to racist structures within been an onslaught against More crucially, the EU global moment. The EU must established as an initiative by H H Sheikha Moza bint the state and society. Whether civil society groups that must review its own laws and commit to ending it. Nasser and the next year, Qatar Olympic Committee it is police violence, lack of support racialised commu- policies, particularly in fields Sarah Chander is a Co- accredited the women’s committee. adequate protection against nities. In the fall of 2020, the like law enforcement, founder of Equinox Initiative The country appointed its first woman Cabinet Min- COVID-19, or the EU’s French government launched migration control, counterter- for Racial Justice and Senior ister in 2003, when Sheikha Ahmed Al Mahmoud migration policies, racism can a brutal campaign to suppress rorism, and security, and Policy Adviser at European became the Minister of Education, in 2007 Sheikha kill in many different ways. Muslim civil society investigate how institutions Digital Rights, (EDRi) Ghalia bint Mohammed bin Hamad Al Thani became the Minister of Public Health and in 2016 Dr. Hanan Mohammed Al Kuwari was named Minister of Public Health. There are several distinguished women who are How to ensure equality in giving vaccine free-for-all appointed at higher diplomatic positions and Qatar’s Shura Council and the Central Municipal Council boast HARALD SCHMIDT, LAWRENCE O. in any of the previous priority of color, who not only lag vaccination sites; to tailor of a number woman members. GOSTIN, MICHELLE WILLIAMS groups will qualify. But they behind in vaccination cov- communication and outreach These details can serve as an eye-opener for those THE WASHINGTON POST will be competing for doses erage but also have suffered strategies so that they are individuals or groups who promote themselves as against those who were eli- far higher rates of unem- responsive to the specific women’s advocates and see or pretend to see half truth. President Joe Biden’s gible for vaccines earlier, and ployment, infections and communities; and to monitor announcement that all U.S. who, for one reason or deaths, as well as structurally and adjust allocations as adults will be eligible for another, remained unvacci- curtailed economic needed to make sure disad- coronavirus vaccines by May 1 nated. This includes people opportunities. vantaged groups are not left is, in many ways, good news. who wanted a vaccine but Data bear out that the out. D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR But opening the gates does weren’t able to get one, as worse-off people are, the Such data prove that pro- moting equity and protecting EMAIL: [email protected] not mean that the debate well as those with reserva- more dramatic the conse- about equitable and fair allo- tions about the injection. quences of COVID-19. A public health are flip sides of cation is over. Far from it. Surveys suggest this group recent study using the Social the same coin: Meaningful EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 herd immunity is not achieved FAX: +974 4455 7758 To ensure equitable allo- includes at least 30% of those Vulnerability Index - a cation and mitigate the pan- in all priority groups, or about measure developed by the by simply vaccinating the MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 demic’s disproportionate 70 million people. Centers of Disease Control largest number of people, but impact on disadvantaged com- In other words, at least 100 and Prevention that compiles by vaccinating more of those DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 munities, three things are million people will likely still a bunch of factors (such as people who are most likely to central: prioritising more vul- not be vaccinated on May 1. income, quality of housing get and spread the infection. LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 nerable communities; con- Getting shots into those arms and education) into a single The increasing uptake by BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 veying that doing so is good for will take time, and although score for a region’s overall states is promising, and hope- both public health and equity; we will no longer have priority vulnerability - found that an fully will become universal. SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 and making clear that equity is groups based on age or pro- increase of 0.1 point in the SVI It also demonstrates the not the enemy of efficiency. fession, it is imperative to still score was associated with a false dichotomy that equity ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 These steps will matter as prioritise those for whom vac- 14.3% increase in COVID-19 comes at the expense of effi- email: [email protected] much once we open up vaccine cines matter the most. incidence and a 13.7% ciency. For example, adjusting PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 eligibility to the general popu- For many who have not increase in mortality rate. allocation quotas in a spread- email: [email protected] lation as they do now. yet been vaccinated, waiting Such disadvantage indices sheet so that disadvantaged State policies on who gets another month or longer will can and should be used to areas receive larger amounts MARKETING: TEL: 4455 7657 the vaccine have been the be an inconvenience that can guide allocations within and of vaccine doses can be done email: [email protected] subject of much controversy be handled safely. But others across states. Encouragingly, in an instant. All it takes is over the past few months. will continue to be at greater in a review we conducted intentionality and attention to ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 857 Kitchen tables across the risk of the virus and may no with colleagues in November details. It is understandable FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] country have featured a longer be able to withstand 2020, we found that 19 states that most people take a first- CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 recurrent question: “When is the pandemic’s economic used an index such as the SVI. person approach to the pan- email: [email protected] it my turn?” impact. We also know that By late January 2021, this demic. But the pandemic is not By May 1, these questions because of structural racism, number had increased to 29, just about us as individuals; SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 will end. At least 50 million that latter group will include allowing state planners to rather, it is about all of us as an FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected] people who were not included much larger shares of people identify where to place interconnected collective.

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar

/ThePeninsulaQatar Syria's economy has been ravaged and now the impacts of COVID-19 have made things worse. /Peninsula_Qatar Almost half of all families lost their source of /ThePeninsulaNewspaper income. Nine in 10 Syrians is living in poverty. Antonio Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General +974 6698 6188 WEDNESDAY 31 MARCH 2021 OPINION 09 China trying to find common cause in Middle East

ZAKI SHAIKH Middle East comes as the Chizhevski has noted that initiatives that were launched ANADOLU region explores a new path of recent developments may decades ago, yet all of them development and gov- subsequently raise Iran’s failed to take off. ernance. It is trying to Iran may also status in symbolic terms as a Of late, there is a growing Chinese Foreign Minister advance the Middle East military base for China and feeling among Iranian offi- Wang Yi’s six-country tour of peace process and promote view that the Russia occasionally to coun- cials and especially those in the Middle East has come at a cooperation in the Arabian Chabahar port is to terbalance the US presence in the fields of logistics, commu- time when the US is trying Gulf. China’s Commerce Min- the Arabian Gulf. The US nication, and infrastructure hard to eject Beijing from istry said the country would become a centre Central Command development that due to technological ventures across make efforts to safeguard the for the transit of (USCENTCOM) has a presence delays caused by reluctant the Atlantic Ocean. The tour’s Iranian nuclear deal and Chinese goods, in the region, with bases in and reticent attitude, Iran has timing also bears significance, defend Sino-Iranian relations’ Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain. been continuously missing in the wake of Iran asking legitimate interests. which requires He visualizes a scenario in vital development opportu- Germany, France, Britain, From China’s perspective, priority attention which Chinese and even nities while other countries Russia, and China – the the region must step out of the Russian bombers, fighters, have taken the lead. They also primary signatories of the shadows of big-power geopo- to develop its and transport planes may point out that neighboring From China’s Joint Comprehensive Plan of litical rivalry to independently transportation and gain unrestricted access to countries have proved far perspective, the Action (JCPOA) or Iran pursue its policies and resist Iranian airbases. shrewder in availing of the nuclear deal -- to propose external pressure and inter- logistics capacities, During Donald Trump’s opportunities that came in region must step alternate economic incentives ference. It also wants regional according to Iran’s tenure in the White House from that direction. out of the shadows for offsetting US sanctions. players to follow an inclusive 2016-20, Beijing had remained Requires careful planning Beijing hopes that its and reconciliatory approach to Teen News Network. cautious about engaging Iran. Mehdi Samsar, an Iranian of big-power endeavors in the region and build a security architecture But it looks that the stand taken analyst, said that lofty decla- geopolitical rivalry to especially the engagement that accommodates the legit- by the Joe Biden administration rations emphasizing Iran’s independently pursue with Iran will encourage the imate concerns of all sides. China is projecting itself as has pushed China to pursue a secure and geostrategic JCPOA signatories to find out a Restore nuclear a staunch defender, builder, more determined outreach in location alone are not enough its policies and resist space to reach a middle commitments and contributor to the current the Middle East by taking a to prepare the grounds for external pressure ground to bring parties once Wang has asked the US to international order. Any more proactive approach. It considerable investment in a again across the table on the take concrete measures to future collaboration on has been trying to carve out world where all countries and interference. It Iranian nuclear program. In ease unilateral sanctions addressing issues such as additional geostrategic space to strive to attract investors. also wants regional such a manner, China aspires against Iran and stop pur- climate change and the advance its geo-economic Urging for careful to expand its clout in the inter- suing its long-arm jurisdiction Iranian nuclear issue under- interests in and around west planning to mobilize all pos- players to follow national arena by positioning over third parties. He is also lines China’s pivotal role as a Asia. sible modes to attract an inclusive and itself as a potential trouble- seeking Iran to resume ful- mediator. As Iran wants the Beijing ideal strategic investors, he said that a highly shooter to settle matters stuck filling its commitments on the US to return to the deal, China partner competitive market needs reconciliatory in the stalemate. nuclear issue. Wang has sug- may well play a key role in Russian analyst Dmitry signing of long-term con- approach to build a When other countries gested that the international facilitating such negotiations. Belyakov argues that Iran’s tracts, providing guarantees security architecture pursue an approach to exert community should also Li Haidong, an interna- failure to forge deeper defense to support the investor (both military pressure on Iran, support the efforts of the tional relations professor at cooperation with Russia and domestic and foreign), that accommodates Beijing encourages engaging regional countries to establish China Foreign Affairs Uni- economic cooperation with granting special permits for the legitimate Tehran diplomatically and the Middle East as a zone free versity, said that no other India has made Beijing virtually long-term leases, or purchase thus contributes to ease ten- from nuclear and other major global actor could bar its ideal strategic partner. and procurement of lands by concerns of all sides. sions in the region. Many weapons of mass destruction. China’s participation and Tehran views that India’s pur- foreign companies, facili- countries, therefore, are Further, he said for a con- coordination efforts. He said suits in the region have now tating the income and trading happy to see China playing a sensual approach, all parties that China could assume a become too US-centric. opportunities, allowing resi- more significant role in should discuss and formulate peace broker’s role in the Iran may also view that dence to foreign investors and regional affairs. a route and timetable for Iranian nuclear issue. the Chabahar port is to employees of investor com- China’s outreach in the implementing the JCPOA. Political commentator A. become a center for the panies are among these transit of Chinese goods, privileges. which requires priority After signing the eco- attention to develop its trans- nomic and security part- portation and logistics capac- nership agreement with ities, according to Iran’s Teen Beijing, Iran has gained the News Network. support of the world power Having recognized China’s and now aspires to develop a growing economic promi- capacity to counter the US nence in the region, Tehran sanctions. China may also has been aspiring to bring help Iran develop a capacity Chinese technologies, know- to overcome the effects of the how, and the much-needed COVID-19 pandemic. investment to rehabilitate its Wang Yi’s whirlwind aging industries and open new seven-day tour to the Middle avenues for future growth. East offers a multi-tracked According to Saeed Khati- approach that includes acting bzadeh, Iranian foreign min- as a pacifying factor to ease istry spokesman, the China- regional tensions and urging Iran cooperation document is the countries to pursue a complete roadmap with accommodating arrange- strategic political and eco- ments that encourage mean- nomic clauses covering trade, ingful give and take. He has economic, and transportation also conveyed that China can cooperation with a particular act as a defender of the global focus on the private sectors. order, promote constructive This turnaround phase in engagement with a country the relations came after like Iran on its nuclear decades of despair endured program and pursue a prag- by the country and its people matic partnership in the due to decades-long sanc- Arabian Gulf. tions. Iranians remain Zaki Shaikh is a UK-based mindful of the potential of analyst and has worked with Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi bump elbows during the signing ceremony of a their geostrategic location universities in three Central 25-year cooperation agreement, in Tehran, recently. and also remind them about Asian countries. Fears grow of Myanmar civil war after airstrikes on ethnic army

BLOOMBERG distinct possibility of mass China shares a 1,300-mile those, around 20 ethnic so we’d like to as inclusive as demonstrations cascading (2,100-kilometer) border armed groups have both possible,” he said. As the death toll among into civil war or interstate with Myanmar, also known political and military wings. Coup leader Min Aung Myanmar’s protesters rose war,” said Lee Morgenbesser, as Burma. A parallel administration Hlaing has sought to reach dramatically last weekend, a lecturer at Australia’s “Violence and bloodshed set up by members of Suu out to various ethnic armies military airstrikes against Griffith University whose is in the interests of no one,” Kyi’s allies, known as the to prevent them from joining one of the country’s largest researches Southeast Asian Zhao said. Committee Representing Pyi- together. Earlier this month rebel groups stoked fears of politics. “Given the some- Protesters and key allies daungsu Hluttaw, or CRPH, he removed the Arakan another problem: full-fledged times porous nature of Myan- of detained civilian leader has agreed with the major Army from a list of terrorist civil war. mar’s borders, along with the Aung San Suu Kyi have called ethnic groups on the need for groups following clashes in The Karen National fact that the armed ethnic on Myanmar’s numerous a unity government that which it fought for greater Union, which controls an groups are not subject to armed ethnic groups to band would compete for legit- autonomy in western area in the southeast along state authority, it is likely that together to face down a imacy with the junta, Rakhine State. the Thai border, confirmed the crisis spills across inter- common enemy in the Tat- according to Sasa, who goes In response to the KNU Monday that about 10,000 national borders.” madaw. On Sunday, the by one name and describes attack on Saturday, state residents fled to a safe zone On Sunday a dozen Kachin Independence Army, himself as the envoy repre- broadcaster MRTV said the last weekend after the defense chiefs from North another armed group that senting Myanmar’s ousted KNU assured the junta a Myanmar military conducted America, Europe and the Asia has urged the military to end parliament to the United rogue brigade was respon- airstrikes that killed three Pacific jointly condemned its crackdown on demon- Nations. sible for the strike and gave “For the sake of our people. The fighter jets came the use of lethal force against strators, launched deadly The CRPH is working with the green light for the Tat- out in retaliation for an unarmed people. Then on attacks on at least four police several ethnic groups on madaw to retaliate. Efforts to country under which attack by ethnic Karen rebels Monday, Prime Minister battalions in Kachin State, writing the text of a new con- reach Phado Kwe Htoo Win, we have grown up on a base of the national Prayuth Chan-Ocha of neigh- according to Myanmar Now. stitution, Sasa said in an the vice chair of the KNU, army, or Tatmadaw, in which boring Thailand said prepa- Since independence from interview last week, without were unsuccessful. together and for the 10 soldiers were killed and rations had begun for an Britain in 1948, Myanmar has naming them. It would While the Karen National benefit of the people, another eight were arrested. influx of migrants. struggled to build a national include progress toward a Union last week said it had The attacks came on the “We don’t want there to identity inclusive of the long-standing goal of a received an invitation to the KNU is waiting for same day at least 114 people be a mass migration into our numerous minority groups in federal army that would meet with Min Aung Hlaing, it the implementation were killed in clashes with areas but we must also keep it, fueling resentment against allow the ethnic minorities to only plans to do so after the of the above the military and police in the human rights in mind,” said the military -- dominated by retain their own armed military meets a series of deadliest weekend since the Prayuth, a former army chief the Bamar, or ethnic Burmese forces, he said. demands that included trans- demands,” reads the Feb. 1 coup, sparking con- who staged a coup in 2014. -- and perpetuating some of A federal army has ferring power to a National letter signed by KNU demnation from govern- “As there are violent conflicts the longest-running armed “become essential,” Sasa Unity Government. ments around the world. in their country it is only conflicts in the world. said, adding that rank-and- “For the sake of our chairman General With the death toll now normal that there would be Myanmar has hundreds file soldiers could join the country under which we Saw Mutu Sae Poe. standing at nearly 500 over migrations.” and possibly thousands of new organization instead of have grown up together and the past two months, the Chinese Foreign Ministry armed militias in a country suppressing demonstrations for the benefit of the people, prospect of a wider fight with spokesman Zhao Lijian also where the state recognizes under the name of the Tat- the KNU is waiting for the potentially dozens of armed repeated a call for all sides to 135 distinct ethnic groups, madaw. “The government implementation of the above militias risks even more de-escalate the situation, according to a report last that we are going to form in demands,” reads the letter bloodshed. while declining to comment year by Brussels-based Inter- April is going to be called the signed by KNU chairman “There is a on the prospect of a civil war. national Crisis Group. Of National Unity Government, General Saw Mutu Sae Poe. 10 ASIA WEDNESDAY 31 MARCH 2021 Pressure builds on Myanmar junta as death toll tops 500

REUTERS unity. Military aircraft bombed At least 512 civilians had KNU fighters on the weekend, One of Myanmar's main ethnic sending some 3,000 villagers minority rebel groups warned been killed in nearly two fleeing to neighbouring of a growing threat of major months of protests Thailand. conflict yesterday and called for against the coup, 141 of Thailand denied accusations international intervention them on Saturday, from activists that refugees against a military crackdown according to an were being forced back but a on opponents of last month's Thai official on the border said coup. advocacy group. the army was sending most Myanmar has been in people back because it was turmoil since the army ousted deemed safe on the Myanmar an elected government led by left but to confront these serious side. A spokesman for the UN Nobel laureate Aung San Suu threats posed by the illegitimate refugee agency said it was con- Anti-coup protesters throw garbage on a street after activists launched a “garbage strike” against Kyi on February 1, detaining her military junta's army in order cerned about reports people the military rule in Yangon, Myanmar, yesterday. and reimposing military rule to defend our territory." were being sent back and it was after a decade of tentative steps The group urged the inter- seeking information from towards democracy. national community, Thailand Thailand. the bloodiest day of the unrest, though Indonesia, Malaysia and "While continuously While cities and towns in particular, to help Karen Fighting has also flared in according to the Assistance Singapore have spoken out, and respecting the non-interference across the country have been people fleeing the "onslaught" the north where ethnic Kachin Association for Political Pris- Indonesia did so again on principle, since the very consumed by protests against and for countries to cut ties with insurgents battle government oners (AAPP) advocacy group. Tuesday, while renewing an beginning ASEAN offers is the military, fighting has also the junta to stop the violence forces. Despite the surge in vio- offer to help. assistance to Myanmar," Retno flared between the army and against civilians. A border state in India lence, thousands of protesters "Indonesia strongly said. "Dialogue should be insurgents in frontier regions A spokesman for the withdrew an order to refuse ref- came out to march in several denounces this kind of act. It is pursued to bring democracy, and refugees are spilling over Myanmar junta did not answer ugees food and shelter after the towns yesterday, according to unacceptable," its foreign min- peace and stability back in borders. calls seeking comment. measure drew fierce public media and photos on social ister, Retno Marsudi, said while Myanmar." The Karen National Union Opponents of the coup have criticism. media. on a visit to Japan, referring to The Philippines issued its rebel group, which operates in called for a united front with The military seized power Security forces shot and the surge in violence. strongest comment on the crisis, the east along the border with insurgent groups to help those saying that November elections killed one man in the south- Indonesia has led efforts by saying it was dismayed by the Thailand, said it was bracing for standing up to the military. won by Suu Kyi's party were ernmost town of Kawthaung, members of the 10-country "excessive and needless" force a major government offensive. Rebels have battled the gov- fraudulent, an assertion dis- the Mizzima news portal Association of Southeast Asian against protesters. "We reiterate "Now, thousands of Burma ernment for decades for greater missed by the election reported, and one person was Nations (ASEAN), of which our call for security forces in military ground troops are autonomy in remote border commission. killed in Myitkyina in the north, Myanmar is a member, to Myanmar to exercise restraint advancing into our territories regions. The military has jus- At least 512 civilians had a relative of the 23-year-old encourage a negotiated and desist from resorting to dis- from all fronts," the group said tified its long grip on power by been killed in nearly two victim told Reuters. solution, despite an old proportionate force against in a statement. saying it is the only institution months of protests against the Asian neighbours have been agreement not to comment on unarmed citizens," the Phil- "We have no other options capable of ensuring national coup, 141 of them on Saturday, more guarded each other's problems. ippine foreign ministry said. India tells states to get a grip before Covid overwhelms hospitals Philippines to hasten private REUTERS — NEW DELHI large number of people are with only a handful wearing masks. in close contact coupled Multi-phase elections in four big vaccine orders to India’s health secretary bluntly told the with a lack of a COVID- states began last week and will run 28 federal states yesterday to get a grip appropriate behaviour.” through next month. Vinod Kumar Paul, boost supply on lax coronavirus prevention measures Yesterday, India recorded a senior government health official, told “right now” to prevent healthcare 56,211 new cases, a slight a news conference the situation across BLOOMBERG systems being overwhelmed by a surge dip after a reduction in India was going “from bad to worse”. in infections. testing over a long India’s richest state, Maharashtra, The Philippines will speed up India’s current caseload of 12.1 weekend. home to the city of Mumbai, accounted private companies’ vaccine million ranks third behind only the Bhushan asked states to for more than 31,000 of the total new orders after President Rodrigo United States and Brazil, with testing enforce mask-wearing and cases reported in the latest 24 hours. Duterte agreed that they be unable to keep up with demand. The physical distancing, and to Deaths rose by 271 nationwide, to 162,114. allowed to import vaccines “at daily rise in cases has quadrupled in the increase testing, tracing Maharashtra is considering imposing will.” space of a month. and quarantining, or else stricter curbs from Thursday, but oppo- Companies can choose “The current rise in cases... has the face “heavy costs”. sition parties and industrialists have where to source the vaccines, potential of overwhelming healthcare About 800,000 tests opposed a lockdown, saying it hurts the Duterte said at a televised A man carrying a basket walks past a graffiti depicting systems unless checked right now,” were carried out on poor the most. India has accelerated its briefing late Monday, adding the Statue of Liberty wearing a mask, amid the spread of Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said Monday, compared with nationwide immunisation campaign, that “business people can give in a letter to the states. more than 1 million at the the coronavirus disease, on a street in Mumbai, yesterday. simplifying the process, opening more these vaccines to their “Many districts in the country are peak of India’s outbreak in vaccination centres and restricting employees, so that the seeing clusters of cases emerging September. himself have been addressing rallies and exports after criticism that more of its economy will be opened.” because of specific events and/or places Despite the warnings, top politicians meetings of tens of thousands of people, production was going abroad than to Private companies are still where crowding happens, or where a including Prime Minister Narendra Modi sitting or standing shoulder-to-shoulder, India’s own population. required to enter into a deal with the government and the vaccine manufacturer to Nepal schools close secure supplies. However, the Most Indian-made vaccines for COVAX stay in India process will be fast-tracked as air pollution hits and businesses no longer have alarming levels REUTERS — NEW DELHI about 4 million doses, though she said. Hundreds of millions most after the United States and to pool orders, presidential that is more per capita than of AstraZeneca doses made Brazil. So far it has exported 64 spokesman Harry Roque said REUTERS — KATHMANDU India itself has received more India. under license by the Serum million vaccine doses, more at a separate briefing than a third of the nearly 28 Many poor nations entirely Institute of India form the vast than the 60.4 million inocula- yesterday. Nepal has ordered schools to million Indian-made Astra- reliant on the programme have bulk of the initial order for tions conducted at home. The Vaccines bought by busi- close for four days after air Zeneca COVID-19 vaccine doses so far received little or no COVAX, the global system set government is under pressure nesses will be tax-free and pollution climbed to hazardous delivered so far by the global vaccine. Gavi, a network of up to vaccinate people mainly to step up the domestic vaccine cleared faster by the customs levels, forcing millions of programme for poor countries, countries, charities and com- in poor countries. Fifty million programme. agency, said Carlito Galvez, students to stay home across according to data from Unicef panies that co-leads COVAX doses were meant to be India’s health ministry did head of the government’s the country. and vaccine alliance Gavi. with the World Health Organ- delivered in April, but much of not immediately respond to vaccine procurement efforts. Nepal, with a population The revelation that the ization, said India was allocated that order is likely to be delayed requests for comment for this The Philippines’ vacci- of 30 million people, is located largest allocation of doses India the doses in January, when the by India’s new export story. nation campaign is lagging in the Himalayas between has supplied to the COVAX pro- country’s drug regulator had restrictions. The SII has an agreement behind its Southeast Asian China and India, two of the gramme never actually left the approved the vaccine for emer- COVAX aims to provide 2 with COVAX to supply its neighbours as it faces a new world’s biggest polluters. country could add to criticism gency use, more than a month billion vaccine doses this year. licensed version of the Astra- surge in infections and an eco- Air pollution is a chronic of India and COVAX, after New before the WHO did. UN children’s agency Unicef Zeneca drug, which it sells as nomic recession that may problem in the rapidly growing Delhi decided this month to A Gavi spokeswoman said distributes the shots. But the Covishield, to 64 countries. persist into this quarter. capital city of Kathmandu and delay big exports of vaccines in an e-mail that supplying programme has so far gotten off India’s move to suspend The nation’s key economic an additional headache for the that poor countries around the India early prevented the doses to a slow start, with officials major vaccine exports has area plunged back into government that is struggling world had been counting on. otherwise being idle. India is complaining that rich countries alarmed many countries, another lockdown for a week to contain the coronavirus Data on Unicef’s website ultimately expected to receive have hoarded most early doses mainly in Africa and Asia. The starting March 29 as corona- pandemic. shows that India had received about a fifth of the estimated of vaccines. head of the Africa Centres for virus cases surge to a record. Over the weekend, pol- 10 million doses of vaccine from 190 million to 250 million doses India, the world’s biggest Disease Control, a continent- The government will give lution levels hit their highest COVAX, the most of any COVAX would distribute among maker of vaccines, has reported wide body, said last week he felt 1,000 pesos ($21) each to 22.9 in the capital since the gov- country. Nigeria is second with poorer countries free of cost, 12 million COVID-19 cases, the “helpless”. million individuals affected by ernment began keeping the one-week enhanced com- records in 2016, government munity quarantine imposed on official Shankar Paudel said. Thai politician charged for insulting the capital and nearby areas, Education ministry Budget Secretary Wendel spokesman Deepak Sharma king over vaccine remarks Avisado said. said about eight million stu- dents have been affected by REUTERS — BANGKOK Thailand’s top health offi- the closures. cials have backed the govern- Malaysia lets in US The 24-hour average level Thai police yesterday charged ment’s plan, which is for Siam of PM2.5, fine particulate banned opposition politician Bioscience to manufacture 61 plastic waste after it matter that can reach deep Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit million doses of AstraZeneca’s passes treaty test into the lungs, was 214 micro- with defaming the monarchy, COVID-19 vaccine from June, grams per cubic metre in the after he accused the government making it the main supplier for REUTERS — KUALA LUMPUR upscale area of Bhaisepati in of relying too much on a royal- the national immunisation drive. Kathmandu on Sunday, owned company to produce its Siam Bioscience, which has Malaysia has allowed in a Department of Environment supply of coronavirus vaccines. not produced vaccines before, container of plastic waste from data showed. That compares Police said Thanathorn had also received a 600 million baht the United States after finding with the government’s committed lese majeste in a ($20m) government subsidy to that it held only clean, recy- standard level of 40 micro- Facebook Live stream during develop its production capacity. clable material, and did not grams per cubic metre. which he said the government It has not commented on Thana- after all violate a brand-new Air quality in the capital had mishandled the vaccine thorn’s criticism. United Nations treaty banning Banned opposition politician Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit has deteriorated recently but campaign and given an unfair Police will collect further trade in contaminated plastics. speaks to the media as he turns up at a police station after police average pollution readings advantage to Siam Bioscience, evidence before filing a suit with Signatories to the Basel were not available. owned by King Maha prosecutors against Thanathorn, charged him with defaming the monarchy, in Bangkok, yesterday. Convention, which came into Dust from construction Vajiralongkorn. who yesterday stood by his force on January 1, may only works, exhaust from old, The complaint was lodged remarks, which he said had led The charges come while former coup leader Prayuth trade plastic waste if it is clean, poorly maintained vehicles by Prime Minister’s Office to a successful outcome. leaders of pro-democracy pro- Chan-ocha, broke a long- sorted and easy to recycle — and smoke from coal-burning official Aphiwat Khantong, “The result has been positive tests are in jail awaiting trial for standing taboo by openly unless the importing country brick kilns blend in a murky police said. Violations of Thai- in prodding the government to alleged royal insults. calling for reform of the mon- has granted an exemption. haze that hangs over the land’s lese majeste law carry a review the vaccine policy to The youth-led movement, archy, saying the military- Malaysia has returned ancient city of four million prison sentence of up to 15 manage the coronavirus situ- which emerged last year to try drafted constitution gives the thousands of tonnes of plastic people. years. ation,” he told reporters. to remove Prime Minister and king too much power. scrap since 2018. WEDNESDAY 31 MARCH 2021 ASIA 11 Japan, Indonesia bolster security ties REUTERS — TOKYO The meeting followed a visit to the Asean members, which include region by US Secretary of State Antony Japan and Indonesia pledged yesterday Blinken. Asean (Association of Southeast to tighten security ties and signed a deal Indonesia, remain wary of losing Asian Nations) members, which include to facilitate transfers of defence access to China’s economy, and are Indonesia, remain wary of losing access equipment and technology, as their near reluctant to become entangled in to China’s economy, and are reluctant to neighbour China expands its economic any confrontation between become entangled in any confrontation and military might. Washington and Beijing. between Washington and Beijing. China’s territorial claims in the East Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno and South China seas have become a pri- Marsudi also sharply criticised ongoing ority issue in an increasingly testy Sino-US violence against civilians in Myanmar fol- relationship and also raise significant reporters. Prabowo made the comment lowing its February 1 military coup. “Indo- security concerns for Japan. at a joint media appearance in Tokyo fol- nesia strongly denounces this kind of act. “I think this is (a) historical first in lowing a meeting of the Japanese and It is unacceptable,” she said. bilateral relations between Japan and Indonesian foreign and defence Japan, which has extensive business Indonesia,” Indonesian Defence Minister ministers. interests in Myanmar, has so far refrained Prabowo Subianto said, referring to the “We exchanged views on the situation from meting out sanctions against the mil- transfer pact. in the East and South China seas and itary leadership. “We invite the Japanese side to par- shared serious concern about the contin- But Motegi told parliament yesterday ticipate in the modernization of Indone- uation and strengthening of unilateral that Tokyo, which had been the largest Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi (right) and Indonesian sia’s defence capacity. We also encourage attempts to change the status quo by provider of economic assistance to Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto attend a signing ceremony at the joint training between our services — force,” Japanese Foreign Minister Myanmar, had put its official development maritime and also land forces,” he told Toshimitsu Motegi said. assistance on hold. Iikura Guesthouse of the Foreign Ministry in Tokyo, Japan, yesterday. China sharply reduces elected seats in Hong Kong legislature Japan and US arranging AP — HONG KONG wake of months of pro- The full National People’s democracy protests in 2019 that Congress approved a proposal Washington China has sharply reduced the brought hundreds of thousands in mid-March that authorised number of directly elected seats to the streets and turned violent the Standing Committee to summit on April 9 in Hong Kong’s legislature in a as the government resisted the amend the Basic Law, the con- setback for the territory’s movement’s demands. stitution that has governed QNA — TOKYO already beleaguered democracy China’s top legislature, the Hong Kong since the former movement. Standing Committee of the British colony was handed over Japan and the United States The changes were National People’s Congress, to China in 1997 under a “one are arranging for Prime announced yesterday after a amended Hong Kong’s consti- country, two systems” Minister Yoshihide Suga and two-day meeting of China’s top tution to pave the way for the framework that promised it President Joe Biden to hold legislature. changes. The Hong Kong gov- semi-autonomy for 50 years. their summit in Washington The legislature will be ernment is now tasked with Hong Kong leader Carrie on April 9, a Japanese expanded to 90 seats, and only revising its electoral laws and Lam at a news conference yes- government source said 20 will be elected by the public. holding an election. terday said, “I may as well say yesterday. Currently, half of the 70-seat In the current 70-member this very categorically that the It will be Biden’s first in- legislature — 35 seats — is legislature, voters elect half the central government is very person meeting with a foreign directly elected. members and the other half are sincere to give Hong Kong leader since taking office in FROM LEFT: Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Erick The move is part of a two- chosen by constituencies rep- people so-called more January, with the two likely to Tsang Kwok-wai, Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam, and Permanent phase effort to rein in political resenting various professions democracy, that is, universal discuss human rights issues in protest and opposition in Hong and interest groups. Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Roy Tang Yun-kwong suffrage,” Lam said. China and ways to counter the Kong, which is part of China but The new body will have 20 pose at a news conference after the Chinese parliament finalised a “As we move ahead with the Asian power’s growing mar- has had a more liberal political elected members, 30 chosen by new electoral system reform plan, in Hong Kong, yesterday. current set of improvements in itime assertiveness, as well as system as a former British the constituencies and 40 by an place, then in accordance with efforts to denuclearise North colony. China imposed a Election Committee which also government in Beijing. A new separate body will Hong Kong’s actual situation Korea, Kyodo news agency national security law on Hong chooses the city’s leader. Election hopefuls will also be established to review the and in an orderly and gradual reported. Kong last year and is following The committee, which will undergo vetting by the national qualifications of candidates for manner... I’m quite certain that Suga and Biden are set to up this year with a revamp of be expanded from 1,200 to security police and a committee office in Hong Kong to ensure we will still have universal suf- condemn North Korea’s test- the electoral process. 1,500 members, is dominated that oversees national security the city is governed by frage in selecting the chief exec- firing of two ballistic missiles The move comes in the by supporters of the central in the city. “patriots”. utive,” she said. last week in violation of UN Security Council resolutions and call for its complete denu- clearisation in a joint Pakistan to get 3 million Australia’s Queensland warns of more statement after the meeting, the sources said. CanSino doses next month According to different gov- virus cases, Easter travel plans on hold ernment sources, Suga and REUTERS — ISLAMABAD do so within 24 hours. REUTERS — SYDNEY the lockdown is scheduled to travelled while unknowingly Biden are expected to affirm Prime Minister Imran Khan end just a day before the Easter infectious to Byron Bay, a the Senkaku Islands, a source Pakistan will import more had tested positive last week. Australia’s Queensland state long weekend and the school tourist town just south of the of tension between Tokyo and coronavirus vaccines made by Pakistan was also due to warned yesterday that more term break in Australia, a Queensland border and home Beijing, fall under the scope of China’s CanSino Biologics next receive a previously ordered cases of COVID-19 were popular time for vacations. to Hollywood A-listers such as Article 5 of the Japan-US month, equivalent to 3 million batch of 60,000 doses of the expected to emerge as author- Several states closed their Chris Hemsworth. security treaty. Article 5 states doses, the minister in charge CanSino vaccine on Tuesday, ities scrambled to contain an borders with Queensland, while Health alerts have been the United States will defend for COVID-19 operations said Umar said, and it expects to outbreak linked to the virulent others will require travellers issued for a hotel, cafe and res- territories under Japan’s yesterday. receive another shipment of 1 UK variant, throwing Easter from the virus hotspots to self- taurant exposed to the virus as administration from armed Pakistan began a vacci- million doses of Sinopharm’s travel plans into disarray. isolate for two weeks on their officials urged patrons to test attack. nation drive last month with vaccine this week. Officials reported eight new return. and isolate. over a million doses of The Sinopharm and locally acquired cases yes- Brisbane Airport forecast a “I hope that we do not have Sinopharm vaccines donated CanSino vaccines arriving this terday, taking the total in the steep drop in the number of any cases emerge in New South Papua New by long-time ally China, but is week are the first that Pakistan latest outbreak to 15 so far. All domestic travellers passing Wales, but I won’t be surprised scrambling to get more supplies has purchased, rather than of the cases were linked to two through the airport by the if we did. So, we need to brace Guinea begins as it awaits WHO/COVAX/GAVI being donations. distinct virus clusters, one weekend compared with its ourselves,” NSW Premier allocations of AstraZeneca’s Pakistan had been due to related to a doctor and the pre-lockdown expectations. Gladys Berejiklian said. inoculations as vaccine, which have been receive a first batch of up to second to a nurse, authorities “This week we had forecast Snap lockdowns, social dis- delayed. four million doses of GAVI’s said. 35,000 to 40,000 per day. tancing rules and speedy infections soar “We will be getting the bulk total allocation of 45 million “The fact that we have these However, today this number contact tracing systems have vaccine by mid-April from doses earlier this month, but cases that are linked is good was closer to 15,000 and we helped Australia to contain REUTERS — CANBERRA CanSino, from which 3 million that was delayed with Astra- news,” Queensland state anticipate this may drop to fresh clusters in recent months. doses can be made,” the min- Zeneca’s Indian manufacturer Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk under 10,000 per day by the It has reported just under Papua New Guinea Prime ister, Asad Umar said on citing domestic needs. told reporters. “Do we expect weekend,” a spokeswoman 29,300 cases and 909 deaths Minister James Marape Twitter. Pakistan reported 100 to see more cases? Probably. said. since the pandemic began. received the first COVID-19 “The bulk vaccine received deaths from COVID-19 in the Probably, we will see more.” Lockdown and border con- While Australia has been shot in the Pacific Island will be formulated, sterilized last 24 hours, and 4,084 new Brisbane, the state capital, trols could put the state’s busi- relatively successful in con- country yesterday under a and packed in Pakistan,” he infections, with a national test has been placed under a three- nesses under more strain as the trolling the virus outbreak, it is small vaccination programme said. positive rate of 8.8%. day lockdown until Thursday, government’s A$90 billion ($69 lagging behind its target to give aimed at curbing soaring Coronavirus infections The country has so far requiring more than 2 million billion) job subsidy scheme all adults in the country at least infections. have risen sharply in Pakistan recorded 14,356 deaths and city residents to stay home ended on Sunday. one COVID-19 vaccination by Australia sent Papua New in recent weeks and outgoing 663,200 cases of the corona- except for essential work, Neighbouring New South October. As of Monday, nearly Guinea 8,000 doses of Astra- finance minister Abdul Hafeez virus. President Arif Alvi and healthcare, grocery shopping Wales (NSW) state, Australia’s 550,000 people have received Zeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine Shaikh tested positive for Defence Minister Pervez or exercise. most populous, is also on alert a vaccine dose since inocula- last week after warning of a COVID-19 yesterday, the third Khattak have also tested pos- The restrictions upended after two of the Queensland tions began last month, Minister worsening humanitarian crisis. senior government official to itive for COVID-19. holiday plans for thousands as cases, a nurse and her sister, for Health Greg Hunt said. Fears of “vaccine nation- alism” in countries producing shots have increased concerns about the need for the nation Three female polio vaccination health of about 10 million people, many of them living in impov- workers shot dead in eastern Afghanistan erished, isolated communities, to receive vaccine supplies REUTERS — JALALABAD one supervisor in the polio vaccinator in Jalalabad who quickly. immunisation programme, all asked that only her first name Marape became the first to Gunmen killed three female of them women, he said. be published for security be inoculated to try to boost polio vaccination workers in the There was no immediate reasons, said she was in a state confidence in the vaccine in eastern Afghan city of Jalalabad claim of responsibility. Zabi- of shock. Papua New Guinea, but pri- yesterday, officials said, adding hullah Mujahid, spokesman for “Today I am very worried, ority will otherwise be given that a blast had also rocked the the main insurgent movement, I do not think my family will to frontline health workers. provincial health department the Taliban, said they had no allow me to work as a polio vac- Papua New Guinea, which headquarters but left no casu- role in the attacks. cinator anymore, because they was administered by Australia alties. A wave of assassinations has are afraid that one day I will be before gaining independence, Ghulam Dastagir Nazari, hit urban centres, many of them killed too,” she said. has recorded more than 5,600 head of the immunisation pro- targeting professional women US Charge D’Affaires Ross cases of the virus, according gramme at Afghanistan’s Health as well as government Wilson said: “Attacking vacci- to figures released yesterday. Men carry the coffin of one of the three victims during a burial Ministry, said the explosion took employees, media and civil nators is as heartless as it is But Australia says that tally ceremony in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, yesterday. place at the entrance to the society members. inexplicable.” “This campaign vastly underestimates the health department for the Afghanistan and Pakistan is an important step to protect extent of the crisis as the province of Nangarhar late yes- are the only countries in the Afghan children from facing an Islamic State. The government The UN mission to Afghan- Pacific country does not do terday morning. world where polio remains infectious disease that can blames most targeted killings istan warned last year that mass testing. Around the same time endemic. Afghanistan kicked off cause debilitating paralysis,” he on the Taliban, who deny car- health workers were increas- The island’s biggest hos- unknown gunmen shot vacci- a polio vaccination programme said on Twitter. rying out assassinations. ingly at risk after a series of pitals have reported that as nation workers at two separate this week, backed by the UN Three female journalists Militant groups including attacks. One attack on a Kabul many as 80% are coming back locations in Jalalabad, killing chidren’s agency Unicef. were killed in Jalalabad this the Taliban have targeted health maternity ward in May killed positive and Marape has said two volunteers and Rabia, a 20-year old month, an attack claimed by workers in the past. twenty-four people. the virus has “broken loose”. 12 EUROPE WEDNESDAY 31 MARCH 2021 German cities halt AstraZeneca vaccine for under-60s

AP — BERLIN German medical countries to temporarily halt the called for a temporary halt to thousands of teachers and In Madrid, residents ages 60 regulator announced use of the AstraZeneca vaccine the vaccine for all younger people with preexisting condi- to 65 started receiving the Authorities in Berlin and Munich earlier this month. women, citing the blood clot tions who received invitations vaccine yesterday ahead of are again suspending the use of that it had received After a review by medical risk. to get vaccinated in Germany’s those between the ages of 66 AstraZeneca’s coronavirus a total of 31 reports experts, the European Medi- Kalayci, the Berlin state capital in recent days. and 79 because Spanish author- vaccine for residents under age cines Agency concluded the health minister, said the sus- German news agency dpa ities have not yet reviewed new 60 due to new reports of of rare blood clots in benefits of the vaccine out- pension of AstraZeneca vac- quoted a spokesman for data provided by AstraZeneca unusual blood clots in people recent recipients of weighed the risks. cines for younger people was Munich, the country’s third- about how well it works in the who recently received the shots, AstraZeneca vaccine. At the same time, the agency done as a precaution. largest city, saying that the sus- older age group. officials said yesterday. recommended that warnings “We have not had a case of pension of AstraZeneca vacci- Spain is currently using the The action was taken as a Nine of the people about possible rare side effects serious side effects in Berlin nations for people younger than Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna precaution ahead of a meeting died. should be provided to patients yet,” she said, adding that all of 60 would last “until issue of vaccines for people over 80 later Tuesday of representatives and doctors. Most European those who had received the possible vaccine complications years old. from Germany’s 16 states and Union countries, including AstraZeneca shot already could for this group of persons has Spanish health authorities further recommendations AstraZeneca vaccine. Nine of Germany, resumed use of the rest assured that it provides been resolved.” have said that they are hoping expected from national medical the people died and all but two vaccine. good protection against the Some 2.7 million doses of to speed up the rollout of vac- regulators, said Berlin’s top of the cases involved women Earlier, two state-owned coronavirus. the AstraZeneca vaccine have cines with the arrival of the jab health official, Dilek Kalayci. aged 20 to 63, the Paul Ehrlich hospitals in Berlin announced “Still, we need to treat it been administered across the developed by the pharmaceu- The decision came after the Institute said. that they had stopped giving the carefully and wait for the talks whole of Germany so far. tical company Janssen, a sub- country’s medical regulator Reports of an unusual form AstraZeneca vaccine to female taking place at the federal Some other European coun- sidiary of Johnson & Johnson, announced that it had received of blood clot in the head, known staff members under 55. The level,” said Kalayci. tries remain hesitant about which has also been approved a total of 31 reports of rare blood as sinus vein thrombosis, heads of five university hos- The decision could affect giving the AstraZeneca shot to for use in Europe and requires clots in recent recipients of the prompted several European pitals in western Germany appointments for tens of older people. one shot only. UK wants to vaccinate all UN: French raid in Mali might violate adults before sharing humanitarian law vaccine with other states BLOOMBERG — PARIS

REUTERS — LONDON Ireland, he said: “If there are A French air strike that killed surplus vaccine doses then we 22 people including civilians Britain will focus on vacci- can share them but there are in Mali could be “incompatible nating the whole of its adult no surpluses at the moment, we with international humani- population before it can to have still got a huge number to tarian law,” according to a provide any surplus shots to vaccinate.” United Nations report. other countries such as its close Britain has agreed deals to The January 3 raid near a neighbour Ireland, British buy tens of millions of shots village in the central Mopti business minister Kwasi from a number of suppliers region led to the deaths of 19 Kwarteng said yesterday. and on Monday GlaxoSmith- civilians and three suspected More than 30 million Kline announced details of members of an armed group, Britons have received their first plans for the final part of the the UN peacekeeping mission coronavirus (COVID-19) shots manufacturing process for up in Mali said yesterday fol- in the fastest vaccine rollout in to 60 million doses of lowing an investigation into Europe, with the aim of offering Novavax’s vaccine for use in the incident. France has res- shots to all adults by the end of Britain. ervations about the report and July. British Prime Minister Boris the attack targeted “members However, Britain has found Johnson is one of 23 leaders of an armed terrorist group,” itself involved in a public spat who yesterday backed an idea the nation’s Defense Ministry with the European Union, to create an international treaty said in a statement. where the vaccination pro- to help the world work together The incident sparked Volunteers and relatives of bereaved paint hearts along a wall beside St Thomas’ hospital as a gramme has been much slower, to deal with future health debate in Mali, with local offi- memorial to all those who have died so far in the UK from COVID-19, in London, on Monday. over the supply of doses. emergencies. cials and some non-govern- “I think our focus has to be “Today we’ve got a crisis mental organisations claiming to try and keep Britain safe, we upon us, and it’s absolutely that civilians attending a want to work cooperatively as right that we should be focused UK mourners draw hearts for COVID-19 victims wedding party had been killed well with other countries but on trying to deal with that in REUTERS — LONDON River Thames outside St “Each heart is individually in the strike. The UN said it had the main priority is to get the our own country and keeping Thomas’ hospital, where Prime hand-painted (and) utterly confirmed “a wedding cele- vaccine rollout,” Kwarteng told our people safe, so that we can A campaign group for bereaved Minister Boris Johnson was put unique, just like the loved ones bration, which brought Sky News. get back to a normal way of families has begun hand- in an intensive care unit after we’ve lost,” said Matt Fowler, together around 100 civilians The minister said that life,” Kwarteng said. drawing almost 150,000 hearts he contracted the virus and fell co-founder of the group. “Like at the site of the strike.” Britain was working with A total of 30,680,948 on a wall opposite Britain’s seriously ill last year. the scale of our collective loss, France’s army chief of staff European nations to try to Britons have received the first Houses of Parliament as a It has been organised by the this memorial is going to be had rejected the allegations as ensure their populations were dose of a coronavirus vaccine, memorial to victims of the group COVID-19 Bereaved enormous.” “disinformation” in a vaccinated, and that it was not according to official data which COVID-19 pandemic. Families For Justice UK, which Britain’s government has statement on January 7, saying “a competitive situation”. also showed a further 56 deaths The mural is expected to has called for a public inquiry promised to build a permanent there was no evidence of a However, asked if Britain within 28 days of a positive test stretch for hundreds of metres into the government’s handling memorial once the pandemic festive gathering at the time of might be able to help out and 4,040 new cases. along the southern bank of the of the pandemic. is over the raid and that it didn’t cause any “collateral damage.” The strike was conducted a few days after militants Sicily official resigns over COVID-19 data rigging allegations killed five French soldiers in two separate attacks in the REUTERS — ROME had decided to step down to Carabinieri police said they they had evidence of some 40 The government can also area, one of the highest death “protect” the regional believed Razza was “partially forgery cases since 2020. impose regional lockdowns — tolls inflicted in combat on Sicily’s regional health coun- administration. involved in the criminal activ- The government uses the which include shutting down France’s counter-insurgency sellor resigned yesterday after “To save the administration ities” but there wasn’t yet any ISS’s weekly monitoring data to restaurants and most shops — operation in years. Last month, being placed under investi- from unavoidable controversy, serious evidence against him. decided whether to tighten or whenever there is a spike in French President Emmanuel gation suspected of sending I have asked the regional gov- Three people working for loosen the curbs imposed on cases and hospitalisations, Macron cautioned against a rigged COVID-19 data to ernor to accept my resignation,” the regional government were each of Italy’s 20 regions. severely limiting people’s rapid withdrawal of the 5,100- national authorities to avoid Razza said in a statement. put on house arrest on suspicion Italy has organised its movements. strong force fighting militants tough lockdown restrictions for According to a wiretap of rigging the island’s daily restrictions around a four-tier Italy has registered 108,350 in West Africa’s Sahel region the southern Italian region. reported by Italian media, coronavirus figures. colour-coded system — from deaths linked to COVID-19 since despite pressure in France to Ruggero Razza, who has Razza told an official to “spread They allegedly altered the no-risk white, to yellow, orange its outbreak emerged in Feb- scale back its presence. managed the epidemic in Sicily out a bit” some coronavirus- data on the number of tests, and high-risk red — which ruary last year, the second- France first intervened in since the first Italian outbreak related deaths that had emerged cases and deaths that were allows for different measures highest toll in Europe after UK Mali in 2013 to stop militants was discovered in the north of three days earlier in a small being sent to the National to be applied to different and the seventh-highest in the from advancing toward the country in February 2020, town close to Catania, in eastern Health Institute (ISS) every day, regions according to infection world. The country has reported Bamako after they took control denied wrongdoing but said he Sicily. the Carabinieri said, adding levels. 3.54 million cases to date. of several northern towns. Fresh vote fails to solve Watchdog backs London police stalemate over new action at vigil for slain woman Catalan government AP — LONDON Parr said the gathering presented AP — MADRID “a complex and sensitive policing chal- A UK police watchdog said yesterday lenge” and police had acted appropri- Catalan separatist politician Pere Aragonès failed that officers didn’t behave “in a heavy- ately to disperse people when the vigil yesterday to win a simple majority in the northeastern handed manner” when they broke up turned into “a rally with dense crowds region’s assembly, in his second attempt in less than a vigil for a London woman whose and little or no social distancing.” a week to become the regional chief. killing sparked an outcry about He added criticism of the force, Lawmakers now have two months to agree on women’s safety. including from some senior politi- other viable candidates. Otherwise another election Matt Parr, Her Majesty’s Inspector cians, had been “unwarranted” and must be held. of Constabulary, said officers at the vigil had undermined public confidence in Aragonès, Catalonia’s acting president since last in memory of Sarah Everard acted in the police. year, was backed by his left-wing republican ERC “a measured and proportionate way He acknowledged, however, that party and the far-left and separatist CUP party. in challenging circumstances.” there was “insufficient” communi- Regional lawmakers voted 61-42 yesterday against Everard, a 33-year-old London cation between police commanders his candidacy, with most opposition coming from resident, was last seen walking home on the ground, and said the Metro- parties that are against Catalan secessionism. from a friend’s apartment on the politan Police force could have taken The 32 lawmakers from Junts per Catalonia, a evening of March 3. Her body was a “more conciliatory” approach after centre-right pro-independence party, abstained from later found hidden in woodland more the event. the vote after failing to reach an agreement with than 80km away. A serving police Reclaim These Streets, the group Aragonès’ ERC party on how to proceed with efforts officer has been charged with murder. that called the vigil after Everard’s death, to break away from Spain. Hundreds of people gathered said the report was “disappointing” and Aragonès, 38, failed late last week in his first March 13 on London’s Clapham demonstrated “institutional sexism attempt to win an absolute majority of votes in the Common to remember Everard and running through the force.” regional legislature based in Barcelona to form a protest violence against women, London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who government. despite a ban on mass gatherings had earlier criticised the police The wealthy region of 7.5 million Catalan and because of the coronavirus pandemic. response, said he accepted the report, Spanish speakers remains deeply divided. Roughly Images of police officers tussling with “but it is clear that trust and confi- 50 percent of Catalans want to carve out an inde- women at the peaceful rally, and dence of women and girls in the police A Catalan separatist holding a Catalan flag during a protest ahead pendent state, while the other half want to remain a leading some away in handcuffs, drew and criminal justice system is far from of the EU summit in Barcelona, Spain, last week. part of Spain. strong criticism. adequate.” WEDNESDAY 31 MARCH 2021 EUROPE 13 Leaders of 23 countries back pandemic treaty

REUTERS — GENEVA/BRUSSELS The idea of such a treaty, also aimed at ensuring Leaders of 23 countries and the World Health Organization universal and equitable access to vaccines, medicines yesterday backed an idea to and diagnostics for pandemics, was floated by the create an international treaty chairman of European Union leaders, Charles Michel, at that would help deal with future health emergencies like the a summit of the Group of 20 major economic powers coronavirus pandemic by tight- last November. Yesterday, the treaty proposal got the ening rules on sharing infor- formal backing of the leaders of Fiji, Portugal, mation. The idea of such a treaty, Romania, Britain, Rwanda, Kenya, France, Germany, also aimed at ensuring uni- Greece, Korea, Chile, Costa Rica, Albania, South Africa, versal and equitable access to vaccines, medicines and diag- Trinidad and Tobago, the Netherlands, Tunisia, nostics for pandemics, was Senegal, Spain, Norway, Serbia, Indonesia, Ukraine and floated by the chairman of the WHO itself. King visits vaccine production site European Union leaders, Charles Michel, at a summit of Belgian King Philippe visits the fridges zone during a visit to the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine production the Group of 20 major eco- on the virus’s origins, seen by government or multilateral site in Puurs, Belgium, yesterday. nomic powers last November. Reuters on Monday, said it had agency can address this threat WHO Director-General probably been transmitted from alone,” the leaders wrote in a Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus bats to humans through another joint opinion piece in major has endorsed the proposal, but animal, and that a lab leak was newspapers. “We believe that Austria in talks to buy one million Sputnik doses formal negotiations have not “extremely unlikely” as a cause. nations should work together BLOOMBERG — VIENNA Agency’s adoption of a so- outspoken critic of the begun, diplomats say. Tedros But the study left many ques- towards a new international called rolling procedure to European Union’s vaccine dis- told a news conference that a tions unanswered and called for treaty for pandemic prepar- Austria is in talks about speed up approval of the tribution policies. He attacked treaty would tackle gaps further research. edness and response.” purchasing as many as 1 million vaccine and said the shots were EU bureaucrats for running an exposed by the COVID-19 pan- Yesterday, the treaty pro- The leaders of China and doses of Russia’s Sputnik V already being used by 57 coun- opaque bazaar for the jabs and demic. A draft resolution on posal got the formal backing of the United States did not sign vaccine with first deliveries as tries. It left open the question has demanded a “correction negotiations could be presented the leaders of Fiji, Portugal, the letter, but Tedros said both early as next month. whether it would wait for the mechanism” to ensure equi- to the WHO’s 194 member Romania, Britain, Rwanda, powers had reacted positively While the deal isn’t final, authority’s approval before table access to inoculations states at their annual minis- Kenya, France, Germany, to the proposal, and all states details of the understanding using the jabs. across the bloc. terial meeting in May, he said. Greece, Korea, Chile, Costa would be represented in talks. have been shared with health “There can’t be any geopo- Austria began exploring The WHO has been criticised Rica, Albania, South Africa, The treaty would com- officials, the Austrian chan- litical blinders when it comes import of the vaccine after a for its handling of the COVID-19 Trinidad and Tobago, the Neth- plement the WHO’s International cellery said in a statement on to vaccines,” Chancellor Feb. 26 call between Kurz and pandemic and was accused by erlands, Tunisia, Senegal, Spain, Health Regulations, in force since Tuesday. Confidential docu- Sebastian Kurz said in the Russian President Vladimir the administration of U.S. pres- Norway, Serbia, Indonesia, 2005, through cooperation in ments have been signed and statement. “The only thing that Putin. Austria could potentially ident Donald Trump of helping Ukraine and the WHO itself. controlling supply chains, sharing exchanged between Austria and matters is whether the vaccine tap 300,000 Sputnik V doses China shield the extent of its out- “There will be other pan- virus samples and research and Russia. is effective and safe, not where in April, followed by 500,000 break, which the agency denies. demics and other major health development, WHO assistant The chancellery mentioned it comes from.” in May and 200,000 in June, A joint WHO-China study emergencies. No single director Jaouad Mahjour said. the European Medicines Kurz has become an according to the statement. Belgian university Hungarian, Polish PMs to discuss new alliance with Italy’s League leader city hopes circles REUTERS — BUDAPEST Rome, Salvini said the thrust of month, two years after it was that the two groups that are cur- parties about creating a new will encourage the discussions would be on suspended for policies criticised rently divided...merge into a political alliance as Fidesz seeks social distancing The hard-right prime ministers policy issues such as health, by mainstream conservatives single large group that would a new home within the of Hungary and Poland will immigration, education and as authoritarian. put back into focus the original European Parliament. REUTERS — GHENT, BELGIUM meet the leader of Italy’s rightist economic growth. Orban’s nationalist policies values of Europe,” Salvini told He says the goal is an League party tomorrow to However, he said they would have long been seen as a better foreign reporters. umbrella political group for The Belgian city of Ghent has discuss forging a new European also talk about international alli- fit with smaller blocs to the right “It would be the second Fidesz and similar parties in struggled to persuade its large political alliance, officials said. ances and he hoped all of of the EPP - notably the euro- largest group in the European Europe that do not want to host student population to stick to The talks between Hungarian Europe’s right-wing parties could sceptic European Conservatives Parliament,” he added, denying migrants and seek to “protect” social distancing rules during Prime Minister Viktor Orban, join in a single group within the and Reformists (ECR) group that that he wanted to push his traditional families. the pandemic, but the author- Polish counterpart Mateusz European Parliament. includes Morawiecki’s Law and League, Italy’s most popular Orban faces elections in ities hope they have found a Morawiecki and League leader Orban’s Fidesz party quit Justice (PiS) party, or the rightist party, into the EPP. 2022, with the opposition solution at least to keep outside Matteo Salvini are to be held in the main pan-European centre- Identity and Democracy group Orban, who has been in spanning centrists, liberals and gatherings under control. Hungary’s capital Budapest. right bloc, the European Peo- that includes the League. power since 2010, has said he socialists united against Fidesz The city, home to some Speaking to reporters in ple’s Party (EPP), earlier this “If I had a wish, it would be has held talks with like-minded for the first time. 80,000 students, has painted 100 large, white circles on the ground in St Peter’s Square at Prison holding the heart of the student district, Slovak PM quits, hands baton to ally Heger and in nearby parks over the Kremlin critic past month, an effort reinforced REUTERS — PRAGUE after partying there last week Navalny boosts led to clashes with police. Slovak Prime Minister Igor Ghent mayor Mathias De Matovic resigned yesterday, surveillance Clercq said the students them- opening the way to forming a selves had come up with the new government after a month- REUTERS — MOSCOW idea, but stressed that, while long political crisis sparked by Belgian COVID rules limit a dispute over use of Russian The Russian prison camp groups meeting outdoors to four coronavirus vaccines. holding Kremlin critic Alexei people, it was not mandatory President Zuzana Caputova Navalny has placed an order for a group to sit in a circle. tasked Finance Minister Eduard for 32 new CCTV cameras and “Everyone is free to use Heger to form the new gov- other surveillance equipment, them or not,” he told Reuters ernment, in an orchestrated a state procurement website television. “It’s a nice example handover of power from showed yesterday. of nudging, a gentle push Matovic to his Ordinary People Navalny, one of President towards good behaviour.” (OLANO) party colleague and Vladimir Putin’s most prom- The circles are 6 metres trusted ally. inent critics, is serving a two- (19 feet 8 inches) in diameter All four parties in the ruling and-half-year sentence at the and 4 metres apart. Students coalition have agreed to partic- IK-2 corrective penal colony seemed reasonably content ipate in a new cabinet with 100km east of Moscow after with the system as they sat out Heger at the helm, while he was jailed for parole viola- in the sunshine this week. Matovic will take the finance Slovakia’s Finance Minister Eduard Heger poses with President Zuzana Caputova after receiving tions he called trumped up. “In these harsh times, it’s not portfolio. the documents from the President to form the new government, at the Presidential Palace in Conditions at the facility very easy to meet people and to Matovic offered the swap to Bratislava, Slovakia, yesterday. have been thrust into the spot- socialise with your friends. So I appease his coalition partners light as Navalny has accused think it’s a good solution. It looks following a series of disputes vaccinations as the country of (SaS) leader Richard Sulik— OLANO between Matovic as its guards of waking him every a little bit weird, but it’s effective,” that boiled over at the start of 5.5 million was slowly emerging both outspoken firebrands — in chairman and Heger as the hour during the night as a flight said 20-year-old engineering March, when Matovic secretly from its worst wave of the pan- the new government, the truce prime minister,” said political risk, and of denying him student Elian Colpaert. Law ordered a shipment of Russian demic, which has filled hos- among the parties may be scientist Tomas Nociar. proper treatment for acute student Kato Pion said some COVID-19 vaccines his partners pitals and put Slovakia among shaky. Heger, 44, was a manager back and leg pain. had complained the authorities had opposed because they lack Europe’s worst-hit countries in “It could be even less stable, and parliamentary deputy from In an earlier blog post, were treating them like infants, clearance for usage in the recent weeks. because besides the conflict line Matovic’s OLANO party from Navalny said there were video but thought the circles were a European Union. With Matovic and his main between Matovic and Sulik, 2016 to 2020, when he took cameras “everywhere” and good idea. Matovic was keen to boost rival, Freedom and Solidarity another could appear within over the finance portfolio. that IK-2 looked as though it had been inspired by George Orwell’s dystopian 1984 novel. His lawyers who visit him Vulnerable Romanians left behind in COVID-19 vaccine push almost daily to check on his wellbeing have helped him to REUTERS — BOTOROAGA, steps up its vaccination plans. the top,” said one public policy areas where we must take He said most of the 900 publish messages from jail. ROMANIA “If they bring the vaccine, expert who asked not to be additional steps,” deputy patients who had been According to an entry pub- I want it,” Coanda said as she named. Health Minister Andrei Baciu injected there so far had not lished on the state pro- Maria Coanda, aged 81 with a kept herself busy in her sparse The state spends the least said. been elderly from the sur- curement website on Monday, heart condition, should be at front yard, laundry drying on on healthcare in the European From April, he said, offi- rounding villages. The vast the facility has placed an order the head of the queue in a clothesline in the sun. Union, Eurostat data shows. cials will let general physicians majority had travelled about to buy 32 new CCTV cameras, Romania’s priority COVID-19 The vaccines are there, say One in four Romanians lack vaccinate their patients in 75km from the capital. network cards, hard disks, vaccination programme. officials. But many older sufficient access to basic their local clinics and will also Some had been relatively cabling and other equipment But she is still waiting for people do not have the skills health services, leaving send mobile units to remote young - the government worth a total of 500,000 her first shot in her small or information to register Romania with the bloc’s villages. opened up vaccines to the bulk roubles ($6,580). southern village of Bujoreni, themselves and Romania has highest mortality rate from But for now, out in the of the population in March. The contract to supply the three months after the start of a shortage of general physi- treatable diseases, according countryside, some people are Some said they had success- equipment is due to be the scheme. She does not know cians to sign up for them, par- to the figures. still waiting. fully signed up online and awarded to a vendor on April how to sign up for it online and ticularly in rural areas. Authorities have acknowl- “In rural areas, people do chosen to travel to the coun- 9. State agencies are required says her doctor has not been in “The chronically ill and the edged some teething problems not really have the means to tryside to get round the longer to publish such information touch to help her out. elderly who can’t nag their but promise there will be travel,” said Dr. Sorin Popa, lines in the city. under legislation aimed at She is one of a group of children or family physicians enough vaccines for all. busy vaccinating patients with “I wanted it done fast,” curbing graft. The prison did vulnerable people that officials to put them on vaccine lists are “Certainly there are dis- AstraZeneca’s shot at a new said Sebastian Munteanu, a not immediately reply to a say are at risk of falling lost in the desert. They have a parities between urban and centre in the village of 39-year-old IT worker from written request from to through the cracks as Romania water bottle but can’t unscrew rural areas... There will be Botoroaga. Bucharest. comment on the order. 14 AMERICAS WEDNESDAY 31 MARCH 2021

Chile inks deal Bolsonaro to replace for 1.8 million doses of CanSino chiefs of armed covid vaccine forces after firing REUTERS — SANTIAGO Chile’s president Sebastian defence minister Pinera said yesterday that his government had signed a new REUTERS — BRASILIA The departures of deal with CanSino Biologics for army, navy and air its one-dose coronavirus The three commanders of force heads underline a vaccine as the South American Brazil’s armed forces will be nation vaults ahead with one replaced, the Defence Ministry stark shift in relations of the world’s fastest inocu- said yesterday, a day after Pres- between Bolsonaro, a lation drives. ident Jair Bolsonaro made far-right former army Pinera said in a televised wholesale changes to his captain, and the career statement that Cansino had Cabinet that included the agreed to deliver 1.8 million surprise axing of his defense soldiers of the armed doses of the vaccine in May and minister. forces that has grown June. The latest deal assures the The ministry said in a more pronounced over small but comparatively statement that the heads of the his handling of the wealthy Latin American nation army, navy and air force will more than 35 million vacci- be replaced, without providing country’s COVID-19 nation doses for 2021, enough additional details. Their depar- pandemic. to immunize 18 million people, tures underline a stark shift in Pinera said. More than 13 million Workers taking care of the shipment of Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine against the coronavirus at the relations between Bolsonaro, Under mounting pressure shots have already been airport, in Caracas, Venezuela, yesterday. a far-right former army to slow a pandemic that has delivered, according to an captain, and the career soldiers killed over 300,000 Brazilians, official tabulation. of the armed forces that has Bolsonaro made six Cabinet Chile moved fast and early grown more pronounced over changes on Monday in the to secure vaccines, signing Venezuela's plan to seek J&J his handling of the country’s biggest ministerial reshuffle to deals with China´s Sinovac COVID-19 pandemic. date. Biotech, US drugmaker Pfizer Since taking office in 2019, Three ministers left the Inc and the Britain-based shot may delay vaccine rollout Bolsonaro has placed current government, including Foreign AstraZeneca Plc and former military officials Minister Ernesto Araujo, a The nation is among the BLOOMBERG — CARACAS ship to Venezuela, Maduro’s Despite promising to vac- throughout all levels of his gov- China hawk whose departure global leaders in vaccination administration banned the cinate ten million people by the ernment, leading to concerns followed mounting criticism per capita and has far out- Venezuela’s government will vaccine amid concerns about end of March, the government that the military’s reputation from lawmakers of his failure paced its neighbors in Latin ask a UN health program for it causing blood clots. hasn’t provided national figures may be tarnished by its affilia- to guarantee additional America. Nearly 35% of Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 Officials are also said to and the immunization plan has tions with his administration. COVID-19 vaccine supplies Chileans have received at least vaccine that may not be prefer the Johnson & Johnson only covered some health pro- The ministry said the from Beijing and Washington. one dose of a vaccine, available until July, eschewing vaccine because of its easier fessionals and school teachers decision to remove the three Bolsonaro seized on the loss according to a Reuters tally. AstraZeneca shots that would one-dose application and its so far. military chiefs was made in a of one of his most loyal allies Cansino’s vaccine, jointly be accessible earlier. less demanding refrigeration While the official corona- meeting earlier in the day with to shore up support in his developed with China’s mil- The decision could extend requirement of 2-8 degrees virus case count remains rel- the participation of incoming Cabinet, putting his chief of itary research institute, is the timeline for mass inocula- Celsius (35-46 degrees Fahr- atively low, with 156,655 com- Defense Minister Walter Braga staff in charge of the Defense approved for use in China, tions as cases hit a six-month enheit) relative to some other pared with neighboring Netto and his predecessor, Ministry and placing a federal Pakistan, Hungary and Mexico. peak and overwhelm shots, a major factor for a Colombia’s 2.3 million, local Fernando Azevedo e Silva, police officer close to his family Pinera said he expects hospitals. country facing rolling electricity health care centers and labs whose surprise replacement in charge of the Justice health authorities in Chile to Nicolas Maduro’s adminis- blackouts and ill-equipped tell a different story, with was announced on Monday. Ministry. approve the vaccine shortly. tration will propose the pur- hospitals. intensive care units at chase of the single-dose J&J The country is seeking maximum capacity across vaccine through the World “safe, proven vaccines, that are most of the capital. Health Organization-backed scientifically approved by Ven- Venezuela hit a record Covax initiative, according to a ezuela’s health authorities, as number of daily cases on senior government official who it should be,” Maduro said on Monday with 1,288 new infec- asked not to be identified state TV last week. tions. The death toll has risen because the discussions aren’t Press officials for Vene- to 27 people this week, the public. zuela’s health ministry and rep- second highest weekly rate The request will be made resentatives from the bipartisan since the virus was detected in through an emergency health health group didn’t respond to the country a little more than a committee made up of gov- requests for comment. year ago. ernment officials and oppo- A rare deal between the While the opposition-led sition figures formed last government and opposition led National Assembly approved month. to the creation of a health com- the release of $30.3m of funds If the proposal is approved mittee in charge of securing frozen in the US to pay for the by the WHO-affiliated Pan- access to Covax using cash from first shipment of vaccines and American Health Organization, offshore accounts frozen by U.S. refrigeration equipment Venezuela most likely won’t get sanctions. through Covax, it will take the vaccines for at least three Venezuela has received just about three weeks for the funds months. That’s when J&J shots 250,000 of Russia’s Sputnik-V to be available, according to are set to be delivered to the shots and 500,000 doses of another person with knowledge organization, director Carissa China’s Sinopharm and remains of the negotiations. Etienne told reporters this the South American country Maduro proposed on Anti-Bolsonaro protest month. with the lowest count of shots Sunday a plan to buy vaccines While the facility reported administered, according to data with crude oil as an alternative Demonstrators taking part in a protest against Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro and his handling of it has 2.4 million AstraZeneca compiled by Johns Hopkins if offshore frozen funds are not the coronavirus disease outbreak, in Brasilia, Brazil, yesterday. shots ready to University. available. Mexican soldiers seized after Guatemalan killed near border AP — MEXICO CITY Mexican officials agreed to eco- any of the soldiers had been autopsy showed police had area residents, Mexicans and not cross the Guatemala nomic reparations and legal taken into Guatemalan territory, broken the woman’s neck and Guatemalans, arrived demanding border,” Sandoval said. Some 300 residents of a remote proceedings against those but the spokesman for Guate- would be charged with justice. “They attacked personnel However, Guatemala army stretch of the Mexico- responsible. mala’s army confirmed it and femicide. The confrontation in verbally and with rocks, sticks,” spokesman Ruben Tellez told Guatemala border held 15 Guatemala’s Foreign Affairs the Guatemalan government Chiapas began around 1 pm on Sandoval said. He said 15 soldiers, local journalists that the Mexican soldiers captive for Ministry said that Elvin Maz- released photos of Mexican sol- Monday at a military checkpoint three vehicles and 17 guns were Mexican personnel were hours after one of the soldiers ariegos, a Guatemalan citizen diers with Guatemalan police, in the town of Motozintla, an seized. brought to the Guatemalan shot and killed a Guatemalan living in the Mexican border who it said were there to guar- area where authorities say fuel Holding security forces border town of La Esperanza citizen at a checkpoint. town of Mazapa de Madero was antee their safety. smuggling is an issue. captive is not unheard of in and held for hours. Mexican Defence Secretary the victim. The killing came two days The victim’s vehicle went remote Indigenous commu- Guatemalan police and sol- Luis Cresencio Sandoval said “We demand Mexican after local police in the Mexican into reverse after approaching nities where residents feel they diers ensured the Mexican sol- Tuesday the events stemmed authorities clear up the crimes Caribbean resort town of Tulum the checkpoint and a soldier have little other recourse. diers’ safety during their cap- from “an erroneous reaction on committed against our coun- killed a Salvadoran woman fired multiple shots. Sandoval Mexican military com- tivity and participated in the the part of military personnel” trymen to give them justice and while trying to arrest her in a said soldiers attempted to treat manders began to negotiate negotiations for their release, who fired on a vehicle reversing so that these condemnable acts case that echoed the police the wounded person, but he with residents and nine soldiers Tellez said. In photographs away from a checkpoint on are not repeated,” Guatemala killing of George Floyd in the died. Soldiers then detained the were released by 5pm. The released by the Guatemalan Monday. Foreign Affairs Minister Pedro United States, which went to vehicle, two other passengers other six, along with their government, Guatemalan police The soldiers, three vehicles Brolo said via Twitter. trial this week. and the soldier who fired. vehicles and weapons were are visible talking to the and 17 guns were released after Gen. Sandoval denied that Mexican prosecutors said an Two hours later, some 300 taken “to a distant point, but did Mexican soldiers. Over 4,000 migrants crowded into Texas facility

AP — DONNA, TEXAS housed on the property yesterday. minors — many of whom have made Most were unaccompanied children long journeys to get to the border, The Biden administration for the first processed in tents before being taken including stretches on foot — were also time yesterday allowed journalists to shelters run by the Department of checked for scabies, fever and other inside its main border detention facility Health and Human Services and then ailments. No COVID-19 test was for migrant children, revealing a placed with a family member, relative administered unless a child showed severely overcrowded tent structure or sponsor. symptoms. where more than 4,000 migrants, The children were being housed Nurse practitioners also gave psy- including children and families, were by the hundreds in eight pods about chological tests, asking children if they crammed into pods and the youngest 3,200 sq feet (297 sq meters) in size. had suicidal thoughts. All shoelaces kept in a large play pen with mats on Many of the pods had more than 500 were removed to avoid harm to the floor for sleeping. children in them. anyone. With thousands of children and Oscar Escamilla, acting executive The children were then led down families arriving at the US-Mexico officer of the US Border Patrol in the a green turf hall to a large intake room. border in recent weeks and packing Rio Grande Valley, said 250 to 300 kids Those 14 and older are fingerprinted facilities, President Joe Biden has been enter daily and far fewer leave. and have their photo taken; younger under pressure to bring more trans- “That number is so lopsided,” said children did not. parency to the process. Escamilla. Then they were taken to a second US Customs and Border Protection Yesterday, journalists watched intake room where they got notices allowed two journalists from AP and children being processed. They went to appear for immigration court. a crew from CBS to tour the facility in into a small room for lice inspection Border Patrol agents asked them if A family of migrants cross the Rio Bravo river to turn themselves into US Border Donna, Texas, in the Rio Grande Valley. and a health check. Their hair was they had a contact in the US and Patrol agents to request asylum in El Paso, Texas, US, as seen from Ciudad Juarez, The facility has a capacity of 250 hosed down and towels were tossed allowed the child to speak with them but more than 4,100 people were being in a black bin marked “Lice.” The by phone. Mexico, yesterday. WEDNESDAY 31 MARCH 2021 AMERICAS 15 Biden announces new measures to counter anti-Asian violence

REUTERS & AP — WASHINGTON/ “We can’t be silent in the face of rising Meanwhile, an Asian weeks after a mass shooting in The NYPD’s Hate Crime NEW YORK American woman was Atlanta that left eight people Task Force is investigating the violence against Asian Americans,” attacked by a man who dead, six of them women of attack and has asked anyone The Biden administration Biden wrote on Twitter. “These attacks repeatedly kicked her as two Asian descent. with information to contact the yesterday announced a set of people nearby who appeared The NYPD says there have department. measures responding to rising are wrong, un-American, and must stop.” to be security guards did not been 33 hate crimes with an Police Commissioner anti-Asian violence, including The measures come after a shooting intervene, according to sur- Asian victim so far this year, Dermot Shea called Monday’s deploying $49.5m from veillance footage released by news outlets reported. attack “disgusting.” “I don’t COVID-19 relief funds for US in Atlanta earlier this month left eight the New York City Police According to video footage know who attacks a 65-year- community programs that help people dead, six of them Asian-American Department. of the New York City assault, the old woman and leaves her on victims. The 65-year-old woman two people who appeared to be the street like that,” Shea said White House officials said women. was walking in midtown Man- security guards walked into the yesterday on TV station NY1. in a statement that the hattan on Monday afternoon frame and one of them closed Shea recently said the Department of Justice is also six of them Asian-American for “community based, cul- when a man came up to her and the door as the woman was on agency would increase its focusing on a rising number of women. turally specific services and kicked her in the stomach, the ground. outreach and patrols in pre- hate crimes targeting Asian The shooting stoked fears programs for survivors of knocking her to the ground, the The property developer and dominantly Asian Americans. among those in the Asian- domestic violence and sexual NYPD said. manager of the building, communities. “We can’t be silent in the American Pacific Islander com- assault” as well as a new task The man then stomped on Brodsky Organization, wrote on According to a report from face of rising violence against munity, which has reported a force dedicated to countering the woman’s face several times Instagram that it was aware of Stop AAPI Hate over 3,795 inci- Asian Americans,” Biden wrote spike in hate crimes since xenophobia against Asians in while hurling anti-Asian senti- the assault and said staff dents were reported to the on Twitter. “These attacks are March 2020 when then-Pres- healthcare. ments at her, police said. He members who witnessed it organization from March 19, wrong, un-American, and must ident Donald Trump began The Justice Department is later casually walked away, the were suspended pending an 2020, to February 28, 2021. The stop.” referring to the novel corona- also planning new efforts to footage shows. investigation. organization said that number The measures come after a virus as the “China virus.” enforce hate crime laws and The attack comes amid a The woman is currently is “only a fraction of the number shooting in Atlanta earlier this Biden’s new steps include report data on racial crimes, the national spike in anti-Asian hate hospitalised with serious of hate incidents that actually month left eight people dead, $49.5m of pandemic relief funds statement said. crimes, and happened just injuries. occur.” Blinken ends Chicago hospital Trump rights plan promoting CEO suspended after conservative agenda improper vaccinations

AP — WASHINGTON AP — CHICAGO clinical trials - “requested 10 vaccinations for 10 individuals In a sharp rebuke to Trump- A Chicago hospital’s CEO has he identified as eligible under era policies, Secretary of State been suspended for two weeks city guidelines, one of whom Antony Blinken yesterday following a series of COVID-19 was terminally ill.” formally scrapped a blueprint vaccination events involving The statement notes that championed by his prede- alleged favoritism, including Ahmed is not a Loretto Hospital cessor to limit US promotion one in which ineligible Trump employee, but says that on Jan. of human rights abroad to Tower workers were vacci- 29 “the 10 vaccinations were causes favoured by conserv- nated. provided to Dr. Ali Ahmed and atives like religious freedom The unpaid suspension of then administered to these and property matters while Loretto Hospital’s president individuals.” dismissing reproductive and and CEO, George Miller, is on “While information pro- other rights. hold until the hospital finds a vided at the time deemed that Blinken said a report pre- new chief operating officer and these individuals were eligible pared for former Secretary of chief financial officer, a hos- per city vaccination guidelines, State Mike Pompeo that sought Vietnam War Veterans Day pital spokeswoman said late on Loretto is no longer approving to pare down the number of Monday. off-site visits that aren’t either freedoms prioritized in US US President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to mark Dr. Anosh Ahmed, who had hosted by the hospital or com- foreign policy was “unbal- National Vietnam War Veterans Day, in Washington, US, on Monday. been Loretto’s COO and CFO, munity partners and organiza- anced,” did not reflect Biden resigned last week, days after tions,” according to the administration policies and he and Miller were repri- statement. would not guide them. The manded by its board of Loretto Hospital is located report from Pompeo’s Com- Court lets woman’s defamation directors following news on Chicago’s West Side and mission on Unalienable Rights reports that hospital executives largely serves Black and Latino had been harshly criticised by provided COVID-19 vaccines people. It was chosen last year human rights groups. suit against Trump proceed again to some people who weren’t yet to administer Chicago’s cere- “One of the core principles eligible. AP left a message monial first COVID-19 vacci- of human rights is that they are AP — NEW YORK return her defamation suit to a dismissing the appeal. Zervos seeking comment from Miller nation as part of the city’s universal. All people are entitled trial court for both sides to con- is suing Trump for calling her a at the hospital yesterday. efforts to encourage residents to these rights, no matter where Former President Donald tinue pretrial evidence-seeking liar after she went public during There have been at least six in West Side neighborhoods to they’re born, what they believe, Trump could face questioning that could eventually enable his 2016 campaign with allega- alleged incidents in which get vaccinated. whom they love, or any other under oath about a former Zervos’ lawyers to quiz Trump tions that he subjected her to Loretto Hospital vaccinated Mayor Lori Lightfoot said characteristic,” Blinken said. “Apprentice” contestant’s under oath, and his to question unwanted acts twice in 2007. people connected to the hos- Monday that Loretto is a “safety “Human rights are also co- assault allegations against him, her. Deadlines for such ques- She had appeared on his reality pital’s executives, including to net hospital” that is pivotal to equal; there is no hierarchy that following a ruling from New tioning, known as a deposition, show “The Apprentice” in 2006 employees at downtown Chi- Chicago and that she is “com- makes some rights more York’s highest court yesterday. had been set for last year before and said she was looking only cago’s Trump Tower — where mitted to helping Loretto get it important than others.” Evidence-gathering has been Trump appealed to the high court. for career advice when she con- Ahmed owns a condo — Cook right because they’re so “Past unbalanced state- on hold in Summer Zervos’ def- “Now a private citizen, the tacted him afterward. County judges and their important to the West Side ments that suggest such a hier- amation lawsuit since Trump defendant has no further excuse She sued after he retweeted spouses, as well as Miller’s sub- community.” archy, including those offered asked the high court last year to to delay justice for Ms. Zervos, a message calling her claims “a urban church, the Chicago Sun- “Obviously, they deviated by a recently disbanded State declare that the presidency pro- and we are eager to get back to hoax” and described women Times reported. from what I think is their core Department advisory com- tected him from being sued in the trial court and prove her who accused him of sexual A hospital spokeswoman mission and what should have mittee, do not represent a state courts. In a one-sentence claims,” lawyers Beth Wilkinson assault and harassment as disclosed the latest of those been the focus during this guiding document for this ruling, the Court of Appeals and Moira Penza said in a “liars” trying to hurt his presi- incidents Monday in a critical time period, which is administration,” he said. “At my tossed Trump’s appeal as moot statement yesterday. dential chances. Trump lawyer statement. driving vaccine exclusively to confirmation hearing, I now that he’s out of the White A request for comment was Marc Kasowitz has said that the According to that that West Side population that’s promised that the Biden-Harris House. sent to Trump’s lawyers. Zervos’ former president’s statements statement, Dr. Ali Ahmed, the so in need and where we still Administration would repudiate Lawyers for the woman, attorneys said in a court filing were true and protected by free president and CEO of Affinity have a lot of work to do to boost those unbalanced views. We do Summer Zervos, had asked the last month that Trump’s speech rights and that Zervos’ Health - which oversees the numbers on the West Side,” so decisively today.” high court to nix the appeal and lawyers didn’t oppose claims are meritless. Loretto Hospital’s COVID-19 she said. State police to Teen who shot Floyd video says he was ‘begging for his life’ probe deadly AP — MINNEAPOLIS Chauvin continued to kneel on knee on Floyd’s neck despite murder and manslaughter in Virginia Beach Floyd’s neck, and he and fellow warnings that Floyd’s life was Floyd’s death. The teenager who shot the officer Tou Thao wouldn’t let in danger. She offers to switch Prosecutors led off their shooting harrowing video of George Floyd onlookers get close, Frazier him to a sergeant. As he is being case by playing part of the under the knee of the Minne- said. “They definitely put their switched, Williams can he bystander video of Floyd’s AP — RICHMOND apolis police officer now charged hands on the Mace and we all heard yelling at the officers, arrest. Chauvin and three other in his death testified yesterday pulled back,” she told the jury. “Y’all is murderers, bro!” officers were fired soon after Virginia Beach police have that she began recording because Frazier said of Chauvin: “He During cross-examination, the footage became public. turned over their investigation “it wasn’t right, he was suffering, just stared at us, looked at us. Chauvin attorney Eric Nelson Prosecutor Jerry Blackwell of an officer-involved shooting he was in pain.” He had like this cold look, pointed out that Williams showed the jurors the video after of a former college football Darnella Frazier, 18, said heartless. He didn’t care. It seemed to grow increasingly telling them that the number to player to Virginia State Police she was walking to a conven- seemed as if he didn’t care what angry at police on the scene, remember was 9 minutes, 29 after the Black man’s death ience store with her younger we were saying.” swearing at and taunting seconds - the amount of time amid a rash of weekend cousin when she came upon the Chauvin attorney Eric Chauvin with “tough guy,” Chauvin had Floyd pinned to the shootings drew heightened officers, and sent the girl into the Nelson sought to show that Darnella Frazier “bum” and other names, then pavement “until the very life was public scrutiny. store because she didn’t want her Chauvin and his fellow officers calling Chauvin expletives, squeezed out of him.” Donovon W. Lynch, 25, to see “a man terrified, scared, found themselves in an increas- Floyd testified that he called 911 which the defense lawyer Nelson countered by was shot by a Virginia Beach begging for his life.” ingly tense and distracting situ- after paramedics took Floyd repeated in court. arguing: “Derek Chauvin did police officer in the last of Frazier grew emotional at ation, with the growing crowd of away, “because I believed I wit- Williams initially admitted exactly what he had been three separate shooting inci- times, breathing heavily and onlookers becoming agitated and nessed a murder.” he was getting angrier, but then trained to do over his 19-year dents along the city’s popular crying as she viewed pictures menacing over Floyd’s treatment. Donald Williams, a former backtracked and said he was career.” oceanfront strip of hotels and of officer Derek Chauvin But when Frazier was asked wrestler who said he was controlled and professional and The defense attorney also restaurants. The shootings left kneeling on Floyd last May. by a prosecutor whether she trained in mixed martial arts, was pleading for Floyd’s life but disputed that Chauvin was to one other person dead and Floyd’s death and the video saw violence anywhere on the including chokeholds, returned wasn’t being heard. blame for Floyd’s death, as eight others wounded. of Floyd pleading for his life and scene, she replied: “Yes, from to the witness stand a day after Williams said he was prosecutors contend. The case has drawn calls onlookers angrily yelling at the cops. From Chauvin, and describing seeing Floyd struggle stepping on and off the curb, Floyd, 46, had none of the for a thorough and transparent Chauvin to get off him triggered from officer Thao.” for air and his eyes roll back and at one point, Thao, who was telltale signs of asphyxiation investigation from such figures sometimes-violent protests When asked to identify the into his head. He said he controlling the crowd, put his and had fentanyl and metham- as Grammy-winning musician around the world and a reck- officer, Chauvin stood up in the watched Floyd “slowly fade hand on Williams’ chest. Wil- phetamine in his system, Nelson Pharrell Williams, who says oning over racism and police courtroom and took off his away... like a fish in a bag.” liams admitted under ques- said. He said Floyd’s drug use, Lynch was his cousin. Both brutality in the U.S. mask, appearing somber as he Yesterday, prosecutors tioning that he told Thao he combined with his heart Lynch and the police officer One of the bystanders, who looked down and away before played back Williams’ 911 call, would beat the officers if Thao disease, high blood pressure who shot him are Black. That identified herself as a Minne- putting his mask on. on which he is heard identifying touched him again. and the adrenaline flowing officer and another officer who apolis firefighter, pleaded Earlier Tuesday, a man who Chauvin by his badge number Williams was among the through his body, caused a saw Lynch’s shooting have repeatedly with officers to was among the onlookers and telling the dispatcher that first witnesses as Chauvin, 45, heart rhythm disturbance that both said that Lynch had a check Floyd’s pulse, but shouting at Chauvin to get off Chauvin had been keeping his went on trial on charges of killed him. handgun, police said. WEDNESDAY 31 MARCH 2021 16

Qatar Airways renews partnership with Orbis UK to help end avoidable blindness PRAYER TIMINGS — DOHA PRAYERPRAYRRAAAY TIMINGSMING THE PENINSULA The Orbis Flying Eye Hospital is Qatar Airways has renewed its a unique aircraft that supports FAJR 04.09 am sponsorship as Official Airline the charity’s global effort to SUNRISE 05.27 am Partner to Orbis UK for a further transform lives. The world’s three years. The airline has been DHUHR 11.38 am only fully accredited ophthalmic a proud supporter of Orbis and teaching hospital on board an ASR 03.07 pm its blindness prevention MD-10 aircraft is equipped with MAGHRIB 05.52 pm programmes since 2012. Orbis is a leading global a state-of-the-art teaching ISHA 07.22 pm charity that brings people facility complete with an together to fight avoidable operating room, classroom, and blindness through access to recovery room for patients. quality eye care. Together with its partners, Orbis trains, mentors, and inspires eye care supports the charity’s global professionals in places with the effort to transform lives. The greatest need to save and world’s only fully accredited restore vision in their ophthalmic teaching hospital on WEATHER communities. board an MD-10 aircraft is TODAY The Orbis Flying Eye Hos- equipped with a state-of-the- with an operating room, for patients. On board, Orbis’ our organisation and we’re pital is a unique aircraft that art teaching facility complete classroom, and recovery room world-class medical volunteers proud to continue onto this next and clinical staff share their stage of our partnership. Thanks knowledge and expertise with to Qatar Airways’ renewed local eye care teams across the support, the Orbis team will globe. have access to free flights to Qatar Airways Group Chief programmes to continue the o o Executive, H E Akbar Al Baker fight against avoidable 20 C 34 C said: “Qatar Airways is proud to blindness in person when it i is Minimum Maximum strengthen its partnership with safe to do so. Until this point, Orbis UK for another three we remain committed to sup- Relatively hot daytime and mild to relatively cold by night. years as Official Airline porting our partners virtually Partner – a further testament and through our in-country of our unwavering com- programmes.” W ALRUWAIS : 20o → 25o mitment to giving back and In March 2020, due to the W ALKHOR : 20o → 30o supporting the global com- COVID-19 pandemic, Orbis had W DUKHAN : 20o → 28o munity. We recognise that the to postpone its in-person Flying W WAKRAH : 18o → 34o gift of sight empowers indi- Eye Hospital programmes. viduals to reach their full Whilst the Flying Eye Hospital W MESAIEED : 18o → 34o potential, and we remain is temporarily grounded, Orbis’ W ABUSAMRA : 18o → 29o steadfast supporters of the mission is not. fight against avoidable Orbis quickly pivoted to blindness through our part- provide virtual Flying Eye Hos- HIGH TIDE 5:39– 18:42 nership with Orbis UK.” pital programmes through their Orbis UK Trustee, Dr. Robert telemedicine platform Cyber- LOW TIDE 01:06 – 13:28 Walters said: “For nine years, sight, to ensure that eye care the Qatar Airways Group has professionals could continue to been a generous supporter of grow their skills. Scale7 successfully hosts Qatar’s first fashion and design Hackathon Vietnam flight attendant gets THE PENINSULA — DOHA teams working together and jury consisting of nine industry addition to creating new inno- customer experience fought brainstorming to create solu- experts, providing a platform vative retail formats. The for the top slot. probation for Scale7, the first fashion and tions for the most pressing chal- for participating teams to co- second pillar harped on the The two winning teams will design business incubator in lenges in the fashion industry develop pioneering ideas that sustainability aspect by receive four hours of men- quarantine slip Qatar — founded by Qatar today. are viable enough to be trans- focusing on the search for torship to support the devel- Development Bank (QDB) in The Scale7 Hackathon formed into real-world innovative products, the opment of their application for AP — HANOI, VIETNAM partnership with M7, the offered the ideal platform for solutions. mechanism of supply chains, Scale7 Incubation program and creative and cultural hub entrepreneurs to compete, build The challenges posed by the in addition to circular access to Scale7 co-working A Vietnamese court yesterday operating under Qatar and develop exciting concepts. pandemic has led to the accel- economy business models. space for two months. Fur- sentenced a flight attendant Museums, has successfully Winners will be entitled to eration and development of Over 50 applications thermore, each active partic- to two years probation for completed Qatar’s first fashion several benefits aimed at pro- current trends in the fashion were received for the Hack- ipant will receive a certificate violating COVID-19 quar- and technology virtual Hack- viding a wide range of support industry. athon. With 18 final active of participation. antine rules and spreading the athon, which was held to fashion and design entrepre- To address these challenges, participants, one hour men- Hackathons are a new virus to others, become the between March 12 to 14. neurs who are interested in the areas of discussions during torship was offered to each global trend in innovation, first person in the country to Opening the doors of fashion technology and to grow the Hackathon revolved around team. Three industry experts whereby companies and indi- stand trial for such offences, infinite opportunities for Qatari and tap into the opportunities two pillars. delivered inspiring speeches viduals create unique ideas in state media said. entrepreneurs and those in the within Qatar as well as global The first pillar was inno- to motivate entrepreneurs a collective framework. They Duong Tan Hau, 29, was emerging fields of fashion and markets. vation in customer experience and shared their success have been praised by experts found guilty of the charges for technology innovation, the The Hackathon featured by creating new methods of stories. Four final presenta- as high-impact, high-energy leaving his home during a three-day event witnessed par- four main speakers, seven communication, researching tions including two on sus- drivers of meaningful tech- mandatory home quarantine ticipation from individuals and mentors and an international the nature of future stores, in tainability and two on nology innovation. routine after he returned from a trip to Japan while working for the national carrier Vietnam Airlines, Vietnam SpaceX’s fourth test News Agency reported. The agency said Hau fre- quently met a friend, who is a teacher, went to a cafe and of giant rocket ends attended an exam at an English center in Ho Chi Minh city before he tested positive for the in another mishap virus toward the end of his scheduled quarantine period last November. At the time, BLOOMBERG — WASHINGTON happened shortly after landing Vietnam had not recorded a burn start,” SpaceX founder local case of COVID-19. Space Exploration Technologies Elon Musk tweeted. “Should Corp.’s fourth test flight of its know what it was once we can US reviewing WHO biggest rocket ended in another examine the bits later today.” mishap as smoking debris The latest mishap under- report on origins rained down on the company’s scored the challenge facing of COVID-19 Texas launch site, suggesting SpaceX as it seeks to build a additional development hurdles spacecraft capable of reaching REUTERS — WASHINGTON for a vehicle designed to put the moon and Mars. The pre- humans on the moon and Mars. vious Starship test, on March 3, A wide array of US experts will The Starship SN-11 pro- touched down at a slight incline extensively review a World totype lifted off in heavy fog at and was engulfed in flames less Health Organization report on about 8 am local time yesterday than a minute later. Two earlier the origin of the COVID-19 from SpaceX’s seaside launch attempts ended in fireballs. No virus, with a focus on ensuring pad near the Mexico border, people were aboard any of the the investigation was inde- based on live video streamed spacecraft. A spectator holds a piece of debris which was blown 8km from the site where SpaceX test rocket pendent and technically by the company. The rocket Despite the fiery finales, SN11 exploded upon landing, in Boca Chica, Texas, US, yesterday. sound, the White House said. then flew to an altitude of about each test flight has offered “We have been clear that 10km (6.2 miles) before shutting SpaceX additional data on the times across Earth. Excluding 230-foot behemoth. The many times with Starship independent, technically sound down its three Raptor engines enormous rocket’s design, pro- a heavy booster that creates a second such booster will be before 2023, and that it will be investigation is what our focus to begin descent. pulsion, navigation and other two-stage system, Starship is the one that flies, Musk wrote safe enough for human is on, and once this is reviewed, On the prototype’s way systems. The Starship will 160 feet (49 meters) high with on Twitter. transport by 2023,” Musk said we’ll have an assessment about down, a rumbling noise operate with six Raptor engines. a 30-foot diameter, and able The full system is scheduled in a video Maezawa released the steps forward,” White House developed and the video feed SpaceX conceived the to carry as many as 100 for a commercial flight in 2023 earlier this month. Presse Secretary Jen Psaki said. froze just after the ship was 1 kil- stainless steel Starship as a ver- passengers. with Japanese entrepreneur In October, Musk said he A joint WHO-China study on the ometer from the landing pad. satile, fully reusable craft that Musk tweeted a photo of Yusaku Maezawa, who is col- was 80% to 90% confident that origins of COVID-19 says that Cameras operated by NASAS- can carry 100 metric tons for the first Super Heavy booster lecting applications for eight Starship will be ready for an the virus was probably trans- paceflight.com recorded a burst deep-space missions to the on March 18, calling it a “pro- people to accompany him on a orbital flight this year. SpaceX mitted from bats to humans of orange and pieces of debris moon and Mars. duction pathfinder” that’s Starship “fun trip” around the plans to fly multiple Starship through another animal, and crashing down near the launch It’s also designed to serve helping Hawthorne, Cali- moon. prototypes from its Texas that a lab leak was “extremely site. as a hypersonic, point-to- fornia-based SpaceX learn “I’m highly confident that launch site, an area the rocket unlikely” as a cause, a ”Something significant point vehicle to reduce travel how to build and transport the we will have reached orbit maker has dubbed Starbase. summary seen by Reuters said.