Moi Calls on Workers to Register National Address Through Metrash2

www.thepeninsula.qa Monday 2 March 2020 Volume 24 | Number 8184 7 Rajab - 1441 2 Riyals

BUSINESS | 01 SPORT | 11

UDC and CHL sign 2020 Copa deal to operate America: Qatar eye Corinthia Doha in improved show Gewan Island in second stint

FREE Wi-Fi device! Ooredoo FREE installation! Full fun! ONE *Terms & Conditions Apply MoI calls on workers to Amir meets Executive Vice-President of Venezuela register National Address through Metrash2

PRAMOD PRABHAKARAN For companies Address registered. If a THE PENINSULA company has less than 300 with more than 300 workers, then the workers have In a presentation to raise workers, the PRO go to the Service Centre in awareness among companies has to approach the batches of 20-30 people every about National Address, day. Ministry of Interior (MoI) urged MoI Service Centre One needs to take pref- companies to encourage their with an ofﬁcial letter erably a colour printout of the workers to register National addressed to the application form from the Min- Address through Metrash2. istry’s website. PRO has to take Underlining the importance head of the Service printed forms and the of completing National Address Centre and take an employees to the service centre through Metrash 2, an MoI appointment to get and the signature should be official said during the presen- done in front of the officer at Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani met yesterday with Executive Vice-President of the tation at the General Direc- the National Address the Service Centre and not at Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, H E Dr. Delcy Eloina Rodriguez Gomez, and her accompanying torate of Traffic yesterday for registered. If a the company. delegation at the Amiri Diwan. At the outset of the meeting, H E Dr. Delcy conveyed the greetings of the President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, H E Nicolas Maduro, to H H the Amir and his companies about National company has less “The company needs to Address, that registering select the Service Centre that is wishes for His Highness of health and happiness and for the Qatari people of more development and through Metrash2 will save than 300 workers, closest for the employees and prosperity. H H the Amir entrusted H E Dr. Delcy with his greetings to H E President Maduro, wishing them time and effort. then the workers not that is convenient for them. him health and wellness and the Venezuelan people continued progress and development. The meeting reviewed relations between the two friendly countries and ways to enhance and develop In the beginning of last have go to the Service Sometimes the office might be month, around 234,000 people in Doha, but the employees these relations, in addition to a host of matters of common interest. had already registered their Centre in batches of might be working in Shahaniya, National Address, and out of 20-30 people every then you have to take them to which 227,000 used Metrash2 day. the Shahaniya Service Centre Qatar affirms progress of Amir holds phone for the same. and not Doha Service Sentre,” Explaining the importance Al Kuwari explained. call with Macron of the National Address, Lt Col If anyone fails to register project to raise LNG production Abdullah Zayed Al Sahli, head can apply for a new Sim or before the last date, July 26, of the National Address Section transfer the existing into their there will be a fine of QR10,000, QNA — DOHA customers and its subsidi- QNA — DOHA at the Public Security, said: “It name. which will be reduced if court aries, His Excellency clar- is a paradigm shift in the In case of a new Sim, it will has not taken a decision on the Minister of State for Energy ified, in his statements on Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad conduct of judicial proceedings. take 10 days to register the data case. Affairs, H E Engineer Saad the sidelines of the General Al Thani held a telephone conver- It facilitates the delivery of on Metrash 2. This will save you If anyone provides wrong bin Sherida Al Kaabi, Assembly of Industries sation with President of the French various services from different time and efforts as getting thou- information — intentionally or confirmed yesterday that Qatar Company, that the Republic, H E Emmanuel Macron. service providers and helps sands of workers to service unintentionally – and authority the pace of work in imple- Coronavirus is a global During the phone call which reaching people concerned in centres is difficult. Better to concerned used that infor- menting the project of issue and what happens in H H the Amir received from H E the issues of personal and public train them on how to register mation for reaching out to you increasing the State of the delivery of gas ship- French President, the two sides interest.” and using Metrash2,” First Lieu- at that wrong address — then Qatar’s production of ments globally occurs with reviewed the close bilateral rela- It is easier to register tenant Saeed Khater Al Kuwari also fine is applicable. The liquefied gas from 77 million Qatar Petroleum as well. tions between Qatar and France and through Metrash2 as lot of data from the Unified Services official urged everyone to be tonnes per day to 126 H E the Minister also means of promoting and developing such as details about your Department said during the cautious while filling the million tonnes by 2027 is stressed that Qatar them in all fields. sponsor is already available presentation. address. going well, denying media Petroleum cooperates with The two sides also reviewed the online and updating the For companies with more “Before filling up the data reports that there has been its customers in a manner most important developments on address, if needed in future, is than 300 workers, the PRO has make sure all the information a delay in the project for that provides them with the regional and international also easier. to approach the MoI Service is accurate. There is a column several months. their needs and provides arenas, especially the situation in “Encourage the employees Centre with an official letter for electricity number and if it Regarding the effects of them with support in all Libya and ways of maintaining to download and register with addressed to the head of the is not correct then you will not the Coronavirus 2019 forms, which is something security and stability in the country, Metrash2. If they don’t have a Service Centre and take an receive a confirmation message (COVID-19) on LNG ship- that the State of Qatar in addition to the situation in Sim card on their name, they appointment to get the National from the MOI,” he added. ments for Qatar Petroleum always does. Afghanistan. `P2 Two more cases 34% increase in visitors to Doha of COVID-19 reported in Qatar Jewellery and Watches expo RAYNALD C RIVERA year, QNTC announced yesterday. QNA — DOHA THE PENINSULA “With more exhibition space than ever before to accommodate a diverse The Ministry of Public Health More than 32,000 people visited the and growing array of brands, DJWE (MoPH) announced yesterday 17th Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhi- attracts the biggest names in jewellery that following further testing, bition (DJWE) which concluded on and watchmaking. As we conclude yet two additional cases of coro- Saturday, a 34 percent increase from another successful event in 2020, we navirus disease (COVID-19) its previous edition, organisers Qatar are already looking ahead to our eight- have been recorded in the National Tourism Council (QNTC) said eenth edition next year to ensure that State of Qatar, taking the total yesterday. the event continues to grow each year,” of confirmed cases to three. Under the patronage of H E Sheikh said Al Baker. The two Qatari individuals Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Among the highlights of this year’s were evacuated from the Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of event was the participation of 18 Young Islamic Republic of Iran on a Interior, the six-day exhibition held at Qatari Designers, the largest yet among government-chartered plane Doha Exhibition and Convention Center the initiative’s four editions. The on 27 February 2020 and have marked its biggest edition this year with designers wowed jewellery connois- been under full quarantine, the 129 exhibitors from 14 countries, a 68 seurs with their collections inspired ministry explained in a percent growth from last year. from local elements such as desert rose statement yesterday. “This edition of DJWE boasted the or sadou weaving patterns, and locally The patients have been largest number of exhibitors to date, sourced pearls. transferred to the Communi- representing a record number of coun- Spread on a 33,000sqm area, the cable Disease Center for tries. Such numbers demonstrate the exhibition featured spectacular treatment under full quar- influence of this prestigious event for pavilions from Qatar’s seven industry antine and they are in a both industry and consumers,” H E powerhouses including Alfardan Jew- stable condition, the Akbar Al Baker, Secretary General of ellery, Ali Bin Ali Luxury, Al Majed Jew- statement said. QNTC and GCEO of Qatar Airways, said ellery, Amiri Gems, Fifty One East, Al The MoPH reiterated that in a statement. Muftah Jewellery and Blue Salon, in the patients have not had any The luxury event will return for its addition to Indian and Turkish pavilions engagement with the general 18th edition on February 22 to 27 next showcasing dozens of brands. `P3 public stressing that the risk of infection to the public remains low. Temporary entrance restrictions on people The MoPH has prepared for the spread of the virus by coming from Egypt due to coronavirus instituting quarantine measures for people returning QNA — DOHA through intermediate points. from infected areas, the The measure is temporary due to statement said adding that the As a public health measure, the State of the spread of coronavirus disease Ministry continues to monitor Qatar has imposed a temporary (COVID-19), the Government Com- quarantined individuals for entrance restriction to its territories on munications Office said in a symptoms. all those who are coming from Egypt statement yesterday. 02 HOME MONDAY 2 MARCH 2020 Amir meets outgoing Ambassadors of Turkey and Ecuador

Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani met at the Amiri Diwan yesterday morning with the Ambassador of the sisterly Republic of Turkey, H E Fikret Ozer (left) and the Ambassador of the Republic of Ecuador, H E Ivonne Abdul Baki, who called on H H the Amir to greet him on the occasion of the end of their tenures in the country. H H the Amir granted Their Excellencies the Ambassadors the Decoration of Al Wajbah in recognition of their roles in enhancing relations between the State of Qatar and their countries, wishing them success in their future tasks and further progress and development for the relations. The Ambassadors expressed their thanks and appreciation to H H the Amir and the officials in the State for their cooperation which contributed to the success of their work in the country.

Al Attiyah inspects preparations for ‘Al-Adeed 2020’ OFFICIAL NEWS Amir sends THE PENINSULA — DOHA written message The Amiri Land Force has started preparations to President of Mali to carry out the tactical drill “Al-Adeed 2020” Bamako: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim with the participation of all leaderships and bin Hamad Al Thani sent a writ- branches of the Amiri Land Force, in addition ten message to the President of to the Amiri Air Force, the Joint Special Forces the Republic of Mali, H E Ibrahim and a number of various units from the Armed Boubaker Keita, pertaining to the Forces. bilateral relations and means of sup- The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of porting and developing them. The State for Defence Affairs, H E Dr. Khalid bin message was handed over by the Mohammed Al Attiyah, inspected the prepara- Ambassador of the State of Qatar to tions and checked all arrangements, in the Mali, H E Ahmed bin Abdulrahman presence of the Chief of Staff of the Qatari Armed Al Sunaidi, during a meeting with Forces, H E Lieutenant-General (Pilot) Ghanem the President of Mali. QNA bin Shaheen Al Ghanem. H E the Deputy Prime Minister, accompanied Amir condoles with by H E the Chief of Staff, also made an inspection President, Prime tour to check the combat readiness of the Amiri Minister of Pakistan Land Force and their ability to carry out the military operations due to be implemented at the The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs, H E Dr. Khalid bin Mohammed Al Attiyah, inspecting DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin appropriate time and place. the preparations to carry out the tactical drill “Al-Adeed 2020”. Hamad Al Thani and Deputy Amir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani sent cables of condolences to the President of the Islamic Repub- Directorate of Civil Defence to add 23 lic of Pakistan, H E Dr. Arif Alvi, and the Prime Minister, H E Imran fire fighting vehicles to its fleet this year Khan, expressing condolences on the victims of the train collision with SIDI MOHAMED defence authority in protecting a passenger bus in southern Paki- THE PENINSULA lives and property. The theme of this stan, wishing the injured a speedy Al Duhaimi added that the Civil year’s World Civil recovery. The Prime Minister and The Ministry of Interior repre- Defence cadres are well-trained Minister of Interior, H E Sheikh sented by the General Directorate in firefighting and rescue opera- Defence Day is ‘Civil Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al of Civil Defence observed tions. “The Directorate recognises Defence and a First Thani, also sent a cable of condo- yesterday the International Civil that the human safety is the most lences to the Prime Minister of the Defence Day, which falls on March important priority and works with Aider in Every Home’. Islamic Republic of Pakistan, H E 1 every year. serious steps to improve the mech- Imran Khan, on the victims of the The theme of this year’s World anism for carrying out these tasks train collision with a passenger bus Civil Defence Day is ‘Civil Defence while consolidating efforts to awareness and education in the in southern Pakistan, wishing the and a First Aider in Every Home’. create a safety culture among dif- safety and security procedures in injured a speedy recovery. QNA “The General Directorate of ferent segments of society.” every home. Brigadier Hamad Othman Al Duhaimi (right), Director- General Civil Defence added 11 fire trucks Brigadier Al Duhaimi called on He said that the mission of the of Civil Defence, honouring Brigadier Abdullah Khalifa Al Muftah, Amir holds phone to its fleet late last year, in addition all components of civil society to General Directorate of Civil Director of the Public Relations Department at the Ministry of call with Macron to 23 other vehicles that were con- cooperate with the efforts of the Defence and its related depart- Interior, on the International Civil Defence Day at Civil Defence FROM PAGE 1 tracted, which will come succes- General Directorate of Civil ments is to highlight the potential headquarters, yesterday. PICS: ABDUL BASIT/THE PENINSULA sively during the current year, all Defence to activate this year’s risks in homes, procedures for The French President praised of which work in the field of extin- theme of “Civil Defence and a First securing kitchens, heating tools, the efforts made by the State of guishing and protecting buildings Aider in Every Home” in order to etc., through meetings, plans, and awareness programmes that work to activate this theme. Qatar in reaching a peace agree- and towers, rescuing accidents and preserve the safety of the people ment between the United States land-based places, and dealing of the homeland by educating and the Afghan Taliban movement, with chemicals,” said Brigadier family members, and instilling which was signed in Doha yesterday. Hamad Othman Al Duhaimi, safety concepts in them, and affir- Director General of Civil Defence. mation of the presence of one or Minister of Justice Speaking to reporters yes- more individuals, on knowledge terday about the event which was of the most important measures meets Lebanese held at the Officers Club in the to achieve safety and security, and Minister of Interior presence of a number of officers, to act in times of crises and dis- he announced the launching of one asters in a scientific manner. Tunis: The Minister of Justice and year training and awareness pro- The Head of Media and Acting Minister of State for Cabi- gramme, targeting school students, Awareness Section of the General net Affairs, H E Dr. Issa bin Saad Al commercial complexes, and state Directorate of Civil Defence, Major Jafali Al Nuaimi, met yesterday with ministries, aiming to achieve this Jabir Mohammed Al Marri, the Lebanese Minister of Interior year’s theme of “Civil Defence and explained that the General Direc- and Municipalities, H E Mohammed a First Aider in Every Home”. torate of Civil Defence’s keenness Fahmi, on the sidelines of the 37th In his speech, Brigadier Al to hold a celebration of Civil Arab Interior Ministers meetings in Duhaimi, said that the observance Defence Day every year, in coop- Tunis. During the meeting, a number of the International Civil Defence eration with The International Civil of issues related to strengthening Day aims to deliver a message to Defence Organization (ICDO) security relations between the two the community on the importance which comes under the theme countries were discussed. QNA of intensifying individual efforts “Civil Defence and a first aider in alongside the efforts of civil every home”, aims to provide The officials of the General Directorate of Civil Defence during the event. Ashghal’s project receives ‘Construction and Engineering Excellence Award’ from Oracle

THE PENINSULA — DOHA implementation of construction that is specialised in providing 170 shafts at different locations and reduce other environ- located in the residential and best practices. technological solutions to clients within Doha South. mental problems arising from commercial areas in the south The Doha South Sewage Infra- The award was received by from different countries The flows from these lateral sewage overflow due to excess of Doha. structure Project implemented Eng. Khalid Maher Al Qatami, including USA, Europe and Asia. sewers will be conveyed to the hydraulic pressure on the Doha South Sewage Infra- by the Public Works Authority Head of Treatment Plants and In April 2019, Ashghal com- three segments of the MTS, existing drainage network, structure Project achieved (Ashghal) has been awarded the TSE Network Projects Section at pleted the construction works which will then convey these where sewage flows exceed its several prestigious international Oracle’s ‘Construction and Engi- Ashghal, during Oracle’s annual of the Main Trunk Sewer (MTS) flows to the existing Doha South absorptive capacity. awards during 2019. The project neering Excellence Award’ for awards ceremony held on 26 as part of the Doha South Sewage Treatment Plant The project is designed to won the Engineering News ‘Enterprise-wide Standardi- February 2020 in Doha. The cer- Sewage Infrastructure Project. through a 40 metres deep foul accommodate the population Record (ENR)’s Global Best zation in Public Infrastructure’. emony was also attended by The MTS is 16-kilometre long sewerage pumping station. growth expected in Doha South, Project Award in the Waste- The project was recognised representatives from M/s. Jacobs and is divided into three seg- An important feature of the and has the capacity to be water Category, in recognition for the use of digital engineering (previously CH2M), the Project ments, Eastern, Northern and project is that the gravity MTS linked to future infrastructure of its design innovation, out- as a primary strategy for process Management Consultant for this Western. In addition, con- will reduce the environmental projects. Once complete, the standing health and safety per- efficiency, resource utilization, project. struction of seven lateral sewer impacts by fully controlling the project will enable the decom- formance, effective risk man- record management, enhanced It is worth noting that Oracle tunnels of approximately 24 kil- odours at the sewage treatment missioning of more than twenty agement, and implementation collaboration, and is an international organisation ometres was completed using works and conveying system, foul sewer pumping stations of construction best practices. MONDAY 2 MARCH 2020 HOME 03 PM meets outgoing Ambassadors of Turkey and Ecuador

The Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, H E Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, met yesterday morning with the Ambassador of the sisterly Republic of Turkey, H E Fikret Ozer (left), and the Ambassador of the Republic of Ecuador, H E Ivonne Abdul Baki, to the State of Qatar on the occasion of the end of their tenures in the country. His Excellency wished the Ambassadors success in their future assignments, and the relations between the State of Qatar and each of Turkey and Ecuador further progress and development. FM meets Executive Vice-President of Venezuela 34% increase in visitors to DJWE FROM PAGE 1 Mercier and Garrard. Chanel’s booth was inspired by Al Majed Jewellery had Al Muftah Jewellery fea- the brand’s iconic camellia special reveals by Tag Heuer tured a host of exclusive inter- flower with its 1.5 1 Camélia 5 including its Aquaracer Calibre national brands including Allures collection as its 7 limited edition watch made Charriol, Chronoswiss, Cuervo centrepiece. up of 200 pieces and was Y Sobrinos, Dubey & Schalden- Blue Salon pavilion also inspired by the colours of brand, Ebel, Falcinelli, Giovanni impressed crowds with latest Qatar’s flag. Greubel Forsey, Ferraris, Montana and Movado. collections by Breitling, Zenith, Roberto Coin, and A. Lange & The Amiri Gems pavilion Bovet, Louis Erard, Mon- Söhne had special reveals while brought high-end brands tegrappa, Korloff and Digo to Pasquale Bruni showcased its including Adler, Concord, name a few. latest collection. Davidor, Letalis and Ananya. The expo saw the DJWE Ali bin Ali Luxury also Alfardan Jewellery unveiled debut of De Beers and Le Por- revealed an exquisite range of several exhibits including the tique Jewellery’ ahead of the unique designs, adding new Égérie watch line, Vacheron opening of their stores in Qatar, brands like Dolce & Gabbana Constantin, and an extraor- and Jawaher’s regional launch and Nous to their regular dinary diamond and gemstone of new brand Lenore. favorites such as Cartier, Piaget, collection by Tiffany & Co. Apart from the spectacular The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Audemars Piguet, Van Cleef & Fifty One East displayed display of diverse collection of Thani, met yesterday with the Executive Vice-President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, H E Arpels, Graff, Damiani, Rolex’s Baselworld 2019 col- stunning adornments, DJWE Dr. Delcy Rodriguez Gomez, who is currently visiting the country. They reviewed bilateral cooperation Mikimoto, Ulysse Nardin, lection alongside TUDOR’s had daily classes and work- relations and regional issues, as well as several matters of common interest. Jaeger-LeCoultre, Baume & award-winning P01 watch. shops by industry experts. Qatar’s mediation efforts for US-Taliban accord lauded

IRFAN BUKHARI & the historic moments in the Resolution, Dr. Mutlaq bin Majed communicate. This is really The Ambassador of South of the signing ceremony. He said SACHIN KUMAR journey towards Afghan peace, Al Qahtani, said that the negoti- important thing and this is what Korea to Qatar, Chang-mo KIM, that the peace deal would bring THE PENINSULA adding that it was due to inde- ation period of peace deal Qatar is good at doing. This ini- said that it was very historic stability in Afghanistan and pendent and active Qatari between the US and the Taliban tiative made by Qatar’s gov- moment to witness the peace neighbouring countries. Welcoming the US-Taliban diplomacy, QNA reported. His was very long and tough but with ernment had a very important deal between the US and the Suhail Shahheen, the peace agreement, dignitaries Excellency praised the the help of all parties deal was impact on this process,” said Taliban. “Qatar played very good spokesperson for the Taliban’s from different countries, achievement despite the diffi- ultimately signed. Katsuhiko Takahashi. role to make these talks a political office in Qatar, said that diplomats as well as Taliban culties it faced, stressing his Talking to The Peninsula, Talking to The Peninsula, success. I think it is just a starting the Taliban were committed to leaders have lauded Qatar’s country’s support to efforts that Katsuhiko Takahashi, Director- Ambassador of Turkey to Qatar, point; there is a long way to go. the agreement signed in Doha. contribution towards reaching would lead to peace in Afghan- General and Assistant Minister Fikret Ozer, lauded Qatar for The peace deal will bring sta- He said that the Taliban hoped a peace pact. The US-Taliban istan. Cavusoglu said that Feb- for the Middle Eastern and playing key mediation role for bility and prosperity to Afghan- to achieve a permanent solution peace agreement was signed in ruary 29 agreement had set the African Affairs Bureau, as well the peace deal which was signed istan,” said Chang-mo KIM while to war in Afghanistan. Doha on Saturday. stage for intra-Afghan talks, as Special Representative for between the US and the Taliban. talking to The Peninsula. He said that Qatar’s role was The Sultanate of Oman’s expressing hope that those talks Afghanistan and Pakistan of “I wish for people of Afghanistan, Rashad Ismayilov, Ambas- critical to reach the agreement Minister Responsible for would start soon and lead to a MOFA Japan, Foreign Affairs, H E Yusuf bin sustainable and comprehensive said: “We Alawi bin Abdullah, welcomed peace for the Afghan people. appreciate the US-Taliban agreement for Talking to The Peninsula, Qatar’s efforts bringing peace in Afghanistan Pakistan’s Minister of Foreign to prepare such saying that it was a step towards Affairs, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, a good setting establishing peace and stability termed the signing of US- for the signing in Afghanistan and the region. Taliban peace agreement as ceremony. Talking to media persons ‘historic’. “There were many Presence of on Saturday after attending obstacles and spoilers but ulti- international peace pact signing ceremony, mately the dialogue succeeded. community in H E also lauded Qatar’s medi- Now all eyes are set on intra- the signing cer- ation efforts to end years-old Afghan dialogue scheduled to emony really war in Afghanistan. He stressed be held next month.” He said demonstrates that all countries had an that he was confident that that the world is important role to play in helping clauses agreed in the accord trying to back Afghanistan achieve sustainable would be implemented by the this process so Sultanate of Oman’s Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs, H E Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah; Turkish Foreign Minister, peace. both sides. “There was and that the peace is Mevlut Cavusoglu; and Katsuhiko Takahashi, Director-General and Assistant Minister for the Middle Eastern and African The Minister of Foreign there is no military solution to durable. Japan is Affairs Bureau, Japan. Affairs of the Republic of Afghanistan crisis.” Praising ready to con- Turkey, H E Mevlut Cavusoglu, Qatar’s perseverance in hosting tinue in working together with Pakistan and neighboring coun- sador of Azerbaijan to Qatar, said further saying that Qatar had praised on Saturday the decisive US-Taliban talks for years, international community to tries peace and stability. Qatar that the US and the Taliban ironed out difficulties and chal- role of Qatar in ensuring the Qureshi said that it was due to realise this goal.” played key role for the peace signed a historic deal which lenges facing the peace process. success of talks between the US mature vision of Qatar’s lead- “The presence of the Tali- deal between the US and the would bring peace, stability and Another central leader of the and the Taliban, congratulating ership that the process of dia- ban’s political office in Doha Taliban,” said the Ambassador prosperity in Afghanistan. “Qatar Taliban, Amir Khan Muttaqi, said: the leadership, government, and logue had reached the success really is a very important while talking to The Peninsula played very important role to “Today is a historic day that the people of the State of Qatar on stage. element in this process because on the sidelines of the signing make the peace deal possible. I peace deal has been signed. Now the achievement. Talking to media persons, without a specific channel of ceremony. Fikret Ozer hoped hope that future negotiations will we all move ahead to have peace The Turkish Minister of the Minister of Foreign Affairs’ communication of the Taliban, that the peace deal would be be held successfully,” said in Afghanistan. The signing of the Foreign Affairs told reporters Special Envoy for Counterter- the international community will beginning for solving over two Rashad Ismayilov while talking agreement is a milestone; the that the agreement was one of rorism and Mediation in Conflict feel at a loss, which wants to decades long fight. to The Peninsula on the sidelines beginning of a new process.” Al Marri calls on GCC Secretary-General to assume responsibility on blockade’s humanitarian crisis QNA — WASHINGTON human suffering it has caused in June 2017. He stressed that act and take effective and Council. Responding to ques- residents, and 1,000 days of for 1000 days, expressing hope the blockade will scar the immediate measures to end the tions from members of the US reprisals and collective punish- The Chairman of the National that they would end immedi- history of the GCC forever, due blockade imposed on the State House of Representatives about ments that the blockade coun- Human Rights Committee ately regardless of the efforts to to its negative humanitarian of Qatar and put an end to the the actions of NHRC, H E Dr. Al tries failed to find a justification (NHRC), H E Dr. Ali bin Smaikh resolve the crisis politically. implications on the region’s grave violations affecting cit- Marri provided an overview of for, except for the pretext of Al Marri, called on the GCC In a statement on the side- society and citizens who were izens and residents of Qatar. the efforts being made in the revenge from Qatar under the Secretary-General, during a lines of a work visit to US capital shocked at their official institu- During his meetings with judicial and legal tracks, pretext of political meeting with members of the Washington, Al Marri expressed tions’ inability to resolve the the members of the US House pointing out that the NHRC is differences. US Congress, to assume his hope that the new GCC Sec- crisis and end the injustice. of Representatives, H E Dr. Al committed to its promises to the On the expected role of the responsibilities in dealing with retary-General can play a part The Chairman said that the Marri presented an overview of victims not to renounce the House of Representatives of the the humanitarian crisis in resolving the humanitarian GCC must reconsider its rights the repercussions of the prosecution and condemnation US Congress to stop the suf- resulting from the continued aspect of the crisis, in line with system following the failure blockade that has been going of the blockading states until the fering of those affected by the blockade imposed on the State his responsibilities dictated by regardless of the progress of on for the 1,000 days, warning victims are compensated and embargo, the Chairman of of Qatar for 1000 days. the GCC’s rules of procedures. negotiations. of the grave consequences redressing the victims. NHRC said that the represent- Al Marri said that the NHRC He also called on him to rectify Dr. Al Marri emphasised resulting from the continued He added the people of atives of parliaments in the was more than ready to hand to the complete failure of GCC that members of the US House human suffering of thousands Qatar lived 1,000 days of vio- world have a great responsi- the new secretary-general com- and Arab mechanisms in of Representatives addressed of citizens and residents, not lations against the Gulf peoples, bility to defend peoples who are prehensive reports on the redressing the victims since the the US Secretary of State, H E only in Qatar but in all the coun- 1,000 days of intransigence in subject to serious violations of impacts of the blockade and the blockade was imposed on them Mike Pompeo, to urge him to tries of the Gulf Cooperation harming the citizens and their rights. 04 HOME MONDAY 2 MARCH 2020 Qatar participates in Arab Interior Ministers Council session in Tunis

QNA — TUNIS The session discussed a number of reports and recommendations issued by conferences and The 37th session of the Arab meetings held within the scope of the General Interior Ministers Council started yesterday at the head- Secretariat, the results of joint meetings with quarters of the Council’s Arab and international bodies during the past General Secretariat. year, and other security issues on the agenda. The State of Qatar participated in the meeting with a delegation headed by Minister of Justice and Minister of State for at the Ministry of Interior. international bodies during the the Council of Ministers Affairs, The session discussed a past year, and other security H E Dr. Issa bin Saad Al Jafali Al number of reports and recom- issues on the agenda. Nuaimi, and with the mem- mendations issued by confer- The meeting will also bership of H E Undersecretary ences and meetings held within discuss security efforts at the of the Ministry of Interior Major the scope of the General Secre- Arab level to combat terrorism Minister of Justice and Minister of State for the Council of Ministers Affairs, H E Dr. Issa bin Saad Al General Abdulaziz bin Faisal Al tariat, the results of joint and organised crime in all its Jafali Al Nuaimi, chairing the 37th session of the Arab Interior Ministers Council in Tunis, yesterday. Thani, and a number of officials meetings with Arab and forms. UN Environment Programme endorses HBKU’s new Environmental Law course

FAZEENA SALEEM delighted that our students will THE PENINSULA be able to obtain the UN Certif- icate in Environmental Gov- Hamad Bin Khalifa University ernance. This certificate will sig- (HBKU) has officially introduced nificantly enable our graduates its first Environmental Law to become international leaders course and it has been endorsed in this field in the near future,” by the UN Environment said Dr S. Olawuyi. Programme (UNEP) West Asia. Protecting and conserving the The Environmental Law environment for present and course by the College of Law (CL) future generations is a key prin- at HBKU builds upon institution’s ciple of international law. Scien- commitment to deliver soci- global environmental law. Stu- tific studies also confirm that a etally-relevant education and dents will also discover how they well-protected environment free Senior nurses and officials during the programme. research that contributes to can play leading roles in from pollution is essential to the addressing Qatar’s grand advancing the United Nations’ overall health and vitality of challenges. (UN) Sustainable Development human life and communities. To “The Environmental Law Goals (SDGs) in critical sectors of minimise environmental harm, HMC, PHCC nurses among first International course is a child of necessity,” Dr Qatar’s economy,” he added. Qatar has developed a compre- Damilola S. Olawuyi (pictured), Over the past two years, hensive and committed legal Florence Nightingale Foundation alumni Associate Professor at CL, told UNEP’s Law Division and order that places environmental The Peninsula. regional office in West Asia have protection very squarely at the THE PENINSULA — DOHA their personal development as ership style. “It soon became clear to the provided technical support, heart of economic development. leaders. This experience will be “It was an honour to deliver CL that inspiring future genera- resources, and knowledge plat- “The Environmental Law A group of senior nurses from of great benefit to them as they this leadership program, the tions of environmental inno- forms that have enabled us to course at HBKU exposes students Hamad Medical Corporation progress on their career journey. Foundation’s first internationally vators in Qatar requires training develop the Middle East and to the various legal regimes in (HMC) and Primary Health Care Especially as they will be called delivered program, to this inspi- and research that supports the North Africa’s (MENA) most com- Qatar and beyond that govern Corporation (PHCC) recently upon to lead the next generation rational group. I was delighted relevant priorities of Qatar parative environmental law human relationships with the envi- joined the internationally-recog- of nurses and midwives in Qatar to be joined by my colleagues National Vision 2030. HBKU is course at HBKU. ronment. Drawing on principles nized Florence Nightingale and to help shape the relevant from the Royal Academy of Dra- proud to spearhead innovation “UNEP’s recognition and of ethics, ecology, economics, and Foundation, making them the healthcare policies of the future,” matic Art (RADA) who delivered in this area. Coming at a time of support for our efforts to advance the science of risk assessment, it first international alumni of the said Dr Ryley. the program to the group of real need, this course provides environmental law education in also explores and analyses regu- program. “As part of the integrated senior nurses. I now welcome exceptional opportunities for stu- Qatar and across the MENA latory regimes that promote water Thirty Qatari and long-term care efforts mandated by the them, as Florence Nightingale dents to understand the values, region is deeply important and conservation, resource efficiency, resident nurses, including one National Health Strategy 2018– Foundation Nurses, into our assumptions, and guiding prin- will only motivate us to continue green transportation and other male nurse, attended the pres- 2022, we are working closely alumni community,” said Pro- ciples which underlie the field of along this path. We are also areas,” said Dr S. Olawuyi. tigious Florence Nightingale with Primary Health Care Cor- fessor Westwood. Foundation leadership training poration and warmly welcome The program is one of the program as part of their ongoing the participation of their senior local initiatives arranged in Qatar professional development. nurses in this program. These as part of the Nightingale Chal- Twenty-five HMC and five PHCC activities help to build important lenge, which is an integral com- nurses completed the interactive professional networks ponent of Nursing Now’s aim to program, which was led by Pro- throughout the public healthcare improve health globally by fessor Greta Westwood, CEO of system and are designed to raising the profile and status of the Foundation. support more collegiate working nurses. HMC signed up to the Dr Nicola Ryley, Chief practices,” added Dr Ryley. global Nightingale Challenge last Nursing Officer at HMC, said the Professor Westwood, who year and the local initiative is led program provided an ideal forum led the four-day intensive by two aspiring nurse leaders: for young nurse leaders to build training along with Professor Asmaa Al Atey, Director of their professional networks. Mandy Ashton, an experienced Nursing at Hamad General Hos- “The program is designed to performance coach, said the pital and Ameneh Zadeh, Nursing develop a cadre of young program is designed to provide Duty Supervisor of the Emer- national nurses who will have the participants with a clearer gency Department in Hamad right training to help them in understanding of their lead- General Hospital. 10/15/20/30 promotion launched at Lulu

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Lulu Group, after an interval of a couple of months, has re-launched the most sought after 10/15/20/30 promotion at all Lulu outlets in the Qatar region. Over 1,000 products from all categories — grocery, fresh food, fruits, vegetables, household, textile, footwear, cosmetics, sports goods, home décor, luggage, stationery, toys and electronics among many more are offered for the above pro- Customers shopping at Lulu Hypermarket. motion. This promotion will continue until March 7. sunglasses wherein customers worth QR25 and Get chances to The specialty of the pro- can get instantly a QR100 gift enter raffle draw to win air-ticket motion is that Lulu management voucher against their purchases for traveling back to home has succeeded in adding worth QR200. country to 8 winners”. This Pro- products that meet every utility The promotion features motion will continue until March of customers. Products of good several international brands of 6th at all Lulu outlets. quality are made available at menswear, ladieswear, chu- Meanwhile, a leading confec- affordable prices and that defines ridars, saris, children’s wear, tionary brand Master food in the promotion as outstanding. footwear and ladies’ bags & coordination with Lulu has Hot Food and Bakery sections selected sunglasses, the Man- started an innovative promotion have organized their own tailor- agement indicated in a under title “Buy Any Mars made innovative value combo statement. The promotion will products for QR25 and Get a free offers encompassing various cui- continue until Mmarch 7. raffle coupon to win Lulu Gift sines such as Arabic, Western, Stocks of leading interna- vouchers up to QR50,000“. This Chinese, South Indian and North tional brands such as Lee, promotion will identify 32 Indian etc., along with extensive Wrangler, Crocs, Sketchers, winners in a mega raffle draw, diversities of bakery delights to Reebok, Louis Philippe, Arrow, which is scheduled to be held on compliment value and beauty to Van Heusen, Allen Solly, Peter March 31 at Lulu Hypermarket, the main-stream promotion. England, Oxemberg, Sero, Tom D-Ring Road branch. Meanwhile, promotion with Smith, Dickies, John Louise, Eten, Th Lulu Management has better prices have been organized Cortigiani, Debackers are on always been striving hard to with Digi Tech offers on elec- display. extend a better shopping expe- tronics, IT products and cameras. Simultaneously, an exclusive rience to its shoppers, and we Also, LuLu has launched ‘Half ongoing promotion that Lulu will continue our sustained Pay Back’ on Readymade gar- Hypermarkets launched in coor- efforts in this regard with highly ments, Sarees, Churidars, dination with Nestle Qatar on innovative promotions in future footwear, ladies’ bags, Baby Nescafe 3 in 1 products under title as well to keep our customers accessories and selected “Buy Nescafe 3 in 1 products happier. MONDAY 2 MARCH 2020 HOME 05 Al Hammadi holds farewell ceremony for President of The Gambia meets A-G Ambassadors of Turkey and Ecuador

The President of the Republic of The Gambia, H E Adama Barrow, with the Attorney-General of the State of Qatar, H E Dr. Ali bin Fetais Al Marri, in Banjul yesterday.

QNA — BANJUL Fetais Al Marri, who is a number of topics related to The Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H E Dr. Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi, currently visiting Banjul. legal issues, especially held yesterday a farewell ceremony in honour of the Ambassador of the sisterly Republic of Turkey, The President of the Republic During the meeting, the capacity-building in this H E Fikret Ozer, and the Ambassador of the Republic of Ecuador to Qatar, H E Yvonne Abdul Baki, of The Gambia, H E Adama President of the Republic of field. The meeting was on the occasion of the end of their tenures in the country. The ceremony, which was held at the Barrow, met yesterday with The Gambia and H E the attended by H E Foreign Min- Diplomatic Club, was attended by a number of Their Excellencies heads of diplomatic missions and the Attorney-General of the Attorney-General of the State ister of The Gambia offices accredited to the State in addition to directors of departments of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. State of Qatar, H E Dr. Ali bin of Qatar exchanged views on Mamadou Tangara. Mowasalat, QU study about driving behaviour of persons with disabilities THE PENINSULA — DOHA versity of Hasselt, Belgium. College of Engineering in Qatar The Co-funding contribution University, said, “The project also Mowasalat’s Karwa Driving Management agreement has comes with an economic impact. School has partnered with Qatar been signed between Qatar Uni- First, as more people with ASD University to conduct a study and versity and the co-founder become able to obtain a driver’s research for examining driving Karwa Driving School of Mow- license, more people will be able behaviour of adults with higher asalat. Qatar University will to pursue vocational goals. functioning Autism Spectrum execute and produce compre- Second, the driver instructors will Disorders to develop and hensive research studies on be able to attract more learner evaluate an innovative driving ‘Examining driving behavior of drivers who experience difficulties instructor training program. adults with Higher functioning with learning how to drive due to Karwa Driving School will Autism Spectrum Disorders to their ASD diagnosis.” contribute to Qatar University develop and evaluate an inno- Third, the utilization of who is awarded this project by vative driving instructor training driving simulators in traffic safety Fahad Al Qahtani (left), Dr. Khalid Naji (centre) and Dr. Wael Al Hajyaseen Qatar National Research Fund. program’. and operation studies in Qatar is Furthermore, Shafallah Center, The current project aims to quite novel and it will signifi- Qatar will provide its support in comprehensively investigate driving instructors to equip them research work for execution and addressing road/traffic/driving cantly enhance the under- helping with sampling and driving behaviours as well as with the knowledge, tools and implementation of the project. safety> Through this project, KDS standing of driver behavior in survey, with students, faculty and related psychological character- techniques to effectively develop We are delighted to be part of this will be developing and distrib- specific target groups such as attendants. istics of novice drivers with ASD. driving capabilities and safe unique project, first time in Qatar, uting the proposed training people with ASD. Finally, this The study will focus on For this, we use self-report driving behaviors of novice to develop training modules with modules and information folder, project will initiate active collab- ‘behaviours and interventions measures, cognitive tasks, and a drivers with ASD. Information information to address people which we expect will encourage oration between research bodies that improve quality of life and driving simulator. The to-be- from this training will also be with ASD.” more people with ASD to obtain and driving schools in order to decrease risk’ -Primary Priority developed simulated driving sce- made available for free by devel- “We are happy partnering a driving license, enhancing their improve driver-training pro- Area and also ‘Mobility & Road narios will serve as validated oping an information folder, con- with QU, with whom we have level of autonomy, confidence grams in the state of Qatar. Safety’ The project is led by Dr. assessment tools in future taining a summary of the training. more than 10- year relationship and lifestyle as they become less He said that those with ASD Wael Al Hajyaseen from Qatar research. Fahad Al Qahtani, CEO of partnering through MOU’s to dependent on relatives and usually experience significant Transportation and Traffic Furthermore, this project Mowasalat, said, “Mowasalat’s promote driving & vehicle safety friends to assist in transportation challenges in adulthood and suc- Safety Center, Qatar University targets the development of inno- Karwa Driving School wishes to through various campaigns, requirements,” said Al Qahtani. cessfully overcoming typical in collaboration with Uni- vative training modules for the contribute funding for the activities and initiatives Dr. Khalid Naji, Dean of the milestones. HBKU is Event Educational Partner for Maternal and Child Health Symposium THE PENINSULA — DOHA capabilities to target audiences. The College of Health and Life Speaking ahead of the sym- Sciences (CHLS) at Hamad Bin posium, Dr. Edward Stuenkel Khalifa University (HBKU) has (pictured), founding dean of accepted an invitation to partic- CHLS, said: “We’re naturally ipate in Sidra Medicine’s delighted to be participating at Maternal and Child Health MCH 2020. Like Sidra Medicine, Symposium 2020 (MCH 2020) CHLS is committed to as an event educational partner. improving children’s and Taking place March 7 to 9 women’s health at home and and led by event chairs Dr. Sou- further afield. MCH 2020 also haila Al Khodor and Dr. exhibits and speeches will provides the perfect oppor- Annalisa Terranegra, MCH introduce participants to tunity to highlight our multidis- 2020 brings together advanced research projects ciplinary approach to research researchers, clinicians, nurses and resources available in the and discovery in the area of and other healthcare practi- fields of preconception care, health and life sciences. To this tioners to explore the latest pregnancy complications and end, we’re looking forward to developments and innovations post-natal life. MCH 2020 also engaging and building ties with in maternal and child health provides partners and exhib- what promises to be an expert research. itors with an opportunity to and knowledgeable group of A mix of discussions, showcase their respective participants.” WCM-Q students experience life of a doctor

THE PENINSULA — DOHA something, you have to ask. healthcare in a professional “Before going into the general environment. Crucially, it helps Students at Weill Cornell surgery department it wasn’t put their studies into context and Medicine – Qatar (WCM-Q) really a specialty I considered; allows them to see and learn learned what life is really like I always wanted to be a cardiac other skills like communication, for a doctor as they shadowed surgeon and I didn’t think empathy and teamwork – all physicians during their busy anyone would change my mind. attributes that are required in a working days at Sidra Medicine But there were so many inter- successful physician. and Hamad Medical Corpo- esting operations – I never Senior attending physician ration, recently. thought I would enjoy general Dr Moune Jabre is the director The 29 students, who are all surgery and being in an oper- of undergraduate medical edu- on the foundation program or ating theatre so much.” cation at Sidra. “The feedback the first or second year of the For pre-medical 2 student from the physicians was how pre-medical program at the Vinutha Ramadorai, it was her enthusiastic and interested the college, all volunteered to par- second year participating in the students were,” she said, “and ticipate in WCM-Q’s Clinical scheme. She said, “This time I they were particularly Observership Program, which chose to go to pediatric ER at impressed as none of the stu- is organized by the Division of Sidra, and I was really dents have formal medical Pre-medical Education. They impressed with the way every- experience, they are still on were able to then shadow a thing is organized. The doctors pre-medical programs.” physician specializing in an were so friendly, and they made Dr Rachid Bendriss, area they are interested in, sure we were included and gave assistant dean for student learning exactly what a career us explanations about the cases. recruitment, outreach and in medicine entails. We also met a lot of nurse prac- foundation programs presented Specialties chosen by the titioners and other staff and saw the students who completed the students included pediatrics, that everyone is treated as program with a certificate and general surgery and obstetrics/ equals which helps to provide said they had had a valuable gynecology. Dalal Al Fadli, a good output and positive learning experience. Foundation Program student, outcomes.” He said, “There is only so carried out her observership at The Clinical Observership much that one can learn from Hamad Medical Corporation. Program was established to books and to get a real insight Dalal said, “It helps prepare provide students who have yet into medicine and healthcare, you for the working world, to begin the medical curriculum one has to actively because if you don’t know with first-hand experience of participate." 06 HOME MONDAY 2 MARCH 2020 Qatar University concludes Sixth Cycle of Faculty Senate

The Faculty Senate has been designed with the constructive learning and aim to achieve the principles of transparency teaching environment. and shared responsibility to realise the vision The Faculty Senate is an elected body representing QU of transforming QU into a model university that faculty. It aims to represent and offers high-quality learning-centred education allow for the maximum and direct contribution of QU in a healthy and constructive learning and faculty. It is one of the means teaching environment. through which information about QU policies and procedures is debated and THE PENINSULA — DOHA on completion of their tenure. disseminated. Vice Chairman of the The senate encourages The Faculty Senate at Qatar Council, Dr. Othman faculty to submit proposals University (QU) concluded the Mohammed Al Thawadi gave a which are afterwards discussed sixth cycle at the Senior presentation on the most prom- to come up with recommenda- Management Building in the inent achievements of the tions accordingly. presence of Dr. Hassan Al Council during the sixth cycle The senate acts as an Derham, QU President. 2018-2020. advisory entity to QU President. The ceremony was opened During the ceremony Dr. Al It studies and reviews proposed Officials pose during the conclusion of Sixth Cycle of Faculty Senate. by The Chairman of the Council, Derham said: “The loyalty of the or existing policies and regula- Dr. Ali Abdel hadi Al Shawi. faculty members is always tions that govern the business During his opening speech he appreciated. Every effort made to the entire members of senate. of the semester. responsibility to realise the of QU’s legislative and admin- welcomed and thanked 34 towards University’s betterment The seventh cycle elections will The Faculty Senate has been vision of transforming QU into istrative authorities. Discussion members of the council and is reflected in its progress.” be announced soon by the end designed with the aim to a model university that offers outcomes and recommenda- attends, he praised the role of The ceremony was con- of March, the members of achieve the principles of trans- high-quality learning-centered tions are reported to the the council and congratulated cluded with award ceremony senate will be chosen by the end parency and shared education in a healthy and president. Safari organises leap year birthday celebration Galfar Toastmasters Club holds THE PENINSULA — DOHA 11th Annual Speech Contest Safari, the leading hypermarket chain in Doha has organised cele- THE PENINSULA — DOHA on Friday, where Kingsley division level contests. GTM bration of leap year to create unfor- Okoro topped the Interna- has ensured its represen- gettable memories for those who Galfar Toastmasters Club tional Speech and Table tation right up to the District celebrate birthday once in four (GTM), has conducted its 11th Topics categories. He will level in the speech contests. years. The Leap year Birth Day Annual Speech Contest at now represent Area 03 at Over the past decade, the Celebration took place on February the Oryx Rotana Hotel the upcoming Division A club has won the best Cor- 29 at 6pm in Safari Mall, Abu recently. Contest. porate Club award a Hamour. The enthusiastic members Galfar Al Misnad, a numerous times, and is con- Safari, which always maintains a of the Corporate Club, leading construction sidered one of the most sus- special relationship with its customers, comprised entirely of Galfar company which has been tainable and successful Cor- has celebrated the birthday of cus- Al Misnad staff, vied for the operating in Qatar for porate Clubs in tomer whose birth date falls on Feb- championships in four nearly 25 years, instituted Toastmasters. ruary 29. Shaheen Backer, executive different categories: inter- its own Corporate Toast- GTM was also desig- director of Safari Group, cut the cake national speech, table topics, masters Club in 2009 as a nated as a “President’s Dis- and joined in the celebrations, along Officials with customers cutting a cake at the Safari Mall, Abu Hamour. evaluation speech, and management initiative to tinguished Club” in the with children and adults celebrating humorous speech. It was develop Leadership and 2018-19 term. their birthdays on February 29. participants. 29GB of free data offer adults celebrating their birthday on attended by about 40 Communication Skills This is the highest rec- Safari offered handmade gifts for 29 days was given as gift to the February 29 joined the celebration members and guests. amongst staff members. ognition possible for any and Ooredoo, Qatar also gave birthday celebrants by Ooredoo, with their family and bachelors Kingsley Okoro took Through this program, the Toastmasters’ Club, and exclusive gifts to the program Qatar. Children and attended it with their friends. home the first prizes in both company has seen a large makes it the first club in the International Speech number of employees Area 03 of District 116 to and Table Topics categories. upgrading themselves to achieve this feat, and the While Rajeshwar Rao perform better in their second club in Division A. Green Mangroves group calls for rethinking topped the Evaluation functional roles as good GTM conducts its Speech category, and Shashi speakers and effective regular meeting every first plastic use during talk at Qatar National Library Prakash Singh aced the leaders. and third Saturday of the Humorous Speech category. Within three years of its month at the Toastmasters THE PENINSULA — DOHA The Green Mangroves activists Mangroves, who spoke at the event. The first and second place existence, members of GTM Hall, a place exclusively shared simple steps that anyone “Usually coffee cups are lined with winners of each category started participating in area provided by the company Qatar National Library’s focus on can take to reduce plastic use and plastic, so get your own reusable went on to represent GTM contests, and by 2016, they as their meeting and sustainability during February contribute to protecting the oceans. cups and take them with you to the at the Area Speech Contest were participating in activity venue. culminated in a strong call to action “People can reduce their plastic cafes. Use bar soap at home instead at ‘Saving the Blue’ on Saturday. use by taking very simple steps in of shampoo and soap from plastic The talk featured the founders of their daily lives. Instead of using pump dispensers.” Green Mangroves, a locally-based normal plastic bags, opt for A visitor to the Library, Roy program of Qatar Foundation reusable cloth bags for shopping. Collado, who attended the event, International, that brings people Keep them in your car so you won’t said: “It is very important for us to together to protect the country’s forget them at home,” said Lina be aware of what we are con- natural water and mangroves. Altarawneh, co-founder of Green suming and how this affects the environment. I learned some useful tips about how to make my daily activities more environmentally friendly. We should act more responsibly in using plastic and do our bit to help this absolutely crucial cause.” Members of Galfar Toastmasters Club at the 11th Annual Speech Contest. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh A leading publishing house is for Technology expands its retail looking for an experienced sales network Graphic Designer in Qatar THE PENINSULA — DOHA

Talal Abu-Ghazaleh for Qualifications Technology (TAGTech) expanded its network of retailers to P Should be proficient in Photoshop, InDesign and distribute its electronic devices in Qatar based on a cooperation Illustrator agreement with the head office P Ability to design advertisements of Al-Dura Trading & Marketing Co. in Doha, Safari Mall and P Ability to meet strict deadlines Grand Hypermarket. The sales centers would P Ability to work independently facilitate the process of P Five-year experience in similar field purchasing TAGTech devices for those who wish to have P Previous experience in newspapers preferred advanced digital products in Qatar. The new TAGITOP devices, including TAGITOP- Duties and responsibilities Multi and TAGITOP-Plus laptops in addition to TAG-DC P Design and lay out magazines, tablet, come with a 15.6 inch full newspapers and supplements HD with Intel HD-Graphics card. P Work with advertising and marketing coordi- TAGITOP-Plus comes with an nators to design advertisements for clients Intel Core i7-8550U processor, 8 GB RAM with two different types P Work on special marketing projects as needed of SSD (128 GB and 1TB HDD), while TAGITOP-Multi comes with Intel Core i7-6500U and an additional NVIDIA graphics card Qualified candidates are with 2 GB memory. invited to send their CVs to: Furthermore, TAG-DC comes with an Octa Core 1.6 GHz and 1.2 GHz CPU, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB storage [email protected] and high-quality front and rear camera in addition to dual SIM card slots with 4G connectivity. MONDAY 2 MARCH 2020 HOME 07 QF forum highlights role of education and the Arabic language in preserving national identity

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The role of education in preserving and promoting Qatari values and the country’s national identity, in a way that combines both modernity and tradition, has been placed in the spotlight at a Qatar Foundation forum. The fifth edition of the Edu- Inspired by Qatar’s “Cave of Light,” the NMoQ gift shops have won cation Forum on Heritage and several international awards. Identity, organised by the Edu- cation Development Institute – part of Qatar Foundation’s (QF) NMoQ gift shops win Pre-University Education – brought together educators from Qatar`s government and international awards private schools, as well as researchers, on a platform for THE PENINSULA — DOHA dialogue on learning initiatives Participants during a session at The Education Forum on Heritage and Identity, organised by Qatar built around Qatari culture and Foundation’s Education Development Institute at Tariq Bin Ziad School. The National Museum of heritage, and the Arabic Qatar’s (NMoQ) gift shops have language. won four international awards The gift shops also During the main session of “Language is an essential must realise the importance of audience. Within our curricula in various categories, including received the Gold the forum at Tariq Bin Ziad element of the culture of every preserving our religion, lan- in Qatar, we have employed retail and interior design in School – which took place on country, and therefore pre- guage, and heritage, and con- the Arabic language in various 2019. Winner title by the the day of the school’s official serving it and preventing it from tribute to preserving cultural subjects, such as engineering, In the United States, the gift Driven x Design opening under QF Dr Aisha Al- disappearing should be a pri- intellectual heritage and Islamic mathematics, and science, as shops were recognised as the 2019 Sydney Design Mannai, a member of Qatar’s ority,” she said. values for Qatari society.” we graduate doctors, engi- Interior Design 2019 Best of Shura Council and the Arab “There is no doubt that Saad Al Rumaihi, Chairman neers, and researchers. Year Award winner for Mixed Awards in Australia Parliament, spoke about how learning the English language of the Board of Directors of the “We must continue to Retail and the winners of the for Interior Design to national fundamentals such is very important, and it must Qatar Press Centre, said that promote the language among Architecture MasterPrizeTM – Retail, a category as religion, language, heritage, have a great focus in our incorporating cultural heritage our children. Tariq Bin Ziad (AMP) Award for the Retail cat- and national identity are key to schools and universities. But it in academic curricula in Qatar School is an example of this, as egory. In the United Kingdom, that celebrates any country’s development and cannot replace our mother supports the country’s progress it has special symbolism for the the gift shops won the 2019 innovative and progress. tongue, which must remain the and development, highlighting Qatari community.” World Interiors News (WIN) She emphasized the role of primary language of our that the Arabic language is a The forum also included Awards in the Independent creative building schools in Qatar in promoting children, whether within the key factor in preserving the training workshops for edu- Shops or Small Chains interiors. these values among the wider family or in schools and values and heritage of Arab and cators on topics such as Qatari category. community, through national universities. Islamic countries. narrations within classrooms, The gift shops also received programs in fields such as “We are proud of the “Arabic is a beautiful and Qatari songs and chants, the Gold Winner title by the Islamic studies, cultural her- attention that our leadership rich language and we must Qur’an recitation modes, and Driven x Design 2019 Sydney crystals that give off a faint, itage, and history; and the gives to the Arabic language, adhere to its use,” he said. the challenges that a changing Design Awards in Australia for moon-like, phosphorescent importance of the Arabic lan- whether through legislation, “When our Arab youth world presents for languages Interior Design – Retail, a cat- glow. This natural formation guage in promoting a sense of initiatives, or centres that speak in regional and interna- and concepts of identity; as egory that celebrates inno- inspired the design of the two cultural and national belonging enhance the standing of this tional forums in the Arabic lan- well as an exhibition of stu- vative and creative building gift shops at NMoQ. Their among young people. language. All of our children guage, they influence their dents’ projects. interiors. organic architecture, designed In addition to winning by Koichi Takada Architects, awards, the gift shops were also reflect his vision of bringing nominated for the 2019 INSIDE nature back into architecture, PHCC launches ‘Be The Role Model’ campaign Award for Annual Best Inte- establishing relationships that riors, Dezeen Awards 2019 for connect people and nature THE PENINSULA — DOHA addition to being role models they don’t need to get screened,” displaying symptoms of the Retail Interior, and the Frame through design. themselves, they are encouraging explained Dr. Abu Shaikha. “We disease,” said Dr. Shaikha. “We Awards 2020 for the Multi- “The design for the gift Qatar’s Primary Health Care people to get screened and be believe if we can tackle these need to make them aware that Brand Store of The Year shops represents a visually Corporation (PHCC) will stage role models to others as well. fundamental obstacles, we can by taking a very simple FIT test, category. unique example of architecture a new campaign this month – “Our thanks go to our ambas- improve our screening rates to which can be done in the privacy Commenting on the and retail design that is cul- ‘Be The Role Model’ – to sadors and supporters who will tackle the prevalence of bowel of their own homes, they are pro- announcement, Phil Lawrie, turally rooted and sympathetic encourage the public, both men use their public profiles and cancer which remains the second actively protecting their health.” General Manager, IN-Q Enter- to the local environment, and women aged between extensive influence to encourage most diagnosed cancer in Qatar The FIT test (Fecal Immuno- prises said: “The National human experience and place,” 50-74, to take up the bowel the public to get screened and and a leading cause of death chemical Test) involves providing Museum of Qatar opened just said Koichi Takada, Principal cancer screening opportunities overcome some of the obstacles among its residents.” a fecal sample via a comple- last year and continues to set of Koichi Takada Architects. offered under Qatar’s National people have to screening,” said Dr Throughout the month the mentary kit available at the PHCC new standards of architectural The main gift shop stocks a Breast and Bowel Cancer .Shaikha Abu Shaikha, Manager of ‘Be The Role Model’ campaign screening suites at Al Wakra, excellence. Additionally, our large collection of well- Screening program ‘Screen For Screening Programs at PHCC. will see the new ambassadors Leabaib and Rawdat Al Khail collaboration with local artists designed, exclusive gifts, many Life.’ The campaign comes as take part in ‘Screen For Life’ Health Centers. People are and designers has contributed of which draw their inspiration The campaign will be run to ‘Screen For Life’ research activities, to help spread the advised to schedule their to creating a gift shop collection from the history, heritage, and mark International Bowel Cancer unearths three main reasons why message and encourage people appointments easily by calling the that is unique and authentic. culture of Qatar. Awareness month and has drawn some people in the target group to get screened throughout their dedicated call center on 8001112. We are honoured that these The children’s gift shop the support of three high profile reject its call centre screening channels. PHCC’s ‘Screen For Life’ shops have received recog- offers a diverse range of locally ambassadors and supporters: invitations even though early ‘Screen For Life’ advises res- program works closely with the nition for multiple awards and designed souvenirs and gift Qatar TV anchor and Quran detection of the disease has been idents in the target age range to Ministry of Public Health, Hamad look forward to additional items, including educational Kareem radio program producer shown to lead to a 90% survival undergo bowel cancer screening Medical Corporation and the milestones in the future.” toys, books, puzzles and Aqeel Saleh Al Janahi; Qatar rate. every two years in line with Qatar Cancer Society to synergize The Dahl Al Misfir (Qatar’s games. Both gift shops are Municipal Council Member and “The key reasons are lack of international quality assurance efforts to reduce early deaths “Cave of Light”), located in the located on the first floor of Head of the Legal Committee time, fear of testing positive for guidelines. from cancer and other chronic heart of Qatar, is a beautiful NMoQ and are open to the Shaikha Al Jufairi and well- the cancer and a misunder- “Screening should be under- diseases by 25% by 2025 in line underground sanctuary formed public during museum oper- known Qatari Chef and Etiquette standing of faith beliefs when taken by all in the 50-74 aged with National Health Strategy largely from fibrous gypsum ating hours. Expert Aisha Al Tamimi. In some people think faith means range whether or not they are 2018-2022 targets. InterContinental Doha unveils stunning new lobby

THE PENINSULA — DOHA

Following the completion of a holistic renovation, InterConti- nental Doha has unveiled the much-anticipated launch of a breathtaking new lobby, adjoining the equally stunning Lobby Lounge. The new lobby of InterConti- nental Doha paints a bright portrait of the newly redefined entryway, while utilising soft glimmers of natural sunlight against beige and navy furniture tones. Embellished with opulence and grandeur, the expansive waiting area boasts of a lavish new 4,000-pc crystal chandelier, as well as a prominent centerpiece painting. Surrounded by imported Italian marble, the new lobby embodies classical, yet modern designs The new lobby of InterContinental Doha paints a depicted in a complementing blend bright portrait of the newly redeﬁned entryway, while of gold and oakwood tables, deep utilising soft glimmers of natural sunlight against navy furniture, a touch of colourful paintings, and décors that are true beige and navy furniture tones. Embellished with to Qatar’s local culture and opulence and grandeur, the expansive waiting area heritage. The Lounge, adjacent to the boasts of a lavish new 4,000-pc crystal chandelier, as lobby, offers light breakfast options well as a prominent centerpiece painting. alongside French viennoiseries and pastries available in the à la carte menu. The Lounge is the ideal the beautiful sounds of our resident instrumental in bringing us to setting for a leisurely afternoon tea pianist, and wind-down every where we are now. While we experience, or savoring the aroma evening over bespoke beverages. embrace a competitive envi- of freshly grounded coffee, pre- “At InterContinental Doha, we ronment, we also look forward to pared by expert baristas. are on a continuous journey to continue elevating the benchmark Delight in exquisitely crafted redefine luxury. With the com- in this dynamic hospitality land- delicacies, artisanal pastries and pletion of our lobby renovation, scape,” said Andreas Pfister, cakes by celebrity pastry chef and we are delighted to highlight General Manager of InterConti- Valrhona ambassador, Dimitris these refreshed areas to our nental Doha and Director of Chronopoulos whilst listening to guests who have been Operations in IHG Northern Gulf. 08 VIEWS MONDAY 2 MARCH 2020

Established in 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI [email protected]

EDITORIAL US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad, and Head of the Political Office of Afghan Taliban,ullah M Abdul Ghani Baradar, shake hands after signing the peace agreement during a ceremony in Doha. Mediating for world peace US, Afghan Taliban ink peace deal THE US-Taliban peace pact signed on February 29 in Doha is really a ray of hope in view of the various long- running conflicts, which remain unsolved for decades, in the region and around the world. After all, it puts to wind down 18-year war spotlight on the brilliant Qatari mediation and also highlights the role Qatar can play to resolve various global disputes to spread the message of peace around the prisoners to be released by the US more than 100,000 Afghans over world. and Afghan governments before the past decade alone, while The success story of Qatari mediation is not an iso- the Oslo talks begin. costing the lives of over 2,400 lated incident as the great nation already has a track “It is glorious to watch Afghan American troops. record of being an effective peacemaker in the past. people walking through the streets Even as Taliban and US- Qatar’s mediation efforts get the backing of its to see them dancing and cele- backed Afghan forces have foreign policy, which is based on a set of principles. brating peace,” Pompeo told fought to a stalemate, Islamic These principles include strengthening international ELTAF NAJAFIZADA & NICK reporters after the pact was signed. State terrorists gained a foothold peace and security by encouraging the peaceful res- WADHAMS — BLOOMBERG “The Afghan people are thirsting in the country. olution of international disputes. Qatar’s foreign policy for the very opportunity that we “Everyone is tired of war,” respects and honours all international treaties and con- US and Taliban officials signed a have now presented to them.” said Masood Mahfuz, a 42-year- ventions to which it is a party. One of the major prior- peace deal that aims to wind “We’re seizing the best old Afghan whose brother was ities of Qatar’s foreign policy is mediating disputes down the war in Afghanistan opportunity for peace in a gener- killed in a Taliban bombing three between conflicting parties to achieve peaceful reso- after more than 18 years of ation built on the hard work of years ago. “We are thirsty for lutions. Qatar believes in building alliances and finding fighting that turned into the our soldiers, diplomats, busi- peace. The only way is to make solutions to conflicts through dialogue and mediation, longest conflict in American nessmen, aid workers, friends, peace with the Taliban and forget while respecting the rights of sovereign nations. history. and the Afghans themselves,” the past.” The statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said. US military commanders long Affairs in the wake of this landmark development is Pompeo led a delegation that In exchange for the initial US ago assessed that the war would enough to understand the great perspective the nation This effort signed the agreement with troop drawdown, the Taliban be unwinnable without the closely embraces. The statement said: “It was easy to Taliban leaders in Qatar on Sat- pledge to cut ties with all ter- presence of tens of thousands of spark wars and crises, but difficult to engage in con- only became urday. He called it a rorists and prevent Afghan terri- more troops and a broad political structive diplomacy.” The statement also viewed the real for “momentous” day for the US and tories from becoming militant accord. At its peak the US had deal as an important step towards resolving all of the Afghan people but cautioned that havens. Despite almost two over 100,000 troops based in world’s crises peacefully. the United much work lies ahead. The deal decades of war and $900bn in Afghanistan, but peace remained Qatar played a crucial role in making this peace States when calls for US troop levels to fall to spending by the US, the Taliban elusive in a country long known treaty a reality and without these Qatari efforts it the Taliban 8,600 within 135 days, from are at their strongest since being as the “graveyard of empires.” wouldn’t have become a reality this fast. Qatar’s unwa- about 13,000 now, and for all US ousted by American forces in late More than two decades vering quest for peace was witnessed throughout the signaled forces to withdraw in 14 months 2001, after the group refused to before US forces arrived, Afghans mediation efforts. interest in if the accord holds. hand over Al Qaeda leader had to contend with the Soviet According to a report by the Ministry of Foreign The immediate partial troop Osama bin Laden following the Union’s invasion, a searing expe- Affairs, Qatar has mediated nearly 10 regional and inter- pursuing withdrawal allows President September 11 terror attacks. rience that led to a humiliating national portfolios in less than eight years (2008 – 2016). peace and Donald Trump to begin fulfilling Beyond the initial US troop defeat for Moscow. As the This figure clearly indicates the effectiveness of Qatar’s a key campaign promise to get draw-downs, further declines Taliban consolidated power in mediation efforts. ending their the US out of “endless wars.” But depend on the Taliban fulfilling the late 1990s, they became Qatar firmly believes that mediation is the effective relationship it leaves many details -- their agreement to engage in known for enforcing an extreme way of solving disputes and the nation reiterated its including a lasting peace talks with Afghan officials and version of fundamentalist Islam commitment to mediation to settle disputes in various with Al agreement between the Taliban confront terrorists, according to that denied girls the right to an regional and international platforms. Even when the Qaeda and and the Afghan government, as US officials. education and banned women neighbours imposed an unjust blockade, Qatar con- other foreign well as the rights of women -- to “This is a hopeful moment, from working. tinued its policy consistent with its obligations under be hashed out later. but it’s only the beginning,” Esper Asked how the US could the Charter of the United Nations and international law terrorist Trump, speaking Saturday in said in Kabul. “For the first time ensure female rights will be pro- and working to settle disputes and conflicts by peaceful groups,” a press conference at the White in many years, Afghanistan has a tected as America tries to step means. There are many unsolved conflicts around the House, said he plans to meet per- real path toward the future this back from the conflict, adminis- world, where the unique Qatari expertise can bring Pompeo said sonally with Taliban leaders “in country deserves.” tration officials said women’s some positive change. in Doha. the not-too-distant future.” Asked how the US could con- groups will be represented at the “I really believe the Taliban tinue to assure the deal would Oslo talks, which could start as wants to do something to show hold as American forces depart, soon as March 10. that we’re not all wasting time,” Esper said that “At the end of the Yet even as the agreement Trump said. “If bad things day this will be a conditioned- was signed, critics in Afghanistan happen, we’ll go back.” based process. The standard for said that in Taliban-controlled D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR The deal -- which followed a me, for the US, will be that areas women are whipped for Afghanistan never again speaking to male strangers and EMAIL: [email protected] seven-day reduction in violence -- is expected to pave the way becomes a threat” to the interna- girls, in many cases, still can’t go toward direct talks between tional community.” to school. Underage girls are still EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 Taliban officials and Afghan In a statement, UK Foreign often married off to much older FAX: +974 4455 7758 leaders in Oslo in March. Secretary Dominic Raab said that men. “This effort only became real “meaningful negotiations “First, the US tells us ‘we are MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 for the United States when the between the Afghan leadership behind you’ but on the other hand Taliban signaled interest in pur- and the Taliban” will be the real they say ‘get united and carry the DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 suing peace and ending their prize. “I hope this opportunity burden on your own shoulders,”’ relationship with al Qaeda and will be seized,” he said. “”The said Mahboba Saraj, a board LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 other foreign terrorist groups,” only way to achieve lasting peace member of Kabul-based Afghan Pompeo said in Doha. “They also in Afghanistan is through a Women’s Network. “We don’t BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 recognized that military victory political solution.” know what they mean by saying was impossible.” The agreement comes with that. Will they leave us behind?” SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 While Pompeo and Taliban the Afghan government in The US has made clear its leaders were in Doha, US Sec- turmoil, though. The outcome of priorities are on counterter- ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 retary of Defence, Mark Esper, the September election, only rorism. Pressed by reporters at a email: [email protected] and Nato Secretary-General Jens announced this month, have briefing on February 25, Pompeo Stoltenberg were in Kabul. There, been disputed. President Ashraf underscored that any political PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 the leaders both celebrated the Ghani claimed victory while his deal must be worked out by email: [email protected] agreement and cautioned that it rival, Abdullah Abdullah, rejected Afghan negotiators, with the US was “condition-based” and the results as hopelessly flawed. in an observer role. ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 would depend on security Ahead of the signing of the “The United States effort is to FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] improvements. Doha deal, US officials described let the Afghans lead this process, After Pompeo and Taliban the agreement as the beginning and they’ll come up with a reso- CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 leaders signed the deal, applause of an effort to reach a broader lution that is, I’m sure, uniquely email: [email protected] and shouts of “Allah Akbar” -- political solution to a war that theirs, just like every nation “God is Great” -- rang out. The has spanned three US presi- across the world does,” Pompeo SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 deal calls for about 5,000 Taliban dencies and killed or injured said. FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar

/ThePeninsulaQatar We continue our efforts day and night by protecting the interests of our country and for /Peninsula_Qatar our nation to come out with a victory which /ThePeninsulaNewspaper will be at least as big as 100 years ago.

+974 6698 6188 Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkish President MONDAY 2 MARCH 2020 OPINION 09 In Germany, racism is becoming more mainstream

politicians who felt acknowledge that their past attack. Criminal gangs harm threatened by the increasing failures have contributed to everyone living in Germany, popularity of the AfD started the situation. including immigrant to pander to these anti-immi- Indeed, the attack in communities. grant, Islamophobic views for Hanau did not come out of The German state has a political gain, allowing far- the blue. Migrant organisa- responsibility to establish law right narratives to dominate tions, NGOs, and perhaps and order in the country, but OZGUR OZVATAN political discussions. most importantly, politi- it needs to do so without AL JAZEERA This empowered racist To put a stop to the cians of migrant back- criminalising thousands of individuals to become more grounds, such as the Green innocent people and pan- vocal and take action to facil- mainstreaming of Party’s Cem Ozdemir and dering to racist tropes. itate the rebirth of Germany racism in Germany the Social Democratic Stop mimicking the far On February 19, a far-right as an ethnically homogenous, Party’s Sawsan Chebli right extremist went on a shooting “white” nation. and prevent attacks repeatedly warned the These days in Germany spree in the German city of Despite the AfD’s like the one we German authorities of the the political centre is rapidly Hanau, targeting customers at attempts to paint the Hanau witnessed in growing threat of far-right accomodating the far-right. two separate shisha lounges. shootings as a one-off terrorism in Germany. The AfD is not only growing in He killed nine people and tragedy perpetrated by a Hanau, the German The German leadership popularity, but also making injured five others. Every mentally unstable individual, authorities also should admit that these centrist parties and politicians victim of the attack had a the attack was the direct warnings fell on deaf ears and who are scared of losing votes German Chancellor migrant background. result of German society’s need to re-evaluate promise to listen to the con- start promoting aggressively Angela Merkel said, It was soon revealed that growing acceptance of their anti-crime cerns of targeted groups in the anti-immigrant, and even the 43-year-old assailant, racist, discriminatory and future. Sincere apologies racist, policies. Heated “Racism is a poison named Tobias R, left behind a exclusionist views. Prior to policies. coming from people in posi- debates on immigration and ... and is responsible series of rambling texts and last week’s tragedy, tions of power will integration are benefiting the videos in which he advocated Germany witnessed a string undoubtedly help migrant far-right. for too many crimes white supremacist views and of similar attacks, including and minority communities This, however, does not in this country.” called for genocide. German the assassination of pro- attack, prominent German heal, nevertheless, these com- need to be the case. authorities said the attacker immigration German poli- politicians were quick to munities can only start truly Centrist parties can listen President Frank- showed signs of a “deeply tician Walter Luebcke by a acknowledge and denounce feeling at home again in to the concerns of the German Walter Steinmeier, racist mentality”. far-right sympathiser in June the racist motivations Germany if they know that population about immigration The apparent white- last year and the deadly behind it. their leaders are listening to without adopting far-right meanwhile, supremacist motivations shooting that took place German Chancellor their concerns and taking narratives and policies. They expressed his grief behind the attack did not outside a synagogue in the Angela Merkel said, “Racism appropriate action. did this in 1993 when they and added that he come as a surprise to anyone eastern city of Halle in is a poison ... and is respon- Law and Order for, not introduced new criteria for who has been watching the October. sible for too many crimes in against, the immigrant political asylum claims in the stands by “all people rapid mainstreaming of racist It is, however, not too late this country.” President population country, known as the who are threatened views and ideologies in to reverse this worrying trend. Frank-Walter Steinmeier, To put a stop to the main- “Asylum Compromise”. Germany. Germany can still be a multi- meanwhile, expressed his streaming of racism in The compromise helped by racist hatred” in Indeed, since the rise of cultural success story where grief and added that he stands Germany and prevent attacks reassure the public that Ger- Germany. the far-right, anti-immi- immigrants, refugees and by “all people who are like the one we witnessed in many’s immigration policies grant and anti-Muslim asylum seekers from around threatened by racist hatred” Hanau, the German author- were not being abused Alternative for Germany the world live in harmony in Germany. ities also need to re-evaluate without putting genuine (AfD) party to prominence with the “native” population. The German leadership’s their anti-crime policies. For asylum claimants in harm’s in the 2017 general election, But to achieve this, the admission that the attack was too long, German politicians way. With this compromise, the racist claim that German authorities need to not a stand-alone act by a have been promoting policies centrist parties succeeded in Germany is facing a “Muslim treat the Hanau attack as a mentally ill person is a step in that feed into the far-right ending the growing influence invasion” and that political wakeup call and fundamen- the right direction. Never- narratives that cast all Muslim of the far-right National elites are refusing to take tally change their attitudes theless, if Germany wants to immigrants as outlaws who Democratic Party of action to stop this has towards the far right. make amends with its migrant overwhelmingly participate in Germany (NPD) without moved from far-right Recognising past populations and make them organised crime. moving their programmes fringes to the political failures, listening to con- trust the German state For example, in January further towards the far-right mainstream. cerned voices authorities again, they need to last year, more than 1,300 fringes and managed to stop Seemingly centre-right In the aftermath of the take a step further and police officers were deployed the radicalisation of political in coordinated raids targeting debates. “family crime clans of Arabic Centrist political parties background” in the state of can repeat this move today. North Rhine-Westphalia. Immigrants and minorities Police spokesman Oliver are more active in politics in Peiler told reporters that the Germany than they had ever raids were targeting shisha been. With their partici- bars, particularly because pation, Germany can draw such establishments often an inclusive and progressive “act as sanctuaries for immigration policy that members of these family would also address the clans”. The state’s Minister of “native” population’s con- the Interior, Herbert Reul, cerns about immigration - a then doubled down on the compromise that embraces claim, saying, “Shisha bars both (conservative) “native” are the grounds of clan and immigrant perspectives criminality.” without delving into partisan There is no doubt that or ethnic tribalism. some criminal gangs establish What politicians need to shisha bars and some crim- do is not parrot far-right nar- inals visit these establish- ratives to protect their vote ments regularly. But criminals share but present an also run and visit coffee acceptable way forward for houses, night clubs, restau- all Germans, while reminding rants and shops. the German society of the ills By singling out shisha of racism, xenophobia and bars, which are overwhelm- ethnic hatred. If not, further ingly enjoyed by members of bitterness between the Muslim migrant communities, “natives” and the immigrants as “grounds of clan crimi- in the form of ethnic and nality” German politicians racist polarisation would and security forces contribute likely unfold. to far-right prejudices. It is Ozgur Ozvatan is a not far-fetched to assume Research Cluster Coordinator Tobias R was influenced by at the Berlin Institute for Inte- these portrayals of shisha bars gration and Migration Protesters demonstrating against far-right radicalism and racism in Hanau, near Frankfurt, Germany, on February 22, 2020. as he chose the target of his Research (BIM). Preparation needed to resume events cancelled by coronavirus outbreak

JAPAN NEWS-YOMIURI League will be postponed for untary restraint. means, even during the vol- infections. Another step is to certain periods of time. However, sports and art untary restraint on events. prevent crowding in exhi- Concerts by popular activities have the power to It is also important to bition halls by imposing a Efforts in the next two weeks groups Perfume and Exile make people feel positive explore ways for resuming certain limit on the number of to contain the ongoing spread have been canceled, while and spiritually rich. It can be sporting and other events people who are admitted into Spectators will be shut of pneumonic infections the Shiki Theatre Company remembered that a splendid and exhibitions after them. It is advisable to con- out from preseason caused by the new corona- has called off all its perform- showing achieved by the refraining from holding sider these responses from professional baseball virus hold the key to over- ances through March 8. women’s national soccer them. now. coming the problem. It is National museums and art team after the Great East There are many things not It is worrisome to note games to be played inevitable to take measures galleries are being tempo- Japan Earthquake yet known about the new that viewpoints from through March 15. aimed at reducing the rarily closed. encouraged the Japanese coronavirus. With the passage overseas are increasingly Ofﬁcially sanctioned number of opportunities to At stadiums and concert people. of time, however, it may be critical about Japan. Ahead of become infected with the venues where large numbers With respect to the spring possible to clarify such a qualifying round for the games in soccer’s virus. of spectators gather, people grand sumo tournament matters as the infectiousness soccer World Cup, Mongolia J.League, basketball’s There has been a suc- come into contact with each scheduled to open on March of the virus and characteristic has banned entrance into the B.League and rugby’s cession of moves to other at close range. Volun- 8, the idea of holding it symptoms. If appropriate country by visitors from postpone, cancel or downsize tarily restricting events is without spectators is being measures are taken to deal Japan, arousing concerns Top League will be sporting events, concerts, expected to prove effective in considered. If the spring with the situation, based on about whether the match can postponed for certain exhibitions and other events. reducing the risk of further tournament is broadcast live, the new knowledge gained be held there. periods of time. Spectators will be shut out spreading infections. it will enable many people to about the virus, there may be It is indispensable for the from preseason professional It is safe to say that calls enjoy exciting matches in the some cases in which events Japanese government to baseball games to be played by the government for can- ring on TV. can be held. carefully explain to other through March 15. Officially celing or postponing events It will be great if athletes’ Possible measures include nations about its nationwide sanctioned games in soccer’s for two weeks has created and artists’ activities are not singing supporters songs efforts to fight the new coro- J.League, basketball’s momentum for various host made known to people via while watching sporting navirus infections, thereby B.League and rugby’s Top organizations to shift to vol- the internet or through other events to prevent droplet gaining their understanding. 10 GULF / MIDDLE EAST MONDAY 2 MARCH 2020 Iran’s toll from coronavirus jumps to 54 AGENCIES — TEHRAN The new ﬁgures represent 11 more deaths

Iran’s health ministry yesterday than reported on Saturday and a whopping 385 raised the nationwide death toll new cases of infections. The new numbers, from the new coronavirus to 54 however, bring down the percentage of deaths as the number of confirmed infected cases jumped overnight to infections to around 5.5%. Still, that is much by more than half to 978 people. higher than other countries, suggesting the The ministry’s spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour said new number of infections in Iran may be much cases were confirmed in a higher than current figures show. number of cities, including Mashhad, which is home to Iran’s most important Shia The ministry spokesman world are working to find one, shrine that attracts pilgrims said that 44 cases were also but anything widely usable is from across the region. Calls by confirmed for the first time in likely more than a year away. Iran’s civilian government to the central Markazi province. The illness, known as COVID-19 clerics to close such shrines to Iran’s state broadcaster said and which originated in central to the public have not been uni- all flights to and from the city China, has infected at least formly followed. The shrine in of Rasht, the capital of nothern seven government officials in Mashhad is among those that Gilan province, had been sus- Iran, including one of its vice have remained open. pended. It gave no reasons why. presidents and a senior health The new figures represent The area of Gilan has some of ministry official. 11 more deaths than reported Iran’s highest number of infec- After days of assurances that on Saturday and a whopping tions after the capital, Tehran, the virus was largely under 385 new cases of infections. The and the holy city of Qom, the control, officials recently new numbers, however, bring epicenter of the virus outbreak acknowledged Iran is preparing down the percentage of deaths in the country. for the possibility of “tens of Kuwaiti traders wear protective face masks, following the outbreak of the new coronavirus, as they to infections to around 5.5%. The Revolutionary Guard thousands” of people getting stand on the upper floor since the lower main hall is closed to traders at the Kuwait Boursa stock Still, that is much higher than said it plans to install mobile tested for the virus. market trading in Kuwait city, yesterday. other countries, suggesting the hospitals in Qom and Rasht The first cases were not number of infections in Iran cities, where the virus has reported in Iran until February may be much higher than infected high numbers of 19, the same day that the two ministry said. The ministry said the spread of the virus, and halted flights to Iran. On Sat- current figures show. people. The Guard has also been elderly infected people died. two of the six are in the capital Kuwait suspended school until urday, the US announced Jahanpour said in his daily photographed in state media Since then, of the more than Baghdad and the other four in March 12. The virus has infected heightened warnings about travel briefing that the number of leading disinfection efforts in 1,100 cases in the Middle East, Sulaimaniya in the north east more than 86,000 people to certain regions of Italy and cases is “still inclining” across some cities. Ali Reza Jalali, the the majority trace back to Iran. of the country. All had recently worldwide and caused more than South Korea, as well as a ban on Iran. Of the 385 newly con- head of the Guard’s medical Cases from Iran have been returned from neighbouring 2,900 deaths since emerging in travel to Iran, due to the virus. firmed cases, 170 are in Tehran, college, told state TV that Iran is reported in Kuwait, Bahrain, Iran, which has had the highest China. Iran has the world’s Saudi Arabia said yesterday where schools and cinemas going through a “hard time and Oman, the United Arab number of deaths from corona- highest death toll outside of it had prepared 25 hospitals to have remained closed for the dangerous period.” He claimed Emirates, Qatar, Lebanon, virus outside of China, where China, where there has been handle any coronavirus cases second week. Public buses and the group is researching a pos- Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan. the outbreak originated. 2,870 deaths among close to that might be detected in the the metro are still operating, but sible vaccine for the disease. Iraq reported six new coro- Starting yesterday, all nurs- 80,000 cases. The outbreak in kingdom, part of precautionary are being disinfected daily There is currently no navirus cases yesterday, eries in the UAE licensed by the Iran has prompted its neighbors measures which include closing there. Authorities also doused vaccine for the novel corona- bringing the total number of education ministry were closed to seal their borders to Iranians, its borders to foreign “umrah” busy streets in the capital. virus. Researchers around the cases there to 19, the health for at least two weeks to limit while other Gulf states have pilgrims. Weary and divided, Israel goes back to polls today Houthi rebels seize strategic AP — OCCUPIED JERUSALEM Netanyahu has taken to the air- chief of staff, has focused his northern city waves and hit the campaign Netanyahu pledges ‘immediate’ campaign on Netanyahu’s char- For the third time in under a trail, presenting himself to acter, saying a man accused of AP — CAIRO year, Prime Minister Benjamin adoring audiences as a global annexation steps if re-elected serious crimes is unfit to lead. Netanyahu seeks re-election, statesman uniquely qualified to He has painted Netanyahu as Yemen’s Houthi rebels wrested and once again the Israeli leader lead the country through its AFP — OCCUPIED JERUSALEM an out-of-touch egomaniac control of the strategic is on the ropes. many complicated challenges. obsessed with remaining in northern city of Hazm, officials After two inconclusive elec- In recent weeks, he jetted from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged yesterday power and escaping justice, on both sides of the conflict tions last year, opinion polls the White House to Moscow to to annex key parts of the occupied West Bank within “weeks” while portraying himself as a said yesterday, a major blow forecast another stalemate — a bring home a young Israeli if re-elected, as he sought to sway voters a day before the coun- moderate alternative to the to the internationally recog- troubling scenario for woman jailed there on drug try’s third election in a year. polarizing prime minister. nized government backed by Netanyahu who will go on trial charges, and flew to Uganda for Final polls pointed to another tight race between Netan- “Netanyahu, look me in the Saudi Arabia. on corruption charges just two a meeting with a leader of yahu’s right-wing Likud and the centrist Blue and White party, eye. Because of your obsession Capturing the capital of Jawf weeks after today's vote. Sudan, a longtime enemy led by ex-military chief Benny Gantz. All parties have raised with evading trial, you’re lying, province after weeks of fighting This election campaign has country. concern about voter apathy amid the grinding political stalemate, attacking, dividing, mudslinging, could pave the way for the rebels been especially tumultuous. “We have turned Israel into putting added emphasis on turnout. spreading malicious rumors and to move towards the central President Donald Trump a world power, a leader in cyber In an interview with Israeli public radio, he said annex- inciting. Netanyahu, you’re poi- province of Marib, one of the launched his long-awaited technology, natural gas, water, ation of the strategically crucial Jordan Valley and other parts soning Israel,” Gantz said last shrinking safe spots for those Mideast plan, a proposal that agriculture, technology, intelli- of the West Bank was his top priority among “four major imme- week. “Netanyahu, you’ve lost it, opposing the Houthis in northern heavily favoured Israel and was gence,” Netanyahu boasted at diate missions”. and you’re unworthy of being Yemen. It also could cause a new seen as an election gift to a recent campaign stop. “That will happen within weeks, two months at the most, prime minister for even a single wave of displacement in the war- Netanyahu. The Israeli leader, He claims credit for a strong I hope,” he said in the interview aired 24 hours before polls day longer.” torn country. meanwhile, was forced to drop economy and boasts of his close were scheduled to open. US President Donald Trump’s widely- Weekend polls, the last to Yemen, the Arab world’s his bid for immunity from pros- relationships with world criticised Middle East peace plan, unveiled in late January, gave be published before the vote, poorest nation, has been con- ecution, and just this week, leaders, first and foremost the Jewish state a green light to annex the Jordan Valley and showed Gantz’s Blue and White vulsed by civil war since 2014. Israel battled Gaza militants in Trump, while deriding proposed a committee to set out the exact borders of the ter- and Netanyahu’s Likud party in That’s when the Iran-backed a two-day round of fighting. opponent Benny Gantz as a ritory in question. a tight race, though Gantz’s Houtis took control of the Today’s election is seen as lightweight. In a message that “The joint US-Israeli mapping committee started work a party has shown some small country’s north including the another referendum on has drawn accusations of week ago,” Netanyahu said. signs of slippage over the past capital, Sana'a. A Saudi-led Netanyahu, the country’s racism, he also accuses Gantz week. Even so, the polls forecast military coalition intervened longest serving prime minister. of plotting with Arab lawmakers both parties and their smaller against the Houthis the fol- And once again, the country to oust him. In recent days, is corrupt, unstable and suscep- of pressures 24 hours a day,” partners will again fall short of lowing year. The conflict has seems hopelessly divided. Netanyahu and his Likud sur- tible to blackmail by Iran. Netanyahu added. “I don’t think securing the 61-seat majority in killed over 10,000 people and With seeming boundless rogates spread unfounded alle- “Being prime minister of Benny Gantz can handle it.” parliament required to form a created the world’s worst energy, the 70-year-old gations claiming his opponent Israel is a complicated thing, full Gantz, a former military government. humanitarian crisis, leaving millions suffering from food and medical care shortages Security forces kill and pushing the country to the Iraq postpones confidence vote for third time brink of famine last year. A one, wound 24 at Houthi official said that the Baghdad protest AFP — BAGHDAD Shia group had pushed government forces out of Hazm REUTERS — BAGHDAD Iraq’s divided parliament post- and were “now chasing them poned a vote of confidence in in its outskirts.” Iraqi security forces killed one prime minister-designate Two government officials person and wound 24 at an Mohammad Allawi’s confirmed the city had fallen, anti-government protest in government for a third time but said government forces Baghdad yesterday, a police yesterday for a lack of quorum, were attempting to push back. source said. prolonging a political vacuum. All the officials spoke on con- The person was killed by Parliament speaker dition of anonymity because birdshot fired from a hunting Mohammed Halbusi did not they were not authorized to rifle and some of the injuries schedule a new date for the brief the media. The coalition were caused by birdshot and session but noted a constitu- spokesman’s office said their tear gas, the source added. tional deadline for the vote “operations” in Jawf “are still would expire today. ongoing,” but did not elaborate. Occupation forces Yesterday, only 108 law- The Houthi-run Al Masirah sat- makers out of a total of 329 ellite TV reported that the coa- arrest 6 Palestinians attended the extraordinary lition carried out at least three in West Bank session, which had already been airstrikes in Jawf yesterday. delayed twice last week for lack The rebels earlier this year QNA — OCCUPIED JERUSALEM of a quorum. seized a key supply line linking Iraq’s parliament is the most Marib with Jawf provinces, The Israeli occupation forces divided in its recent history and located along the border with arrested six Palestinians from Allawi is struggling to secure Saudi Arabia. They also took different areas in the West Bank. support from Sunni Arab and control of the strategic district The occupation forces arrested Kurdish minorities for his pro- of Nehm, some 60km two young men from Kharruba posed cabinet. Prime Minister-designate Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi, tasked to form the new government, arrives northeast of the rebel-held village in Jenin city after Over the past week, he has at the Iraqi parliament building to attend a session for vote of confidence, in Baghdad yesterday. capital Sana'a. “With the breaking into the city and adjusted the line-up to bolster seizure of Hazm, the entire raiding several homes in the support, while also holding Jawf (province) is now con- village. They also arrested two talks with Sunni and Kurdish confidence vote, otherwise Anti-government demon- Demonstrators who have sidered in their hands, and this Palestinians from Sa’ir town, , representatives. President Barham Salih has said strators rallied in Baghdad and remained mobilised since would enable them to expand a young man in one of Al Bireh Nominated on February 1 to he will designate a new premier southern hotspots yesterday to October have rejected the to Marib and even try to take city’s neighbourhoods after replace Adel Abdel Mahdi who unilaterally. According to press for a government of tech- choice of Allawi for premier, over the south,” said Fatima Al breaking into his family’s stepped down in December, political sources, the president nocrats not beholden to political saying he is too close to the elite Asrar, a non-resident scholar house, and another young man Allawi must get parliament to intends to propose intelligence parties or foreign interests, said against which they have at the Washington-based from Al Auja governorate. approve his cabinet in a chief Mustafa Al Kazimi. a correspondent. protesting. Middle East Institute. MONDAY 2 MARCH 2020 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 11 Turkey hits Assad regime’s military airport in Aleppo; shoots down 2 warplanes

AGENCIES — IDLIB The Defence Ministry said that the two The Turkish Armed Forces warplanes of the Syrian regime were brought targeted the Syrian regime’s military airport in Aleppo, down after they attacked Turkish ﬁghters, according to local sources adding that the Turkish forces destroyed three yesterday. air defense systems of the Syrian regime, Al Nayrab military airport, on the outskirts of Aleppo city including one that caused the downing of a center, was known as one of the Turkish drone in Idlib governorate. bases that the Assad regime frequently used in the attacks against the Turkish Armed two warplanes of the Syrian the regime and end extremism Forces and civilians in Idlib, regime were brought down after and immigration. Turkish Minister of Family, Labour and Social Services, Zehra Zumrut Selcuk (left), comforts the mother northwestern Syria. they attacked Turkish fighters, The operation was launched (centre) of slain Turkish soldier Halil Cankaya, who was martyred in an airstrike in the Syrian town The Turkish Armed Forces adding that the Turkish forces after at least 34 Turkish soldiers of Idlib, during the funeral ceremony in Ankara, Turkey, yesterday. used armed drones and fire destroyed three air defense were killed and dozens of others support vehicles to target the systems of the Syrian regime, injured in an airstrike by Assad airport, making it out of service, including one that caused the regime forces in Idlib. hoping to head to Europe. Syria’s official news agency government forces and allied the sources said. downing of a Turkish drone in At least 34 Turkish soldiers A Turkish official said the Sana said the four pilots ejected fighters. The regime army trans- Idlib governorate. were martyred and tens of fighting in Idlib was directly and landed safely after their Turkey has lost 54 soldiers ported aircraft and equipment The Turkish military others injured in a deadly air- linked to Turkey’s decision to two jets were shot down. Tur- in February, including 33 killed to Al Nayrab from the Kuweires launched Operation Spring strike by the Bashar Al Assad open the gates for refugees to key’s Defense Ministry said it Thursday in a single airstrike. military airport in eastern Shield in Idlib in response to the regime forces in Idlib late on Europe. He said Ankara had had hit the two SU-24 aircraft Outraged, Erdogan announced Aleppo, which was targeted by Assad regime's attack on Feb- Thursday. changed its focus to preparing as well as Syrian air defense his country’s European borders Turkish forces the previous day, ruary 27, Defense Minister The Turkish soldiers are for the possibility of new systems after one of its aerial were open Saturday. it added. Hulusi Akar announced earlier. working to protect local civilians arrivals from Syria “instead of drones was downed. The crisis in Idlib stems Local sources said the On the details of the oper- under a September 2018 deal preventing refugees who intend Earlier yesterday, Syria said from a Syrian government regime’s range of action has ation, Akar said 2,212 regime with Russia under which acts of to migrate to Europe.” northwestern airspace was offensive with Russian mil- been further restricted as the Al soldiers and elements, a drone, aggression are prohibited in the “Europe and others must closed and any aircraft or drone itary support, which began Nayrab military airport has been eight helicopters, 103 tanks, 72 region. take robust action to address that entered “will be treated as Dec. 1. The heavy fighting trig- made unusable. cannons/howitzers, three air- Meanwhile, Thousands of this monumental challenge,” hostile and shot down.” gered a humanitarian catas- Turkish Ministry of Defence defense system have been neu- migrants and refugees massed said Fahrettin Altun, the com- The Syrian announcement trophe and the single largest also announced that it has tralized so far. He pointed out at Turkey’s western frontier yes- munications director for Tur- followed two days of Turkish wave of displacement in downed two Syrian Sukhoi 24 that they have no intention of terday, trying to enter Greece by key’s President Recep Tayyip drone strikes in Idlib province. Syria’s nine-year civil war, fighters. colliding with Russia, as their land and sea after Turkey said Erdogan. “We can’t be expected Syrian activists said the strikes with about 950,000 civilians The Ministry said that the goal is to end the massacres of its borders were open to those to do this on our own.” killed more than 50 Syrian fleeing their homes.

Syria agrees to exchange diplomatic missions with Haftar Seven dead, over 700 cholera

AFP — DAMASCUS consular missions,” Sana said. tensions spiral between Syrian anti-government protests in cases in Somalia: UN Libya has not had any rep- regime and Turkish forces in 2011, has killed more than Damascus and parallel Libyan resentation in Damascus since northwestern Syria, where 380,000 people and displaced ANATOLIA — MOGADISHU authorities opposed to the 2012, following the fall and bombardment has killed dozens millions. UN-recognised government in killing of longtime dictator of troops on each side. The Arab League suspended At least seven deaths and over 700 cases have been reported Tripoli agreed yesterday to Moamer Kadhafi in a NATO- Turkey backs the UN-rec- Syria’s membership in in a cholera outbreak in Somalia, the United Nations said exchange diplomatic missions backed uprising. ognised Government of November 2011 as the death toll yesterday. A total of 732 cases were recorded across the country and confront Turkish “inter- Muallem said diplomatic National Accord in the Libyan mounted. between January 23 and February 25, according to the UN ference”, state media said. missions would be reopened in capital Tripoli, and has dis- Several regional powers, Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA). A delegation representing Damascus and the eastern patched troops and pro-Turkish betting on the demise of Pres- It said seven deaths and 617 cases were reported in the eastern Libyan strongman Libyan city of Benghazi, con- Syrian fighters to the North ident Bashar Al Assad’s regime, central Hiran region and at least 115 cases were recorded in a Khalifa Haftar met Syrian trolled by Haftar’s forces. African country. suspended diplomatic ties with week in the southeastern Banadir region, in which the capital Foreign Minister Walid Muallem The two sides also pledged Haftar, backed by the Syrian Damascus. Mogadishu is located. in Damascus, state news agency to coordinate to “confront regime’s main ally Russia, has Some have since restored “Three months after Deyr rains flooded parts of Somalia, Sana said. Turkish interference and been battling since April to seize those ties. In December 2018, acute water diarrhea (AWD)/cholera cases remain high … This “A memorandum of under- aggression against both Tripoli from the GNA. the United Arab Emirates reo- situation could worsen when April-June rains start,” the UN standing was signed... for the countries”. Syria’s conflict, sparked by pened its embassy, followed by agency said in a tweet. reopening of diplomatic and The agreement comes as the brutal repression of Bahrain. It said women and children under the age of five were most vulnerable and they would need more help if AWD/cholera cases surge after the next rainfall season. Algeria protest A doctor in Beledweyne, the capital of the hard-hit Hiran region, told Anadolu Agency that most victims in the latest out- figure acquitted, break were children, women and the elderly. “Children, pregnant women, and elderly people have been lawyer says most affected. There are many in hospitals right now. We need the federal government, other states, and humanitarian agencies AFP — ALGIERS to send medical aid and doctors for our help,” said Hussein Abdihakin Mohamed. An Algerian court yesterday acquitted Fodil Boumala, a key figure in a protest Sudan dismisses many diplomats movement that has rocked allegedly linked to Bashir the country for over a year, his lawyer said. REUTERS — KHARTOUM “He has been acquitted. He will go home today,” said Sudan has fired scores of diplomats for alleged links to the Zoubida Assoul, a lawyer for administration of toppled President Omar Al Bashir, a legal the accused. committee said. The Empowerment Removal Committee was The prosecution had formed under a law introduced in November to dismantle the sought a year in prison for the system built by Bashir, who was ousted in April last year after regime opponent and former nearly three decades in power. state TV journalist. “One-hundred-and-nine ambassadors, diplomats and Held in detention since his administrators were fired from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, arrest in mid-September, and those were appointed through political and social Boumala was accused of empowerment,” Mohamed Al Faki, deputy head of the com- “undermining (national) ter- mittee, told a news conference in the capital, Khartoum. ritorial integrity”, which is Some of the diplomats were appointed by Bashir himself punishable by up to 10 years and the others were picked through his now dissolved National in prison. Medical staff distribute information sheets to passengers arriving at Tunisia Airport, after being Congress Party, said Taha Othman, a member of the He was also accused of checked by thermal scanners for coronavirus symptoms in Tunis, Tunisia. committee. distributing “publications that Earlier this month, the committee dissolved the boards of could undermine the national the country’s central bank and 11 other state-owned banks and interest”, punishable by a year fired the managers of eight of the banks. in prison. Nigeria identifies 100 who may have It also seized the assets of the former ruling party last Boumala was highly month. active in the “Hirak” protest movement, an unprece- been exposed to coronavirus patient dented popular initiative which emerged in February REUTERS — LAGOS people Nigerian authorities had in sub-Saharan Africa, has Bomb blast kills 4 soldiers in Somalia last year to demand then been in touch with who may prompted fears the virus could president Abdelaziz Boute- Nigerian authorities have been have had contact with the man, spread quickly in a region ANATOLIA — MOGADISHU flika abandon a bid for a fifth in touch with around 100 Lagos state Health Commis- where health systems are term in office. people who may have been sioner Akin Abayomi said: “It is already overburdened with At least four Somali government soldiers were killed and several The ailing Bouteflika duly exposed to an Italian man who around 100 people but that cases of malaria, measles, others wounded when a bomb blast targeted a military convoy stepped down in early April, is the country’s first corona- number is increasing every Ebola and other infectious near the town of Warmahan, lower Shabelle region, an official due to pressure from the virus patient, the Lagos state minute.” diseases. said. Warmahan is a small agricultural town located near enormous protests. health commissioner said The Italian man, who is Meanwhile, Morocco will Afgoye, 30 kilometers (18 miles) southwest of the capital Another key protest yesterday. being treated at a hospital in the postpone sports and cultural Mogadishu. figure, Karim Tabbou, faces The man arrived in Lagos, Yaba district of Lagos, works as events over coronavirus fears, Salad Hussein, a military official in lower Shabelle region, his own verdict on March 4, Nigeria’s commercial capital, on a vendor for cement company a government committee spoke to Anadolu Agency over the phone and confirmed the according to Noureddine Feb. 24 from Milan on a Turkish Lafarge Africa Plc in the south- charged with overseeing the current death toll. Benissad, a member of his Airlines flight that had a con- western state of Ogun. state's response to the disease “Al Shabaab terrorist group attacked military personnel defence team. nection in Istanbul. The fol- The company issued a said yesterday, state media traveling between Wanlawayn and Afgoye with a roadside He is likewise charged lowing day he travelled to statement on Sunday in which reported. blast.’’ Reinforcements were sent to the scene and security with “undermining (national) neighbouring Ogun state and it said its cement production Morocco says it has tested forces conducted an operation against Al Shabaab in the area territorial integrity”, but is also was in the country for almost lines remainED open. It said 39 25 people suspected of having but no one was arrested so far, he added. Somalia-based Al accused of “violent actions” two full days before being people who were in direct the coronavirus but so far all the Qaeda affiliated group Al Shabaab claimed responsibility for that sought to “impede the isolated. contact with the man had been tests have come back negative. the attack. movement of military Asked in a telephone quarantined. The country has not confirmed equipment”, said Benissad. interview about the number of The case, which is the first any cases. 12 ASIA MONDAY 2 MARCH 2020 Tajikistan votes in parliamentary polls

The country’s Central was outlawed in 2015. Polling stations close at 1500 Election Commission The country’s Central GMT and preliminary results are Election Commission said just expected today. said just over 75 over 75 percent of the electorate As voting began yesterday, percent of the had cast votes as of 1000GMT, Mukhabbat Rakhimova, a comfortably beyond the 50 teacher in the capital Dushanbe, electorate had cast percent threshold required for said it was symbolic that she was votes as of 1000GMT, the commission to validate an casting her vote in a school that comfortably beyond election. had been converted into a Rakhmon voted for “a polling station. the 50 percent worthy candidate” at a polling “I want the lawmakers we threshold required station in the capital Dushanbe elect to make their own big con- yesterday morning, the state tributions to education,” for the commission to agency Khovar reported. Rakhimova said. While Rakhmon’s People’s The last elections in 2015 validate an election. People vote during Tajikistan’s parliamentary election at a polling station in Dushanbe, yesterday. Democratic Party of Tajikistan marked a turning point for is set for a big win, other com- Tajikistan, a landlocked Muslim- AFP — DUSHANBE peting parties from the outgoing majority country reliant on and the opposition guaranteed outlawed, the 67-year-old “lack of political will, poor elec- legislature — including the former overlord Russia for a role in politics. Rakhmon has strengthened his toral legislation and Voting was under way in Agrarian Party, the Party of Eco- security and next-door China for But within months of falling control over the country. In falsifications.” Tajikistan yesterday in parlia- nomic Reform and the Socialist loans and investment. short of the parliamentary 2016, he oversaw a referendum The other small parties on mentary polls that President Party — are all widely seen as That year, the Islamic Ren- threshold, the party was deemed that allowed him to rule the ballot, he said, are “artifi- Emomali Rakhmon’s ruling proxies that endorse his nearly aissance Party of Tajikistan extremist and banned. Eleven indefinitely. cially created political structures, party is expected to sweep, with three-decade rule. failed to make parliament for the members of its political council Some analysts tip his son, which play by the rules of the only one genuinely critical party Only one identifiable oppo- first time since the end of a five- were jailed. Rustam Emomali, currently nomenklatura and keep crit- taking part and the former main sition party is competing in yes- year civil war that pitted The UN Working Group on serving as Mayor of Dushanbe, icism to within pre-agreed opposition banned. terday’s ballot — the Social Dem- Islamists, democrats and Arbitrary Detention has deter- to succeed him in the near limits.” The elections are the first in ocratic Party of Tajikistan, which regional forces against troops mined that the members were future. The buildup to yesterday’s the country’s post-Soviet history has never entered parliament. loyal to Rakhmon, costing tens arrested “for their exercise of Shokir Hakimov, the Social vote saw well-known journalist without the Islamic Renaissance The People’s Democratic of thousands of lives. freedom of expression and Democratic Party of Tajikistan’s and government critic Daler Party of Tajikistan, a moderate Party of Tajikistan currently A peace deal was brokered freedom of assembly,” and deputy chairman, said that its Sharipov jailed as part of a wave faith-based party which was dominates the chamber, holding to end the fighting in 1997, with demanded their release. lack of seats is “not because we of over a hundred arrests that once the main opposition but 51 seats out of 63. ally Russia acting as a guarantor, Since the party was lack a base” but because of a began at the end of last year. Myanmar army kills 5 Rohingya, South Korea closes says lawmaker churches as virus REUTERS — YANGON

At least five ethnic Rohingya cases rise to 3,736 were killed, including a child, and several injured after troops clashed with insurgents in REUTERS — SEOUL Of the new cases, 333 were Myanmar’s conflict-torn from the southeastern city of western state of Rakhine, a Churches were closed in South Daegu, the location of a church lawmaker and two residents Korea yesterday, with many at the centre of the outbreak, and said yesterday. holding online services instead, 26 from the nearby province of Saturday’s fighting broke as authorities fought to rein in North Gyeongsang, KCDC said. out after Arakan Army rebels public gatherings as 586 new The agency said some attacked a military convoy coronavirus infections took the church members in January passing the historic temple town tally to 3,736 cases. visited the central Chinese city of Mrauk U, the regional MP, That came a day after the of Wuhan, where the disease Tun Thar Sein, and a spokesman biggest daily jump of 813 cases emerged late last year, adding it for the armed group, Khine Thu in South Korea’s battle with the was investigating to determine Kha, said. largest virus outbreak outside if the trip played a role in the Khine Thu Kha, the Arakan China, the Korea Centres for outbreak. Army spokesman, blamed gov- Disease Control and Prevention “We’re tracing back how ernment troops for the civilian Kazakh police detain a protester in Almaty, yesterday. (KCDC) said. The death toll rose many members had gone to casualties. to 20, up from 17 the day before. China,” its deputy director, Kwon Myanmar army artillery In Seoul, the capital, about a Jun-wook, told a briefing. shells hit the village of Bu Ta dozen worshippers were turned “Our top priority is to find out Lone, killing four people, the Police in Kazakhstan detain 40 away from the Yoido Full Gospel how the coronavirus has been Arakan Army spokesman said Church, which put a sermon for transmitted so widely among the in a message. The MP, a health its 560,000 followers on Shincheonji followers,” he worker who treated the injured, people after activist’s death YouTube, filmed with a small added, in a reference to the and a villager said at least five choir instead of all 200 members church involved. Rohingya had died. A 12-year- AFP — ALMATY by telephone. bruises as evidence that he was and 60-strong orchestra. At a news conference in old boy was among them, the One man who was bundled beaten in detention, rather than “I had heard there would be Seoul a group of doctors and villager said. Police in Kazakhstan detained into a van full of detainees by dying of heart failure, as police no service, but just came to chiefs of public hospitals urged dozens of people in the Central black-clad police appealed to said on Tuesday. check as I live nearby, but yes, it the government to combat a Asian country’s largest city “the lawmakers in the European The state prosecutor’s office is so empty,” said Song Young- shortage of beds by assigning Delhi Police free yesterday, after an activist’s parliament”, which sent a del- on Friday called on citizens not koo, as he left South Korea’s them to the critically ill, after two death in jail triggered diplo- egation to Kazakhstan last to make “hasty conclusions” biggest church. patients died in self-quarantine foreign national matic condemnation and calls month. about the bruises, which the “It’s a wise decision to do it at home. President Moon Jae-in for anti-government rallies. “My constitutional rights are office said was common on online, since the virus would called for unity and vowed from kidnappers The witnesses in Almaty being violated. This is the 21st corpses. easily spread at mass gatherings greater efforts, including an extra saw around 40 people detained century!” the man cried out as Kazakhstan regularly and churches can be no budget, to fight the outbreak, in IANS — NEW DELH by police close to the city hall, he was shoved into the van. cracks down on citizens who exception.” a speech. where two opposition groups Two journalists were also attempt to hold rallies, citing Authorities have warned of “The outbreak can threaten The police in the capital have had called for anti-government amongst those detained laws that make public assem- a “critical moment” in the battle our lives temporarily, but it arrested two persons for rallies. yesterday. blies subject to permits from the against the virus, urging people cannot break our unity and allegedly kidnapping a Elsewhere in the city, 26 The protests were called authorities. to refrain from attending reli- hope,” he said. foreigner. The victim, a members of Oyan Qazaqstan, after Dulat Agadil, a prominent The country is in the gious services and political Moon proposed joint efforts Bulgarian national, has been one of the groups that called for activist, died in detention hours process of changing its legis- events and stay home this with North Korea to prevent an safely rescued. a rally, were detained in the after he was detained by plain- lation on public assemblies, and weekend. outbreak in the neighbour and The police said a ransom morning before they had a clothes police on Monday night. a draft of the new law has been For the first time in its 236- improve healthcare. call of Rs20 million was made chance to reach the protest site, Both the United States and released for public discussion. year history, South Korea’s North Korea has not con- by the kidnappers. a member of the group said. the United Kingdom raised But civil society groups in Catholic church decided to halt firmed cases, but has ordered a Weapons have also been “According to our infor- concern over his death this the Central Asian state have masses at more than 1,700 loca- month in quarantine for those seized from the possession of mation, they have not been week and called for a expressed dissatisfaction with tions nationwide. Buddhist with symptoms, while state the captured kidnappers. released yet,” Dimash “thorough” investigation. a new draft law, which they temples also called off events, media said leader Kim Jong Un “There was an exchange of Alzhanov, one of Oyan Qaza- Activists have cited video argue would introduce addi- while major Christian churches held a meeting on tougher fire between the police per- qstan’s founding members, told footage of Agadil’s corpse with tional restrictions. held online services. measures. sonnel and the accused during the rescue operations,” DCP Anto Alphonso of Dwarka said yesterday. Passport not mandatory for foreigners for citizenship: Indian court “Arms, a car besides some cash have also been seized by IANS — KOLKATA petition saying he was being valid passport, since they were The petitioner then moved The counsel argued that it the police from the accused. denied the citizenship of India refugees under distress, the Bhattacharya’s court submitting is mandatory to file an appli- Joint Commissioner of Police The Calcutta High Court has because of his inability to file counsel said. that a complete application as cation in Form III for the appli- (JCP) Shalini Singh said the ruled that it is not mandatory an application under Section 5 The petitioner had previ- directed by the Coordinate cation of the petitioner under foreign national was kidnapped for foreigners to produce a valid (1) (c) of the Citizenship Act, ously approached a coordinate Bench cannot be possibly filed Section 5(1)(c) of the Act to be from outside an ATM kiosk on passport and its particulars for 1955, apparently due to the Bench of the court, wherein a by his client due to the man- considered at all. February 27. processing of application for mandatory requirement of fur- single judge, passed an order on datory requirement of In view of the petitioner not “The kidnappers than called grant of Indian citizenship if he nishing a copy of the passport July 25, 2018, directing him to uploading a copy of his complying with the mandatory the foreign national’s friend and is able to satisfy the appropriate for such application. comply with the formalities passport, which the petitioner requirement of submitting a placed a ransom demand of authorities the reasons for non- The petitioner’s counsel required, as communicated by does not have due to reasons copy of his passport, the state Rs20 million,” Singh said. availability of the document. submitted that Khan was a the secretary to the Government beyond his control. government cannot, under the The kidnappers, identified Justice Sabysachi Bhatta- Pakhtoon citizen and due to of India to the Secretary to the The counsel said Khan is law, forward such application as Anup and Naveen, asked the charya passed the order while political turmoil in the said Government of West Bengal married to an Indian citizen, has to the union government. foreigner’s friends to meet them disposing off a petition by state, which subsequently (Home), vide a letter dated a daughter and living in India After hearing all sides, Justice along with the ransom money granting the petitioner liberty merged partially into Afghan- December 7, 2017. for close to half a century. Bhattacharya said although the at a secluded place on to file an application before the istan and partially into Pakistan, The court had then also The counsel for the union of rule “contemplates that an appli- Najafgarh-Jharoda road. authority “as contemplated in he, as a five-year old, had to given liberty to the petitioner to India submitted that in view of cation shall not be entertained “The kidnappers tried to Rule 11 of the Citizenship Rules migrate to India with his father apply afresh before the appro- no application having been filed unless the application is made flee. However, the police 2009, upon furnishing explain 1973. priate authority under Section by the petitioner, there is no in Form III, such provision does managed to nab them,” the nation as to the non-availability Under such circumstances, 5(1)(c) of the 1955 Act, having scope of granting such proposed not make the availability of a police officer said, adding the of the passport”. the petitioner could not have complied with all the application at the present passport a mandatory foreigner was rescued safely. Bismillah Khan had filed the any opportunity of having a formalities. juncture for the Union. requirement”. MONDAY 2 MARCH 2020 ASIA 13 Ghani announces extending truce with Taliban for a week Reduction of violence will continue with the Pompeo sees inter-Afghan goal of achieving a complete ceaseﬁre, negotiations in coming days Afghan President REUTERS — WASHINGTON Ashraf Ghani said US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo yesterday expressed hope that negotiations would begin in the coming days between yesterday during a Afghanistan’s government and the Taliban after the United press conference. States signed an agreement with the Taliban on a US troop pullout. AGENCIES — KABUL Pompeo told CBS’s “Face the Nation” programme the agreement signed on Saturday was historic and contained detailed commitments by the Taliban to reduce violence in the Afghan President Ashraf Ghani country, paving the way for negotiations among the Afghan has announced extension to the people on the future of the country for the first time in nearly temporary truce between the two decades. government and Taliban “We are hopeful that there will be inter-Afghan negotia- movement for one week, hoping tions that commence as well,” Pompeo said, adding that US to agree on a complete ceasefire President Donald Trump would be actively engaged in the in the country. process. Pompeo gave no date for Trump’s promised meeting Reduction of violence will with Taliban leaders. continue with the goal of achieving a complete ceasefire, Ghani said yesterday during a US will initially withdraw 8,600 will not free thousands of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani (right) gestures as he arrives for a press conference at the Presidential press conference. He also of its troops from Afghanistan Taliban prisoners ahead of all- Palace, in Kabul, yesterday. explained that the US com- within 135 days. Washington and Afghan power-sharing talks set mander of foreign forces in its allies will also withdraw all for next week, disagreeing with Afghanistan Scott Miller their forces from five military a timetable for a speedy prisoner Washington’s Peace Envoy, “The request has been made the group as “tired of war.” informed the Taliban of this bases, while the US and its allies release laid out just a day earlier Zalmay Khalilzad, who served by the United States for the Many Afghans, however, decision. will complete the withdrawal of in a US-Taliban peace as America’s first ambassador to release of prisoners and it can have welcomed the possibility The agreement for bringing the remaining forces from agreement. Afghanistan after the 2001 US be part of the negotiations but it of peace. peace to Afghanistan was signed Afghanistan within nine and a President Ashraf Ghani’s invasion, spent the past 17 cannot be a precondition,” Ghani Afghans in eastern Nan- in Doha on Saturday between half months. comments pointed to the first months running on-again, off- said. The intra-Afghan talks garhar posted pictures of dozens the US and the Afghan Taliban The USA will work with all hitch in implementing the fragile again talks with the Taliban to between squabbling political of men dancing in the street to movement, announcing an end parties involved in the deal, which is aimed at ending hammer out the agreement. factions and rival Taliban in celebrate the signing. In eastern to 18 years of fighting in the agreement to release political America’s longest war after Ghani told a news con- Afghanistan are even more Khost province, a Taliban country, and paving the way for prisoners and prisoners for more than 18 years and getting ference in the Afghan capital of intricate — even if a potential stronghold, the night sky was the start of reconstruction in reasons related to the conflict, rival Afghan factions to agree on Kabul yesterday that this wasn’t failure might not slow the with- alight with red tracer bullets afghanistan. for up to five thousand Taliban their country’s future. a promise the United States drawal of American forces. fired by celebrating residents. According to the Doha prisoners, with the aim of Still, the US has said a could make. He said the release President Donald Trump told Footballers in southern Helmand agreement, signed by US special building confidence between the planned US troop withdrawal of any prisoners was a decision reporters on Saturday at the Province, also a Taliban envoy to Afghanistan Zalmay parties and enhancing coordi- over the next 14 months is linked for his government to take and White House that he will be stronghold that has seen heavy Khalilzad and Head of the nation between them. to the Taliban’s counter-ter- that he wasn’t ready to release “meeting personally with violence, began a three-day Political Office of Afghan Taliban Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s rorism performance, not to prisoners before the start of Taliban leaders in the not-too- soccer tournament to celebrate Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the president said yesterday that he progress in intra-Afghan talks. negotiations. distant future,” and described the signing. Pakistan launches Chaman border crossing coronavirus awareness portal to be closed for a week INTERNEWS — ISLAMABAD over virus: Pakistan Pakistan’s Federal Ministry of Health Services, in coordi- INTERNEWS — QUETTA yesterday said 510 pilgrims nation with the National Infor- from Iran were under quaran- mation Technology Board Pakistan yesterday announced tined at the Pakistan House. (NITB), has launched a web to close Chaman border with A day earlier, Balochistan’s portal offering latest infor- Afghanistan in its Balochistan health officials declared 252 mation and updates regarding province for one-week amid pilgrims from Iran free from the novel coronavirus. the coronavirus outbreak in the coronavirus after putting them “The NITB team has acti- neighbouring country. under quarantine for 15 days. vated this portal for the general The interior ministry in its According to officials, the public on behalf of the Ministry notification said the border will pilgrims were cleared after they of Health within the shortest remain close for one week were screened by the health possible time frame,” NITB CEO starting from today. officials. Shabahat Ali Shah said at the The move comes after Meanwhile, two more cases web portal launch over the Kabul confirmed its first case of the novel coronavirus were weekend. of the coronavirus on Monday confirmed by Special Assistant “We are hoping that this with several others being tested to PM on Health Dr Zafar Mirza Activists of Jamiat Ulema-e Islam Nazryate party celebrate the signing of agreement between the tool will serve as an effective for the diseases. on Saturday. US and the Taliban during a rally in Quetta, Pakistan, yesterday. source of information for all,” Ferozuddin Feroz, the min- “We have received reports he added. Special Assistant to ister of public health, told a of two more positive cases of the PM on Health Dr Zafar press conference one of three coronavirus, one has been Mirza tweeted that an online suspected cases had been con- reported in Sindh province, coronavirus platform for fre- Pakistan hails Doha Accord as firmed in the Western province (the) other in federal areas,” quently asked questions (FAQs) of Herat. Mirza told a press conference. was also being launched. In addition to the border Earlier, the Sindh Health “In addition to the 1169 start of peace in Afghanistan closure, strict precautionary Department had confirmed that COVID19 helpline, we are also measures have also been put a patient who had returned launching an online corona- INTERNEWS — ISLAMABAD Accord signed between US and in bringing peace to Afghanistan. in place in border areas to stop from Iran, had been diagnosed virus platform for frequently the Taliban. This is the start of a Meanwhile, Foreign Minister the spread, including the estab- with the infection in Karachi at asked questions (FAQs) about Pakistan has welcomed the peace and reconciliation process Qureshi after witnessing the lishment of an isolation ward 5pm. the disease. Please go to app. signing of Doha Accord between to end decades of war and suf- signing ceremony said that Doha at District Hospital Parachinar The patient and those who nhsrc.gov.pk for more info and the United States and Taliban as fering of the Afghan people,” Accord was important, both in in Pakistan’s tribal areas in came into contact with him spread this among your friends, a major step towards peace in Prime Minister Imran Khan symbolism and substance, for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. have also been quarantined, family and followers.” Afghanistan after 18 years of war tweeted and said he stood vin- Afghanistan, the region and Moreover, screening at the confirmed the provincial health The web portal has been and hoped that Afghan factions dicated that a political solution beyond. Babe-e-Dosti border crossing department. created in view of the rising would avail this opportunity to was the only route to peace. “It is a significant step in Chaman is underway. Speaking about the two threat of COVID-19 in various reach a mutual accommodation. Cautioning about the chal- forward by US and Taliban in Medical checkpoints have also earlier cases of coronavirus in countries. Pakistan was represented at lenges ahead for the peace advancing the ultimate aim of been set up at Torkham border Pakistan, Dr Mirza said there The portal contains details the signing ceremony in the process, Khan said: “Now all peace and reconciliation in for those coming into the was no need to panic as they about the symptoms of Qatar capital by Foreign Minister stakeholders have to ensure that Afghanistan,” he maintained. country from Afgahnistan’s were both getting better. COVID-19, its spread in Shah Mahmood Qureshi. spoilers are kept at bay. My Qureshi hoped that the Nangarhar province. “One of the patients will be humans, incubation period, The agreement, under which prayers for peace for the Afghan Afghan parties would now seize According to the provincial discharged from the hospital protective measures, as well as the US committed to withdraw people who have suffered four this historic opportunity and health department, more than quite soon,” he said. travel and medical advisories, up to 5,000 troops in about four decades of bloodshed.” work out a comprehensive and 10,000 people have undergone Dr Mirza said that the among other information. and a half months and all Pakistan, which played a key inclusive political settlement for screening in the last five days infection spread to Pakistan More than 2,700 people remaining forces within 14 role in US-Taliban negotiations durable peace and stability in at the Chaman border. after cases were first reported have died in China since the months, if the deal holds, is that resulted in the signing of the Afghanistan and the region. Isolation wards have also in 47 countries. outbreak began in December expected to lead to initiation of accord, the prime minister said, He underlined the need for been set up at Pak-Afghan He said that the disease had last year. More than 78,000 intra-Afghan dialogue by March remained committed to playing international support for Afghan- Friendship Hospital, Landi spread to Pakistan last as the cases have been confirmed 10. its role in ensuring that the istan to enable its reconstruction Kotal and hospitals in Jamrud. government had taken nec- inside of Mainland China. “We welcome the Doha agreement held and succeeded and rehabilitation. Separately, officials essary precautions. All crew members have left Climate change lengthens Australian summers by 50%: Study REUTERS — SYDNEY Over the last two decades, The report was released as Aus- which traditionally marks the virus-hit ship in Japan: Minister summer across most of Australia tralia counts the cost of a dev- end of summer in Australia. Australian summers are now has been on average one month astating and lengthy bushfire Scientists have warned that AFP — TOKYO told reporters yesterday. Around effectively twice as long as its longer than half a century ago, season that burned nearly 12mn increased temperatures and 130 people — including the winters as climate change has while winter has contracted by hectares of bushland, killing 33 heatwaves will lead to more All crew members from a coro- captain and 98 health ministry increased temperatures since an average three weeks. people and an estimated 1 billion dangerous fire seasons and navirus-stricken cruise ship off officials who were working the middle of the last century, Over the past five years, the native animals. severe weather events, while Japan have now disembarked, aboard — tested negative for the research released in the wake analysis showed, Australian Dubbed a “black summer” shorter winters will reduce the the country’s health minister virus as they left the vessel, he of the nation’s unprecedented summers were on average 50 by Prime Minister Scott Mor- window for hazard reduction said. said. They will spend 14 days at fire season showed on Monday. percent longer than they were rison, the unusually prolonged to mitigate the impact of fires. The crew began leaving the government-designated dormi- The report by the Australia in the mid-twentieth century and intense bushfires have The Australia Institute Diamond Princess on Thursday tories before being allowed to Institute, a Canberra-based based on temperature readings. increased pressure on the gov- report found that some regional for quarantine ashore after the leave Japan. think tank, compared data from “Our findings are not a pro- ernment to reduce greenhouse areas, such as Port Macquarie last of the passengers had At least six people who were the past two decades with mid- jection of what we may see in gas emissions. on the mid-north coast of New departed. hospitalised after being taken off 20th century benchmarks of the future,” said Richie Merzian, While the major fires have South Wales state, experienced “Including the captain, all the ship have died, including a temperatures at the calendar climate and energy programme been contained or extinguished, more pronounced shifts, with crew members disembarked,” British male passenger, the start of seasons in temperate and director at the Australia Institute. more than a dozen were still seven additional weeks of health minister Katsunobu Kato health ministry said. sub-tropical parts of the country. “It’s happening right now.” burning at the end of February, summer. 14 ASIA MONDAY 2 MARCH 2020 Mahathir seeks Parliament vote as new Malaysian Prime Minister sworn in

AP — KUALA LUMPUR Mahathir said Parliament sitting now.” Already, two of the lawmakers among the Mahathir Mohamad called yesterday that the 114 have denied supporting yesterday for an urgent sitting of palace had refused Mahathir. Mahathir said he felt Malaysia’s Parliament to contest to hear him out. He betrayed by Muhyiddin’s move the appointment of a former ally and warned that UMNO leaders as prime minister under a Malay- called for an urgent including ex-Prime Minister majority coalition that could sitting of the lower Najib Razak, who is facing trial further split the nation following on corruption charges, may get the collapse of Mahathir’s multi- house of Parliament to off the hook. UMNO is the biggest racial reformist alliance. test Muhyiddin’s claim party in Muhyiddin’s new Muhyiddin Yassin, a sea- coalition. soned politician who once of majority support. “The court may find it embar- famously quipped that he is rassing to take action against the Malay first and Malaysian second, contested that assertion, saying government,” Mahathir said. Muhyiddin Yassin takes oath as the 8th Prime Minister of Malaysia, in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. was sworn in as the new leader the 94-year-old two-time prime “We have seen this happen at the palace yesterday after minister has the backing of 114 before during Najib’s time when getting the support of several lawmakers to return as premier he was able to manipulate the anonymity. Muhyiddin and former home minister under the #NotMyPM was trending on opposition parties. Among the for a third time, surpassing the court, change the charges and to Mahathir were former members short-lived alliance but only took Twitter, and dozens of protesters supporters was the corruption- 112 votes needed for a simple a certain extent, influence the of UMNO who formed Bersatu in up the post months later fol- rallied against what they called tainted United Malays National majority. decision of the court. I believe if 2016 amid anger over a massive lowing treatment for pancreatic the “death of democracy” on Organisation, which was ousted Mahathir said yesterday that the new government is installed corruption scandal involving the cancer. Saturday. by Mahathir’s Alliance of Hope the palace had refused to hear now with Najib in it, this is what 1MDB state investment fund. Muhyiddin’s new gov- “We expect a lot more pro- in a historic vote in 2018. him out. He called for an urgent is going to happen.” Muhyiddin is a longtime pol- ernment, dubbed the National Malay politics coming from his Muhyiddin, 72, pulled his sitting of the lower house of Par- Attorney-General Tommy itician who served in various Alliance, has stoked fears of government,” said James Chin, Bersatu party out of the alliance liament to test Muhyiddin’s claim Thomas, who oversaw a slew of ministries during Mahathir’s first increasing Islamisation because professor of Asian studies at Aus- on Monday, triggering its of majority support. The house is graft charges against Najib, his stint as prime minister for 22 it will also bring to power a party tralia’s University of Tasmania. collapse. due to resume on March 9, but wife, Rosmah Mansor, and years until 2003. with strong rural support that Nevertheless, he said, “Going Mahathir resigned as prime Mahathir said it could be delayed. several UMNO leaders after his He was appointed as deputy espouses strict Islamic laws. forward, what I foresee is that minister in protest of the plan that “People on our side may be appointment by Mahathir, has prime minister when Najib took Ethnic Malays account for 60 Mahathir will still be (in) the would bring UMNO back to offered to be ministers. They may quit. An official from the attorney power in 2009 but was sacked percent of Malaysia’s 32 million game.” power. After a week of political be offered other things,” he said. general’s office chambers said in 2015 after he criticised Najib’s people, which includes sizable With Mahathir seeking to turmoil, the king said on Saturday “We feel we have 114, but Thomas tendered his resignation handling of the 1MDB scandal. minorities of ethnic Chinese and move a motion of no-confidence that he believed Muhyiddin had after the actions taken by these on Friday evening and that an an Bersatu teamed up with the Indians. against Muhyiddin in Parliament, the majority support of law- very rich and very powerful official announcement will be Alliance of Hope with a pact that Many Malaysians expressed Chin said horse trading was makers and named him the new people, we may not have the 114,” issued this week. The official was Mahathir would eventually hand outrage on social media over the expected to intensify as both leader. he said. “So the test of the not authorised to speak to the over power to former rival Anwar betrayal of their vote for a change camps seek to solidify their But Mahathir’s camp has pudding is in the eating; hold the media and spoke on condition of Ibrahim. Muhyiddin was the in 2018 polls. The hashtag support. Australia’s first virus death confirmed as Diamond Princess passenger Malaysian police arrest man for REUTERS — MELBOURNE evacuated from the cruise ship The man’s widow also caught would continue to do what it it would deny entry to all for- off Yokohama, one of more than the virus, but is in stable con- could to protect Australians from eigners travelling from Iran insulting King, A former passenger on the 150 Australians taken off the dition, the health official said. coronavirus. because of the spreading virus in Diamond Princess cruise ship vessel. Australia’s tally of virus infections “We are monitoring and the Islamic republic. probe 3 others that was quarantined off Japan “Our condolences are with rose by one to 26 yesterday, the responding to the information we There have been more than for coronavirus died in a hospital his family and unfortunately he’s latest government figures are receiving every day,” Mor- 85,000 virus infections in Perth yesterday, a health the first death we’ve had from showed. rison tweeted. worldwide, the majority in China, REUTERS — KUALA LUMPUR official said, becoming Australia’s coronavirus in Australia,” Prime Minister Scott Mor- “We are not immune, but we the World Health Organization first death from the virus. Andrew Robertson, the chief rison said in a tweet that he was are as prepared as any country said. Outside China, it has spread Malaysia has arrested a man The 78-year-old man had health officer of Western Aus- saddened to hear of the man’s can be and we will get through to 53 countries, with more than and started investigating three been in quarantine since being tralia state, told journalists. passing and the government this.” On Saturday, Australia said 6,000 cases and 86 deaths. others for social media posts that insult the king and threaten public order, the police said yesterday. Coronavirus: First death The social media posts followed the king’s decision on Saturday to name former reported in Thailand; 4 interior minister Muhyiddin Yassin as Malaysia’s next prime minister. A 35-year-old man new cases in Malaysia was remanded yesterday over a Facebook update insulting the AGENCIES — ANKARA Bamrasnardura Infectious Dis- king. Further investigations are eases Institute where he died ongoing, the police said in a Thailand reported the first on Saturday of multiple organ statement. Another two men are death from the new corona- failure. also under investigation for virus, officially known as A total of 42 coronavirus insulting the king in Facebook COVID-19, while Malaysia cases have been confirmed in posts, while a Twitter user is reported four new cases of Thailand so far. being investigated as well. coronavirus yesterday, bringing The virus was first detected The latter “deliberately the total number of infections in Wuhan, China last December. uploaded a statement with ele- in the country to 29. The global death toll ments of sedition that can cause According to the local daily reached 2,980 with China being an environment of disharmony, Bangkok Post, the authorities the worst hit and reporting disorder, feelings of enmity and announced that a 35-year-old nearly 80,000 confirmed cases. disrupting public peace and patient who was diagnosed with The World Health Organi- safety,” police said. the disease died, marking the sation, which already declared Fadiah Nadwa Fikri, who first death. the outbreak an international tweeted under the handle @ Suwannachai Wattanaying- health emergency, updated the FadiahNadwa, posted a charoenchai, director-general global risk level to very high. message calling for those “out- Health officials wearing face masks check the body temperature of policewomen before an anti- of the Department of Disease In Malaysia, all of the new raged by the betrayal” to rally government rally, in Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday. Control of the Public Health cases were among Malaysian on Saturday night. Ministry, said that the patient nationals, one of whom had Fadiah said in a text was hospitalised due to dengue travelled to China while another further details about the person. its employees had been diag- and safety measures and pre- message that she had been fever, however, he was also had travelled recently to Milan, Of Malaysia’s total cases, 22 nosed with the virus. cautions, including identifying singled out by the authorities. diagnosed with the coronavirus northern Italy, the health min- patients have recovered and It cancelled a media briefing individuals who have come into “Malaysians have been after his admission to the istry said. been discharged from scheduled for today on its close contact with the expressing worry, grief, anger hospital. Malaysia’s sovereign wealth hospital. financial results and said it was employee. The coronavirus has and frustration over the Suwannachai said the male fund Khazanah Nasional said Khazanah Nasional said in working with health authorities spread from China. In Europe, scheming and power tussle by patient, who was a retail one of the new cases was one a statement that health author- and office premises man- northern Italy has reported the politicians. The police have worker, was transferred to of its employees, without giving ities had notified it that one of agement on necessary health most number of cases so far. singled me out for a gathering held on Saturday,” she said. Indonesia’s hospital defends policies to tackle coronavirus Japan warns REUTERS — JAKARTA Muhammad Syahril, director of health authorities. nurses without masks, despite Putranto said last week. against trips to the Sulianti Saroso hospital in The hospital offers 11 iso- attending to a patient with fever. “Imagine if everybody who Indonesia has the resources to Jakarta, the capital, when asked lation rooms for patients with Fuelling concern about Indo- had a cough or flu was checked, South Korea cope with a coronavirus why Indonesia had detected no symptoms such as pneumonia, nesia’s vulnerability, four infec- then millions would be checked,” outbreak, the director of its cases. Syahril said, adding that three tions were confirmed in trav- he said, adding that it was “a leading infectious diseases “If we don’t have cases, we people were being treated, while ellers who had spent time there, blessing from the Almighty” that REUTERS — TOKYO hospital said, defending don’t have cases,” he said in an 21 were in isolation before including a Japanese national no cases had been found. detection procedures in the interview at the hospital on testing negative. living in Malaysia and one Tests are done at a Jakarta Japan yesterday raised its Southeast Asian nation of more Friday. “Why would we cover it The hospital was ready to returning to New Zealand from laboratory run by the health infectious disease advisory than 260 million, where no cases up?” tackle any outbreak, armed with Iran via the resort island of Bali. ministry, but Sundawa said levels for parts of South Korea have been reported. The virus has infected more experience gained in handling Indonesian physician Shela samples from outside the capital and Italy, urging its citizens not The world’s fourth most than 85,000 people globally and disease such as the 2003-2004 Putri Sundawa worries that could take too long to arrive for to take trips to South Korea’s populous nation has tested 141 killed nearly 2,800, the majority outbreak of Severe Acute Res- screening could miss potential optimal results. Daegu and Cheongdo regions suspected cases, a small figure in China, spreading to more than piratory Syndrome (SARS), he carriers without symptoms. Tests should also be cross and avoid non-urgent trips to for its population, sparking 50 countries. said. “When people have travel or checked with overseas labora- three areas in Italy due to the concern among some medical Sulianti Saroso is Indonesia’s A health ministry official contact history, but they only tories accredited by the World coronavirus outbreak. professionals of a lack of vigi- main hospital for handling sus- previously said that some hos- have issues with coughing or Health Organisation to dispel Until Saturday, the Jap- lance and a risk of undetected pected virus cases, among 135 pitals, particularly in eastern minor fever, they’ll just be mon- quality concerns, Arsul Sani, the anese government had told its cases. designated for the task. Indonesia, had smaller capacity itored,” she said, calling for vice chairman of the upper people not to make non-urgent Neighbouring Malaysia has Indonesia’s efforts have to handle virus cases. tighter surveillance. house of parliament, said. trips to Daegu and Cheongdo, reportedly run about 1,000 tests, included screening the temper- But even in Jakarta not all Tests were run when doctors The health ministry declined while advising potential trav- and Britain more than 10,000. atures of arrivals at airports and best practices appear to be fol- determined that symptoms to comment but said its labo- ellers to Italy’s Lombardy, “We can’t doubt our skills advising that any who later lowed and a recent visit to pointed “to that direction”, ratory was accredited by the Veneto and Emilia Romagna and the facts we gather,” said become unwell should contact another hospital revealed some Health Minister Terawan Agus WHO. to be cautious. MONDAY 2 MARCH 2020 EUROPE 15 UK virus cases jump, Johnson says he expects more REUTERS — LONDON I am very conﬁdent Virus cases in that this country Britain announced a jump in Germany almost coronavirus cases yesterday, (Britain) has the with 12 new infections taking capacity to deal with double to 117 the total to 35, and Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he it: Boris Johnson AFP — FRANKFURT AM MAIN expected the number to rise further. The number of people infected Johnson will chair a meeting “I am very confident that with the novel coronavirus in of the government’s emergency this country has the capacity to Germany jumped sharply to 117 response committee today, sig- deal with it.” yesterday, official data showed, nalling a step up in attempts to The government has as the interior minister said he tackle a virus that began in announced some details of its expected a vaccine by the end of China, where authorities “battle-plan” to cope with the the year. estimate it has killed almost virus, and is expected to set out The latest tally given by the 3,000 people worldwide. the rest later this week. Johnson Robert Koch Institute, Germany’s “We’ve found about 35 said closures of public events centre for disease control and pre- people in this country have, or and schools could be vention, showed that the number have had, the illness and clearly considered. of cases had almost doubled from there may be more. That is If the virus becomes more 66 on Saturday morning. likely now to spread a bit more,” widespread, the government More than half are in North Johnson said during a visit to a will look at registering retired Rhine-Westphalia, Germany’s public health facility in London. health workers to work again, most populous state where an infected couple attended car- nival celebrations. Two Swiss high school classes The deadly virus has now reached nine of Germany’s 16 states, with Frankfurt, Hamburg quarantined over coronavirus Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson (centre) meets with staff in a laboratory at the Public Health and Bremen among the cities AFP — GENEVA England National Infection Service in Colindale in north London, yesterday. reporting their first COVID-19 cases. Two high school classes and their teachers have been quaran- and whether encouraging According to the health The government is Speaking to the mass-daily tined in Switzerland after a student tested positive for the deadly people to work at home could department the outbreak in launching a new public infor- Bild am Sonntag, Interior Min- new coronavirus, regional authorities said yesterday. delay the virus’s peak until Britain remained in a “con- mation campaign this week, ister Horst Seehofer said he did The move at the Bienne technical high school marks the first summer when it can be more tainment” phase despite yes- encouraging people to wash not see a swift end to the virus’s measures against COVID-19 that affect a school in Switzerland, easily dealt with. terday’s increase in cases. their hands for at least 20 spread but was optimistic a cure where over 20 people have tested positive since a first case Chief Medical Office Chris Health Minister Matt seconds, and to do so more could be found. emerged less than a week ago. Whitty said that as of 0900 GMT Hancock said that he did not often than normal. “I estimate that a vaccine will Authorities in the canton of Bern, where the school is located, there had been 12 new positive rule out any measures to The number of countries hit be available by the end of year,” said that a 21-year-old woman had been found to have the virus, tests in Britain, bringing the contain the spread of the virus by the coronavirus climbed past he said, adding that he himself after she returned from a trip to Milano in Italy, which has been total to 35. but said any further restrictions 60 yesterday, and infections had stopped shaking people’s hard-hit by the outbreak. Of those new positive tests, would be based on scientific and deaths continued to mount hands. As a result, two classes had been placed in quarantine for three had been in close contact evidence, and that for now around the globe, emptying Asked whether Germany the next 15 days, authorities said. with an existing known case, six people should go about their streets of tourists and workers, would go so far as to close off According to the ATS news agency, 45 students and nine had recently travelled from Italy business as usual. shaking economies and access to cities or regions, he teachers were affected. and two from Iran. The issue will become a rewriting the realities of daily said “such a scenario would be A luxury resort hotel in Bad Ragaz in St Gallen has also They were investigating one standing item for all cabinet life. a last resort”. ordered five employees into quarantine after they came into case with no relevant travel, to meetings and there will be more More than 87,000 people The state of Bavaria close contact with a person who tested positive in Zurich, the find out how they caught the media briefings from health worldwide have been infected, announced four new cases Blick daily reported yesterday. virus. officials. and nearly 3,000 have died. yesterday. Mother protests in Berlin for daughter Swiss govt files complaint over Crypto spying scandal

'kidnapped' by REUTERS — VIENNA reading other nations’ secret public last month by Swiss, report by SonntagsZeitung authorising exports of sensitive messages encoded with tech- German and US investigative newspaper. equipment, believes it was terrorist group The Swiss government has filed nology sold by Swiss firm journalists. A spokeswoman for Swit- deceived into clearing the sale a criminal complaint over the Crypto AG. “The Office of the Attorney- zerland’s Economy Ministry of Crypto’s machines and ANATOLIA – BERLIN US Central Intelligence Agency’s The case of Crypto, which General confirms it has received confirmed that the complaint software, and argues it would alleged use of a cryptography sold encryption devices and a criminal complaint by the had been filed but declined to never have done so had it A mother of a 20-year-old girl company as a front to spy on software while being secretly State Secretariat for Economic elaborate. known of the scheme. started a lone protest in Berlin various governments’ secret owned by US and German Affairs (SECO) dated February The technology Crypto sold The Swiss government has to reunite with her daughter communications, the Swiss intelligence services that could 2, 2020 regarding possible vio- to dozens of governments appointed a former Swiss allegedly kidnapped by the attorney-general’s office said freely read what it encrypted, lations of export control law,” including those of Iran, India, Supreme Court justice to look PKK terrorist organisation. yesterday. is embarrassing for neutral the attorney-general’s office Pakistan, Libya, Egypt, Chile, into Operation Rubicon. He is Holding placards, Maide T The complaint against Switzerland and could hurt its said in a statement. SECO is part and Argentina had deliberate due to report back by the end staged a demonstration in front persons unknown for alleged international reputation, par- of the Swiss Economy flaws or built-in back doors that of June and the cabinet will be of the Navende Kurdistaniyen breaches of the law governing ticularly if it turned a blind Ministry. made messages easily readable briefed. li Berline association. export controls follows recent eye. The attorney general’s office to US and German spies. In But pressure is mounting for She claims her daughter, reports on “Operation Although the outlines of will review the complaint effect, those client countries parliament to launch its own Nilufer T, who went missing Rubicon”, which for decades Operation Rubicon were known before deciding whether to paid millions to be spied on. investigation to find out who in on November 12 last year, was involved the CIA and German for years, new details about its open criminal proceedings, the SonntagsZeitung said SECO, Switzerland knew about the “tricked” by the terror group. BND spy services covertly scope and duration were made statement said, confirming a which is in charge of scheme. “Unfortunately, young people are being deceived here and taken to other European countries,” she said, adding that Macron bypassing Parliament to her daughter used to visit the association after her classes for pass pension reform stirs protest “folk activities.” With banners calling upon BLOOMBERG — PARIS constitutional provision to end German Chancellor Angela further debate means the draft Merkel and Interior Minister French President Emmanuel reform will move directly to the Horst Seehofer to help in the Macron’s decision to push Senate as opposition parties recovery of her daughter, through a controversial pension won’t likely have enough Maide said she will protest for reform without a vote in the support to vote out the gov- an hour every Friday. lower house of Parliament ernment in the lower house. “My daughter was tricked sparked protests among oppo- It’s a “missed opportunity by supporters of the terrorist sition lawmakers, who called to reform our pension system organisation. We can’t reach for a no-confidence vote to oust to ensure its sustainability, and her... I will continue the the government. make it fairer,” the opposition struggle to save her from their The decision to use a con- Republican party said in its call hands,” she said. stitutional manoeuvre to to vote the government out. bypass the lower house could The government reform put an end to two weeks of aims to encourage people to Kosovar judoka gets debate that government law- continue to work beyond the makers say has been marred minimum retirement age of 62 statue in hometown by delaying tactics by the as the growing ranks of retirees opposition. puts further strains on public Locals who prevent migrants on a dinghy from disembarking at the port of Thermi beat a journalist, AP — PEJA The move means that a finances. The government pays as a woman tries to stop them, on the island of Lesbos, in Greece, yesterday. provisional version of the bill out about $352bn in pensions Olympic champion Majlinda could be passed before per year, about 14% of gross Kelmendi, the first athlete Migrants clash with Greece police at border municipal elections on March domestic product. from Kosovo to win a gold 15 and 22, which are expected The plan to replace 42 dif- medal at the games, now has REUTERS — KASTANIES enter the country. said some migrants blocked to be challenging for Macron’s ferent pension regimes with a a statue in her hometown. At least 500 people had from crossing had also thrown three-year-old LREM party. single, points-based system, Hundreds of people with- Greek police fired tear gas to arrived by sea on the Greek metal bars and hand-held tear “They didn’t want to listen was part of Macron’s pledge stood rain to gather in Peja for repel hundreds of stone- islands of Lesbos, Chios and gas canisters at police on the to the unions, nor to the during his 2017 presidential the unveiling of the bronze throwing migrants who sought Samos close to the Turkish Greek side. business federations, but they campaign to overhaul taxes, statue. to force their way across the coast within a few hours on Turkey said on Thursday it won’t be able to turn a deaf ear labor laws and the welfare The 28-year-old Kelmendi border from Turkey yesterday, Sunday morning, police said. would no longer restrain hun- to voters,” said Olivier Faure, system. is a Kosovar judoka who com- witnesses said, with thousands Along the northeastern dreds of thousands of asylum the head of the opposition France’s supreme admin- petes in the 52kg category. In more behind them after Ankara mainland border, some seekers in its territory from Socialist Party. istrative jurisdiction has 2016, she was the first Kosovar relaxed curbs on their migrants waded across a reaching Europe, their pre- The decision was warned there are gaps in the athlete to win a medal at the movement. shallow section of the Evro ferred destination, despite a announced on Saturday, the financial forecasts of the Olympics, taking gold. She is a It was the second straight River to the Greek side. Wit- commitment to do so under a same day as the government pension reform and said that it two-time world champion and day of clashes at the border nesses said there were groups deal reached with the European said it will ban large gatherings can’t guarantee the legal cer- two-time European champion. crossing by the northeastern of up to 30, including an Union in 2016. to limit the coronavirus out- tainty of the bills. “I strongly believe that the Greek town of Kastanies in Afghan mother with a five- Turkey’s turnabout came break after confirmed cases in “The pension reform would statue will motivate children which police drove back day-old infant, by the side of a after an air strike killed 33 the country topped 100. The have deserved a real debate,” in Kosovo to achieve successes approaching migrants with road after having forded the Turkish soldiers in northwest pension reform had prompted Geoffroy Roux de Bezieux, the in life like me,” Kelmendi said. volleys of tear gas. river. Syria where Ankara has strikes and national protests by head of Medef, France’s biggest The statue shows Kel- Greece had placed its The clashes occurred later deployed forces in support of public sector transport business federation, said in a mendi in a judogi uniform and borders on maximum-security in the day at the Kastanies rebels and to help secure its workers, which had largely tweet. ready to fight. It cost about footing earlier yesterday after crossing after riot police rein- border against a new influx of died down since the start of the “Too many questions $220,000, funded from the hundreds of other migrants forced security there. refugees from the Syrian civil year. remain unanswered, including local federation. used porous crossing points to A Greek government source war. The decision to use a the funding one.” 16 EUROPE MONDAY 2 MARCH 2020 Slovakia’s populist wins vote with anti-graft stance

AP — BRATISLAVA “We will try to form Kuciak and his fiancee, Martina the best government Kusnirova, triggered major Slovakia’s centre-right populist street protests and a political opposition claimed victory Slovakia’s ever had,” crisis that led to the collapse of yesterday in the country’s Ordinary People Fico’s three-party coalition parliamentary election, ending government. the reign of the long-dominant chairman Igor Matovic Kuciak had been writing but scandal-tainted leftist party told 2,000 cheering about alleged ties between the in a move that analysts said supporters. Italian mafia and people close showed a strong desire by to Fico when he was killed and voters to end corruption. also wrote about corruption According to final results scandals linked to Fico’s party. released by the Statistics Office, 46, has made fighting cor- A new cabinet was made up the Ordinary People group cap- ruption and attacking Fico the of ministers from the same tured 25 percent of Saturday’s central tenet of his campaign. three parties. vote and 53 seats in the 150-seat He is likely to become the coun- “This was a clear vote parliament. The senior ruling try’s next prime minister. against corruption practices of leftist Smer-Social Democracy Officials measured the tem- the ruling party, against the party led by former populist perature of every person links between politicians and Prime Minister Robert Fico coming into the hall due to fears semi-mafia in this country and Ordinary People and Independent Personalities (OLANO) party leader, Igor Matovic, gestures in came in second with 18.3 about the new coronavirus. Slo- the quest for rule of law,” said front of supporters at his party’s headquarters after the country’s parliamentary elections, in Trnava, percent or 38 seats. vakia hasn’t a single confirmed Olga Gyarfasova, an analyst Slovakia, yesterday. The results steered the case yet. from Comenius University in country to the right and could The ruling Smer party has Bratislava. Andrej Kiska that finished with Matovic is a skilled poli- wrongdoing. A video of the eventually make a local ally of been in power for most of the In a further blow to Smer, 5.8 percent of the vote and 12 tician who knows how to make event went viral on social France’s far-right National Rally past 14 years, winning big in its two current coalition seats. news. media. party led by Marine Le Pen a every election since 2006 in partners, the ultra-nationalist Although the three parties In January, he traveled to an The extreme far-right Peo- part of Slovakia’s governing Slovakia, a European Union Slovak National Party and a would have a majority with 78 upscale neighbourhood in ple’s Party Our Slovakia, whose coalition. nation of almost 5.5 million party of ethnic Hungarians, seats, Matovic said he also Cannes, France, where he members use Nazi salutes and “We will try to form the best people in central Europe. The didn’t win any seats in wanted to rule with Le Pen’s placed a poster that read “the want Slovakia out of the EU and government Slovakia’s ever party won 28.3 percent in 2016 Parliament. ally, We Are Family, a populist property of Slovakia” in front Nato, became the fourth-most had,” Ordinary People chairman after campaigning on an anti- Matovic is expected to right-wing group that placed of a luxurious villa that belongs popular party in the country with Igor Matovic told 2,000 migrant ticket but it was govern with the pro-business third in Saturday’s vote with 8.2 to Jan Pociatek, Fico’s former 8 percent support and 17 seats. cheering supporters in a sports damaged by political turmoil Freedom and Solidarity party, percent support and 17 seats. finance minister. But all other parties have hall in his hometown of Trnava, following the 2018 slayings of which captured 6.2 percent “I’d like to assure everybody Matovic accused Pociatek ruled out cooperating with it, northeast of the capital, an investigative journalist and support and 13 seats and the that there’s nothing to worry of corruption, saying he could for the party backs the legacy Bratislava. his fiancee. conservative For People estab- about,” he said. “We’re not here never earn so much money to of the Slovak Nazi puppet World The pro-western Matovic, The killings of journalist Jan lished by former President to fight cultural wars.” afford the villa. Pociatek denied War II state. Police arrest Report lists judges, prosecutors facing reprisals in Poland suspected Polish AP — WARSAW that seemed to deviate from do not and will not agree to could undercut judicial inde- pro-EU Civic Platform party, government policy. politicize the courts”. pendence, the rule of law and said. drug gang boss An association of judges in Among those listed in the The report also names and the democratic system of Kidawa-Blonska is among Poland published a report report as being subject to quotes government and judi- checks and balances. several candidates challenging REUTERS — BUDAPEST listing dozens of judges and reprisals is Warsaw District ciary officials who, it says, have One recent law allows pol- Poland’s incumbent president, prosecutors who face reprisals Court Judge Igor Tuleya; Olsztyn been publicly “slandering” the iticians to fine and fire judges Andrzej Duda. A Polish woman suspected of and disciplinary measures for District Court Judge Pawel judges and prosecutors in who are considered biased Opinion polls suggest she being the head of a Polish drug having criticized or questioned Juszczyszyn and Iustitia’s pres- Poland and internationally. because of their group affilia- may provide competition for trafficking group based in changes the country’s right- ident, Judge Krystian The government says the tions or take actions regarded Duda, who is backed by the Krakow was arrested in wing government has made to Markiewicz of the District Court changes it has introduced since by the government as harmful ruling party. Slovakia after a joint operation the judicial system. in Katowice. 2016 were designed to make the to the Polish court system. Kidawa-Blonska said that by Polish, Hungarian and The 200-page report issued Markiewicz has urged the justice system more efficient At a political convention on as president, she would work Slovakian security forces, by the Polish judges’ association European Union to act in and free of jurists left over from Saturday, the main opposition to regain Poland’s place as a Hungarian police said Iustitia named judges and pros- defense of judicial inde- Poland’s communist era. candidate in Poland’s May 10 respected European Union yesterday. ecutors who were called before pendence in Poland. Some In response to criticism presidential election said that member and to unify the The 32-year-old woman disciplinary bodies, moved to 4,000 out of Poland’s 10,000 coming from newer judges, the if elected, she would make right country after what she had been under an Interpol lower courts or had cases taken judges are Iustitia members. government said it is taking “all wrongs done to inde- described as divisions created arrest warrant. She had away from them. “As judges we stand guard steps to prevent “anarchy” in pendent judges” by the ruling by the conservative Law and escaped to Slovakia from The actions took place after over the civil rights and the court system. Law and Justice party. Justice government. Budapest in the boot of a car the lawyers and jurists com- freedoms enshrined in the Con- The EU, international “Poland’s judges are perse- She said her guiding values after her hiding place in the mented on the reorganisation stitution,” said the English-lan- judicial bodies and critics in cuted,” Malgorzata Kidawa- would be “mutual respect, trust Hungarian capital had been of the judiciary or issued rulings guage version of the report. “We Poland have said the changes Blonska, who is running for the and honesty.” identified by police last week, police said. After taking control of the group in 2017, the woman reor- Russia and Ukraine plan next ganised the gang by recruiting members of the KS Cracovia prisoner swap this month: Kiev soccer team’s extremist fans to engage in international drug REUTERS — KIEV trafficking, according to a police statement. Ukraine said yesterday that it had held talks with the Kremlin on Slovakian authorities must swapping all remaining prisoners from the conflict in east Ukraine, now decide whether to and the next exchange might take place later this month. extradite the woman to Russia’s President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Poland, but her lawyer said Volodymyr Zelenskiy agreed in December to send prisoners home, recent judiciary reforms had and scores were handed over just before the end of the year. undermined the fairness of the But many others are still being held, casting a shadow over Polish court system. efforts to roll out a peace deal and, eventually, settle the status of “In current circumstances the disputed region where the fighting raged between Ukrainian handing (the woman) over to forces and Russian-backed separatists. Polish law enforcement author- The head of the Ukraine president’s office, Andriy Yermak, met ities would be tantamount to senior Kremlin official Dmitry Kozak in Minsk, the presidency said. handing her over to wild can- “The parties discussed the issues of the mutual release of the nibals,” Maciej Burda said. detainees,” and the plan was to hold the next exchange in March, Since coming to power in it added, without giving details on the size of that swap. The con- 2015, Poland’s nationalist Law flict that broke out in 2014 killed more than 13,000 people, left a and Justice (PiS) party has large swathe of Ukraine de facto controlled by the separatists and introduced a series of judicial aggravated the deepest east-west rift since the Cold War. reforms that EU officials and The full release of prisoners could help thaw relations that democracy activists say may People wait in front of the Louvre Pyramide, in Paris, yesterday. have been frozen since Russian forces annexed Ukraine’s Crimea breach the bloc’s standards on Virus fears close down Louvre Museum region in 2014. the rule of law. AP — PARIS Louvre said a staff meeting Sacristin said the new Police clash with French islanders about virus prevention efforts measure exacerbated the fears The spreading coronavirus stopped the museum from of Louvre workers that they epidemic shut down France’s opening as scheduled yesterday might be in danger of contam- fearing coronavirus among tourists Louvre Museum yesterday, with morning. Would-be visitors ination. Louvre staffers were workers who guard its famous were still waiting yesterday also concerned about museum AFP — SAINT-DENIS DE LA docked at Reunion in the Indian against the arrival of tourists, trove of artworks fearful of afternoon to get inside but the workers from northern Italy REUNION Ocean with 2,000 passengers they are necessary for the being contaminated by the Louvre later announced it who had come to the museum on board. development of our economy. museum’s flow of tourists from would not open at all. to collect works by Leonardo Police used tear gas on The ship, flying the British We just want to be sure that around the world. Among the frustrated vis- da Vinci that were loaned for a protesting residents of France’s flag, was met by about 30 pro- there is no risk of the corona- Almost three-quarters of itors was Charles Lim from Sin- major exhibition, he said. Indian Ocean territory Reunion testers who had gathered at the virus propagating,” protester the Louvre’s 9.6 million visitors gapore. He and his wife, Italy, with over 1,100 coro- Island yesterday who tried to northwestern port to demand Yannis Latchimy said. last year came from abroad. Jeanette, chose Paris to cele- navirus cases and 29 deaths, block passengers of a cruise health checks of tourists to An agent of the regional The world’s most popular brate their first wedding anni- has been the epicenter of the ship turned away from nearby avoid the virus taking root on health authority was at the port museum welcomes tens of versary and bought tickets in outbreak in Europe. Madagascar for fear there may their island. to offer face masks and leaflets thousands of fans daily in Paris. advance for the Louvre, home Another meeting about be people infected with the The locals tried to prevent with coronavirus prevention “We are very worried to the “Mona Lisa” and other virus prevention at the Louvre coronavirus on board. visitors leaving the port, measures, but disembarking because we have visitors from famous artworks. He posted a is scheduled for today between The incident came just forcing the police to intervene. tourists were not seen having everywhere,” said Andre Sac- video on Twitter of the long union representatives and the hours after clashes between The protesters threw pebbles their temperature taken. None ristin, a Louvre employee and lines of people waiting to get in. museum management. police and protesters near the and bottles at the security took the proffered mask. union representative. “We waited for about 3 hours Sacristin, who will be airport in Martinique, another forces, who responded with “We don’t know if these “The risk is very, very, very before giving up,” he said. “It was taking part, said museum vis- French overseas territory, tear gas. people are sick, they were not great,” he said in a phone incredibly disappointing.” itors should be subjected to demanding strict control of any By this time, some 300 tested. It is very dangerous,” interview. While there are no The shutdown followed a health checks to protect new arrivals as panic over the other ship passengers had said Latchimy. known virus infections among French government decision on staffers and if any cases of outbreak spreads. already left the port by bus or No coronavirus cases have the museum’s 2,300 workers, Saturday to ban indoor public coronavirus contamination are Early yesterday morning, taxi on different island been reported in Reunion nor “it’s only a question of time”. gatherings of more than 5,000 confirmed “then the museum the Sun Princess ocean liner of excursions. in Martinique in the Caribbean A short statement from the people. should be closed.” the company Princess Cruises “Of course we are not Sea. MONDAY 2 MARCH 2020 AMERICAS 17 Trump says getting rid of 'bad' people made him successful AP — OXON HILL, MARYLAND Trump came into remember that.” ofﬁce railing against Trump didn’t call anyone US President Donald Trump out by name in his remarks, but said that his “journey” in the what he and his allies he has spoken negatively about nation’s highest office would call the “deep state” the previous FBI leaders during have been a failure had he not other public appearances. Since be able to rid the government — career government being acquitted on two articles of people he says are “bad”. employees and of impeachment and being Trump came into office political appointees allowed to stay in office, he has railing against what he and his reassigned individuals who tes- allies call the “deep state” — held over from prior tified against him during the career government employees administrations — proceedings or whom he per- and political appointees held ceives as disloyal to him. claiming it was out to US President Donald Trump (left) shakes hands with Matt Schlapp, Chairman of the American Conservative over from prior administrations He also has brought back to Union, at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) annual meeting at National Harbor in — claiming it was out to undermine him. the White House trusted aides undermine him. who had departed earlier in the Oxon Hill, Maryland, US, on Saturday. He said he has been replacing administration. them with “people who love our “We’re getting people who The Republican President, conservative federal judges between the US and the Taliban The President closed with a country”. “We have such bad really love our country and it’s who is seeking reelection, who’ve been confirmed by the aimed at ending war in Afghan- promise to his fawning sup- people and they’re not people so important,” he said. sought to fire up his audience Senate, his increased spending istan, and he pledged to protect porters to “be here next year, who love our country,” Trump “And if I wasn’t able to fulfill during the wide-ranging, nearly on the US military and creation the health and safety of Amer- OK?” In a reprise of his told several thousand cheering that, no matter what other 90-minute speech with talk of a new branch of the military icans “with vigor” amid an out- appearance at last year’s con- and chanting supporters at the things we’ve done, I would not against state and local policies known as the Space Force. break of coronavirus, which servative conference, Trump then the annual Conservative Political consider this journey to be a that shield undocumented Trump also touched on an overnight had claimed its first hugged and kissed an American Action Conference. success,” he said. “So just immigrants, the number of agreement signed on Saturday victim in the US. flag before he left the stage. Biden revives White House hopes with big South Carolina win

AFP — COLUMBIA Democratic primary electorate, Billionaire Tom was seen as crucial to Biden’s Former vice-president Joe hopes of reviving his flagging Steyer drops out Biden notched up a resounding campaign. win in the South Carolina Sanders has been the clear of Democratic primary on Saturday, reviving leader in the overall race, Presidential race his campaign for the Demo- winning two of the first three cratic presidential nomination contests and finishing in a and positioning him as the virtual tie in Iowa with the BLOOMBERG – WASHINGTON leading rival to frontrunner 38-year-old Buttigieg. Bernie Sanders. South Carolina was seen as Billionaire Tom Steyer ended The victory, powered by a key test of Sanders’ support his campaign for the Demo- support from African-American among African-Americans — cratic presidential nomination voters, was the 77-year-old crucial to a Democratic victory after a disappointing finish in Biden’s first in the race and may in November — but he only South Carolina, where he had give him momentum going into received the backing of around hoped to make a stand. “Super Tuesday” next week, 15 percent of black voters while Steyer didn’t garner when 14 states go to the polls. Biden received 60 percent enough of the vote to get any “Just days ago the press and according to exit polls. delegates. He had been betting the pundits had declared this Biden finished fourth in on a strong performance in candidacy dead,” Biden told Iowa, fifth in New Hampshire that state after doing poorly in hundreds of supporters at a and second in Nevada, and des- the first three early contests, victory rally in the South perately needed a win in South failing to crack the top four Carolina capital Columbia. Carolina ahead of Super slots in Iowa, New Hampshire “You’ve launched our cam- Democratic presidential candidate former vice-president Joe Biden celebrates with his supporters Tuesday, which decides a third and Nevada. paign on the path to defeating after declaring victory at an election-night rally at the University of South Carolina Volleyball Center of the delegates who formally “I can’t see a path where I Donald Trump,” he said. “We in Columbia, South Carolina. choose the Democratic nominee can win the presidency,” have the option of winning big at the July party convention. Steyer said in Columbia, South or losing big,” Biden added in a percent to 20 percent for the in South Carolina, was next with while Massachusetts Senator “The biggest question is Carolina. “I have no regrets.” dig at Sanders’ prospects 78-year-old Senator Sanders, 11.4 percent. Former South Elizabeth Warren had seven whether this will slingshot Joe In South Carolina, he spent against Trump in November’s a self-described “democratic Bend, Indiana mayor Pete Butt- percent. Biden into victory in some Super millions on television ads election. socialist.” Billionaire activist igieg, who has been challenging A victory in South Carolina, Tuesday states,” said Larry Sabato, before the other candidates With 99 percent of the Tom Steyer, who spent a Biden for the centrist vote, had where African-Americans make director of the Center for Politics invested in the state. ballots counted, Biden had 48.4 whopping $23m on advertising eight percent up around 60 percent of the at the University of Virginia. Steyer entered the race in July on a platform of reforming Silicon Valley the role of money in politics and Sanders raised $46.5m in February; Warren got $29m combating climate change. He weighs ‘shades also brought a willingness to AP — VIRGINIA and Washington, which vote on January that raised more than candidates like Biden — continue spend freely from his personal of blue’ in March 10, and Arizona, Florida, $25m. Sanders’ campaign to demonstrate the formidable fortune to deliver his message. presidential pick Bernie Sanders’ presidential Illinois and Ohio, which vote a immediately said it would use power of attracting small, online His departure leaves campaign said yesterday that it week later. The campaign said it the January funds to purchase donations nationwide. Michael Bloomberg as the only raised more than $46.5m in is “currently on the air in 12 out $5.5m in television and digital Warren, who finished fifth candidate left in the race who AFP — SAN FRANCISCO February, a show of financial of the 14 states” that are voting advertising in 10 Super Tuesday in South Carolina, hasn’t placed is self-funding his campaign. strength after the Vermont on Super Tuesday, in two days. states. better than third since Iowa’s Steyer decided to run The young and idealistic voters senator finished a distant “The senator’s multi-gen- That investment could still first-in-the-nation caucus. But, despite announcing in January in Silicon Valley are largely second behind Joe Biden in erational, multiracial working be paying off at a time when in a memo to supporters, her 2019 that he wouldn’t seek the united against US President South Carolina’s primary. class coalition keeps fueling his some rivals in a Democratic campaign manager Roger Lau presidency and would instead Donald Trump, but split over Fellow progressive Eliz- campaign for transformational field that remains crowded may attempted to project confidence focus on Need to Impeach, his the rival Democratic hopefuls abeth Warren announced a change a few bucks at a time,” struggle to raise money after going forward. He said the cam- advocacy organization as the crucial Super Tuesday short time later collecting a Sanders’ campaign manager disappointing finishes in early paign was spending more than devoted to removing President primaries loom. respectable $29m last month, Faiz Shakir said. He said that, states. Most other White House $2.4m on TV, digital and tradi- Donald Trump from office. Frontrunner Bernie as she copes with a weaker of the more than 2 million hopefuls haven’t yet released tional media ads in Super Steyer vowed to spend Sanders has gotten the most South Carolina showing. donations received this month, updated fundraising totals. Tuesday states, as well as more $100m on his campaign. He donations from the “internet Sanders’ team said it was more than 1.4 million were from Both Warren and Sanders - than $4.1m in every state that spent almost three times that industry,” according to making television ad buys in voters in Super Tuesday states. who are competing for the Dem- votes later in March and in Wis- much, with expenditures of tracking by the Center for nine more states: Idaho, The eye-popping haul ocratic Party’s most liberal wing consin, which holds its primary $271m through the end of Responsive Politics with rivals Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri follows an already impressive against more moderate on April 7. January. Pete Buttigieg and Elizabeth Warren not far behind in the tallies. “Silicon Valley is many Hollywood split as Democrats swap glitzy fundraisers for rallies shades of blue,” said Vivek Wadhwa, an entrepreneur and AFP – LOS ANGELES unusual any other year, but more on harvesting support author who is a professor at have been common in the 2020 from elected officials in Cali- Carnegie Mellon University’s From Tom Hanks to Scarlett race. “Hollywood has always fornia than movie stars. Silicon Valley branch. Johansson, Hollywood A-listers been a very important source This has left lucrative Los Sanders, who at 78 is from determined to see President of campaign fundraising for Angeles cocktail parties, dinners a different generation than the Donald Trump defeated are presidential candidates,” he and luncheons open for the likes typical tech worker, connects badly split over the best Dem- said. “This time has been a bit of Biden and Buttigieg. Biden has with the younger crowd by ocratic candidate to back with different.” This is partly due to moved to mobilize Hollywood promoting himself as a “dis- their silver-screen dollars. the large field of potential nom- contacts he forged as a senator ruptor,” like many emerging A search of federal donation inees, with many donors giving and vice president — he appeared tech firms, said San Jose State records shows Hanks has cut a to as many as three candidates, onstage at the Oscars in 2016 — University political science check for former vice president Carrick said. and is due to attend a major fun- professor Melinda Jackson. Joe Biden, while Johansson has For Steven Maviglio, a Dem- draiser hosted by former Para- With Californians set to donated to progressive Senator ocratic strategist in California’s mount boss Sherry Lansing. Butt- vote on this week’s Super Elizabeth Warren. “Cheers” star state capital Sacramento, the igieg has won a list of celebrity Tuesday, when 14 states go to Ted Danson gave the maximum stars “are as dazed and con- In this ﬁle photo a woman enters the historic Johnie’s Coffee Shop endorsements including Sharon the polls, support for Sanders $2,800 to Warren — but his fused about who’s the best one restaurant, reopened as Bernie’s Coffee Shop Volunteer Office in Stone, Kevin Costner and Michael and Warren comes even with wife, actress Mary Steenburgen, to beat Trump as everyone Los Angeles, California. J Fox — but started from a very the two progressive candi- also backed Biden. else.” This year’s confusion small base in Tinseltown. dates pledging to sharply George Takei of “Star Trek” stands in stark contrast to 2016, celebrities including Susan soirees typical of Hollywood Wealthy studio executives, raise taxes on high earners fame simply couldn’t make his when Hillary Clinton was Tin- Sarandon — and Dick Van Dyke, campaigns, in favor of pursuing on-screen stars and talent and break up the largest tech mind up. He donated to both seltown’s clear favorite. Sarah Silverman and Public vast numbers of small, online agents — with their enormous companies which dominate Biden and former Indiana In fact, some leading Dem- Enemy will feature at his Los donations. They have not client lists — will become more key economic sectors. mayor Pete Buttigieg. ocratic candidates have largely Angeles rally. Warren has “invested the time in Hollywood valuable as the November “Sanders does appeal to According to Los Angeles- skipped Hollywood’s glitzy drawn support from singer John because they don’t have the election approaches, said many of the workers who feel based Democratic strategist Bill private fundraiser circuit. Legend. But both Sanders and fundraising goals in mind,” said Carrick.And there should be no the downsides of income ine- Carrick, these split loyalties and Frontrunner Bernie Warren have blasted the Carrick. Billionaire candidate problem getting those people quality,” said Jackson. multiple donations would be Sanders’ message has attracted closed-door, uber-wealthy Michael Bloomberg has focused fired up. 18 AMERICAS MONDAY 2 MARCH 2020

US investigating Coronavirus time bomb: America’s whistle-blower allegations; vows to keep federal uninsured and brutal work culture workers safe AFP — WASHINGTON The number of Brandon Brown, an epidemiol- might highlight some of those about the coronavirus is to stay REUTERS — WASHINGTON Americans without ogist at UC Riverside. health care disparities that we home if you have mild respi- Like many Americans, Danjale The number of Americans already know about and are ratory symptoms, except to go The US government yesterday Williams is worried about the health insurance without health insurance began trying to work on, but haven’t to the doctor once you have said that it was investigating growing threat of the novel began falling from a falling from a high of 46.7 million figured out a way to solve,” said called in and if they think you complaints that federal coronavirus. What makes the high of 46.7 million in 2010 following the passage of Brian Garibaldi, the medical need to. “But a lot of people, workers were not given proper 22-year-old in Washington Obamacare (the Affordable Care director of Johns Hopkins Hos- depending on their jobs, their gear and training before even more frightened: The in 2010 following Act), but has risen again over the pital’s biocontainment unit. position and their privilege, are greeting US citizens evacuated thought of medical bills she just the passage of past two years. The current That’s not to say uninsured not able to do that,” said Brown. from a cruise ship that saw 691 can’t afford, as one of almost figure is about 8.5 percent of the people have no recourse if they The US is alone among cases of the fast-spreading 27.5 million people in the United Obamacare (the population. fall seriously ill. US law requires advanced countries in not coronavirus. States who don’t have health Affordable Care Act), Public health experts often that people who are truly sick offering any federally mandated US Health and Human insurance. but has risen again worry about the destructive get the care they need, paid sick leave. Though private Services (HHS) Secretary Alex “I definitely would second potential of a pandemic in poorer regardless of ability to pay. companies offer an average of Azar told CBS’s “Face the guess before going to the doctor, over the past two parts of the world like sub-Saharan Abigail Hansmeyer, a Min- eight days per year, only 30 Nation” he was personally because the doctor’s bill is crazy,” years. The current Africa or South Asia. nesota resident who along with percent of the lowest paid involved in the probe, and the she said. “If it did come down to figure is about By contrast, the US has her husband is uninsured, said workers are able to earn sick federal government was that, I don’t have enough savings some of the world’s best hos- that if she did fall ill, “we may days, according to the Economic determined to make sure its to keep me healthy.” 8.5 percent of the pitals and medical staff, but seek out the emergency room Policy Institute. workers were kept safe. As the virus begins spreading population. those not lucky enough to have for treatment.” But being For many of these people, Azar told CBS it had been in the west of the country, where good insurance through their treated doesn’t mean the visit missing even a day’s work can 14 days since any HHS the first death was reported on employer, and not poor enough was free and the uninsured can make a painful financial dent. worker had contact with the Saturday, public health experts or so undocumented migrants to qualify for state insurance, be lumped with huge bills after. An October 2019 evacuees from the Diamond warned the US has several char- afraid to come into contact with often opt out of the system “So we have to very care- nationwide survey of 2,800 Princess cruise ship, and acteristics unique among wealthy authorities, and a culture of entirely. A routine doctor’s visit fully consider costs in every sit- workers by the accounting none had contracted the nations that make it vulnerable. “powering through” when sick can run into hundreds of dollars uation,” the 29-year-old said. firm Robert Half found that 57 disease. About 70 cases have These include a large and for fear of losing one’s job. “These for those without coverage. One of the key messages the percent sometimes go to work been reported in the US. growing population without are all things that can perpetuate “I think that it’s possible if this Centers for Disease Control and while sick and 33 percent “Even if these allegations medical insurance, the 11 million the spread of a virus,” said has the sustained spread, that Prevention (CDC) has put out always go when sick. proved to be true, there was no spreading of the disease from this,” he said, adding that Virus spurs US to ramp the department had offered to test any HHS employees involved if they wanted what up mask production he called “that extra piece of mind.” Speaking on “Fox News Sunday,” Azar said the gov- and screen travellers ernment would not allow any retaliation against the HHS REUTERS — WASHINGTON Flights will continue to Rome. worker who first raised con- American Airlines Group Inc cerns about the issue or other The United States will start announced a similar move late employees. screening travellers for coro- on Saturday. He declined to provide navirus and ramp up pro- The United States has details on whether the whistle- duction of masks and test kits 75,000 test kits for coronavirus blower had been reassigned as the government scrambles and will expand that number to a different position, saying to reassure Americans as the “radically” in coming weeks, US it would be inappropriate to disease spreads. Health and Human Services discuss personnel matters. The first American died Secretary Alex Azar told ABC’s “Nobody would ever be from coronavirus, a man in his “This Week” yesterday. reassigned or discriminated 50s with underlying conditions Vice-President Mike Pence against or prejudiced or retal- in Washington state, officials said the government had con- iated against because of raising said on Saturday. They still do tracted 3M Co to produce an concerns about the functioning not know how he contracted the extra 35 million respiratory of the department,” Azar said. The entrance of Life Care Center of Kirkland where one associate and one resident were diagnosed disease. The state has two other masks a month. He urged “If our employees raise con- with COVID-19, according to a statement released by the facility in Kirkland, Washington. The first “presumptive” cases at a long- Americans not to buy the masks, cerns about our processes, if term care facility where more which he said were only needed fatality from the novel coronavirus has been confirmed on US soil, as President Donald Trump on something proves not to be than 50 residents and staff by healthcare workers. Hon- Saturday urged Americans not to panic. right, we are grateful.” could show symptoms. New eywell International Inc is the cases were reported in the other major US mask producer. Chicago area and Rhode Island. He also told Fox News that Trump aides defend US response to epidemic The Trump administration clinical trials of a coronavirus is scrambling to respond to the vaccine would start in six weeks AFP — WASHINGTON The United States has had have been slow to distribute attacked what he described as fast-spreading virus that orig- but that a vaccine will likely not 70 confirmed coronavirus cases coronavirus testing kits, Trump’s “incompetence” in inated in China through travel be available this season. Vice-President Mike Pence yes- in all, including 47 patients who however, making the dimen- dealing with the epidemic, restrictions and widespread Democrats, who will chal- terday defended the US admin- were repatriated from virus sions of the problem uncertain. accusing him of muzzling the messaging on safety proce- lenge Trump for the presidency istration’s handling of the coro- hotspots in Asia and quaran- “It’s a very fair question, and it’s government’s top experts. “I see dures, while working to avert in the November 3 election, navirus epidemic after the first tined for 14 days on their return, one of the first issues that gov- no preparedness other than public panic. About 70 cases have criticized the adminis- confirmed death on American according to the Centers for ernors I spoke to raised with political talking points,” he said have been reported in the tration for downplaying the soil and rising criticism of the Disease Control and Prevention. me,” Pence said when asked on on ABC’s “This Week.” United States. crisis and not preparing for the state of US preparedness. Pence put the number of cases CNN why the US was so far In defending the administra- President Donald Trump disease to spread in the United Pence and Health Secretary among repatriated Americans behind other countries in pro- tion’s response, Pence credited yesterday said travellers from States. Alex Azar made the rounds of at 46. Twenty-three other ducing testing kits. Trump with acting quickly to countries at high risk of coro- The United States has talk shows with the message people have been infected in the He said more than 15,000 establish quarantines for Amer- navirus would be screened imposed limits on travelers who that risks from the disease United States, a man in Chicago testing kits were released over icans brought back from China before boarding and upon have visited Iran and recom- remain low for most Americans, being the latest confirmed US the weekend, the federal Food and Japan. “The coronavirus arrival, without specifying mended against travel to hard- while promising to make up for case, according to Azar. and Drug Administration has remains low — and that is largely which countries. hit areas of Italy and South testing shortfalls. “We could The spread of the virus approved a testing regime, and owing to the decision the Pres- Delta Air Lines Inc yes- Korea. Trump on Saturday said have more sad news, but the through communities would be the government was working ident made, the energetic efforts terday said it is suspending until the United States was also con- American people should know an ominous development that with a commercial provider to of CDC and local health officials, May flights to Milan in northern sidering shutting the country’s the risk to the average American would almost certainly intensify produce an additional 50,000 and we’ll continue to lean in that Italy where most coronavirus southern border with Mexico to remains low,” Pence said on the epidemic in the United kits. Former vice-president and in a hopeful way,” the Vice-Pres- cases have been reported. control the spread of the virus. CNN’s “State of the Union”. States. US health authorities Democratic candidate Joe Biden ident said. Outspoken gang critic LeBarón flees threat in Mexico for US

AP — MEXICO CITY LeBarón believes the threat Casas Grandes, they saw local was related to his refusal to keep police “scrambling,” he said. A prominent member of a com- silent and suggested that the final A relative’s maid later munity of US-Mexican dual cit- straw may have been a recent reported seeing 15 gunmen in izens living in northern Mexico verbal dustup with local police. a canal two blocks from LeB- that was shattered by the On February 17, he said, arón’s home that night, and he November massacre of three there was a shootout in Casas believes he very well could women and six children along Grandes, Chihuahua state, have been their target. a rural road has fled to the where he has a home, followed “We’re a thorn in these peo- United States after an apparent by a couple of apparent grenade ple’s side because all the local threat on his life. detonations, and then still more police in our region in north- Julián LeBarón, who has gunfire. The next day he called western Chihuahua, they all long been outspoken in local police to ask about it, and work for the cartel. And obvi- denouncing rampant criminal an officer said they didn’t know ously the state authorities, they activity in the area and local that anything at all had hap- kind of turn a blind eye to the authorities’ complicity with the pened. They argued, and the fact that we have an armed Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido during a demonstration in Barquisimeto on Saturday. gangs, expressed frustration officer hung up on him. army just roaming the streets with continued insecurity in his That night LeBarón said he and murdering people and just corner of a country that posted received a phone call at home complete and total impunity,” Guaido denounces attack on oppn rally 35,588 murders in 2019, the from a friendly source saying LeBarón said. most since comparable records they had information that La “I just assume that it’s AFP — BARQUISIMETO occurred. A photo released by today, without a doubt,” Guaido began to be kept in the 1990s. Linea, a gang that acts as because we’ve been speaking out Guaido’s supporters showed a said in a video published to social “I think that it’s reaching a enforcers for the Juarez Cartel, so vociferously,” he continued, Venezuelan opposition leader man standing next to a motor- media after the march. “They breaking point. I mean, people wanted to kill him and he “leading the local authorities to Juan Guaido said he could have cycle, with his face covered, shot... but that is not going to push are just sick to death of the needed to get to a safe place - talk to the cartel.” After laying been killed during a shooting aiming a gun in the direction of us back,” he added. criminals,” LeBarón told The preferably north of the border. low for a couple of days on a attack on a protest march in the the parliament speaker. Venezuela lurched into Associated Press on Saturday He ran behind a concrete farm where he figured he would country’s west that wounded a His team said a 16-year-old crisis a year ago when Guaido by phone from Phoenix. wall and called for help from be safe, LeBarón drove with his teenage boy. boy was later shot in the leg but declared himself acting pres- “They’re sick and tired of federal police posted in nearby uncle and a federal police escort Guaido had been leading is now in a “stable condition.” ident, following claims the feeling like you have to not Colonia LeBaron, a force the to the Arizona border. He said he around 2,000 supporters They attributed the attack to pro- country’s 2018 election was move (around). In other words, community largely trusts and would travel to Seattle in the through Barquisimeto city on government vigilantes. “The dic- rigged in favour of President little by little they end up taking with which it maintains good coming days for a possible con- Saturday when the incident tatorship could have killed me Nicolas Maduro. over people’s freedom.” relations. When they arrived in struction job. MONDAY 2 MARCH 2020 HOME 19 A focus on research at WCM-Q THE PENINSULA — DOHA biomedical research enterprise in Qatar, in support of WCMQ efforts The research efforts of Weill and mission. This year’s awardee Cornell Medicine – Qatar was Dr. Asma Al Thani, the (WCM-Q) over the past year were founding dean of the College of highlighted as the college held its Health Sciences at Qatar Uni- 10th Research Retreat. versity and the founding director The annual event is an oppor- of Qatar University’s Biomedical tunity for scientists in Qatar to Research Center (BRC). spend a day hearing about the Mariam Astrolabi after whom work of their colleagues and about the award is named, was a 10th the cutting-edge studies that are century Arab Muslim scientist who conducted each year. made important contributions to The Research Retreat was offi- the development of astrolabes, cially opened by Dr. Javaid Sheikh, which were essential navigation dean of WCM-Q, followed by an instruments in the day. Dr. Asma overview of the major milestones Al Thani was recognised this year WCMQ has reached on the for her heroic contributions to the research front presented by Dr. establishment of both the Qatar Khaled Machaca, senior associate Genome Project and the Qatar dean for research, innovation and BioBank. Both of these institutions commercialization. have greatly benefited biomedical Dr. Sheikh said Qatar would research and personalized med- soon be embarking on a major icine efforts in Qatar including drive forward in research, devel- researchers at WCM-Q. The award opment and innovation (RDI). further recognizes Dr. Al Thani’s “There is going to be a road leading role in the establishment map of major elements in terms of the BRC at Qatar University. of RDI strategy within Qatar,” he The Research Retreat then said. “There will be foundational heard from keynote speaker Dr. The poster presentations were a chance to hear about the work going research - of which I’m very proud Gordon Lauc, professor of bio- on in all of WCM-Q’s laboratories. to say that Weill Cornell has really chemistry and molecular biology led the charge. There will be a at the University of Zagreb, co- spotlight on innovation and RDI achievements since the launch of Dr. Sheikh and Machaca also director of the Human Glycome talent in the country will be the biomedical research program acknowledged the invaluable Project, and the founder of Genos enhanced. There is also going to just ten years ago. These include support from both Qatar Foun- - a biotech company that is cur- be increased emphasis on both 1,182 academic publications from dation and Qatar National rently a global leader in high- risk capital and venture funding, WCM-Q, many in high-impact Research Fund for their unwa- throughput glycomics. Dr Lauc and ultimately there will be a journals, which have been cited vering backing over the last spoke about the importance of focus on RDI governance. 39,375 times. He also spoke of the decade and their commitment to glycans in human health and their “Dr. Machaca and his team are 37 Qatari nationals who have been extending human scientific involvement in the future of per- already providing foundational trained in biomedical research knowledge. sonalised medicine. research, producing RDI talent and have bolstered local research WCMQ recently instituted the The retreat this year featured and accessing innovation enter- capacity – five of whom are Mariam Astrolabi Award for Bio- presentations from young and prise; they really are leading the employed by WCM-Q and 30 of medical Research Advancement, established researchers at WCM-Q charge in biomedical research.” whom are working in the bio- an award for institutions and/or who have built a significant Dr. Machaca spoke of the medical sector in organizations individuals who have had an portion of their career in Qatar Research Division’s many around Qatar. indelible impact on advancing the with considerable success. MME concludes activities of Qatar Environment Day-2020

THE PENINSULA — DOHA Hassan Jumaa Al Muhannadi, hon- Cleanliness Department among Environment Day helped in raising oured to those who took environ- many more. awareness in the community and The Ministry of Municipality and mental initiatives and the entities Hassan Al Muhannadi thanked encouraging people to do more in Environment (MME), represented which participated the event from those took the environmental ini- this field. Within the activities of in the Environmental Affairs outside the Ministry. tiatives and agencies for their pos- the Qatar Environment Day, a Sector, recently concluded the Al Muhannadi honoured and itive contributions in preserving team from the Awareness Sector activities of the Qatar Envi- gave certificate of appreciations the environment. He stressed on of the Public Relations Department ronment Day-2020. Held under to Aisha Shaheen Al Kuwari and the importance of community par- visited Al Khor Primary School for the slogan ‘Let’s Live Together’ Sarah Ibrahim from the Scout and ticipation in efforts to protect the Girls, where Fadela Al-Mansoori with the participation of all envi- Guide Association of Qatar; Aisha environment along with the efforts gave a lecture to students on the ronmental departments, the event Al Maadadi from Green Future; of the state represented by the importance of agriculture to the attracted large number of people. Maryam Saleh Al Marri from Inno- MME’s Environmental Affairs environment, and the participation Assistant Undersecretary for vative Smart Container Initiative; Sector. of female students in planting Environmental Affairs at MME, Amal Gabriel, from the General Al Muhanandi said that Qatar seedlings.

CROSSWORD MALL ROYAL PLAZA Kannum Kannum (2D/Tamil) 2:00, 8:15 & 11:30pm Doordarshan (2D/Hindi) 2:00pm Trance (2D/Malayalam) 5:00 & 11:15pm Paradise Hills (2D/Fantasy) 4:15pm Stardog & Turbocat (2D/Animation) 2:00 & 3:30pm Thappad (2D/Hindi) 5:00 & 11:30pm; VFW 5:45pm; The Invisible Man (2D/Horror) 6:00pm Paradise Hills (2D/Fantasy) 7:30pm Trance (2D/Malayalam) 8:15 & 11:15pm Doordarshan (2D/Hindi) 9:15pm Stardog & Turbocat (2D/Animation) 4:30pm Sonic: The Hedgehog (2D/Action) 4:00pm The Call Of The Wild (2D/Drama) 7:30pm Thappad (2D/Hindi) 5:30 & 11:30pm The Invisible Man (2D/Horror) 9:15pm Sundooq Al Dunya (2D/Horror) 7:45pm Sundooq Al Dunya (2D/Horror) 8:30pm A Million Little Pieces (2D/Horror) 9:30pm LANDMARK Kannum Kannum (2D/Tamil) 11:30pm Trance (2D/Malayalam) 2:00 & 8:00pm Kannum Kannum (2D/Tamil) 2:00pm; Stardog & Tur- FLIK Mirqab Mall bocat (2D/Animation) 2:00 & 3:30pm Bad Boys For Life (2D/Action) 11:40, 2:10, 4:40, 7:10, 9:35pm & Paradise Hills (2D/Fantasy) 4:30pm Thappad (2D/Hindi) 5:00 & 11:30pm; VFW 4:45pm; 12:00 midnight. Doordarshan (2D/Hindi) 7:30pm Brahms: The Boy 2 (2D/Horror) 6:10, 10:10pm & 12:00 midnight Sonic: The Hedgehog (2D/Action) 6:30pm Birds Of Prey (2D/Action) 10:15am, 12:30, 2:40, 4:50, 7:00, 9:10 & The Call Of The Wild (2D/Drama) 7:30pm 11:30pm Sundooq Al Dunya (2D/Horror) 8:15pm Aiyai: A Wrathful Soul (2D/Horror) 9:45pm Sonic: The Hedgehog (2D/Action) 10;20am, 12:20, 2:20, 4:20, 6:20, The Invisible Man (2D/Horror) 11:30pm 8:20, 10:20pm & 0:20am The Call Of The Wild (2D/Drama) 10:30am, 12:30, 2:30, 4:30, 6:30, AL KHOR 8:30 & 10:30pm Trance (2D/Malayalam) 11:00am, 5:15, 8:30 & 111:45pm; Thappad (2D/Hindi) 11:00am, 5:15pm The Invisible Man (2D/Horror) 10:10am, 12:40, 3:10, 5:40, 8:10 & Stardog & Turbocat (2D/Animation) 12:15, 2:15 & 10:40pm 4:15pm; Kannum Kannum (2D/Tamil) 11:30, 2:15 & VFW (2D/Action) 2:00 & 6:00pm 6:15pm; Ayyappanum Koshiyum (2D/Malayalam) 2:00 & 8:15pm The Invisible Man (2D/Horror) 9:15 & 12:00pm ASIAN TOWN ROXY Trance (2D/Malayalam) 7:00, 8:15, 10:15pm Ayyappanum Koshiyum (2D/Malayalam) 4:30 & Kannum Kannum (2D/Tamil) 6:00 & 11:30pm 10:450m; Bheeshma (2D/Telugu) 11:00am, 4:30 & Ayyappanum Koshiyum (2D/Malayalam) 10:15pm 10:00pmKannum Kannum (2D/Tamil) 12:30, 3:40, 7:00 Parama Padham Vilayattu (2D/Hindi) 9:00pm & 10:10pm; Parama Padham Vilayattu (2D/Tamil) Doordarshan (2D/Hindi) 6:30pm 8:20 & 11:00pm; Mafia (2D/Tamil) 2:00 & 7:30pm Varane Avashyamund (2D/Malayalam) 8:45pm Sonic: The Hedgehog (2D/Action) 11:00am, 12:30, 1:10, 3:20, 2:30, 12:30, 3:40, 3:20, 7:30pm Sundooq Al Dunya (2D/Horror) 5:30, 5:50, 8;30 & 10:20pm Stardog & Turbocat (2D/Animation) 2:00 & 3:45pm Thappad (2D/Hindi) 5:30 & 10:40pm The Invisible Man (2D/Horror) 11:00am, 1:00, 7:50, 10:00pm; Trance (2D/Malayalam) 10:30am, 12:30, 1:00, 3:00, 3:30, 5:30, 6:00, 8;10, 8;40, 10:45 & 11:15pm

TRANCE Trance is a 2020 Indian Malayalam-language psychological drama film directed and produced by Anwar Rasheed and written by Vincent Vadakkan. 20 MORNING BREAK MONDAY 2 MARCH 2020

PRAYER TIMINGS WEATHER TODAY Misty to foggy at places at first becomes moderate temperature FAJR04.40 am SUNRISE 05.56 am o o daytime with blowing dust to dusty at times, relatively cold by ZUHR 11.46 am ASR 03.07 pm 19 C 25 C night. Minimum Maximum HIGH TIDE 07:49 – 23:50 LOW TIDE 03:56 – 16:01 MAGHRIB 05.38 pm ISHA 07.08 pm W ALRUWAIS: 18o↗22o W ALKHOR: 17o↗23o W DUKHAN: 17o↗25o W WAKRAH: 20o↗27o W MESAIEED 20o↗27o W ABUSAMRA 16o↗27o

Mandarin Oriental, Doha introduces authentic Chinese cuisine

THE PENINSULA — DOHA During an authentic journey to the East at Liang restaurant, guests can look Mandarin Oriental, Doha has introduced forward to witnessing traditional experi- an unmatched journey of culinary ences like the famous La Mian per- discovery at Liang Restaurant. Located formance and the traditional Tea per- adjacent to Mandarin Oriental, Doha in formance. The traditional creation of Barahat Msheireb at the heart of Msheireb Beijing La Mian is performed live by our Downtown, the exciting new restaurant master chefs, transforming a simple showcases distinct Chinese cuisine. Liang mound of dough into hundreds of long features authentic Cantonese recipes and thin strands of noodles within minutes. select traditional provincial dishes from The Tea performance is performed by a across China. certified Sichuan Tea Master. In this per- The restaurant’s name, Liang, trans- formance, a traditional long-spout teapot lates to the beam of light reflected by the is incorporated into a fusion of traditional moon in Chinese. Emphasising the Moon dance and martial arts. as a key symbol in both cultures, the res- To create the most authentic Chinese taurant’s name aims to celebrate the con- Restaurant in Doha, Mandarin Oriental, nection between Qatari and Chinese tra- Doha has partnered with Hong Kong dition. Detailed with art and antiques from Maxim’s Caterer Ltd. The group is known across China, the traditional atmosphere for leading the Chinese Cuisine scene and features amorous elements such as poems has been recognised with a Michelin Star about the moon and portrays the rich Award. Delegated by Maxim’s Group, Chinese culture. Executive Chef Lam masterfully created Executive Chef Lam brings his each recipe according to the group’s expertise to elevate Liang as a unique standards of Chinese Cuisine Chinese Cuisine experience offering excellence. unparalleled authenticity. Liang’s authen- Guests can experience an A La Carte ticity is rooted in details such as the pre- The traditional preparation of the Menu on the ground floor of Liang Res- cision in creating versatile options of Dim exceptional Peking Duck, a roasted whole taurant as well as the climate-controlled Sum, a classic Cantonese Cuisine high- duck served with steamed Peking style outdoor terrace. To explore Liang’s set light and the advanced wok technique that pancakes, sets the distinct signature dish menus for group experiences, guests are highlights the flavours of the fresh ingre- apart as genuinely unparalleled within welcomed in the Mezzanine at the price The traditional Chinese tea performance. dients in the wok. the region. of QR338 to QR 438 per person. OnePlus expected to unveil a new Iranian director wins top prize at Berlin film fest in absentia AFP — BERLIN predatory. concept device Audiences and critics were Dissident Iranian director particularly enthralled by an tomorrow Mohammad Rasoulof on intense, single-shot scene in Saturday won the top prize at which Flanigan’s character IANS — BEIJING the Berlin film festival for answers personal questions at “There Is No Evil”, a searingly a clinic. “While I was Chinese smartphone maker critical work about the death researching this film, I spent a OnePlus has posted a short penalty in his country. tremendous amount of time video clip on Twitter to tease Rasoulof, 48, is currently inside planned parenthood and a new device that will be banned from leaving Iran and other clinics,” said Hittman. revealed tomorrow. was unable to accept the Golden She added that she had been According to a tweet Bear in person. “humbled” by that experience, shared by OnePlus UK, this The film tells four loosely before addressing the nurses is not a smartphone or even related individual stories about and social workers who work a commercial product and the death penalty in Iran, from in such clinics. “I want to thank the company may be the executioner to the families them for their incredible service gearing up to reveal another of the victims. to our countries, for protecting concept project to the Industry magazine Variety the lives and rights of all people world. called it Rasoulof’s “most openly with uteruses.” “We are working on a critical statement yet”. Hittman’s success came in special project (not a phone/ Rasoulof was sentenced to the wake of a controversy commercial product!) and a year in prison last year for earlier in the festival over jury we’d love your thoughts on it. “attacking the security of the president Jeremy Irons’ past Reply to this tweet with if you state”, and banned from making comments on abortion and are happy to give feedback, films for life. women’s rights. and we will DM a small Speaking to a news con- At his opening press con- number of you some photos,” ference via mobile phone, the ference, the jury head was the tweet reads. director said his latest film was forced to clarify that he sup- The company also showed about “taking responsibility” ported “wholeheartedly the off the Concept One recently, under despotism. right of women to have an a smartphone that the “You can try to put aside Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof’s daughter Baran Rasoulof receiving the award on behalf of abortion should they so decide”. company said will not be your own responsibility and her father at Berlin International Film Festival, in Berlin, Germany. The award for Best Actor available for sale. pass the buck to the gov- went to Italy’s Elio Germano for Additionally, OnePlus is ernment... but (people) can say abortion drama “Never Rarely 17-year-old from Pennsylvania empathy and emotion, female his portrayal of the mental and also expected to launch the no,” he said. Sometimes Always”, which had forced to travel to New York in solidarity is at the heart of the physical struggles of painter OnePlus 8 and the OnePlus 8 The runner-up jury prize been a favourite among critics. order to abort an unplanned film, in which male characters Antonio Ligabue in “Hidden Pro in the coming months. went to Eliza Hittman’s teenage Sidney Flanigan plays a pregnancy. Hailed for its are marginalised and often Away”. Used cars keep Africans moving, but dumping concerns remain

AP — KAMPALA of the Earth. vehicles are second-hand imports. In vehicles remains solid because changing carbon emissions. Many second-hand vehicles part to stem the flow, legislation importers target certain vehicles that In Zimbabwe, where the gov- Salesmen whistle at potential buyers shipped to Africa from Japan are enacted in 2018 outlaws the impor- are much sought-after no matter how ernment has tried and failed to impose of scores of vehicles shining in the believed to have failed, or were about tation of vehicles older than 15 years old they are. The Toyota RAV4 and restrictions amid resistance from afternoon sun. One truck might bring to fail, pollution tests there, according and imposes stiffer taxes on vehicles Toyota Harrier are much-loved locally, importers and others, there is no age over $20,000 but it’s far from the “brand to the UN Environment Program. But older than nine years. for example. “Ugandans are conversant limit for imported cars. Used cars are new” ride the salesman touts it to be in many parts of Africa such regula- A used vehicle made in, say, 2010 with older models, so they are looking not checked for emissions levels when while attempting to start the engine. tions are often poorly enforced, and can seem new to both buyer and seller for those,” said car importer Amir they enter the southern African nation The truck is one of tens of thou- rampant corruption ensures that used in the East African country without a Hussein of Cosmos Uganda Ltd. “For from ports in Tanzania, Namibia and sands of second-hand vehicles vehicles can slip by any controls. single car-assembling plant and where many people, it is their mindset: that South Africa, which notably allows the imported each year into Uganda from The UNEP, which calls air pollution rickety vehicles are ubiquitous. It’s not old is solid, is good.” importation of used vehicles only for Europe or Asia, especially Japan. In a “silent killer” in Africa that is respon- uncommon to see vehicles emitting a Uganda’s government last year re-export to other countries. much of sub-Saharan Africa, the sible for about 7 million deaths each fog of dark fumes. Police frequently contracted two companies to inspect Zimbabwe’s environment pro- imports satisfy demand for mobility year, has warned that vehicle emis- attribute deadly accidents to vehicles used vehicles before they are shipped. tection agency lacks the resources to while many public transport systems sions are a major source of deterio- in dangerous condition. The head of the standards agency conduct effective spot checks for emis- are rudimentary and newer models are rating air quality in booming cities. “You cannot wake up and put a acknowledges the system is imperfect sions, and over the years the gov- not affordable to many in the growing More than 1.2 million used vehicles total ban” on used vehicles, said as not all vehicles are subjected to tests ernment has appeared fickle in its middle class. were imported into Africa in 2017, Dicksons Kateshumbwa, Uganda’s as they cross into the country. attempts to regulate the trade in used But the used vehicles are a problem, according to UN figures. Most were commissioner in charge of customs Inspectors based in Uganda only carry vehicles. say officials. They contribute the pol- destined for Nigeria and Kenya, two of revenue. “There is a growing middle- out spot checks. In 2010 the government banned the lution burden on a continent that con- Africa’s largest economies. Both coun- income (class). Everyone who gets a Ben Manyindo, head of the Uganda importation of vehicles older than five tributes far less than other regions to tries also have car-assembling plants. job, and gets money, wants to drive.” National Bureau of Standards, called years but later backed down. In the emissions that cause global “The West has refused to transfer Taxes on used vehicles are “a key for a plan that eventually would lead December the finance minister warming. technology or make the technology to component” of the revenue agency’s to the banning of used vehicles from announced that older cars would pay Africa has become “the burial transit to be cheap and accessible,” overall collection targets, he said. He abroad. The question of whether to less import duty than newer cars, ground of vehicles that run on fossil Jakpor said. “Our governments have added there is no evidence suggesting impose import restrictions remains sparking criticism from some law- fuel as the West turns to electric and equally failed to invest in renewables that stiffer environmental levies on contentious despite wide recognition makers and environmentalists who newer cleaner technologies,” said and transition, so we will have this used cars cut into demand. of the dangers of an unlimited flow of argued the measure would encourage Philip Jakpor, an activist with the dumping for a long time.” Car dealers in the Ugandan capital used vehicles into Africa, the continent people to buy cars that are more Nigerian branch of the group Friends In Uganda, more than 80% of all of Kampala said that demand for used least equipped to deal with climate- harmful to the environment.