RAJAB 19, 1442 AH WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 2021

16 Pages Max 25º Min 11º 150 Fils Established 1961

ISSUE NO: 18374 The First Daily in the Arabian Gulf www.kuwaittimes.net

All 279 kidnapped Nigerian Lebanon pound plummets Boutique mud houses change Zion dominant as Pelicans 5 students released: Governor 8 to all-time low against dollar 12 fortunes of Omani village 16 upset Jazz, Sixers bounce back

New Cabinet formed with 4 new faces, new ministries

Premier thanks Amir, says next stage requires unity of efforts

HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad Al-Sabah Abdullah Al-Roumi Issa Al-Kandari Mohammad Al-Fares Sheikh Basel Al-Sabah Sheikh Ahmad Al-Sabah Rana Al-Fares Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Dep PM, Defense Dep PM, Justice, Nazaha Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Oil, Higher Education Health Foreign, Cabinet Affairs Public Works, Comm & IT

Mubarak Al-Harees Sheikh Thamer Al-Sabah Khalifa Hamada Abdurrahman Al-Mutairi Ali Al-Mudhaf Shaya Al-Shaya Abdullah Al-Salman Mashaan Al-Otaibi Assembly Affairs Interior Finance, Investment Information, Youth Education Municipality, Housing Commerce & Industry Electricity, Social Affairs

By B Izzak months after the resignation of the previous govern- try Faisal Al-Medlej and minister of state for hous- lawmaker Shaya Al-Shaya, who was elected to the ment, which remained in office for less than a month. ing affairs Abdullah Marafi, all of whom were new Feb 2012 National Assembly which was scrapped by KUWAIT: HH the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad The key posts of defense, interior, foreign affairs, faces in the previous Cabinet and served for less the constitutional court. The other two new Cabinet Al-Sabah yesterday issued an Amiri decree to health, oil and finance are retained in the Cabinet, than a month. members are Minister of Commerce and Industry announce the lineup of the new Cabinet, which which saw the departure of veteran minister Anas The only surprise in the new lineup is the inclu- Abdullah Al-Salman, a professor of economics, and retained 11 ministers and included four new faces. Al-Saleh, who had come under fire from the opposi- sion of veteran lawmaker Abdullah Al-Roumi, a for- Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable The new 16-member Cabinet is the third to be head- tion-dominated National Assembly. The other three mer opposition politician, as Minister of Justice and Energy Mashaan Al-Otaibi, who served for several ed by HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al- ministers who were dropped are justice minister State Minister for Promoting Integrity (Nazaha). years as an undersecretary at the ministry. Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and comes almost two Nawaf Al-Yassin, minister of commerce and indus- The prime minister also included former opposition Continued on Page 2

News in brief Kuwait records highest-ever Isra holiday on March 11 1,341 COVID cases, 7 deaths KUWAIT: The Civil Service Commission yes- terday announced all government and public departments and institutions will close on WHO: World won’t defeat virus in 2021 Thursday, March 11 to mark the Isra and Miraj KUWAIT: Kuwait yesterday recorded its highest- were verified after conducting medical tests and holiday. Regular work will resume on Sunday, ever 1,341 new coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours, adhering to standard steps in such conditions. The March 14. — KUNA raising the caseload of infections to 193,372, in addi- proportion of recovery cases to overall infections tion to seven new deaths, taking the death toll to 1,092. amounts to 93.7 percent. The health ministry’s official spokesperson Dr The World Health Organization warned Monday it PACI transactions online Abdullah Al-Sanad said in his regular daily press is unrealistic to think the world will be done with the briefing that 160 patients are under treatment in inten- COVID-19 pandemic by the end of the year. WHO KUWAIT: The sive care units, with those undergoing treatment emergencies director Michael Ryan said it might how- Public Authority for amounting to 11,161. ever be possible to take the tragedy out of the coron- Civil Information Sanad said 8,586 swab tests were conducted over avirus crisis by reducing hospitalizations and deaths. (PACI) yesterday said the past 24 hours, raising total examinations to But the virus remains in control, he added, especial- that it will not receive 1,800,627, adding that the proportion of tests to infec- ly given that global new case numbers increased last any transactions that tions reached 15.6 percent in the same period. He said week after six consecutive weeks of decline. “It will be can be completed the number of recoveries rose by 964 over the past 24 very premature, and I think unrealistic, to think that through online serv- hours, taking total recoveries to 181,119. The recoveries Continued on Page 2 ices provided on its website www.paci.gov.kw. Timings for receiving people with appointments are between 9:00 am to 1:00 pm for Kuwaitis and from 2:00-5:30 pm for residents, and 9:00 am to grace period - which has already been extended without work and valid residency. Also yesterday, 1:00 pm at the Jahra branch. — KUNA MP slams MoI for twice since it began on Dec 1, 2020 - expired yes- Ahmad Al-Azemi submitted a proposal to increase terday. monthly assistance for Kuwaiti university students The amnesty allows expats living illegally to from KD 200 to KD 300. Philippines fires diplomat ‘extending’ amnesty either legalize their stay by paying the necessary The interior ministry yesterday said around 2.5 fines or leave the country, also after paying the million residency-related transactions have been MANILA: The Philippines has sacked its former for illegal expats fines. Kandari claimed on Twitter that the ministry completed online since the introduction of the serv- ambassador to Brazil, after she was caught on continues to extend the amnesty period and ice in May last year. They include 639,000 transac- camera attacking a domestic worker at her official By B Izzak exempts illegals from paying fines, which amounts tions for the private sector and 628,600 transac- residence in Brasilia. Marichu Mauro was recalled to “squandering public funds” instead of deporting tions for article 14 or temporary residency, in addi- to Manila last year after Brazil’s GloboNews KUWAIT: Opposition lawmaker Abdulkarim Al- them to their home countries. tion to legalizing the stay of 547,000 expats, broadcast security camera footage filmed over Kandari yesterday criticized the interior ministry for He said the government has again proved its according to a statement by the ministry. The trans- eight months showing her repeatedly assaulting a reportedly extending a grace period granted to inability to apply the law, and instead of imposing actions also included 343,600 for dependents, member of her household staff. — AFP expats living illegally in the country. The ministry security measures on areas densely populated with 166,700 for domestic helpers and 24,500 for expats has not yet announced the extension, although the expats, it encourages them to stay in the country in government jobs. 2 Established 1961 Wednesday, March 3, 2021 Local Amir, Crown Prince receive Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Sheikh Nawaf mourns late Saudi Prince Fahad bin Mohammad Al Saud

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets His Highness Sheikh His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets His Highness Sheikh Nasser Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. — Amiri Diwan and KUNA photos Nasser Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al- Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah also Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah sent yester- Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received at Bayan Palace received His Highness Sheikh Nasser Mohammad day a cable of condolences to Saudi King Salman Al-Sabah and His Highness the Prime Minister yesterday His Highness Sheikh Nasser Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah yesterday at Bayan Palace. bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on the death of Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah sent Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. His Highness the Crown Prince Meanwhile, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Fahad bin Mohammad Al Saud. His Highness the similar cables. — KUNA

Defense Minister meets ambassadors

KUWAIT: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah meets Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah meets Ambassador of Iraq Al-Manhal Al-Safi. — Defense Ministry photos Ambassador of Senegal and the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Abdulahad Mbaki.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah meets Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah meets Ambassador of Spain Miguel Aguilar. Ambassador of Japan Masato Takaoka.

KUWAIT: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of and the brotherly and friendly countries. In a press and the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Abdulahad and joint action between Kuwait and brotherly and Defense Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah dis- release, the Kuwaiti Army General Staff said that Mbaki, the Ambassador of Spain Miguel Aguilar friendly countries were discussed, in addition to cussed yesterday with a number of ambassadors to Sheikh Hamad held talks with the Ambassador of and the Ambassador of Japan Masato Takaoka. The discussing the latest regional and global develop- the country bilateral cooperation between Kuwait Iraq Al-Manhal Al-Safi, the Ambassador of Senegal statement added that ways to enhance cooperation ments. — KUNA

Under the chairmanship of HH the Prime Minister nation under way in every country within Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, the Kuwait records the first 100 days of 2021 - meaning there New Cabinet formed are 40 days left to go. He welcomed Amiri decree of the government lineup is as following: Monday’s first injections of doses delivered with 4 new faces... Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah was appointed highest-ever... through the global Covax vaccine-sharing as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense; facility, which were administered in Ghana Abdullah Youssef Abdurrahman Al-Roumi as Deputy Continued from Page 1 and the Ivory Coast. Continued from Page 1 Prime Minister, Minister of Justice and Minister of “It’s encouraging to see health workers in

State for Nazaha; Issa Ahmad Mohammad Hassan Al- we’re going to finish with this virus by lower-income countries starting to be vac- In the new Cabinet, the ministry of higher education Kandari as Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs; the end of the year,” Ryan told journalists. cinated, but it’s regrettable that this comes was separated from the education ministry and added Mohammad Abdullatif Al-Fares as Minister of Oil and “But I think what we can finish with, if we’re almost three months after some of the to the oil portfolio, while a new portfolio - ministry of Minister of Higher Education; Sheikh Basel Humoud smart, is the hospitalizations, the deaths and wealthiest countries started their vaccina- state for communications and information technology Al-Sabah as Minister of Health and Sheikh Ahmad the tragedy associated with this pandemic.” tion campaigns,” he said. “And it’s regret- was added to the minister of public works. The new Ryan said vaccinating frontline healthcare Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah as Foreign Minister table that some countries continue to priori- Cabinet will be sworn in by HH the Amir today and will workers and those most vulnerable to severe and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs. tize vaccinating younger, healthier adults at take the oath at the National Assembly when it disease would “take the fear... out of the The Amiri decree also included Rana Abdullah Al- lower risk of disease in their own popula- resumes regular sessions after March 18, when a one- pandemic”. But he added that recent tions ahead of health workers and older month temporary suspension ordered by HH the Amir Fares as Minister of Public Works and Minister of progress could not be taken for granted and State for Communication and Information Technology people elsewhere,” he said, without naming will end. “right now the virus is very much in control”. them. Affairs; Mubarak Salem Al-Harees as Minister of State HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom A further 11 million vaccine doses will be the next stage requires unity of efforts to focus on for National Assembly Affairs; Sheikh Thamer Ali Al- Ghebreyesus said new case numbers rose delivered to countries this week through the combating administrative and financial corruption and Salem Al-Sabah as Minister of Interior; Khalifa last week in Europe, the Americas, southeast Covax program, with 237 million doses to its apparatuses. Addressing HH the Amir, he expressed Musaed Hamada as Minister of Finance and Minister Asia and the eastern Mediterranean. “This is be allocated to 142 participating economies gratitude for his precious confidence in tasking him of State for Economic and Investment Affairs; disappointing, but not surprising,” he said. between now and the end of May. The final with heading the Council of Ministers and working out Abdurrahman Baddah Al-Mutairi as Minister of “Some of it appears to be due to relaxing of allocation breakdown for the first wave of the new Cabinet lineup. Information and Culture and Minister of State for public health measures, continued circula- Covax doses is to be released today. The premier said he deeply appreciated the task Youth Affairs and Ali Fahad Al-Mudhaf as Minister of tion of variants, and people letting down As for the notion of COVID-19 vaccine accorded to him, amid “this phase marked with chal- Education. their guard. “Vaccines will help to save lives, passports proving travellers have been lenges, risks and rapid events that require serious and In addition, Shaya Abdurrahman Ahmad Al-Shaya but if countries rely solely on vaccines, immunized, Ryan said that in the absence they’re making a mistake. Basic public fruitful action to make more accomplishments in vari- was named as Minister of State for Municipality of universal access to the jabs, “there are health measures remain the foundation of ous realms for sake of attaining the Kuwaiti people’s serious human rights and ethical issues Affairs and Minister of State for Housing Affairs and the response.” aspirations”. HH the Prime Minister pledged to HH the regarding the application of restrictions on Urban Development; Abdullah Issa Al-Salman as Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO’s Amir and the people of Kuwait to spare no effort to travel on that basis”. However, as doses Minister of Commerce and Industry and Mashaan COVID-19 technical lead, added: “If the work out, in coordination with the parliament, purpose- Mohammad Mashaan Al-Otaibi as Minister of become more widespread, “clearly there last week tells us anything, it’s that this will need to be considerations around how ful plans that may address societal problems and issues Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy and Minister virus will rebound if we let it - and we can- and in translation of “Your Highness’ aspirations”. public health measures... can be adapted”, of Social Affairs and Societal Development. not let it.” Tedros wants COVID-19 vacci- he added. — Agencies Established 1961 3 Local Wednesday, March 3, 2021 Kuwait pledges $20 million for Yemen Foreign Minister meets US special envoy to Yemen

KUWAIT: Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr General of the United Nations, your were spent in the humanitarian field Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah highnesses, I would like to thank you for since 2015. In accordance to the direc- announced on Monday the State of the invitation to participate in the meet- tions of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Kuwait’s pledge of $20 million in aid for ing to discuss the crisis in Yemen, in this Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Yemen. The announcement came as the very delicate situation, and in line with and in response to the urgent humanitar- Kuwaiti top diplomat headed on his the humanitarian response plan for 2021, ian needs of the brotherly Yemeni peo- country’s delegation in a virtual donor and I also wish to thank the government ple, Kuwait provides a two-year support conference to aid the humanitarian situa- of Saudi Arabia for its successful hosting of $20 million, from the Kuwait Fund for tion in Yemen. The conference parallels of the previous conference in June 2020. Arab Economic Development. with the humanitarian plan to support “The United Nations was very suffi- “It should be noted that the GCC had Yemen 2021, hosted by the Swiss cient in describing the situation in Yemen made a lot of efforts in preparing an Confederation and Sweden, in coopera- when it described it as the worst human- international conference for the recon- tion with the United Nations, as the con- itarian crisis in the world, as the out- struction of Yemen and setting up a ference aims to amass international break of the coronavirus pandemic made practical program to rehabilitate the pledges worth $3.85 billion to alleviate it worse and added new challenges such Yemeni economy and facilitate its inte- the human suffering of the Yemeni peo- as food shortages, the spread of diseases gration with the Gulf economy, especial- ple. Many countries announced their and the deliberate obstruction of human- ly after the Yemeni parties reach the pledges at this conference, such as Saudi itarian aid, in addition to high levels of desired political solution, wishing your Arabia, which announced a pledge of violence, new waves of asylum and dis- conference good luck and success.” $430 million, the UAE with a pledge of placement in light of modest health and $230 million, Germany with EUR 200 economic structures. Latest developments KUWAIT: Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah meets US million, and US with $191 million. The UK “In the past years, we have witnessed Sheikh Dr Ahmad had earlier received Special Envoy to Yemen Timothy Lenderking. — KUNA also announced a pledge for GBP 87 mil- a concerted international effort through the visiting US Special Envoy to Yemen lion, Canada with $69.9 million, and the active participation in donor conferences, Timothy Lenderking. The envoy provid- Republic of Yemen and reach a political Special Envoy in this regard. Sheikh Swiss Confederation with $31 million, all in line with the increasing urgency of ed an explanation on the latest develop- solution in accordance with the three Ahmad Al-Sabah also urged the envoy in support of the humanitarian situation humanitarian needs of the brotherly ments of the Yemeni crisis, praising references, the Gulf Initiative and its to continue pressure on Houthi militias in Yemen. Yemeni people, as the crisis continues for Kuwait contributions on the political and implementation mechanism, the out- to stop the attacks that target the sub- its seventh year. These efforts confirm the humanitarian levels to restore security comes of the comprehensive national urbs and civilian facilities, as Kuwait Delicate situation collective international responsibility to and safety in Yemen. For his part, Foreign dialogue, and Security Council condemned those continuous attacks on The Kuwaiti Foreign Minister made support the humanitarian plan. Minister reaffirmed Kuwait’s firm posi- Resolution 2216. the territory of the Kingdom of Saudi his speech in the conference, saying: “Kuwait was a part of those efforts tion towards providing all aspects of He also stressed on the importance Arabia, which are a direct threat to the “Ignazio Cassis, Vice President and Head through its continuous support to Yemen support to Yemen and its people, and of the role of the US and its endeavors Gulf and Arab national security. The of the Federal Department of Foreign in the humanitarian and developmental making all efforts to restore security and to end the Yemeni crisis and its humani- meeting was also attended by, Foreign Affairs of the Swiss Confederation, Ann fields, as the total of the amount of dona- stability to its territory. He emphasized tarian and development assistance to Ministry Senior officials and US Linde, Swedish Minister for Foreign tions made by Kuwait reached more than Kuwait’s keenness to stabilize the politi- Yemeni people, affirming Kuwait’s sup- Ambassador to Kuwait Alina Affairs, Antonio Guterres, Secretary- $1.559 billion, of which $850 million cal and security conditions at the port to all efforts undertaken by the Romanowski. —KUNA

If an owner cannot find their vehicle, The municipal garages have also been Cost to return they should check with the Municipality targeted my thieves many times. office of the governorate where they stay “Sometimes we catch the thieves and call impounded to find out which of the two municipal the police to arrest them, but some man- garages it was transferred to - Mina age to escape. The number of security Abdullah or Naayem. If the owner cannot guards is small as there are only four vehicle may find the vehicle at the municipal garage, working in each shift. Also, they are not they should complain at the police sta- armed, as they are employees of a securi- exceed KD 200 tion, as it may be stolen. If the owner ty company,” Adel told Kuwait Times. finds the vehicle at the garage, they will The situation has improved recently By Nawara Fattahova receive a letter of acknowledgment and and the number of robberies has will have to pay a KD 100 fine, KD 30- dropped after a thief was arrested lately. KUWAIT: If you have a disused vehicle 40 for the towing service depending on “I was slightly injured by the thief, who parked in a yard or any other public the type of the vehicle and a KD 1 fee for rammed the gate of the garage to get in. KUWAIT: One of the municipality’s impoundment garages. space for a few months, you risk the every day the vehicle is at the garage of He was driving a vehicle stolen from the vehicle being impounded by the the Municipality. other garage of the Municipality. by that time many thieves have escaped,” Other types of vehicles are also Municipality. Depending on the time your Some people don’t bother to get their According to a police officer, the suspect added Adel. impounded and transferred to this vehicle stays at the municipal garage, the abandoned vehicles back, and simply has a record of robberies and is a drug The catalytic system of the car is the garage. “The Municipality sometimes cost to get it back may exceed KD 200. leave it at the municipal garage for addict,” he explained. most attractive part the thieves look for. impounds mobile baqalas. This happens if Inspectors regularly roam various areas, months or years. The impounded vehicle “Many security guards have been “The catalytic system has expensive the baqala is not licensed or parked at and if they notice an abandoned vehicle, should stay at the municipal garages for a injured by thieves, and this is the reason materials like platinum. Most of the the wrong location. Also, if the mobile they will mark it with a sticker warning period of three months, then it will be sold why they usually quit after a short period, thieves claim they export it to Iran as the baqala is price gouging and inspectors the owner to remove it. The owner is giv- in an auction. According to Adel, a as this work is dangerous. The location of price of this element is much higher there from the ministry of commerce penalize en 48 hours to do so and inspectors may Municipality employee who works at the the garage is a problem, as it’s far from than in Kuwait. Some thieves steal the it, they transfer the case to the seize it if they check the place again and Naayem garage, most seized vehicles stay the city. So in case of emergency, it takes entire vehicle, especially if it is working,” Municipality and the baqala is impound- the vehicle is still there. there for many months or even years. a while for police patrols to reach us, and he pointed out. ed,” noted Adel.

News in brief

Foreign Minister receives calls

KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah yes- terday discussed over a phone call with the Omani Foreign Minister Bader bin Hamad Al- Busaidi the bilateral ties between the two coun- tries, in addition to the recent global and regional developments. Sheikh Dr Ahmad also received a phone call from his Indian counter- part Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, dealing with the historic and close relations between the two countries and mean of elevating these ties. The two sides also discussed various regional and international issues. — KUNA

Stranded teachers

KUWAIT: Education ministry assistant undersecretary for public education Usama Al-Sultan asked directors of education zones and religious education to list the names of teachers who are not reporting to work in the second semester, especially newly-stranded teachers who could not return. Sultan said in a general circular that “due to the start of employees’ work for the second school semes- ter in various stages, please ask all work cen- ters to list the names of non-Kuwaiti employ- ees who did not report to work in the second semester, but who were at work during the first semester of the current school year 2020/2021. The list must include the name, civil ID number, specialty, place of work, nationality, education and reason for absence.” Sultan said concerned authorities should be informed to stop payment of salaries in case the legal absence period is reached as men- tioned in law number 41/2006. — Al-Qabas

Oil gains two cents

KUWAIT: Kuwait oil edged two cents higher during Monday’s trading to reach $64.86 per barrel (pb) against $64.84 pb last Friday, Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) said yes- terday. Brent however dropped 73 cents to $63.69 pb and West Texas Intermediate lost 86 cents to $60.64 pb. — KUNA 4 Established 1961 Local Wednesday, March 3, 2021

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News in brief

Drivers using phones

KUWAIT: Official statistics indicate that 20,880 violations for not paying attention while driving and 29,062 for mobile phone use were recorded last year despite the long period of curfews and lockdowns, KUWAIT: Al-Seif Palace lit up with Kuwait flag’s colors during the country’s recent National celebrations. — Photo by Fouad Al-Shaikh during which the rate of road accidents dropped. Interior ministry assistant undersecretary for traffic and operations Maj Gen Jamal Al-Sayegh said there are clear instructions to all traffic and emergency patrols to act firmly against motorists using phones, which endangers the lives of the driver and others. “We have more than one method to check phone stc concludes usage while driving, either by pulling them over or by cameras. If a person uploads a video on social Kuwait National media while driving, they will be summoned and handed a citation and will not escape punishment,” Sayegh said. He called upon anyone who witnesses a holidays campaign violation to photograph it and send it to the traffic department’s WhatsApp hotline. Sayegh emphasized KUWAIT: Kuwait Telecommunications Company - the importance of the new traffic law that is being stc, a world-class digital leader providing innovative discussed at the National Assembly to impose deter- services and platforms to customers, enabling the rent punishments on violators, especially since the digital transformation in Kuwait, concluded its fine for using a mobile may not exceed KD 5 cur- month-long campaign ‘Ezhalha’ in celebration of rently and is not a true deterrent, while in the new Kuwait’s National and Liberation Days. The cam- law the fine will be up to KD 75. — Al-Rai paign included several initiatives launched by stc under the Ezhalha umbrella, such as an exclusive broadcast program on Marina FM, a creative TVC, Officers fight nationwide advertising, a special program with the Kuwait Association for Learning Differences KUWAIT: Two general security officers and a (KALD), as well as an internal campaign for detective had a fight in the detective office parking employees. lot during which a firearm was used, causing secu- Building on the campaign launch statement rity alerts inside the premises. A security source said the two officers were on their way to the issued by the Company on its Ezhalha campaign, stc Directorate General of Criminal Detectives to hand indicated that it designed a highly engaging and over two cross-dressers, when a detective who exclusive program in collaboration with Marina FM was referred by them in a case saw them and an broadcasted on the 25th and 26th of February. Also argument ensued after he accused them of serving titled ‘Ezhalha’, the program was led by renowned him injustice. — Al-Rai radio host and social media influencer, Abdulmotaleb Nathar, who is also known as

“6aloob”, and Ahmad Al-Nowaibet, stc representa- released during the month of February, inviting rep- tive from the Corporate Communications depart- resentatives from stc’s B2B and B2C departments, ment. The broadcast commended with a call from Faysal Bachir and Mohammad Bash, to participate stc CEO, engineer Maziad Bin Nasser Alharbi, who in the live broadcast. congratulated HH the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Nawaf Aside from the special broadcast, stc extended Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and HH the Crown its initiative with KALD, building on the strategic Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, partnership carried out between the two entities. as well as the people of Kuwait on the special Organized in early February, stc invited students to occasion. express their inner artistic talents within the nation- During the broadcast, radio host 6aloob, accom- al celebration theme. Hadeel Al-Abdullah, stc repre- panied by stc representative, Ahmed Al-Nowaibet, sentative from Corporate Communications and spoke about the meaning behind the song in stc’s KALD representatives, Nouriya Al-Ameeri and TVC, and hosted several heroes from the produc- Farah Al-Shebly, greeted students and guided them tion. Aseel Al-Shaheen, International Tennis through the session as they expressed their national Federation certified umpire in the GCC, and Kuwait pride through art. stc concluded the art session by National Hockey player, Mohammad Al-Maraghi, distributing gifts to the students as a token of were two heroes included in the production and are appreciation. also stc employees, spoke about their experience stc emphasized that while implementing any of during the making of the production, while its initiatives, the Company ensures that all safety expressing their joy and pride to the people of measures and social distancing protocols are con- Kuwait during this occasion. Equestrienne Sherifa sidered and applied across its headquarters, Al-Awadhi also made a guest appearance in com- branches, and at any external initiatives it partici- memorating the national celebration during these pates in to mitigate the risk associated with the cur- special days. rent pandemic. In line with its nationwide celebratory activities, Upon concluding its Ezhalha campaign, stc once the radio broadcast included several engaging and again extended its heartfelt congratulations to the prize-winning competitions with listeners. 6aloob Kuwaiti people and shared in celebration the and Nowaibet welcomed callers as they participat- Nation’s joy in commemorating this special occa- ed in interesting segments to win one of the many sion. The Company expressed that its roots in the prizes distributed by stc during the program. The country only deepen with time, holding these spe- segments witnessed a large number of callers who cial moments closer to the heart of the stc family. were excited to participate in the competitions for stc is proud to showcase its love, devotion, and a chance to win a valuable smartphone device or patriotism towards the people of Kuwait and will accessory from stc. The Company also took this continue to participate in such initiatives that bring opportunity to elaborate on the special promotions the community closer together.

YouTube in less than Gulf Bank three days, with a first place ranking for two days. The national day revives song video also received more than 3 Million views on ‘Watani Habibi’ social media in less than a week. KUWAIT: In celebration of the 60th National Day Regarding Gulf Bank’s and the 30th Liberation Day of the State of Kuwait, national day video, Najla which both coincide with the 60th anniversary of Al-Essa, the Head of Najla Al-Essa the founding of Gulf Bank, the Bank surprised fans Marketing at Gulf Bank, everywhere with an unforgettable patriotic act. This said: “This year, we were year, Gulf Bank revived the song, ‘Watani Habibi,’ a proud to celebrate a number of joyous occasions in patriotic ballad originally sung by children of Kuwait: the country’s 60th National Day and 30th Kuwait in 2003 before going on to become an icon- Liberation Day, and Gulf Bank’s 60-year anniver- ic national song. sary. On this special occasion, we knew we wanted Originally broadcast in 2003, ‘Watani Habibi’ to pay homage to and celebrate the glories of our was released to boost national morale. More than homeland and its people. Gulf Bank has been an 400 children aged between seven and nine years integral part of the Kuwaiti fabric, having partici- old participated in the song, which was written by pated in every major event that the country has the renowned poet, Saher, and composed by the witnessed in the past sixty years. We look forward creative composer, Mishaal Al-Arouj. This year, 18 to serving our clients for many more years to come, years since the song’s release, Gulf Bank met the and celebrating many more national milestones in song’s stars and heroes, who are now young men the process.” and women. Gulf Bank’s national day video gained wide- Gulf Bank’s national day video immediately won spread popularity and was quickly shared across over the admiration of viewers, and was widely social media and WhatsApp, rapidly making its way considered the top national day ad, according to a to the top three most popular topics on Twitter marketing survey. Within an hour of its launch, the within an hour of its launch. Viewers can find and video became one of the top three trending topics listen to the song on popular music streaming plat- on Twitter, and received over a million views on form, Anghami. International WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 2021 Sri Lanka to offer a strategic deep-sea port to India, Japan Armenia struggles through crisis as war wounds fester Page 6 Page 7 All 279 kidnapped Nigerian girls freed Surging Nigeria violence sends thousands fleeing to Niger: UN

GUSAU, Nigeria: All 279 girls kidnapped from their boarding school in northern Nigeria have been released and are on government premises, the local governor said yesterday. Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari expressed “over- Trump 2024? whelming joy” over the release of the girls from days of captivity, vowing tougher action against Not so fast... kidnappers. Nigeria has been rocked by four mass abduc- WASHINGTON: Former president Donald tions of students in less than three months, spark- Trump is teasing another run for the White ing widespread anger against the government and House in 2024. And while the 45th president of memories of the 2014 kidnapping of hundreds of the United States continues to enjoy strong schoolgirls in Chibok, in the country’s east, that grassroots support in the Republican Party, shocked the world. “I am happy to announce that only one American leader has ever served non- the girls are free,” Dr. Bello Matawalle, governor of consecutive terms. Zamfara state, told an AFP journalist early yester- Democrat Grover Cleveland won the White day. “They have just arrived in the government House in 1884, lost in 1888, and then won again house and are in good health.” An AFP reporter in 1892. While Trump appears to be in relatively saw hundreds of girls wearing hijabs, gathered at good health, he would be 78 years old when the government premises. the next presidential election comes around. Authorities initially said 317 girls were GUSAU, Nigeria: A group of girls previously kidnapped from their boarding school in northern Nigeria arrived And the bombastic real estate tycoon would abducted in the raid by hundreds of gunmen on yesterday at the Government House in Gusau, Zamfara State upon their release. —AFP have to overcome a number of obstacles to be the Government Girls Secondary School in his party’s nominee four years from now. remote Jangebe village on Friday. But Matawalle In December, more than 300 boys were kid- Security deteriorating Trump is facing potential legal difficulties said the “total number of female students napped from a school in Kankara, in President Buhari was elected president for the first time in now that he is a private citizen stripped of the abducted” was 279. Muhammadu Buhari’s home state of Katsina, while 2015, a year after the mass kidnapping at Chibok, protections of the Oval Office. New York pros- “We thank Allah they are all now with us.” AFP he was visiting the region. The boys were later where 276 girls were abducted by the jihadist group ecutors investigating Trump’s finances footage showed minibuses pulling up in the night released but the incident triggered outrage and Boko Haram in northern Nigeria-triggering an inter- received his tax returns last week following a with students inside and lines of girls filing into a memories of the kidnappings of 276 schoolgirls by national outcry. More than one hundred of them marathon legal battle that went all the way to building. Government officials had been in talks jihadists in Chibok. remain missing and it is not known how many of the Supreme Court. Manhattan District with the kidnappers, known locally as bandits. A Many of those girls are still missing. The gangs them are still alive. Buhari had promised to end the Attorney Cyrus Vance was initially investigat- source said “repentant bandits” had been contact- are largely driven by financial motives and have no conflict in the northeast, but the situation has sharply ing payments made before the 2016 presiden- ed to reach out to their former comrades as part of known ideological leanings. But there are con- deteriorated since. tial election to two women who claim they had efforts to free the students. cerns they are being infiltrated by armed Islamists. Jihadists linked to the Islamic State have attacked affairs with Trump. But the prosecutor is also The jihadists’ decade-old conflict has killed more a UN base and overrun a humanitarian hub in Dikwa, now examining possible allegations of tax eva- Armed gangs than 30,000 people and spread into neighboring northern Nigeria, trapping 25 aid workers, security sion and insurance and bank fraud. Trump’s Heavily armed criminal gangs in northwest and Niger, Chad and Cameroon. Authorities have and humanitarian sources said late Monday. The former personal lawyer Michael Cohen has central Nigeria have stepped up attacks in recent denied paying any ransom to secure the recent attack was still under way yesterday.If the northeast testified to Congress that Trump artificially years, kidnapping for ransom, raping and pillaging. releases, although analysts say this is unlikely and is still not secure, the northwest is also under the inflated and devalued the worth of his compa- The Nigerian military deployed to the area in 2016 security experts fear that this will lead to an yoke of armed groups the authorities call “bandits,” ny’s assets to both obtain bank loans and and a peace deal with bandits was signed in 2019 increase in kidnappings in these regions plagued who terrorize the people, steel cattle and perpetuate reduce taxes. — AFP but attacks have continued. by extreme poverty. mass kidnappings for ransom. — AFP 6 Established 1961 Wednesday, March 3, 2021 International Armenia struggles through crisis as war wounds fester Charting a way out of deadlock looks tricky for the south Caucasus republic

YEREVAN, Armenia: Anger caught in Mari can’t go on to mourn or grieve-because we are still in Hovhannisyan’s throat as she demanded Armenia’s lead- the state of denial.” ership resign, more than three months on from a disas- trous war that saw swathes of territory lost to Early elections? Azerbaijan. “I am six months pregnant but I had to Charting a way out of the political deadlock looks come out,” the 36-year-old told AFP, directing her fury tricky for this south Caucasus republic of three million at her country’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. “I am people. Pashinyan, a charismatic 45-year-old ex-jour- against this regime, against the betrayer who sold out nalist who swept to power in peaceful protests in 2018, our land, our flag, our nation, everything. He should be insists he is ready for early elections-but there is no in jail, he can’t remain in place.” Around her in Armenia’s clear agreement or timeframe. Last week the prime capital Yerevan several thousand protesters, waving the minister accused the military of attempting a coup national flag, echoed her contempt. when the general staff backed calls for his resignation. But at the same time, just over a kilometer away on Now Pashinyan is squaring off with President Armen Monday evening, the man they are targeting was defi- Sarkisian, whose role is largely symbolic, after the antly plotting his own way forward in front of a far larg- head of state refused to sign off on the sacking of the er crowd of supporters on the city’s main square. “If the military chief. parliamentary opposition agrees to early elections, we Analyst Giragosian said the best way forward is for will agree to early elections,” Pashinyan shouted Pashinyan to seek a new mandate at elections-but that through a megaphone to the chanting throng. “Only the the premier is wary of handing over to any caretaker in people can decide who will remain in power.” The the interim and risking the huge majority he holds in standoff in Armenia is the latest stage of a political crisis parliament. “In the event of a free and fair election, fuelled by the fallout of the conflict that erupted last Pashinyan’s party would likely secure a reduced but still year over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region. working majority,” Giragosian said. “The opposition is After six weeks of violence that claimed around widely unpopular and deeply discredited. It’s a lack of YEREVAN: Supporters of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan listen to his speech during a rally at 6,000 lives on all sides, a Moscow-brokered ceasefire an alternative candidate and credible rival that tends to Republic Square in downtown Yerevan. — AFP agreement was signed, handing over significant territory strengthen Pashinyan’s position.” to Azerbaijan and allowing for the deployment of Russian peacekeepers. For Armenians it was a devastat- Old guard strikes back? gain retribution. “We don’t want those who robbed the country struggles to adapt to the new reality after ing reversal from a first war in the early 1990s-upending A key part of the opposition appears to come from Armenia before to return,” 60-year-old English teacher last year’s conflict. “For most of the people, there is apa- their decades-long narrative from victors into van- Armenia’s former leadership, ousted by Pashinyan in the Aida Ghevondyan told AFP. “They’ve decided that thy, fatigue, reluctance and a lack of faith in both of the quished in under two months. “Too much of Armenia, country’s “Velvet Revolution” of 2018. Critics say the Pashinyan is guilty for the war-but people know those sides,” said Alexander Iskandaryan, the director of including the military and the government, is still in a populist leader has failed to make genuine reforms after who were in charge before are guilty for getting rich Yerevan’s Caucasus Institute. And however the situation state of denial,” said Richard Giragosian, director of the the rare democratic breakthrough for his ex-Soviet and not building up the army.” plays out, the rancour and divisions look set to drag on. Yerevan-based Regional Studies Center think-tank. homeland. But Pashinyan’s supporters accuse the old While the political sparring rumbles forward, many in “The turbulence will continue under any scenario-there “This is why, like the five or seven stages of grief, we guard of using the losses during the war as a pretext to Armenia just seem to be turned off by the wrangling as is no doubt about that,” Iskandaryan said. —AFP

Gorbachev marks News in brief 90th birthday IS suspect on trial in Germany BERLIN: An alleged member of the Islamic State in quarantine group went on trial in Germany yesterday over a series of acid and arson attacks against Turkish busi- MOSCOW: Mikhail Gorbachev, the historic reformer nesses and a mosque in Bavaria. The suspect, named who presided over the collapse of the Soviet Union, as Muharrem D, is accused of carrying out the vio- marked his 90th birthday in quarantine yesterday and lent crimes in the small town of Waldkraiburg in April last year, and of planning further attacks with a gun WASHINGTON, DC: Secretary of Homeland Security like everyone else is “tired” of virus restrictions, his spokesman said. Congratulations poured in from MOSCOW: In this file photo taken on October 10, 2017, and explosives. He is charged with the attempted Alejandro Mayorkas attends the daily press briefing at former head of the USSR Mikhail Gorbachev speaks dur- murder of 31 people by arson, and with grievous the White House Monday in Washington, DC. Mayorkas around the world, with Russian President Vladimir Putin, US leader Joe Biden and German Chancellor ing the presentation of his book “I Remain an Optimist” bodily harm against four, as well as planning a serious discussed Biden administration’s plans for overhauling at a book store in Moscow. — AFP act of violence endangering the state. — AFP immigration policy. — AFP Angela Merkel all sending their best wishes, Gorbachev’s spokesman said. “He is in quarantine in hospital for the duration of said in the message released by the Kremlin. He the pandemic,” Vladimir Polyakov, spokesman for the praised Gorbachev’s “energy and creative potential”, Immigration, COVID Gorbachev Foundation, told AFP. “He is tired of this, noting the former Soviet leader remained involved in Morocco-Germany spat like the rest of us,” Polyakov said. Gorbachev, who will humanitarian and other projects. Putin and Gorbachev mark the day with family and friends, received a have had a complicated relationship. Over the years RABAT: Morocco has suspended contacts with the key talks between “heap” of messages from around the world, Polyakov Gorbachev alternated between subtle criticism of the German embassy, the foreign minister announced in a said. He added that Gorbachev would talk to his fami- former KGB officer and praising him as Russia’s letter published late Monday, in what officials said was Biden, Obrador ly and friends in a socially-distanced setting, possibly chance for stable development. a protest over Berlin’s stance on the Western Sahara by video link. “We’ve set everything up,” Polyakov Putin dismantled much of what the Soviet leader dispute. In the letter addressed to the prime minister added. In his message yesterday, Putin said worked to achieve in terms of guaranteeing liberties in and published by Moroccan media, Foreign Minister WASHINGTON: President Joe Biden told his Mexican Gorbachev was an “outstanding” politician who Russia such as freedom of assembly and free speech. Nasser Bourita said the decision to suspend dealings counterpart Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador that helped change world history. The current president famously said that the Soviet with the embassy as well as German cultural organiza- Mexico’s success was crucial to the hemisphere and that “You rightly belong to a series of bright and out- collapse was “the greatest geo-political catastrophe of tions was taken in response to “deep misunderstand- he would view the US southern neighbor as an equal. In standing people, distinguished statesmen of the mod- the century”. Polyakov said that while in isolation, ings” on “issues fundamental for Morocco”. — AFP a virtual summit to discuss immigration, COVID-19 and ern age who have significantly influenced the course of Gorbachev kept working. “He’s editing books and arti- commercial issues, Biden opened talks by reminding domestic and world history,” the Russian president cles,” he added.— AFP Lopez Obrador of his four visits to Mexico as vice presi- dent. “The United States and Mexico are stronger when Amazon launches Polish site we stand together,” Biden said at the beginning of their teleconference. But “we haven’t been perfect neighbors WARSAW: US e-commerce giant Amazon yester- to each other.” day launched in Poland-one of the last major During the Obama-Biden administration, he contin- European countries without a dedicated Amazon site. ued, “we looked at Mexico as an equal. You are equal.” “From today, Polish customers can buy on Amazon.pl Lopez Obrador thanked Biden for stressing a relation- and choose from over 100 million products,” the ship based on mutual respect, and emphasized the two company said in a statement. Amazon, the world’s countries’ cultural, historic and trade ties. “It is important largest online retailer, said it would offer free ship- for Mexico, and we must keep on cooperating for further ping on orders worth more than $100 (83 euros). development based on independence and autonomy, Within the EU, Amazon has already dedicated sites in potentializing what our peoples mean to us,” he told the France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and US leader. It was Biden’s second bilateral meeting with a Sweden. Its German website had previously hosted a foreign leader since becoming president on January 20. Polish-language section and the company employs The first was with Canadian Prime Minister Justin around 18,000 people in nine warehouses in Poland Trudeau. The talks came after four years of tumultuous and through the IT company Amazon Web US-Mexico relations under former president Donald Services.— AFP Trump, who shut down the US border to migration, tore up the NAFTA trade agreement between the United States, Mexico and Canada, and labelled Mexican immi- grants drug traffickers and “rapists.” Still, the flow of Guards freed after Ecuador prison riot migrants and trade-legal and illegal-across the US- MEKELE, Tigray: People gather around the body of a young man that witnesses say was shot by security Mexican border was to be the focus of the summit. forces after breaking curfew, in the city of Mekele, capital of Tigray. — AFP QUITO: Five prison guards held after a new riot Joining the call, were top diplomatic, security and immi- broke out in an Ecuadorian prison were released gration officials from both sides. Monday after the unrest was controlled without Yemane, was also arrested in Mekele, the Tigrayan fatalities, a week after 79 inmates died in bloody capital. Late Monday the BBC also said one of its jour- gang warfare, the police said. “The servants of the ‘A joint approach’ Four media workers nalists, Girmay Gebru, had been detained by the mili- security corps, who were held by the inmates, are The meeting came amid reports of a new surge of tary in Mekele. safe and without damage to their physical integrity or undocumented migrants attempting to enter the United arrested in Tigray Fitsum and Alula are being held at a military college health,” the prison authority said in a statement. “No States from Mexico and its southern neighbors, as Biden near Mekele University, their families told AFP. deaths were recorded” during the riot. The police eases Trump’s tough anti-immigration regime. In a joint Relatives have not been able to see them and no expla- said on Twitter that its agents’ actions “made it possi- statement after the call, the two sides agreed to work NAIROBI: Four media workers in Ethiopia’s conflict- nation has been given for the arrests. “They are under ble to control the incidents” in the Cotopaxi prison in together on economic development efforts in impover- wracked Tigray region, including a translator working investigation. The information we have is that there is the central city of Latacunga. — AFP ished southern Mexico and Central America, the source for Agence France-Presse, have been arrested and already some evidence,” said Mulu Nega, the leader of of most of the migrants. They also agreed to work detained, their families and employers said. Tigray has the interim administration in Tigray which was appoint- together to fight the Covid-19 pandemic, to boost eco- been the theatre of fighting since early November ed by Addis Ababa. Asked what the investigation was nomic cooperation, and to work together on climate 2020, when Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed about and what the evidence was he said: “There is no Novavax to file for US vaccine nod change, the statement said. announced military operations against the Tigray detailed information.” AFP’s global news director Phil The two countries share a porous, nearly 2,000- People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), accusing them of Chetwynd called for Fitsum’s immediate release. “We WASHINGTON: US biotech company Novavax mile (3,200 kilometers) border, with hundreds of bil- attacking federal army camps. have not been informed of any specific charges against said Monday it hopes to file for British approval of its lions of dollars’ worth of commerce annually and large The area was an information black hole for much of Fitsum Berhane. His collaboration with a media outlet COVID-19 vaccine at the start of the second quarter numbers of daily legal crossings by individuals. But it that time, with reporting heavily restricted and the should not be a motive for his arrest,” he said. of 2021, and to do the same soon after in the United also sees a huge level of illegal migrant crossing, hun- internet cut off. Seven international media organiza- The Financial Times said it was taking “all possible States. The company has no assurance that US dreds of thousands of asylum seekers trying to enter tions-including AFP, the BBC and the Financial Times- steps” to secure the release of the translators. “Our authorities will agree to consider the request, which the United States and large amounts of illicit drug traf- have now been granted accreditation to report from concerns have been raised with the relevant authori- currently is based on results from Phase 3 clinical tri- ficking from south to north. “Both leaders recognized Tigray, but journalists were warned by officials they ties as we work to understand the reasons for the als led in the Britain. Similar trials are still ongoing in the many contributions of migrants to the economic might face unspecified “corrective measures” if they arrests.” The BBC said it had expressed its “concern to the United States. The data will hopefully be present- strength, cultural diversity, and innovative spirit of the did not meet local standards. the Ethiopian authorities” and was awaiting their ed to the British health regulator (MHRA) “by early United States and Mexico,” the statement said. They Fitsum Berhane and Alula Akalu, who were working response. Media freedom group the Committee to second quarter 2021,” Novavax said in a statement, “committed to immigration policies that recognize the as translators for journalists from AFP and the Protect Journalists said the detentions could send a on the occasion of the publication of its quarterly dignity of migrants and the imperative of orderly, safe, Financial Times, were detained on Saturday, their fami- chill through the reporting community.—AFP results.—AFP and regular migration.” —AFP lies said. A third man, a journalist named Temrat Established 1961 7 International Wednesday, March 3, 2021 Sri Lanka to offer a strategic deep-sea port to India, Japan Island seeks to balance traditional ties amid rising China influence COLOMBO: Sri Lanka will offer a strategically in New Delhi, and a government spokesman said located deep-sea port to India and Japan, an official Japan has yet to respond to the new proposal. said yesterday as the island seeks to balance tradi- The government blamed trade unions calling for tional ties against China’s rising regional influence. local instead of foreign development for last The government last month abruptly pulled out of month’s abrogation of the East Container an agreement with Delhi and Tokyo to jointly devel- Terminal, which will now be completed by the Sri op the partially built East Container Terminal, locat- Lanka Ports Authority. ed next to a $500-million Chinese-run container Colombo is located in the Indian Ocean between jetty within the capital Colombo’s sprawling port. the major hubs of Dubai and Singapore, meaning But Colombo reversed course yesterday, offering control of its ports is highly sought after. Two Chinese the West Container Terminal (WCT), which is yet to submarines berthed at the CICT-which started oper- be built and located on the other side of the ations in 2013 — in 2014, sparking concerns in India Chinese-run jetty known as the Colombo which considers neighbor Sri Lanka to be within its International Container Terminal (CICT). “The dis- sphere of influence. Since then, Sri Lanka has refused cussions to develop the WCT will be only with permission for further submarine calls. India and Japan,” government spokesman Keheliya In December 2017, unable to repay a huge Rambukwella told reporters in the capital. Chinese loan, Sri Lanka allowed China Merchants Rambukwella said the cabinet decided Monday to Port Holdings to take over the southern Hambantota allow India and Japan to have an 85 percent stake in port, which straddles the world’s busiest east-west the West Container Terminal-the same terms China shipping route. The deal, which gave the Chinese was granted when building the CICT. company a 99-year lease, raised fears about It’s unclear how Tokyo and Delhi will divide Beijing’s use of “debt traps” in exerting its influence their majority stake in the port. The government abroad. India and the United States have also said the Indian High Commission in Colombo has expressed concerns that a Chinese foothold at COLOMBO: The Japan-India-Sri Lanka trilateral, although still at a nascent stage, echoes the promise of propelling “approved” Sri Lanka’s latest offer. There was no Hambantota could give Beijing a military advantage Colombo as an important partner in the regional maritime paradigm towards realizing a ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific’. immediate response from India’s foreign ministry in the Indian Ocean. — AFP

the first of 16 million doses that Covax plans to Nigeria receives deliver over the coming months to the country of 200 million people. “Today is a good day for four million free Nigeria,” Faisal Shuaib, director of the primary healthcare agency, said in a statement. “Our team is Dozens of refugees ready to start administering doses to frontline Covax vaccines health workers.” released after years ABUJA: A shipment of nearly four million coron- Nigeria’s food and drug control agency avirus jabs arrived in Nigeria yesterday, making approved the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine for use detained by Australia Africa’s most populous nation the world’s third last month. Vaccinations are scheduled to start BRISBANE: Australia has freed dozens of country to receive vaccines under Covax, a global Friday with frontline workers and support staff fol- refugees after holding them in detention for scheme to provide free inoculations. The shipment lowed by the president and vice president on years under a policy designed to deter people aboard an Emirates flight arrived shortly before Saturday, a government spokesman Garba Shehu from seeking asylum in the country, advocates noon at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in the told AFP. The Nigerian government said it hoped to said yesterday. More than 60 refugees were capital Abuja, an AFP journalist said. It contained vaccinate at least 70 percent of its adult population ABUJA: The first batch of Oxford/AstraZenica COVID- released over the past two days from hotels 3.94 million Oxford/AstraZenica doses, the UN and over the next two years. “As the vaccines arrive in 19 vaccine doses are offloaded from a plane during and detention centers in Brisbane, Sydney and Nigeria’s health agency added. batches due to limited supply we will inform its arrival at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, in Abuja, Nigeria yesterday. — AFP Darwin, according to the Refugee Action Richer countries have surged ahead with vacci- Nigerians about who and where to receive the vac- Coalition and legal representatives. They were nations, but many poorer countries are still awaiting cine,” Shuaib told reporters Monday. The agency granted temporary visas after spending up to deliveries, prompting the World Health Organization launched a self-registration portal online to try and cold cabins, from the nearest airport,” Shuaib said. eight years in Australian detention on Pacific (WHO) to warn that the crisis cannot end unless help ease the roll-out but the country faces The West African country has recorded 156,017 cas- islands before being transferred to the country everyone can inoculate their populations. The immense challenges due to security and logistics. es and 1,915 deaths since the start of the pandemic, for medical treatment. Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccines, manufactured by the “States without a functional airport will have their though the figures are considered undercounted giv- Canberra has sent anyone attempting to Serum Institute of India, that arrived in Nigeria are vaccines transported by road using vans with fitted en the low number of tests administered. — AFP arrive in Australia by boat to Papua New Guinea’s Manus island and Nauru, under a hardline approach it says is designed to pre- Hong Kong dissidents back in vent people-smuggling. The group’s release comes after more than 60 refugees were freed in similar circumstances in December and court for marathon bail hearing January. Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton told local radio in January that it was “cheaper” HONG KONG: Dozens of Hong more than a couple of hours. But the for the refugees to be released into the com- Kong democracy activists charged court struggled to deal with the sheer munity than to be held in detention. with subversion returned to court caseload as well as the legal vagaries Noeline Balasanthiran Harendran of Sydney yesterday to complete a marathon of the broadly worded security law, West Legal and Migration said the releases bail hearing that was adjourned which removes the presumption of came after several refugees took court action overnight when four defendants were bail for non-violent crimes. against the Australian government challenging rushed to hospital after hours of legal The court sat on and off for some the validity of their detention. “From our point wrangling. Police arrested 47 of the 15 hours throughout Monday as the of view, it’s because we’ve been able to prove city’s best-known dissidents on prosecution called for the activists to beyond reasonable doubt that they’re being Sunday for “conspiracy to commit be held in custody until the next held with no purpose... to hold people in subversion” in the broadest use yet of hearing in three months’ time while detention you need to have a purpose,” she a sweeping national security law that the defense tried to pursue bail. An told AFP. Ian Rintoul, from the Refugee Action Beijing imposed on the city last year. adjournment only came in the small HONG KONG: Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Ben Chung (center) is escorted into a van as he leaves the Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre, in Hong Kong yesterday. —AFP Coalition, urged the government to release The defendants represent a broad hours of yesterday morning after one about 75 other refugees still being held in cross-section of Hong Kong’s opposi- of the defendants, Clarisse Yeung, Australia. More than 250 also remain in limbo tion, from veteran former pro-democ- collapsed and was rushed to hospital. ment on her Facebook account on izing any act considered to be sub- in Papua New Guinea and Nauru. —AFP racy lawmakers to academics, Three other defendants were subse- yesterday morning saying she fainted version, secession, terrorism or collu- lawyers, social workers and youth quently taken to hospital in ambu- after receiving no food for 12 hours sion with foreign forces. It has radi- activists. lances. At the time of the adjourn- and was being treated in hospital for cally transformed Hong Kong’s rela- Hundreds of supporters gathered ment, less than half of the bail hear- low blood pressure. The three others tionship with the authoritarian main- outside a courthouse on Monday for ings for the 47 defendants had been who fell ill were also not in court. land and outlawed much dissent in the the first post-charge bail hearing, heard, an AFP reporter in court said. Beijing is struggling to quash dis- once free-wheeling finance hub. One Regional powers to chanting democracy slogans-a rare The defendants were then taken in sent in semi-autonomous Hong Kong major area of change is bail. Under resurgence of defiance in a city handcuffs to a nearby detention cen- after huge and sometimes violent the new law, defendants may only be pressure Myanmar where protest has been all but out- ter for a few hours’ sleep before pro-democracy demonstrations in granted bail if they can persuade a lawed over the last year. Normally returning once more to court yester- 2019. The security law has been the court they no longer pose any kind of such a bail hearing might take little day morning. Yeung released a state- spear tip of that crackdown, criminal- national security risk. —AFP junta over deadly crackdown SINGAPORE: Myanmar’s junta will face regional Myanmar security pressure to end a deadly crackdown on anti-coup protesters, after some Southeast Asian powers forces fire on broke diplomatic traditions and delivered unusually harsh rebukes. Foreign ministers from the anti-coup protesters Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) regional bloc will hold talks with a junta represen- YANGON: Myanmar security forces fired live tative to discuss the crisis that began when the mili- rounds and tear gas at protesters again yesterday, tary detained civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The leaving at least three people critically injured as February 1 takeover ended Myanmar’s brief experi- regional powers met to pressure the junta over its ment with democracy, triggering global condemna- deadly crackdown. tion, nationwide protests and an increasingly brutal Myanmar has seen weeks of mass protests crackdown by the security forces. demanding the military release civilian leader Aung Violence on Sunday was the worst seen so far, San Suu Kyi, who was detained in a February 1 coup. with the United Nations saying at least 18 people Authorities have in response steadily stepped up YANGON: Protesters wearing hard hats as protective gear take part in a demonstration against the military coup in were killed when troops and police fired on demon- their use of force, using tear gas, water cannon, rub- Yangon yesterday. — AFP strators in cities across Myanmar. ASEAN, which ber bullets and, increasingly, live rounds. brings together 10 countries including Myanmar, Sunday was the bloodiest day since the February bling back with live rounds. A doctor who treated glimpse of the procession. “No mercy, just bullies- has long been criticized for inaction in the face of 1 military takeover, with the UN saying that at least the patients in a local hospital confirmed the number dead bodies are here and there,” the mourners sang crises, with members typically sticking to the bloc’s 18 protesters were killed across the country. AFP of people in critical condition. “One was hit in his in unison as they flashed a three-finger salute. “Oh, policy of non-interference in each other’s affairs. independently confirmed 11 deaths. Another rally thigh and he’s now under operation. Another one got the brave heroes who died for democracy.” Protests But some of the bloc’s most influential members turned violent in the northwestern town of Kale yes- hit in the abdomen and he requires blood transfu- also continued in several different neighborhoods of have issued withering criticism of the military in terday, when security forces opened fire on protest- sions... Another one got hit in the chest,” he told AFP. Yangon yesterday, with demonstrators wearing hard recent days. “We are appalled by the use of lethal ers, according to medics who witnessed events and hats and wielding improvised home-made shields. In force against civilians,” Singapore’s Foreign treated those wounded. “About 20 people were ‘No mercy, just bullies’ San Chaung township-which saw crackdowns in Minister Vivian Balakrishnan told the city-state’s injured in a morning crackdown by police and sol- The bloodshed came the same day as the funeral recent days-hundreds of police came out in force. parliament Monday. “We call on the Myanmar mili- diers in Kale,” said a rescue worker, speaking on was held in the commercial capital of Yangon for a “They used tear gas and were shooting as well,” said tary authorities to exercise utmost restraint,” he condition of anonymity for fear of repercussions. 23-year-old student who died Sunday. The mourners one resident. About 15 minutes away near popular added, while urging a “return to the path of demo- “Three... were hit by live rounds and are in critical sang a revolutionary song as the coffin carrying Nyi shopping area Yuzana Plaza, local media live- cratic transition”. As Myanmar’s biggest foreign condition,” he said, adding that police had initially Nyi Aung Htet Naing moved through a sea of thou- streamed protesters chanting as what appeared to investor, the prosperous city-state is seen has hav- deployed tear gas and rubber bullets before dou- sands to an altar. Some climbed trees to catch a be smoke from tear gas whizzed their way. —AFP ing some leverage over the generals. —AFP Established 1961

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 2021 Business Zain highest ranked MEA operator in CDP global index on climate change With a rating of ‘B’, Zain’s index mark exceeds average for Asian markets

KUWAIT: Zain Group, the leading mobile telecom innovator in seven markets across the Middle East and Africa, announced its inclusion in the global list of the CDP with an advanced rating in Management Scope ‘B’ for the Climate Change Index. This rating makes Zain the highest ranked and only telecom operator in the Middle East and Africa to achieve this positive rating with respect to its efforts to address climate change. As an active member of the GSMA Climate Action Team since in 2019, Zain begun disclosing its environmental impacts, energy consumption and carbon emissions through the CDP, a non-profit organization with regional offices in 50 countries. strong indicator of transparency for our customers There are now companies, cities and regions in over and investors.” 90 countries disclosing emissions data to the CDP Al-Kharafi concluded, “In conjunction with trust- Foundation, which is also recognized by prominent ed partners such as the CDP Organization, it is global indicators, including the MSCI Index of imperative that we intensify our own efforts to make Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance environmental reporting and risk management a (ESG), which reflects the evolving needs of commercial standard, as this will help us build investors who aim to integrate indicators. stronger partner and supplier relationships with For the second year in a row, Zain succeeded in organizations that are jointly committed with us to meeting the requirements stipulated by the CDP for disclosing carbon emissions, and working together Zain headquarters building membership, remaining one of a few signed-up towards making this a cleaner, more sustainable members from the region. Zain attained the ‘B’ rat- world.” 1.5 degree Celsius compared to pre-industrial lev- ers with over $4 trillion in procurement spending, ing within the category of global companies that Only 35 percent of the 9,600 companies and els, and the company strongly believes this strategy utilize CDP data to support their investment strate- disclose the environmental impact of their opera- institutions included the CDP list attained will help achieve a reduction in emissions, and oper- gies and purchases. tions, which indicates that the telco exceeded the Management level score or higher, of which Zain ating costs, while also mitigating risks related to cli- CDP collaborates with a large number of stake- global average of ‘C’, and the regional average for was one, emphasizing the company’s commitment to mate change. CDP manages the global disclosure holders in a wide range of areas including Business Asian markets of ‘D’. fulfilling its promise to make systematic changes system for investors, companies, cities and regions Organization for Social Responsibility (BSR); World Bader Al-Kharafi, Zain Vice-Chairman and CEO through the CDP, and to provide a transparent to manage their environmental impacts, and is Business Council for Sustainable Development of the Group said, “At Zain, we are aware of the framework for climate change reporting. viewed as representing the gold standard for envi- (WBCSD); Global Reporting Initiative (GRI); urgent need to address the climate crisis the world Zain’s climate action plan has set targets to ronmental reporting with the most comprehensive Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB); faces, and we also realize that to achieve sustainable reduce emissions, reduce waste, and align with UN set of data on corporate and city actions. Over 560 Climate Disclosure Standards Board (CDSB); World growth, we must participate in global efforts to pro- Sustainable Development Goal number 13. The investors investing in assets valued at $106 trillion, Wildlife Federation (WWF); Alliance for tect the planet and preserve its resources. Zain has company is committed to building climate change rely on information provided by CDP to help guide Institutional Transparency (ACT); Science Based taken significant strides towards addressing its scenarios that would help limit global warming to their investment decisions, and more than 150 buy- Targets Initiative (SBTi); United Nations Global environmental footprint by setting goals to reduce Compact (UNGC); and United Nations Climate carbon emissions, reduce waste, raise awareness, Change Initiative (UNCC). and identify risks and opportunities for climate l Bader Al-Kharafi: Zain’s disclosure of its climate actions reflects our The mobile telecommunications industry is change.” working to become completely transparent about Al-Kharafi continued, “Having this high ‘B’ rating commitment, transparency, and leadership in dealing with this criti- climate emissions for the industry. The sector has in recognition of our efforts to disclose and reduce cal issue developed a roadmap for climate action at the the carbon footprint of our operations will spur us industry level, with the aim of achieving “net-zero” further in dedicating ourselves to the regulatory l CDP represents the gold standard for the most comprehensive data greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, and reducing reforms included in the Paris Climate Agreement of carbon emissions by 50 percent by 2030, in line 2015. Moreover, disclosure of climate measures is a reporting for the international investment community with the Paris climate agreement.

modities research group Seb, said ahead of a ministe- The quota of cuts expected to be observed by As oil prices rally, rial level meeting Thursday at which quotas are each country will be closely scrutinized by market expected to be adjusted. watchers-as will any divergence between the main producers. OPEC kingpin Saudi Arabia has in recent China extends OPEC tensions Loosening cuts times been willing to take on extra production cuts to While global demand for crude is recovering, facilitate agreement. innovation set to rise OPEC has ensured that its production cuts create an Riyadh recently decided to reduce output by one “artificial shortage” that supports prices, according to million barrels per day, while Russia and Kazakhstan LONDON: As members of the oil cartel OPEC and its Stephen Innes, chief global market strategist at broker have slightly increased their crude production. lead over US allies meet this week to discuss adjusting output, ana- group Axi. Following two days of tough negotiations lysts expect old tensions between oil producer giants at 2021’s first summit in early January, the 23 members Contentious quotas GENEVA: China, which last year overtook the to flare up again. Russia and Saudi Arabia, respective- of the OPEC and OPEC+ groupings agreed to slowly OPEC+ members have disagreed frequently in the United States as the world’s top filer of interna- ly the world’s second and third largest producers of increase oil supply to the world market. past, with quotas expected to once again become a tional patents, a key measure of technical inno- oil after the United States, had often been at logger- For March, members have already agreed to with- particularly contentious point of discussion this week. vation, increased its lead significantly in 2020, heads in the past, but when crude oil prices plunged hold 7.05 million barrels per day (bpd), less than the Iran, Venezuela and Libya have been exempt from the UN said yesterday. Even as COVID-19 took due to the pandemic, they rallied to radically cut pro- 7.125 million bpd they cut in February. With vaccina- OPEC’s quotas, while others, including Iraq and a vast human and economic toll, international duction levels and underpin prices. tion campaigns underway and demand in China, the Nigeria, have flouted the OPEC+ agreement, produc- patent applications continued to grow strongly, Now that prices have rebounded to pre-pandemic world’s largest oil importer, back at pre-pandemic ing above quota for months. OPEC members are also with China leading strong gains from Asia. levels, at around $65 a barrel, the two heavyweights levels, exactly how much oil OPEC+ will allow to be monitoring any signs that US President Joe Biden A record 275,900 international patents were and their partners will discuss how to move forward- traded for April will be at the heart of Thursday’s min- might lift sanctions on Iran, which would allow Tehran filed in 2020, marking a four-percent hike over and how much crude to release back onto the global isterial-level debate. to re-enter the global market and dramatically 2019, the UN’s World Intellectual Property market. “The priorities are well known: Russia wants Though the virus still poses a threat, it is likely increase supply. On Wednesday, a day before the Organization said in its annual report. to return to normal production as quickly as possible “that the rise in oil prices will lead to a more rapid ministerial meeting sets new quotas, the club’s month- “Innovation remains resilient,” WIPO chief while Saudi Arabia wants to benefit from high prices a loosening of cuts,” than previously anticipated, ana- ly meeting will assess current market conditions and Daren Tang told reporters. He stressed though little longer,” Bjarne Schieldrop, chief analyst at com- lysts at Capital Economics say. threats in a videoconference. —AFP that the filings in 2020 mainly reflected innova- tions and inventions made prior to the pandem- ic, since it takes about a year for applications to make their ways through the system. But the growth in patent filings should still be seen Lebanon pound as a positive signal, according to WIPO. “The fact that there wasn’t a sharp cut-back plummets to in international patenting suggests that compa- nies continued to invest in the commercializa- tion of their technologies during the pandemic,” all-time low WIPO chief economist Carsten Fink told reporters. By comparison, he said, international BEIRUT: The Lebanese pound hit an all-time low patent filings plunged nearly five percent dur- against the dollar yesterday amid a deepening economic ing the global financial crisis in 2009. crisis that has thrown more than half of the population into poverty. The Lebanese pound had been pegged to ‘Very high’ China growth the dollar at 1,500 since 1997 but the country’s worst WIPO’s complex system of registering inter- economic crisis since the 1975-1990 civil war has seen national patents involves multiple categories. In its value plummet. Yesterday, it was trading at nearly the main category-the Patent Cooperation 10,000 pounds to the dollar on the black market, money exchangers told AFP. Treaty, or PCT-China remained at the top of “It’s crazy what’s happening,” one money exchang- the ranking with 68,720 filings. That marks a er said on condition of anonymity. Before the latest hit, jump of more than 16 percent from 2019, when the pound had briefly stabilized at 8,000-8,500 to the China passed the United States. greenback in recent weeks. In July, it had reached At that point, it was ahead by just over 9,800 to the dollar. 1,000 applications but it has now expanded its The dizzying depreciation came as Lebanon’s cen- lead to nearly 10,000. In 2000, China made tral bank started reviewing the country’s banks under just 782 international patent filings. international pressure for banking sector reform. were not met, it said in a statement. lation now lives below the poverty line. “The growth rate in international patent Lebanese banks had been given until Sunday to Lebanon’s Al-Akhbar newspaper said yesterday Lebanon has been without a fully functioning gov- applications from China has been very high,” increase their capital by 20 percent, among a series of that the currency plunge was partly the result of ernment since outgoing premier Hassan Diab resigned Fink said. The United States meanwhile also demands from the central bank. commercial banks sucking dollars out of the market in the wake of a devastating explosion in Beirut port last increased its international filings, by three per- On Monday, a central bank committee “agreed on to meet the capital demands of the central bank. The year. The blast killed more than 200 people and piled cent, to 59,230. —AFP a roadmap with deadlines for the Bank of Lebanon to slide in the value of the pound has led to soaring food new misery on a country already brought to its knees by take appropriate measures” if these requirements prices in a country where more than half of the popu- the economic crisis. —AFP Established 1961 9 Wednesday, March 3, 2021 Business Eurozone consumer prices stable in Feb as energy prices recover German unemployment remains steady BRUSSELS: The rise in eurozone consumer prices in January, indicating that the European economy has ations of the shutdown measures. Germany exported steadied in February, official data showed yesterday, as yet to enter a high gear. Meanwhile, German unem- 30 percent less goods to Britain in January compared the slump in energy prices sharply slowed despite the ployment was stable in February, official data showed to a year ago, official estimates showed yesterday, with enduring pandemic. The Eurostat agency said inflation yesterday, despite the pain of prolonged shutdowns to demand hurt both by Brexit and the coronavirus pan- in the 19 countries that use the euro ran at 0.9 percent slow the spread of COVID-19. The seasonally adjusted demic. Federal statistics agency Destatis said German last month, the same as in January. January’s rate jobless rate in Europe’s top economy stood at 6.0 per- exports to Britain have been declining since 2016, the marked a big leap after several months of negative cent, the same level as in January, according to the BA year when the UK voted in a referendum to leave the inflation due to the slumping consumer demand caused federal labor agency. However, the number of unem- European Union. But the drop in demand has sharply by the coronavirus and restrictions to the economy ployed people rose slightly for the first time since June, accelerated over the last year. across Europe. The rise in prices in 2021 has stoked with an extra 9,000 people out of work. For 2020, German exports to Britain declined talk that the European Central Bank should consider In total, there were 509,000 more people unem- 15.5 percent compared to 2019, marking the biggest reining in its massive stimulus program, even if inflation ployed than in February 2019. Germany closed restau- drop on an annual basis since the financial and eco- remains below the ECB’s near two percent target. A rants, bars, gyms and cultural centers in November nomic crisis of 2009. German exports to Britain global debate over the resurgence of inflation has before adding schools and non-essential shops in were worth 66.9 billion euros, compared with 89 heated up as the US sets out to rollout a $1.9 trillion December as it was hit by a second coronavirus wave. Energy prices fell in the Eurozone by 1.7% in February billion euros in 2015 before the Brexit vote. stimulus plan to reboot the economy. The measures have since been extended until March 7, compared to a year ago. — AFP Likewise, Germany imported less from Britain over Europe’s spending stimulus has been less ambitious, though some schools, hairdressers, attractions and the last year, at 34.7 billion euros marking a drop of but markets have signalled expectations that inflation shops have been allowed to reopen in parts of the 9.6 percent from 2019. will rise in the coming months, with borrowing prices country. The shutdowns have prompted employers to and prevents unemployment,” BA chairman Detlef The decline was most dramatic in the second half of for EU governments increasing. Eurostat said that rely more heavily on a government-subsidized scheme Scheele said. The average German worker saw a drop the year when shipments plunged 16.2 percent com- energy prices fell by 1.7 percent in February compared that allows them to reduce workers’ hours so as to in real wages in 2020 for the first time since 2007, pared with a fall of 2.5 percent in the first six months to a year ago, instead of the negative 4.2 percent seen avoid outright layoffs. Another 500,000 employees according to federal statistics agency Destatis. of 2019. British exporters and cross-Channel freight in January and the even deeper drops seen last year. were placed on the short-time working scheme in Germany recorded 3,943 new COVID-19 cases in hauliers have encountered severe delays and disrup- Those arguing for the ECB to keep helping the econo- February, compared with 745,000 in January. the past 24 hours yesterday and 358 deaths, according tion since Britain departed the EU market. But my will point to core inflation, which strips out volatile A total of almost 2.4 million workers were on short- to the Robert Koch Institute health agency. Chancellor European leaders see this as the inevitable conse- components like energy and food. Eurostat said core time working arrangements in December. “Short-time Angela Merkel and German regional leaders are due to quence of the UK government’s decision to pursue a inflation fell in February to 1.1 percent, from 1.4 percent work continues to secure employment on a large scale meet again today to discuss possible further relax- complete break from the EU. — AFP

KAMCO GCC Market Monthly Report

as constituent stocks in the index witnessed mixed Saudi outperforms returns during the month. The month also saw five new stocks added to the Premier Market index after Boursa Kuwait eased the inclusion requirements for the index most markets on oil last year. The Main 50 Index once again outperformed with the smallest monthly decline of 1.2 percent fol- and banking gains lowed by the Main Market index that receded 1.9 per- cent. The net impact on the All Share Index was a decline of 2.3 percent during February-2021. The KUWAIT: The performance of GCC equity markets declines affected YTD-21 performance for the market remained mixed during February-2021 with most mar- with the All Share Index showing a smaller gain of 1.9 kets showing marginal declines during the month. percent. The Premier Market index gains were at 1.8 Saudi was the only noticeable positive performer dur- percent whereas the Main 50 Index outperformed ing the month with a gain of 5.1 percent that buoyed with a gain of 4.0 percent. The sector performance the broader GCC index in the positive zone with a chart for the month showed declines for the bulk of the monthly return of 3.5 percent. Better-than-expected sectoral indices. The Insurance index reported the results by banks in the Kingdom resulted in double- biggest decline of 14.5 percent led mainly by double digit monthly gains for the index while most of other digit decline in shares of Gulf Insurance Group and sectoral benchmarks also showed positive returns. Kuwait Reinsurance that was partially offset by 20 On the other hand, Dubai, which recorded positive percent gain in shares of Warba Insurance. The three LONDON: A mudlarker looks at the skyline of the City of London across the River Thames in south London performance during the previous three consecutive stocks reported higher profits for Q4-2020 and for yesterday.—AFP months, recorded the biggest decline during February- FY-2020. Industrial and Utilities indices were also 2021. Kuwaiti and Qatari benchmarks also reported amongst the top decliners with declines of 5.0 percent mid to low-single-digit declines during the month. and 5.5 percent, respectively. In the Industrials index, and tackle inequalities exacerbated by COVID. In a Sector performance chart for the month also shares of Agility declined by 12.4 percent following an joint report, the Institute for Fiscal Studies and Citi UK to extend virus showed buying in banks in the region as well as stocks adverse ruling by an international court related to the bank noted that lower-income households had not that witnessed resilience during the covid-19 lock- company’s Iraqi telecom unit. The banking index also been able to save as much cash as richer counterparts, downs including Pharma, Telecom, Retailing and F&B. declined by 2.4 percent with shares of only Burgan support, may sparking greater inequality in society during the crisis. On the other hand, sectors that were most affected Bank showing marginal gains during the month. They added that Sunak must also help the econo- showed a monthly decline that included Kuwaiti banks reported a 53.4 percent decline in net raise tax in budget my-which has shrunk by around 10 percent owing to Transportation, Utilities and Real Estate. The resur- profits during FY-2020 and a 61.1 percent y-o-y the pandemic-adjust to the “triple challenge” of Brexit, gence in COVID-19 cases in the region has forced decline in profits during Q4-2020 after banks booked Covid and the green energy transition. investors to take shelter in stocks that proved safe higher provisions during the last quarter of the year. LONDON: Britain is expected to keep vast emer- The budget is expected to confirm the launch of an during the pandemic last year. Trading activity remained almost flat during the month gency financial support propping up the UK’s virus- Infrastructure Bank with £12 billion in capital and £10 The region also witnessed new restrictions, espe- with volumes traded at 6.0 billion whereas value trad- battered economy when unveiling its annual budget billion in government guarantees. The bank is set to cially in Kuwait and Oman, as case count increased, ed stood at KD 835 million. today, but could also raise tax to fight surging debt. finance private sector projects in the green economy, although the rate of vaccination has also picked up First Investment Co topped the monthly volume “The key thing is right now to keep supporting the focusing on areas such as carbon capture and renew- recently. The performance of global equity markets traded chart with 709.8 million shares traded during economy... but also level with people,” finance minister able energy. — AFP Rishi Sunak said Sunday, as Britain from next week reversed to show a gain of 2.5 percent during the month followed by Arzan Financial Group and begins to exit its third COVID lockdown. February-2021. The 6.1 percent return for India’s International Financial Advisors at 469.6 million and Britain is the worst-hit country in Europe with more Sensex was the highlight in the emerging markets 328.1 million shares traded, respectively. On the than 120,000 Covid deaths and four million cases but space while most other markets globally also showed monthly value traded chart, NBK topped with KD 88.4 its economic recovery hopes have been boosted by its positive performance reaching new record highs. The million worth of shares changing hands during the vaccination of millions of adults. commodities market also rallied during the month with month followed by KFH and AUB Bahrain at KD 86.7 Reports suggest that Chancellor of the Exchequer Texas utility files copper reaching a 13-year high and oil hovered million and KD 52.8 million, respectively. Sunak will pump out extra billions of pounds to help around 66/b backed by prospects of faster economic The monthly stock performance chart was topped save jobs and businesses. But he is expected also to for bankruptcy after growth in the near-term. by KBT with a gain of 37.7 percent followed by Arzan increase corporation tax, or a levy on company profits, Financial Group and Credit Rating & Collection with from a UK record-low 19 percent while sticking to the Kuwait gains of 30.3 percent and 30.2 percent, respectively. Conservative government’s pre-pandemic pledge not $2.1bn power bill Kuwaiti benchmarks receded during February-2021 On the decliners chart, Kuwait Reinsurance reported to increase income tax or value added tax (VAT). following a broad-based decline that affected most the biggest decline of 29.9 percent followed by Gulf “An increase in corporation tax is likely to be, sectors on the exchange. The Premier Market index Insurance Group and Tamdeen Investment with HOUSTON: The largest electricity co-operative witnessed the biggest monthly decline of 2.4 percent declines of 24.5 percent and 23.2 percent, respectively. intentionally or not, the flagship measure,” Barclays in Texas has filed for bankruptcy protection after said in a client note. “Put in perspective, corporation it received a $2.1 billion bill from the state’s grid tax is not a main lever in terms of revenues-around 10 operator following last month’s winter storm that percent of tax receipts-but probably the path of least left millions without power. Bitterly cold weather Volvo goes all-in resistance as the government explores ways to fix its in mid-February left millions without electricity revenue shortfall.” Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s gov- across Texas as the Arctic conditions over- ernment has in fact cut VAT on food, accommodation whelmed local utility companies ill-prepared for on electric cars, and attractions during the coronavirus outbreak. such weather. It has also lifted the threshold at which stamp duty Brazos Electric Power Cooperative, which sup- online sales is due on home purchases, helping property buyers plies 16 co-op members serving more than 1.5 and the construction sector. Both these temporary million Texans, said it filed for Chapter 11 bank- measures could be extended in the budget, according ruptcy on Monday after receiving “excessively PARIS: Chinese-owned Swedish automaker Volvo to economists. A cross-panel of MPs, in a report high invoices” from the state grid operator said yesterday it will produce only electric vehicles by Monday, said it was too soon to raise taxes and that Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). 2030 and sell them all exclusively online. Volvo is corporation tax should eventually be raised only mod- According to court filings, Brazos said it was among a growing crop of companies planning to ditch erately, while being combined with continued support hit with invoices from ERCOT totaling more than fossil fuel vehicles in the next few years, as demand for measures for businesses. “It is clear that a very signifi- $2.1 billion, with payment required within days. zero-emission cars rises and governments put pres- cant increase in the corporation tax rate would be Brazos said the bill for the seven-day “black sure on firms to cut pollution. LONDON: In this file photograph, a charging cable counterproductive,” the Treasury Committee said. swan” winter event was nearly three times its total Indian-owned Jaguar said last month it would pro- hangs plugged into a Volvo electric vehicle (EV), Committee chair and Tory MP Mel Stride noted power cost of $774 million for the whole of 2020. duce only electric vehicles from 2025, while US auto that with Britain’s “public finances on an unsustainable parked in a parking bay reserved for electric vehicles “As the month of February 2021 began, the giant Ford said it would aim to have an all-electric fleet in London. — AFP long-term trajectory, our clear message is that Budget notion that a financially stable cooperative such as in Europe by 2030. “The company intends to only sell 2021 is not the time for tax rises or fiscal consolidation, Brazos Electric would end the month preparing fully electric cars and phase out any car in its global which could undermine the economic recovery. “But for bankruptcy was unfathomable,” executive vice portfolio with an internal combustion engine, including we will probably need to see significant fiscal meas- “If you ask people it is quite a big irritation that you president and general manager Clifton Karnei hybrids,” Volvo said in a statement. don’t have a clear picture of the price,” company boss ures, including revenue raising, in the future,” he said in a court filing. He said during the storm the The company said half of its cars should be electric added. Hakan Samuelsson told AFP. “The buying process price for wholesale electricity was set at the max- in 2025, with online sales accounting for half of its vol- seems quite complicated today, it should be easier and imum price of $9,000 per megawatt hour for ume. China’s Geely Holding bought a struggling Volvo Soaring debt more transparent,” he said. more than four straight days and ERCOT imposed Cars in 2010 from Ford and has since helped it enjoy a “We are also simplifying the menu. You have a lot Since April 2020, or soon after the UK’s first virus other ancillary fees totaling more than $25,000 renaissance as a maker of high quality vehicles. lockdown, the government’s net borrowing has bal- of options. We will introduce a sort of a ‘dish of the per MWh. “The consequences of these prices However, last month Geely Auto said it would not day’ but we will also introduce good combinations and looned by £271 billion ($378 billion, 314 billion euros), were devastating.” ERCOT has come under fire go ahead with a planned merger with Volvo but the according to recent data. A big chunk of the outlay has people can choose between those.” from customers and politicians over its apparent two companies would instead reinforce their collabo- Volvo proved resilient through the coronavirus cri- been to keep millions of private-sector workers in jobs failure to prepare for the cold weather and soar- ration on electric vehicles. Volvo was due later to via the government’s furlough scheme, with the bulk of sis last year, limiting the downturn in sales to just six ing bills due to the temporary massive spike in the unveil its second all electric vehicle, a C40 SUV, and is percent globally, helped by strong markets in China wages to be paid until the end of April. Again this energy market. Residential customers who signed readying a smaller model especially suited for could be extended. and North America which offset a sharp slowdown in for variable-rate plans have reported receiving European road conditions. The company says its move Europe. Sales of hybrid cars did particularly well on Analysts argue that Britain must use the budget to electric bills as high as $16,000.—AFP to online sales will provide more transparency on pric- both extend coronavirus financial support measures the back of government support for more environmen- ing and options for its customers. tally friendly vehicles. — AFP 10 Established 1961 Wednesday, March 3, 2021 Business China’s billionaires club swells as market rally offsets virus pain Over 200 billionaires were created in China last year

BEIJING: More than 200 billionaires were creat- preneurs has come under pressure from regula- ed in China last year as booming stock markets tors, who have reigned in Alibaba and fintech arm and a flood of new listings offset the ravages of Ant Group on anti-trust issues. Three individuals the virus pandemic, according to a global tally globally added more than $50 billion in a single released yesterday. year, the survey found: Tesla’s Elon Musk, The size of China’s exclusive billionaire’s club Amazon’s Jeff Bezos and Colin Huang of has almost doubled in the past five years as the Pinduoduo, one of China’s fastest-growing ecom- world’s number two economy continued to out- merce players. pace most others, and its ability to mostly avoid Overall, China continues to lead the world’s the worst of the coronavirus meant it was one of wealth creation, Hurun’s report said, adding 490 the few to expand in 2020. And the Hurun Global new billionaires in the past five years compared Rich List showed 259 people breaking into the with the 160 added in the US. Hurun Report billion-dollar bracket-more than the rest of the chairman Rupert Hoogewerf said that even with world combined-taking China total to 1,058, the the pandemic chaos, the past year saw the first country to break the 1,000 mark. biggest wealth increase of the past decade due to In comparison, second best performer the new listings and booming stock markets. United States saw 70 new billionaires created, “Asia has, for the first time in perhaps hun- taking its total to 696. Leading the Chinese pack dreds of years, more billionaires than the rest of was Zhong Shanshan of bottled water giant the world combined,” he added. The report also Nongfu, who entered the list for the first time flagged a shift in Hong Kong, pointing out that with an $85 billion fortune, putting him number the city’s entrepreneurs are now being one in Asia and into Hurun’s global top 10. Zhong, “dwarfed” by their counterparts in the main- a former construction worker, made his cash fol- land-only three Hong Kong tycoons make it into lowing a $1.1 billion initial public offering in Hong the China top 50. BEIJING: Men chat below a portrait of late communist leader Mao Zedong at a store in Beijing yes- Kong last year. Six of the world’s top 10 cities with the highest terday ahead of the upcoming annual meeting of the National People’s Congress. More than 200 However, a clampdown on ecommerce giant concentration of billionaires are now in China, billionaires were created in China last year as booming stock markets and a flood of new listings Alibaba saw tycoon Jack Ma fall down the peck- with Beijing top of the heap for the sixth year offset the ravages of the virus pandemic, according to a global tally released yesterday. —AFP ing order. The one-time darling of China’s entre- running. —AFP

quarterly draws with KD 100,000 prizes each, a “Visit Gulf Bank” app for March 31 last date semi-annual draw prize of KD 1,000,000 and a a faster and more conven- grand draw prize of KD 1,500,000. ient branch visit. New customers can also open Al-Tijari announces to enter Gulf Bank’s Numerous benefits an Al-Danah account by The Al-Danah account is the only account that visiting their nearest Gulf millionaire draw rewards customers for their loyalty by providing Bank branch or by sched- winners of Al-Najma loyalty chances. Loyalty chances are the total uling an appointment KUWAIT: Gulf Bank has announced that the last chances gained in the previous year, which are then through the app. weekly, monthly draws chance to participate in this year’s semi-annual Al- transferred to the current year to reward customers Danah account draw for the millionaire prize of KD for their loyalty to the Bank. Accordingly, all Deposit more for more KUWAIT: Commercial Bank conducted the weekly and 1,000,000 will end on March 31. The draw to chances gained by existing Al-Danah customers in chances to win! monthly draws on Al-Najma Account and Salary Transfer announce the Al-Danah account’s semi-annual win- 2020 have been transferred to the 2021 draws, and With Gulf Bank, Mohammed Al-Qattan Campaign yesterday. The draws were conducted in the ner will be held on July 15, 2021 in the presence of this will be repeated in 2022 onwards. Terms and depositing into an Al- presence of Ministry of Commerce and Industry repre- representatives from the Ministry of Commerce and conditions apply. It is also worth noting that all Danah account is easier and more secure than ever, sentative Ahmed Al-Basman. from Ernst & Young. account draws are attended by a representative as clients can deposit into their accounts through Gulf Bank’s General Manager of Consumer from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, with the following channels: Online/Mobile Banking App The results of the draws were as follows: Banking, Mohammed Al-Qattan, encouraged both the quarterly and annual draws also reviewed by which includes the ePay service, ATMs and ITMs, 1 Al-Najma monthly draw - the prize of KD 20,000 Kuwaiti and non-Kuwaiti residents of the country to Ernst & Young. the Customer Contact Center at 1805805 which is went to the winner Faisal Jassim Al-Sarraf. take advantage of this opportunity, saying: “At the Customers can deposit to win Al-Danah cash available 24/7, in addition to the free standing order 2 Al-Najma weekly draw - the prize of KD 5,000 went beginning of the year, we announced the lucky Al- prizes throughout the year as part of the draws list- service from other Gulf Bank accounts. to the winner Abdullah Zaid Al-Zaid. Danah account winner who took home the annual ed in the following table: Gulf Bank’s Al-Danah account is open to both 3 Salary account campaign - the prize of up to KD Kuwaiti and non-Kuwaiti residents of Kuwait. A 1,000 went to the winner Rasheed Mohsen Al-Enezi. grand prize of KD 1,500,000. As we have previously Annual grand prize minimum of KD 200 is required to open an account The bank stated that the salary campaign is aimed at announced, and as part of our new draw scheme, we customers who transfer their salaries of KD 500 or more are excited to be announcing two new millionaires To increase their chances of winning, account and the same amount must be maintained for cus- to the bank, especially Kuwaiti employees and residents per year with the Al-Danah account, and will be giv- holders must either keep their account with a mini- tomers to be eligible for the upcoming Al-Danah working in the government, oil sectors and companies ing away a grand prize of KD 1.5 million to one win- mum deposit amount of KD 200, or increase their draws. If the customer’s account balance falls below listed with the bank as well as retirees, and take advan- ner, and a semiannual prize of KD 1 million to the Al-Danah savings - the more deposits into an KD 200 at any given time, a KD 2 fee will be tage of the benefits of this campaign and get an instant other. Today, I would like to remind all Gulf Bank account, the more chances accumulated over time. charged to the account monthly until the minimum cash gift from KD 250 to KD 500 or an interest-free loan customers of this opportunity, and to encourage Gulf Bank’s Al-Danah account holders also have the balance is met. Customers who open an account of five times the salary and a maximum of KD 10,000, everyone to participate by opening and depositing opportunity to enter and win cash prizes all year and/or deposit more will enter Gulf Bank’s Al- Kuwaiti pensioner, along with expatriate customers who into an Al-Danah account online through the Gulf long through monthly, quarterly and annual draws. Danah draws throughout the year, for cash prizes transfer their debt amounting to KD 10,000 or above to Bank app, or through visiting one of our branches. totaling up to more than KD 2 million. the Bank will receive an instant cash gift of 1 percent from We are wishing everyone the best of luck!” Opening an Al-Danah Account To deposit into an Al-Danah account, customers their transferred debt. The Al-Danah account is one of the most To enter the upcoming draws, Gulf Bank cus- can visit one of Gulf Bank’s branches, or transfer The bank stated that Al-Najma Account prizes are rewarding savings accounts in Kuwait, with its peri- tomers can open an Al-Danah account today with directly through Gulf Bank’s Online/Mobile Banking distinguished by the highest cash prize and diversity of odic draws that award valuable prizes and its many only KD 200. To open an Al-Danah account, existing services. Customers can also direct their queries via prizes throughout the year clarifying that the account advantages for account holders. Gulf Bank’s Al- Gulf Bank customers can apply through Gulf Bank’s WhatsApp on 1805805 for round-the-clock assis- offers weekly prize of KD 5,000, monthly prize of KD Danah account offers monthly opportunities to win online and mobile banking services, or book an tance from Gulf Bank representatives, or call the 20,000 and a semi-annual prize of KD 500,000 in addi- KD 1,000 to ten lucky winners, in addition to two appointment at their nearest branch by using the new Customer Contact Center on the same number. tion to the largest prize - linked bank account payout of KD 1,500,000. Al-Najma Account can be opened by depositing KD National Bank of Kuwait, said: “We are keen to pro- exclusive booking of 100, and customer should maintain a minimum amount of NBK launches home vide the latest services to Privilege Banking enjoying dinner at KD 500 to be eligible to enter all draws on Al-Najma Customers, always for the first time in Kuwait, giving Melenzané by the Sea, at Account prizes. As for the chances of winning, the more them an exceptional banking experience packed with Messilah Beach on the 1st balance a customer maintains in Al-Najma Account, the banking service for exclusive services that reflect NBK’s leadership and and 2nd of December more chances the account holder will get to win, the care for its customers’ convenience.” 2020. NBK provides account also offers additional benefits like the ATM card, first time in Kuwait “We strive to tailor all banking products and serv- Privilege Banking a credit card against customer’s account and all CBK ices to meet our customers’ needs and expectations, Customers with an exclu- banking services that customer can enjoy. especially for Privilege Banking Customers, consider- sive array of services, The bank revealed that Al-Najma account is available KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) is keen to to everyone, and anyone can open Al-Najma account enrich the banking experience of Privilege Banking ing their unique lifestyle and fulfil their needs in a including: a dedicated through CBK mobile application in simple steps from Customers. In this context, the bank launched NBK quick, easy and safe way,” he added. Hashim pointed relationship manager tak- anywhere and at any time. Home Banking Service to help ensure customers’ out that the new service comes as part of NBK’s ing care of all customer’s safety and convenience by delivering Cash and Non- strategy to ensure customers’ safety and conven- banking needs, access to Mohammed Akram Cash Statements/Certificates at the comfort of their ience, especially in light of the prevailing exceptional Premium Banking Hashim homes, becoming the first bank in Kuwait to launch circumstances. NBK recently launched several offers lounges, diverse invest- this service. and products for Privilege Banking Customers ment solutions including: SmartWealth and Watani Burgan Bank announces Through the new service, Privilege Banking including: first year free NBK Visa Infinite Credit Brokerage, Premium Banking Teller Services which Customers can request cash amounts up to KD Card, which entitles them to earn NBK Miles Points, grants them priority in making their transactions in a winners of Yawmi 10,000, many certificates such as: Balance free access to more than 1000 airport lounges quick and easy way, in addition to card home deliv- Certificate, Account statement, Account Statement worldwide, local and global concierge, free travel ery service, priority status when contacting NBK account draw for Credit Card, Tuition Fees Certificate ...etc. and get insurance, free valet parking in Kuwait, as well as Call Center on 1801801 available 24/7. these requests delivered to their homes through the exclusive international offers when shopping, dining Privilege Banking Customers get International KUWAIT: Burgan Bank announced yesterday the Concierge Service. or visiting entertainment destinations. Mortgage services spanning 15 countries around the names of the daily draw winners of its Yawmi On this occasion, Mohammed Akram Hashim, Additionally to meet NBK Privilege Banking world, benefiting from the broad footprint of NBK account draw, each taking home a cash-prize of KD Head of Segments, Consumer Banking Group, Customers life style, NBK recently arranged for an external branch network. 5,000. 3. Khalil Hussain Ghanem 20. Madhuri Ravi and Ravi Kishen 42. Mohan Bahadur Pun The lucky winners are: 21. Syed Ghouse Mahmoud 43. Jasmine Patrao 1. Bader Khaled Alfaleh Burgan Bank Winners of KD 250 22. Ahmad Romayez Zerkani 44. Salamah Nashaat Ibrahim 2. Majid Hilal Altameemi 4. Kisan Gurung 23. Abdulaziz Naser Alfayez 45. Nawaf Saoud Ajlan 3. Adel Fassal Alibrahim reveals 5. Mohammad Bakeet Aldosari 24. Yasmin Abdulkrim Yousif 46. Biswajeet Kundu 4. Saad Dhaher Alrasheedi 6. Fouzeyah Abdalhussain 25. Hessa Hamad Bani 47. Raed Sultan Alkhamees In addition to the daily draw, Burgan Bank also Ashkanani 26. Elmer de Romero 48. Ali Abdulsattar Maihoub offers a quarterly draw with more chances to win National Day 27. Najah Mohammad Aldhafeeri 49. Haidar Hossain Alaluddin higher rewards, offering the chance to one lucky cus- Winners of KD 100 28. Victor Menezes 50. Ali Chujaa Alabed tomer to win KD 125,000 every three months. The draw winners 7. Abdullah Salah Yousef 29. Abian Halal Qaoud 51. Joel Parohinog Yawmi Account offers daily and quarterly draws, 8. Hessah Farraj Aljassar 30. Swamy Mani 52. Adel Abdulmohsen Alkayyal wherein the quarterly draw requires customers to KUWAIT: Burgan Bank announced 9. Mohammad Talal Alsyoufi 31. Muneerah Ali Alroumi 53. Mohammad Ahmad Almahana maintain a minimum amount of KD 500 in their yesterday the names of the special 10. Musaed Humoud Aldhafeeri 32. Nawwaf Haser Alhajri 54. Awatef Ahmad Alomar account for two months prior to the draw date. draw that was held in celebration of 11. Mona Zahed Ali 33. Sameh Magdy Abgad 55. Wafa Ali Aljarwan Additionally, every KD 10 in the account will entitle the 60th anniversary of Kuwait’s 12. Raju Titung 34. Sadeesh Rutnam 56. Esam Abdulsattar Awadh customers to one chance of winning. If the account National Day wherein 60 Burgan 13. Awrad Farhan Habeeb 35. Ehab Mohammad Hussain 57. Musaed Mohammad Alsarraj balance is KD 500 and above, the account holder will Bank customers won cash prizes. 14. Ahmed Saad Alazmi 36. Fareed Hussain Ali 58. Sumandass Vijayalakshmi be qualified for both the quarterly and daily draws. The lucky winners are: 15. Murad Adel Meshael 37. Taher Hamad Aljadi 59. Daliya Hanifa Aslam Burgan Bank encourages everyone to open a Winner of KD 1,000 16. Saifuldin Kaderali and Rashida 38. Wilyam Abdulrahman Alsaloua 60. Elizabeth Zakariya Yawmi account and/or increase their deposit to 1. Abraham Fallomthottial Romsoor 39. Syed Abdulazeem Syed Abuul The draw took place on 1 March maximize their chances of becoming a winner. The 17. Salah Jassim Allanqawi Azeem 2021 in the presence of a represen- higher the level of the deposit, the higher the likeli- Winners of KD 500 18. Rajshekhar Sagun 40. Eva Fialova tative from the Ministry of hood to win. 2. Kerolos Kerolos 19. Hamzah Ibrahim Albuloushi 41. Essa Rashed Alsleimanei Commerce. 11

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Dr. Hamoud Abdullah Alarouj ENT Consultant, Laryngologist Kuwait Board of Otolaryngology. Experienced In: Laryngology Fellowship, McGill Management of benign and malignant vocal cord lesions. University- Canada. Vocal cord augmentation. Fellow of the European Board of Diagnosis and treatment of spasmodic dysphonia. Otolaryngology – Head & Neck surgery. Adenotonsillectomy using latest techniques. Member of the American Academy of Myringotomy and ventilation tube insertion. Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery. Surgery for the deviated nasal septum. Member of the British Laryngological Endoscopic sinus surgery. Association. Diagnosis and treatment of allergic rhinitis. Member of the European Laryngological Tympanoplasty. Society. Diagnosis and treatment of vertigo. Member of the Canadian Society of Thyroid surgery Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery. Diagnosis and treatment of snoring. 12 Established 1961 Lifestyle Features Wednesday, March 3, 2021

he curtain fell Monday on another Milan fashion week- Tor at least the screen went dark on this season’s all-digital A general view shows traditional mud houses in the village of Misfat Al-Abriyeen which opened A general view shows traditional mud houses in the village of Misfat Al-Abriyeen. affair, in which designers looked its narrow streets six years ago to foreigners and locals seeking adventure in the deserts and —AFP photos ahead to better times. The green corners of the Gulf sultanate of Oman. autumn/winter 2021-2022 collec- tions had an air of hope for when coronavirus is banished or at least brought under control: for when home clothes are shed and new outfits see the light of day, for when life simply returns to a semblance of normal.

erched on an Oman mountain top, Sequins, glitter and frills the village of Misfat Al-Abriyeen has Sequins set the tone for an Pchanged its fortunes by transform- irresistibly festive mood, with the ing mud-brick homes into boutique hotels, standard set by Prada. Raf drawing tourists to a region famed for hik- Simons and Miuccia Prada used ing trails and tales of genies. The village them for a sparkling lining of a of 800 residents, situated on the dramatic large faux fur stole. Elsewhere escarpments of Oman’s “Grand Canyon”, they were more full-on, entirely opened its narrow streets six years ago to covering an otherwise straight-cut foreigners and locals seeking adventure coat, or on skirts, bags and in the deserts and green corners of the shoes. At Valentino, Pierpaolo Gulf sultanate. Piccioli used sequins on a skin- Villager Yacoub Al-Abri said it all start- coloured dress, or a shimmering ed in 2010 when his uncle suggested floor-length cape. They were they take another look at the mud houses inserted into knitwear at Missoni that had lain neglected for years in the or Brunello Cucinelli, while at ancient settlement about three hours’ Armani, sequins invaded a black drive from the capital Muscat. The owners Egyptian tourists take a selfie as they tour the village of Misfat Al- Haitham Al-Abri rappels down a mountain in the village of Misfat Al- tuxedo jacket, the effect complet- had abandoned the centuries-old homes, Abriyeen. Abriyeen. ed with ruffles and gemstones. fearing they could collapse, and moved to ments for success. At an altitude of more 5,500 tourists from Germany, France, the plans to attract 11 million by 2040. In the opposite side of the village where they than 1,000 meters, the tiny village which is Gulf and beyond stayed at his boutique Misfat Al-Abriyeen, turning six mud hous- Inside outside built new accommodation. His idea was home to the Abri tribe is a charming col- establishments in 2019, with an annual es into boutique hotels has led to more After months cooped up “to combine the simple and natural sur- lection of traditional houses situated along occupancy rate of 90 percent, compared projects to attract visitors, such as new indoors, intimate wear was given roundings of an old Omani life with a dozens of small alleys overlooking lands to just 800 during the first year of busi- hiking trails and climbs, according to an outing: dresses with thin modern touch that provides comfort and bursting with banana plants and citrus ness in 2015. The rates at the centuries- Abdullah Al-Abri, who owns one of the straps in silk, lace or voile were safety”, Abri told AFP. and palm trees. It is part of a region old former homes vary between $90 and hotels. on the catwalks of all the major The beige-walled homes, made of known as the Grand Canyon of Oman $180 per night, depending on the room While international travel has dried up, houses. At Fendi, there were fluid mud brick with palm-frond roofs, were where tourists can hike the rocky moun- and the season. hoteliers like those in Misfat Al-Abriyeen silk dresses, extended to the turned into simple but elegant inns fur- tains and valleys, and explore the old have been getting by with domestic neck with the incorporation of nished with traditional wood and textiles. ways of local people. Economic lifeline tourism which has performed well during long scarves. New artistic direc- Five years after the idea was dreamt up, But the region is also famed for its cen- The country of five million people has the long months of border closures. For tor Kim Jones also used silk for the family’s first boutique hotel was up turies-old stories of genies-or spirits in been trying to diversify its oil-reliant econ- Renoda, a Dutch psychologist based in trousers and tops, as if the work- and running, inspiring neighbors and vil- human form-that are still widely told in omy since crude prices sank seven years Muscat who was visiting with three of her ing girl had transformed her silk lagers elsewhere in Oman to follow their similar villages across the country, ago. Tourism has long been a second friends, the village has become a sanctu- pyjamas into an ultra-chic urban lead. “We started with only five rooms, despite half a century of modernization. source of revenue that capitalizes on the ary. “It’s perhaps the 10th time that I have outfit. Valentino’s nets and laces then we increased the number and “Staying here is like a journey into a world nation’s rich heritage, scenic coastline visited this hotel since last year. This is revealed more than they hid, and bought other old houses. Today we have of tranquility and peace of mind,” said and stunning terrain. Energizing the what we need now considering the cur- Martin Margiela had camisoles 15 rooms and there are plans to continue Abri, in his white dishdasha and colorful industry is seen as a potential savior after rent events,” she told AFP. “I come here with thin straps in a collection expanding until we reach 50,” Abri said. traditional turban. coronavirus restrictions forced Oman to for a night or two every month seeking where everything was back- “Even the food that is provided here is close its doors for months, badly hitting calm, relaxation and comfort.”— AFP wards, where underneath was on Mountains and genies cooked in Omani homes by the people of the economy. Some 3.5 million tourists top. Misfat Al-Abriyeen had the right ele- the village.” According to the hotel owner, visited Oman in 2019, but the sultanate Bomber jackets Bomber jackets brought a hint of G.I. Jane to the collections, although more in the vein of Marilyn Monroe visiting the Marines than Demi Moore’s shaved head. At Prada, the nylon jackets were oversized and black. At Etro, they had an ethnic feel, at Pucci they were branded, while at Max Mara they highlight- ed the label’s founding date of 1951. For Alberta Ferretti they were in leather, while Dolce & Gabbana made them sexy with Locals stand outside a boutique hotel in the village of Misfat Al- A view shows a hotel room in the village of Misfat Al-Abriyeen. A local man fills his cup with water at a hotel in the village of Madonna-style conical additions Abriyeen. Misfat Al-Abriyeen. to the chest.

Black six visits to the North African country over A newspaper photograph taken at the Black was used to claim a the course of 23 years. “Here in these time shows the two wartime Allied lead- more formal wardrobe. At spacious palm groves rising from the ers admiring the sunset. Students launch Valentino, the color dominated desert the traveller can be sure of peren- After the US delegation had left, with only flashes of white, gold nial sunshine... and can contemplate with Churchill stayed on an extra day and and check. At Prada, it contrast- ceaseless satisfaction the stately and painted the view of the Koutoubia chaotic Paris ed with elements of color on the snow-clad panorama of the Atlas Mosque framed by the mountains. He arms, legs, necks or in acces- Mountains,” he wrote in 1936 in Britain’s sent it to Roosevelt for his birthday. “This sories. Armani used it to similar Daily Mail newspaper. is Churchill’s diplomacy at its most per- fashion week effect, the collection based on sonal and intense,” said Christie’s head black with blue, green and lilac. A painting of Marrakesh by Britain’s Birthday gift of modern British and Irish art, Nick famed wartime prime minister aris fashion week opened in unique grand finale of black at Fendi He would set up his easel on the bal- Orchard. “It is not an ordinary gift brought hyper-sophisticated AWinston Churchill, owned by conies of the grandiose La Mamounia between leaders. This is soft power, and style on Monday, with students cut- Hollywood star Angelina Jolie, smashed ting the virtual ribbon for women’s looks. Meanwhile the strong hotel or the city’s Villa Taylor, beloved by it is what the special relationship is all P woman with a contemporary expectations to sell for £7 million ($9.75 ready-to-wear collections at a time of the European jet set of the 1970s. It was about.” A second Churchill landscape, Amazonian spirit at Alberta million) at auction in London on Monday. from the villa, after a historic January “Scene in Marrakesh”, painted on his first unprecedented chaos in the fashion cal- Churchill, a keen artist, took inspiration endar. Deserted by several heavyweight Ferretti wore black overalls, 1943 conference in Casablanca with visit to Morocco in 1935, earlier sold for capes and wide black trousers. from the Moroccan city and painted “The Roosevelt and France’s Charles de £1.5 million. That was painted while on a designers, and still imprisoned online by Tower of the Koutoubia Mosque” oil work Gaulle, that he painted what came to be stay at Mamounia, where he marveled at the pandemic, organizers turned to stu- dents from the French Institute of Fashion Fur during a World War II visit in 1943. He regarded as his finest work, of the the “truly remarkable panorama over the for a dose of hope and renewal. “People Like an animal coming out of gave the finished article to fellow wartime minaret behind the ramparts of the Old tops of orange trees and olives”, in a let- have been much more open. They want hibernation, the heavy coat of the leader, US president Franklin Roosevelt. City, with mountains behind and tiny col- ter to his wife Clementine. Churchill’s to keep fashion alive and give as many Yeti or Star Wars’ Chewbacca is Auction house Christie’s called it orful figures in front. “You cannot come all painting of London’s St Paul’s Cathedral opportunities as possible to young back, whether real or fake. For “Churchill’s most important work”. “Aside this way to North Africa without seeing also sold, fetching £880,000. — AFP designers,” said one of those presenting Prada, the fur was synthetic and from its distinguished provenance, it is Marrakesh,” he is reputed to have told in the opening video, Clement Picot. ubiquitous, used not just for coats the only landscape he made” during the Roosevelt. “I must be with you when you He drew inspiration from horror films and stoles but also in the decor of war, it added. The work eventually found see the sun set on the Atlas Mountains.” its way into the hands of actress Angelina such as “The Shining” and “American the show, covering walls and Jolie, who recently put it up for sale. After Psycho” for his contribution, full of over- floors. Fur specialists Fendi pre- frenzied bidding, much of it carried out sized comic-book shoulders that he said sented several grand looks, but over the phone, the gavel eventually were a mix of his dreams and night- with a novel approach-re-using came down at £7 million, smashing the mares. For youngsters like Picot, the materials from previous pieces. pre-sale expectations of £1.5 to £2.5 mil- need to stay virtual is no problem: “I will Florentine house Ferragamo was lion. Christie’s said in a tweet that the sale be able to watch this video all my life. It’s fur-free, but showed knitwear with figure with commission was £8.2 million. maybe even more personal this way.” dramatic fur-like fringes. At Dolce Two more of his paintings also went But this fashion week, the fourth in Paris & Gabbana, the fur coat was col- under the hammer, with the three works since the start of the pandemic, looks as orful, sometimes pink, golden or together fetching £9.43 million. A career disorganized as ever. Dior and Louis multicolored, and always over- army officer before entering politics, Vuitton, part of the LVMH luxury group, sized. — AFP Churchill started to paint relatively late, at pushed back their video broadcasts at the age of 40. the last minute, with organizers adding an His passion for the translucent light of extra day on March 10 to accommodate Marrakesh, far from the political storms production delays. Rival holding Kering and drab skies of London, dates back to (which includes Saint Laurent, Balenciaga) is not presenting at all.—AFP the 1930s when most of Morocco was a In this file photo gallery workers pose with an artwork titled ‘’Tower of Koutoubia Mosque’’ by French protectorate. He went on to make Winston Churchill during a photocall at Christie’s auction house in London. — `AFP Established 1961 13 Lifestyle Features Wednesday, March 3, 2021

he Berlin film festival kicked off youth chasing romance and escape in filming and post-production work. Joreige, online Monday with a premiere from one of the Middle East’s most vibrant 52, said there were eerie parallels Ta Lebanese couple who had to over- cities. “What was important was not just to between the filmmaking and the world come both Beirut’s devastating port blast show civil war and the trauma-it’s a gener- outside. “This film is about confinement, and the pandemic to bring their movie to ation that also wanted to live, to love, to two women blocked because of the the screen. “Memory Box” by Joana dream,” Hadjithomas said. She and her storm, but you can see it today as the Hadjithomas and Khalil Joreige is one of husband were working on the film in confinement because of the pandemic,” 15 films vying for the Golden Bear top Beirut at the time of the explosion of hun- he said. “And then all of our world col- prize Friday at the 71st Berlinale, the first dreds of tonnes of ammonium nitrate fer- lapsed with the blast and the film was still major European cinema showcase of the tiliser on August 4 that killed more than echoing our present.” year. Like Sundance this winter, the event 200 people, injured thousands and rav- Coronavirus has robbed the couple of has gone all-virtual as the global movie aged swathes of the capital. the chance for now to walk the Berlinale’s industry tries to keep new releases ticking Their apartment, art studio and pro- red carpet. Festival organizers hope to over with entertainment-starved audi- Lebanese film directors Joana Hadjithomas and Khalil Joreige pose in Paris. — AFP duction company are close to the port, stage public screenings and a gala ences stuck at home and movie theatres Hajithomas said. “So when the blast hap- awards ceremony in June if pandemic shuttered. in the middle of a blinding blizzard. The home. “We are not sharing a common his- pened it destroyed the three places that conditions permit. “It’s very difficult “Memory Box” is the first Lebanese time capsule from her own adolescence tory in Lebanon and after the war we did were home to us in Lebanon,” she added. because we haven’t even shared the film contender in the Berlinale competition in spurs Maia to begin sharing long-held not reconnect as a community, so this is “I was in a cafe very close by and it was with our crew, our team, our actors, and four decades. It is based on the true story secrets about her shattering wartime partly why we try to work with art and films very traumatic, so we took time to recover. now the audience,” Hadjithomas said. of the discovery more than 30 years later experiences. to question this issue.” Hadjithomas and But we don’t want to recover this time. We “But we are also happy to be part of the of a collection of letters, notebooks and Joreige’s work has drawn international don’t want to be resilient, all of us, we just competition with other filmmakers that we mixtapes Hadjithomas sent to a friend in ‘Not just trauma’ acclaim and has been featured at want accountability.” love, that we respect. And we really hope Paris as a teenager in the 1980s during “It’s sometimes our kids who make us Cannes, the Tate Modern, Centre for June! Everyone will be there and it will Lebanon’s civil war. In the movie, the return to something that we just don’t want Pompidou and New York’s MoMA. ‘Hope for June’ be great.”— AFP mysterious package arrives at the to see or that we refuse to experience “Memory Box” includes flashbacks of The couple said the blast triggered Montreal home of Maia, who emigrated to anymore,” Hadjithomas, 51, told AFP via 1980s Beirut, but the fighting largely wartime memories, while the Covid-19 Canada, and her teenage daughter Alex Zoom from Paris, the couple’s second serves as the backdrop to a portrait of outbreak created tough hurdles for the

hat fashion week?” says French model Christelle “WYambayisa, only half-joking. Normally, at this time of year, the world’s fashionistas would have descended en masse on Paris for the latest womenswear Finnish team cuts giant collections. Instead, the whole thing has been relegated to the internet once again due to the pandemic, and models are A model gets her hair done backstage during a shooting for Weinsanto in Paris. — AFP ‘ice carousel’ into frozen lake having to find new ways to keep their careers afloat. Yambayisa managed to ready for game day. “We would start stopped working.” She previously earned keep busy during the first lockdown a training, getting to bed early, so that we’d up to 7,000 euros per fashion week in year ago, with brands sending her clothes be in shape when the castings started,” places like Paris and New York, enough and her boyfriend shooting the photos in An aerial view shows the perimeter of the ice carousel under construction for a world record said Yambayisa. “It’s important to open or to keep her studies going for three their apartment. “It was a bit scrappy, but attempt on a frozen lake in Lappajarvi, Finland. — AFP close a show, it raises your profile.” New months when she returned. Eventually, it worked,” she said. stars would emerge often during a fashion she was able to use her existing US visa Then, as things opened up temporarily week, and go on to dominate the rest of to get to New York for photo shoots. team of cold-weather enthusiasts in successful, Kapylehto’s effort will win him over the summer, she found an unexpect- the year’s events. That has all changed “But there’s only one session per day Finland have spent the last week a fifth world title, snatching the record ed advantage, since travel restrictions with the new shift to pre-filmed videos, and not every day, and the fees are not Atrying to carve a huge, perfect cir- from a team in Minnesota in the United meant there were fewer black models where it is trickier for models to get the same,” she said. There’s also the cle into a frozen lake to build the world’s States whose 225-meter carousel is the around from the United States and Britain. noticed. “It’s much harder to get recog- obvious health risks for a profession largest “ice carousel”. The more than 300- current titleholder. “It’s pretty crazy,” the “I’ve worked a lot more, like all black mod- nized,” said Yambayisa. “Even if I’m doing where masks can really get in the way. metre wide spinning ice disk in Finn admitted to AFP, adding that his els in Paris,” she told AFP. Designer a video with a house like Hermes, I know Health protocols have become much Lappajarvi, western Finland, is powered team was cutting the 900-metre perimeter Julien Fournie said he similarly had to find I’m going to be lost in it.” stricter in recent months. Bastas said she by a boat motor and must perform a full circle using chainsaws and two specially a French model at the last second for his does two tests a week, while Yambayisa rotation in order to claim the world record. built machines christened “the hurricane” haute couture film in Paris in January after Risks has racked up 39 in total. But that is a “If it’s not perfectly round, it does not go and “the red devil”. a Belarussian was denied entry-modeling There’s also a major loss of income. recent phenomenon. Four models told around, so it has to be measured precise- The renewable energy specialist says being deemed “non-essential”. Fashion week meant at least 4,000 euros, AFP they caught COVID at Paris fashion ly,” ice enthusiast Thor-Fredric Karlsson he has now built over 60 carousels, while Even for those doing well, there is little rising to 50,000 euros for the top stars. For week in September, which saw some live told AFP on the frozen lake. The project is his previous exploits include sailing a rejoicing since all the energy and fun of Turkish model Oyku Bastas, who found shows. “The make-up artists certainly do the brainchild of inventor Janne solar-powered floating sauna 90 kilome- fashion weeks have been obliterated by herself trapped in Istanbul by the travel not sterilize their hands like surgeons,” Kapylehto, who hopes to complete the ters from Helsinki to Tallinn in 2018. The the pandemic-and with that, the best restrictions, there was suddenly no said Ekaterina Ozhiganova, of a models attempt. Kapylehto claims to have come Lappajarvi carousel contains a smaller opportunities to advance their careers in income. “I didn’t get any work for six rights organization in Paris. — AFP up with the ice carousel idea in 2017 rotating disc within it, and was commis- the longer term. Fashion weeks were the months,” she told AFP. “I was in Turkey, when he posted a video online of his first sioned by the local authorities who want- pace-setters of a model’s existence, with all the borders closed, the consulates creation. ed to raise awareness of how climate a build-up akin to sportsmen getting Since then others around the world change is shortening the Nordic country’s have followed suit, creating increasingly winters, meaning lakes no longer freeze ambitious spinning ice circles, leading to over as regularly. — AFP Guinness World Records creating a “world’s largest ice carousel” category. If

blades slide out during a tight turn. “It will hurt your hands and you have to have a Ice surfers carve good grip on the boom, but otherwise it’s quite easy on the ice compared to sum- mertime,” Esa Harjula tells AFP. Harjula up Finland’s regularly teaches the sport to groups of beginners, and says there has been increased demand in recent weeks. “It’s frozen sea so great to see people learning, how they can get it in a few minutes.” At 30 centimeters thick, the ice is cur- hat to do if you are a windsurfing rently strong enough to drive a “small truck” on, Gurvits says-although the warm enthusiast in a country where the A hairdresser cuts the hair of a client sitting in a space separated by Hairdresser Simone Gurzinski blow dries the hair of a client, both sunshine and temperatures of plus 5 Wsea freezes over for months of transparent panes at the hair salon ‘Harmony’ in Dortmund, western wearing a face mask, after reopening her hair salon in Berlin. degrees Celsius (41 degrees Fahrenheit) the year? For a group of Finns, the answer Germany, on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than — AFP photos mean that it is starting to melt along the is to kit out sailboards with skates and two months. take to the ice, reaching speeds of up to shallower shoreline. 100 kilometers per hour in a burgeoning “As soon as I found out in February hours on Monday, with one salon in sport that can only be practiced in a ‘Enjoy the feel’ that they were going to reopen, I booked Dortmund opening on the stroke of mid- handful of places around the world. “I call Ice surfer Mete Ciragan clocked up ‘I look normal an appointment for me and my wife,” said night and serving customers through the them happiness machines,” Feodor today’s speed record of 71.6 kph in light Berthold, sporting a smart short-back- small hours of the morning. In Bavaria, Gurvits tells AFP, pointing to his self-made winds of 8 meters per second (18 mph). “It and-sides after his visit to the Haarstudio local media reported that one salon had board which sits on three blades and has feels great and you forget to breathe some- again’: Relief as 030 salon in central Berlin. While his job raised 422 euros by auctioning off its first a windsurfing sail attached. “They really times,” he tells AFP. “But you need to con- in IT has allowed him to work from home appointment. Following Monday’s reopen- make people smile, and it’s such a joy, centrate on the surface so you don’t hit a during the lockdown, his long hair still ing of hairdressers and a partial return to pure movement.” bump and fall.” “With a lighter wind you can salons reopen bugged him during regular video meet- schools for some pupils last week, go much faster than on the water, because ings, he explained.”I could always see it Chancellor Angela Merkel and German ‘Good grip’ required there’s so much less resistance,” adds falling over my face. It’s just a joy to think I regional leaders will meet again today to Gurvits and around half a dozen fellow Marianne Rautelin, a former European wind- in Germany look normal again,” he said. discuss possible further relaxations. ice-surfers are soon cris-crossing the surfing champion who also started surfing Yet after a decrease in case numbers expanse of Baltic Sea ice off Helsinki’s on ice in 2009 and has since notched up Fully booked in February, experts have cautioned that winter championship wins. —AFP Hernesaari coastline, kitted out in crash ans-Joachim Berthold had a spring Salon manager Manuel Heinsch said it Germany’s infection rate has stabilized helmets and body padding in case the in his step as he set off down the is “really important” that he is able to work and even climbed in recent days as con- Hstreet on Monday morning after get- again. “Rents aren’t cheap in this area cerns grow about the spread of new, ting his hair cut for the first time in two and anyway and we haven’t had any real more contagious virus variants. For his a half months. “It’s such a relief. I couldn’t financial help from the government,” the part, Berthold hopes that the hairdressers bear to look at myself in the mirror 32-year-old, who opened Haarstudio 030 will stay open for “a while yet”, and not before!” the 64-year-old told AFP. in 2019, told AFP. “It feels great to finally just for the sake of his own fringe. “I didn’t Berthold was one of hundreds of work again.” Heinsch received several understand why they closed them, Germans who were able to go to the hair- customers within minutes of opening his because the hairdressers did everything dresser for the first time since December, doors on Monday, beaming as he wel- they could in terms of hygiene measures,” as the country eased some tough coron- comed regulars back into the salon. he said, as his wife went into the salon for avirus restrictions on Monday. Besides According to the new rules, customers her appointment. “But it is what it is. I am hairdressers, florists and garden centres have to book an appointment in advance, just happy that we can now go and get An aerial photo shows ice surfers have been allowed to open in certain and Heinsch is already fully booked until our hair cut when we want.”— AFP skating across the frozen Baltic Sea states such as Bavaria, while other the end of the week. off the coast of Helsinki. — AFP regions such as Schleswig-Holstein have “We will do a 10-hour shift from 10am reopened zoos for the first time since to 8pm,” he said, gesturing to his three- December 16. person team. Others worked even longer 14 Established 1961 Sports Wednesday, March 3, 2021

Photo of the day UK govt backs bid to host 2030 World Cup LONDON: British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has backed a potential joint bid from England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland to host the 2030 World Cup. The formal bidding process to stage the tournament will be launched next year by FIFA, world football’s governing body. A fea- sibility study is underway as the football associations in the UK and Ireland look into options for a joint bid. In an interview with The Sun, Johnson said: “We are very, very keen to bring football home in 2030. I do think it’s the right place. It’s the home of football, it’s the right time. It will be an absolutely wonderful thing for the country.” The English Football Association said on Twitter that it welcomed “the Government’s pledge of £2.8 million towards a potential bid” for the 2030 World Cup. A joint statement released by the FA and the football associations of Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland on Monday read: “The football associations and Government partners of the UK and Ireland are delighted that the UK Government has committed to support a prospective five-associa- tion bid for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. We will contin- ue to undertake feasibility work to assess the viability of a bid before FIFA formally open the process in 2022. Staging a FIFA World Cup would provide an incredible opportunity to deliver tangible benefits for our nations. If a decision is made to bid for the event, we look forward to presenting our hosting proposals to FIFA and the wider global football community.” England have not hosted the World Cup since win- ning the tournament for the only time in 1966. The 2022 World Cup will take place in Qatar, while the 2026 tournament is to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico. London, Glasgow and Dublin are among the 12 host cities for the delayed 2020 European Eva Samkova seen in Dolni Morava, Czech Republic. —Photo taken from www.redbullcontentpool.com Championship, which are scheduled to take place later this year. —AFP Euro 2020 shrouded in uncertainty 100 days before kick-off Southgate facing ‘big decisions’ over England attack at Euros

LONDON: Today marks 100 days until the sched- uled start of Euro 2020 but there remains much uncertainty about exactly how and where a com- petition that was postponed last year due to the Lord’s final on line coronavirus pandemic will take place. The opening match between Turkey and Italy is due to be played in Rome on June 11, while seven matches as India, England are set to go ahead at Wembley in London, includ- ing both semi-finals and the final. back at scene The decision by European football’s governing body UEFA to stage the competition for the first AHMEDABAD: India and England return to the time all across the continent, in 12 different cities, scene of last week’s hotly debated two-day Test was a logistical challenge even before international tomorrow with the hosts looking to secure a place in travel was restricted by the spread of COVID-19. the World Test Championship final. The first Test held Elite-level football has managed to keep going at the Narendra Modi Stadium, the world’s biggest thanks to rigorous testing protocols but has been cricket venue, turned out to be one of the shortest in played in soulless, empty stadiums with supporters history as England were thrashed inside two days. still shut out in most of the countries due to host The result, which left India 2-1 up in the four-Test matches. series and ruled England out of the world champi- Underlining the logistical challenges, a num- onship final, prompted accusations that the uber ber of UEFA Champions League and Europa spin-friendly pitch was not up to standard. England skipper Joe Root returned the extraordinary figures League games in recent weeks have been moved of five wickets for eight runs with his part-time off- to neutral venues as a result of travel restrictions spin, in a day-night game that lasted just 842 balls — aimed at preventing the spread of new strains of the shortest Test since 1935. the virus. LEEDS: England’s manager Gareth Southgate gestures ahead of the English Premier League football Former England players demanded answers from UEFA has so far stuck to its original plan for match between Leeds United and Aston Villa at Elland Road in Leeds, northern England on February the International Cricket Council, accusing it of let- London and Glasgow, as well as Dublin, 27, 2021. —AFP ting the wealthy and powerful Indian board get away Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Saint-Petersburg, with providing poor pitches. But West Indies great Bilbao, Munich, Budapest, Baku, Rome and Viv Richards said England should stop “moaning and Bucharest to host matches. However, European match at Wembley. The Scottish government has bench and I had five kids from the academy. Now, groaning” and adapt to the conditions. football’s governing body has given all host cities been more cautious, meaning the situation for that’s a headache because you’re thinking ‘well, I’m The England team have largely stayed quiet dur- until early April to say if they will be in a position Glasgow is less clear. not quite sure how we turn this game around and ing the controversy, and bowling coach Jeetan Patel to accommodate spectators inside stadiums and at Nevertheless, after nearly a year of football improve what we’ve got on the field’. When you’ve said the tourists were looking for ways to repel what percentage of capacity. behind closed doors, UEFA will be wary that inter- got a choice of some outstanding talent, now of India’s spin attack. “I expect this Test to be on a spin- “Fans are such a big part of what makes football est among some fans could be on the wane. course there’s big decisions you have to make. But ning wicket,” he told reporters. “We need to find a special,” said UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin Conditions for supporters wishing to travel to fol- in the end, you know, some of these decisions are way, if we won the toss particularly, to put on a in his most recent public address on the matter in low their teams may not be particularly comfort- sadly taken out of your hands. I mean, if I look at decent total first up.” January. “We must allow ourselves the maximum able either. the squad for March we’re already without Joe space to allow their return to the stadiums.” Ronan Evain, the executive director of Football Gomez, Jordan Henderson, Harvey Barnes. James ‘Who makes these rules?’ Supporters Europe, an independent fans associa- Justin, who we think has been doing exceptionally Spinner Jack Leach said there was more talk about the pitch in the media than in the England England steps in? tion, told AFP that “the most likely best-case sce- well at Leicester, is going to be out. So, you know, The travel logistics, as well as the economic dressing room. “Still a hell of a lot for us to play nario will be that stadiums can be 25 to 30 percent how many of these guys (are available)? There’s for,” said Leach, who has 16 wickets in the first consequences of playing an international tourna- full” and said that many who had bought tickets others who aren’t playing at the moment. And then three Tests. “Obviously if we win this game we ment behind closed doors, have forced UEFA to were now planning to cancel their bookings. actually it’s just a case of ‘right, who’s playing the draw the series. I think that will be a massive effort consider contingency plans. That has led to rumors “It is possible that certain countries will not best’. Who do we think has the pedigree, who’s over here and we should be really motivated to that the whole event could be moved to one coun- allow ticket-holders in if they are not residents, or performed at the high level before coupled with make that happen.” try if it meant selling more tickets. that they will only be allowed in via a corridor of who’s in the form, who fits into the way we want to “In the dressing we are just trying to get better With the United Kingdom’s vaccination pro- special flights and bus transport from airport to play with and without the ball? But what’s really and be prepared for this next match,” added Leach. gram outstripping that of the other host nations, stadium,” he said. “That is not necessarily an exciting is that for years we’ve talked about devel- Virat Kohli’s India need a win or a draw to book a and with multiple large Premier League stadiums attractive prospect for everyone.” opment in English football and where are the cre- clash with New Zealand in the inaugural World Test available to accommodate potentially thousands of Nevertheless, the prospect of crowds being ative players, how do we develop those types of Championship final. An England win would put fans, reports have emerged that England could allowed, at least in some countries, and of lock- players. We’ve had root and branch reviews of Australia into the decider at Lord’s in June. step in to stage the entire tournament. A downs across Europe easing over the summer everything from, you know, grassroots football to Up to 55,000 fans, half of capacity, will be spokesman for British Prime Minister Boris months, offers hope that enthusiasm for the tour- academy football to everything for decades and allowed at the stadium, which was renamed after Johnson dismissed those reports last week as “just nament will grow again. That is what UEFA is we’ve now (got them).” India’s prime minister hours before last week’s third speculation”. banking on, but tough decisions lie ahead as to Meanwhile there has been an increase in the Test. India’s premier spinner Ravichandran Ashwin “How the tournament will be hosted is a matter who gets to play host. number of England-qualified players appearing in pushed back at criticism of the pitch, saying com- for UEFA,” he told reporters. “They remain com- the Premier League. “Only 18 months or so ago mentators don’t get to decide what is a good or mitted to the current format of the tournament. We ‘Big decisions’ every Saturday we were about 30 percent of the bad wicket. are focused on the matches we are scheduled to Gareth Southgate has admitted he is facing league English qualified players,” Southgate said. “What makes a good surface?” said Ashwin, who host in the UK, including seven at Wembley and “big decisions” over which players to include in “This year that’s up to 40 percent and that doesn’t passed 400 Test wickets in last week’s match. “Who defines this? Seam on the first day and then bat well matches also being hosted at Hampden Park in England’s attack for the European seem a lot, but when you think that the likes of Glasgow.” and then spin on the last two days? Come on! Who Championships. The tournament’s delay has given perhaps an Emile Smith Rowe, for example, get- makes all these rules?” Under the British government’s roadmap out the likes of Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish, an attack- ting his opportunity at Arsenal. We know those Root, whose five-for came in India’s first innings of lockdown, crowds of up to 10,000 could be ing midfielder or winger, a chance to press his kids are there, we know the talent is there.” of 145, has conceded that England made selection allowed from May 17. A return to full crowds claim, with England looking to win their first This month also sees England in World Cup mistakes after their second successive loss. Dom would be permitted at the earliest by June 21. major trophy in 55 years. qualifying action against San Marino, Albania and Bess is expected to join fellow spinner Leach in the The semi-finals and final take place on July 6, 7 “Well, I can remember being at Middlesbrough Poland. “We’ve got three big World Cup qualifiers, team in place of one of the fast bowlers. India will be and 11, but the first game scheduled for London playing Tottenham and we were 2-1 up in the of course, in March because we’re only less than make at least one change after pace bowler Jasprit is on June 13. game and Harry Redknapp put Robbie Keane and 18 months away from a World Cup as well so it’s Bumrah, who bowled just six overs last week, opted Should all go to plan, full crowds would be able Dimitar Berbatov on,” former Middlesbrough boss an amazing period for international football,” said out of the final Test for “personal reasons”. —AFP to return for the final group game and last-16 Southgate told talkSPORT. “And I looked at my Southgate. —AFP Established 1961 15 Sports Wednesday, March 3, 2021 Refreshed Pochettino embraces PSG project

SAINT-GERMAIN-EN-LAYE, France: Mauricio things are looking good in Europe, with Kylian Pochettino was given the luxury of time at Mbappe’s hat-trick helping Pochettino’s side thrash Tottenham Hotspur to build a team that would go Barcelona 4-1 away in the first leg of their on to reach a Champions League final, but the Champions League last-16 tie last month. The Argentine knows the demands are different now he return is on March 10, but a quarter-final place is in charge at Paris Saint-Germain. seems secure, while PSG are currently second in “We got to the Champions League final after five Ligue 1, two points behind leaders Lille. years working towards it. We built a platform and a structure and our objective was to be able to com- ‘Complicated situation’ pete for these things,” Pochettino says in an inter- It has been a whirlwind start to life back in Paris view with AFP in Paris, where he arrived in January for Pochettino, who played for PSG between 2001 refreshed after more than a year out of the game and 2003. He had to spend a week in self-isolation following his departure from Tottenham. He took the after catching the coronavirus, and along with his north London club to the 2019 final, cementing his coaching team has had to contend with a long list of reputation as one Europe’s most exciting coaches injuries, including to superstars Neymar and Angel despite losing 2-0 to Liverpool in Madrid. Di Maria. He is still living in a hotel in a chic neigh- “We had gone almost two years at Tottenham borhood of the French capital, having not yet man- without signing any players when we got to the aged to find a permanent home. final. We have only been here two months,” he “Everything with COVID is making it harder. Our points out. “At Tottenham we had the necessary families are split between London and Barcelona time to develop something and it bore fruit with a and they can’t travel either. It is a very complicated mix of young players and experienced players. The situation at the moment,” says the Argentine, who project at PSG has been a different one for a num- arrived with a backroom team including his son, ber of years. We will see how we can create a proj- Sebastiano. “We have played 13 matches, which is a ect that will be different to what we did at huge amount in two months, and all of us on the Tottenham but will have the same objective, to win.” staff have caught COVID, all at different times. We SAINT-GERMAIN-EN-LAYE, France: Paris Saint-Germain’s Argentinian head coach Mauricio Nothing less will do for the Argentine, whose have been lucky in that the symptoms were not too Pochettino poses at the team’s training grounds in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, outside Paris, on predecessor Thomas Tuchel was sacked in serious but it has still had an effect and we are all Monday. —AFP December, four months after taking PSG to the recovering. Then we have had lots of injuries in the Champions League final having secured a clean team, so we are having to adapt every day.” sweep of the domestic honors in France. The Qatar- transmit his ideas,” he says. “We have assumed our latter is fit. “Great players have similar characteris- owned club lost to Bayern Munich in Lisbon, and Mbappe and Neymar responsibility and are trying to make the most of tics,” he replies when asked about what it is like to Pochettino knows the aim now is to go one better Despite the difficult circumstances, he admits he what we have without making major structural work with the two most expensive players in histo- and win the trophy. could not turn down the chance to take the job changes because halfway through the season the ry. “They are humble, they love football, they “Obviously this club aspires to win the when the call came from PSG’s sporting director most important thing is that we adapt and optimise respect the rules, they help their teammates. When Champions League. Lots of other clubs are trying Leonardo. “We had long conversations in which our what we have.” they have that level of technical ability and they to win it too, and have invested lots of money but visions were quite similar. I obviously already knew The demands are great but it helps being able to understand the game, then of course it makes any can’t win it because it is not so easy,” he says. So far PSG and so that made it a bit easier for him to call upon Mbappe and Neymar, at least when the coach’s job easier.” —AFP

Real Madrid held by Matches on TV Real Sociedad to give (Local Timings) ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE Atletico advantage Burnley v Leicester City 21:00 bein sports MADRID: Real Madrid’s chances of chasing down La Liga Sheffield United v Aston Villa 21:00 leaders Atletico Madrid were dealt a blow on Monday as bein sports they needed a late Vinicius Junior equalizer to secure a 1-1 Crystal Palace v Manchester United 23:15 draw with Real Sociedad. It could have been worse for Zinedine Zidane’s side, with Vinicius’ finish in the 89th bein sports minute preventing what would have been a damaging defeat after a weekend in which both Atletico and ITALIAN CALCIO LEAGUE Barcelona had won. US Sassuolo Calcio v SSC Napoli 20:30 Atletico’s victory over Villarreal on Sunday put them beIN Sports HD 3 six points clear of Real Madrid, an advantage that is now Genoa CFC v UC Sampdoria 22:45 only cut to five ahead of next week’s Madrid derby at the beIN Sports Wanda Metropolitano. Atletico also have a game in hand. Benevento v Hellas Verona FC 22:45 The result ends Real Madrid’s run of five consecutive wins beIN Sports while Portu’s brilliant header for Real Sociedad early in the MADRID: Real Madrid’s Brazilian midfielder Casemiro (top right) heads the ball with Real Sociedad’s second half was also the first goal conceded by the reign- Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi (top left) during the Spanish league football match between Real ACF Fiorentina v AS Roma 22:45 ing champions in five games. Madrid CF and Real Sociedad at the Alfredo di Stefano stadium in Valdebebas, on the outskirts of Madrid beIN Sports HD 1 It represents an important shift in momentum. A few on Monday. —AFP Atalanta v Crotone 22:45 days ago Atletico might have hoped just to hold on to first beIN Sports HD 7 place next weekend but now they could spy an opportuni- AC Milan v Udinese Calcio 22:45 ty to all but knock their opponents out of the title race. Derby return the ball quickly shifted through midfield and out to the beIN Sports HD 3 “We’re playing for a lot there,” said Real Madrid goal- Benzema could return for the derby and one positive left, where Nacho Monreal had time to launch a cross to Cagliari Calcio v Bologna FC 22:45 keeper Thibaut Courtois. “We can win, we’re physically for Zidane was the sight of others returning, with Fede the back post. Ferland Mendy looked like he would clear beIN Sports strong and we’re getting players back. There’s a lot of time Valverde, Marcelo and Rodrygo all back in his squad. but instead was caught under the ball, allowing Portu to left to keep fighting in La Liga.” “Karim can be with us, yes, we’re going to see,” said jump and send a brilliant header across Courtois and Barcelona kept their own resurgence going on Zidane, when asked about the striker’s chances of facing into the net. FRENCH LEAGUE Saturday by overcoming Sevilla and now sit level on points Atletico. “Still, he hasn’t trained with the team but the Madrid’s pressure would come but Real Sociedad Stade brestois 29 v FCO Dijon 21:00 with Real Madrid, having also played one game fewer than problem is a lot better, tomorrow we’ll analyse him.” could have made it two, only for Alexander Isak to fall beIN Sports the leaders. Real Sociedad sit fifth, the top four seemingly Madrid had the better chances in an entertaining first just short of Mikel Oyarzabal’s pass across. Zidane sent Olympique Lyonnais v Stade Rennais 21:00 out of reach. half, the best of them falling to Mariano Diaz at the back Vinicius, Rodrygo and Hugo Duro on and there were beIN Sports HD 2 Madrid had 20 shots to Real Sociedad’s six but lacked post but he headed against the crossbar under pressure chances. Casemiro and Duro both missed headers while FC Metz v Angers SCO21:00 edge in the final third, with the injured Karim Benzema from a yard out. Toni Kroos and Marco Asensio both Rodrygo skewed wide before Vinicius struck one minute beIN Sports HD 6 watching on from the stands. “We’ve had games where we went close and Real Sociedad were dangerous on the from time, steering in Lucas Vazquez’s cross when given OGC Nice v Nimes Olympique 21:00 won and maybe we didnt deserve to win as well, we can’t break, just unable to find the final pass to make their space in the box. Duro even had a chance to win it but beIN Sports change anything,” said Madrid coach Zidane. “We have to openings count. headed over, Real Sociedad surviving for a deserved Saint Etienne v Racing Club de Lens 21:00 keep going. There is a long way to go.” They made it count 10 minutes into the second half, point. —AFP beIN Sports HD 4 Bordeaux v Paris Saint-Germain 23:00 before a judge investigating last year’s ‘Barcagate’ of the operation which involved a search of beIN Sports HD 2 Ex-Barcelona president scandal, a Spanish court said. Barcelona’s stadium — the club’s current chief LOSC Lille v Olympique Marseille 23:00 The two men, who were arrested on Monday, executive Oscar Grau and its head of legal servic- released after appearing “exercised their right not to speak,” and the judge es Roma Gomez Ponti — were released late on beIN Sports granted them conditional release while the investi- Monday. HSC Montpellier v Lorient 23:00 before judge: Court gation continues, the Barcelona court said in a The operation comes less than a week before beIN Sports HD 7 statement. The court said the judge had sought to presidential elections are to be held at the club. The FC Nantes v Stade Reims 23:00 question them as part of an investigation opened in so-called ‘Barcagate’ scandal involves allegations beIN Sports BARCELONA: Former Barcelona president Josep May 2020 into the suspected crimes of false admin- that the club covered up payments made to a com- RC Strasbourg v AS Monaco FC 23:00 Maria Bartomeu and his former advisor Jaume istration and business corruption. pany called I3 Ventures, hired to boost the image of beIN Sports HD 6 Masferrer were released yesterday after appearing Two other club officials also detained as part the club on social media. —AFP Established 1961 Sport

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 2021 Zion dominant as Pelicans upset Jazz

Sixers bounce back • Nets win thriller • Hawks fire coach

LOS ANGELES: Zion Williamson produced a placed Los Angeles Lakers. dominant performance as the New Orleans Pelicans upset the league-leading Utah Jazz with a 129-124 Sixers bounce back victory on Monday. Pelicans prodigy Williamson In Philadelphia, Joel Embiid scored 24 points finished with 26 points, 10 rebounds and five assists and hauled down 13 rebounds as the 76ers to give New Orleans a deserved victory over the bounced back from their shock weekend defeat to Western Conference-leading Jazz. the Cleveland Cavaliers with an emphatic win over It was the sort of display from the 20-year-old the Indiana Pacers. Williamson that made him one of the most coveted Embiid added five assists and two turnovers in a young players in years when he was snapped up by dominant 130-114 victory over the Pacers that New Orleans two years ago with the No 1 pick in improved the Sixers to 23-12 at the top of the the Draft. Against Utah on Monday, the six-foot- Eastern Conference. “We have to make it easier for seven-inches (two meters), 284-pound (129 kilo- him to have the answers,” Sixers coach Doc Rivers grams) powerhouse used his physique and skill to said of Embiid’s display. “I thought he was patient, barrel through the Jazz defense. and he just made the right reads. That was really Utah had led by nine points in the second period good.” but were left trailing by 17 early in the fourth quar- Shake Milton had 26 points off the bench, while ter as the Pelicans cut loose. Although Utah closed Furkan Korkmaz nailed six three-pointers in a 19- to within one point with 47 seconds remaining, two point haul. Ben Simmons added 18 points after Williamson free throws restored the Pelicans’ making seven-of-11 attempts from the field. Rivers three-point cushion before Josh Hart added the was also happy with an improved defensive per- coup de grace after Mike Conley missed for Utah. formance following Saturday’s loss to Cleveland. Williamson’s scoring tally was matched by “We had to get stops and I thought we did that. I Brandon Ingram, who also finished with 26 points, love how we spaced the floor. That’s why I was so while four other Pelicans players cracked double upset the other night — we had no spacing.” digits. Point guard Lonzo Ball added 23 points, Malcolm Brogdon led the Indiana scorers with 20 while JJ Redick had 17 off the bench including points on a night when six Pacers players made three of four three-pointers. double figures. Utah’s scoring was led by Bojan Bogdanovic, In Texas, Kyrie Irving and James Harden helped SAN ANTONIO: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets drives to the basket against the San Antonio Spurs on who finished with 31 points, while Rudy Gobert the Brooklyn Nets overcome a late San Antonio Monday at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. — AFP had 22 points and Donovan Mitchell 21. The con- Spurs rally in a thrilling 124-113 overtime win at the test pivoted in the third quarter, when the Pelicans AT&T Center. Brooklyn led by 10 points with two half a game of the Sixers with 23 wins and 13 losses. playoff places. “We would like to thank Lloyd for his erupted for 40 points. “We find ourselves in situa- minutes remaining before the Spurs rallied to force work and commitment to not only the Hawks organi- tions like this all the time,” Williamson said after- overtime through Dejounte Murray’s pull-up jump- Atlanta’s Pierce fired zation but the city of Atlanta,” Hawks president of bas- wards. “It’s a matter of want. And tonight we shot on the buzzer. The Atlanta Hawks fired head coach Lloyd Pierce ketball operations Travis Schlenk said in a statement. wanted it more. But Irving — who finished with 27 points — made on Monday following the team’s lacklustre start to the “We have high expectations for our team on the “We came out with better energy in the third two crucial three-pointers in overtime to see the Nets season. A statement from the Hawks said Pierce had court and we believe by making this change now that quarter and got the win.” The Pelicans improved to through to victory, leaving them firmly on the tail of been “relieved of his duties” as the team attempted to we can have a strong second half of the season,” 15-19 and are now 11 in the Western Conference Philadelphia at the top of the Eastern standings. reinvigorate their season. Schlenk added. Pierce took over as Hawks head coach standings. Leaders Utah fell to 27-8 following the Harden, who added a three-pointer in overtime, Atlanta are currently 11th in the Eastern Conference in 2018, compiling a 63-120 record in his 183 games in loss but remain three games clear of the second- weighed in with 30 points. The Nets are now within standings with 14 wins and 20 defeats, just outside the charge. — AFP