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THURSDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2020 22 MUHARRAM - 1442 VOLUME 25 NUMBER 8376 www.thepeninsula.qa 2 RIYALS Choose the network of heroes Enjoy the Internet Verbal support is not enough to Global leaders call for end protect education from attack to attacks on education FAZEENA SALEEM Hassan Al Thawadi; President of the THE PENINSULA International Committee of the Red By failing to bring Global leaders came together to reaffirm Cross (ICRC), Peter Maurer; and Exec- importance of protecting the right to utive Director of Unicef, Henrietta perpetrators to justice, the quality education in conflict zones, Fore. international community— during a virtual event held to mark the “I urge all member states to first International Day to Protect honour their commitments to the however unintentionally— Education from Attack, yesterday. existing international agreements has become effectively Qatar hosted the high level virtual that prohibit hindrance to the right event together with Education Above to education. Schools and universities complicit” All (EAA), Unicef and Unesco, which supposed to be safe places where H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser participating at the called for attacks on education to learners can grow, develop and high-level virtual event marking International Day to stop. The event also featured Deputy empower. I laud the states that have Protect Education from Attack.PIC: AISHA AL-MUSALLAM Prime Minister and Minister of taken steps to protect education insti- Foreign Affairs, H E Sheikh tutions,” said Guterres. Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al “We need to ensure that when it high-level virtual event yesterday, Thani; UN Secretary-General, comes to education - all means all - organised by Education Above All, the State of Qatar, Unicef, and Unesco, stressing the need for a unified, global advocacy to establish effective mech- anisms to monitor violations of inter- national law and ensure perpetrators are held to account. According to recent statistics from the Global Coalition to Protect Edu- cation from Attack (GCPEA), there has been more than 11,000 reported attacks on education over the past five years, killing or injuring 22,000 children, teachers and academics in 93 countries, resulting in instability. Now compounded with the COVID-19 UN Secretary-General Antonio Belgium’s Minister of Foreign Affairs QNA — DOHA Attack to reaffirm commitment pandemic, this instability places the Guterres and Defence, Philippe Goffin towards safeguarding the right to fragile progress made across edu- H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chair- quality education in conflict, and cation under threat. António Guterres; President of the I urge all UN member states to ensure person of Education Above All and UN protecting education from the “By failing to bring perpetrators to 74th Session of the General Assembly, the provision of education even during Sustainable Development Goals continued, deliberate attacks and the justice, the international community— Prof Tijjani Muhammad Bande; Sec- conflicts and particularly for the most Advocate, virtually joined global prevalent armed violence experienced however unintentionally— has retary-General of the Supreme Com- vulnerable such as refugees, and dis- leaders on the inaugural UN Interna- by children worldwide. become effectively complicit,” Her mittee for Delivery and Legacy (SC), placed persons,” he added. `P3 tional Day to Protect Education from Her Highness opened the Highness said in her remarks. `P3 02 HOME THURSDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2020 Amir’s directives affirm priority of funding education in emergencies: FM QNA — DOHA participation of H H Sheikha Moza and make crises an opportunity education can be an effective and bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar to enhance cooperation and influential tool to bring about pos- Deputy Prime Minister and Foundation for Education, Science synergy, in the interest of all, and itive transformations in societies, Minister of Foreign Affairs, H E and Community Development, to create a world where peace, and make crises an opportunity Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul- and Chairperson of the Education prosperity and human dignity to enhance cooperation and rahman Al Thani said that the Above Foundation; UN Secretary- prevail. synergy, in the interest of all, and noble directives of Amir H H General H E Antonio Guterres, The event also represents an to create a world where peace, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al H E President of the 74th session important occasion to call for an prosperity and human dignity Thani affirm that financing of the UN General Assembly Prof. end to deliberate attacks on edu- prevail. education in emergencies has Tijjani Muhammad-Bande; and a cation and the armed violence In line with the commitment priority in the development aid prominent elite of personalities suffered by students, teachers, of the State of Qatar and its part- provided by Qatar. known for their humanitarian schools and other educational nership with the international This came in the speech of contributions. institutions around the world, community to achieve peace, H E the Deputy Prime Minister H E the Deputy Prime Minister without regard to the devastating development and protection of and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Foreign Affairs effects of these attacks on the human rights, it has been keen during the high-level virtual event said that the meeting aims to hopes and aspirations of children on cooperation and work with held to mark the International follow up on the implementation Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, H E Sheikh and the youth and to their neg- partners within the framework Day to Protect Education from of General Assembly Resolution Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani ative effects on sustainable devel- of the United Nations and Armed Attack, which was A/74/275 presented by the State opment, peace and human rights, beyond to provide an appro- organised by the Education Above of Qatar, declaring September 9 Nasser carried out an interna- the exceptional and painful cir- H E added. priate environment to enable All Foundation in Qatar, the the International Day to Protect tional leadership role to achieve cumstances resulting from the He said that the State of Qatar children and youth to obtain Unicef, and the Unesco. Education from Armed Attack, the United Nations’ Sustainable coronavirus (COVID-19) pan- hopes that students and youth will quality education, H E H E the Deputy Prime Minister hailing the appreciated efforts Development Goals, and she con- demic, which affects more than be guided on this day, and to use underlined. and Minister of Foreign Affairs exerted by H H Sheikha Moza bint tinues its valuable and acclaimed 75 million children and young this day to raise awareness and In this context, the State of expressed pride that Qatar, in Nasser, who was the driving force efforts to protect and provide people in urgent need to receive pressure to end the attacks on Qatar spares no effort to settle partnership with the Unesco, the behind this initiative, like the other quality education around the educational support in 35 coun- educational institutions and disputes by peaceful means, in Unicef and the Education Above humanitarian and development world to the most marginalized tries affected by crises. The event protect them, and to realize the order to avoid the destructive All Foundation, has hosted this initiatives of great impact in children, and to ensure their also represents a message from dreams of children and youth as effects of those conflicts on high-level event, which is held for various regions of the world. ability to go to school in a safe and this high-ranking elite that edu- builders of the future and the hope various aspects of life, especially the first time to mark the Interna- H E the Deputy Prime Minister secure environment. cation can be an effective and of peoples and humanity. vulnerable groups, and most tional Day to Protect Education and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E underlined the impor- influential tool to bring about pos- H E believed that this event importantly children and youth, from Armed Attack, with the noted that H H Sheikha Moza bint tance of holding this event amidst itive transformations in societies, sends an important message that H E stressed. Cabinet lauds Amir’s directive to send aid to Sudan

QNA — DOHA sincere condolences to the fam- The Cabinet was briefed by H E Minister of direct and indirect shipping Intelligence Strategy, which ilies of the victims, the gov- Public Health on the latest developments in lines, with many seaports of the aims to adopt the artificial intel- The Cabinet has appreciated the ernment and the Sudanese global maritime traffic. ligence and harness it to secure directives of Amir H H Sheikh people, wishing a speedy efforts to curb coronavirus and affirmed the Another mega project is the economic and strategic Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to recovery for the injured. continuation of work with the precautionary Hamad International Airport future of Qatar as is envisaged send urgent relief aid to Sudan The Cabinet was briefed by expansion, which aims to by Qatar National Strategy 2030 to alleviate the effects of the H E Minister of Public Health on measures taken to combat the pandemic. increase the airport’s capacity and the Qatar Smart Program floods that has affected several the latest developments in to reach 53 million passengers (TASMU). It is designed specif- regions. efforts to curb coronavirus annually. ically to accelerate the Prime Minister and Minister (COVID-19) and affirmed the Communications. a regionally competitive smart The Ministry is working on achievement of all pillars of the of Interior, H E Sheikh Khalid continuation of work with the The strategic objectives of economy. electrical transformation Qatar National Vision 2030. bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al precautionary measures taken the sectors and administrative The Ministry has worked to projects for buses and electric The Cabinet reviewed a Thani chaired the Cabinet to combat the pandemic. units of the Ministry are ease of supervise and implement vehicles, in cooperation with draft law on the regulation of regular meeting held at the Based on the directives of access, financial and environ- projects of national priority in the concerned authorities. hybrid electric vehicles, and the Amiri Diwan, yesterday. H E the Prime Minister and Min- mental sustainability, security order to achieve the plans of It is also working on field appropriate decision was taken Following the meeting, Min- ister of Interior on providing the and safety, smooth movement, Qatar National Vision 2030, and survey of road assets. The work in this regard. ister of Justice and Acting Min- Council of Ministers with plans economic development, estab- has also adopted an additional on this project is carried out by The Cabinet also reviewed ister of State for Cabinet Affairs related to the competencies of lishment of a flexible, smart and set of projects stipulated in the using the latest and advanced approval of a draft law on H E Dr. Issa bin Saad Al Jafali Al ministries and other gov- integrated infrastructure, Second National Development technology to build an infor- endowment and approval of a Nuaimi issued the following ernment agencies, public bodies empowering a digitally Strategy. mation system on its level of draft agreement on providing statement: and institutions, H E Minister of advanced workforce and One of the projects is imple- performance and the impact of jobs for junior technicians The Cabinet affirmed the Transport and Communications society, enhancing confidence menting the expansion of the environment and climate on between the government of the State of Qatar’s solidarity with gave a presentation on the and digital security, developing Hamad Port through the estab- it. State of Qatar and the United Sudan in facing the effects of detailed plan for the strategy of the smart government agenda lishment of the second con- The Ministry is also working Nations Children’s Fund these floods and expressed the Ministry of Transport and and using technology to develop tainer terminal and opening of on Qatar’s National Artificial (Unicef). THURSDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2020 HOME 03

MoPH clarifies Al Muraikhi affirms steadfast position OFFICIAL NEWS on COVID-19 Amir congratulates cases among of Qatar towards rights of Palestinians Tajikistan President DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin gym-goers QNA — DOHA characteristic as a framework for Hamad Al Thani and Deputy Amir the solution.” H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad THE PENINSULA — DOHA Minister of State for Foreign On the situation in Yemen, Al Thani sent yesterday cables Affairs H E Sultan bin Saad Al His Excellency said that the tragic of congratulations to President The Ministry of Public Health Muraikhi has affirmed the situation in Yemen, and the dev- of the Republic of Tajikistan H E (MoPH) yesterday clarified that steadfast position of the State of astation, destruction and acts of Emomali Rahmon on the anniver- a number of confirmed cases of Qatar towards the historical killing and burning that followed sary of his country’s Independence coronavirus (COVID-19) were rights of the Palestinian people, call on us to stand now without Day. Prime Minister and Minister reported among users of gyms in self-determination and estab- delay or procrastination in order of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin in a sports club. lishing their independent state to work to stop the war and push Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani also Necessary precautions have on the borders of June 4, 1967, all the conflicting parties to sent a cable of congratulations to been taken to examine all those with Al Quds Al Sharif as its achieve national reconciliation Prime Minister of Tajikistan H E who were in contact with the capital, and the right of refugees in accordance with the outcomes Kokhir Rasulzoda on the anniver- infected persons who were in to return to their areas. of the National Dialogue, the Gulf sary of his country’s Independence the gym during the same period “Any deviation from these initiative and Security Council Day. -QNA as per the list of names of users constants is considered a vio- Resolution 2216. registered with the club, the lation of international law,” he Regarding the Libyan issue, Amir congratulates Ministry said in its social media added. This came in his speech Minister of State for Foreign Affairs H E Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi the Minister of State for Foreign accounts. at the 154th Ordinary Session of taking part in 154th Ordinary Session of the Arab League Council. Affairs H E Sultan bin Saad Al North Korea leader “We have contacted all the the Arab League Council. Muraikhi said that the unity, sta- DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim people who had contact with The State of Qatar partici- His Excellency renewed the heartfelt condolences bility and sovereignty of Libya bin Hamad Al Thani, Deputy Amir infected case to conduct test pated in the 154th Ordinary of the State of Qatar to the government and and its territorial integrity and H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad today in Al Attiyah Hall, Al Sadd Session of the Arab League independence along with the end Al Thani, and Prime Minister and Sports Club, from 8am to 1pm, Council at the ministerial level. people of the Republic of Lebanon for the victims of the bloodshed of its people and Minister of Interior H E Sheikh Kha- and from 4pm to 9pm,” said the The delegation of the State of of the Beirut port explosion. the preservation of its capabil- lid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Ministry. The Ministry noted Qatar to the meeting, which was ities and wealth are a goal that Thani sent yesterday cables of that the Ehteraz application of held via video conference tech- we all aspire to, and we strive to congratulations to H E Kim Jong- these contacts have turned nology, was headed by Minister Thani in the International Con- adherence to the references and achieve it no matter what efforts Un, Chairman of the State Affairs yellow as per the medical pro- of State for Foreign Affairs H E ference on Assistance and constants of this cause, which it costs us. Commission of the Democratic cedures for contacts. Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi. Support to Beirut and the Leb- has been an international con- With regard to Sudan, His People’s Republic of Korea on the In his speech to the meeting, anese People, and the sensus over the past decades, Excellency expressed Qatar’s anniversary of the Founding of the His Excellency renewed the announcement of the State of foremost among which are the sincere condolences to the Republic. -QNA 267 new virus heartfelt condolences of the Qatar’s contribution of $50m to decisions issued by the Security victims of the floods that swept State of Qatar to the government help in relief operations and Council, the United Nations and through several regions of Sudan, cases, 284 and people of the Republic of alleviate the suffering of the international references for the wishing a speedy recovery for the recoveries reported Lebanon for the victims of the Lebanese people, hoping that peace process. injured, and affirmed Qatar’s Prime Minister Beirut port explosion, and called Lebanon emerges strong and “The most important of these permanent support to them. He THE PENINSULA — DOHA for solidarity to face the reper- overcomes this ordeal. are the two-state solution, the noted in this regard the directive holds phone call cussions of this disaster. He stressed that the Pales- principle of land for peace, and of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin The Ministry of Public Health In this context, he pointed to tinian cause will remain a the Arab Peace Initiative, which Hamad Al Thani to send urgent with Tunisian (MoPH) yesterday announced the participation of Amir H H central issue for Arabs, and was adopted in 2002, and its relief aid to help people affected the registration of 267 new Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al renewed the State of Qatar’s acquisition of an international by these floods in Sudan. counterpart confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the country. Among them QNA — DOHA 15 were travellers returning from abroad. Another 284 Prime Minister and Minister of people have recovered from QA offers largest number of aircraft Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin the virus, bringing the total Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani number of recovered cases in held a phone call yesterday Qatar to 117,746. in Asia with high-speed broadband with Prime Minister of the Republic of Tunisia H E Hisham El-Mechishi, during THE PENINSULA — DOHA Global leaders call the award-winning GX Aviation operates one of the youngest across the world. We are pleased which he congratulated him technology from global mobile and most technologically- that our GX Aviation inflight on the occasion of the for end to attacks Qatar Airways is celebrating the satellite communications pro- advanced fleet in the skies. broadband has become such an formation of the government launch of its 100th aircraft to vider, Inmarsat. The service is Where other airlines are important component of that and taking the constitutional on education feature high-speed ‘Super Wi-Fi’ being rolled out across the air- reducing their Wi-Fi offering, experience on the airline’s oath, wishing him success. FROM PAGE 1 connectivity, enabling line’s fleet and since its launch Qatar Airways is expanding it. extensive fleet. Feedback from During the call, they The first International Day passengers to stay in touch with in 2018 it has enabled millions “With connection to our passengers has been hugely pos- reviewed the bilateral rela- for Protection of Education families, friends and colleagues of passengers to browse the loved ones and friends now itive and now, with the service tions between the two from Attack was marked yes- while onboard using the fastest internet, check social media, more important than ever being available on 100 aircraft, brotherly countries and ways terday, following a unanimous broadband service available in stream videos and more whilst during these challenging times, even more can enjoy the best of enhancing them in various resolution passed by the UN the sky. relaxing on board. Qatar we are delighted to work with connectivity in the skies.” fields, in addition to discussing General Assembly in May. The With its 100th Super Wi-Fi Airways passengers on flights Inmarsat and its GX Aviation A multiple award-winning a number of issues of common Day was adopted by consensus enabled aircraft, Qatar Airways fitted with GX Aviation can technology to bring high-speed airline, Qatar Airways was concern. after intense consultations led now offers the largest number receive up to one-hour free Super Wi-Fi broadband to pas- named ‘World’s Best Airline’ by by the delegation of Qatar to of aircraft equipped with the access to the Super Wi-Fi sengers onboard our fleet as part the 2019 World Airline Awards, the UN. Efforts to introduce the most superior high-speed service, with the ability to pur- of Qatar Airways’ exceptional managed by Skytrax. It was also Qatar condemns Day were spearheaded by H H broadband on board in Asia, the chase full-flight access if more five-star service.” named ‘Best Airline in the Sheikha Moza bint Nasser as Middle East and North Africa. online time is needed. Inmarsat Aviation President, Middle East’, ‘World’s Best blast targeting part of a decades-long com- Airbus A350-900 aircraft Qatar Airways Group Chief Philip Balaam, said: “Qatar Business Class’, and ‘Best mitment to protecting edu- number A7-ALC became the Executive, H E Akbar Al Baker, Airways is world-renowned for Business Class Seat’, in recog- Afghanistan V-P cation in conflict and insecurity 100th member of the Qatar said: “As a leader of innovation offering a superior onboard nition of its ground-breaking and ensuring children in devel- Airways fleet to feature the high- within the global aviation experience, which is enjoyed by Business Class experience, QNA — DOHA oping countries can realise speed Super Wi-Fi service using industry, Qatar Airways already millions of loyal passengers Qsuite. their fundamental right to The State of Qatar expressed education. its strong condemnation and During the event, several denunciation of the explosion policy makers, goodwill that targeted the convoy of the ambassadors and civil society QFFD supports UN-Habitat to remove and reuse debris in Yemen Afghan Vice-President in representatives participated in Kabul, killing and injuring panel discussion on ‘Global THE PENINSULA — DOHA the social and economic component, carried out by QFFD, Misfer bin Hamad Al people. action to protect education recovery of conflict-affected experts, which will benefit res- Shahwani said: “The crisis in In a statement issued yes- from attack,’ and ‘Promoting Qatar Fund For Development areas by developing and imple- idents of affected areas. Besides, Yemen has created many intrac- terday, the Ministry of Foreign effective policy choices and (QFFD) has contributed $2m to menting an effective debris there is a training component table problems that need long- Affairs reiterated the State of public action in the era of the United Nations Human management strategy and the for young people who will work term development solutions. We Qatar’s firm stance on rejecting COVID-19’. Settlements Programme removal of debris. Apart from on recycling, and reuse of are proud of this strategic coop- violence and terrorism “The International Day to (UN-Habitat) to clean up debris being a threat to health, the debris from damaged buildings, eration with UN-Habitat as this regardless of motives and Protect Education from Attack and hazardous waste resulting waste also affects economic which will be reused to reha- agreement will contribute to causes. serves as a strong, clear and from the years of conflict in recovery and delays the return bilitate and reconstruct other creating a healthy clean envi- The statement expressed timely wake-up call for the Yemen. of displaced people. houses. ronment, improve livelihoods the State of Qatar’s condo- entire international community Partnering with the QFFD, The project includes a waste The Deputy Director General and help internally displaced lences to the families of victims and especially for political UN-Habitat will contribute to removal and safe disposal of Projects Development at persons.” and the government and leaders,” said Philippe Goffin, people of Afghanistan, wishing Minister of Foreign Affairs and the wounded a speedy of Defence, of Belgium. recovery. “Indeed, it is up to us, as Verbal support is not enough to protect education from attack States, to provide protection FROM PAGE 1 and ensure inclusive and equi- Her Highness emphasised The event featured discus- unanimous resolution passed by 5 arrested for table quality education. It is up Her Highness said: “Verbal that the International Day to sions from prominent partici- the United Nations General to us to defend the right to support is no longer enough Protect Education from Attack pants, including UN Secretary- Assembly in May. violating home education. It is up to us to when serious, practical solu- cannot be another ceremonial General, H E Antonio Guterres; The Day calls attention to ensure that the perpetrators tions are missing. Decision- day on the UN calendar, but Deputy Prime Minister and the plight of children affected quarantine rules of attacks against schools are makers should not hide behind must become an annual Minister of Foreign Affairs, by armed conflict, in des- held to account,” he added. rhetoric without taking real benchmark to review H E Sheikh Mohammed bin perate need of educational QNA—DOHA David Beckham, Unicef steps towards change.” progress, new data and take Abdulrahman Al Thani; Belgian support. The resolution was Goodwill Ambassador and H H continued: “Despite concerted action on all levels Minister of Foreign Affairs and introduced by H H Sheikha The competent authorities founder of the 7 Fund for this frustration, we still believe of governance and civil of Defence, H E Philippe Goffin; Moza bin Nasser as part of a yesterday arrested five people Unicef emphasized that Inter- there are those within the society, saying, “protecting the Unicef Chief, Henrietta Fore; decades-long commitment to who violated the requirements national Day to Protect Edu- international community who lives, education, and future of Unesco Assistant Director- protecting education in con- of the home quarantine, they cation from Attack, is a are willing to unite and take a those children is a responsi- General Stefania Giannini; flict and insecurity and committed to following. reminder that all countries and stand, so that impunity does bility that the international among others. ensuring children in devel- The five persons, cur- people are responsible for pre- not become the official community cannot afford to This year marks the first oping countries can realise rently being referred to pros- venting attacks on response toward attacks on ignore; a test that it cannot International Day to Protect Edu- their fundamental right to ecution, are Abdullah education. education.” fail.” cation from Attack, following a education. Mohammed Abdullah Al Misfer Al Shamrani, Nayef Abdul- Rashid Breida, Hassan Hani Abdullah Suleiman, Hadi Quarantine hotel packages extended till October 31: Discover Qatar Mohammed Hadi Al Athba Al THE PENINSULA — DOHA Marri and Said Saleh Hamad through which the quarantine Returning QID holders will package for 7 days in a hotel. “Welcome Home Package” until Saleh Al Makhdoubeya. Hotel quarantine packages for packages are booked by have to apply for an Excep- Around 16 hotels, with price you have read the FAQ’s, you The concerned authorities people coming from countries returning QID holders and cit- tional Entry Permit from the ranging from QR1,950 to know what type of quarantine in the state call on citizens and which are not in the low-risk izens, has now options to book Qatar Portal to return to Qatar. QR6,168 (per person for 7 days), you will be required to com- residents who are subject to list have now been extended till hotel rooms till October 31. Pre- People coming from countries were available on the website plete, and you have approval to quarantine to fully adhere to October 31, 2020. viously booking option was which are not in the low-risk for October 1, 2020. travel to Qatar,” Discover Qatar the requirements set by the Discover Qatar, the website available only till September 15. list need to book a quarantine “Please do not book a said on their website. Ministry of Public Health. 04 HOME THURSDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2020

Tunisian President meets Attorney-General Malaysian PM meets Qatar’s Ambassador

President of the Republic of Tunisia H E Kais Saied met yesterday with Attorney-General H E Dr. Ali bin Fetais Al Marri, who is visiting Tunisia. During the meeting, they discussed ways to enhance cooperation Prime Minister of Malaysia H E Muhyiddin Yassin met yesterday with Ambassador of the State of in the field of consolidating the rule of law and combating corruption. H E the Attorney General met also Qatar to Malaysia H E Fahad bin Mohammed Kafood. During the meeting, they reviewed cooperation with President of the Assembly of the Representatives of the Tunisian People H E Rached Ghannouchi. relations between the two countries, in addition to issues of common concern. H E the Ambassador The two sides exchanged views on many issues of common concern. The meetings were attended by also made a presentation to H E the Malaysian Prime Minister on the State of Qatar’s preparations Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Tunisia H E Saad bin Nasser Al Humaidi. to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Dr. Al Marri stressed the utmost import- Al Marri opens ance of holding the subcommittee sessions remotely before the end of this Asia Pacific Forum year, despite the restrictions imposed by the coronavirus pandemic, in order to ensure the integrity of the accreditation General Meeting process by the Global Alliance. QNA — DOHA This came in H E Dr. Al Marri’s opening speech of the Acting Chairman of the Global virtual Annual General Meeting of the Human Rights Council, Development Program and the Alliance of National Human of the Asia Pacific Forum of which was realized thanks to Commission on Human Rights, Rights Institutions, H E Dr. Ali National Human Rights Institu- Acting Chairman of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights the consultative approach pre- to prepare a publication on the bin Smaikh Al Marri said that tions (APF) yesterday. Institutions, H E Dr. Ali bin Smaikh Al Marri during the virtual meeting. sented by Australia. role and experiences of national the Global Alliance has made Dr. Al Marri reviewed the He called on the Asia Pacific human rights institutions great strides over the past years current projects carried out by current working methods to the integrity of the accreditation Forum meeting to support this around the world in dealing and has become more visible the Global Alliance, most adapt to the virtual nature of the process by the Global Alliance. important decision for members with human rights issues during and effective after achieving notably the preparation for the meetings held remotely. In the same context, Dr. Al of all organizations, through the the coronavirus crisis, by imple- many accomplishments, the annual meeting that will be held Dr. Al Marri stressed the Marri praised the opportunity relevant ministries in their menting their mandates and most important of which is that virtually this year in October utmost importance of holding provided to the Global Alliance countries and their permanent functions in accordance with it has become the main 2020, in partnership with the the subcommittee sessions of National Human Rights Insti- missions to the United Nations the Paris Principles, through a interface and mouthpiece of its High Commissioner for Human remotely before the end of this tutions to contribute to the in Geneva. poll that will be circulated by members from national human Rights. In addition, the Global year, despite the restrictions development of the resolution He added that the Global the Global Alliance to the rights institutions at the global Alliance’s Subcommittee on imposed by the coronavirus on national human rights insti- Alliance is working, in cooper- national human rights institu- level. Accreditation is developing the pandemic, in order to ensure tutions for the forty-fifth session ation with the United Nations tions affiliated to it. MoI organises Lekhwiya carries out comprehensive field exercise seminar on safety QNA — DOHA to integrate command and competence of the first and and security control to ensure the completion middle leaders through the eval- The Lekhwiya force carried out a of planning and coordination uation of the processes and pro- standards in comprehensive field exercise, ‘the work, by organising the resources cedures used and the mechanism Lekhwiya exercise 2020’, with of the participating entities, per- of dealing with them. buildings, facilities participation from departments sonnel, equipment, communi- Objectives also included and groups of the force camp and cation networks, facilities and developing indicators of success THE PENINSULA — DOHA a number of sites and training procedures and identifying and public and individual partic- camps in Al Sailiya and Zekreet. appropriate mechanisms for ipation in security operations, The Ministry of Interior, repre- This exercise, which included Lekhwiya force personnel participating coordination, communication setting standards for the success sented by the General Direc- field response scenarios in training activities under ‘the Lekhwiya and information exchange of work through the application torate of Civil Defence according to the nature of the exercise 2020’. between the main parties. of fixed work procedures, with the yesterday organised a seminar tasks of Lekhwiya departments The other objectives were: establishment of the concept of for companies and institutions and groups, comes as part of a and individuals, as well as the The list of objectives that the access to the appropriate way to risk register in general and in par- on security and safety series of continuous exercises to efficiency and capabilities of exercise sought to achieve were: benefit from the capabilities and ticular while dealing with threats standards in buildings and test the readiness of the emer- machinery and equipment, and developing a joint planning identify the needs for strength- and security events, in addition to facilities. gency force, the capabilities of its detecting their readiness and model to achieve balance and ening the capabilities, especially developing plans and solutions The seminar was virtually employees from officers, non- ability to sustain in the face of harmony between Lekhwiya’s the technical capabilities, and and using technologies and held as part of measures aimed commissioned officers emergency risks and threats. management and force groups, work to raise the level of systems to reduce various risks. at preserving the safety and security of society. Major Jaber Mohammad Al Marri, Head of the Pre- Barwa Group organises ventive Education Section, spoke about the importance of communication between the Civil Defense blood donation campaign Department and the various companies and institutions THE PENINSULA — DOHA CEO of Barwa Real Estate Group, related to the importance of emphasised the importance of this ini- the continuity of awareness Barwa Real Estate Group in collabo- tiative and its relationship with the programmes that play a ration with Hamad Medical Corpora- group’s values. major role in maintaining tion’s (HMC) Blood Donor Centre “The blood donation campaign held the security and safety of organised a blood donation campaign by Barwa Group stems from our com- society. in Barwa headquarters in Al Sadd on mitment to our role towards society and He wished all participants September 8, 2020, where the HMC allo- our strong belief in our role in sup- to benefit from the topics cated a fully equipped mobile blood porting HMC Blood Donor Centre and raised by the officers. donation unit with a team of medical other health institutions. Contributing For his part, Captain, professionals. to the Qatari society is a fundamental Engineer Mohammad The organisation of this campaign pillar that we are working to achieve,” Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, Head of comes as part of the social responsibility said Al Rumaihi. the Engineering Plans program at Barwa Real Estate Group, The campaign received a remarkable Section, talked about the which is considered a major part of the response from Barwa employees and engineering plans and Group’s activities. neighboring companies, who were keen reviewed the stages of sub- In addition to increasing the to participate in this humanitarian ini- mitting the transaction to the awareness of employees and neigh- tiative, which contributes to providing civil defence and its require- bouring companies of the importance the blood bank with the necessary ments, adding that there are of this humanitarian work. resources and saving the lives of other some transactions submitted Abdullah Jobara Al Rumaihi, Acting individuals. by companies do not include a clear explanation of the project. Giving an example, he said, in the industrial sector the materials stored in the ware- house are not mentioned, and therefore the engineer who studies the transaction is forced to reject the transaction and requests an explanation of the stored materials to determine the required systems. Al Sulaiti stressed the need to obtain approval before making any modifications to An employee of Barwa Real Estate Group donating blood under a blood donation the project that had been pre- campaign conducted in Barwa headquarters in Al Sadd. viously approved. THURSDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2020 HOME 05 Football can play an important role in protecting education: Al Thawadi THE PENINSULA — DOHA to that protection.” Protecting education Al Thawadi also highlighted Qatar 2022 and the power of from attack is an some of the beneficiaries of the football can protect and important tenet of SC’s Generation Amazing pro- encourage education for all, gramme, the organisation’s said Hassan Al Thawadi, Qatar’s international flagship football for devel- Secretary General of the commitments. Our opment programme which uses Supreme Committee for country is steadfast the power of football to teach Delivery & Legacy (SC), during in wanting to resolve key life skills to children and a high-level virtual event held youth in Qatar and globally. Participants during a virtual panel discussion on promoting effective yesterday to mark the first conflict through “Sport teaches us so much. policy choices and public action during coronavirus pandemic. International Day to Protect dialogue and It allows self-expression, Education from Attack. negotiation. develops character and fosters Organised by Education a freedom of spirit. We’re using organisation she founded which Amazing seeks to aid commu- Above All (EAA), with the United the World Cup in 2022, and the advocates education and equal nities with identified needs Nations Children’s Fund power of football, to protect and rights for girls in Pakistan. through a football-driven (Unicef), the United Nations encourage education for all,” Al Thawadi said, “Long after methodology and strategy of Educational, Scientific and Cul- said Al Thawadi. the winning team has lifted the training. tural Organisation (Unesco), Secretary-General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, Al Thawadi also shared the trophy at the World Cup in Both on the pitch and in Save Our Future and the Qatar Hassan Al Thawadi, speaking during a virtual event. inspirational story of Gener- 2022, the legacy of the tour- classrooms, the programme’s Fund For Development (QFFD) ation Amazing beneficiary, nament will resonate in the mission is to activate indi- and the Permanent Mission of Speaking in a panel dis- international commitments. Mahira Ahmed Miyanji from stories of Mahira and others viduals’ skills in communi- the State of Qatar to the United cussion on promoting effective Our country is steadfast in Karachi, Pakistan. With dedi- who continue to strive for edu- cation, teamwork and lead- Nations (UN), the event aimed policy choices and public wanting to resolve conflict cation and through the help of cation — aided by the special ership for the benefit of the to commemorate and promote action during the pandemic, Al through dialogue and negoti- Generation Amazing, Miyanji power and potential of sport.” wider community. Generation the international day and act as Thawadi said, “Protecting edu- ation. And sport - football in was able to continue her work Launched during Qatar’s Amazing has reached over a call to stop attacks on cation from attack is an particular - can play an with Women Is A Nation (WIN), successful bid to host the FIFA 500,000 beneficiaries in Asia education. important tenet of Qatar’s important role in contributing a non-governmental World Cup 2022, Generation and the Middle East. HBKU webinar considers effects of Schneider Electric implements site-wide COVID-19 on commercial contracts SCADA system for QF’s Education City THE PENINSULA — DOHA energy usage, and a greener, THE PENINSULA — DOHA and Justice Sean Hagan, who challenges. Further, it reminded more sustainable campus. The previously served as General everyone about the tremendous Schneider Electric is installing a system also interfaces with The impact of COVID-19 on Counsel to the International human consequences of the site-wide supervisory control and Archibus, a web-based mainte- commercial contracts and Monetary Fund. Christopher pandemic.” data acquisition management nance application utilised by Edu- sovereign borrowing was the Grout, QICDRC Registrar, joined Her last point was empha- solution at Qatar Foundation’s cation City Operations for daily subject of a recent webinar them. sised by Grout and said, “One Education City. operation and maintenance organised by the College of Law Private sector contributors of the most important con- The technology will be imple- requirements and reporting. (CL) at Hamad Bin Khalifa included Pamela McDonald, siderations in times of crises mented across every large “Qatar Foundation’s Edu- University (HBKU) and the Senior Associate with Pinsent is maintaining access to building on campus, 42 in all, and cation City is a testament to the Qatar International Court and Masons, and Thomas Wil- justice and ensuring that will give Qatar Foundation’s oper- importance that the country Dispute Resolution Centre liams, a partner at Sultan Al- people do not become mar- ations and security teams a single, places on education and (QICDRC). Abdulla & Partners. HBKU Law ginalised from the justice centralised platform to manage knowledge, and we’re delighted The event featured a distin- dean Susan L. Karamanian system. As was explored a number of processes across Georgios Sichanis, QF Project to be able to support this initiative guished panel of experts with moderated the session with during the webinar, the Education City, including moni- Manager for SCADA project by rolling out technology that’s vast experience in Qatar and HBKU Law third-year juris volume of disputes is very toring and controlling energy going to benefit everyone working foreign legal systems. doctor (JD) student Shaikha Al likely to rise. People, espe- usage, and temperature settings. from two central control rooms and studying there,” said İsmail The panellists reminded Misned overseeing the Q&A cially the most vulnerable, The system provides a single, for 42 sites across Education City. Yamangil, General Manager for participants that COVID-19 has session. need to have access to unified environment for real-time Based on the company’s Won- Qatar at Schneider Electric. “This severely disrupted global Speaking after the lawyers, and court systems data acquisition, analysis, visual- derware technology, Schneider solution is going to make man- supply chains, made com- webinar, Sir William said, need to be able to cope with isation and integration of various Electric delivered a scalable and aging the facilities much simpler modity prices volatile, and “This event co-hosted by the influx of cases.” applications. efficient solution that is inter- to manage and maintain. And exposed businesses to cash flow HBKU’s College of Law and On September 23, the Education City houses branch operable with all the infra- given that it’s scalable, the solution problems and in some cases the QICDRC brought together college will have the honour of campuses of some of the world’s structure on campus, called the will grow with Education City. The bankruptcy. experts on commercial and hosting Jur AG for the webinar leading universities, including SCADA System. benefits will be a campus that is The need to address con- construction contracts and Dispute Resolution on Carnegie Mellon University, Geor- The system, which includes a more energy efficient and tractual issues such as force sovereign borrowing and pro- Blockchain. getown University, Virginia Com- layer of cyber security, pulls in, greener, safer and majeure, impossibility of per- vided valuable insights into Team members from this monwealth University, North- stores and analyses information comfortable.” formance and business inter- the massive impact that the Swiss-based company will lead western University, Texas A&M from 316,000 data points across “The system from Schneider ruption has arisen, and it will COVID-19 pandemic is having a presentation on smart legal University, and Weill Cornell- the 42 buildings on campus. Cus- Electric aligns Education City with likely increase in the months on contractual performance contracts, blockchain and Medicine, as well as Hamad Bin tomisable dashboards show our leadership’s vision of making ahead, as with concerns around both in individual countries online dispute resolution Khalifa University, Qatar Foun- information in a simplified it a Smart City, controlled from public debt. In a bid to stave off and worldwide.” platforms. dation’s homegrown university, display, giving the operations centralised command centres to “a coronavirus depression”, Dean Karamanian said: “As On September 30, Taxation research institutes, and com- team a unified real-time view of attain optimum operability for governments and international countries around the world of Multinational Enterprises in munity facilities. While each what is happening in every Education City facilities and organisations might consider ease lockdown measures, the the Post-BEPS Era: Potential building had its own building building monitor and allowing reduce their carbon footprint and coordinated action yet their full economic impact of this Challenges of Implementing management system, Qatar them to manage the whole maintenance costs,” said Georgios ability to do so in short order is virus will become increasingly Qatar’s Transfer Pricing Rules Foundation wanted to have a campus from the one location. Sichanis, Qatar Foundation’s limited. apparent. This webinar pro- brings together key stake- solution that would enable a The result is greater opera- Project Manager for the SCADA Key insights from the Qatar vided expert insight into what holders to analyse new exec- single unified view and operation tional flexibility, more efficient project. Financial Centre (QFC) Regu- has happened, what to expect, utive regulations pursuant to latory Tribunal were delivered and how legal systems will the Income Tax Law No. (24) by its chair, Sir William Blair, respond to the coming of 2018. HEC Paris to host webinar series on post-COVID-19 recovery THE PENINSULA — DOHA Pablo Martin de Holan, will analyse why managers and HEC Paris-Qatar is hosting the firms fail to anticipate “pre- ‘HEC Paris Insights’ webinar dictable surprises” and the series to explore the recovery various dimensions that push options in a post-COVID-19 managers and firms to avoid world. taking action while recovery The ‘HEC Paris Insights’ windows still exist. webinar series are designed to The live webinars will be support leaders and their teams open to all in English or French to be prepared for a new normal. and prospective participants are served at various institutions These webinar series witness the requested to confirm their like IE Business School in Spain, participation of a number of attendance by registering them- INCAE Business School - Costa eminent professors from the selves for the session through Rica, EMLYON Business School institution, including Dr. Pablo the following link: https://bit. in France and in the Middle East. Martin de Holan (pictured), Dean ly/2ZibynF He has been a visiting professor of HEC Paris in Qatar, whose Dr. Pablo Martin de Holan, at Krannert School of Man- webinar session will be held on a Ph.D from McGill University agement (Purdue University), September 15. in Canada, is currently serving Massachusetts Institute of Tech- During his session, ‘Why do as a professor of Strategic Man- nology, Sun Yat Sen College managers disregard the signals agement & Entrepreneurship at (China), and over thirty other A panel of experts during a discussion at the HBKU webinar. of an impending crisis?’, Dr. HEC Paris in Qatar. He has institutions in five continents. Texas A&M at Qatar to highlight university’s response to pandemic THE PENINSULA — DOHA COVID-19 activities undertaken When the COVID-19 pandemic began, Texas The Al Maerifa virtual expertise, said Dr. César Octavio by Texas A&M at Qatar in col- seminar series features Malavé, dean of Texas A&M at Texas A&M University at Qatar, laboration with the Ministry of A&M at Qatar funded seven research projects 45-minute seminars to promote Qatar. a Qatar Foundation partner Public Health, the Ministry of to help Qatar combat the outbreak of the virus. knowledge on topics centred “Faculty members and university, will restart its Al Education and Higher Education, around Qatar’s grand challenges researchers at Texas A&M at Maerifa Public Seminar Series Qatar Foundation, Barzan and research pursuits. The talks Qatar are innovating solutions designed to share expertise and Holdings and Qatar Red Crescent Mitigation of COVID-19 and of Coronavirus”, Dr. Luc Véchot, are presented in English and are to real-world challenges in Qatar knowledge with local Society, followed by faculty Future Epidemics”, Dr. Marwan Chemical Engineering on “Inves- designed for a general, nontech- and worldwide,” Malavé said. community in Qatar today with members who will present their Khraisheh, Mechanical Engi- tigation of the Impact of the nical audience. Participants will “I’m proud of the way our a discussion of the university’s research work and discuss neering on “3D Printing of Critical COVID-19 pandemic on the be invited to ask questions at the people have served the State of response to COVID-19. project outcomes. Need Medical Parts and Devices”, Control of the Process Safety Risk end of the presentation. Qatar by lending their expertise When the global COVID-19 Presenting their work will be, Dr. Othmane Bouhali, Science in Major Hazards Industries in Organised by Texas A&M at in new and creative ways — pandemic began, Texas A&M at Dr. Hussein Alnuweiri, Electrical (physics) on “Investigation of the Qatar: Data Collection, Analysis Qatar’s Office of Engagement, while continuing to teach classes Qatar funded seven research and Computer Engineering on Feasibility of Large-Scale Steri- and Recommendations” and Dr. the Al Maerifa Public Seminar and support our students online. projects to help Qatar combat “Code Design and Modeling to lization of Medical, Industrial and Sara Hillman, Liberal Arts on Series continues the partner uni- Our people truly are engineering the outbreak of the virus. During Improve Testing”, Dr. Bing Guo, Food Using Electron Beam Tech- “Labouring to communicate: Use versity’s core mission of sharing leaders in Qatar.” the seminar, Dr. Hassan S Bazzi, Mechanical Engineering on nologies”, Dr. Konstantinos of migrant languages in knowledge with the local com- The second seminar of the Associate Dean for Research and “Establishing Aerosol Virus Mon- Kakosimos, Chemical Engi- COVID-19 awareness campaign munity in Qatar and showcases fall Al Maerifa Public Seminar Advancement, will present the itoring Capability in Qatar for neering on “Tailored Prevention in Qatar”. the breadth of the university’s Series is set for September 17. DOHA TODAY

06 THURSDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2020 Art in the time of COVID-19 pandemic RAYNALD C RIVERA to the daily news. THE PENINSULA A chemical engineer, an artist and a mother of two, While the negative impacts of Basma Abouzeid is showcasing the COVID-19 have rippled “Wishing the coronavirus pan- through various sectors, the demic ends soon” which depicts pandemic has failed to impede a little girl wearing a face mask artists’ passion for art with her stuffed toys also production, further fuelling wearing the same. She said the their creativity to express their painting expresses children’s thoughts and personal experi- feelings towards what’s hap- ences of the health crisis in pening around them at this time many different ways. including the quarantine and its Prolific art creation is very consequences. much evident within Qatar’s art Engineering student Rahma community which can be wit- Walid Abdel Fattah sketched nessed in the latest crowd- two comic strips on the pan- sourced art initiative of Sheikh demic, one of which depicts the Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani condition of school or university Museum (FBQ Museum) aptly students while the other high- dubbed “Artists in the time of lights the situation of different COVID-19”, that the sheer people in Ramadan at the time number of submissions of the pandemic as they cope prompted the organisers to with the new normal. present the exhibition in three Qatari artist and VCUArts parts in the next three months, Qatar graduate Noof Al- Untitled painting by Fouz Saif. PICS: RAYNALD C RIVERA/THE PENINSULA the first of which was recently Theyab’s photograph depicts a launched at the museum. woman wearing a face mask The artworks represent the with a hand-stitched verse from distinct views of a cross-section the Holy Qur’an which is a of the art community in the source of inspiration during country, with artists coming these uncertain times. The work from different age groups, “COVID-19 Heroes” by Michael Conjusta. is titled “Nothing will happen to diverse backgrounds, and us except what Allah has varied artistic practices using a both the positive and negative message that we are with them decreed for us: He is our pro- wide variety of media in their effects of the pandemic as well at these times,” said AlSalat in tector and on Allah let the works, some of which were as an inspiration to live with it a statement. Believers put their trust.” born by the pandemic. in the new normal. Award-winning Filipino The piece “Leap Year 2020” The artworks reveal how art Hassan AlSalat, an artist artist Michael Conjusta, on the by Gabriel Diaz Romero implies makes a potent channel to who had been exposed to art at other hand, salutes all the front- a number of meanings taken convey the artists’ fears and a young age and learned liners and unsung heroes who into context the current pan- anxieties of the present as well painting mostly from his mother are joining hands in the battle demic. He uses red permanent as their hopes and dreams for who is an artist herself, renders against the pandemic in a col- marker on a plastic globe to a better future following these a powerful depiction of the ourful and visually striking indicate the scope of the havoc challenging times. heroes of the pandemic in his acrylic painting dubbed wreaked by the pandemic To many of the artists, their two digital prints. “COVID-19 Heroes.” which has gripped the world. creations were a cathartic expe- “‘Scars of humanity’ and Using nonsurgical masks as Vanessa Almacen explores rience during a time of solitude ‘They are not alone’ are what centrepiece, seasoned artist Ara the benefits more than the dis- caused by inevitable physical we see in the era of COVID-19, Azad expresses his interpre- advantages of staying home distancing. To art lovers, they the nurses’ suffering and their tation of the current COVID-19 during this time encapsulated serve as a stark reminder of fatigue, but there is always a situation in a painting called in a short video she made “Camouflage.” lucidly titled “Safe at Home.” Fouz Saif brilliantly cap- Ten-year-old American tures the reality of living under artist Amelia Gattouchi exudes the pandemic in a realist positive outlook amid the crisis painting of an old man who in her two gouache-on-paper wears a face mask while lis- artworks titled “Our future is in “Leap Year 2020” by Gabriel Diaz Romero. tening to an old radio. She said our hands” and “The world is in that she specifically chose the our hands.” black-and-white textile buttons Mathkour. old man as the subject who is at A unique piece on show is is dubbed “Looking into the What the artists have higher risk during the pandemic Naseema Shukoor’s mosaic future.” accomplished in the time of this and that the artwork expresses portrait of a woman looking The 60 artworks comprising pandemic shows that the the extent of the man’s fear to into the distance. The piece paintings, digital prints, photog- destructive force of a crisis can be infected and his urge to listen made up of around 5,000 raphy, installations, videos, and be harnessed into a creative mixed media, among others can power not only capable of be viewed at FBQ Museum’s The helping themselves deal with White Majlis until October 3. the difficult situation but also The second and third parts of impacting others in the process, the exhibition are scheduled to hopefully in a positive way. be held from October 9 to November 7 and from November 13 to December 12. Other galleries in Qatar have also presented exhibitions of works inspired by the pandemic such as the online exhibits organised by Al Markhiya Gallery including solo Ultra-modern operating theaters exhibitions “Social Dis- tancing” featuring works by Mubarak Al Thani, “The Quarantine Diaries” showcasing pieces by Sara Al Buainain, and “Radiant Darkness” displaying “Wishing the Coronavirus pandemic ends soon” by Basma Abouzeid. “They are not alone” by Hassan AlSalat. paintings by Salim

State-of-the-art ambulance AMU Alumni Association Qatar holds webinar on IIT/JEE, NEET exams fleet — DOHA THE PENINSULA measures of COVID-19 and language will help the students and spoke briefly about the appreciated AMU alumni team ministry of education has to understand the basics deeply efforts to support the com- for organising it. He said that A webinar on ‘Tricks & Tips for already made the proper to make the foundation strong. munity in this pandemic of it’s often noticed that many stu- IIT/JEE & NEET Exams by arrangement at the Centre. The standard of the questions COVID-19. He thanked his man- dents do not have proper sleep Anand Kumar’ was organised He has also mentioned that should be based on class 11 and aging committee & well-wisher before appearing for the exam- by Aligarh Muslim University these examinations were pre- 12 instead of Olympiad level. It Shahabuddin Ahmad for ination, which makes the mind Alumni Association Qatar viously postponed two-three will help poor students to crack bringing this webinar for the very slow and that’s why sound (AMUAAQ) an associate organ- times that is why it is necessary this exam by doing self-stud,” Indian community. He informed sleep is very important the Highly-advanced patient information systems ization (AO) of Indian to save the academic session said Kumar. that parents & students will get night before any examination. Community Benevolent Forum for the prepared aspirants. Jawed Ahmad, the President the confidence and benefit from Obaidur Rahman advised (ICBF) under the aegis of the Anand Kumar also wel- of the AMU Alumni Association the webinar. students to utilise the Embassy of India recently. comed the New Education Policy Qatar welcomed the guests, Sujeet Kumar said that he remaining time to do mock Almost 850 people attended 2020. “The medium of media personnel, community felt great to be a part of this tests and online practice. He the online webinar (Via Zoom instruction in the home/local leaders, and online audience, important webinar and also advised them to take the and Facebook live stream). The examination without fear to chief guest and speaker of this keep the morale and confi- webinar was Anand Kumar, dence high. He recommended Founder of Super-30. Dr. Ashna the students to do the exami- Nusrat moderated the event. nation with accuracy and Cutting-edge treatments for The guest of honour and speaker attempt the sure shot questions cancer Obaidur Rahman and guest of first then try the difficult part honour Sujeet Kumar, Addi- and minimise the wrong At Hamad Medical Corporation we tional Commissioner, Delhi answer as the negative are utilizing advanced technology and Income Tax attended the marking will impact the overall innovative systems to deliver the highest webinar. score. quality care to Qatar’s population. Anand Kumar said that the Shahabuddin Ahmad examination date of IIT/JEE and (Chairman, Bazm e Sadaf) www.hamad.qa NEET exam should not be appreciated the AMU Alumni changed as the government has Association Qatar for their val- already prepared to conduct it uable contribution towards by following the precautionary Indian community. THURSDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2020 DOHA TODAY 07 HBKU’s QCRI at forefront of efforts to tackle education insecurity THE PENINSULA — DOHA provided by filtering processes. EAA's initiatives Mapping Education Insecurity On May 28, the United Nations has the built-in ability to General Assembly proclaimed include Mapping identify and discard irrelevant September 9 as the Interna- Education data. In doing so, only eight tional Day to Protect Education Insecurity, an percent of Arabic, 15 percent of from Attack. Initiated by the French and 34 prcent of English State of Qatar with the support online platform data makes its way to practi- of 60 states, the occasion will which highlights tioners and other stakeholders. serve as an annual call for inter- This typically represents the national action to safeguard attacks on most accurate, credible and ver- education in armed conflict education facilities ifiable data captured by the zones. One of the main in the Middle East platform. supporters of the resolution was AIDR’s ability to work with H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, and North Africa, new automated data processing the Founder of Education Above as well as Twitter use cases points to a bright All (EAA). posts highlighting future for the Mapping Edu- Qatar’s and the EAA’s efforts cation Insecurity platform. The to secure access to life-changing instances of system is capable of accommo- education opportunities never- education dating new models in different theless extend beyond the insecurity. languages, meaning that the debating chamber into more project’s reach could one day practical settings. Further initi- extend beyond the MENA region. atives include Mapping Edu- “AIDR can also process cation Insecurity, an online Khalifa University (HBKU). imagery using state-of-the-art platform which highlights Mapping Education Inse- computer vision techniques,” attacks on education facilities in curity relies on data provided said Dr. Ferda Ofli, a senior sci- the Middle East and North Africa by the Armed Conflict Location entist with the QCRI’s Social (MENA), as well as Twitter posts & Event Data Project (ACLED) Computing group. “In the highlighting instances of edu- and Artificial Intelligence for future, Mapping Education Inse- cation insecurity. One of the Digital Response (AIDR) curity could be used to collect driving forces behind this platforms. Mapping Education Insecurity came online in May 2019. social media images showing groundbreaking initiative is Developed by QCRI in part- damage to schools, universities Qatar Computing Research nership with the United Nations standalone project. However, Mapping Education Insecurity All have overseen the cre- and other education Institute (QCRI) at Hamad Bin Office for the Coordination of the main strength of AIDR was came online in May 2019. ation of a platform that has institutions.” Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in the processing of natural dis- Beyond AIDR, project partners already processed millions of The versatility of Mapping and the Standby Task Force, asters social media data. For include EEA, OCHA the Centre Tweets related to education Education Insecurity also res- AIDR filters and classifies social Mapping Education Insecurity for Humanitarian Data. insecurity. The data provided onates with how societies The data media messages related to to come to life, QCRI and its by AIDR is shared with human- consume information and provided by AIDR emergencies, disasters, and partners would need to train itarian and crisis response interact with media. Research humanitarian crises to assist new robust models from organisations through OCHA’s shows that social media plat- is shared with relief operations. In doing so, scratch. Mapping Humanitarian Data Exchange forms regularly break emer- humanitarian and the platform uses human and For its part, QCRI oversaw Education platform (HDX) and has been gencies faster than television crisis response machine intelligence to auto- the real-time mining of multi- Insecurity relies downloaded more than 100 stations and radio channels. matically tag thousands of mes- lingual social media data high- times by different entities over Moreover, studies suggest organisations sages per minute and identifies lighting attacks against edu- on data provided the past three months. that Twitter, Facebook and through OCHA’s pertinent reports useful for dis- cation entities and other by the Armed Mapping Education Inse- others are an invaluable source Humanitarian aster response and man- instances of insecurity. Working Conflict Location curity visualises data through of eyewitness reports of emer- agement in real-time. with OCHA, members of QCRI’s an online dashboard which pro- gencies, quite often from dif- Data Exchange Since coming online, AIDR Crisis Computing Team & Event Data vides continuous updates to the ferent perspectives. Accord- platform and has has gone from strength-to- developed a social media col- Project (ACLED) community. ingly, AIDR is capable of devel- been downloaded strength winning the 2015 Open lection strategy based on and Artificial Confidentiality is an oping scalable solutions to Source Software System Chal- domain-specific keywords. essential feature of Mapping contend with the rapidly more than 100 lenge and being featured in AIDR was then used to train and Intelligence for Education Insecurity. All data is evolving nature of information times by different international media. define machine learning clas- Digital Response shared through secure private gathering, processing and con- entities over the Yet, when it came to sifiers in Arabic, English and (AIDR) platforms. channels and uploaded after sumption. This bodes well for tracking and analysing edu- French. removing personally identi- regional efforts to map, and ulti- past three months. cation insecurity, the devel- After several months of fiable information. Another mately tackle, all forms of edu- opers saw scope for a research and development, layer of confidentiality is cation insecurity.

THROUGH THE LENS DPS-Modern Indian School celebrates Teachers’ Day

THE PENINSULA — DOHA School, Soma Bhattacharjee; Vice- The students of DPS-Modern Indian Principal, Senior School, Mary Cruz, School celebrated Teachers’ Day and Headmistress Sini Menon. with a multitude of online presen- The chief guest, Yasir Nainar high- tations as a mark of their appreci- lighted the vital role of teachers in ation and gratitude to all the the lives of their students. He com- education warriors for their mended the efforts of all the commitment and dedication for teachers who transpire hope, love imparting uninterrupted holistic and wisdom among the students education especially during these and insisted on infusing the young unprecedented times. minds with stronger values so that This year the mode was different they are groomed into more valuable but the magnitude and enthusiasm individuals. was remarkable. Principal Asna Nafees, in her The students of Grade XI and XII address, lauded the teachers for conveyed their heartfelt feelings for their quick adaptation to changes their mentors and guides through a from offline classes to online classes poetic audio visual presentation. The and continue impacting lives middle school students paid a positively. musical tribute to all the teachers, She also advised them to keep thanking them for their immense themselves updated and reflect on contribution in fostering their lives. the areas of improvement in order The students from Nursery to to bettering the best and creating an Grade XII greeted their teachers with ideal teaching-learning atmosphere their selfies carrying an appreciation for the students. Al Jemail, a 19th century pearling and fishing village message for their magnanimous She also congratulated HOD effort in bringing a positive dif- Social Science, Jayanthi Rajagopalan, ference to their lives. All the videos who has been selected for the ‘Best are uploaded on the official Teacher Award’ by Embassy of India, Facebook page of DPS-MIS. Qatar under the aegis of Ministry of A virtual meeting was also External Affairs, Government of India organised in order to acknowledge for her invaluable contribution to the the immense contribution of the field of education. nation builders in moulding and Soma Bhattacharjee, Mary Cruz, educating the global citizens of and Sini Menon conveyed their tomorrow. The occasion was wishes to all the teachers on attended by Vice-President DPS-MIS, Teachers’ Day and applauded their Yasir Nainar; Principal, Asna Nafees; commitment and perseverance in Vice-Principal, Senior Secondary taking the school to greater heights.

Views of a 19th century pearling and fishing Al Jemail fisherman’s village. Al Jemail is an abandoned village located in the north-east of Qatar near Al Ruwais. The name comes from the word ‘jameel’ which means ‘beautiful’ in Arabic. PIC: ABDUL BASIT/ THE PENINSULA Students and staff of DPS-Modern Indian School during the virtual meeting. 08 VIEWS THURSDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2020

Established in 1996

CHAIRMAN DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI [email protected] A file photo of staff at the emergency department of the field hospital in Old Industrial Area.PIC:SALIM MATRAMKOT /THE PENINSULA EDITORIAL What the age of COVID-19 Qatar’s strong banks QATAR'S banking sector has emerged stronger despite means for palliative care exceptional situation created by COVID-19 pandemic. The combined assets of the listed commercial banks So, what does the emer- family members to provide been separated from their have witnessed a growth of around two percent during gence of COVID-19 mean for support that goes beyond the dying loved ones, often with the first six months of this financial year, according to palliative care? The harsh traditional frameworks of no means of communication PwC’s half yearly report Qatar’s banking sector released reality is that palliative care medical services, and most and no follow-up on disease recently. services tend to be under- terminally-ill patients will prognosis and progression, The ‘H1 2020 Qatar Banking Sector Report’ said resourced and undervalued express the need to spend and the patients facing death that aggregated total assets of the eight listed com- even during the best of times. their remaining time sur- without so much as a hand to mercial banks grew 1.9 percent in the first half of 2020, Factor in a global pandemic, rounded by family. Where hold or the chance to say to hit QR1.66 trillion, while the aggregated loans and and we see how healthcare patients are deemed mentally goodbye to their nearest and advances to customers grew 2.1 percent to reach MAHA EL AKOUM systems around the world are unfit, doctors turn to family dearest. Several health QR1.44 trillion in the first six months of 2020. buckling under the crushing members for important deci- systems have found a way The strong banking sector reflects the strength of The essence of palliative pressures of the exponential sions over medical care plans. around this by utilizing video Qatar’s economy. The State of Qatar has taken several medicine is the alleviation of rise of COVID-19 cases. COVID-19 makes this conferencing platforms and measures to strengthen banking and other sectors. suffering through the provision The current state of global near-impossible. Families are allowing their patients to com- Qatar has managed to maintain its high credit ratings of compassionate, holistic care emergency has injured the being forced into social iso- municate with family with a stable outlook in ratings of global agencies. to a terminal patient. It is a very core and soul of palliative lation from their palliated members through techno- Moody’s rating agency assigned the credit rating of form of care that is distin- care. For a start, decision- loved ones. They are no longer logical means. Perhaps equally Qatar in April at (Aa3) with a stable outlook, and clas- guished by the emphasis it makers now have to make a allowed to be in the same as important is the communi- sified the economic strength (a1), which is higher than places on viewing the patient choice on who receives critical vicinity, never mind touch or cation between healthcare the initial degree (a3), indicating the exceptional rise in as whole person; a unique indi- care and who does not. When console them. That means providers and patients’ fam- per capita income in the country and the great reserves vidual. It is an original permu- Intensive Care Units are over- most will die alone. ilies, which must not be com- of hydrocarbons. tation of thoughts, preferences, whelmed, do we allocate hos- While the World Health promised at this time. In its report, Moody’s said that Qatar’s credit profile morals, views and spiritual or pital beds and machines to Organization has recently WISH has worked with the reflects the government’s strong balance sheet, vast religious beliefs. those who are most likely to issued guidance on maintaining BMJ’s Journal of Medical Ethics hydrocarbon reserves and exceptionally high per capita Now, in the face of the survive, or those who have a some of the most essential to create a paper that acts as a income. These factors provide significant shock- COVID-19 pandemic, what has poor prognosis regardless of healthcare services during the postscript to the Vatican event absorption capacity and mitigate the vulnerability of changed about how we medical intervention? COVID-19 pandemic, this we hosted with PAL in 2019. government revenue to temporary declines in oil prices. provide palliative care and Terminal patients in coun- unfortunately came with no Reflections on Autonomy and Moody’s has noted that the stable outlook balances what can we learn moving tries with the strongest of mention of palliative care. Authority discusses the ten- fiscal and economic risks stemming from the decline forward? healthcare systems who were One resounding common sions between the autonomy of in oil prices with Qatar’s very large fiscal and foreign My interest in the ethical once provided with high- theme between all religions an individual and the authority currency reserve buffers in the form of sovereign wealth provision of palliative care quality, personalized palliative when discussing palliative of the social group, whether it fund assets. The strength of the Qatari economy was stems from my involvement in care are now reduced to the care practices is the impor- is a family, profession, or also confirmed by the S&P Global Ratings, which the WISH report on Palliative readings on the machines tance of preserving patient religion. The two notions are affirmed its long-term outlook for Qatar at stable, and Care and Islamic Ethics that they’re attached to and the dignity. Dignity is widely very relevant when consid- its long- and short-term foreign and local currency sov- was launched at the WISH scribbles in their charts. One accepted as a universal need ering the complex ethical and ereign credit ratings on Qatar at (AA-/A-1+). 2018 summit. WISH then col- can only imagine the case of that is integral to the wellbeing legal issues around making In its report issued in March, the rating agency said laborated with Georgetown lower income countries with of an individual, and, more decisions for others, such as that in view of the sharp fall in international oil prices, it University in Qatar and the fragile health systems to begin specifically in this case, the those requiring palliative care. has significantly lowered its oil price assumptions for Vatican’s Pontifical Academy with. Suddenly this one whole patient. The key attributes of The paper makes the 2020 and 2021. Nevertheless, Qatar’s government and for Life (PAL), to host a sym- human, this life, this myriad of dignity are autonomy, respect, argument for broader concep- external balance sheets currently remain strong and posium on ‘Muslim and thoughts, ideas and beliefs, empowerment and communi- tions of dignity, personhood, provide a buffer to withstand external shocks. Christian Perspectives on Palli- becomes a mathematical cation. It is therefore and authority, and to locate a It added that while the prices of hydrocarbons may ative Care’ in January 2019 in equation - a calculation of risk important that we do not lose person in the context of their remain low, the government’s fiscal and external posi- Qatar . This symposium was and probability. Consequently, sight of these elements during families, societies, culture, and tions will remain stable. attended by senior religious end-of-life care is threatened these testing times. religious traditions. It is a S&P Global Ratings expects that Qatar’s credit authorities and religious with the curse of In fact, COVID-19 provides vision that emphasizes context profile to be stable, supported by the very strong scholars from the Muslim and dehumanization. an unprecedented opportunity and social embedding, where external and fiscal positions, which are underpinned by Christian Faiths, and con- To add insult to injury, this for medical practice to learn a broader conception of what relatively low central-government debt and the large cluded with the signing of a global pandemic means that from the field of palliative care it is to be a person holds external assets Qatar has built up over several years. joint declaration on end-of-life frontline healthcare staff are about how to treat patients in greater strength. Crucially, the and palliative care that pro- not only overworked but man- a way that is the complete sum paper notes that this vision of moted an integral approach to dated to be distant from their of physical, emotional, and “relational autonomy” can the person - the humanization patients at a time when human spiritual needs, as the allevi- help resolve clashes because of palliative care. contact is not only critical but ation of suffering in all its any decision taken by a doctor D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR WISH’s commitment to necessary. Even when they are forms is an essential part of or healthcare worker on at a person’s bedside, layers of the global response to the behalf of a dying patient will EMAIL: [email protected] this cause was reinstated last December when, in collabo- protective medical gear - suits, pandemic always be in the context of ration with PAL and the British gloves, masks, face shields, As the death toll rises, and relationships, especially with EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 Medical Journal, it hosted a goggles - make it difficult to resources are stretched those closest to the person. FAX: +974 4455 7758 two-day summit in Rome on communicate, reassure, thinner and thinner, we need While there may be areas of religion and medical ethics console, or even simply listen. to remember that communi- tension between religious tra- MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 that focused on the roles Arguably, the main demo- cation, empathy, and listening ditions and ‘secular’ medical religion and spirituality play in graphic of palliative care to patients’ needs remain ethics, religions bring a depth DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 providing holistic care within patients (those aged 65 years essential practices. If compro- of understanding in terms of the context of medical ethics. and above with chronic ill- mised, these can result in compassion, solidarity, dignity LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 Speakers from the Muslim, nesses) are also those at higher medical errors, missed and community. Christian and Judaism faith risk of contracting and dying treatment opportunities, and Starting with small prac- BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 discussed their perspectives from COVID-19, so protective compromised patient safety - tical steps, it is my hope that and the various interfaith equipment and lack of social further contributing to the we can reverse the trend of SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 approaches to promoting the interaction is vital. Under crisis. dehumanization and – as part role of spirituality in palliative normal circumstances, fam- Spiritual needs also need of our whole systems response ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 care. As expected, it became ilies would be the ones to to be addressed and honored. to the COVID-19 pandemic – email: [email protected] apparent that, across all reli- provide the needed social For example, in the case of a renew global efforts to gions, the ethical concerns are support in lieu of this short- Muslim patient, these requests humanize palliative care. PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 the same. Additionally, all reli- coming. However, this pan- could be as simple as facing Maha El Akoum, Head of email: [email protected] gions agreed that it is vital to demic has reshaped what we Makkah at the time of death or Content and Research Fellow provide compassionate care know to be normal. having the Qur’an recited to at the World Innovation ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 that takes into consideration Palliative care is patient- them. Such small fixes could Summit for Health (WISH) – FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] spiritual needs alongside centered care, but also family- go a long way to improving Qatar Foundation’s global medical or clinical needs, and centered care. Family wellbeing through preserving health initiative – on how pal- CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 all participants raised the issue members are an essential dignity. liative care has been “injured” email: [email protected] of ever-tightening budgets pillar in palliative care service Lastly, we must not forget by the pandemic, but still that result in the negligence of provision. Healthcare pro- about sons and daughters, sib- holds lessons for compas- SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 the field as a whole. viders often work closely with lings, and parents who have sionate medical practice. FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar

/ThePeninsulaQatar The terrorists and their foreign backers cannot undermine the people's strong faith in peace, /Peninsula_Qatar democracy and the bright future of our country.

/ThePeninsulaNewspaper Ashraf Ghani, President of Afghanistan

+974 6698 6188 THURSDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2020 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 09 Hezbollah-allied parties slam new US sanctions

REUTERS — BEIRUT “This (US) decision “targeting Lebanon and its will not change our sovereignty.” Two Lebanese political parties convictions and The United States also allied to Hezbollah said blacklisted former Transport yesterday they would not be our national and Minister Yusuf Finyanus, a swayed by US sanctions patriotic principles Christian politician who is a imposed on its members, with at all,” Amal said in member of the Marada party the Shia Amal group saying that is also allied to Washington’s move was like a statement issued Hezbollah. targeting the whole nation. after Washington Marada’s leader, Suleiman The United States expanded added the senior Frangieh, said his party would sanctions related to Lebanon not be influenced by Wash- on Tuesday by blacklisting two Amal politician ington’s decision, the Leb- former government ministers, and former finance anese state news agency including Amal’s Ali Hassan minister, Khalil, to reported. Khalil. It said the two men had In a statement, Frangieh aided Hezbollah, which Wash- a blacklist. said Washington’s move to A file picture shows US soldiers chat as they train Iraq’s 72nd Brigade taking part in a live-fire exercise ington brands a terrorist impose sanctions on Finyanus in Basmaya base, southeast of capital Baghdad. group. biggest threat to the country’s was a “political decision” that Alongside the heavily stability since the 1975-1990 would reinforce “our approach armed, Iran-backed Hez- civil war. and our position.” US to reduce troops in Iraq to 3,000 bollah, Amal is one of two “This (US) decision will not Prime Minister-designate AP — WASHINGTON/BAGHDAD dominant Shia factions in Leb- change our convictions and our Mustapha Adib, named after the anon’s fractious sectarian national and patriotic principles last government quit following Germany agrees to reduce soldiers political system. at all,” Amal said in a statement a massive Beirut port blast in The United States is reducing QNA — DOHA The US move comes at a issued after Washington added August, is seeking to form a its troop presence in Iraq this sensitive time, as a new gov- the senior Amal politician and cabinet by early next week, month from 5,200 to 3,000, the The German government agreed yesterday to reduce the number ernment is being formed under former finance minister, Khalil, under pressure from France top American commander for of its soldiers participating in the Iraq mission to a maximum a tight deadline in a bid to to a blacklist. which is leading an interna- the Middle East said yesterday, of 500, which previously amounted to 700 soldiers. According extricate Lebanon from a deep The group said imposing tional push for deep reforms to as President Donald Trump to the German news agency, after the withdrawal of the recon- economic crisis that poses the sanctions on Khalil was like unlock pledges of aid. tries to make good on his naissance aircraft (Tornado), Germany can reduce its forces campaign promise to get currently in the mission that the country contributes to within America out of “endless wars.” the framework of the international coalition to combat ISIS. During a visit to Iraq, Thousands receive Turkish aid following Beirut blast Marine Gen. Frank McKenzie, the commander of US Central allegedly denigrating American leaders when he said on ANATOLIA — BEIRUT Aid has also been delivered to three health Command, said the reduction in war dead as “losers” and Monday that they want to fight centers in the Lebanese capital, which lacks Iraq reflects the Trump adminis- “suckers.” He has denied the wars to boost the profits of Turkey’s Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH) sufficient medicine and medical supplies. tration’s confidence in the ability allegation, first reported by The defense companies. has sent aid to 30,000 people in Lebanon On August 4, a huge explosion in the port of US-trained Iraqi security forces Atlantic magazine last week, A senior administration following last month’s Beirut port explosion. of Beirut rocked the city, killing 191 people and to handle the militant threat from which surfaced at a time of official told reporters aboard Air In a statement yesterday, the IHH said the injuring over 6,000 people, while dozens the Islamic State group, which heightened tension in his rela- Force One that an announcement aid delivery is still underway. remain missing. entered Iraq from Syria in 2014. tionship with the military. on the withdrawal of additional “So far, 30,000 beneficiaries have received The blast caused damage estimated at $15 The move also comes as Trump added to the perception troops from Afghanistan also could aid from the IHH,” the statement said. billion, according to official figures. Trump faces criticism for of a growing split with Pentagon be expected in the coming days.

Lebanese FM tests positive for virus Houthis block flights to Sana'a as economic warfare rages REUTERS/ANATOLIA — DUBAI The decision, which the 30,000 liters of diesel, 15,000 holding UN-cleared commercial no regard for international law BEIRUT ANATOLIA — Houthis blamed on a fuel liters of petrol and 3,000 liters vessels in Hodeidah port. The or the lives, dignity, and rights The Houthi administration in shortage, comes as the coalition of fuel oil for other equipment, contested Red Sea city is the of people in Yemen, according Lebanese Foreign Minister Yemen has suspended all holds 21 commercial vessels in sources familiar with the entry point for more than 70% to the third report of the Group Charbel Wahbe has tested United Nations and humani- Hodeidah port, preventing more matter said. of Yemen’s imports of com- of Eminent International (GEE) positive for the novel corona- tarian flights to the capital than 500,000 tonnes of fuel UN officials think the aiport mercial goods and aid. and Regional Experts on Yemen. virus, the caretaker Sana'a as its Saudi-led coalition from entering the country. needs less than half of that As of September 3, 21 The group underlined that government confirmed foe blocks commercial vessels “Our inventories are very amount of fuel, UN sources said. vessels have been cleared by the the governments of Yemen, yesterday. in the Red Sea port of Hodeidah. scarce...we have been waiting “They are using the humani- Djibouti-based UN Verification Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and “The results of the PCR The Iran-aligned Houthis for three months, now we have tarian response as an and Inspection Mechanism but Southern Transitional Council tests by the minister were pos- took over Sana'a and most cities reached a dangerous level,” said instrument.. They know we held by coalition warships sta- were responsible for human itive,” the Foreign Ministry in 2014 after ousting the Saudi- Khaled Al Shayef, managing can’t have the airport closed, so tioned off Hodeidah. rights violations that include said in a statement. According backed government of Abd- director of Sanaa airport. “We they want us to pressure the Meanwhile, a UN-man- killings, arbitrary detention, and to the statement, the foreign rabuh Mansour Hadi. The have informed the UN....but we coalition,” said a UN official dated probe said yesterday it sexual violence. Some in the minister has been placed in ensuing war has led to a major haven’t heard from them so far.” who declined to be named. had “reasonable grounds” to current Yemeni government quarantine for two weeks. humanitarian crisis. The Houthi foreign ministry Houthi officials could not believe that groups involved and coalition — in particular, Wahbe is the second Leb- Since then, only UN and sent a letter on August 30 to the be reached for further in Yemen’s bloody six-year Saudi Arabia and the UAE — as anese minister to have con- humanitarian flights have been United Nations saying that for comment, but the group has conflict have committed well as the Southern Transi- tracted the COVID-19 after allowed by the coalition, which the airport to continue servicing blamed the Saudi-led coalition human rights atrocities tional Council have committed former Foreign Minister controls Yemeni airspace, to its flights, the organisation of waging economic warfare on including war crimes. “acts that may amount to war Mohammed Safadi, who land at the capital’s airport. must provide the airport with Houthi-held territories by All parties continue to show crimes.” tested positive in March. Lebanon has seen a surge in the number of virus infec- Husband of detained UK-Iranian tions in recent days. Morocco extends health emergency urges govt help after new charges Case filed at UN as coronavirus cases increase against Hamas AFP — LONDON/TEHRAN AFP — RABAT including a night-time curfew “So drastic measures are in The husband of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, a British-Iranian woman AFP — GENEVA and closure of schools. order, otherwise the situation detained in Tehran for sedition, yesterday called on the UK Dozens of rights groups have Morocco’s government Emergency measures were risks spinning out of control in government to do “everything to protect her” after Iran announced filed a complaint with a UN yesterday extended a medical first put in place in March. coming days.” she faces fresh charges. expert panel over the five- state of emergency until next Casablanca, along with With more than 1,000 con- Zaghari-Ratcliffe, 41, has spent more than four years in jail month detention in Gaza of a month in the face of a sharp rise Marrakesh, had already been firmed cases a day since the or under house arrest since being arrested in the Iranian capital Palestinian activist who in coronavirus cases. subject to a series of restrictions start of August, Moroccan in April 2016 while on a visit to see family with her young daughter. organised a video conference “Today, the cabinet three weeks ago, including media have been critical of the Iranian state television’s website Iribnews said on Tuesday with left-leaning campaigners approved a project for a decree beach closures and shortened handling of the health crisis. she and her lawyer had been notified of a new indictment, without in Israel. extending until October 10 the business hours. All exits to The authorities blame the giving further details or a trial date. The coalition of 70 NGOs duration of the medical state of major cities in the North African spread of COVID-19 in Morocco But her husband, Richard Ratcliffe, said she is due to appear said they had lodged a com- emergency to combat Covid- country have been closed, with on people’s failure to adhere to in court on Sunday and it was “increasingly clear” she was being plaint with the UN Working 19,” Prime Minister Saad- travel only allowed with health protocols. held as a “hostage” and as “leverage against a UK debt. Group on Arbitrary Detention Eddine El Othmani tweeted. “exceptional authorisation” The country of 35 million “It is important that the UK government does everything to to demand the release of peace Morocco’s economic capital issued by local authorities. inhabitants has recorded more protect her and others as Iran’s hostage diplomacy continues to campaigner Rami Aman, of Casablanca, with 3.3 million “We risk being submerged than 1,400 deaths from coro- escalate,” he added in a statement. detained by Hamas in Gaza on residents, has been under by the virus,” Health Minister navirus and over 75,721 con- “This starts with the British embassy insisting it is able to April 9. lockdown since Monday, Khalid Ait Taleb said Sunday. firmed cases. attend Nazanin’s trial on Sunday.” Kuwait: 838 new virus cases, 4 deaths

AGENCIES — KUWAIT yesterday the recovery of 568 Israel registered five addi- patients in the past twenty-four tional fatalities and 3,506 infec- The Kuwaiti Ministry of Health hours, bringing the total of tions from the coronavirus out- reported 838 new coronavirus recoveries to 82,222 break yesterday. (COVID-19) cases in the past The Ministry of Health in In a statement, the Health twenty-four hours, bringing the the Sultanate of Oman reported Ministry said the country’s tally total of confirmed cases in the yesterday that the total cases of rose to 139,013 confirmed cases, country to 92,082. coronavirus (COVID-19) in the including 1,048 deaths, and Four deaths due to Sultanate reached 87,939. 107,599 recoveries. COVID-19 infections were The Ministry added that the The ministry said 472 reported, bringing the death total number of COVID-19 patients remain in critical con- tally to 552, Ministry Spokes- related deaths stood at 751, dition, while 140 others are on person Dr. Abdullah Al Sanad while the recoveries reached respirators. said in a statement reported by 83,115, comprising 94.5 percent, Over the past two days, Kuwait News Agency. according to Oman News Israel recorded its highest rates He explained that the new Agency (ONA). of infections since the outbreak cases included contacts with The statement indicated of the deadly virus in Israel in previously confirmed cases, that 54 cases were admitted to March. Israeli authorities have and others under investigation the hospital in the past 24 imposed a night curfew in Iran reports 127 more COVID-19 deaths for the source of infection and hours, bringing the total around 40 cities and towns in examining those in contact with number of current hospitalized an effort to curb the spread of People wearing masks walk at a street in Tehran as 127 new coronavirus-related fatalities over the them. COVID-19-infected patients to the coronavirus, including 20 past 24 hours have raised the death toll in Iran to 22,669, yesterday. The Kuwaiti Ministry of 462, of them 167 are in intensive Arab cities such as Um al-Fahm, Health announced earlier care units. Nazareth and Tayibe. 10 AFRICA THURSDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2020 Ethiopia’s Tigray region defies PM Abiy with ‘illegal’ election

AFP — MEKELE, ETHIOPIA The election represents the latest challenge to Abiy’s authority as he navigates a democratic Ageing war veterans and university students joined long transition hobbled by deep political and ethnic lines in Ethiopia’s northern divisions, and a low point in the bitter dispute Tigray region to vote yesterday in parliamentary elections that between Tigray and the federal government in Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s Addis Ababa. Polls opened at 6am (0300 GMT) government has deemed across the mountainous northern Tigray region illegal. Polls opened at 6am (0300 despite a federal decision to postpone all elections GMT) across the mountainous because of the coronavirus pandemic. northern Tigray region despite a federal decision to postpone all elections because of the because of the pandemic. how to allocate the remaining coronavirus pandemic. Tigrayan leaders rejected 38 seats at a later date, said The election represents the the extension of mandates — election commissioner latest challenge to Abiy’s which would have expired in Muluwork Kidanemariam. authority as he navigates a October — contending Abiy will The heavy favourite yes- People wait in line in order to enter a polling station during Tigray’s regional elections, in the town democratic transition hobbled have no legitimacy after that. terday is the region’s current of Tikul, 15km east from Mekele, Ethiopia, yesterday. by deep political and ethnic Their decision to unilat- ruling party, the Tigray People’s divisions, and a low point in the erally hold their own elections Liberation Front (TPLF), which Mekele, 850 out of 1,360 regis- smoothly, though he was con- region and respond to attempts bitter dispute between Tigray has rankled federal officials, led the armed struggle to topple tered voters had turned out by cerned about some reports of by ethnic groups in the south to and the federal government in who have said they have “no the brutal Derg regime in 1991 1pm (1000 GMT). “irregularities” in rural areas. form regions of their own. Addis Ababa. legal basis” and are “null and and went on to control the gov- Schoolteacher Danayt “Many voters are illiterate, It remains unclear whether Tigray, which shares a void”. erning coalition that took over. Alemu said she expected a TPLF and people are voting on their Tigray will face federal retali- border with Eritrea and In the regional capital Though the TPLF has been victory “because the people behalf. And honestly they are ation for going ahead with the Sudan, is one of Ethiopia’s 10 Mekele, some voters struck a sidelined under Abiy, it remains believe it is thanks to the TPLF voting for the incumbent. We vote. Abiy, winner of last year’s semi-autonomous regions defiant note as they waited to in command in Tigray, whose struggle that we can vote”. have reports of that from here Nobel Peace Prize, has previous organised broadly along cast ballots. people make up six percent of The TPLF has so far and there,” he said. ruled out a military intervention ethnic lines. “We want the federal gov- Ethiopia’s population of 110 refrained from calling for “In some cases our or budget cuts. It dominated Ethiopian pol- ernment to take a lesson from million. secession, saying it remains observers are not allowed to get In an interview with state itics for nearly three decades this: They need to hold elec- Hailu Kiros, 62, was one of committed to keeping Ethiopia into the polling station.” media on Tuesday night, he before anti-government pro- tions, too, so we can work many wheelchair-bound TPLF together. Polls were scheduled to resorted to metaphor to issue a tests swept Abiy—from the together to build the country,” veterans who cast a vote on Yet it is facing off against close at 6pm, and preliminary vague threat. Oromo community—to power said Hailay Haileselassie, a Wednesday morning. four other parties, one of which results could be publicised as “The election that will be in 2018. 37-year-old who works for a “This is important for me. — the Tigray Independence early as Thursday evening. held in Tigray is a shanty Ethiopia was supposed to construction company. We fought for this, so that elec- Party (TIP)— is calling for Tigray The elections in Tigray election,” he said. “Because hold national elections in More than 600 candidates tions could be held every five to form its own country. threaten to undermine Abiy at those who construct a shanty August, but the national poll from five parties are vying for years,” he said. Party chairman Girmay a time when his government is don’t have land deeds and are body announced in March they 152 regional parliamentary At a polling station in the Berhe said yesterday afternoon struggling to control ethnic vio- illegal dwellers, they don’t sleep would need to be postponed seats, and the parties will decide town of Tikul, 15km west of that voting seemed to be going lence in his native Oromia with their eyes closed.”

Angola postpones local polls after virus Kenya’s $580m medical delays legislation equipment leasing deal BLOOMBERG — LUANDA ‘criminal’: Senate panel Angolan President Joao Lourenco has postponed local REUTERS — NAIROBI stretchers, linen and equipment elections that were due later trolleys, was overpriced. this year, citing a delay in The Kenyan government’s deal “The cost of the equipment drafting supporting legislation to lease various medical supplied under the MES Project because of the coronavirus equipment in a 63bn shillings was grossly exaggerated,” the pandemic. ($580m) deal was a “criminal committee said. “We acknowledge the enterprise” that flooded It called on the police and efforts of the National hospitals with overpriced, the anti-corruption watchdog Assembly in working on the unnecessary equipment, a to investigate the deal. legislation package,” Lourenco senate committee said in a “The MES (Managed said in an emailed copy of a report. Equipment Services) project speech to lawmakers. “But the Kenya signed contracts was a criminal enterprise truth is that the work was not with five private firms in 2015 shrouded in opaque pro- concluded yet.” A new date for to lease specialised equipment curement processes,” the sen- the southwest African nation’s like CT scanners to the coun- ate’s ad hoc committee on the first municipal vote hasn’t try’s 47 county governments, deal said in the report, which been set. Lourenco had who manage most health was made public late on pledged to hold the vote this Heavy rain damages shops services, in a deal praised by Tuesday. year after taking power in the World Bank at the time for The government also con- Workshops are covered in mud and affected after heavy rains hit Algiers, Algeria, on Tuesday. Heavy 2017, after a planned election its ability to be replicated else- travened the constitution by rains that started in the evening hours yesterday affected public life. in 2014 was canceled. where on the continent. deducting cash to pay for the The firms included China’s deal from the accounts of the Shenzhen Mindray, India’s county governments, the senate Esteem Industries, General committee said in the report. Zimbabwe announces mining ban in national parks Electric and Philips. “All public officers found But lawmakers said the culpable... be prosecuted to the AP — HARARE to mine coal within Hwange to stop the planned mining, mining in national parks has deal left many patients, some full extent of the law and be National Park alarmed environ- welcomed the government’s been going on for a while. suffering from serious diseases barred from holding public Zimbabwe’s government says mental and wildlife groups, who statement but said it would con- “We pray that all these like cancer, without proper office,” it recommended, it has banned mining in its took legal action to stop it. In an tinue with the court process mining titles (in Hwange) and care because there was no one adding that private individuals national parks, but an environ- apparent response to the legal unless the government takes others which are unknown to to operate the equipment or and firms who participated in mental group that had taken proceedings, Information Min- legal steps to enforce the the public will indeed be can- problems replenishing supplies any illegalities should also be court action to stop the devel- ister Monica Mutsvangwa announced ban. celled,” the Center for Natural needed to make it function. investigated. opment of a coal mine in an announced the government will “The important thing for us Resource Governance said in a Officials at the health min- Parliamentary committees’ elephant-rich park said not allow mining in national is to get an interdict which is statement Wednesday. It istry, which was in charge of reports carry legal authority yesterday that it will insist on parks. legally binding,” Shamiso Mtisi, described the prioritization of the project, were not immedi- and the senate can compel the “more than just words.” The Zimbabwe Environ- the association’s deputy mining over “a more stable and ately available to comment. investigation agencies to Reports that a Chinese firm mental Lawyers Association, director, said. Local environ- eco-friendly” sector such as The report also found that implement them within a set had started exploratory work which applied to the High Court mental groups allege that tourism as “self-defeating.” some equipment, like patient timeline. Death toll from Sudan UN protection back for Nobel-winning Congo doctor

AP — JOHANNESBURG that the UN could not provide a security adviser to the president threat of attack. In his Nobel floods rises to 103 protection indefinitely. The in neighboring Rwanda, Gen. speech in 2018, Mukwege repeated ANATOLIA/QNA — KHARTOUM United Nations peacekeepers spokesman for the UN secretary- James Kabarebe, “denounced Dr. his call to act on the UN report, yesterday returned to provide general, Stephane Dujarric, told Mukwege on Rwandan state asking, “What is the world waiting Sudan said yesterday that the death toll from the coun- protection for a Nobel Peace reporters that “the personal television.” for?... Let us have the courage to try’s floods caused by heavy seasonal rains has risen to Prize-winning Congolese doctor security of Congolese personal- Mukwege has received death reveal the names of the perpe- 103. The Interior Ministry said in a statement that the who has faced death threats, after ities is a responsibility of the threats via text message, and he trators of the crimes against torrents and floods killed 103 people and injured 50 alarmed supporters urged the UN national authorities.” and his family have received humanity to prevent them from others. to reinstate the security following The death threats against threats on social media, the continuing to plague the region.” The ministry added that 27,341 homes were destroyed months without it. Mukwege, famous for his work statement said. In late July he tweeted about by the floods, while 42,210 homes suffered partial damage. “They will be there as long as with survivors of sexual assault at “I have received various hate a new massacre in eastern Congo, The flash floods also caused damage to 4,208 agri- necessary,” a spokesman with the Panzi Hospital in eastern Congo, mail and members of my family saying that as long as the UN cultural acres, 179 facilities, and 359 shops and ware- peacekeeping mission, Mathias have drawn condemnation from have been intimidated and mapping report is “ignored” such houses, in addition to the death of 5,482 livestock. Gillmann, told The Associated UN human rights chief Michelle threatened,” Mukwege said in a killings will continue. Rwanda’s On Saturday, Sudan’s Defence and Security Council Press. He said the UN mission is Bachelet, Amnesty International separate statement posted by the government in the past has declared a national state of emergency for three months working with Congolese author- and others. Hundreds of people Panzi Foundation. objected to suggestions that its and designated the country a “natural disaster zone” over ities on finding a new security reportedly marched in support of Mukwege has long been out- forces had any involvement in the the floods.The seasonal rains in Sudan start in June and arrangement with the country’s Mukwege in recent days in Congo’s spoken about the need for unrest in eastern Congo shortly continue through October. national police, as the mission eastern city of Bukavu, where his accountability for the years of before and after the genocide in Meanwhile, the Council of the Arab League affirmed faces an expected reduction in hospital is located. attacks by armed groups in Rwanda in 1994 in which some full solidarity with the government and people of Sudan, Congo. Mukwege has had UN pro- eastern Congo that have killed 800,000 Tutsis and moderate and the continued coordination with the government of The peacekeepers were with- tection over the years since he thousands of people, and he seeks Hutus were killed. the Republic of the Sudan, in facing the repercussions of drawn from Dr. Denis Mukwege’s survived an assassination attempt the implementation of recom- Rwandan President Paul the flood disaster which swept through a number of hospital earlier this year amid the in 2012 while returning to his mendations in a years-old UN Kagame in a nationally televised Sudanese states and caused great material and human coronavirus pandemic. They have home. Those denouncing the human rights report mapping interview on Sunday said of the losses. trained Congolese security forces latest death threats have not said abuses in the region between UN mapping report, “I don’t know In a statement on the floods in Sudan, issued at the for such protection work in the where they originated, but a 1993 and 2003. what that nonsense is about.” He end of its 154th regular session held at the level of future. statement from Physicians for Eastern Congo remains one asserted that “people are starting foreign ministers through videoconference yesterday, On Tuesday, the UN noted Human Rights last month said of the world’s most unstable the narrative at the time of their the Council stressed the necessity of providing urgent that Congo’s government has Mukwege has been the target of regions, with millions of civilians choosing.” He didn’t mention relief to Sudan. pledged to protect the doctor and an “intimidation campaign” after displaced or living under the Mukwege in the interview. THURSDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2020 ASIA 11 Bangladesh to step up surveillance around Rohingya camps

AGENCIES — DHAKA “We will set up 24 watchtowers, construct attack by the Myanmar Army. without legal documents, to a Myanmar has long considered Militancy, drug deals and camp and deport them to their Rohingya Muslims to have Bangladesh’s Liberation War fences and install CCTVs to monitor activities in arms trade through the Bang- countries of origin, he added. migrated illegally from Bang- Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Rohingya camps round-the-clock,” Liberation ladesh-Myanmar border have “We have asked the ladesh, even though their families Haque has said that fences, been noticed by the Bangladesh National Board of Revenue have lived in Myanmar for gener- watchtowers and CCTVs will be War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque government for the last couple (NBR) to enquire about payment ations. Nearly all have been denied installed to beef up surveillance informed the media after a Cabinet Committee of decades. mode against foreign advertise- citizenship since 1982, effectively in and around the Rohingyas meeting at the Home Ministry. Following the allegations of ments,” he said. rendering them stateless. They are camps to check criminal activ- the criminal activities by the The Bangladesh Telecom- also denied freedom of movement ities. Rohingyas, Haque said: “The munication Regulatory Com- and other basic rights. The Minister on Tuesday meeting also agreed to continue mission (BTRC) will check The Rohingya, described by said a committee will be formed up CCTVs and watchtowers providing financial support and anti-drug operations and Internet based Television and the UN as the world's most per- to coordinate all reports pre- aimed at controlling drugs military training inside identify patrons of drug smug- channels whether they have secuted people, have faced pared by intelligence agencies smuggling, as a section of Myanmar territory. gling to bring them to book. licenses or permission from the heightened fears of attack since on various issues. Home Min- Rohingyas engaged in such Rohingya militants have Measures are underway to authorities concerned in Bang- dozens were killed in com- ister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal activities. become operational in Bangla- update the existing Narcotics ladesh, Haque added. munal violence in 2012. has been give the authority for A statement from the office of desh’s hill tract area of Cox’s Control Act-2018 to ensure More than 700,000 Rights activists and experts constituting the committee. Myanmar’s President Htin Kyaw Bazar’s Teknaf and remote visible punishment for Rohingya have fled Myanmar to have marked this as a major “We will set up 24 watch- has blamed the little-known ‘Aqa areas of Bandarban from the smugglers.” neighboring Bangladesh since development in seeking justice towers, construct fences and Mul Mujahidin’(AMM) for the ter- early 90s. “We have also decided to August 2017 to escape what for Rohingya against Myanmar install CCTVs to monitor activ- rorist attack in Myanmar’s north- Earlier, Rohingya militants bring the upazila complex under Myanmar’s military called a authorities on genocide and ities in Rohingya camps round- west province of Rakhain on carried out attacks on three security and CCTVs surveil- clearance campaign following an ethnic cleansing allegations. the-clock,” Haque informed the October 9, 2017. police checkposts on October lance,” he said. attack by a Rohingya insurgent Since August 25, 2017, media after a Cabinet Com- In the statement he also said 9, 2017 in Maungdaw town The Minister said the law group in Rakhine state. Myan- nearly 24,000 Rohingya mittee meeting at the Home that AMM has good relations alongside the Myanmar-Bang- and order situation in the mar's government has denied Muslims have been killed by Ministry conference room. with Pakistan and some coun- ladesh border and killed 9 country is under control. accusations that security forces Myanmar's state forces, The Minister said the tries of the Middle East. policemen. Military Head- The meeting decided to committed mass rapes and according to a report by the meeting has decided to con- Kyaw said a few militant quarter reported that 26 mili- bring more than 500 foreign killings and burned thousands Ontario International Devel- struct a fence along with setting outfits from Pakistan are tants were killed in the counter nationals, staying in Bangladesh of homes. opment Agency (OIDA). Indian, Chinese troops in At least 11 die in Bangladesh ferry close proximity at border accident

REUTERS/IANS — NEW DELHI have made several attempts to REUTERS — DHAKA take over Indian positions. Indian and Chinese troops were It has become the new A ferry in Bangladesh carrying facing off yesterday, barely a friction point where Indian around 40 passengers capsized few hundred metres apart, in Army seems be in an advanta- after colliding with a sand-laden a remote Himalayan region geous position. vessel yesterday, leaving at least where shots were fired for the The Indian Army has 11 people dead and many more first time in decades, Indian occupied heights that allow it missing, officials said. officials said. to dominate the Chinese Moldo The dead include five The nuclear-armed neigh- garrison and the Spangur Gap children and three women, bours have accused each other under Chinese control. Both said Kazi Mohammad Abdur of firing in the air during a fresh Indian and China lay claim to Rahman, district administrator flare-up in the Ladakh region some of these heights. of Netrokona, where the on Monday, violating long- One of the most critical accident happened on the standing protocols to avoid heights the Indian Army is Gumai river 160km) north of using firearms along their manning is the Rechin La, Dhaka. undemarcated borders. which the Chinese are pro- “So far, 11 bodies have been “The situation is tense,” an testing against. recovered,” he said. “The official in New Delhi said, At the Rechin La mountain rescue operation for those adding that Indian and Chinese pass, Indian and Chinese troops missing is ongoing.” Hundreds troops were squaring off in were only around 200 metres of people die each year in ferry close proximity in at least four apart, another official in New COVID-19 precaution accidents in Bangladesh, a locations south of the Pangong Delhi said. Both officials low-lying country that has Tso lake that both lay claim to. declined to be named. An employee sanitises a carriage of a metro train following the resumption of services after a nearly extensive inland waterways “Both are on their own sides On Monday, the Indian mil- six-month hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh in India, yesterday. but lax safety standards. of the LAC,” the official said, itary said Chinese troops fired referring to the Line of Actual in the air after attempting to Control, the de facto border. close in on a forward Indian “They are within clear position. But the China military New fire extinguished on oil tanker off Sri Lanka visible range and Indian troops said it was Indian troops who are keeping a close watch on fired the shots, threatening AP — COLOMBO being towed by a tugboat out to coast. spotted in the ocean about 1 kil- the activities,” said a gov- Chinese border guards during sea,” navy spokesperson Indika The tanker was transporting ometer (half a mile) from the ernment source. a patrol. A new fire on a large oil tanker de Silva said. He said three crude oil from the port of Mina ship. The patch is likely to be The Chinese continue to sit In photographs provided by drifting off Sri Lanka’s coast experts boarded the ship on Al Ahmadi in Kuwait to the diesel fuel from the ship, it said. atop Finger 4 ridgeline. The sources in New Delhi from an was extinguished yesterday Wednesday to assess the situ- Indian port of Paradip, where The ship has about 1,700 tonnes north bank of the lake is area south of Pangong Tso after burning for two days, the ation before the start of salvage the state-owned Indian Oil Corp of fuel to power its engines. divided into 8 fingers that are taken on Monday, around two navy said, as experts prepared work. has a refinery. An Indian coast guard air- contested by both sides. dozen Chinese troops with to salvage the vessel. The three are among 17 High winds, extreme tem- craft sprayed a chemical on the India claims that the Line of assault rifles hanging off their The new blaze broke out British and Dutch professionals, peratures on the ship and patch to minimise environ- Actual Control at Finger 8 and backs can be seen holding long Monday on the MT New including rescue operation spe- sparks reignited the fresh fires, mental damage. had been holding on to area till poles with a curved blade. Diamond, which is carrying cialists, disaster evaluators and the navy said, adding that so far The initial fire killed one Fil- Finger 4 but in a clear alteration A 70-km long patch of des- nearly 2 million barrels of crude legal consultants, who reached there is no risk of an oil leak or ipino crew member and injured of status quo the Chinese have olate snow desert south of oil, and reached the magnitude the scene on Monday and are of the fire spreading into the oil another, while 21 other crew been camping at Finger 4 and Pangong Tso has emerged as of an earlier fire last week. waiting to board the tanker to storage area. members escaped uninjured. have set up fortifications the latest flash-point between Officials have warned of begin salvaging it. The experts The navy said the initial fire Twenty of them were taken between Finger 5 and 8. the Asian giants, with some massive environmental damage were sent by New Shipping Ltd, began in an engine room boiler to the southern port city of Galle The Indian Army have 3,000 Indian troops strung to Sri Lanka’s coast if the ship the commercial owner of the but did not spread to where the on Tuesday, while the captain occupied crucial heights in along strategic ridges and leaks or explodes. New Diamond in Athens, Greece. oil is kept. remained on a ship near the areas around the south bank of hilltops, the first Indian official “The fire has now been The tanker is currently The navy said Tuesday that tanker to help with firefighting Pangong Lake and the Chinese said. extinguished and the ship is about 30 nautical miles off the “a diesel patch” had been efforts. North Korea’s Kim urges quick recovery from typhoon damage

AP — SEOUL compassionate leader looking dismal economy aren’t suc- after his people as he seeks to ceeding. During that meeting, North Korean leader Kim Jong bolster internal unity in face of the ruling party scheduled a Un called for urgent efforts to economic setbacks and external rare congress in January to set rebuild thousands of homes and pressure. development goals for the next other structures destroyed by KCNA said Maysak left five years. a typhoon that slammed the “severe damage” in the eastern The high-profile gov- country’s eastern region last town of Komdok, destroying ernment meetings and mobi- week, state media said or flooding more than 2,000 lizing of the military and yesterday. homes and dozens of public Pyongyang elites are examples Kim during the Workers’ buildings and paralysing of Kim’s responsiveness but the Party meeting on Tuesday also transport systems. More than damage is testing state capacity said the damage from Typhoon 60km of roads in the region and resources, said Leif-Eric Maysak has forced the country were “washed away,” while 59 Easley, a professor at Ewha to reconsider unspecified year- bridges collapsed. Several University in Seoul. end projects, the North’s official miles of railroads were “The political risk to Kim of Waiting for young customers Korean Central News Agency damaged in mining areas, the failing to deliver promised said. report said. reconstruction may be limited, A vendor sells toys along the Galle Face promenade in Colombo, Sri Lanka, yesterday. The storm has inflicted During Tuesday’s meeting, but an accumulation of eco- further pain on an economy Kim described the recovery nomic failures will strain his ravaged by decades of policy efforts at Komdok a national regime,” Easley said. failures, US-led sanctions over priority to revive “important KCNA said an unspecified Nepal in dilemma over virus prohibitory orders Kim’s nuclear weapons arteries of the national number of party members left program, border closures amid economy,” and ordered that the Pyongyang on trains Tuesday IANS — KATHMANDU The CDOs, after dwelling on lockdown be lifted owing to the the coronavirus pandemic and rebuilding of homes, roads and to help the recovery efforts in the matter for hours in virtual hardships being faced by the unusually heavy summer railways be completed by typhoon-hit areas. Trucks car- Failing to take a decision on meetings, have sent a letter to the general people, while the other flooding that likely worsened October10, when the ruling rying construction tools and whether or not to extend the MoHA stating the divided opinion half suggested that prohibitory the country’s chronic food party celebrates the 75th anni- other supplies were also prohibitory orders to check of the stakeholders regarding the orders be continued as the shortages. versary of its founding. headed to such sites, the COVID-19, Chief District extension of prohibitory orders, number of daily infections had Some experts say Kim by During another political agency said. Officers (CDOs) of Kathmandu reported the Himalayan Times. shown no sign of decreasing. staging high-level political con- conference last month, Kim Kim had visited typhoon- valley have sought directions Narayan Prasad Bhatta, Owing to the dilemma, we have ferences and visits to disaster displayed unusual candour by stricken areas in the coun- from the Ministry of Home CDO of Lalitpur, said: “Half the decided to let the home min- areas in recent weeks is likely acknowledging that his plans try’s northeast over the Affairs (MoHA) on the matter. stakeholders suggested that the istry take the final decision.” trying to project an image of a to improve the country’s weekend. 12 ASIA THURSDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2020 Afghanistan Vice-President ‘survives attempt on life’

AFP — KABUL The attack in Kabul, which killed 10 people, was quickly condemned as an attempt to Afghanistan’s Vice-President Amrullah Saleh sustained frustrate the peace process, with top Afghan minor injuries yesterday when and foreign officials calling for an end to an explosion targeted his convoy and killed at least 10 violence so negotiations between the two people, as government-backed warring sides can proceed. negotiators and the Taliban prepared to meet in Doha for long-delayed peace talks. were working in the area, at that time. The attack in the capital were killed, and 15, including The EU in Afghanistan Kabul was quickly condemned a number of the first VP’s bod- said yesterday’s attack was a as an attempt to frustrate the yguards, were wounded,” “desperate act by spoilers of peace process, with top Afghan Tareq Arian, spokesman to the peace efforts”, while Nato’s and foreign officials calling for ministry, told reporters at the mission in the country said in an end to violence so negoti- scene. a statement that “enemies of ations between the two The Taliban, who have peace” were ignoring the will warring sides can proceed. pledged not to launch attacks of the Afghan people for peace In a video posted on in urban areas under a deal talks to begin. Facebook soon after the with the United States, denied President Ashraf Ghani, Damaged vehicles are seen as smoke rises following a bomb attack targeting Afghan Vice-President explosion, Saleh, an outspoken responsibility. who met Saleh soon after yes- Amrullah Saleh’s convoy in Kabul, Afghanistan, yesterday. Taliban critic, said he had been Abdullah, a shopkeeper terday’s blast, condemned travelling to his office when who gave only one name, said what he said was a “terrorist said in a statement. the release of 5,000 militants Taliban is (a) ceasefire,” Saleh his convoy was attacked. the blast had blown out attack” on his first deputy. Even as preparations for in a prisoner exchange. told Tolo News. “I am fine but some of my windows of his shop. “The terrorists and their negotiations continue, vio- “They know that the “If they accept the guards have been wounded. “A shop that sold gas cyl- foreign backers cannot lence on the ground has Afghan government is wearing ceasefire, they are committed My son, who was in the car inders also caught fire, causing undermine the people’s strong carried on unabated, with the out, with the international to peace. If not, they are not.” with me, and I are both fine,” the cylinders to blow up,” he faith in peace, democracy and Taliban unleashing daily community losing interest in Peace talks were supposed to Saleh said, with bandages on said. the bright future of our attacks. them and paying more begin in March but were his left hand. Saleh, the senior of country,” Ghani said in a “There are some elements attention to the Taliban,” repeatedly delayed over the “I have some burns on my Afghanistan’s two vice presi- statement. within the Taliban who don’t Noori said. prisoner swap, which included face and hand. The blast was dents, survived an assassi- The head of the Afghan care if the talks fail,” said “In short, Taliban want the release of hundreds of strong.” The interior ministry nation attempt last year ahead negotiating team, Mohammad Kabul-based political analyst their emirate at any cost and battle-hardened insurgents. said the bomb was placed on of presidential elections. Masoom Stanekzai, called for Atta Noori. also want no resistance against Paris and Canberra in par- a hand cart and detonated At least 20 people — most violence to stop if the peace The Taliban have been them.” Saleh on Sunday said ticular have opposed the remotely when Saleh’s convoy of them civilians — were killed process was to succeed. emboldened by a deal with Kabul’s negotiating team release of six Taliban militants passed by. and 50 others wounded when “The time for making Washington in February that would push early in peace because of their links to the “Unfortunately, 10 a suicide attacker and gunmen excuses has passed. The killing paved the way for the with- talks for a permanent truce. killings of French and Aus- civilians, mostly people who targeted Saleh’s Kabul office of the people must end,” he drawal of foreign forces and “The first test for the tralian civilians and troops. Japan ruling coalition partner Komeito doesn’t want snap poll Thailand tests

REUTERS — TOKYO Yamaguchi told in an interview. Chief Cabinet Secretary quarter, underscoring the chal- Yamaguchi. “This is something 569 exposed Komeito, backed by Japan’s Yoshihide Suga, could call a snap lenges the next prime minister that has to be though about seri- The leader of the Japanese ruling largest Buddhist lay group, pro- election. faces in dealing with COVID-19. ously under the next prime min- to virus case coalition’s junior partner, vides crucial election support to Suga has said his priority is “Komeito has strongly ister,” he added. Komeito, indicated yesterday his the ruling party by encouraging dealing with the coronavirus argued that the top priority is to Before announcing he would REUTERS — BANGKOK party does not want a snap its members to campaign for pandemic, but he signalled there halt the coronavirus and to step down because of illness, general election after the Liberal LDP candidates. was a chance of calling a snap revive social and economic Abe asked his National Security Thailand said yesterday it had Democratic Party (LDP) picks a Without its backing, the next election in an interview pub- activity,” Yamaguchi said. Council (NSC) to look at ways tested nearly 600 people poten- new leader to succeed Prime LDP leader, who by dint of the lished by the Asahi newspaper. The Komeito leader also Japan could bolster it defences, tially exposed to the country’s Minister Shinzo Abe. LDP’s parliamentary majority is An early election could questioned whether Japan including a proposal from the first domestic coronavirus case “The top priority is dealing almost certain of becoming heighten expectations the gov- needed strike weapons to deter LDP for the country to consider in over three months, but has so with the coronavirus outbreak. prime minister, is unlikely to dis- ernment would lay out addi- North Korea or other adversaries strike weapons that could target far found no new infections. People want to get back to solve the assembly. tional pandemic spending from launching missile or air enemy bases. The man, 37, had worked as business and return to work, and Yamaguchi’s comments measures to appeal to voters. attacks on Japan. The NSC was due to provide a club DJ at three different I don’t believe they want a come amid speculation that the Data released on Tuesday This is a major policy change an outline of those discussions venues in the capital Bangkok power vacuum of a month or front runner to win the Liberal showed Japan’s economy sank and requires public discussion this month, followed by a plan in the two weeks before he two that would result from Democratic Party’s (LDP’s) lead- deeper into its worst post-war and consensus building. None for national security changes by tested positive on arrival in calling an election,” Natsuo ership election on September 14, contraction in the second of that has started yet,” said the end of the year. prison, following his recent con- viction for a drugs-related offence. Individuals deemed at risk Jakarta to reimpose across 12 venues including the court where he appeared, clubs and supermarkets were tracked social curbs as down and 569 tests were administered, the Public Health Ministry said. So far, all tests have come back negative and virus infections rise 32 individuals were awaiting results. Authorities have asked REUTERS — JAKARTA Baswedan said. “Right now, this 400 other individuals con- is an emergency — more sidered low-risk to self-quar- Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta, will pressing than the start of the antine for 14 days. reinstate wide-scale social pandemic,” he said, adding that How the man became restrictions “as soon as possible” food assistance will be delivered infected remains a mystery, because a rise in coronavirus to the most vulnerable while with all of Thailand’s recent infections threatens to strain its tighter restrictions are in place. cases, typically less than a health system, its governor said Baswedan said that without handful each day, detected in yesterday. stricter measures, beds in state quarantine among people Jakarta has recorded a daily intensive care units and isolation returning from abroad. average of over 1,000 new cases could be full within two months. Thailand has reported a this month, and has now regis- The occupancy rate of iso- total of 3,447 confirmed infec- tered almost 43,400 infections lation rooms at 67 COVID-19 tions, 58 fatalities and has and 1,330 deaths from COVID-19 referral hospitals in Jakarta is relaxed internal restrictions. since the pandemic began, now 77 percent, and the ICU That toll is one of the region’s according to central government occupancy rate is 83 percent, lowest, with Indonesia and the Army, police and province officers monitor people to ensure they wear face masks as a measure data. according to figures released by Philippines the highest with to curb the spread of the coronavirus in Denpasar on Indonesia’s resort island of Bali, on Tuesday. The capital will reinstate the city administration this more than 200,000 cases each. restrictions similar to those week. Border crossings and check imposed from April until June, “This is about saving Jakarta Experts from Singapore’s were not imposed and said the Sulfikar Amir, a disaster sociol- points with neighbouring coun- when public transport was residents. If we let it go on, the Nanyang Technological Uni- death toll could hit 3,000 in ogist, said. tries like Myanmar and Laos limited and dining in restaurants hospitals would not be able to versity (NTU) told a news con- Jakarta by the end of October. Indonesia has recorded have been tightened to prevent was forbidden, and working take in (more patients) and ference they expected hospitals “The slower we move, the 203,342 coronavirus infections illegal entry, Thai Interior Min- from offices will be prohibited deaths will increase,” Baswedan in Jakarta to reach full capacity harder it is to fight the pandemic, and 8,336 deaths, the highest istry Permanent Secretary from Monday, Governor Anies said. this month if stricter measures the more victims will fall,” death toll in Southeast Asia. Chatchai Promlert said. CanSino Phase 3 COVID-19 vaccine trial in Pakistan to start this month Swiss photographer on trial in REUTERS — ISLAMABAD at the latest within this month,” Zaheer said the low positive 30,000 daily. Aamer Ikram, Hassan Abbas Zaheer, who is rates did not indicate COVID-19 Executive Director of the NIH, Hong Kong over protest clash Falling COVID-19 infection heading the trial for AJM, told was no longer present in the said that officials believed the numbers in Pakistan will not Reuters. country, and the potential for prevalence of the virus in AFP — HONG KONG affect a Phase 3 clinical trial for The Ad5-nCoV vaccine and people vaccinated in the trial to Pakistan was low, despite the low a potential vaccine being placebo injections are due to be be infected was still adequate for testing rate, but researchers had A Swiss photographer went on trial in Hong Kong yesterday charged developed by China’s CanSino received in Pakistan next week. testing their immunity. a plan in place for the trial. with public disorder, with prosecutors accusing him of enabling Biologics, which is expected to Daily positive cases in “We feel people are still “We have been strategizing an assault on a Chinese mainlander during last year’s democracy begin this month, according to Pakistan peaked at more than getting infected but not getting with CanSino on how to make protests. officials running the trial. 6,000 in June, but have since tested, so the virus is still there,” sure people who are more Marc Progin, a long-time Hong Kong resident, pleaded not guilty Pakistan’s drug regulator last fallen sharply, with only 426 con- he said. exposed to the virus are recruited to “aiding and abetting public disorder”, a charge which could see month gave the go-ahead for the firmed new cases detected on Pakistan, a country of more for volunteers, so we will be tar- him jailed for up to a year. Four months into the huge and some- country’s first Phase 3 clinical September 8 — taking its total to than 220 million people, has geting front-line workers who times violent pro-democracy protests that swept through Hong trial for CanSino’s candidate, 299,659 and 6,359 deaths. been testing between 20,000 to have more chances of exposure.” Kong last year, Progin, 74, was photographing an altercation outside Ad5-nCoV, which will be led by Daily positive cases in Pakistan peaked at The Ad5-nCoV trial will the offices of American bank JP Morgan Chase. the government-run National recruit around 8,000 volunteers, On October 4, JP Morgan employee Lin Nan was surrounded Institute of Health (NIH) along more than 6,000 in June, but have since fallen most of whom will be health by angry pro-democracy protesters as he declared “we are all with pharmaceutical company sharply, with only 426 confirmed new cases workers. Chinese” — one of the many ideological clashes between residents AJM — the local representative They will be recruited over a that exploded onto the streets during the unrest. of CanSino. detected on September 8 - taking its total to four-month period and be fol- In video footage that went viral, Progin could be seen closing “We are planning to launch 299,659 and 6,359 deaths. lowed for 12 months after the door to the bank in order to better photograph the unfolding the project on September 20, or receiving the vaccine or placebo. events, closing off Lin’s exit route. THURSDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2020 EUROPE 13 Another Belarus oppn figure detained by ‘masked men’

REUTERS — MINSK “It’s clear Lukashenko is afraid of negotiations and is trying in this way to paralyse the work Belarus opposition politician Maxim Znak was detained of the Coordination Council and intimidate its yesterday by masked men members” said Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. wearing plain clothes, supporters said, as authorities extended a systematic “I demand the immediate Viktor Babariko, Interfax news campaign to round up the release of Maxim Znak who was agency said. leaders of a month-long mass detained, or more accurately On Tuesday, prominent protest movement. abducted, today. The methods opposition leader Kolesnikova Znak was detained two days employed by the so-called thwarted an attempt to deport after another opposition leader, authorities are outrageous,” her by tearing up her passport Maria Kolesnikova, was said Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, to avoid being forced to cross snatched in the street by who ran against Lukashenko in the border into Ukraine, two of masked men. Both are prom- the election and fled soon after- her allies said. inent leaders of protests wards to Lithuania. She remains in detention, demanding the resignation of “It’s clear Lukashenko is her whereabouts unknown. President Alexander afraid of negotiations and is US Secretary of State Mike A sign reminds pedestrians to adhere to the British government’s current social distancing guidelines as Lukashenko following an trying in this way to paralyse the Pompeo said in a statement on a precaution against the transmission of COVID-19, in the centre of Bolton, northern England, yesterday. August 9 election that the oppo- work of the Coordination Council Tuesday that Washington was sition says was rigged. and intimidate its members. But “deeply concerned by the Znak was the last member there is no alternative to negoti- reported abduction” of Koles- of the opposition’s Coordination ations, and Lukashenko will have nikova and two other oppo- England tightens social distancing rules Council still active inside to accept this.” sition figures who were Belarus apart from Nobel prize- The Coordination Council rounded up at the same time AFP — LONDON infections reported in recent restrictions on Bolton, near the winning author Svetlana Alex- quoted Znak’s lawyer, Dmitry and forced to leave for Ukraine. days, and concern the outbreak northwest city of Manchester, ievich, who has served as a fig- Laevsky, as saying the state He called on the Belarusian The UK government yesterday is slipping out of control. after a “very significant rise” in urehead for the movement. Investigative Committee had authorities to “release all those set out tighter rules on social Johnson’s office said cases. All the rest have fled, been opened a criminal case against who have been unjustly gatherings to curb the spread medical and scientific advisers Bolton was found to have forced abroad or been detained it “for inciting actions aimed at detained”. of the coronavirus, with had agreed that “urgent action 120 cases per 100,000 people in a crackdown by Lukash- harming the national security Lukashenko denies oppo- concern mounting at rising is needed”, while police had — the highest in the country. enko’s security forces as he of the Republic of Belarus”. nents’ accusations of vote- infection rates among the also asked for the rules to be Hancock told parliament on seeks to maintain his 26-year State investigators were rigging and has accused foreign young. simplified. Tuesday contact tracing data grip on power in the former also searching the headquarters powers of trying to topple him The law in England will Current guidelines stipulate had shown this was “partly due Soviet republic. of jailed opposition politician in a revolution. change from next week to that people must not socialise to socialising by people in their reduce the number of people outside in a group of more than 20s and 30s”. who can gather socially from six people from different A number of clubs were Accused in UK 30 to six, with some households. But the law actually identified as hotspots, and curbs New presidential election exemptions. puts that limit at 30 in private were put on opening hours of knife rampage A new public information spaces. hospitality venues, and locals on the table: Lukashenko campaign was also launched to From Monday, this will be were banned from socialising appears in court emphasise the importance of reduced to six, except for large with people outside their ANATOLIA — MOSCOW it out,” he said. hand washing, the use of face families, weddings, funerals, household. AFP — LONDON Lukashenko said that while coverings and maintaining organised team sports, work- The latest targeted local The president of Belarus said it was too early to speak on the social distancing. places and educational restrictions follow similar A 27-year-old man appeared yesterday that the country could specifics, a referendum on con- “We need to act now to stop settings. action in Caerphilly, south in court yesterday charged hold a new presidential poll in stitutional amendments would the virus spreading,” Prime Health Secretary Matt Wales, and East Dunbartonshire with murder and seven counts the coming years. first be necessary, followed by Minister Boris Johnson said in Hancock told Sky News tele- and Renfrewshire, in the west of attempted murder after a In an interview with several local elections, a presidential comments before an expected vision in an interview: “Abiding of Scotland. mass stabbing in Birmingham, Russian news outlets, including ballot and finally a parlia- news conference yesterday. by these rules is absolutely vital The developments come as Britain’s second city. the state-funded RT (Russia mentary vote. More than 41,500 people to protect life. the UK government is trying to One man died and seven Today), Alexander Lukashenko The new constitution has to confirmed to have coronavirus “We’ve seen the increase in get the economy moving again others were injured in the cited plans to amend the con- give wider responsibilities to the have died in Britain, the worst the number of cases, sadly, in after nearly three months of attacks, which happened over stitution, including clauses on parliament, governors and other toll in Europe. the last few days. We’ve seen lockdown imposed in late a 90-minute period in four presidential elections. state bodies, while the president The death rate has now that across Europe, there’s a March. It has encouraged locations across the city centre “If we change the consti- has to control the three branches fallen to its lowest level since second wave that many coun- people to go back to work and early Sunday morning. tution, we must draw up presi- of government and be respon- mid-March. tries have experienced.” use a government-subsidised Zephaniah McLeod made dential elections. And also, I’m sible for defence, security and But as in other parts of The UK government, which restaurant scheme to boost rev- no plea and spoke only to inclined to do this, to hold pres- various personnel issues, he Europe, cases are increasing, controls health policy in enues for eateries hit hard by confirm his personal details idential elections. I’m not ruling said. with almost 3,000 daily England, imposed tougher the shutdown. during a five-minute court appearance before magistrates via video link. He was remanded in More French lawmakers jump ship from ruling party custody until a further hearing today. ANATOLIA — PARIS The three members are not National Assembly, one of two reforms were coming too slow week. Former Minister of the University graduate Jacob the only ones to have departed houses along with the Senate to be successful. Interior Christophe Castaner Billington, 23, died of a stab Three members of French Pres- from the LREM. A total of 34 that comprise France’s par- Despite her stance and party and Aurore Berge are among wound to the neck sustained on ident Emmanuel Macron’s members have defected over liament. They currently switch, Goulet issued a five candidates set to vie for the a night out with school friends, centrist LREM party have the course of this year. In May, maintain only 279 members statement saying she had not post. West Midlands Police say. resigned to join the opposition 17 left-wing deputies in the leading to Macron losing his entirely lost confidence in On top of the pressures sur- Another 23-year-old man Democratic Movement. party resigned to create the bloc’s previous legislative Macron. rounding his party, Macron attacked in the same location After being offered mem- Ecology, Democracy, and Soli- majority. “(I remain) loyal to the Pres- faces additional tension from was critically ill in hospital and bership by Patrick Mignola, darity group in the National Reports have emerged that ident of the Republic. I remain the Yellow Vest movement, the a 22-year-old was critical but head of the Democratic Assembly. as many as 10 additional dep- clearly in the presidential members of which are planning stable, the force said as it Movement, also known as the Mignola had in August this uties may resign next Monday majority by being in this group, a protest on Saturday. announced charges on Tuesday MoDems, lawmakers Chris- year reached out to ruling as well. but I am taking a step aside to The grassroots labour night. A third victim, a man tophe Blanchet, Perrine Goulet party and the opposition law- For her part, Goulet felt that move forward.” organisation was formed in aged 30, was in a serious con- and Blandine Brocard have offi- makers to expand the LREM had become too “self- With the resignation of 2018 in the wake of skyrock- dition while four other people cially left on Monday to join MoDems. righteous” and neglectful of the Gilles Le Gendre as head of eting fuel prices and popular ire who were wounded were dis- what is seen as the ruling party’s In 2017, LREM had won 314 country’s regions in favour of LREM, the party’s deputies will over increasing economic charged, it added. rival. out of the 577 seats in the the capital Paris. She added that elect a new president this disparity. Convicted inventor admits murder of Swedish reporter Spanish govt plans bill to

AFP — COPENHAGEN documentary series entitled “Secret ban Francoist foundation The Danish inventor sentenced Recordings with to life in prison for the murder Peter Madsen”. REUTERS — MADRID (coronavirus) pandemic and the of journalist Kim Wall aboard Madsen changed thousands of deaths,” he said his homemade submarine has his version of events Spain’s government is Deputy Prime Minister admitted to the crime for the several times after preparing a bill that will ban the Carmen Calvo had said on first time in a documentary his arrest and Francisco Franco foundation, Tuesday that the bill would ban broadcast yesterday. throughout his trial, which works to defend the glorification of the dictatorship The admission from Peter but ultimately tes- image of the late dictator, by public or publicly-funded Madsen comes three years after tified that Wall died Socialist Prime Minister Pedro institutions. Wall’s death, which drew when the air Sanchez said yesterday. Chicharro Ortega insisted the massive worldwide attention. pressure suddenly More than half a million foundation, which was founded The 49-year-old engineer, dropped and toxic people died during the 1936- in 1976 by sympathisers after who was interviewed over the fumes filled his 1939 civil war and an estimated Franco’s death, doesn’t receive phone, answered “yes” when a vessel while he was 150,000 were killed by any public funding and is only journalist asked him if he killed up on deck. Franco’s regime, while financed by donations. the 30-year-old woman who In the docu- 450,000 were forced to leave Sanchez’ government has was interviewing him in August mentary, Madsen said Spain, historians estimate. taken a series of steps to 2017. he and Wall had a But public opinion is still remove dictatorship-era “There is only one who is discussion that divided over the legacy of the symbols, including last year guilty, and that is me,” Madsen “shook things up”, A file photo of the homemade submarine UC3 Nautilus as it is covered with dictatorship that ended with removing Franco’s remains said in the documentary. and that’s what green tarpaulin in Nordhavn, a harbour area in Copenhagen, Denmark. Franco’s death in 1975. from a massive mausoleum During his trial, Madsen had caused him to kill her. “We will ban and make near Madrid he had built for insisted that Wall’s death was Yet at the same time, he also An autopsy report pre- he stabbed her because he illegal the foundations that himself in a place called “The an accident on his submarine, said she touched a landmine, sented at length during the trial wanted to prevent gases from defend the Francoist dicta- Valley of the Fallen”. but admitted to chopping up her which exploded and killed her. concluded that Wall probably building up inside her torso that torship, like, for instance, the The ‘democratic memory’ corpse and throwing her body “Here he’s trying to put the died from suffocation or having would prevent it from sinking Francisco Franco foundation,” bill also intends to finance the parts into the sea. blame on Kim Wall, and it’s a her throat slit, but the decom- to the seabed. Sanchez told lawmakers. exhumation of the bodies of Wall, an award-winning classic characteristic for mur- posed state of her body meant Psychiatric experts who The Francisco Franco foun- victims of war and the dicta- reporter, had boarded the sub- derers like Peter Madsen with examiners could not determine evaluated Madsen for the court dation’s president, Juan Chi- torship buried in mass graves, marine to interview the psychopathic traits,” former the exact cause of death. There found him to be “a pathological charro Ortega, said the ban Calvo told reporters. eccentric self-taught inventor police investor Kurt Kragh told was no mention of injuries con- liar” who poses “a danger to would be a violation of the Last week, a court ruled in for a profile she was writing tabloid Ekstra Bladet. “They sistent with an explosion. others” and who was likely to constitution. favour of the government in a about him. never take reponsibility for Fourteen stab wounds and be a repeat offender. “That law is nothing but an dispute against the late dicta- “Apart from August 10, 2017, their actions, regardless of how piercings were however found Madsen was convicted of attempt to divert Spanish peo- tor’s heirs over the ownership I’ve never done anything to serious they are. He’s trying to in and around her genital area. murder and sexual assault in ple’s attention from the govern- of a palace in northern region anyone,” Madsen said in the justify what he’s done.” Madsen had told the court April 2018. ment’s disastrous handling of the of Galicia. 14 EUROPE / AMERICAS THURSDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2020 Thousands homeless as fire guts refugee camp in Greece

AFP — LESBOS ISLAND, GREECE The EU has promised to pay for 400 Thousands of asylum seekers unaccompanied youngsters to be transported were left homeless yesterday to the mainland and Germany called for EU after a fire gutted Greece’s largest migrant camp on Lesbos, countries to ramp up support. plunging the island into crisis and sparking pledges of help from around Europe. than 2,800 people but routinely forming long queues. The blaze, which began hosts many times that number. Officials immediately hours after 35 people tested “Our priority is the safety of declared a four-month emer- positive for coronavirus at the those left without shelter,” said gency and additional riot police Moria camp, sent thousands the European Commission were hurriedly flown to the fleeing for safety into sur- President. island after reports emerged of rounding olive groves — but German Foreign Minister security forces blocking nobody was seriously hurt. Heiko Maas, whose country migrants from fleeing the fire Greek Prime Minister Kyr- holds the presidency of the bloc, to the nearby town of Mytilene. iakos Mitsotakis blamed the said he wanted EU counterparts The UN refugee agency Two men walk amid smoke inside the burnt camp of Moria after a major fire broke out in the camp blaze on a “violent reaction” to to assess how they could help (UNHCR) said it was trying to on the island of Lesbos, Greece, yesterday. the virus tests, echoing an — including by taking in find shelter for the homeless earlier report saying several refugees. and called on everyone to show fires had been lit deliberately Norway has already offered restraint, highlighting reports damaged in the blaze, he said. hardships exacerbated after the warned officials faced a “titanic” by migrants angry at being to take 50 Syrians from Moria of tension between people in A local town official said the camp was put into coronavirus effort to shelter the homeless placed into isolation after even though Greece has cur- neighbouring villages and perpetrators had taken quarantine. and track down those infected. testing positive. rently banned the camp’s asylum seekers. advantage of strong winds and Officials have been trying “There are 35 positive cases The EU promised to pay for former residents from leaving The official part of the camp deliberately set tents on fire. for months to build a new camp and they need to be isolated... 400 unaccompanied youngsters the island. — housing roughly 4,000 “It was premeditated. The on Lesbos to replace Moria but to prevent an outbreak among to be transported to the An exception will be made people — was completely tents were empty,” Michalis locals have resisted, clashing the local population,” Petsas mainland and Germany called for the 400 minors to be taken destroyed by the fire, said Fratzeskos, deputy mayor for with riot police earlier this year told ERT. for EU countries to ramp up the mainland, a migration min- deputy migration minister civil protection, told state tele- to prevent construction from Since becoming one of the support. istry source told state agency Georges Koumoutsakos. vision channel ERT. going ahead. main gateways into Europe for EU chief Ursula von der ANA. Most of the refugees and Some 8,000 people live in UNHCR and rights groups Moria registered its first migrants and asylum seekers in Leyen said she was “deeply sor- migrants were sitting on the tents and makeshift shelters have frequently criticised the coronavirus case last 2015, Greece has built dozens rowed” by the fire at the camp, roadside between the camp and outside the official camp and Moria camp for poor sanitation Wednesday and government of detention centres where which was built to house fewer the port of Mytilene yesterday, many of these were badly and overcrowding, with spokesman Stelios Petsas overcrowding is common.

Candidates in Russia urges Germany to share data about Navalny Venezuela polls AP — MOSCOW German authorities provide its Navalny was poisoned with prosecutors with the data that Novichok, a spokesman for Ger- should get Russian Russia’s Foreign Ministry has led them to conclude “without many’s Defense Ministry said vaccine: Maduro summoned the German ambas- doubt” that Navalny was poi- the data had been provided to sador to hand him a strongly- soned with a military nerve the Hague-based Organization AFP — CARACAS worded protest over what it agent from the Novichok group, for the Prohibition of Chemical described as Berlin’s unfounded the same class of Soviet-era Weapons. Venezuela’s President Nicolas accusations of Moscow’s agent that British authorities “This international organi- Maduro has proposed giving involvement in the poisoning said was used on former sation, of which Russia is also a the first batch of a Russian of Russian opposition leader Russian spy Sergei Skripal and member, has a treaty-based coronavirus vaccine to candi- Alexei Navalny. his daughter in England in 2018. mandate to oversee and enforce dates in upcoming legislative Navalny, a fierce, high- Yesterday, the Russian the ban on the use, production, elections, which are being profile critic of Russian Pres- Foreign Ministry invited storage as well as research into boycotted by the main oppo- ident Vladimir Putin, was flown German Ambassador Geza chemical weapons,” the sition parties. to Germany last month after Andreas von Geyr to protest spokesman, told reporters in Moscow announced in falling ill on August 20 on a what it called “unfounded accu- Berlin. August it had developed the domestic flight in Russia. sations and ultimatums” against German government world’s first vaccine against Ambassador of Germany to Russia, Geza Andreas von Geyr, is seen German chemical weapons Russia put forward by the spokeswoman Martina Fietz the novel coronavirus, named outside the Russian Foreign Ministry in Moscow, yesterday. experts say tests show the German government. It charged said that “you can assume that “Sputnik V,” and South 44-year-old was poisoned with that Berlin has used the Navalny all the conditions have been met American ally Venezuela said a Soviet-era nerve agent, case ”as a pretext to discredit previously said they had found indication that the German for the OPCW to do its work.” it would take part in clinical prompting the German gov- our country on the global no sign of Navalny’s poisoning. actions have been part of a Earlier this week, German trials. ernment last week to demand arena.” The ministry said it The Russian Foreign Ministry “hostile provocation against Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Maduro said the first that Russia investigate the case. reaffirmed Moscow’s demand said it warned the German Russia fraught with conse- office indicated that she might delivery of the Russian vaccine The German hospital for German authorities to ambassador that Russia will see quences for the Russian- be willing to rethink the fate of was due later this month and treating him said on Monday provide Russian authorities Berlin’s failure to provide the German relations and a serious the Nord Stream 2 pipeline that proposed it be given to nearly that Navalny’s condition has with the medical data, including materials as a “refusal to exacerbation of the interna- will bring Russian gas to 15,000 candidates cam- improved, allowing doctors to biological materials, the results determine the truth through an tional situation.” Asked about Germany under the Baltic Sea, paigning for the December 6 take him out of an induced of samples and tests to allow objective investigation.” Russia’s claim that Germany has a sign of Berlin’s growing frus- elections. coma. Russian experts to study and It warned that the failure to failed to provide evidence to tration over Moscow’s stone- “I am going to ask the vice Russia has demanded that check them. Russian doctors produce the information as an back up its allegation that walling about the Navalny case. president to talk to the National Electoral Council to see if it is possible to give the Bolivia refers Russian vaccine to the 14,400 Czechs order masks indoors as daily cases top 1,000 candidates who have regis- August tered,” Maduro said in Caracas REUTERS — PRAGUE consuming, and some profes- the start of the pandemic, it was by Spain, France, Malta, late Tuesday. protests to ICC sions including news anchors also among the quickest to Romania and Croatia, said the The President said it would Czech authorities have ordered and performing artists were reopen. Schools fully reopened European Centre for Disease be a “good idea” to give the THE HAGUE REUTERS — people to wear face masks exempt. on September 1 even as case Prevention and Control. vaccine to candidates so they inside buildings as the daily Prime Minister Andrej Babis numbers crept up, and restric- The Czech rate of 68.8 cases can campaign door-to-door The interim government of count of new coronavirus cases urged people to help avoid tions from face mask rules to per 100,000 people compares to “in a safe manner.” He said a Bolivia has referred protests topped 1,000 for the first time. another lockdown. “We have attendance at public events 20.5 in neighbouring Germany. second delivery of vaccine and blockades by opposition Health Minister Adam to react in a way which saves remained relatively relaxed. However, deaths are lower than doses was due in October. supporters this August ahead Vojtech announced the measure lives, at the same time we Masks were reintroduced many other places, with 441 Leading opposition parties of the presidential vote in after a one-day spike of 1,164 cannot afford measures of eco- on public transport last week. fatalities reported as of yesterday have vowed to boycott the October to the International infections. It applies to indoor nomic nature,” he told a con- The economy shrank 11% in from 29,877 cases. Hospitalisa- elections over claims that is Criminal Court, the court’s spaces except homes, class- ference in a video message. the April-June period on an tions remain below this year’s rigged in favor of Maduro’s prosecutor said in a statement rooms and workplaces where “A difficult autumn awaits annual basis, with tourism peaks but have jumped by 78% ruling Socialist Party. yesterday. 2-metre distancing is us.” While the Czech Republic especially hit. over the past two weeks to 234. The country has more than “The referring state requests possible. was among the first European The Czech spike in the last Many new cases are asympto- 55,000 cases of COVID-19, the prosecutor to initiate an Restaurant customers do countries to adopt masks and two weeks has been among matic and among the younger with more than 440 deaths, investigation into crimes against not have to wear masks while close borders and businesses at Europe’s fastest, outpaced only population. according to official figures. humanity allegedly committed on the territory of Bolivia,” the prosecution statement said. It said the referral was Brazil eyes coronavirus linked to the August protests and blockades by opposition vaccine rollout in January parties. The Bolivian gov- ernment says the protests and REUTERS — BRASILIA India for the second highest roadblock constituted the crime number of cases after the of “intentionally causing great Brazil’s acting Health Minister United States. More than suffering” to the civilian popu- Eduardo Pazuello said on 127,000 people have died from lation because people were cut Tuesday that a COVID-19 the disease, according to the off from medical services and vaccine would be rolled out for official Health Ministry death supplies resulting in several all Brazilians in January 2021. toll. deaths. “We are closing contracts The high number of cases Tensions are high as the with vaccine manufacturers has led several vaccine makers South American nation heads and the forecast is that a to seek out Brazil for clinical for a presidential election on vaccine will arrive for us trials. The country is testing a October 18 that has been starting in January next year potential vaccine from Astra- delayed due to the coronavirus and we will start vaccinating Zeneca and has signed a mem- pandemic. everyone,” Eduardo Pazuello orandum of understanding to In August, supporters of said in a video posted to social receive 30 million doses of it. former president Evo Morales media. Right-wing President Jair demanded an earlier vote Pazuello and other min- Bolsonaro, who has down- through protests and roadblocks isters were responding to ques- played the severity of the coro- which the government said led tions from Esther Castilho, a navirus pandemic, on Tuesday to deaths after medical oxygen 10-year-old YouTuber wearing repeated prior statements that transports could not get through a cowboy hat. Pazuello did not vaccination would not be man- to hospitals. Venezuela petrol vendors give details on which vaccine datory, although the gov- The office of the prosecutor would be rolled out. ernment would still mount a A man offers petrol for sale on the streets ofMaracaibo, Zulia State, Venezuela, on August 25, 2020, gave no timeline for a decision Brazil has the third-worst vaccine campaign. amid the COVID-19 pandemic. In oil producing Zulia state, a black market of petrol brought from on whether or not to open an outbreak of coronavirus glo- “People cannot be injected investigation, the first step in Colombia flourishes. bally with more than 4.1 million with whatever, or forced,” Bol- building a future case. cases, passed this week by sonaro said on Tuesday. THURSDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2020 AMERICAS 15

Trudeau urges Trump revels in vigilance to avoid nomination for 2021 massive virus second wave

Nobel Peace Prize REUTERS — OTTAWA AFP — WASHINGTON Trump has previously With COVID-19 cases in US President Donald Trump complained about Canada on the rise again and revelled yesterday in his nomi- not being considered children returning to schools nation by a right-wing across the country, Prime Norwegian member of more seriously for Minister Justin Trudeau parliament, Christian Tybring- the prize, expressing yesterday urged people to be Gjedde, for the 2021 Nobel careful in order to avoid new Peace Prize. bitterness that Barack major outbreaks. “Thank you!” he said in one Obama was awarded “Canadians need to con- of a flurry of tweets and tinue to be vigilant,” Trudeau retweets celebrating the nom- the honour. said in a news conference ination, which cited Trump’s broadcast from Toronto. “The role in brokering an agreement last thing that anyone wants is US President Donald Trump arrives for a campaign rally at Smith-Reynolds Regional Airport in Winston- to normalise relations between the isolated, nuclear-armed to have to once again shut Salem, North Carolina, on Tuesday. Israel and the United Arab dictatorship has since lost down our economies and Emirates. momentum. spend our lives to try and A member of the right-wing, Hundreds of people are complained that he has not probably will never get it.” or chemistry, nobody cares counter a massive second anti-immigration Progress nominated every year for Nobel been considered more seriously According to Tybring- about their personality,” he wave.” Canada reported 1,606 Party, Tybring-Gjedde is the prizes, with no guarantee of for the peace prize, expressing Gjedde, Trump is more insisted. new cases on Tuesday, taking deputy chair of the Norwegian being picked. bitterness that his Democratic deserving than many past lau- “It’s not personality that the nation’s total to 133,748. parliament’s committee on The Norwegian Nobel predecessor Barack Obama was reates for his role in breaking decides whether someone wins The coronavirus reproduction foreign and defence affairs. Institute welcomes all proposed awarded the prestigious honour the impasse between Israel and the prize, but what the person number, which shows how He unsuccessfully proposed names, as long as they are sent at the start of his first term in the UAE. has really accomplished to many people someone with Trump, along with another law- in by January 31 for the year in 2009. Tybring-Gjedde said the make peace in the world,” he COVID-19 is infecting, has maker, for the Nobel in 2018, question and are submitted by “They gave it to Obama. He Nobel committee should not be said. In the past, several of the risen to just above one, an citing his rapprochement with those eligible to nominate — didn’t even know what he got swayed by any controversy over five members of the Nobel com- indication that the virus is North Korea. which includes members of the it for. He was there for about 15 Trump’s divisive style. mittee that selects the laureate spreading. That spectacular attempt at country’s parliament. seconds and he got the Nobel “For Nobel laureates, have made negative remarks The rise comes as schools breaking the US standoff with Trump has previously Prize,” Trump said last year. “I whether they are in... literature about Trump. across the country started to reopen after a nearly five- month forced shutdown to Mexican airport contain the spread of the virus. Poll: Biden leads Trump by 12 points among likely voters Quebec, which welcomed site emerges as back pupils last month, has REUTERS — NEW YORK was the ability to restore trust already reported COVID-19 graveyard of Ice in government. An additional cases in schools. Democrat Joe Biden leads Pres- 19% said it was the candidate’s Alberta, which reopened Age mammoths ident Donald Trump by 12 ability to boost the economy, schools a week ago, reported percentage points nationally and 14% said they were looking 11 COVID-19 cases spread REUTERS — ZUMPANGO among likely US voters, for a candidate who is “tough across 11 schools on Tuesday. according to a Reuters/Ipsos on crime.” Fifty-one percent of Amid busy construction crews opinion poll that also showed likely voters said Biden would Police in Utah racing to build an airport in the number of persuadable be better at handling the US Mexico, scientists are voters had shrunk compared coronavirus response, while shoot, wound unearthing more and more with four years ago. 38% said Trump would be mammoth skeletons in what The September 3-8 poll, better. child with autism has quickly become one of the released yesterday, found 52% But Trump has the edge world’s biggest concentra- of likely voters planned to when it comes to their per- AFP — LOS ANGELES tions of the now-extinct support Biden, while 40% ception of who would be relative of modern elephants. would back Trump. Three “tough on crime and civil Police in Salt Lake City shot More than 100 mammoth percent said they would vote unrest,” with 45% choosing and seriously wounded an Democratic US presidential nominee Joe Biden speaks during a skeletons have been identified for another candidate, and just Trump, while 40% said Biden autistic child whose mother campaign stop in Warren, Michigan, US, yesterday. spread across nearly 200 5% said they remained unde- would be better. had called 911 for help when excavation sites, along with a cided with less than two months On the economy, neither her 13-year-old son started mix of other Ice Age to go until the November 3 re-election, however, without less likely to vote, Biden leads candidate has the upper hand shouting in mental distress. mammals, in the area des- presidential election. winning the national popular Trump by 8 percentage points, among likely voters: 45% of Linden Cameron suffered tined to become the Mexican The survey showed the vote. US presidential elections versus his 7-point lead in a likely voters said they thought from separation anxiety, his capital’s new commercial number of voters who had not are not decided by the national similar poll last week. Biden would be better for the mother Golda Barton told airport. yet backed a major-party can- vote but rather who wins the The poll showed likely national economy and reporters, and reacted angrily Lead archeologist Ruben didate to be less than half of Electoral College, a contest voters being primarily moti- expanding the workforce, while when she had to return to work Manzanilla explained on what it was in 2016, and that based on a tally of wins from vated by the coronavirus pan- 45% said they thought Trump for the first time in almost a year. Tuesday that around 24,000 Biden currently had the state-by-state contests. demic, which has killed more would be best. She called 911 to ask police years ago mammoth herds advantage in securing the Four years ago, Democrat than 186,000 Americans and Biden, who has led Trump officers for help in taking the reached this spot where national popular vote. Hillary Clinton got almost 3 put millions out of work, and for much of the year in most boy to hospital. “I told them, sprawling grasslands and Even if the remaining unde- million more votes than Trump, restoring trust in government. national opinion polls, has ben- ‘Look, he’s unarmed, he lakes would have enticed cided voters threw their support only to see her Republican rival When asked what was efited from a recent migration doesn’t have anything, he just them to reside. behind Trump, the poll showed, narrowly win the Electoral driving their pick for president, toward the Democrats among gets mad and he starts yelling “This place was like a par- he would still lose the popular College and the presidency. 28% said it was the candidate’s some of the most reliable voters and screaming. He’s a kid, he’s adise,” he said, noting that as vote to Biden. When measured by regis- perceived ability to handle the in the United States: college- trying to get attention’,” she the last glaciers melted a wide Trump can still win tered voters who include those coronavirus, and 23% said it educated whites. told local station KUTV. range of mammals — including ancient species of camels, horses and buffalo — lived along what would have ‘Devastation’: Wildfires been an extremely muddy shoreline. “Then over many years ravage western US the same story repeated itself: The animals ventured too far, AFP — OROVILLE, US Newsom both blamed the got trapped and couldn’t get effects of a changing climate for their legs out of the muck,” “Unprecedented” wildfires the exceptional ferocity of this said Manzanilla. fueled by strong winds and year’s blazes. He speculates that most of searing temperatures were “I quite literally have no the mammoths died this way, raging cross a wide swathe of patience for climate change though he adds that there is California, Oregon and Wash- deniers,” Newsom said. “It’s some evidence that around ington yesterday, destroying completely inconsistent, that 10,000 years ago early scores of homes and businesses point of view, with the reality humans may have also hunted in the western US states and on the ground.” As for Inslee, the 20-tonne beasts with flint forcing tens of thousands of he said that “we’re living in a arrows and spears, or dug residents to evacuate. new world — this is not the old rudimentary shallow water In California, where at least Washington. pits to snare them. eight deaths have been “The conditions are so dry But the sheer amount of reported, National Guard hel- and are so hot because the bones, including long, curling icopters rescued hundreds of climate has changed,” the gov- Farmers clash with members of the Mexican National Guard during a protest in Camargo, Chihuahua tusks - technically the ani- people trapped by the Creek ernor said. “The devastation is state, Mexico, on Tuesday. mal’s front two teeth - have Fire in the Sierra National all over our state.” Inslee said come as a shock. Forest. The National Guard 330,000 acres (133,500 hec- “We had the idea that Two killed in gunfight near Mexico dam protest released video footage of tares) of land had burned in we’d find mammoth remains, rescued campers as they dis- Washington on Monday alone, but not this many,” he said. REUTERS — LA BOQUILLA DAM water sharing between the floodgates. The residents embarked from a CH-47 more in a single day than in 12 Once the excavations are neighbours. lobbed Molotov cocktails, rocks Chinook helicopter wearing of the last 18 fire seasons. finished, Manzanilla said the Two people died in a gunfight The National Guard said on and sticks at the security forces, hiking clothes and toting back- Jody Evans, a resident of site, located about 30 miles with Mexico’s military police Twitter that some of its agents who were clad in riot gear and packs. Some had pet dogs on the town of Detroit in Oregon, (50km) north of downtown near a protest at a dam that from La Boquilla on Tuesday retaliated with tear gas, the leashes. fled her home as the fire Mexico City, could rival others diverts water to the United night detained three people witness said and images show. In Oregon, Governor Kate approached. in the United States and States, the National Guard said found with tear gas and a Eventually, the protesters Brown declared the fires in the “Coming through fire on Siberia as the planet’s biggest yesterday, as tensions rose firearm ammunition magazine, stormed the dam premises and northwestern state to be a both sides, trees down, wind deposit of mammoth skel- between protesters and officials and took them for processing shut the floodgates “once-in-a-generation event.” blowing, ash flying,” Evans told etons. He noted that a in the drought-hit region. to the city of Delicias. themselves. “Almost every year since Newschannel 21. “It was like museum-style mammoth Mexicans in the northern There, the National Guard “For us, it is a great satis- becoming governor, I’ve wit- driving through hell.” The town exhibit is being planned for border state of Chihuahua, unit was shot at by armed faction, something to be proud nessed historic fire seasons,” of Malden in Washington state the airport’s main terminal. angry at the water being fun- civilians and “repelled the of, (and) a triumph for the Brown said. “This is proving to was nearly totally razed, with The series of inter-con- nelled across the border, on aggression,” according to the people in rescuing the water,” be an unprecedented and sig- 80 percent of its buildings nected lakes that once Tuesday evening had hurled statement. said Abel Alvarado Martinez, an nificant fire event for our state.” including the fire station, post covered the Valley of Mexico Molotov cocktails and rocks at The clash led to one death owner of a bakery in a nearby Jay Inslee, the governor of office and city hall “completely were deliberately drained by security troops, eventually on site, while another person town, who was at the neighbouring Washington burned to the ground,” the local Spanish colonial masters occupying the La Boquilla dam who was injured died later in protests. state, described the wildfires sheriff said in a statement. beginning in the 1600s in an and closing the sluice gates. hospital. The interior ministry did not as “unprecedented and More than 170,000 Califor- effort to tame annual flooding. The violence comes amid A witness said groups of immediately respond to a heartbreaking.” nians were left without elec- Today, the mostly dry plans to divert additional water residents in towns surrounding request for comment. Inslee, who campaigned for tricity as utility company PG&E landscape is dominated by the to the United States due to the the La Boquilla dam clashed Several other demonstra- the Democratic nomination for enacted a “last resort” shutoff working-class neighbour- so-called ‘water debt’ Mexico with National Guard troops tions have turned violent over president on a platform of bat- across large swathes of the hoods and highways that spill has accumulated as part of a earlier on Tuesday after they water sharing with the United tling climate change, and Cal- state due to the extreme out from Mexico City. bilateral treaty that regulates refused to turn off the dam States this year. ifornia Governor Gavin wildfire threat. Morning Break THURSDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2020 16

QFFD sends aid New report reaffirms Qatar 2022’s for Sudan flood commitment to sustainability victims PRAYER QNA — DOHA TIMINGS THE PENINSULA — DOHA PRAYERPRAYRRAAAY TIMINGSMING In response to the recent Eight stadiums will host matches during flood disaster in the Republic the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Three of of the Sudan, the State of FAJR 04.00 am those venues — Khalifa International, Al Qatar has sent urgent relief SUNRISE 05.18 am Janoub and Education City — have already aid through Qatar Fund for DHUHR 11.31 am been unveiled, with the remaining five set Development (QFFD), in ASR 03.00 pm to be completed long before the tournament partnership with strategic kicks off on November 21, 2022. partners, such as Qatar MAGHRIB 05.44 pm The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Sus- Charity and the Qatar Red ISHA 07.14 pm tainable Stadiums report — compiled by Crescent Society, and in the Supreme Committee for Delivery & cooperation with the Legacy (SC) — outlines the sustainability Standing Committee for features of each of the tournament venues Rescue and Relief Works and in relation to design, construction and Humanitarian Aids for legacy, the SC said on its website. Afflicted Areas in Brotherly Commenting on the release of the and Friendly Countries. report, Eng. Bodour Al Meer, Sustainability QFFD said in a statement & Environment Senior Manager at the SC that this response comes as said, “Sustainability has been at the heart a continuation of the relief A file photo of Al Bayt stadium. WEATHER of all our tournament preparedness efforts and development support TODAY from the day we were awarded the rights provided by the State of to host the world’s largest football tour- completely disassembled after the tour- operation. Green landscaping provides a Qatar in Sudan, in order to nament, back in 2010.” nament, with its parts being repurposed to cooling effect as it absorbs much less heat reduce the catastrophic “In particular, we have always aimed provide sporting facilities after 2022. In than other built materials such as pavement effects on the people of to ensure that the construction and devel- addition, the land occupied by the stadium or asphalt. The Qatar 2022 stadiums and Sudan, which affected more opment of our tournament infrastructure will be transformed into a waterfront devel- surrounding precincts will house than half a million people and leaves a positive legacy for our planet and opment which overlooks the iconic West 850,000m² of new green space – equiv- left a number of dead and 30oC 42oC sets new standards for delivering sus- Bay district of Doha. alent to 121 football pitches. In addition, wounded. tainable, carbon neutral, mega-sporting Retractable roofs and advanced, more than 16,000 trees have been planted, The statement indicated Minimum Maximum events in the future.” energy-efficient cooling technology mean including water-efficient plants. that these floods were due to Hazy at some places at first “Stadiums are key in FIFA’s efforts to the stadiums can be used year-round. After A host of measures mean Qatar’s sta- a rise in the level of the Nile becomes hot daytime with slight stage successful and more sustainable FIFA the tournament, parts of some stadiums diums are 30% more energy-efficient than water following heavy rains, dust at places at times. World Cups,” said Federico Addiechi, Head will be repurposed into community facil- minimum requirements mandated by and as a result the country W ALRUWAIS : 31o → 37o of Sustainability and Environment at FIFA. ities such as hospitals, schools, retail units ASHRAE 90.1 — which is administered by was declared a disaster area W ALKHOR : 29o → 41o “With the publication of this report, we can and hotels. In addition, some stadium pre- the American Society of Heating, Refriger- due to the severe damage clearly see the ways in which the FIFA cinct areas will feature running, cycling and ating and Air-Conditioning Engineers. caused by the flood. W DUKHAN 28o → 42o : World Cup 2022 preparations have horse-riding tracks, among other facilities. Water vapour collected from the cooling The relief aid provided by W WAKRAH : 25o → 38o delivered as per the bidding guidelines — Three public parks are already open to the system will be used for irrigation, while the State of Qatar includes W MESAIEED : 25o → 38o and are continuing to deliver — on that goal. public: Al Janoub Park, Al Bayt Park and Al recycled water will be used for dust sup- food baskets, tents, and W ABUSAMRA : 26o → 45o The innovative approach adopted by the Ersal Park. pression. Efficient fixtures have been various relief aids targeting SC to develop and use new environmental Doha Metro is fast, cost-effective and installed for sinks, showers and WCs. The various affected areas of technologies will guarantee a significant environmentally friendly. A combination venues will use 40% less water than the Sudan, from which 8,000 HIGH TIDE legacy for the region and beyond.” of the metro, trams and buses will connect minimum requirements set by the Inter- people have benefited so far. 08:52 – 18:57 The FIFA World Cup demands increased passengers directly to all stadiums. national Plumbing Code. The State of Qatar was LOW TIDE 02:42 – 14:57 seating capacity compared to Qatar’s local At least 15% of building supplies for the According to the mandatory one of the first countries to needs — and the solution to this challenge stadiums were sourced from recycled mate- requirement of FIFA, each Qatar 2022 initiate aid, as on Sept.7, is modular stadiums. More than 170,000 rials. In addition, the project has prioritised stadium must achieve a four-star rating Qatar provided aid to 139 stadium seats will be removed from several using local resources wherever possible in under the Global Sustainability Assessment families in Khartoum and venues after the tournament, with the SC order to support Qatar’s economy. System (GSAS), which is managed by the Omdurman. The aid provided One-day closure planning to donate them to countries which Also, 90% of waste generated at Al Gulf Organisation for Research and Devel- included a package of food lack sporting infrastructure — meaning the Janoub and Al Rayyan Stadiums during the opment. Education City Stadium and Al Bayt and non-food items. on Civil Defense legacy of Qatar 2022 will be felt far and demolition of the old structures was reused Stadium recently became the first Qatar In addition, food and wide. Made primarily from shipping con- or recycled. All the stadiums are designed 2022 tournament venues to achieve a five- non-food items are currently Intersection tainers, Ras Abu Aboud Stadium will be for effective waste management during star rating. being distributed to a thousand families to support THE PENINSULA — DOHA the displaced and those affected by the floods, to The Public Works Authority Msheireb Properties backs initiative to protect education reach all target groups of (Ashghal) has announced a beneficiaries. temporary closure of part of THE PENINSULA — DOHA In the same context, two Onaiza Street in the direction batches of humanitarian aid from the Civil Defense Inter- Msheireb Properties, the shipments have arrived, sent section towards Gulf Inter- leading sustainable real estate by Qatar Red Crescent change, at 500 metres before developer in Qatar, is reiter- Society (QRCS) in cooper- the Gulf Interchange. ating its commitment to ation with the Turkish Red The announcement also supporting the global effort to Crescent Society, containing includes the closure of part of protect education through 12.5 tons of medical materials the Civil Defense Intersection spreading awareness of the first and devices that will enable in the same direction for road ‘International Day to Protect hospitals and quarantine users wishing to continue Education from Attack’ — an centers to treat those infected straight on Onaiza Street international event celebrated with the coronavirus. towards the Gulf Interchange, in Qatar and around the world QRCS also delivered as well as for those wishing to yesterday. medical aids to support turn left from Mohamed bin Barahat Msheireb at Ibrahim Malik Teaching Hos- Thani Street towards Onaiza Msheireb Downtown Doha has pital in cooperation with the Street. been decorated with laser lights Sudanese Red Crescent in The closure of Rumeila and colours to celebrate the Khartoum. Street will also be implemented international event. Besides, a The State of Qatar, through Ali Al Kuwari, Acting CEO of Msheireb Properties, and other officials at the launch of a campaign by in the direction from Al Bidaa giant billboard of Msheireb the Standing Committee for the real estate developer to support EAA's global campaign to protect education. Street to Onaiza Street. This Properties and Qatar Academy- Rescue and Relief Works and traffic change will be imple- Msheireb management has Humanitarian Aids for mented on Friday and Sat- been installed at the place to the initiatves of Education of Msheireb Properties stated: message to the world. Our con- Afflicted Areas in Brotherly urday, September 11-12, 2020 raise awareness and support Above All Foundation, which “Msheireb Properties is proud tribution today at Msheireb and Friendly Countries, will in coordination with the Traffic the local global efforts to protect endeavours to secure quality to support this new global ini- Downtown Doha is to raise send urgent relief aid via an Department, will enable com- education from attack. education for all children, espe- tiative in Qatar to protect edu- awareness in the community air bridge to the affected areas pletion of final asphalt layers The current campaign is cially at the times of wars and cation from Attack. It is cele- about this critical issue to reflect in Sudan, loaded with about as part of B Ring Road Devel- part of Msheireb Properties’ conflicts. brated for the first time and our commitment to the broader 42.5 tons of food and non-food opment Project. social responsibility to support Ali Al Kuwari, Acting CEO reiterates Qatar’s humanitarian community.” items, tents and medicines. Ashghal starts development of Fereej Al Ali Intersection

THE PENINSULA — DOHA works at Fereej Al Ali Inter- section, Ashghal will implement The Public Works Authority a partial closure on Fereej Al Ali (Ashghal) has announced the Intersection on D Ring Road for start of implementing the a period of six months, starting upgrading works of Fereej Al tomorrow morning, (September Ali Intersection known as (Al 11, 2020), to allow the devel- Tadamon Intersection), as part opment of the vital intersection of the D Ring Road devel- within the D Ring Road devel- opment works and converting opment project. the traffic signal into a two- Traffic closure on Rawdat level intersection which will Al Khail Street in both directions enhance traffic capacity and and left turns in the direction of reduce traffic congestion in the D Ring Road opening right turns area. at the intersection. Traffic will Fereej Al Ali Intersection also be kept open on D Ring An illustrative view of the project to develop the intersection known connects traffic between the D Road and the left turns will be as the Lulu junction. Ring Road and Rawdat Al Khail closed in the direction of Street, where the development Rawdat Al Khail Street. Two work will include the con- Doha Expressway and 22 Feb- intersection with Rawdat Al traffic signals have also been Katara Hospitality Tower struction of a tunnel with three ruary Street. Khail Street, which will greatly developed on D Ring Road to lanes in each direction to The traffic signal inter- increase the capacity of the facilitate U-turns for road-users A night view of the upcoming Katara Hospitality Tower provide free traffic on D Ring section will also be improved, intersection and provide a to reach their destinations in all in Lusail City. PIC: QASSIM RAHMATULLAH/THE PENINSULA Road to reduce congestion in by increasing the number of traffic flow. directions. Ashghal has already front of those coming from D lanes from three to four lanes In order to allow the imple- started development work at Ring Road in the direction of in each direction at the mentation of the development the Lulu junction.