Qatar- Next Gen stars GCC trade look to excel as to rise in Doha set to stage 2021 AO Qualifiers

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SUNDAY 10 JANUARY 2021 26 JUMADA I - 1442 VOLUME 25 NUMBER 8498 www.thepeninsula.qa 2 RIYALS Build your own plan! Terms & Conditions Apply Customs resumes work at Abu Samra crossing QNA/THE PENINSULA — DOHA The Land Customs The General Authority of Administration Customs has announced that it has resumed operations at the is resuming Abu Samra border crossing its customs with Saudi Arabia, it revealed in a tweet yesterday. At the procedures same time, the Saudi Customs has also resumed operations on for receiving their side of the border. travellers to and “The General Authority of Customs (GAC) has started its from the country," work by reopening the Abu GAC tweeted. Samra border crossing, according to the procedures for PIC: ABDUL BASIT/ THE PENINSULA opening the air, land, and sea received several arrivals from Vehicles start crossing Abu Samra border checkpoint, yesterday. borders between the State of Qatar, completing all customs Qatar and the sisterly Kingdom procedures, according to the of Saudi Arabia.” the tweet health procedures followed in Arrivals through Abu Samra to follow COVID-19 travel policy reads. all ports. THE PENINSULA — DOHA “The Land Customs Admin- The Saudi Customs had implemented on all arrivals obtain a virus-free certificate return before leaving the istration is resuming its started working immediately from the Abu Samra border no more than 72 hours before country. All arrivals must sign a customs procedures for after announcing the The Government Communi- crossing,” the GCO statement travel. All arrivals will be formal pledge to adhere to hotel receiving travellers to and from agreement to open the air- cation Office issued a statement read. subject to hotel quarantine for quarantine and follow the pol- the country, in coordination space, land, sea, and airports yesterday detailing the According to the GCO, the one week. The hotel accommo- icies and conditions of the quar- with its partners from the gov- between the Kingdom of Saudi procedure for incoming arrivals procedures were put in place dation is to be booked through antine, in addition to down- ernment agencies operating at Arabia and the State of Qatar. at the Abu Samra border yesterday and are based on the “Discover Qatar” website loading the Ehteraz application, the Abu Samra border It has equipped Salwa port with crossing. Qatar’s current COVID-19 travel before arrival. which traces COVID-19 crossing,” the GAC tweet also all technical and operational “Following the opening of and return policies. Furthermore, the GCO infections. added. aspects, in cooperation with all the air, land, and sea borders The GCO stated that all stated travelers from Qatar According to the GCO, the Meanwhile, the Saudi government agencies, to ensure between the State of Qatar and arrivals to the State of Qatar wishing to travel through the measures are subject to change Customs at Salwa border that the port meets all require- the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi from the Abu Samra border Abu Samra border crossing based on COVID-19 public crossing with Qatar began ments to provide distinguished Arabia, a number of precau- crossing are required to must make a reservation for health indicators in the State of operations as the border port services to all travellers. tionary measures will be undergo a COVID-19 test and hotel quarantine for the date of Qatar and globally. Flights between Qatar and Saudi to resume tomorrow People without health card

THE PENINSULA — DOHA announced that its flights will have the ability to connect to our neighbouring countries who urged to register with PHCC start with a daily service to the largest network in the previously worked with Qatar Qatar Airways has announced Riyadh, four flights a week to region with over 800 weekly Airways and request that they get FAZEENA SALEEM without health cards to obtain that it will resume flights to Jeddah and daily flights to frequencies to more than 110 in touch with us as we build our THE PENINSULA one. Saudi Arabia, starting with Dammam. destinations, more than any operations.” “The COVID-19 vaccine services to Riyadh on Monday Qatar Airways said that it airline in the Middle East.” Meanwhile, Saudi Airlines People without health cards will be given to everyone. (January 11, 2021), followed by also looks forward to resuming Speaking on the decision, also announced yesterday that have been suggested to register Even if you have a private Jeddah on Thursday (January a strong relationship with its Qatar Airways CEO, H E Akbar it will resume operating flights with the designated health medical insurance and don’t 14) and Dammam on Saturday trade and cargo partners in Al Baker, said: “We are very from Riyadh and Jeddah to centers in order to obtain have a health card yet, we (January 16). KSA, as well as the major air- pleased with the positive Doha, with 4 scheduled weekly COVID-19 vaccine. suggest going to the desig- All Qatar Airways flights to ports in the country. In the outcome from the GCC Summit flights from Riyadh and 3 Head of Vaccination at the nated health centre and reg- KSA will be operated exclusively tweet thread, it said that flights and the decision to reopen all weekly flights from Jeddah. Ministry of Public Health istering and obtaining one,” by wide body aircraft including will connect through HIA, voted borders with Qatar.” The first flight from Riyadh (MoPH), Dr. Soha Al Bayat, has said Dr. Al Bayat in reply to a the Boeing 777-300, Boeing by Skytrax as the best airport in Qatar Airways also to Doha will take off on Monday, said that the COVID-19 vaccine question asked during a 787-8 and Airbus A350, Qatar the Middle East for six consec- announced: “We welcome the January 11 at 16:40 local time, will be eventually provided to recent session hosted by the Airways tweeted yesterday. utive years. opportunity to speak with any Saudi Arabian Airlines Media all citizens and residents in Ministry of Public Health on Qatar’s national carrier also “Passengers in KSA will former employees in Center tweeted yesterday. Qatar and requested those Instagram. `P2 GAC unifies social QR13m prize for Katara International Arabian Horse Festival THE PENINSULA — DOHA to ensure the safety of partici- Health,” said Al Sulaiti. Show commences on February pants, officials and visitors, in Bader Mohammed Al 4, people can look forward to media platforms The Cultural Village Foun- accordance with the guidelines Darwish, Manager of the Title enjoying a diverse range of dation, Katara, will organise the set by the Ministry of Public Show, said: “While the Title related fun activities at Katara AYENI OLUSEGUN system that simplifies all Katara International Arabian from February 2. THE PENINSULA customs transactions between Horse Festival from February The prize money for the the General Authority of 2 to 6, 2021. The highlight of the festival champions will be distributed The General Authority of Customs and all partners from “The event will feature a will be a Title Show of as follows: Yearling category - Customs (GAC) has announced government agencies and total prize money of QR13m and purebred Arabians. As one of QR250,000 for the winner, merging Al-Nadeeb accounts private entities. will be held for the first time at the world’s highest-ranked while QR150,000 and on social media with the GAC. It was set up to ease cooper- the Cultural Village Foundation, shows, only the finest horses QR100,000 will be awarded to The step was taken to unify ation between customs, the gov- Katara. The highlight of the fes- the second and third place the GAC media platforms as the ernment, and the private sectors. tival will be a Title Show of will be eligible to participate. respectively.” publications of Al-Nadeeb system It also aims to encourage purebred Arabians. As one of He said in the Junior cat- for electronic customs clearance the private sector to adhere to the world’s highest-ranked Dr. Khalid Bin Ibrahim Al egory (2-3 years) - QR800,000, will be continuously included in the laws and regulations to shows, only the finest horses Sulaiti, General Manager, Katara QR430,000, and QR250,000 the publications of the Authority support the national economy will be eligible to participate,” will be awarded for first, to ensure reliability and cut out and the smooth movement of Dr. Khalid Bin Ibrahim Al second, and third place. “The duplication in released content goods in and out of the country. Sulaiti, General Manager, winner of the Senior category through the two accounts, the The system seeks to stand- Katara, and Chairman of the (4 years and above) will get GAC said on its website. ardize customs procedures and Organising Committee, Katara QR1m while the second and The GAC noted that the speed up completing transac- International Arabian Horse third place winners will receive Public Relations Department tions with other entities related Festival said in a statement. QR600,000 and QR300,000, and the Operations Man- to the Customs Declaration. He said that the highly respectively. Special prizes have agement and Risk Analysis Hence, approvals are done anticipated event is attracting also been allotted. Department carried out the electronically through the international interest and global A Senior horse that wins the merger. It added that a monthly system, allowing importers to participation. “Al Kass Sports senior championship three plan was developed to dissem- conduct and follow up customs Channels will be the media times (3 editions of the show) inate information on the clearance transactions from partner of this prestigious fes- will earn the title of ‘Legend’; Authority’s media platforms. anywhere globally via the tival. All precautionary the horse will win QR3m on the Al-Nadeeb is an electronic Internet. `P2 measures are being put in place third win. `P2 02 HOME SUNDAY 10 JANUARY 2021

Ministry clarifies Al-Ula Declaration put an end to Gulf crisis: Ambassador over Internet QNA — BERLIN The declaration embodies the real outage in schools Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the political will by all sides to resolve — DOHA Federal Republic of Germany, H E Sheikh the crisis, which paves the way for THE PENINSULA Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Saud Al Thani, has said that the declaration the gradual return to pre-June 5, In response to what has been issued by Al-Ula summit put an end to 2017 relations. The State of Qatar circulated by the media the Gulf crisis, and was in line with the is committed to dialogue as the regarding the recent Internet vision of the State of Qatar to resolve only effective tool to solve any outage in some schools, the differences through dialogue and nego- problem. Ministry of Education and tiation, and lay the foundation stone for Higher Education has clarified a new future in the march of joint Gulf the situation to the students, and Arab action based on understanding, H E Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohammed parents and general public. mutual trust and joint action. bin Saud Al Thani The first outage occurred The Ambassador added, in an Ambassador of Qatar to Germany on January 3, 2021, in almost interview with COSMO Al-Saut Al-Arabi the majority of schools. As radio in Berlin and Brandenburg radio soon as the affected schools (RBB) that the declaration embodies the reported the service outage, real political will by all sides to resolve this channel, as it is a private the Ministry’s IT Department the crisis, which paves the way for the institution. worked on fixing the technical gradual return to pre-June 5, 2017 rela- The Ambassador hailed the Kuwaiti issues that caused the problem, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Federal Republic of Germany, H E Sheikh tions. He stressed that the State of Qatar mediation efforts made by the late Amir said the Ministry in a Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Saud Al Thani, during a radio interview in Berlin. is committed to dialogue as the only of the State of Kuwait H H Sheikh Sabah statement. The service was effective tool to solve any problem. Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah which were restored fully in all schools at In response to a question about the completed by the Amir of Kuwait H H strong Gulf relations with Washington example in ending the war in Afghan- 1pm. demand related to the closure of Al Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al at various levels make it an important istan and advancing intra-Afghan The second service outage Jazeera channel, he said that Al Jazeera Sabah, as well as the US support to put party in resolving the crisis. negotiations. happened in all schools on is a pioneering media institution that an end to this crisis. The interview also dealt with the Responding to a question about January 4, 2021, at 7:15am. As plays an exemplary role in covering On the existence of US interests to Qatari-German relations, where the Qatar’s preparations to host FIFA World soon as the service outage was events, not in making them, and in end the GCC crisis, he said that there is Ambassador affirmed that the strong Cup 2022, the Ambassador affirmed that reported, the IT Department ensuring the freedom to transmit infor- no doubt that the Gulf difference has relationship between the two countries Qatar has completed more than 90 checked the central computer mation and the opinion and the other impact on the security of the region, in is based on the values of friendship, percent of the infrastructure projects for room located at the Ministry opinion, adding that if any party has a addition to that its effects are reflected mutual respect and common interests, the event and is eagerly looking forward to inspect the devices used for problem with Al Jazeera, it is necessary in other files that affect international which has been translated into joint to welcoming fans from around the delivering the Internet to to solve it with the board of directors of security, adding that it is clear that the political initiatives, which helped for world. schools. The service devices were restarted using the backup devices. At 8am, 45 minutes after the outage was Dreama and QTerminals launch People without health card reported, the service was restored in all schools. urged to register with PHCC The Ministry affirmed that the IT Department is moni- ‘Right and Duty’ awareness drive FROM PAGE 1 Khail Health Centre, Al toring all devices closely and THE PENINSULA — DOHA According to Dr. Al Bayat, Thumama Health Centre and continuously to prevent any those registered with a health Muaither Health Centre. Even- further outage of service. The Orphan Care Center card and once eligible for the tually all health centres in the The Ministry also thanked (Dreama) has launched an COVID-19 vaccine will be con- country will have the vaccine. the school principals and awareness campaign under the tacted by the Primary Health At present in the first phase teachers who responded logo ‘Right and Duty’ with the Care Corporation (PHCC). of the COVID-19 vaccination instantly to this technical issue support of QTerminals. She also re-emphasised campaign, the target group by uploading videotaped The campaign aims to high- that the COVID-19 vaccine is includes people aged above 65 lessons and directing students light some of the challenges free and not mandatory but years (initially 70), frontline who receive distance learning facing orphan children, and encouraged everyone to get healthcare professionals and this week to benefit from the educating the society about vaccinated to protect the com- hospital workers, first explanations and videos their rights and the duty munity against the virus. responders, and people aged available on the Ministry’s towards them. A health card gives to 16 and above with severe and YouTube channel. Dreama seeks through this access services provided by the chronic diseases. one month campaign to reach government healthcare The members of the com- all segments of society in order facilities. munity who are eligible for the QR13m prize to educate them on the issues To obtain a health card, the vaccine will continue to be con- The new initiative seeks to promote social integration and orphan children experience in public can visit their nearest tacted through phone/SMS by empowerment of ‘Dreama’ children, and raising awareness of for Katara the society. Noor Al Mohannadi, heath centre or be able to the PHCC team to invite them Director of the Society social responsibility towards this important category of society. upload documents and register to attend an appointment at Int'l Arabian Awareness Office at Dreama, through PHCC’s new app called one of the ten designated health said that the Center seeks self-confidence.” campaigns with the public or Nar’aakom. centers. Horse Festival through this campaign to She added that Dreama through social media platforms, COVID-19 vaccines are PHCC has activated a ded- FROM PAGE 1 educate the society on the most appreciated the role of com- which we currently focus available at Qatar University icated hotline number 4027 prominent issues and chal- panies and individuals in sup- heavily on, taking into consid- Health Centre, Al Waab Health 7077 to enable to enable those A prize will also be lenges facing orphan children porting the most needy social eration COVID-19 pandemic. Centre, Al Khor Health Centre, 65 years and over to book, awarded to a horse that wins and their integration into groups, thus fulfilling its moral We also extend our sincere Al Wajba Health Centre, cancel or schedule pre-booked first place in all three cate- society, as the centre plays a obligation to implement social thanks to QTerminals for their Leabaib Health Centre, Al vaccination appointments. The gories; the winning horse will major role in providing family responsibility. support for the ‘Right and Duty’ Ruwais Health Centre, Umm dedicated line is currently get two million riyals on his fostering and continuous The local legislations issued campaign.” Slal Health Centre, Rawdat Al available from 7am to 11pm. final senior win. In addition, follow-up for orphan children. by the State and the special Abdul Hadi Fahad Al Hajri, this award will be named after She said that launching international covenants to Head of Support Services Sector the first horse achieving such Dreama’s campaign ‘Right and which the State is a party are at QTerminals Company, said: GAC unifies social media platforms a victory,” said Al Darwish. Duty’ comes from its deep belief concerned with all child rights “We are happy to support FROM PAGE 1 Ali Yousef Al Rumaihi, in the importance of integrating equally, such as the right to Dreama and ‘Right and Duty’ Deputy Manager of the Title the children of Dreama in education, the right to health campaign. We believe in In another development, the GAC has warned importers and Show, said: “We have received society as a social principle and and the right to life. The State Dreama Center’s mission and exporters to comply with the harmonised system code in the dec- a very good response to our out of the positive role played realises the importance of vision to serve orphan children laration of imported goods, it said on its website. call for participation. More by fostering families in caring for the young, and pro- and integrate them into The GAC noted such violations have often resulted in a seizure than 300 horses have regis- upbringing, stability and well- viding the appropriate condi- society.” report’s issuance following the customs law. tered. This includes partici- being of the fostered child. tions for the development of He added:” Within the The GAC stressed that clearance companies should follow pants from various countries Noor Al Mohannadi said: their talents in various fields framework of the company’s the laws in Article (49), which “permits the owner of the goods in the Gulf and Europe. Late “Through this campaign, and through sound education. society partnership, QTerminals or his representative to check their goods before submitting registration will be open until other similar activities, we seek Mohannadi emphasised will work with Dreama staff for the Customs Declaration and may take samples thereof, when January 14. This championship promoting social integration that this campaign contributes a whole month to achieve the necessary, after obtaining permission from the Director and will be the most prestigious and empowerment of Dreama to supporting charity to the goals of the campaign out of our under supervision of the Customs Administration. Such shows of its kind.” children, raising awareness of orphan, encouraging and sup- belief in the importance of sup- samples shall be subject to the prescribed customs taxes social responsibility towards porting them, and consolidating porting humanitarian work in duties’.” this important category of the principles of rights and general, and the children of The Article also states that “the unified guide for prior rulings MoPH: 206 new society, and working to equality within society. Dreama in particular. This for the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council was issued, enhance the society’s view of She said: “We are working expresses social solidarity in which allows importers and exporters to inquire before the arrival COVID-19 cases, the orphan child, besides continuously through public order to reach the principles of of the goods about the harmonized code for the imported goods, enhancing the centre’s efforts awareness campaigns in compassion and cooperation and this guide has now been activated through manual appli- 119 recoveries to ensure the stability of this spreading our awareness mes- for the interest of the benefi- cation and procedures are being taken to activate it group and enhance their sages, whether through direct ciary groups. automatically.” THE PENINSULA — DOHA

The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) yesterday announced Qatar Foundation instils values, identity through Arabic language the registration of 206 new confirmed cases of COVID-19. THE PENINSULA — DOHA Qatar Academy Doha (QAD). Teacher Othman Al Omar, Among them 57 were trav- “There is no value to a an Arabic language teacher at ellers returning from abroad. Language is a custodian of person without his language, QAD, said, “As teachers, our Another 119 people have identity, and our Arabic identity and he who cherishes his lan- interest in this language is recovered from the virus, cannot be preserved without guage will gain more respect reflected in our performance bringing the total number of our Arabic, according to a group from other cultures.” and means students interact recovered cases in Qatar to of Arabic language teachers at “By speaking a ‘Fusha’ with us in a better way, because 142,572. All new cases have Qatar Academy Doha, one of Arabic language in the when a student sees their been introduced to isolation the schools under the umbrella classroom, we constantly strive teacher say something and and are receiving necessary of Qatar Foundation’s Pre- to encourage students to speak apply it in front of them, it healthcare according to their University Education. Arabic ‘Fusha’. But students attracts the student and health status. The teachers also empha- often need someone to follow improves their interaction with The total number of pos- sised the importance of children them or communicate with the language. itive COVID-19 cases recorded growing up to love the Arabic them, and, as teachers, we must “Qatar Foundation carries in Qatar is 145,672 and there language, and to realise its role speak this language as much as the message that the Arabs are are 2,854 active cases under in promoting cultural and possible so that the student feels an integral part and an essential treatment. national belonging. when they hear it as smooth component of this national civ- While the first phase of “At Qatar Academy Doha, and easy.” ilization, and that our language COVID-19 vaccinations has Mahmoud Amer, head of Arabic language department at QAD we are keen to instil a love for Amer pointed to the role is our identity." Discover PUE started in Qatar and in the the Arabic language in the that schools in Qatar play in — a virtual event organised by coming months it will be hearts of our students by promoting the Arabic language, enhance the Arabic language, within the International Bacca- QF’s Pre-University Education available for the public for making them aware that it is by focusing on national pro- as it helps students to listen to laureate program, especially the — will this month provide an free, the Ministry has stressed one of the basic components of grams such as Islamic studies, the language permanently. importance that Qatar attaches opportunity for parents in Qatar it is important for everyone to our existence and identity,” said the Arabic language, and her- “Without listening, they to the Arabic language, and this to meet representatives of the play their role in controlling Mahmoud Amer, an Arabic lan- itage and history programs, cannot care for or develop gives Arabic language teachers 15 schools within QF’s edu- the virus by following precau- guage teacher for middle and saying: “The series of national themselves, or be proud of this a strong incentive to continue cation ecosystem. It will be held tionary measures including high school and head of the subjects included by Qatar language.” Amer says the Arabic to support and enhance the lan- from 10am to 6pm on wearing a face mask and Arabic language department at Foundation is designed to language element is essential guage among students. Wednesday. January 13. washing hands regularly. SUNDAY 10 JANUARY 2021 HOME 03 QCS, Aamal join hands in fight against cancer Ooredoo bags award at Plug THE PENINSULA — DOHA fighting it. QCS is well known in our society for its profes- The agreement will see & Play Winter Aamal Company Q.P.S.C. sional development programme Aamal provides financial (Aamal), one of Qatar’s leading and scientific research. We Summit 2020 diversified companies, and hope that this cooperation will support to QCS to help Qatar Cancer Society (QCS), a be the beginning of a productive support cancer treatment THE PENINSULA — DOHA charitable association that and sustainable relationship for for patients who cannot focuses on implementing all parties. Aamal is always keen afford it otherwise and Ooredoo has announced it has awareness and prevention to play an active part in society, see Aamal works with been honoured with an award programmes aimed at raising supporting our mission of at the Winter Summit of its awareness of cancer among the seeking a better society, QCS to prevent cancer, partner, Silicon Valley inno- community and healthcare investing in human capital, and develop early detection vation giant Plug & Play. employees, have signed a coop- developing scientific research processes, and support Ooredoo was named eration agreement. and innovative methods in all and empower those winner of the Corporate The agreement will see fields.” fighting cancer. Award in the Internet of Aamal provide financial support “At Aamal we appreciate the Things (IoT) category. More to QCS to help support cancer important role played by QCS than 30 other companies in treatment for patients who through awareness programs education of the community the Plug & Play ecosystem cannot afford it otherwise and that are transparent and have about cancer and empowers were considered for IoT see Aamal work with QCS to a clear value in increasing people to survive it. Aamal also awards, including household prevent cancer, develop early cancer awareness across the aims to ensure that all names like LG, Karcher, and detection processes, and entire community, especially important programs reach all Nintendo. support and empower those through the QCS educational groups of the community The Plug & Play Winter fighting cancer. centre which is the first of its through building its long-term Summit 2020 was a four-day Chairman of Aamal, Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani, and Chairman This agreement to raise kind in the region. We are also relationship with QCS. event held recently, cele- of QCS, Dr. Sheikh Khaled bin Jabor Al Thani, during the agreement cancer awareness in the com- very aware of the importance Dr. Sheikh Khaled bin Jabor brating the achievements of munity and support fighting it of partnerships between various Al Thani expressed his gratitude signing ceremony. more than 147 start-ups and as much as possible in order to sectors in our society in order to Aamal and to Sheikh Faisal corporate partners. Alongside mitigate its effects and prevent to prominently position Qatar Bin Qassim Al Thani for their Aamal and QCS comes from vision and mission to become Ooredoo were such other it was signed by Chairman of globally in the field of cancer efforts to benefit society, espe- their roles in serving society and the community’s partnerships’ major award winners as Pfizer Aamal, Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim prevention and mitigation, cially in supporting cancer that this effective partnership platform that leads Qatar and Star Alliance. Al Thani and Chairman of QCS strengthening the role of the patients, and his wish that all to achieve goals and unite forward in cancer prevention Ooredoo cemented a part- Dr. Sheikh Khaled bin Jabor Al private sector in supporting the institutions join hands to reduce efforts for the benefit of all and the mitigation of its effects, nership with the renowned Thani. Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim private sector’s social respon- the burden of this disease and members of society is con- through working with partners start-up accelerator and cor- Al Thani said, “It gives me great sibility and delivering its its high treatment costs, indi- sidered our top priority of our to raise community awareness, porate innovation platform at pleasure to witness this message based on the health cating that the partnership strategies and efforts towards support and empower patients, the beginning of 2019 and has agreement with the Qatar and safety of individuals.” between both parties will achieving Qatar Vision 2030. and enable professional devel- seen significant success with Cancer Society, such an Sheikh Faisal added. strengthen the concerted con- The QCS chairman con- opment and cancer research, several of its start-ups. important national institution He also affirmed Aamal’s tinuous efforts to combat sidered this cooperation to be with the objective that this Director PR at Ooredoo specialized in spreading willingness to continue this pro- cancer. Dr. Sheikh Khaled also an important base for a strong cooperation will continue in the Sabah Rabiah Al Kuwari, said: awareness of cancer, and a ductive relationship with QCS indicated that the joint cooper- future partnership that con- interest of the society and the “We’re delighted and hon- great support for those who are in a way that contributes to the ation agreement between tributes to achieving QCS’s nation. oured to receive this award from our valued partner, Plug & Play. We’re fully committed to innovation at Ooredoo as Qatari artist’s exhibition part of our corporate strategy. Working with such an industry leader as Plug & Play enables highlights Battle of Khafji us to explore innovation and develop new products and RAYNALD C RIVERA the city, aided by coalition air- services, both in Qatar and THE PENINSULA craft and US artillery. across Ooredoo’s global Al Khayarin, who finished footprint. Contemporary Qatari artist BFA in Painting and Print- “We look forward to Maetha Al Khayarin archives making from Virginia Common- remaining among the star and documents Qatar’s recent wealth University in Qatar, enterprises in the Plug & Play political history with particular creates artworks based on filed ecosystem, spending many focus on the historic Battle of information which she gathers more years in our mutually Khafji in a solo exhibition through extensive research. beneficial partnership.” currently on show at Sikkat For this project, the artist Wadi Msheireb. utilized different materials and The “1991 Battle of Al Khafji” media to present significant 185 referred to exhibition, according to the chapters in the country’s history artist, is a document of the con- in a creative and captivating prosecution for temporary history of Qatar, a way. research-based project, and a In one of the sections of the Some of the photographs showcased at “1991 Battle of Al Khafji” exhibition by Qatari artist Maetha not wearing mixed media installation pre- exhibition, the artist showcases Al Khayarin at Sikkat Wadi Msheireb. PIC: RAYNALD C RIVERA/THE PENINSULA sented in five parts. a series of images based on masks The Battle of Khafji was the found photographs on the first major ground engagement recent political history of Qatar to the major expansion of Qatari was aimed towards producing organized by AlHosh Art Gallery QNA — DOHA of the Gulf War which took and the GCC which were made Air Force in terms of combat visual and sound artifacts that with the support of Seashore place in and around Khafji city using a photographic printing aircraft and how it contributed further elucidate on the 1991 Qatar. The gallery was founded The designated authorities in Saudi Arabia from January process that produces cyan- aircraft to conduct strikes battle and recent conflicts. in 2008 to highlight Qatari and yesterday referred 185 people to 29 to February 1 in 1991, blue print. In producing the against Iraqi forces during the A massive mosaic of photos Middle Eastern artists through the Public Prosecution for not marking the end of the coali- images, she has particularly Gulf War. of memorable moments of the exhibitions and art projects. wearing masks in places where tion’s air campaign over Kuwait chosen to utilize chemicals used The exhibition also features Qatari forces taken during the The exhibition is open to the they are mandatory. The measure and Iraq. During the battle, to heal wounds. a unique installation comprising battle is another major public until January 15 at is in line with the Cabinet Saudi and Qatari forces Another section of the exhi- a poem, old chairs, and video attraction at the show. AlHosh Art Gallery at Sikkat decision, Decree Law No. 17 of attempted to retake control of bition displays photos related which according to the artist The exhibition has been Wadi Msheireb. 1990 on infectious diseases. Doha Festival City theme parks reopen tomorrow

THE PENINSULA — DOHA games. The next stage will begin on temperature exceeding 38 degrees January 11 and will consist of electronic Celsius will be denied entry to the site Doha Festival City has announced the games and trampolines. Starting from and wearing medical masks will be reopening of its theme parks from January 24, theme parks will be fully required as well. Visitors will have to January 11, following the government’s operating, including bouncers and maintain a safe distance of two meters announcement on the phased approach inflatable games. minimum. to reopening amusement parks and Leisure’s theme parks will open Other measures include theme other recreational activities in Qatar. from 1 pm to 10 pm from Sunday to parks employees will oversee social dis- After months of closure, theme Wednesday, from 2 pm to 12 am on tancing, supported by signs installed parks Angry Birds World, Virtuocity, Thursday and Friday, and from 11 am across the parks, and infrastructure of and Snow Dunes will welcome back vis- to 9 pm on Saturdays. theme parks will be continuously san- itors for an exceptional experience, All theme parks will adhere to the itized, and hand sanitizing stations will adhering to 50% capacity as per the most stringent safety measures to be installed throughout the parks’ areas. A specimen of 50 riyals issued by the Qatar and Dubai Monetary Council government guidelines. Doha Festival ensure visitors’ safety. All staff across Doha Festival City’s play and in 1966 during a colour experiment model will also go under the hammer. City theme parks are owned and the theme parks have received thorough edutainment centres, Caboodle and managed by 100% Qatari operator training and will conform to the fol- Spark Sense & Play, will also reopen Albahie to hold ‘Mal Lawal’ auction today Leisure, driven by operational excel- lowing protocols including, mandatory with several restrictions in place, fol- lence and committed to delivering Ehteraz app checks at the entrance to lowing the official safety guidelines. THE PENINSULA — DOHA Lot 68 consists of an antique excellent entertainment services. theme parks for all visitors except Play centres will be open during Doha Philips television with a wooden The reopening of theme parks will children, with only green code holders Festival City’s trading hours. Albahie Auction House will kick off cabinet from the ’60s. take place in three phases, starting from allowed to enter; temperature checks Caboodle play centre will reopen the new year by hosting the ‘Mal Lot 74 includes a board pictures January 4, which includes reopening will also be carried out at the entrance for workshops and organised activities Lawal’ auction today at 7:30pm at of the outstanding students in the outdoor playgrounds and kids’ outdoor to the parks, and any individual with only, while its play area will remain Katara Cultural Village. primary stage of Al-Gharafa Boys closed. To maximise children’s safety, All the lots included in the School for 1972–1973. Lot 79 has a Caboodle will also allow only 15 auction are currently available for brass medal of Sheikh Khalifa bin children and adults per hour to be the preview exhibition at the Hamad issued on the occasion of present on its premises. After each hour, auction house’s permanent exhi- the opening of the National Museum all will be required to leave the area bition space, Katara Cultural of Qatar in 1975 and Lot 101 has the that will then be sanitised by the centre. Village, Building 22C. driving license issued by the gov- Two children will be allowed to use one The auction will consist of 122 ernment of Qatar in 1965. activity table for one hour only. The staff lots from the grace of old Qatari AlBahie has called on those and children above the age of ten will days, a fine collection chosen to interested in bidding from the sale be required to wear masks at all times. remind people of a great time. to register for the auction on the Spark Sense & Play is also opening Some of the lots with a col- website www.albahie.com, by its doors partially on January 11, with lection of timeless pieces include e-mail through [email protected] extra safety measures in place. In Lot 11, a specimen of 50 riyals or by phone (+974 4408 0534). addition to following all the government issued by the Qatar and Dubai Mon- Representatives are available guidelines for recreational activities, etary Council in 1966 during a to provide additional information the centre will request children and colour experiment model, not and help guide anyone unfamiliar companions to take their shoes off and exported in this colour. Considered with the auction and bidding stay in socks before entering the area. as one of the rarities, lot 46 includes process. A 10-minutes gap will be left between a luxurious necklace made of gold Bidding can be done four ways, each session for cleaning and sterili- and pearl. It is a set of three pieces; including in-person during the zation, and the centre’s division into a necklace, earrings, and a ring with auction, online via the website, by four separate spaces will further enforce a total weight of 60.5 grammes of telephone, or by leaving an All theme parks will adhere to stringent health safety measures. social distancing protocol. gold. absentee (or maximum) bid. 04 HOME SUNDAY 10 JANUARY 2021

MoQ delivers new Around 25% of spinal cord injuries due cars to winners of Pick & Choose’ to poor care, says QRI Medical Director festival

THE PENINSULA – DOHA THE PENINSULA – DOHA QRI is promoting the Staff at Qatar Rehabilitation importance of an active Mall of Qatar management Institute (QRI) are promoting the handed a new batch of cars to importance of an active lifestyle lifestyle among members the winners of the “Pick and among members of the public of the public and patients Choose” shopping festival, and patients who are recovering who are recovering from including the first grand prize from spinal cord injuries through spinal cord injuries. car. Shoppers still have the its’ back on track’ initiative. opportunity to win one of the The initiative highlights the last two cars this week, as the significance of physical activity, Pick and Choose festival will good posture, proper body orthostatic specialists, and die- conclude on January 14, with mechanics, and healthy working titians, and other specialists the final raffle draw on the last conditions for a healthy spine. Dr. Hanadi Al Hamad including a social worker, case two cars. 18 raffle have been The ‘back on track’ initiative manager, and rehab coordi- done so far. Staff at QRI are promoting the importance of an active lifestyle was launched to support Qatar Rehabilitation Institute, nator, help patient to get back Several winners in among the public. patients who have suffered a Dr. Hanadi Al Hamad. on track,” said Dr. Villan. December received their cars, spinal cord injury and initiated Dr. Al Hamad, who is also Dr. Villan adds that staff at including Marlon Quines, who with the opening of Hamad Qatar’s National Health Strategy his or her entire support network,” member of society,” notes Dr. Al QRI are always encouraging won BME X2, Khalid Al Emadi Medical Corporation’s (HMC) lead for Healthy Ageing and said Dr. Al Hamad. Hamad. patients to ensure safety won Mini Cooper, and Dr. Abu- QRI in 2017. Every month, Medical Director of Rumailah Dr. Al Hamad explains that QRI’s spinal cord injury remains at the forefront of their baker Alaib, who won the first between five and eight new Hospital, says spinal cord rehabilitation aims to increase multidisciplinary team lead, Dr. mind and the importance of grand prize BMW 840i Gran patients, comprising both males injuries are one of the top five a patient’s functional autonomy, Sarafudheen Villan, said QRI’s remaining active. Coupe M Sport on the Mall of and females over the age of 14, medical diagnoses requiring maximize participation in their comprehensive patient-centric “At QRI, we treat traumatic Qatar anniversary. are enrolled in the programme. admission to QRI. social setting, and minimize the rehabilitation program aims to and non-traumatic spinal cord Mall of Qatar General QRI receives patients referred “Around 25 percent of these pain and distress they and their improve patients’ physical, func- injuries. We advise patients to Manager Emile Sarkis congratu- from inpatient and outpatient cases are non-traumatic and occur caregivers may experience. tional, and psychological capa- follow the prescribed safety lated the winners, commenting, departments across HMC. as a result of poor spine care. Spinal “Among our patients, we bilities after sustaining an often- measures, remain active, do “Mall of Qatar is pleased to con- “The ‘back on track’ cord injury and the resultant promote restoration of the loss disabling spinal cord injury. regular exercises, avoid sitting tinue handing the winners of program aims to promote an paralysis has devastating physical, of physiological or psychological “A comprehensive rehabil- for long periods, to stand and “Pick and Choose” festival their active lifestyle and encourages mental, social, and vocational con- function, and our rehab team itation team comprising of walk every 30 to 45 minutes, to luxurious cars. We congratulate everyone, not only our patients, sequences on the injured person. ensures their community reinte- physiotherapists, occupational avoid lifting heavy objects by all the winners in the weekly to get back on track while Besides, spinal cord injury gration through a tailored therapists, rehabilitation nurses, themselves, and to use proper draws and the grand prize as well. focusing on effective spine increases the economic burden on program that supports each speech therapists, rehabilitation lifting techniques,” said Dr. The chance is still there to win the care,” said Medical Director of the affected person and potentially patient in becoming a productive physicians, prosthetic and Villan. last two cars in the concluding raffle draw on January 14. This is a good beginning of the new year, and we will stay committed to Alfardan Properties renews Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha opens introducing new initiatives that add tremendous value to our ISO 9001:2015 certification THE PENINSULA – DOHA community.” Giving more customers a Hyatt Hotels Corporation has chance to win, Mall of Qatar THE PENINSULA – DOHA commitment to our customers and announced the opening of Hyatt added ten weekly prizes that stakeholders to offer industry- Regency Oryx Doha, introducing allow participants to win Mall of Alfardan Properties has leading real estate products and the Hyatt Regency brand to Qatar Gift Card worth QR5,000, announced the renewal of ISO property management services Qatar. The 400-room hotel QR3,000, and QR1,000. The 9001:2015 certification of its that are benchmarked against best further expanded Hyatt’s brand draw of those prizes will take Quality Management System practices and global standards of presence in the Middle East. place every week immediately (QMS) following a successful excellence," Sleiman added. Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha after the car draw. audit by Lloyd's Register Quality He said that the Alfardan has become the third Hyatt The winners expressed their Assurance. The recertification Properties Quality Management branded hotel in Doha, joining happiness and thanks to the Mall affirmed its commitment to System's recertification is a culmi- Park Hyatt Doha and Grand of Qatar for the initiative. developing luxurious properties nation of the combined efforts of Hyatt Doha Hotel & Villas. This Dr. Alaib, the winner of that provide quality leasing and all its employees and the quality addition further enhances Doha’s Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha. BMW 840i Gran Coupe M Sport property management services. team who strictly follow its global standing in hospitality and and the regular customer of The ISO 9001:2015 is an framework within the scope of all is slated to offer the Qatari cit- Mall of Qatar, said: “It was my international standard that business processes and izens an upscale experience. stress-free sanctuary that restaurants include Choices res- children’s choice, and indeed focuses on several quality man- operations. “We are thrilled to enhances productivity and peace taurant offering the best of inter- a good one. They picked this agement principles, including a "As we look to the future, we announce the opening of the of mind as Hyatt Regency Oryx national flavours and a lavish car and the date of the draw. risk-based process approach aim to continuously seek new first Hyatt Regency hotel in Doha offers 400 modern and breakfast as well as lunch and Thank God I won this amazing towards aligning the quality of ways to enhance our operations Qatar and to bring the brand’s contemporary guestrooms, dinner assortments daily; The car only using one coupon. products and services with its in light of the ever-evolving signature intuitive service to the including two accessible rooms, Cellar offering delicious Spanish Special thanks and gratitude business strategy, a strong focus needs of our customers and the modern city of Doha. With an 63 Regency Club rooms, and 12 cuisine; Al Nafourah Garden, an to the Mall of Qatar for this on continuous improvement, changing dynamics in the exemplary setting for meetings suites. Each room boasts high- outdoor dining outlet offering great festival. It was a big sur- and customer satisfaction. regional market. We look and high tech room facilities, tech facilities, complimentary Middle Eastern and Lebanese prise for my family and me.” Commenting on successfully forward to accelerating our business travelers can stay con- Wi-Fi access, and an in-room cuisine; Splash – a casual al Quines, the winner of BMW renewing the certification, efforts to innovate and set new nected and energized at Hyatt workstation with a large working fresco affair; Jazz Club– a central X2 20i, said: “It was such a nice Mohamed Sleiman, Chief Oper- standards of excellence within Regency Oryx Doha. Leisure desk and an ergonomic chair. gathering place for the city’s surprise which will change my ating Officer of Alfardan Prop- the marketplace that in turn will guests can easily discover the The Club Olympus Spa & music lovers to relax and plans. This is the first time I win erties, said: "We are extremely further strengthen our repu- city’s cultural attractions and Fitness center offers guests a unwind; and the Sky Lounge a prize in my life, and it is indeed pleased with the renewal of the tation as the property market thriving food scene,” said Julien wide range of amenities, offering mesmerising ambience a very precious one. I want to ISO 9001:2015 certification, leader in Qatar," said Sleiman. Gonzalvez, General Manager, including a temperature-con- in the sky-lit lobby atrium to extend special thanks and which stands as a testament to The certification is in line with Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha. trolled outdoor swimming pool, enjoy tantalising bites, beverages, appreciation to the Mall of Qatar quality excellence and inno- Alfardan Properties' strategy of Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha a jacuzzi, separate massage and innovative desserts. for organizing such an out- vation and is at the core of our encouraging a team-oriented has been designed to connect rooms as well as steam and Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha standing shopping festival. It is, operations." approach on all business proc- travelers to who and what sauna rooms. For the official will become the seventh Hyatt of course, will stay our mall of "This achievement comes as esses, focusing on the best interest matters the most. The hotel is and social gatherings, Hyatt Regency branded hotel in the choice and our favorite a reaffirmation of our of tenants, stakeholders, staff, con- conveniently located close to Regency Oryx Doha offers more Middle East. This includes Hyatt destination”. tractors, and management. Hamad International Airport. It than 1,140 sqm of flexible Regency Al Kout Mall in Kuwait’s The current ‘Pick and Choose” In highlighting its success, is just a few minutes away from meeting and event space, ideal largest waterfront retail district festival is the biggest shop and win the company acknowledged the Doha’s business district. Many of for personalised, seamless and the picturesque Hyatt festival in Qatar, allowing cus- leadership's role, continual the city’s unique attractions close gatherings. With its 11 meeting Regency Aqaba Ayla Resort tomers to win twenty fascinating improvement of procedures, and to the hotel include the National rooms and two ballrooms, the nestled amid towering moun- cars during the festival months. regular feedback from all stake- Museum of Qatar and Doha Golf hotel is an ideal venue for tains in Jordan. It offers customers more flexible holders in the QMS that have Club. Travelers coming to Doha, meetings, creative events, or World of Hyatt offers options to choose their favorite contributed to service be it for business or leisure pur- weddings. members the opportunity to earn car and the weekly draw date improvement initiatives and poses, can indulge in the heritage For the experiential diners, 500 bonus points for qualifying until the end of the campaign on numerous product innovations. sights and sounds of the blissful Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha seam- nights at Hyatt Regency Oryx January 14, 2021. This allows Alfardan Properties city as the hotel promises much lessly blends into the vibrancy Doha from January 1 to March 31, The weekly raffle draw will to benchmark their properties more to its guests. and diversity of the city’s culinary 2021, part of World of Hyatt’s occur every Thursday at the against customer satisfaction. Guests are welcomed into a experiences. These multi-cuisine new hotel member offer. Oasis stage. CCCBA successfully applied to CCQ English Language Centre

THE PENINSULA – DOHA health rules of applying the social On-Campus Computer-Based mobiles to scan a barcode created computer-based final exams, distance regulations, a new Assessment a success within the for attendance purposes,” Alka- Prof. Anderson emphasized that Education has witnessed a strategy in assessing students’ COVID-19 state health boody said. such a large-scale computer substantial change due to COVID achievement online was imple- regulations. “This system made it easier assessment was a significant risk. 19 Pandemic. The Community mented called the On-Campus To compromise between the to know the exact time the Still, collaboration and cooper- College of Qatar immediately Comprehensive Computer-Based great number of female and male student was on campus, which ation resulted in a group responded to the unanticipated Assessment, (CCCBA). students (400 Term 1, 596 Term would have helped in contact achievement worthy of pride. health circumstances by shifting To understand the project, Dr. 2), the few computer sets (48 tracing in case one of the students Discussing the department’s from face-to-face classroom Sabah Salman Sabbah, Ph.D. computer sets), and the obligation tested positive with COVID 19 challenges in conducting CCCBA, learning to online learning. This Assistant Professor English Lan- of keeping social distance among afterward,” Alkaboody added. Alkaboody asserted that the shift was a great success as it was guage Center at CCQ interviewed students, the CCCBA plan was Meanwhile, Prof. Anderson primary concern in the planning preceded by a five-day intensive the ELC Chairperson, Masroor taken to increase the number of emphasised that CCCBA had been stage was ensuring that the stu- teacher-training programme on Hassan, and the academic coor- exam sessions and limit the a continuous process. He noted dents had a safe environment and online learning educational dinators, Kevin Anderson and Masroor Hassan, ELC Chairperson number of students in each com- that the process included “many everyone adheres to the social applications, platforms, and Mastoor Alkaboody. at CCQ. puter lab. Each lab accommo- ad-hoc decisions as we were distancing rules. resources. From an administrative point dated 12 students. Thus, the exam dealing with a novel situation. However, coordinators the The English Language Center of view, Hassan said, “There was day started at 8:00 am and ended We had no choice but to give most critical challenge was IT – ELC, as an integral department great support from CCQ Pres- 2, 3, and 4 students. at 9:00 pm. some final test on Blackboard.” issues. To prevent technical at the Community College of ident, Dr. Mohammed Al Naimi, The ELC Chairperson dis- “The crucial goal of CCCBA According to Prof. Anderson, problems during the exams, the Qatar, has benefited from all and CCQ Vice President, Dr. closed that the strong belief in our was to adhere to high educational the starting point was to create IT staff created a new Windows these online training pro- Khalid Al Abdulqader, to students’ abilities, the technical standards while applying the pools of different types of ques- profile that had only Chrome and grammes. To trigger the online implement the on-campus digital support and the logistic facilities government’s COVID-19 health tions for all language skills and Notepad pinned to the taskbar so students’ academic integrity, exams project suggested by the provided by the college’s IT regulations by keeping the stu- all levels. These pools were used that students would not get con- which is an inevitable conse- ELC managers. The ELC pro- department, the college’s security dents safe and socially-distanced. to prepare all levels of final fused with many files or folders. quence of this system, and to ceeded with the project despite and services staff have greatly For the first time in our depart- exams. Describing the process of Besides, an IT staff was available adhere to the government’s the great number of ELC Level 1, helped in making the ment’s history, students use their conducting the on-campus for support during the exams. SUNDAY 10 JANUARY 2021 MIDDLE EAST 05

Iraq calls US Iran, Cuba sign blacklisting of militia leader agreement for 'unacceptable' collaboration REUTERS — BAGHDAD Iraq denounced yesterday as “unacceptable” a US decision on vaccine to blacklist the leader of a state umbrella group for mainly Iran-backed Shia militia. Cuba’s Finlay Vaccine Institute said it has Washington imposed signed an accord with Iran’s Pasteur Institute sanctions on Friday on Faleh Al Fayyad, head of Iraq’s to collaborate on testing of Soberana 2. “This Popular Mobilisation Forces synergy will enable both countries to advance (PMF). The US Treasury accused more rapidly in the immunization against him of leading militia that the SARS-CoV-2 virus,” it said on its Twitter killed hundreds of protesters account. with live ammunition during a crackdown on anti-gov- ernment demonstrations in REUTERS — HAVANA has signed an accord with 2019. It said he had coordi- Iran’s Pasteur Institute to col- nated with Iran’s Revolu- Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei giving a televised speech, in Tehran on Friday. Communist-run Cuba said late laborate on testing of Soberana tionary Guards. on Friday it had signed an 2. “We confirm that the accord with Iran to transfer the “This synergy will enable decision was an unacceptable technology for its most both countries to advance more Khamenei tells West to put surprise,” the Iraqi Foreign advanced coronavirus vaccine rapidly in the immunization Ministry said in a statement, candidate and carry out last- against the SARS-CoV-2 virus,” adding that “it will carefully stage clinical trials in humans it said on its Twitter account. follow up with the current and of the shot in the Islamic Cuba says several countries an end to vicious sanctions the new administration in Republic. have expressed interest in its Washington on all decisions The allies are both under coronavirus vaccines but this AGENCIES — TEHRAN ours as well,” Khamenei media outlets. issued by the US Treasury fierce US sanctions that exempt is the first such accord it has declared. Iran said on Monday it had Department against Iraqis.” medicine yet often put foreign reached. The Iranian Supreme Leader Meanwhile, an Iranian law- resumed 20 percnet uranium Iraq is a close military ally pharmaceutical companies off Health Ministry spokesman Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in maker said yesterday that Tehran enrichment at an underground of both the United States and trading with them and as such Kianush Jahanpur was cited by a televised speech that the West will expel United Nations nuclear nuclear facility, breaching the Iran, which have battled for they seek to be self-reliant. Iranian media as saying 50,000 has a duty to immediately stop watchdog inspectors unless sanc- nuclear pact with major powers influence there since a US-led Both are also strapped for cash. volunteers would be recruited the sanctions against Iran, and tions are lifted by a February 21 and possibly complicating invasion in 2003 toppled dic- Iran launched human trials to carry out the Phase III Iran will resume its commit- deadline set by the hardline-dom- efforts by US President-elect tator Saddam Hussein. of its first domestic COVID-19 clinical trials. Technology ments if its counterparts fulfil inated parliament. Joe Biden to rejoin the deal. Both countries supplied vaccine candidate late last transfer and joint production theirs. Parliament passed a law in Talking about Iran’s regional military support to Baghdad month, while Cuba has four were preconditions for “The western front must put November that obliges the gov- presence, Khamenei said Iran to fight against Islamic State candidates currently in human allowing human testing in the an end to this vicious sanctions ernment to halt inspections of has the duty to act in such a way forces from 2014-2017. The trials. country, he said. against the Iranian people, and its nuclear sites by the Interna- that its allies will be United States still has thou- Once its most advanced Iran Foreign Minister Javad they must do it immediately. It tional Atomic Energy Agency strengthened, noting that Iran sands of troops in Iraq, while candidate, Soberana (Sov- Zarif said he was “impressed” is their duty to lift all sanctions,” and to step up uranium will not change its foreign policy. Iran still supports the PMF. ereign) 2, has completed Phase by the biotech achievements of Khamenei said on Friday, enrichment beyond the limit set He pointed in his speech to The United States killed II trials which started on its old ally Cuba in the fight Xinhua news agency reported. under Tehran’s 2015 nuclear the United States as a destabil- Fayyad’s predecessor as PMF December 22, it will be tested against COVID-19 during a visit He also called on officials to deal if sanctions are not eased. ising force in “Iran, Iraq, Syria, leader, Abu Mahdi Al in human trials in around to Havana on a Latin American make plans for Iran’s economy “According to the law, if the Lebanon, and other countries Muhandis, a year ago in a 150,000 people in Havana, offi- tour last November. based on the assumption that Americans do not lift financial, in the region” in its pursuit of drone strike at Baghdad cials have said. In addition to developing its the sanctions will not be lifted, banking and oil sanctions by the “domination” of West Asia. airport, along with Qassem Yet the Caribbean country own vaccine, Iran is partici- relying on internal capacities Febrary 21, we will definitely Iran’s top leader recalled Soleimani, the top Iranian will need to conduct more pating in the COVAX scheme and implementing resistance expel the IAEA inspectors from the western support for elec- general leading operations human trials abroad too given which aims to secure fair economy policies. the country and will definitely toral protests in Iran in 2009, among Tehran’s allies in the it does not have a high infection access to COVID-19 vaccines Later in the speech, Iran’s end the voluntary implemen- and said Washington was then region. rate due to its successful man- for poorer countries. Yet its top leader said Iran “is not in a tation of the Additional Pro- seeking to “create insecurity The PMF congratulated agement of its outbreak, they Supreme Leader on Friday hurry” for the US to reintegrate tocol,” said parliamentarian and civil war” in Iran without Fayyad for his blacklisting in said. Iran, meanwhile, has been banned the government from the 2015 nuclear deal, but it has Ahmad Amirabadi Farahani. success, and now, the US is suf- a statement late on Friday, the worst-hit country in the importing COVID-19 vaccines the “reasonable demand” that The comments, referring to fering a similar fate in its own saying that he had joined “the Middle East. from the United States and the sanctions are lifted. “If they texts governing the IAEA’s territory, referring to the inci- honourable ones whom the US Cuba’s Finlay Vaccine Britain, labelling the Western come back to their commit- mission and activities, were dents in the US Capitol on administration regards as Institute said late on Friday it powers “untrustworthy.” ments, we will come back to carried by several Iranian Wednesday. enemies”. Palestine leaders flay mosque Lebanon: ICU doctors fear unfolding COVID-19 surge AL JAZEERA — BEIRUT Though numbers vary, ICU better, but often after someone I’m afraid of what’s to come, but spike in cases and the govern- closure by Israel capacity across the country is dies. I’m honestly at the point now ment’s decision to significantly “I’m very anxious about what reportedly about 550 beds. Last March, during a huge where I just say, ‘whatever ease a nighttime curfew over in Hebron we’ll see in the next few weeks,” Five-hundred and twenty five, COVID-19 outbreak in Italy’s happens, happens’.” Health Christmas and New Year – a 33-year-old intensive care or more than 90 percent, were Lombardy region, healthcare minister Hamad Hasan could allowing hundreds to con- IANS — RAMALLAH doctor, on a short break from a full as of Friday, according to workers had to make the dif- not be reached for comment, gregate indoors for concerts 24-hour shift at a Beirut hospi- the health ministry. ficult decision not to treat nor could an adviser. and other events. Palestinian authorities have tal’s intensive care unit (ICU), This means COVID-19 patients older than 75 or 80, The ministry has asked At least two singers who condemned Israel’s decision said. patients whose lives are in instead opting to provide care private hospitals to increase held jam-packed New Years to close the ancient Ibrahimi The doctor, who spoke on immediate danger have had to to younger patients with a their COVID-19-ready bed Eve events have since Mosque site in the southern condition of anonymity due to remain in the emergency better chance of survival. capacity, and hospitals say they announced they tested West Bank city of Hebron for the sensitivity of the matter, department rather than being It is something like that have complied to the furthest positive. 10 days. said ICUs at two hospitals he transferred to the ICU. dreaded “Italian scenario” that extent possible given the effects “This was a decision tied to Mahmoud Al Habbash, an worked at between Beirut and “They are not being pro- health workers fear on the of the country’s unprecedented business interests,” Assem Araji, advisor to Palestinian Pres- Lebanon’s eastern Bekaa Valley vided optimal care,” the doctor front-line of Lebanon’s fight economic crisis. the head of Lebanon’s parlia- ident Mahmoud Abbas on reli- had become full over the past said. “The emergency rooms are with the virus. “Even if hospitals increase mentary health committee said, gious affairs and Islamic rela- week. overcrowded and overwhelmed “I think we are going to their bed capacity, they cannot decrying the shortsightedness tions, said in a statement on Across the country, the and are not able to accept more have to make decisions like in keep up with the sharp rise in of the decision. Friday that Israel’s closure of number of new cases has spiked patients. We’re not yet at the Italy, if not next week or the COVID-19 numbers,” warned Araji’s committee has also the mosque is a “war crime”, after officials significantly stage where we have to make week after, then in a month. Firas Abiad, the head of Leba- criticised the new lockdown for reports Xinhua news agency. relaxed restrictions on going out those hard choices of triaging That means the number of non’s main virus-fighting hos- exceptions that allow flower “Banning Muslim wor- during the holiday season. patients [deciding who gets care deaths will increase,” a second, pital, in a tweet. shops, factories and other non- shipers’ access to pray at the Records have been smashed based on their chances of sur- 35-year-old ICU doctor said, “A tougher approach is now essential businesses to remain mosque could fuel the senti- each day for the past four days, vival], but it’s becoming also speaking on condition of required. If we wait for hospital open. ments of Muslims around the jumping from 3,620 new cases difficult.” anonymity. beds to be full, it will be too late. “They might as well have world,” Al Habbash said, on Tuesday to 5,440 on Friday The survival prospects of “The healthcare system is Judging by the noticeable laxity made a list of what is not adding that it is an interference — the day after a new 25-day many depend on whether an weak, officials are useless and on the street, things are not excepted, practically everything into the powers of Al Waqf lockdown with a night-time ICU bed becomes free – some- many people don’t seem to care. going well.”Many in Lebanon other than clothing shops is department. curfew was imposed. times by someone getting The situation is miserable and draw a direct line between the open,” he said. The Ministry of the Pales- tinian Al Waqf is in charge of the holy sites, mainly mosques in the Palestinian territories. Palestinians hurt in clashes Israeli media had earlier reported that the authorities with occupation forces in Jewish state has decided to close the mosque for 10 days QNA — RAMALLAH while other protesters suffocated as part of the precautionary from gas inhalation. measures to combat the An elderly and a paramedic were The elderly was moved to a COVID-19 spread in Hebron. injured yesterday when Israeli nearby hospital for medical Director of Ibrahimi occupation forces assaulted treatment. Mosque Hefzi Abu Sneineh hundreds of protesters taking Foad Omour, a local anti- said: “Israel’s pretext was part in nonviolent popular settlements activist, told Pales- baseless since all worshipers resistance events in the area of tinian Wafa news agency that the and visitors have been fol- Masafer Yatta, south of Hebron, Israeli occupation authorities lowing up the health and and in the village of Kafr have doubled their attacks on safety protocols of wearing Qaddum, near Qalqilia. Palestinian civilians in the area face masks and social dis- In Msafer Yatta, Israeli occu- and their property in an effort to tancing.” The Ibrahimi Mosque pation soldiers attacked hun- push them out of the area in site also known as the Cave of dreds of activists taking part in favor of the Israeli colonial set- the Patriarchs is a series of a protest against the daily Israeli tlement project. caves, which according to the army and settler-related attacks Meanwhile, Israeli soldiers Abrahamic religions, were on defenseless Palestinian com- attacked the weekly protest purchased by Abraham as a munities in Msafer Yatta, and against Israeli settlements in the burial plot. against the Israeli ethnic village of Kafr Qaddum, near A large rectangular cleansing of the area’s Pales- Qalqilia, injuring two Pales- enclosure over the cave was tinian population. tinians, including a paramedic. converted into the Ibrahimi Palestinian demonstrators cross the gate of a fence, part of the Israeli barrier, during a protest against An elderly was injured after The two were treated at the Mosque in the 12th century. Israeli settlements, in Kafr Thulth in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, yesterday. being run over by Israeli soldiers, scene. 06 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA SUNDAY 10 JANUARY 2021 Libyan minister hopes for support from Biden AP — TUNIS Libya's interior elements that have infiltrated Libya.” The powerful interior minister minister credited The Trump administration’s of Libya’s UN-backed US efforts in helping position on Libya has at times government, seen as a been confusing. The US State contender for the post of prime defeat Islamic State Department condemned minister, has expressed hopes militants in the Hifter’s push on Tripoli, but that bringing stability to his coastal city of Sirte then Trump also made a phone war-torn country would call to Haftar, praising him on become a top priority for the in 2016. He hoped the fighting terrorism. The admin- incoming Biden administration. US would back the istration later repeatedly spoke He also announced an out against the Russian merce- upcoming major offensive by upcoming operation naries employed by Haftar, who his Turkey-backed Libyan gov- in the west. “We is also backed by Egypt and the ernment forces in the country’s United Arab Emirates. west to go after militants and hope the US will Since becoming interior human smugglers, and invited assist us... to finish minister in 2018, Bashagha has the United States to assist. positioned himself as one of the “Our hopes were greatly off terrorist elements most powerful figures in Ethiopians, who fled the fighting in Tigray region, carry their belongings after crossing the Setit River lifted” by Joe Biden’s election that have infiltrated western Libya. He cultivated on the Sudan-Ethiopia border, in the eastern Kassala state, Sudan, in this file picture. victory, Fathi Bashaghasid Libya.” ties with Turkey, France and the earlier this week. “We hope that US, but also with Egypt and the new administration has a Russia — his nominal rivals in Many hospitals in conflict-hit major role in Libya’s stability the conflict. Last month in and reconciliation.” withdrawal of foreign forces Tripoli, he hosted a foreign Bashagha, a former air force would be gradual. The rival east- ministry and senior intelligence Tigray struck by artillery: Report pilot and businessman, said he based authorities have been bol- delegation from Egypt. would be ready to take on the stered by Russian mercenaries. But his ministry has also role of prime minister in a yet- Meanwhile, Turkey sent its own struggled to control the AP — NAIROBI said it did not have confir- affected communities had have to-be-formed unity gov- troops, Syrian mercenaries and patchwork of militias that hold mation of such details. either been looted, burned, or ernment that could follow drones to shore up the Tripoli- sway in Tripoli and western Many of the hospitals in Ethio- Tigray leaders dominated damaged,” the assessment says, peace negotiations between based government. Both Russia Libya. Bashagha said he plans pia’s conflict-hit Tigray region, Ethiopia’s government for adding that a locust outbreak Libya’s warring sides. and Turkey are eyeing contracts to tackle the problem by iden- outside its capital, have been nearly three decades before has worsened the situation. Oil-rich Libya was plunged worth billions of dollars. The tifying militias that should be struck by artillery during the Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed “Living conditions for both into chaos after a 2011 Nato- interior minister said he told disarmed and those that could two months of fighting, came to power and sidelined recently displaced people and backed uprising toppled and Russia that Libya is prepared to be assimilated into the security according to the first humani- them amid sweeping reforms host communities remain very killed longtime dictator talk business if the mercenaries apparatus. But he said he has tarian assessment of the devas- that won him the 2019 Nobel critical.” Muammar Gaddafi and split the leave. faced problems in imple- tation as aid begins to arrive Peace Prize. It adds: “As a result of the country between the UN-sup- Bashagha also credited US menting the plan, alleging that with desperately needed Abiy has rejected interna- conflict, many houses, shops, ported government in the efforts in helping defeat Islamic some militias are allied with supplies. tional “interference” in the con- and private stores were burned capital, Tripoli, and rival State militants in the coastal other Tripoli officials and The scale of the damage has flict, which continues outside or damaged.” Schools, health authorities based in the east. city of Sirte in 2016. In 2019, the control some institutions, such been largely unknown while the Tigray capital, Mekele, and centres, shops and other Each side is backed by an array US said its airstrikes in southern as the intelligence apparatus. Ethiopian forces pursue and in other areas. buildings were looted. of local militias as well as Libya killed dozens of members Libya has been plagued by clash with those of the now- The full humanitarian An even grimmer picture regional and foreign powers. of the local IS affiliate. Bashagha corruption under Gadhafi and fugitive Tigray regional leaders, assessment was prepared by a expected from an assessment Since last year, the two sides says cooperation with the US is in the tumultuous years that with the involvement of troops joint mission of Ethiopia’s gov- based on a visit to western have been holding UN-led talks ongoing. have followed his ouster. “The from neighbouring Eritrea. ernment, UN agencies and aid Tigray, where some of the to name an interim government But he warned that problem is that some of the Transportation and com- groups that visited the Mekele fighting first erupted in early before elections later in 2021, extremists regained a foothold parts, institutions of the state munications links were and communities in southern November. but have so far failed to agree during an attempt by east-based provide support to these severed. More than 50,000 Tigray in late December after The European Union’s on a voting mechanism to do so. Libyan commander Khalifa militias,” Bashagha said. people have fled to Sudan, weeks of pleading by the UN foreign policy chief, Josep Bashagha’s name was floated as Haftar to capture Tripoli. The UN-backed gov- some telling The Associated and others for access. Borrell, said Saturday that he a candidate for premier, Haftar’s forces have also tar- ernment remains heavily Press of mass abductions, Food, medical supplies and had spoken with Ethiopia’s observers of the talks say. geted IS militants in their strong- dependent on the militias to torture and killings along ethnic other basics have run alarm- deputy prime minister, Demeke In October, the warring holds and last year said they battle its eastern rivals. But the lines. ingly low across the region. Mekonnen, “and conveyed the sides agreed to a cease-fire, killed the top IS figure in Libya. militias are not easily controlled The United Nations and The assessment cites EU’s alarm over the situation in which raised expectations of a Bashagha said he hoped the and though they, with Turkish rights groups have long regional authorities as saying Tigray. peaceful resolution, and said US would back the upcoming support, beat back Hifter’s emphasized that intentional more than 4.5 million people, Full and unrestricted that foreign fighters would operation in the west. Turkey year-long offensive on Tripoli, attacks on hospitals are war more than two-thirds of the humanitarian access must be leave Libya. has already pledged support, he some have also been respon- crimes. The assessment does population, need humanitarian granted. This is not an EU Bashagha, who spoke over said. “We hope the US will assist sible for kidnappings, infighting not say who fired at hospitals; assistance. demand — this is international the phone from Tripoli, said the us... to finish off terrorist and civilian casualties. the UN humanitarian agency “The little food stock the law.” Sudan concerned Satellite images show destruction of refugee camps in Ethiopia about second BLOOMBERG — TIGRAY targeted,” said Isaac Baker, an the regional capital of Mekele. and January 8. wellbeing of the refugees,” phase of filling analyst at DX Open Network, a Calls and messages to In Hitsats camp, about Melzer said in reference to Satellite images show the UK based human security Redwan Hussein, spokesman 30km away, there were at least Hitsats and Shimelba. of Nile dam destruction of United Nations’ research and analysis non- for the government’s emer- 14 actively burning structures Eritrean troops have also facilities, a health-care unit, a profit. “The systematic and gency task force on Tigray and and 55 others were damaged or been involved in the fighting IANS — KHARTOUM high school and houses at two widespread fires are consistent the Prime Minister Abiy destroyed by January 5. There and are accused of looting busi- camps sheltering Eritrean with an intentional campaign Ahmed’s Spokeswoman Billene were new fires by January 8, nesses and abducting refugees, Sudan has expressed concerns refugees in Tigray, northern to deny the use of the camp.” Seyoum were not answered. according to DX Open Net- according to aid workers and over Ethiopia’s announcement Ethiopia. DX Open Network has been In Shimelba, images show work’s analysis. diplomats briefed on the situ- of its intention to carry on with The eight Planet Labs Inc following the conflict and ana- scorched earth from apparent The UN refugee agency has ation. The governments of both the second phase of filling the images are of Hitsats and the lyzing satellite image data since attacks in January. A World Food not had access to the camps Ethiopia and Eritrea have Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Shimelba camps. The camps November 7, three days after Programme storage facility and a since fighting started in early denied that Eritrean troops are Dam (GERD) on the Nile river. hosted about 25,000 and 8,000 Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy secondary school run by the November, according to Chris involved in the conflict. “The announcement by the refugees respectively before a Ahmed declared war against a Development and Inter-Aid Melzer, a communications The UN says fighting is still Ethiopian Minister of Irrigation conflict broke out in the region dissident group in the Tigray Church Commission have also officer for the agency. UNHCR going on in several Tigray areas and Energy on his country’s two months ago, according to region. been burned down, according to has been able to reach its two and 2.2 million people have intention to proceed with the data from the United Nations The images belie gov- DX Open Network’s analysis. In other camps, Mai-Aini and Adi been displaced in the past two GERD filling for the second year High Commissioner for ernment claims that the con- addition, a health facility run by Harush, which are to the south, months. Access to the region for of 13.5 billion cubic metres of Refugees. flict is largely over. Ethiopia’s the Ethiopian Agency for Refugees he said. journalists and independent water in coming July, without “Recent satellite imagery government announced victory and Returnees Affairs situated “We also have no reliable, analysts remains constrained, prior notification and without indicates that structures in both against the dissidents on Nov. next to the WFP compound was first-hand information about making it difficult to verify signing a deal or exchanging of camps are being intentionally 28 after federal forces captured also attacked between January 5 the situation in the camps or the events. information with the Al Rusaires Dam, constitutes a direct threat to Al Rusaires Dam and to the lives of those who live on the Top official gears up for banks of the Nile,” Yasir Abbas, Sudan’s Irrigation and Water US presence in W Sahara Resources Minister, said on Thursday. The Minister made the AP — RABAT Moroccan official, or wali, remarks in a letter to South Abdesslam Bikrat. The Africa’s International Relations The highest ranking US American diplomat is scheduled and Cooperation Minister. diplomat for North Africa and to head Sunday to Dakhla, a South Africa is the current the Middle East travelled seaside town with a fishing port chair of the African Union (AU). yesterday to the city of where the official US presence Sudan, Egypt and Ethiopia Laayoune, which Morocco in the Western Sahara likely is have been negotiating under the considers the capital of the to be set up over time. AU patronage over technical and Western Sahara, laying the Schenker’s visit comes less legal issues related to the filling groundwork for the United than two weeks before the and operation of the GERD. States to set up a consulate in inauguration of President-elect The Sudanese negotiators the disputed territory. Joe Biden on January 20, when believe that the GERD talks should The US Embassy in Rabat Trump is officially set to leave go beyond the level of irrigation called the visit by Assistant Sec- office. ministers and be referred to the retary of State for Near Eastern US Secretary of State Mike AU and the leaders of the three Affairs David Schenker “his- Pompeo said in a Christmas Eve countries to provide political will toric.” The United States agreed statement that Washington to bring their positions closer. to recognize Morocco’s claim plans initially to establish a Ethiopia, which started over Western Sahara as part of virtual presence in Western building the GERD in 2011, a deal engineered by Wash- Sahara to be managed from the expects to produce more than ington for the normalisation of US Embassy in Morocco, 6,000 megawatts of electricity ties between Morocco and focused on promoting economic from the project. Israel. US President Donald and social development. But Egypt and Sudan, down- Streets deserted in Beirut Trump announced the deal last A “fully functioning con- stream Nile Basin countries that month. sulate” is to follow, the rely on the river for fresh water, A view shows closed shops along an empty shopping district in downtown Beirut, during a lockdown Schenker visited the neigh- statement said. It did not are concerned that the dam to stem a rise in COVID-19 infections, in Lebanon on Friday. borhood of Laayoune that indicate whether the diplo- might affect their water houses foreign consulates and matic post would be in resources. met with the region’s top Laayoune or Dakhla. SUNDAY 10 JANUARY 2021 ASIA 07 India to start COVID-19 vaccination drive from January 16 REUTERS — NEW DELHI Serum Institute of India, the local manufacturer of the AstraZeneca India will start its COVID-19 vacci- With the highest vaccine. nation drive from January 16 with number of infections in Modi also reviewed India’s priority given to about 30 million the world after the Co-WIN Vaccine Delivery Man- healthcare and frontline workers, agement System — a digital a government statement said United States, India is platform that will provide real yesterday. developing two time information of vaccine Prime Minister Narendra indigenous COVID-19 stocks, storage temperature and Modi reviewed the preparedness vaccines. Yesterday, it tracking of beneficiaries, the for COVID-19 vaccination pro- reported 18,222 new statement said. gramme yesterday, it said. India India is the world’s biggest hopes to inoculate 300 million of coronavirus cases, vaccine maker. Its pharmaceu- its 1.35 billion people free of taking the total to 10.43 tical industry has been freeing up charge in the first six to eight million. capacity and pushing ahead with months of this year. investments to help support a With the highest number of global vaccination campaign. infections in the world after the Earlier in the day Modi said United States, India is developing Biotech and a state-run institute. India would continue to export two indigenous COVID-19 vac- After healthcare and frontline medicines, including vaccines, as cines. Yesterday, it reported 18,222 workers, the vaccines will be companies have ramped up new coronavirus cases, taking the given to “those above 50 years of production. total to 10.43 million. age and the under-50 population “The world is not only waiting India’s drug regulator has groups with co-morbidities, num- for India’s vaccines but is also approved two coronavirus vac- bering around 2.7 million,” the keenly watching how India cines for emergency use, Cov- statement said. The statement did handles the world’s biggest vac- ishield, developed by AstraZeneca not say whether the federal gov- cination program,” Modi said in and Oxford University and ernment had signed purchase an annual address to Indians A health worker and a volunteer take part in a nationwide trial run of COVID-19 vaccine delivery Covaxin by local company Bharat deals with Bharat Biotech and the overseas. systems inside a school which has been converted into a temporary vaccination centre, in New Delhi. 5,528 more test virus positive India apprehends Chinese soldier for transgressing border AP — NEW DELHI area South of Pangong Tso lake. confirmed that it had found the in the border area,” the eastern state of Arunachal in Kerala “The PLA (People’s Liber- missing soldier and said it would statement said. Pradesh amid simmering ten- The Indian army said yesterday ation Army) soldier is being dealt return him to the Chinese side, Indian and Chinese soldiers sions between the two countries. IANS — THIRUVANANTHAPURAM that it had apprehended a with as per laid down proce- China’s Defence Ministry said in often lose their way in the dis- The five men were Indian Chinese soldier in the remote dures and circumstances under a statement. puted Himalayan region. hunters. Kerala saw 5,528 people test Ladakh region, where the two which he had crossed the LAC “The Indian side should In October, India detained The high-altitude standoff COVID-19 positive yesterday, the countries are locked in a (Line of Actual Control) are being strictly abide by relevant agree- another Chinese soldier in between the Asian giants began state government said. monthslong military standoff investigated,’’ the statement said. ments between the two coun- Ladakh’s Demchok area, but he in early May with a fierce brawl, Five thousand four hundred along their disputed mountain China said it informed the tries and hand over the lost per- was freed after he was found to and exploded into hand-to-hand and twenty-four people tested border. Indian side as soon as one of its sonnel to the Chinese side as have strayed across the de facto combat with clubs, stones and negative yesterday and the test An army statement said the soldiers went missing “due to soon as possible, to add positive border. fists on June 15 that left 20 Indian positivity rate is 9.03 percent. Chinese soldier was taken into darkness and complicated factors to cool down the situ- In September, China soldiers dead. China is believed Sixty-four thousand three custody on Friday for trans- terrain.” ation at China-India border and released five Indian nationals to also have had casualties, but hundred and eighteen people are gressing into the Indian side in The Indian side later jointly maintain peace and calm who went missing from the has not given any details. under treatment in various hos- pitals in the state as yesterday, a release from the office of state Health Minister KK Shailaja said. US envoy to UN plans Taiwan visit; 10 newborns die in fire at Ernakulam with 893 cases has the maximum number of hospital in western India positive cases and Kasargod with China says playing with fire 93 cases has the least number of cases, the release said. 22 deaths REUTERS — NEW DELHI Reuters partner ANI. were reported owing to REUTERS — TAIPEI international space in accord United States that whoever plays Maharashtra Chief Minister COVID-19 yesterday taking the with the US one-China policy with fire will burn himself. The Ten newborns were killed Uddhav Thakre ordered a state’s total death toll to 3,279. The US ambassador to the United that is guided by the Taiwan United States will pay a heavy yesterday in a massive fire at a probe into the incident. Of those tested positive, 60 Nations, Kelly Craft, will visit Relations Act, the three US-PRC price for its wrong action,” hospital in Maharashtra, India’s “Heart-wrenching tragedy people have come from outside Taiwan next week for meetings joint communiques, and the Six China’s UN mission said. richest state, a doctor said, as in Bhandara, Maharashtra, the state and 4,988 people with senior Taiwanese leaders, Assurances to Taiwan,” the US “China strongly urges the leading politicians expressed where we have lost precious turned positive through contact. Taiwan’s government and the US mission to the United Nations United States to stop its crazy grief at the loss of life. young lives,” Prime Minister The source of contact of 435 mission to the UN said, said in a statement on Thursday. provocation, stop creating new “The fire broke out at 2am Narendra Modi said on Twitter. patients is still not clear, the prompting China to warn they She will be in Taiwan from difficulties for China-US relations (2030 GMT) today,” said “My thoughts are with all the release said. were playing with fire. January 13 to 15, it added. and the two countries’ cooper- Pramod Khandate, civil bereaved families. I hope the Forty-eight health workers Beijing, which claims the While the United States, like ation in the United Nations, and surgeon at Bhandara District injured recover as early as pos- also tested positive yesterday self-governed island as its own most countries, has no formal stop going further on the wrong General Hospital in the western sible.” A number of other poli- while 2,02,171 people are under territory, has been angered by diplomatic ties with Taiwan, it is path.” state. Seven of the 17 children ticians, including opposition observation in various parts of stepped-up support for Taiwan the island’s strongest interna- Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry in the Sick Newborn Care Unit leader Rahul Gandhi, also the state, and of these 1,91,116 from the outgoing Trump admin- tional backer and arms supplier, said on Friday that Craft, whom were rescued, Khandate told expressed their grief. people are at home/institutional istration, including trips to Taipei being obliged to help provide it called a “staunch friend”, quarantine with 11,055 by top US officials, further Taiwan with the means to defend would meet President Tsai COVID-19 positive patients straining Sino-U.S. ties. itself under the 1979 Taiwan Ing-wen and Foreign Minister 3 charged in California with admitted in hospitals. Total “During her trip, the Ambas- Relations Act. Joseph Wu. hotspots in the state are now 438. sador will reinforce the US gov- China said it was firmly The visit is highly symbolic aiding deadly Sri Lanka attacks ernment’s strong and ongoing opposed to the visit. as Taiwan is not a UN member, HK blocks website support for Taiwan’s “We wish to remind the because of objections by China. AP — LOS ANGELES Lankan cities, prosecutors said. on national Naufar is accused of leading Three Sri Lankan men have propaganda efforts for the security grounds been charged in California with group that called itself “ISIS in aiding a terrorist group blamed Sri Lanka,” recruited others to BLOOMBERG — HONG KONG for 2019 Easter attacks that join the group and led military- killed 268 people in Sri Lanka, type training, authorities said. Hong Kong police blocked a including five US citizens, and Riskan is accused of helping local website and cited the injured hundreds, it was make explosive devices used in National Security Law for the announced on Friday. the attacks and Moahmed first time in doing so, Ming Mohamed Naufar, allegedly killed a police officer Pao reported, citing police Mohamed Anwar Mohamed in Sri Lanka to obtain a weapon, sources it didn’t identify. Riskan and Ahamed Milhan shot a suspected informant and The National Security Hayathu Moahmed were scouted a location for a sep- Department of the Hong Kong charged last month in federal arate terrorist attack, prose- Police Force blocked court in Los Angeles with con- cutors said. hkchronicles.com, without spiracy and providing and The men were being held specifying which content vio- attempting to provide material in Sri Lanka and it wasn’t lated the law, according to support to a foreign terrorist immediately clear whether they Ming Pao. The website often organization, according to a had attorneys who could speak features pro-democracy statement from the US attor- for them. articles. ney’s office. “This case clearly demon- Ming Pao reported that The men have no California strates that the United States Hong Kong police declined to connection, but the FBI-led will take decisive action to comment on individual cases Joint Terrorism Task Force that ensure terrorists face justice on Friday, but the authority headed the investigation is when they target Americans cited Article 43 of the National based in Los Angeles, according anywhere in the world,” Nick Security Law, which states the to the US attorney’s office. Hanna, US attorney for the officers can order service pro- The three men were linked Central District of California, viders to block access to elec- Taking precautions to a group in Sri Lanka that sup- said in the statement. “This tronic information deemed ported Islamic State and which complaint makes clear that we A man wearing a protective face mask to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease walks at a likely to constitute a crime is blamed for April 21, 2019, stand ready with these charges market in Taipei, Taiwan. endangering national security suicide bombings at Christian in the event the defendants or result in such a crime. churches and hotels in three Sri attempt to evade justice.” Earthquake hits Taiwan, Cleric linked to 2002 Bali bombings walks free no reports of damage REUTERS — SUKOHARJO icalisation programme, author- Aprianti, a spokeswoman for to the 2002 Bali attacks and a ities said. the corrections department, 2003 attack on the J.W. Mar- REUTERS — TAIPEI to the island’s Central Weather Indonesian Islamic cleric Abu Photographs showed him told reporters. riott hotel in Jakarta, but he was Bureau. Taipei’s subway system Bakar Bashir, the suspected dressed in white and wearing Bashir, who is regarded as never convicted of direct Buildings shook briefly in Taipei was operating as normal, the city mastermind of the 2002 Bali a mask as he left the prison in the spiritual leader of Jemaah involvement and denied any yesterday as a deep, 5.7 government said. bombings that killed 202 Bogor, south of the capital, Islamiah (JI), a network with ties ties. A conviction for being part magnitude earthquake struck off Taiwan lies near the junction people, walked free from prison Jakarta, before being driven to to Al Qaeda, was imprisoned in of a conspiracy to carry out the the northeastern coast of of two tectonic plates in the on Friday after serving 10 years his home at an Islamic boarding 2011 for 15 years for his links to Bali bombings was later over- Taiwan, but there were no South China Sea and is prone to for setting up a militant training school near the city of Solo in a militant training camp in Aceh turned. The Bali bombings reports of damage. earthquakes. camp. Central Java. province. After periodic cuts in killed 88 Australians and the The quake’s epicentre was A 7.3 magnitude quake killed Bashir, 82, who was never “Abu Bakar Bashir was his jail term, he served 10 years. country has pressed Indonesia just off the coast of Yilan county, more than 2,000 people in 1999. convicted of a direct role in the released from Gunung Sindur Police and intelligence to ensure Bashir does not incite at a depth of 72.2km, according in Taiwan. bombings, would enter a derad- prison at 5.30am,” Rika agencies say Bashir was linked more violence. 08 VIEWS SUNDAY 10 JANUARY 2021 Facebook, Twitter crackdown around Established in 1996 Capitol siege is too little, too late CHAIRMAN DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI KATIE PAUL, ELIZABETH CULLIFORD & JOSEPH MENN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF REUTERS DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI [email protected] By the time social media companies took action against users and groups ACTING MANAGING EDITOR spurring on the siege of MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED Capitol Hill this week, culmi- [email protected] nating in the suspension of US President Donald Trump’s accounts, it was too little too DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR late. MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI For weeks, content on big [email protected] tech platforms Facebook Inc , Twitter Inc and Alphabet Inc’s YouTube as well as upstart fringe social networks foretold the storming of the EDITORIAL U.S Capitol on Wednesday that led to five deaths. In one Facebook post identified by online advocacy Scenes of joy group Avaaz, an illustration of AMID all good news appearing with the advent of New Trump holding a machine gun Rioters surround the US Capitol on Wednesday. Year (2021), vehicles from Qatar crossed the Saudi in front of the White House is Arabia land border yesterday, and similarly vehicles accompanied by the words from Saudi Arabia crossed the Abu Samra border “Come and Take it.” Another lead-up to January 6” and was such as swapping “cue” for said by email: “None of the crossing point to enter Qatar for the first time since June depicted Trump as Uncle Sam continuing to monitor and “Q,” said Daniel Jones, a platforms you listed, Gab 5, 2017. with text paraphrasing the remove dangerous content. former FBI analyst and Senate included, are useful for National carrier, Qatar Airways, also started on president: “I want you in A Twitter spokeswoman staffer who leads nonprofit organization of any type.” Thursday to fly through Saudi airspace while the United Washington DC January 6. It’s said the company had “taken research firm Advance Zello, Telegram and Parler did Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced reopening of its going to be WILD.” After the enforcement action on thou- Democracy Inc. not reply to requests for land border, air and sea routes from and to the State of violence, right-wing social sands of accounts that were On Wednesday, a tweet comment. The selfies snapped Qatar. users on smaller platforms attempting to undermine the that turned one of the earliest on the Senate floor and lives- The developments came after the healing of Gulf rift were retelling the story with public conversation and cause posts by the anonymous “Q” treams broadcast from inside as GCC leaders signed an agreement at 41st Summit at videos from the siege to real-world harm.” On Friday, three years ago into the call to lawmakers’ offices served as Al-Ula Governorate in Saudi Arabia on January 5 to end bigger, new audiences, while Twitter permanently suspended action, “My fellow Americans, marketing to recruit new fol- the diplomatic row with Qatar, restoring full relations and the major sites showed users Trump’s account and also sus- the Storm is upon us,” got lowers and in some cases moving towards solidarity and regional stability. sharing false claims about the pended accounts belonging to 16,000 retweets. earn money. Opening of the border crossing point with Saudi unrest and groups dedicated vitriolic Trump fans including Before Facebook took “While extremists on the Arabia means that all customs services have resumed to “Stop the Steal.” The slogan Ron Watkins, who helped run down its page late Tuesday, ground livestreamed and operations and the General Authority of Customs (GAC) refers to pro-Trump followers little-regulated image board Red-State Secession had bragged about the chaos they has started its work according to the procedures. belief, encouraged by him 8kun, home of many recent urged its nearly 8,000 fol- created minute-to-minute, far- No doubt, this is a great opportunity for many, in without providing evidence, posts calling for violence. lowers to find the home right online communities aggre- particular, for mixed families separated because of the that the Nov. 3 election was YouTube said it removes addresses of officials who gated their content and cheered measures taken during the blockade years, as well as fraudulent in favor of Dem- content that violates its com- “helped steal the election.” It on their efforts,” said Holt. for people whose businesses were disrupted during ocrat Joe Biden. munity guidelines. linked to a website which The Southern Poverty Law this phase. At the same time, it is unfortunate that public Facebook said it “removed Disinformation experts declared last week a “second Center documented at least health precautions or restrictions meant to address the content and accounts that said that while big platforms American revolution” would five accounts on blockchain- challenge of COVID-19 pandemic have dampened the violated our policies against allowed radical racists, vio- start on Jan. 6 and urged sup- based video platform DLive joy of reunion to some extent. inciting violence and dan- lence enthusiasts and con- porters to follow its accounts that livestreamed Wednes- Owing to wise decisions and tireless efforts of gerous organizations in the spiracy theorists to amass on more permissive social- day’s protest, including two State’s leadership and institutions, COVID-19 spread large audience, leading influ- media platforms Gab and who participated in the white in Qatar has been under control and many health restric- Facebook said it encers learned what they Parler “before we get supremacist-led “Unite the tions have been lifted gradually at the time when many “removed content could get away with. deleted.” The group said by Right” rally in Charlottesville, countries, especially in Europe, are facing a spike in “You end up with a very email that its Facebook page Virginia, in 2017. infection cases. and accounts diluted form of the content on and blog “promote the One of them, a provo- In a bid to continue ensuring public health safety by that violated our the large platform, and the peaceful separation of blue cateur named Tim Gionet and containing spread of coronavirus, the Government Com- policies against more radical stuff is else- states and red states” and that known onlne as Baked munication Office (GCO) yesterday made it clear that where, like ISIS does it,” said Facebook had overreacted. Alaska, livestreamed from “COVID-19 travel and return policies and a number of inciting violence Alex Stamos, the former Far-right groups that inside a Capitol office. He precautionary measures will be implemented on all arrivals and dangerous Facebook chief security appeared at the riot maintain pulled in at minimum $222 in from the Abu Samra border crossing as of Saturday.” officer who runs a Stanford a vigorous online presence on tips from viewers via DLive Accordingly, all arrivals to the State of Qatar through organizations in program exposing digital platforms like Parler, during the afternoon, “Abu Samra border crossing are required to undergo the lead-up to disinformation. Gab, MeWe, Zello, and Tel- according to the report. a COVID-19 test and obtain a virus-free certificate no The mainstream content egram, and in some cases dis- He promoted his content more than 72 hours before travel. All arrivals will be January 6” and “is difficult to claim is inap- cussed using overwhelming to followers on Instagram and subject to hotel quarantine for one week”. was continuing to propriate, because it says crowds to enter the Capitol, Facebook until the company The arrivals are also required to “sign a formal pledge `come to a rally.’ Bring this said Jared Holt, a disinfor- disabled his accounts to adhere to hotel quarantine and follow the policies monitor and remove and bring that, `get ready to mation researcher at the Wednesday. and conditions of the quarantine, in addition to down- dangerous content. rumble,’ is on 8kun and Atlantic Council. DLive said on Thursday it loading the Ehteraz application, which traces COVID-19 Parler, and operational stuff is MeWe said “violence had suspended three infections”. The GCO further pointed out that these on Telegram,” Stamos said. inciters” were not welcome accounts, banned two others measures are subject to change based on COVID-19 Even after major purges of on its platform. It declined to and permanently removed public health indicators in the State of Qatar and around accounts and groups, it has disclose actions it had taken over 100 broadcasts. Dona- the world. been easy for the operators to around the protest. tions and paid subscriptions reemerge with slight tweaks, Gab CEO Andrew Torba will be refunded, it added. Why January will be the most horrid COVID-19 month of all D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR EMAIL: [email protected] THE WASHINGTON POST January will be the most and 34 years old. distancing, good hygiene and horrid month of all. The daily California has strict stay- stay-at-home orders are EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 Just when the pandemic national death toll last this at-home orders in effect in worth every bit of effort, no FAX: +974 4455 7758 seems to be yielding to public week exceeded 4,000 people, many regions, yet the virus is matter how annoying. Com- health and science, along or one death every 22 still spreading fast. London, plying now means saving MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 come new waves of unex- seconds. So far,more than too, has imposed the strictest lives. pected suffering and death. 367,000 Americans have lockdown since the pandemic But vaccines are the most DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 California seemed to have the died. began. But Mayor Sadiq Khan important way out. States and crisis under control; now it is Los Angeles has become on Friday declared a “major territories must do everything LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 being inundated with the latest city to feel the incident” emergency - used they can to get them to infection. Young people effects of a surge atop a surge. for disasters such as the people; as of Thursday, some BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 seemed to be less vulnerable; Mayor Eric Garcetti Grenfell Tower fire and ter- 24.1 million doses had been now they are getting sick at a announced that the COVID-19 rorist attacks - because the shipped but only 6.2 million SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 surprising rate. Lockdowns deaths in the city in one day - infection rate had soared so administered. The daily US seemed to work in the spring; 259 people died on high. 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The elect Joe Biden promises to FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] iants, overwhelming public from the state confirms a London infections are of a rush out the reserve of second fatigue, disregard for restric- trend seen there earlier, that new virus variant, more con- dose vaccines to reach more CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 tions, incautious congregating younger people are being tagious than before - a variant people faster with the first email: [email protected] and travel during the hol- infected out of proportion to that is already being found in dose, which makes sense if idays, and delays in rolling their share of the population, the United States. the seconds are replenished SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 out the vaccine all mean that especially those between 18 Face masks, social in time. FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar Prudence in these hard January weeks and /ThePeninsulaQatar concern for one another will pay off. That /Peninsula_Qatar way, we can more quickly fulfill our hopes for the new year. /ThePeninsulaNewspaper

+974 6698 6188 Angela Merkel, German Chancellor SUNDAY 10 JANUARY 2021 OPINION 09 Teachers help students make sense of violence at US Capitol

MICHAEL MELIA & CAROLYN Connecticut. “And especially made their way into view on standard in the heavier THOMPSON — AP my seniors were really strug- his screen but didn’t interrupt. response by police to Black gling with what this meant In such a fraught political Lives Matter protests. A teacher in Alabama about the future of our climate, Westpfahl said, “you Teachers generally strive to presented photographs of the country in a way that was “This was one of are wondering, are you lis- withhold their opinions, or insurrection at the US Capitol pretty heartbreaking.” tening because you’re finding identify them as their own per- without commentary and She and others said they the most important this fascinating and interesting, sonal views when they are asked students to write poems tried to focus on the impor- days as a teacher, or are you listening because shared. The resignation in reflection. A Minnesota tance of engagement and to you want to question every- Thursday of a Cleveland school instructor fielded compar- push back against the not even just a thing that I’m saying or doing?” occupational therapist who isons to the aftermath of creeping sense that violence is history teacher,” In deeply conservative was linked to photos taken of George Floyd’s killing. And a the inevitable end to political Michael Neagle said Alabama, 10th grade teacher the mob drove home the range civics educator in Connecticut division. Blake Busbin said he, too, of political viewpoints among urged her rattled students to “This was one of the most after wrapping up considered how his presen- the thousands of educators work toward making the important days as a teacher, with his students at tation and language could be inside American schools. country better. not even just a history perceived by students and the Reising said the conver- Social studies teachers teacher,” Michael Neagle said Lowell High School community and said he is sation among her students was nationwide set aside lesson after wrapping up with his stu- in Massachusetts “very purposeful with the lan- strained by their hybrid plans this week to help young dents at Lowell High School in guage I use, choosing what learning model, and because people make sense of the Massachusetts the day after the day after the words to utilize.” some have not even met face scenes of the violent siege in the siege. “We don’t want kids siege. “We don’t Busbin, a teacher at to face. But she tried to end the Washington by supporters of to tune out and just say, ‘Well, Auburn High School, made a discussion on a hopeful note. President Donald Trump. this is how it is. Nobody gets want kids to tune point to let students watch the “I just turn it into, ‘Hope- Approaches varied, with along. Politics.’ That voter out and just say, chaos unfold on TV. He was a fully for you and maybe for some teachers deliberately apathy is so dangerous.” ‘Well, this is how high school senior on 9/11 and others in our country, this will holding off on historical com- After watching events the school principal ordered a be the thing that lights the fire parisons with the events so unfold on television, the it is. Nobody gets media blackout, which he felt on what it means to be an Social studies fresh. Many trod cautiously in world history and civics along. Politics.’ That cost him an opportunity to active, engaged citizen. And if teachers nationwide light of varied political view- teacher stayed up most of the watch history in the making. you didn’t like what you saw, points in their classrooms and night exchanging emails with voter apathy is so The day after the Capitol then what steps can you take set aside lesson communities. his department chair, dangerous.” siege, he rose before dawn to make sure this doesn’t plans this week to But educators universally planning out lessons around and gathered 25 photographs happen again?’” described efforts to hear out what was unfolding. that he showed for 10 to 15 New York teacher Conor help young people students’ fears and concerns “I don’t have many nights fiery clashes ignited by Floyd’s seconds each without saying Murphy thought back to 9/11, make sense of the and instill a sense of history where I’m up til 3 o’clock in death, there were questions anything, then asked students when he was in an American and even hopefulness in a the morning with cur- from his students about the to write poems. He wanted it history class and watched the scenes of the violent school year shaped by the riculum,” Neagle said, “but we police response that will carry to be day a of reflection. second plane hit the World siege in Washington nation’s reckoning over racial have to take advantage of it.” into lessons next week. “My strategy, as I told my Trade Center. by supporters of injustice, the coronavirus South St. Paul, Minnesota, “That’s the connection students, I like to consider “One of the challenges is pandemic and the constraints teacher Mark Westpfahl set that we’re going to bring in on myself kind of like a grill to appropriately signify the President Donald of distance learning. aside his planned lesson on Monday, is how do these two master,” he said. “Before you gravity,” Murphy said, Trump. “In almost every single state treaties and instead events correlate with each put the meat on the grill, it recalling a similar challenge a one of my classes, the stu- grabbed the morning news- other? What was the response needs to marinate for a while.” year ago while teaching par- dents brought it up before I papers with their “Insurrection” like? What was the media The students submitted ticipation in government at even could,” said Karley headlines to use as visual aides presence like?” he said. the poems anonymously, and West Genesee High School in Reising, a social studies to teach his sixth grade stu- As he taught his 10- and they weren’t read in class. Camillus during Trump’s teacher at Robert E. Fitch dents, who are learning 11-year-old students over Busbin said they helped him impeachment trial. High School in Groton, remotely. Just miles from the video, three or four parents understand students’ frame of “But,” he said, “I’ve never mind and will help guide really had to teach anything future instruction. The poems, quite so, in my opinion, he said, show a desire for a profound.” more harmonious gov- ernment, a more bipartisan Teachers generally approach and a belief that things can get better. strive to withhold their In David McMullen’s opinions, or identify classroom at Great Path Academy in Manchester, Con- them as their own necticut, politics emerged personal views when when a student addressed unfounded claims that it was they are shared. The a false flag operation. Another resignation Thursday student stepped in and said of a Cleveland school even if that were the case, the president and supporters had occupational therapist encouraged the mob who was linked to nonetheless. “Today was just to kind of photos taken of the soak in the events and talk mob drove home the about them and write some stuff down, because, as I tell range of political my students, they are the viewpoints among the future’s primary sources,” he said. thousands of educators McMullen and other inside American teachers also heard out stu- schools. dents who were deeply affected by the photographs of Confederate flags carried Supporters of US President Donald Trump wave Trump flags and Confederate battle flags as they demonstrate on the second floor of through the halls of Capitol the US Capitol near the entrance to the Senate after breaching security defenses, in Washington, US on January 6, 2021. and who saw a double ‘This is not our fault’: Pandemic job losses fall hardest on hospitality workers

“This is not our fault, it sector,” said Richmond Fed Women hold slightly the United States from took us all by surprise,” President Thomas Barkin, more than half of the jobs in Mexico a decade ago, will Garcia, 36, said in Spanish. who said he is hopeful the leisure and hospitality, but rehire her when it re-opens. She has applied for about 15 incoming Biden Adminis- are only 47% of the overall “It’s very complicated to jobs since May. “Our only tration will develop programs workforce, according to think about starting new hope is for our jobs to come to speed retraining or reallo- Labor Department data. His- somewhere else,” she said. back the way we had them.” cation of workers from jobs panic workers account for JONNELLE MARTE Workers in the leisure and that will not be returning to 24% of the sector, but only REUTERS hospitality industry have the economy. 17% of the workforce. The Workers with lower fared worse than most during One of the challenges the majority of workers in the the pandemic and, barring a Fed will confront is deter- industry, 65%, are in the incomes and slim Cristina Lopez Garcia was highly successful vaccine mining how much sectoral bottom two income quartiles, savings to fall back excited to buy a house last rollout that finally brings damage has been done, and according to a report from February. COVID-19 to heel, they face the degree to which workers the University of on may have a more It was an eight-minute bleak prospects for a return in the those industries have Pennsylvania. difficult time waiting drive from her job in the to work. been sidelined - either Workers with lower kitchen of a Las Vegas casino Job losses seen in because they lack the skills incomes and slim savings to out long periods and she was confident that December, the first since the for available jobs, live in fall back on may have a more of joblessness and Job losses seen she and her husband could early months of the pan- parts of the country where difficult time waiting out long moving into new in December, the afford their new bills. demic, fell disproportionately jobs are not growing, or periods of joblessness and But about a month after on people working in hotels, choose to stop looking for moving into new industries, industries, economists first since the they moved in, that financial bars, restaurants and casinos work. economists say. say. “The people early months of stability disappeared. and other businesses forced That uncertainty around “The people who were who were least the pandemic, fell The casino shut down to retrench when the virus labor reallocation is top of least able to weather job loss, because of the coronavirus, spread. mind for Fed officials, who temporary or permanent, able to weather job disproportionately leaving Garcia out of work at Leisure and hospitality will need to make a call on were the ones who were hit loss, temporary or on people a time when the couple was firms shed another 498,000 when the post-pandemic hardest,” said Valerie Wilson, already low on savings. Her jobs last month as virus economy is nearing director of the Economic permanent, were the working in hotels, infections rose, leading to “maximum” employment. Policy Institute’s Program on husband, who worked in the ones who were hit bars, restaurants kitchens of other casinos, more restrictions on busi- “This is unprecedented,” Race, Ethnicity, and the also lost one of his jobs, and nesses and causing more Fed Vice Chair Richard Economy. hardest,” said Valerie and casinos and his hours were cut in the people to stay home. Clarida said on Friday. “We The December jobs losses Wilson, director of other businesses other. Employment in the industry don’t have historical episodes do not bode well for the Almost a year later, their in December was down 23% to look at. We are very alert Garcias’ employment the Economic Policy forced to retrench situation has barely from pre-pandemic levels in to that risk.” The sluggish prospects. Institute’s Program on when the virus improved. February, more than any recovery in hospitality has After being told she is Race, Ethnicity, and spread. After years of working in other industry. led to continued struggles for overqualified for jobs at fast- the food industry, the two Policymakers at the women, Hispanics and low- food restaurants and too the Economy. have been unable to find new Federal Reserve say the wage workers - three groups inexperienced for roles at jobs during the crisis, which uneven recovery could weigh that are over represented in warehouses or in other stifled travel and shuttered on the labor market, and the the industry and have been industries, Garcia is hoping hotels and restaurants across broader economy, for years. most affected by pandemic- the casino, the only employer the globe. “This has hit sector by related job losses. she’s had since she moved to 10 ASIA SUNDAY 10 JANUARY 2021 Indonesian plane crashes with 62 aboard

REUTERS — JAKARTA A transport ministry spokeswoman said air traffic A Sriwijaya Air plane crashed Indonesian Transport control at Soekarno-Hatta into the sea yesterday minutes Minister Budi Karya told International Airport had asked after taking off from Indone- a news conference that the pilot why the plane was sia’s capital Jakarta on a heading northwest instead of domestic flight with 62 people 62 people had been on its expected flight path just on board, and their fate was not aboard Flight SJ 182, seconds before it known. including 12 crew. The disappeared. The Boeing 737-500, en detik.com website There were no immediate route to Pontianak in West quoted him as saying clues on what may have caused Kalimantan, disappeared from the sudden descent and safety radar screens after taking off the plane crashed near experts stress most air acci- just after 2.30pm (0730 GMT) Laki Island, some 20km dents are caused by a cocktail 30 minutes after the scheduled from the airport. of factors that can take months time because of heavy rain. to establish. Indonesian Transport Min- Indonesian television ister Budi Karya told a news channels showed pictures of conference that 62 people had had been in good condition suspected wreckage. been aboard Flight SJ 182, before the flight. “We found some cables, a including 12 crew. The detik. The nearly 27-year-old piece of jeans, and pieces of com website quoted him as Boeing 737-500 was much metal on the water,” Zulkifli, a saying the plane crashed near older than Boeing’s problem- security official, told CNNIndo- Laki Island, some 20km from plagued 737 MAX model, one nesia.com. Distraught relatives People are seen at a temporary crisis centre organised in the domestic terminal of Soekarno-Hatta the airport. of which crashed off Jakarta in waited at Pontianak, around International Airport after Sriwijaya Air plane flight SJ182 lost contact after taking off, in Tangerang, Rescue agency Basarnas late 2018, killing all 189 people 740km from Jakarta. said in a statement it would aboard the Lion Air flight. Older Yaman Zai, a father of three near Jakarta, Indonesia, yesterday. send a team to the Thousand 737 models are widely flown children who were aboard the Islands area to help in the and do not have the system plane with their mother, said largely within Indonesia. The and Ethiopia. It does not use the Union banned all Indonesian search for victims “after the implicated in the MAX safety that he was at the airport in airline has a solid safety record software system implicated in airlines following a series of crash of Sriwijaya Air SJ 182”. crisis. Pontianak waiting for them, until now, with no onboard cas- those crashes. crashes and reports of deteri- All those on board were A Boeing spokeswoman when he heard the news. ualties in four incidents Nonetheless, experts say orating oversight and mainte- Indonesian, Indonesia’s said, “We are aware of media “I will never meet her recorded on the Aviation Safety planes such as Sriwijaya’s nance since deregulation in the transport safety committee reports from Jakarta, and are again,” he said, holding up a Network database. leased 737-500 are being late 1990s. The restrictions said. closely monitoring the situ- photo of his oldest daughter. The Boeing 737 is the phased out for newer fuel- were fully lifted in 2018. Indonesia’s Navy had pin- ation. We are working to gather Indonesia’s KNKT safety world’s most-sold family of air- saving models. Civil jets typi- Between 2007 and 2016, pointed the site of the missing more information”. agency was expected to launch craft and has undergone several cally have an economic life of the US Federal Aviation Admin- aircraft and ships had been sent Reliable tracking service an immediate investigation. makeovers since it entered 25 years, meaning they become istration lowered its Indonesia there, a Navy official said. Flightradar24 said the Boeing The US National Safety Trans- service in 1968. too expensive to keep flying safety evaluation to Category Authorities did not say whether jet took off at 2.36pm local time portation Board will automat- The 737-500 is two gener- beyond that compared to 2, meaning its regulatory they believed there were sur- (0736 GMT) and climbed to ically be part of the probe, since ations of development before younger models, but they are system was inadequate. vivors. Indonesian airline Sri- reach 10,900 feet within four the plane was designed and the most recent 737 MAX, which built to last longer. Indonesian officials say wijaya Air’s chief executive, Jef- minutes. It then began a steep built in the United States. has been embroiled in a Indonesia itself has a patchy they have worked hard to bring ferson Irwin Jauwena, told a descent and stopped trans- Founded in 2003, Jakarta- worldwide safety crisis fol- air safety record. safety up to international news conference that the plane mitting data 21 seconds later. based Sriwijaya Air group flies lowing crashes in Indonesia In 2007, the European standards. Pakistani Hazaras end protests, hold funeral for 11 miners COVID-19 vaccination to AP — QUETTA Quetta and was expected to “No premier of any country Pakistan’s leaders for not doing be free of cost in Pakistan meet with a delegation of should be blackmailed like more to stop attacks on the Hundreds of Pakistani Shias mourners and Shia leaders, this,” Khan said in televised minority Hazara community, gathered yesterday to bury 11 according to his office. Khan’s remarks. and for not rushing to Quetta INTERNEWS — ISLAMABAD months, secondly private sector coal miners from the minority visit came after Shia demon- Dozens of Shias rallied on to offer condolences after is allowed to import Vaccine Hazara community who were strators across the country — Friday night in the capital, similar assaults. Federal Minister for Science you have to store vaccine and killed by the Islamic State who blocked roads in major Islamabad, denouncing Khan IS militants abducted, then and Technology Chaudhry administer also so import will group, ending a week of cities — demanded he visit the for calling the mourners black- shot and killed the miners on Fawad Hussain has said that all always be in batches,” he protests that sought to high- grieving minority community mailers. The premier sent a Sunday in Balochistan. Police government-sponsored stated. light the community’s plight. in Quetta and assure their group of ministers and top offi- video of their bodies revealed COVID-19 vaccination will be Last week, the cabinet Protesters staged a sit-in protection. cials to negotiate with the the miners had been blind- available free of charge. committee decided to initially after the militant group cap- On Friday, Khan appealed Hazara community, leading the folded, and their hands tied “All government-sponsored purchase 1.2 million doses of tured and shot the miners last to the protesters not to link the mourners to agree to a funeral. behind their backs before being vaccination will be free of cost,” the vaccine from the Chinese Sunday in Machh, an area some burial of the coal miners to his Violent attacks against Shia shot. The IS affiliate promptly Science and Technology Min- company Sinopharm. 50km east of Quetta, the visit to Quetta, vowing that he and other religious minority claimed responsibility, and ister Fawad Chaudhry said in Earlier, Federal Minister for capital of Pakistan’s troubled would visit afterward. Under groups remain a problem in authorities have been raiding a series of tweets. Planning Asad Umar had in a Baluchistan province. Islamic tradition, burials take Sunni-majority Pakistan. militant hideouts to track down The minister added that the statement issued on social Prime Minister Imran Khan place as quickly as possible Before coming to power in and arrest those who orches- government is negotiating media yesterday said that the arrived yesterday afternoon in after death. 2018, Khan often criticised trated the killings. vaccine purchase deals with Cabinet Committee meeting “all companies,” including has approved the purchase of Pfizer and AstraZeneca. Fawad 1 million COVID-19 vaccine Migrant workers in informed that in coming which will be provided to all months more doses will be front line health workers. imported besides those from “As soon as DRAP experts Thailand struggling Sinopharm. approve the vaccine, our goal “1.1 million doses are for is to deliver the vaccine in the to find work batch only we intend to import first quarter of January,” Umar millions of doses in coming said. REUTERS — BANGKOK

Migrant workers in Thailand are struggling to find work and survive after coronavirus Remittances by NRPs cases in the Southeast Asian nation reached record highs and employers imposed new increase in December restrictions, human rights groups said on Friday. INTERNEWS — KARACHI panying the data. In Samut Sakhon, a province south of Twenty-six percent of the Bangkok where the current outbreak began Remittances from overseas inflows in December came at a seafood market late last year, local Pakistanis during December from Saudi Arabia with charities say many migrant workers — 2020 rose by 16.2 percent year- overseas Pakistanis based in especially those in the seafood and service on-year to $2.436bn, compared the country sending home sectors — are unable to work or access gov- to $2.097bn in December 2019, $624.8m. Inflows from the ernment aid. clocking in above $2bn mark kingdom have hovered around “We are concerned about what will for the seventh consecutive $600m every month since June happen if (the outbreak) cannot be con- month, according to the latest 2020. trolled,” said Papop Siamhan, director of data released by the State Bank Inflows from the United the Human Rights and Development Foun- of Pakistan (SBP) on Yesterday. Arab Emirates accounted for 21 dation, which provides free legal aid to People wearing face masks as a measure to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease Sharing the jump in remit- percent at $511.61m, followed migrant workers. are seen at a train station in Bangkok, Thailand. tances, Prime Minister Imran by the United Kingdom with 13 Thailand is dealing with its worst coro- Khan said in a tweet: “I want to percent at $325m. navirus outbreak, with more than 200 new salary for testing would have to work for thank our overseas Pakistanis Moreover, inflows from the infections each day, raising the total so far an estimated nine days to cover the costs for yet another record-breaking United States rose to $203.23m to 9,841 cases, including 67 deaths. Thailand is dealing with its worst of a single COVID-19 test,” Geraldine Ansart, month of remittances in and from the European Union Many people have blamed migrant coronavirus outbreak, with more IOM’s chief of mission in Thailand, told the December $2.4bn. to $245.95m. workers from Myanmar — a major source than 200 new infections each day, Thomson Reuters Foundation. MashaAllah, first time in Remittances have been a of labour in the seafood industry in Samut raising the total so far to 9,841 “These prohibitive costs serve as a sig- Pakistan, remittances have saving grace for Pakistan ever Sakhon. nificant barrier to ensuring migrants are been above $2bn for six con- since the pandemic spread The province has about 260,000 reg- cases, including 67 deaths. Many included in efforts to contain the COVID-19 secutive months. Total for six around the world as inflows istered migrant workers, according to gov- people have blamed migrant pandemic,” she said. months of this fiscal year [is] through formal channels have ernment data, but activists estimate the workers from Myanmar — a major Suchat Pornchaiwiseskul, director- $14.2bn a 24.9 percent growth increased substantially due to number could be more than 400,000, source of labour in the seafood general of the Department of Employment, over last year.” travel restrictions. including undocumented workers. industry in Samut Sakhon. said he was unaware of any employers On a cumulative basis, Meanwhile, monthly Three migrant worker charities in asking migrant workers to provide medical inflows during six months of inflows of more than $2bn have Samut Sakhon said they had received com- certificates in order to return to work, but the current financial year have also helped the country book a plaints from workers who had been asked would investigate. increased by 24.9 percent to current account surplus to obtain medical certificates showing neg- One migrant worker at a factory in $14.2bn, compared to $11.372bn throughout the current fiscal ative COVID-19 test results in order to Pakpoom Sawangkhum, president of Samut Sakhon, who asked to remain anon- during the same period last year. During the July- return to their jobs. the Proud Association, which helps vul- ymous, said he had been asked to stop year. November period, the country The Thai government has ensured that nerable communities in Samut Sakhon, said working without pay after being unable to “Remittances from overseas has posted a current account anyone with COVID-19 symptoms, who has some migrants are reluctant to get tested afford a COVID-19 test and obtain a neg- Pakistanis rose further to surplus of $1.64bn, compared visited known hotspots, or who is suspected because of their illegal status, and those ative certificate to show his employer. $2.4bn in December 2020, up to a deficit of $1.745bn during to have been infected, can access free coro- who tested positive refused treatment in “I can’t find a new job, I can’t travel and 16.2 percent compared to the same period last year. navirus testing and treatment. an effort to remain in jobs. there are costs I need to pay for my family December 2019 and up 4.2 On the other hand, inflows But some migrant workers were The UN International Organization for to survive,” he said by phone from Samut percent over November 2020. have also helped increase deemed low risk and denied tests at gov- Migration (IOM) said all employers should Sakhon, which has been under lockdown For the first six months of this foreign exchange reserves held ernment hospitals, and could not afford to meet their legal obligation to uphold equal since last month. fiscal year, remittances have by the SBP which have now get tested at private hospitals that can treatment for all employees. “Even if I’m not working, I should at reached $14.2bn and risen 24.9 swelled to $13.41bn, compared charge more than 4,000 baht ($133), “A migrant worker on minimum wage least receive half of my wages. I want the percent over last fiscal year,” to $10.10bn on July 12 at the migrant worker advocates said. in Samut Sakhon contributing 100% of their same rights as other workers.” the SBP said in a note accom- start of the current fiscal year. SUNDAY 10 JANUARY 2021 ASIA 11 North Korea threatens to expand N-arsenal, cites US hostility

AP — SEOUL include a multi-warhead missile, underwater-launched North Korean leader Kim Kim said he won’t use his nuclear missiles, solid-fuelled Jong-Un threatened to expand nuclear weapons first long-range missiles and spy his nuclear arsenal as he unless threatened. He satellites. He said North Korea disclosed a list of high-tech must also advance the pre- weapons systems under devel- also suggested he is open cision attack capability on opment, saying the fate of rela- to dialogue if Washington targets in the 15,000km tions with the United States is too, but stressed North striking range, an apparent ref- depends on whether it Korea must further erence to the US mainland, and abandons its hostile policy, strengthen its military develop technology to manu- state media reported yesterday. facture smaller nuclear war- Kim’s comments during a and nuclear capability to heads to be mounted on long- key meeting of the ruling party cope with intensifying US range missiles more easily. this week were seen as hostility. “The reality is that we can applying pressure on the achieve peace and prosperity incoming administration of on the Korean Peninsula when President-elect Joe Biden, who Biden, who will take office we constantly build up our North Korea leader Kim Jong-Un attends the 8th Congress of the Workers’ Party, in Pyongyang. has called Kim a “thug” and has on January 20, is unlikely to national defense and suppress criticised his summits with hold direct meetings with Kim US military threats,” Kim said. President Donald Trump. unless the North Korean leader It’s unclear if North Korea to Thursday. He spoke for nine economy and reducing reliance economic lifeline but slammed The Korean Central News takes significant denucleari- is capable of developing such hours, the agency said. on imports under a new five- South Korea for continuing the Agency quoted Kim as saying zation steps. systems. It’s one of the world’s The congress, the party’s year development plan. drills with the US and intro- the “key to establishing new Cheong Seong-Chang, a most cloistered countries, and top decision-making body, is Since taking power in late ducing modern weapons. relations between (North fellow at the Wilson Center’s estimates on the exact status being held as Kim faces what 2011, Kim, who turned 37 on South Korea’s Unification Korea) and the United States is Asia Program, said Kim’s of its nuclear and missile pro- appears to be the toughest Friday, has pushed the so- Ministry responded that it whether the United States speech showed he has no grams vary widely. In 2018, the moment of his nine-year rule called “byungjin” policy of hopes for the early resumption withdraws its hostile policy.” interests in denuclearization South Korean government said due to blows to his already- simultaneously seeking eco- of North Korea-US talks, saying Kim said he won’t use his talks with Biden if he insists North Korea was estimated to fragile economy — pandemic- nomic growth and the the inauguration of a new pres- nuclear weapons first unless that working-level negotiations have up to 60 nuclear weapons. related border closings that expansion of his nuclear ident in Washington can serve threatened. He also suggested must sort out contentious “What they want to tell the have sharply reduced the deterrent. After claiming to as a good chance to improve he is open to dialogue if Wash- issues first. US is we’re developing the new North’s external trade, a spate have achieved the ability to their ties. ington is too, but stressed North Kim didn’t cite any specific strategic weapons that you can of natural disasters last strike the US mainland with “Kim’s speech foreshows Korea must further strengthen provocative US actions. North see as the most intimidating. summer and US-led nuclear weapons, Kim the North Korean-US relations its military and nuclear capa- Korea has previously called Do you want to come to the sanctions. launched high-stakes summits won’t be smooth in the next bility to cope with intensifying regular US military drills with negotiating table?” Choi Kang, During his opening-day Trump in 2018, but their four years with Biden in office,” US hostility. South Korea an invasion vice president of Seoul’s Asan speech, Kim called the diffi- diplomacy later fell apart due said Nam Sung-wook, an He again called the US his rehearsal, though the allies Institute for Policy Studies, culties the “worst-ever” and to wrangling over the sanctions expert on North Korea at Korea country’s “main enemy.” have repeatedly denied that. said. admitted his previous eco- the following year. University in South Korea. “Whoever takes office in the The North Korean leader KCNA said Kim’s comments nomic plans had failed. In his During this week’s “We won’t likely see big US, its basic nature and hostile listed sophisticated weapons were made during the ruling other comments reported yes- speeches, Kim said North events and spectacles (like the policy will never change,” he systems that he said were Workers’ Party congress, the terday, he called for building a Korea will further boost ties Kim-Trump summits) for the said. under development. They first in five years, from Tuesday stronger self-supporting with China, its biggest ally and time being.”

Gamaleya applies for emergency vaccine use in Philippines New daily REUTERS — MANILA Gamaleya’s emergency use lacking documents,” FDA he added. Clover is the second Rodrigo Duterte has vowed free infections application is the third the Phil- Director General Rolando Chinese developer to apply for vaccines for the entire 108 Russia’s Gamaleya Research ippine Food and Drug Adminis- Enrique Domingo said in a Phase III clinical trials in the million population to help the above 2,000 Institute has applied to the Phil- tration (FDA) has received after statement. Philippines following Sinovac battered economy recover from ippine health regulator for Pfizer and AstraZeneca both The agency also approved Biotech. In December, the FDA the pandemic. The Philippines in Tokyo emergency use authorisation of made similar applications. on Friday the application of allowed a clinical trial for the has the second-highest number its COVID-19 vaccine but needs “The submission was pre- China’s Clover Biopharmaceu- COVID-19 vaccine of Johnson of COVID-19 cases and deaths REUTERS — TOKYO to file further documentation, assessed and the applicant was ticals to conduct late-stage & Johnson’s unit Janssen. in Southeast Asia, after the regulator said late on Friday. instructed to comply with the clinical trials in the Philippines, Philippine President Indonesia. Osaka and its surrounding prefectures asked Japan to expand a state of emer- Australia on high alert gency to the western cities in an effort to contain the latest after travellers bring COVID-19 outbreak, while Tokyo’s new daily infec- new COVID-19 strains tions keep above 2,000 cases yesterday. REUTERS — MELBOURNE But given the new variants, Yasutoshi Nishimura, the government on Friday cut the country’s economy Australia’s health officials said the number of travellers from minister, told media the yesterday they are on high alert overseas, and required neg- situation in the western after cases of highly transmis- ative COVID-19 tests from cities of Osaka, Kyoto and sible new variants of the coro- those boarding planes and Hyogo was severe and the navirus, discovered in Britain more testing at local quar- declaration of a wider and South Africa, have made it antine facilities. state of emergency was into the country. “So long as people are trav- being considered after a Brisbane, the capital of elling, the risk of the virus request from the cities’ Queensland, yesterday went seeping into the community is governors. into a three-day strict already there,” New South Japan declared a limited lockdown after the discovery Wales Premier Gladys Bere- state of emergency in of a virulent strain of the virus jiklian told a news Tokyo and three prefec- that causes COVID-19, linked conference. tures neighbouring the to Britain. A variant that “Anything we can do to capital on Thursday to stem emerged in South Africa was reduce that risk is really a surge in COVID-19 infec- found in Sydney, Australia’s important, especially now tions, resisting calls from Commuters wearing face masks in accordance with new public health regulations in Sydney, Australia. largest city, in a hotel when we understand what some medics for wider quarantine. these strains are doing, and all curbs due to the economic Australia has been more the experts advise in due two-week mandatory hotel Sydney’s north after an out- lockdown if more cases emerge. damage they would cause. successful than most advanced course that these mutated quarantine upon arrival. break there in December. “This is because of this new Tokyo reported 2,268 economies in managing the strains will become the dom- New South Wales, the Queensland, where a case of the variant and because it is the new daily coronavirus pandemic, with total infections inant strain.” largest state, reported one new Britain-linked variant was first time this new variant has cases yesterday, according at around 28,600 and 909 Australia closed its borders community transmitted case recorded last week, reported no been out in a community any- to the public broadcaster deaths, while each state has at in March but has been allowing yesterday, as a three-week new cases. But officials said that where in the country,” said NHK, the third straight day some point recorded zero a limited number of Australians lockdown is set to end for about they could not rule out Queensland Chief Health above 2,000. COVID-19 transmissions. to return, putting them into a a quarter million of people in extending the three-day Officer Jeannette Young. Hebei capital suspends public transport REUTERS — SHANGHAI Authorities on Thursday vaccines free of charge once they an effort to stem a resurgence banned people from leaving Shi- become available to the general in the winter and spring. Chinese authorities halted jiazhuang and later told resi- public, government authorities Those vaccinations are also public transport in a provincial dents they must stay home for said yesterday. free for individuals, said capital near Beijing yesterday at least seven days even after National Health Commission National Health Commission in an effort to stamp out a new they complete a nucleic acid test. official Zheng Zhongwei said that official Zeng Yixin. cluster of coronavirus infec- The National Health Com- while manufacturing and “We had found some local tions. mission reported 33 new transport of vaccines have costs, governments had charged indi- Shijiazhuang, capital of COVID-19 cases for mainland the government can provide vac- viduals fees, we... demanded Hebei province which surrounds China on January 8, down from cines for free to individuals. immediate rectification,” Zeng Beijing, suspended service on 53 reported a day earlier. The “Our people don’t have to told the briefing, adding that the city’s subway, then extended authority said 14 of the 17 locally pay a single cent for the local governments have since the ban to all public transport, transmitted infections were in vaccine,” Zheng told a press properly implemented the free including taxis. The province Hebei. event in Beijing. vaccination policy. entered a “wartime mode” this The health commission also China in late December China has administered week to battle the infections. reported 38 new asymptomatic approved its first vaccine for more than 9 million COVID-19 At a media conference yes- cases, down from 57 a day general public use. Three vac- vaccine doses, Zeng said. Of that terday, provincial authorities earlier. China does not classify cines had already been given to total, over 7 million were admin- said mass testing for the virus these patients, who have been limited groups at high risk of istered since mid-December. had been conducted for all 11 infected by the SARS-CoV-2 infection, including medical Nearly 140,000 people in million residents of Shi- virus that causes the disease but workers, through an emer- Hebei province have taken jiazhuang, as well as the neigh- are not yet showing any gency-use programme. COVID-19 vaccine doses, said boring city of Xingtai. COVID-19 symptoms, as con- The country widened the Cui Gang, a National Health Ma Yujun, deputy mayor of firmed cases. inoculation scheme in mid- Commission official, part of Shijiazhuang, said the city was December to more key groups China’s vaccination scheme tar- Medical workers in protective suits administer COVID-19 vaccine at working to locate the origin of COVID-19 vaccines such as employees in the food geting specific groups of high a vaccination site in Beijing, China. the outbreak. China will provide COVID-19 and public transport sectors, in infection risk. 12 EUROPE SUNDAY 10 JANUARY 2021 Blizzard brings Spain to a standstill, 4 dead AP— MADRID More than 50 of continuous snowfall due to centimeters of snow the odd combination of a cold A persistent blizzard has blan- air mass stagnant over the keted large parts of Spain with fell in the capital. Iberian Peninsula and the 50-year record levels of snow, By 7am yesterday, arrival of the warmer Storm killing at least four people and Filomena from the south. leaving thousands trapped in the AEMET national The storm is expected to cars or in train stations and weather agency had move northeast throughout Sat- airports that had suspended all recorded the highest urday but it is expected to be services yesterday as the snow followed by a cold snap, the kept falling. 24-hour snowfall seen agency said. The bodies of a man and since 1971 in Madrid. Transport Minster José Luis woman were recovered by the Ábalos warned that “snow is Andalucía region emergency going to turn into ice and we service after their car was capital. By 7am yesterday, the will enter a situation perhaps washed away by a flooded river AEMET national weather more dangerous than what we near the town of Fuengirola. agency had recorded the have at the moment.” The Interior Ministry said a highest 24-hour snowfall seen He added that the priority 54-year-old man was also since 1971 in Madrid. was to assist those in need but A general view of parked planes at Adolfo Suarez Barajas airport, which is suspending flights due to found dead in Madrid under a Sandra Morena, who also to ensure the supply chain heavy snowfall in Madrid, yesterday. big pile of snow. A homeless became trapped late on Friday for food and other basic goods. man died of hypothermia in the as she commuted to her night “The storm has exceeded we will get to you,” he added. altogether over 650 roads by announced that schools would northern city of Zaragoza, the shift as a security guard in a the most pessimistic forecasts Airport operator AENA said Saturday morning, according to be closed at least on Monday local police department shopping center, arrived home, we had,” Ábalos added. that the Adolfo Suárez Madrid- Spain’s transit authorities, and Tuesday. reported. on foot, after an army emer- Carlos Novillo, head of the Barajas International Airport, which urged people to stay Despite the numerous More than half of Spain’s gency unit helped her out yes- Madrid emergency agency, said the main gateway in and out of indoors and avoid all non- branches and even whole trees provinces remained on alert terday morning. that more than 1,000 vehicles the country, would remain essential travel. toppled by the weight of the yesterday afternoon, five of “It usually takes me 15 had become trapped, mostly on closed throughout the day after The wintry weather even snow, the blizzard also yielded them on their highest level of minutes but this time it has been the city’s ring road and the main the blizzard bested machines halted the country’s soccer surreal images that entertained warning, for Storm Filomena. 12 hours freezing, without food motorway that leads from the and workers trying to keep the league, with some of the La Liga many Madrileños, including a In the capital, authorities acti- or water, crying with other capital to the south, toward the runways clear of snow. top teams unable to travel for few brave skiers and a man on vated the red alert for the first people because we didn’t know Castilla La Mancha and Anda- All trains into and out of games. Saturday’s match a dog sled that was seen on time since the system was how we were going to get out lucia regions. Madrid, both commuter routes between Spanish league leader videos widely circulated on adopted four decades ago and of there,” said Morena, 22. “The situation remains of and long-distance passenger Atlético Madrid and Athletic social media. called in the military to rescue “Snow can be very beautiful high risk. This is a very complex trains, as well as railway lines Bilbao was postponed after the Lucía Vallés, a coach for a people from vehicles trapped but spending the night trapped phenomenon and a critical sit- between the south and the plane carrying Bilbao’s team on Madrid-based ski club who on everything from small roads in a car because of it is no fun,” uation,” Novillo said Saturday northeast of the country, were Friday was unable to land in the usually has to travel to faraway to the city’s major she added. morning in a message posted suspended, railway operator capital and had to turn around. mountains with her clients, was thoroughfares. AEMET had warned that on social media. Renfe said. The regions of Castilla La thrilled to see the white layers More than 50 centimeters some regions would be “We ask all those who The storm had caused Mancha and Madrid, home to of snow accumulating literally (20 inches) of snow fell in the receiving more than 24 hours remain trapped to be patient, serious disruptions or closed 8.6 million people altogether, at her doorstep. Merkel urges prudence ahead of darkest COVID-19 days yet Prosecutor to open probe into French BLOOMBERG — BERLIN for a fourth straight day, making chains of transmission early, level, saying no country can the past week the country’s Merkel said. That can only defeat the pandemic on its own justice minister Chancellor Angela Merkel deadliest stint of the happen if people consistently and that Germany wouldn’t be (pictured) urged Germans to pandemic. follow tougher restrictions that safe if its neighboring countries REUTERS — PARIS closely adhere to tougher Fatalities increased by 1,035 went into effect this past week. weren’t protected, too. lockdown measures as in the 24 hours through yes- “Prudence in these hard On Monday, Germany said A judicial investigation will be COVID-19 fatalities surge ahead terday morning, according to January weeks and concern for it had agreed with BioNtech to opened into an alleged conflict of what she warned will data from Johns Hopkins Uni- one another will pay off,” supply 30 million additional of interest on the part of Justice probably be the toughest weeks versity. Total infections rose Merkel said. “That way, we can doses in a side deal, although Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti, of the pandemic yet. 19,840 to 1.91 million, por- more quickly fulfill our hopes the timing of the delivery was the prosecutor attached to Doctors and nurses at many tending no relief in sight for the for the new year.” unclear. France’s highest civil court hospitals are already close to country’s increasingly stretched Merkel pledged that the The German move, agreed said on Friday. being overwhelmed, and it’s still health system. pace of vaccinations will in September but revealed only Dupond-Moretti’s office unclear how big of a surge in The country needs to bring steadily increase and said there this week as the government declined to comment. cases will result from holiday infections back down to the will ultimately be enough shots faced pressures at home, appears Dupond-Moretti was a gatherings, Merkel said in her levels of last summer and early for everyone in the country. She to be in contrast with EU agree- celebrity lawyer and weekly podcast. The faster concern. fall, so that health authorities once again defended the ments that forbid members to household name before he spread of new strains of the Germany’s death toll from can perform contact tracing for decision to first procure vac- negotiate parallel deals with was named minister by Pres- virus only adds to the sense of the coronavirus exceeded 1,000 every new case and break cines at the European Union vaccine makers. ident Emmanuel Macron in July with a brief to reform the justice system. Wife of Macron tested positive for However, the biggest mag- istrates’ unions said he was biased against some judges coronavirus in December: Report after decades of work as a REUTERS — PARIS lawyer and unfit to preside over a revamp of the The wife of French President Emmanuel Macron tested positive judiciary. for COVID-19 towards the end of December but resumed normal Weeks before his minis- activities after a second test proved negative, French radios Europe terial appointment, Dupond- 1 and France Info reported yesterday. Moretti alleged prosecutors Europe 1 said Brigitte Macron tested positive for COVID-19 on at the financial crimes unit December 24. It said she presented no major symptoms and then (PNF) had abused their had two further tests on December 30 and 31 which proved powers by accessing his negative. phone records, and those of President Macron himself tested positive for COVID-19 on other lawyers, as part of an December 17, and was in self-isolation until a subsequent test on investigation into alleged December 24 showed he no longer had COVID symptoms. corruption by former Pres- Also yesterday, French Prime Minister Jean Castex said that ident Nicolas Sarkozy. Moderna Inc's COVID-19 vaccine will arrive in France on Monday, Dupond-Moretti sued as the country steps up its vaccination drive following a sluggish members of the PNF but start. withdrew the lawsuit when Castex and Health Minister Olivier Veran visited a health centre weeks later he was appointed in Tarbes, southwestern France, yesterday as part of the govern- to run the judiciary. ment's campaign to accelerate France's vaccine rollout. Tensions between the min- Vaccinations against the coronavirus also took place at a centre ister and his judges intensified in Taverny, near Paris. in the months that followed.

Massive fire at A police officer handcuffs a demonstrator as they detain him during a protest against the lockdown, Stalin-themed cafe in Moscow amid the spread of the coronavirus disease, at Clapham Common, in London yesterday. Irish port brought under control closed after public outcry England to vaccinate all frontline staff REUTERS — DUBLIN REUTERS — MOSCOW forced him to shut completely. REUTERS — LONDON deaths reported within 28 days The NHS said it will prioritise Firefighters have brought a A shawarma shop in Moscow The branding was hotly of a positive test on Friday sur- the vaccination of its workers large fire at the southern Irish was forced to close a day after debated on social media with NHS England said it had made passed April’s record. based on local risk assessments port of Cork under control and it opened following an outcry some commenters condemning plans to vaccinate all frontline “From the middle of such as underlying health con- no casualties were reported, over its provocative Josef it as distasteful. staff against COVID-19 in the January, all NHS Trusts will be ditions and whether people are the port authority, which Stalin-themed branding, the Stalin’s rule was marked by next few weeks following the able to provide vaccinations for from Black, Asian and minority recently started offering more shop’s owner said yesterday. mass repression, labour camps rollout of the Oxford-Astra- local healthcare and social care ethnic backgrounds. “Brexit-proof” direct sailings The Stalin Doner shop fea- and famine. Nearly 700,000 Zeneca vaccine. workers, which will be critical In a letter to NHS Trusts to mainland Europe, said tured a portrait of the contro- people were executed during Nikita Kanani, the Nation in keeping both them and seen by Reuters, three key NHS yesterday. versial Communist leader the Great Terror of 1936-38, Health Service medical director patients safe,” the NHS said in England officials, including The blaze began in a grain above its front door. Inside, a according to official for primary care, said the an e-mailed statement. Kanani, said they were under store at a deepwater berth used man dressed in the Stalin-era estimates. vaccine will be administered to “The life-saving jab will be an “immediate requirement to for freight services, the port security service uniform served However, many in the ex- “all health and social care staff” offered to all staff across NHS vaccinate frontline health and authority said shortly after 0930 customers wraps named after Soviet Union still regard him by mid-February. services, including those who social care workers, ensuring GMT, urging local residents to Soviet leaders. primarily as the leader who Prime Minister Boris work in general practices, phar- maximum uptake of vacci- keep all doors and windows “We fully opened the day defeated Nazi Germany in the Johnson said the NHS was macies, dentists and other nation and timely, equitable shut and remain indoors. It said before yesterday and served Second World War, ensuring under severe strain, as Britain primary and secondary care access across staff groups”. just over an hour later the fire around 200 customers,” shop the country’s very existence. recorded its highest daily death settings,” it said, adding that Britain, the first country to was under control. owner Stanislav Voltman said. “I had expected some social toll on Friday and London hos- clinics will be scaled up to approve vaccines made by “Emergency services “There were no legal media hype,” Voltman said. “But pitals were at the risk of being enable vaccinations seven days Pfizer/BioNTech and Astra- remain on site to monitor the reasons (to close the shop),” he I had not expected that all TV overwhelmed. a week. Zeneca, on Friday approved area. Ship operations in Rin- added, but said that police had stations, all the reporters and Britain has the world’s fifth- A number of staff have Moderna’s shot, which it hopes gaskiddy have been sus- forced him to remove the Stalin bloggers would flock here and highest COVID-19 death toll at already received their first dose to begin administering this pended,” the port authority sign and then “colossal queue up like they do in front nearly 80,000, and the 1,325 of the vaccine. spring. said on Twitter. pressure” from local authorities of the Lenin mausoleum.” SUNDAY 10 JANUARY 2021 EUROPE 13 Avalanche at Siberian ski resort, 3 dead

REUTERS — MOSCOW buildings buried under snow and ice. Adverse weather con- Russia’s Investigative Three people were killed after ditions, including snowstorms an avalanche struck a ski resort and strong winds, had compli- Committee despatched near the Arctic city of Norilsk cated the work of rescuers, the officers to the scene in late on Friday, the local branch emergency services said in a of Russia’s emergency services statement. Norilsk, a remote city ministry said. Russia’s Investigative Com- of 180,000 situated The bodies of two adults mittee said it had despatched 300km inside the and a young child were found officers to the scene in Norilsk, as part of a search and rescue a remote city of 180,000 sit- Arctic Circle. It has also mission involving 242 people uated 300 km (190 miles) inside opened a criminal and 29 vehicles, the ministry the Arctic Circle. said in a statement yesterday. It has opened a criminal investigation. A 14-year-old boy was also hos- investigation, it said, to pitalised with frostbite. determine whether the Video footage showed buildings’ owners had adequate covered a total area of 300 emergency services staff and safety measures in place. It was square metres, the management volunteers battling high winds still seeking to determine who of the Gora Otdelnaya resort Rescuers and volunteers take part in a search operation after an avalanche hit a ski resort in the Siberian and freezing conditions owned the four buildings that complex was cited as saying by city of Norilsk, Russia, yesterday. throughout the night to dig out were engulfed. The avalanche the TASS news agency. Austria to roll out 5 million coronavirus tests for school pupils Romania detects first case of REUTERS — ZURICH to bridge the difficult months The tests require a swab separate studies by the Charite until the vaccine coverage is only to be inserted into the hospital in Berlin and the Aus- British variant Austrian schools will receive 5 complete,” Fassmann said. front area of the nasal cavity trian Agency for Health and million coronavirus testing kits Austria has ordered most of and do not require a throat Food Safety. of virus from January 18, the its schools to move to remote swab, making them easier to Teachers are due to get vac- REUTERS — BUCHAREST government said yesterday, as learning for pupils from January perform. cines from late February, part of efforts to curb the 7 to January 15. It is unclear The results will be visible although there is no mandatory Romania has recorded its first spread of the virus when pupils when schools will reopen, within 15 minutes, making them requirement for them to be vac- case of the British variant of eventually return to the Fassmann said, although he suitable for quickly identifying cinated. Austria, a country of 8.9 the coronavirus in a classroom. hoped this would be as soon as people who are highly infec- million people, is in its third 27-year-old woman from the Education Minister Heinz possible. tious. People who test positive lockdown, with only essential southern county of Giurgiu Fassmann (pictured) Parents of younger children have to notify the authorities for shops open. who had not travelled abroad announced the delivery of the will be asked to test their refuse,” Fassmann told a press further testing. The country has reported recently, the spokesman of a voluntary tests which pupils children at home, while older conference. “But overall this is The government said the 379,071 coronavirus cases and Bucharest hospital said on and teachers will be able to take pupils will be able to test them- an opportunity not only to open sensitivity of nasal tests is com- 6,687 COVID-19 linked deaths Friday. at least once a week. selves at school. up the schools, but also to keep parable to the conventional since the pandemic began last “If the information given “Testing is the right answer “There will be parents who them open.” throat swab tests, citing year. by the patient is true, this means the virus is already cir- culating in Romania,” Catalin Sweden tightens Apostolescu, spokesman of the Greece submits bill on western territorial waters extension Matei Bals hospital in the rules; stops short capital Bucharest told private REUTERS — ATHENS Aegean, off Greece’s southern Greek Prime Minister Kyr- under the 1982 United Nations television station B1. of lockdown and eastern coasts where iakos Mitsotakis met his Convention on the Law of the “We can expect a rise in Greece’s conservative Athens has been in dispute with Albanian counterpart Edi Rama Sea it retains the right to the number of cases,” he said, REUTERS — STOCKHOLM government has submitted a bill its Nato ally Turkey over mar- in Athens on Friday. exercise its rights in other parts adding the patient had light to parliament to extend the itime boundaries. “This draft legislation con- of its territory. symptoms and was allowed to Sweden has tightened social western limit of its territorial Greece and Italy have firms Greece’s strategy of Dendias said that this was go home. distancing rules for shopping waters in the Ionian Sea to 12 already signed an agreement on seeking agreements with neigh- a historic moment for Greece. The European Union state centres, gyms and private nautical miles, following nego- maritime boundaries estab- bouring countries, based always Greece and Turkey agreed has reported 663,799 corona- gatherings and said it was tiations with its regional neigh- lishing an exclusive economic on international law and pro- a few months ago to resume virus cases and 16,506 deaths ready to close businesses if bours Italy and Albania. zone in the Ionian Sea, while moting security and prosperity exploratory talks over their since the virus reached it in needed, but stopped short of The bill, submitted late on Athens and Tirana have yet to in the region,” Greek Foreign contested maritime claims after February of last year. a lockdown to fight the spread Friday, would extend its agree all details of their mar- Minister Nikos Dendias said a four-year hiatus, but no date The European Union has of the pandemic. western territorial waters from itime boundary and have yesterday. In the bill, which is was set. secured nearly half of Pfizer's Earlier on Friday, par- six nautical miles currently. It referred the issue to the Inter- expected to be voted on later Hopes had revived for a 2021 global output of liament voted the government would not affect waters in the national Court of Justice. this month, Greece says that restart this year. COVID-19 shots. wider powers to close busi- nesses and limit the size of public and private gatherings as an addition to what have Albania rescues 50 Syrian so-far been mostly voluntary measures to ensure social migrants heading for Italy distancing. “Today, the government AP — TIRANA, ALBANIA migrants, including women and has not decided on the closure children, were found after one of businesses, but the gov- Albanian military and police of them called police to say the ernment is ready to make that ships saved 50 Syrian refugees boat was stuck due to bad kind of decision as well,” trapped by bad weather as they weather and an engine Prime Minister Stefan Lofven tried to reach Italy by boat, problem. Sixteen migrants, told a news conference on police and local media reported including three children, were Friday. yesterday. hospitalised. “This is not something that A police statement said that, The migrants allegedly had we take lightly, but people’s in collaboration with Italy’s paid up to ¤2,000 ($2,450) lives and health are at stake.” financial police, on Friday each for the illegal transport From today (Sunday), gyms, evening they found the packed toward Italy. Police did not find sports centres, shopping malls inflatable boat at the Vjosa the traffickers. and public pools will have to River delta, some 100 km (60 Albania, a Nato member set a maximum number of vis- miles) south of the capital, since 2009 and hoping to itors based on their size. Tirana, where it had been launch EU membership nego- In addition, private gath- blocked for about three hours tiations soon, cooperates with erings will also be limited to 8 due to high waves in the the European border agency people, a rule which until now Adriatic Sea. No one was Frontex to control its southern has only affected public believed to be missing. borders with neighbouring events. Two decades ago, the route Greece, from where most of the Sweden registered 7,187 was regularly used by local migrants arrive. new coronavirus cases on Snowfall in Belgium traffickers to take poor Alba- Though it has not been a Friday, according to statistics nians to Italy. major transit route for migrants A wooden deer is seen among trees covered with snow in the nature reserve Les Hautes Fagnes (The from the public health agency. The Balkanweb.com media through Europe so far, small High Fens) in Waimes, Belgium, on Friday. Deaths now total 9,433 - a portal said the 50 Syrian groups have tried crossing it. rate per capita several times higher than that of its Nordic neighbours’, but lower than in Denmark limits travel many European countries that Greece extends lockdown by a week opted for lockdowns. The high death toll — par- from all countries in AP — ATHENS period. Greece launched its Aviation Authority announced a new ticularly among residents of COVID-19 vaccination program in compulsory seven-day quarantine care homes for the elderly — bid to contain virus Greece has extended a two-month late December. So far, nearly 35,000 for any passenger flying into the has led to heavy criticism of lockdown by at least one week, people have received a first dose of country from abroad, including from Lofven for not acting sooner REUTERS — COPENHAGEN through January 18, and announced a two-shot vaccine, according to European Union member countries, and more decisively. plans to increase the number of government statistics. Greece has a up to and including January 21. But the government has in Denmark has restricted travel from all countries people getting COVID-19 vaccines population of around 11 million and Passengers will also face spot part, been hamstrung by a lack from yesterday, and has advised against going from 5,000 per day to 8,000 per day. has reported more than 143,000 rapid tests on arrival, while all are of legal tools to impose the abroad, to limit the spread of the novel corona- Restrictions the Greek gov- confirmed coronavirus cases, still required to provide proof of a kind of far-reaching measures virus, in particular the more transmissible muta- ernment imposed in early November including 5,195 deaths. negative coronavirus test a adopted by other countries in tions first found in Britain and South Africa. shut non-essential retail stores, After maintaining a low infection maximum of 72 hours before arrival, Europe. The move follows a decision this week to entertainment venues, and restau- rate earlier in the year, the country and fill in a passenger locator form. “The Swedish corona further tighten an already stringent economic and rants and allow people to leave their saw a huge spike in cases in the fall. Rapid tests on arrival are com- strategy has always been a social lockdown. homes for a limited number of spe- More than 85% of Greece’s pandemic pulsory for passengers arriving from combination of tougher rules, Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod told reporters on cific reasons. deaths took place after November 1. the United Kingdom, who will only prohibitions and, not the least, Friday that the travel measures were “a logical Primary schools and kinder- Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitso- be able to leave their quarantine if that people themselves assume consequence of the domestic measures taken by gartens in Greece are scheduled to takis, chairing a government meeting they test negative for COVID-19 at great responsibility,” Lofven the government in the last few days”. reopen tomorrow. “We must, at all on COVID-19, said on Friday that the end of the seven-day period, the said. “At the same time it has Danish authorities have so far found no trace cost, take steps to counter the hospitals across the country, announcement said. been obvious that Sweden of the South African coronavirus variant, but they expected rise of infections that including the Greek islands, would The Civil Aviation Authority also needs legislation that better estimate that the British variant will be the dom- occurred over the Christmas hol- receive vaccine supplies by Monday. announced an extension to the flight hits the mark to handle inant one in Denmark by mid-February. idays,” Vana Papaevangelou, a sci- Priority is being given to ban from Turkey and Spain’s Cata- COVID-19 and limit con- Entry to Denmark will be limited to people with entific advisor to the government healthcare workers at public and lonia region until January 21, as well tagion.” Even after parliament a credible purpose and proof of a negative coro- and a professor of infectious diseases private hospitals, followed by care as the ban on arrivals for non-EU voted for the new, temporary navirus test no older than 24 hours, Transport Min- at Athens University, told reporters. home residents and workers, people citizens except those from the UK, law, the government will not ister Benny Engelbrecht told the news conference. Government officials have indi- over age 80, and those with serious Singapore, Australia, Japan, New be able to impose curfews or The travel restrictions will remain in place until at cated a willingness to maintain the health conditions. Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, a domestic travel ban. least January 17. lockdown measures for a longer Separately, Greece’s Civil Thailand, and UAE. 14 AMERICAS SUNDAY 10 JANUARY 2021 US governors work to speed up vaccinations

REUTERS — NEW YORK As of Friday, roughly doses in time,” said Dr. Amesh 6.6 million people Adalja, a senior scholar at The President-elect Joe Biden may Johns Hopkins Center for Health speed up distribution of across the United Security. COVID-19 vaccines to US states, States had received “I would also add that the a spokesman said on Friday, in a first injection of the issue is less about supply but an effort to jump-start the slow about being able to actually roll-out of inoculations that two-shot vaccines physically administer the have made little impact on the out of the 22 million vaccine, so this needs to be pandemic one week into the doses shipped. Some coupled with the ability to stage new year. vaccination clinics, mass vac- Such a move by Biden when Americans got their cination sites, and train vacci- he takes office on January 20 second doses this nators,” Adalja said. would be a departure from a The lag has been partly Trump administration strategy week. attributed to strict rules by US to stockpile enough doses to states controlling who should ensure that required second get inoculated first. Those plans doses of the vaccines are injection of the two-shot vac- have been complicated by some A staff member at Hamilton Park Nursing and Rehabilitation, a nursing home facility, receives the available. cines out of the 22 million doses healthcare workers at the front Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine from Walgreens Pharmacist Craig Brandt in Brooklyn, New York, It would also require that shipped, according to the US of the line declining the shots, US, on January 4, 2021. Pfizer Inc, partner BioNTech SE Centers for Disease Control and leaving the doses unused. and Moderna Inc, makers of the Prevention (CDC). Some Amer- The CDC has said healthcare the different “tiers” of people Georgia, which are among some sign of retreat this week, killing first two coronavirus vaccines icans got their second doses this workers and nursing home res- who qualify under the state’s dozen states that have either more than 4,000 people authorized by the government week. idents and staff should have pri- rules. “We have a specific goal begun or will soon start inocu- nationwide for the second con- for use in the United States, are That number falls far short ority for the limited supply of of a million vaccinations in the lating vulnerable elderly, people secutive day on Thursday. able to maintain a consistent of the 20 million vaccinations vaccines. On Friday, the agency next 10 days,” Newsom said. over 65 are eligible for a shot. The latest COVID-19 surge supply so second shots could be the Trump administration softened that guidance, recom- New York Governor Andrew West Virginia and Indiana are has been compounded by the administered on schedule. pledged to administer by the mending that states move to Cuomo, who previously said all so far limiting the vaccine to spread of a new, more infectious “The President-elect believes end of 2020 as the pandemic those next on the list: People healthcare workers should be those over 80. West Virginia coronavirus variant first detected we must accelerate distribution spirals out of control with still- over age 75 and so called inoculated before the state leads the country in the pace of in the United Kingdom that has of the vaccine while continuing mounting infections, hospital- “essential” workers. Most Amer- moved on to other categories, first-dose inoculations, having now been found in at least eight to ensure the Americans who izations and deaths. icans have been told they will changed course, saying people administered 59 percent of its US states. need it most get it as soon as pos- “The goal has to be to get wait months for a vaccine. aged 75 and over could receive allotted vaccine supply, More than 132,000 Amer- sible,” TJ Ducklo, a spokesman vaccine out of freezers and into California Governor Gavin the shot starting next week. according to CDC data. icans were hospitalized due to the for Biden’s transition, said. people’s arms, and I do think Newsom said he had given local New York has recorded Despite strict lockdowns coronavirus as of Thursday night. As of Friday, roughly 6.6 that we should get first doses in officials more flexibility in 38,119 COVID-19 deaths, far and mandatory business clo- The total number of US cases million people across the United and rely on the manufacturing administering vaccinations, more than any other US state. sures by state and local officials, since the pandemic began rose States had received a first process to deliver the second allowing them to jump between In Texas, Florida and the pandemic has shown no to 21.5 million. Mexico President Judge blocks Trump administration’s sweeping asylum rules thanks Cuba for AP — PHOENIX President Donald Trump’s prior cases, as if they had not Aaron Frankel, an attorney be eligible for asylum. administration argued that the been soundly rejected in well- for plaintiffs, called the rules Immigration judges would sending doctors A federal judge on Friday measures were an appropriate reasoned opinions by several “nothing less than an attempt be directed to be more selective to fight pandemic blocked the Trump administra- response to a system rife with courts,” Donato wrote. to end the asylum system”. about granting asylum claims tion’s most sweeping set of abuse and overwhelmed with “This is a troubling litigation Asylum is a legal protection and allow them to deny most asylum restrictions less than unworthy claims. But US Dis- strategy. In effect, the gov- designed for people fleeing per- applications without a court REUTERS — MEXICO CITY two weeks before President- trict Judge James Donato in San ernment keeps crashing the same secution based on their race, hearing. They also would have elect Joe Biden takes office. Francisco sided with advocacy car into a gate, hoping that religion, nationality, political weighed several new factors Hundreds of Cuban doctors The new rules had been set groups who sued, saying acting someday it might break through.” beliefs or membership to a against an applicant’s ability to will soon arrive in Mexico’s to take effect today. The ruling Homeland Security secretary It was not immediately clear if social group. Any foreigner who win protections, among them capital, a senior Mexican has limited immediate impact Chad Wolf lacked authority to the Trump administration would steps on US soil has a legal right failure to pay taxes. Criminal health official said on Friday, because the government has impose the sweeping rules. make an emergency appeal. to apply for asylum, according records would still count against part of a larger plan endorsed largely suspended asylum at the Donato, who was appointed The rules sought to redefine to US asylum law and interna- an asylum-seeker even if their by leftist President Andres US-Mexico border during the to the bench in 2013 by pres- how people qualify for asylum tional treaty obligations. convictions were expunged. Manuel Lopez Obrador to help coronavirus pandemic, citing ident Barack Obama, wrote that and similar forms of humani- The rules would narrow the Under pandemic-related local hospitals swamped by a public health concerns. Wolf’s appointment violated an tarian protection if they face types of persecution and severity measures in effect since March, COVID-19 surge. Still, letting the rules take established order of succession. persecution at home. The of threats for which asylum is about nine in every 10 people Communist-led Cuba has effect would have been felt by He said it was the fifth time a restrictions would have granted. Applicants seeking pro- stopped at the border are exported doctors as a central some who can still claim asylum court has ruled against broadened the grounds for a tections on the basis of gender or immediately expelled on public part of its diplomatic efforts and make it significantly more Homeland Security on the same judge to deem asylum applica- those who claim they were tar- health grounds. The rest are since its 1959 revolution. Its difficult for all asylum-seekers grounds. “The government has tions “frivolous” and prohibit geted by gangs, “rogue” gov- processed under immigration doctors were in the front lines once pandemic-related recycled exactly the same legal applicants from ever winning ernment officials or “non-state laws, which include the right to in the fight against cholera in measures are lifted. and factual claims made in the protections in the US. organizations” would likely not seek asylum. Haiti and ebola in West Africa in the 2010s. Cuba’s critics in the United States say the doctors work under exploit- Capitol riot: Man carrying ative conditions and are used to support the Communist Speaker’s lectern arrested government’s allies. Luis Antonio Ramirez, the head of Mexico’s ISSSTE public REUTERS — WASHINGTON removed from online platforms network of hospitals, told local and all his pages have been broadcaster Imagen Television A man photographed carrying taken down. Efforts by Reuters that the influx of Cuban off the Speaker’s lectern during yesterday to reach Johnson’s doctors will initially alleviate the Capitol Hill riots was family at his home were not shortages at a hospital in arrested late on Friday, while successful. It was unclear if he southeastern Mexico City. a top Democratic lawmaker had legal representation. “We’re expecting some yesterday called on mobile car- He is a stay-at-home father 200 Cuban doctors to arrive,” riers to preserve social media of five children who lives with Ramirez said shortly after he content related to the riots. his wife in their Parrish home, met with Lopez Obrador at the Dozens of people have been the Miami Herald reported. The national palace. charged following the storming newspaper also reported that Ramirez said the spe- of the Capitol on Wednesday, on Johnson’s social media cialists will help bolster care with the FBI asking the public pages, he boasted of being in at ISSSTE’s Tlahuac hospital, for help identifying partici- Washington ahead of the riots. which earlier this week had pants, given the proliferation Johnson, who has a first posted signs outside its gates of images of the riots on the appearance in federal court informing the public it was full. internet. Five people have died, today, is being charged out of Earlier, Lopez Obrador including a Capitol Hill police Washington. Along with the said he expects around 500 officer. arrest of Johnson, there were COVID-19 precautions Cuban doctors and nurses to Yesterday, US Senator Mark at least 13 people facing arrive, noting that part of the Health workers try to assist an unresponsive man showing symptoms of the coronavirus disease who Warner, a Democrat who is the criminal charges in US District group would be deployed to was brought to the General Hospital in a taxi, in Mexico City, Mexico. incoming Chairman of the Court in connection to the riot, Mexican military hospitals. Senate Intelligence Committee, and at least another 40 people urged mobile carriers to keep were facing lesser charges in content and associated meta- the District of Columbia data connected to the riot, Superior Court, a local venue. SA variant detected in reinfection case in Brazil which erupted as lawmakers Many of those individuals gathered to certify the election were arraigned on Thursday REUTERS — BRASILIA a genetic sequencing of her viral Researchers said the from prior infections or vac- of President-elect Joe Biden. and released, with an order infection. woman, who lived in the city of cines. There is so far no strong Warner, in letters to the from the judge not to return to Brazilian researchers have “This mutation was recently Salvador, was infected twice: evidence to suggest that any of companies, emphasised how Washington unless it is for identified the concerning new identified in Rio de Janeiro, but First on May 20, and then again the many variants circulating the rioters took the time to doc- court appearances or meetings coronavirus variant first dis- it is the first time in the world on October 26. Her symptoms in the world are different ument the event and posted with their attorneys. covered in South Africa in a that it has been associated with were more powerful the second enough that the immune system them via social media and text They included Richard woman who contracted a reinfection by SARS-CoV-2,” time, researchers reported. would not recognize one after messages “to celebrate their Barnett, the Gravette, Arkansas, COVID-19 for the second time, Bruno Solano, who led the Brazil is suffering the having encountered another. disdain for our democratic man who was photographed and said it was the first such study, said in the statement. world’s second-deadliest coro- Cases of reinfection are process”. sitting at Pelosi’s desk and is case reported in the world. “We observed, in the genetic navirus outbreak after the believed to occur because The photograph of Adam also known as Bigo. There have been other cases sequence of the virus present United States, with more than people have insufficient Christian Johnson smiling and The FBI and Washington’s of reinfection in Brazil and the in the second case, the mutation 200,000 dead and 8 million immune protection left over waving as he carried off police department are jointly South African variant had pre- E484K, which is a mutation confirmed cases. from the first infection. Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s lectern investigating the death of vious been detected, but rein- originally identified in South Right-wing President Jair Preliminary results from a from the House of Represent- Capitol Police Officer Brian Sic- fection with this mutation of the Africa and which has caused a Bolsonaro, who has minimised lab study released on atives chambers had gone knick, who was injured while virus is believed to be a first, lot of concern in the medical the gravity of the highly conta- Thursday and awaiting peer viral. Johnson, of Parrish, defending the US Capitol on researchers said. field, as it can hinder the action gious illness, is facing criticism review showed that the Florida, also streamed live Wednesday. Flags at the Capitol The case involved a of antibodies against the virus,” for being slow to respond to the COVID-19 vaccine from Pfizer video on Facebook of himself were lowered to half-staff on 45-year-old woman from the Solano said. health crisis. Inc and BioNTech SE will as he walked the halls of the Friday in honor of Sicknick. northeastern state of Bahia, The study findings are The evolution of the coro- likely remain effective against Capitol, according to the Capitol Police have said the researchers from the D’Or awaiting peer-review and navirus has raised concern that the new highly transmissible Tampa Bay Times. Washington police’s homicide Research and Teaching Institute expected to be published in The certain mutations could allow variants discovered in the UK The video has been unit was probing the death. (IDOR) said, after carrying out Lancet medical journal. the virus to evade immunity and South Africa. SUNDAY 10 JANUARY 2021 AMERICAS 15

Biden set to Biden says Trump not ‘fit for the job’ unveil trillions The US President-elect refused to back in pandemic efforts to remove Trump from the White House relief spending and insisted that impeachment was up to Congress. Instead, Biden said he was focused REUTERS — WILMINGTON on the start of his own administration on US President-elect Joe Biden January 20, and he said his top three priorities said Americans need more are beating back the coronavirus, distributing economic relief from the coro- vaccines fairly and equitably, and reviving the navirus pandemic now and that he will deliver a plan struggling economy. costing “trillions” of dollars next week. Biden spoke on Friday AP — WILMINGTON “I’ve been saying for now, well, after data showed the US over a year, he’s not fit to serve,” economy lost jobs for the first President-elect Joe Biden says Biden said. “He’s one of the time in eight months in that President Donald Trump most incompetent presidents in December as a resurgent isn’t “fit for the job,” but he the history of the United States COVID-19 pandemic shut- repeatedly refused to endorse of America.” tered restaurants and other growing Democratic calls to But he refused to back businesses. He said the pro- impeach him a second time. efforts to remove Trump from posal includes relief for state House Speaker Nancy Pelosi the White House and insisted and local governments grap- said in a letter to members of her that impeachment was up to pling with the pandemic, as chamber that lawmakers could Congress. Instead, Biden said he well as new support for move as early as next week to was focused on the start of his US President-elect Joe Biden answers a reporter’s question next to Vice-President-elect Kamala Harris people who lost their jobs or impeach Trump for inciting a own administration on January as he announces members of economics and jobs team at his transition headquarters in Wilmington, cannot afford rent. violent mob that overran the US 20, and he said his top three pri- Delaware, US, on Friday. Biden also called for Capitol if the President didn’t orities are beating back the raising the minimum wage to “immediately” resign. coronavirus, distributing vac- the “damage done to our repu- president to be impeached Police officer. Biden called what $15, a campaign promise, and Pelosi and Democratic cines fairly and equitably, and tation around the world” to “tin twice. The House impeached happened a “awful debacle” for sending out $2,000 in Senate leader Chuck Schumer reviving the struggling economy. horn dictatorships”. him in late 2019, but the Repub- and said it had “the active direct cash payments. Demo- also have called on Vice-Pres- His comments laid bare the The President-elect also lican-led Senate acquitted him. encouragement of the President crats sought those cash ident Mike Pence and the political balance Biden has suggested that a key hurdle to Removal from office could also of the United States”, payouts in the last relief bill, Cabinet to invoke the 25th worked to strike in the months removing Trump was that he prevent Trump from running The President-elect’s com- passed in December, but only Amendment to force Trump since winning the presidential has less than two weeks for president in 2024, or ever ments came hours after Trump were able to get Republicans from office — a process for election. He has continued to remaining in his term. holding the presidency again. tweeted that he planned to skip to agree to $600. stripping the President of his sharply criticise Trump and “If we were six months out, Most Democrats, and many Biden’s inauguration, becoming “We need more direct post and installing the Vice- nearly every facet of his admin- we should be doing everything Republicans, put the blame the first president in more than relief flowing to families, small President to take over. istration but also worked to to get him out of office. squarely on Trump after hun- 150 years — and just the fourth businesses, including finishing Addressing reporters in his keep the public’s attention Impeaching him again, trying dreds of rioters broke into the in US history — to do so. Biden the job of getting people that home state of Delaware after focused on what the new to evoke the 25th Amendment, Capitol on Wednesday and said he’d be “honoured” to have $2,000 relief direct payment. an event on Friday introducing administration will do rather whatever it took,” Biden said. caused destruction and mass Pence at the swearing-in, but $600 is simply not enough,” some of his Cabinet choices, than indulging recriminations “But I am focused now on us evacuations. didn’t feel the same way about he said. Biden said he would Biden noted that a key reason against the last one. taking control as president and The President had urged his Trump. unveil the plan on Thursday. he ran for president was Biden nonetheless conceded vice president on the 20th and supporters to protest as Congress That’s “one of the few things The Democrat emerged because he’d “thought for a that Trump “exceeded my worst to get our agenda moving as was counting the electoral votes he and I have ever agreed on,” emboldened from a pair of long, long time that President notions about him. He’s been quickly as we can.” that confirmed Biden’s win. Five Biden said. “It’s a good thing, Senate elections this week in Trump wasn’t fit for the job”. an embarrassment” and likened Trump would be the only people died, including a Capitol him not showing up.” Georgia that handed Demo- crats a majority in that chamber to complement control of the House of Rep- 57% of Americans want Trump resentatives. The majorities could allow Biden to pass larger spending bills. removed immediately: Poll Biden’s initial plan was for a bill under $1 trillion but he REUTERS — NEW YORK in the run-up to Wednesday’s they want Trump to leave office said on Friday that “economic assault. At a rally earlier in the before his term ends includes research confirms that with Fifty-seven percent of Americans day, Trump had exhorted thou- about nine out of every ten conditions like the crisis today, want Republican President sands of his followers to march Democrats polled but just two especially with such low Donald Trump to be immediately to the Capitol. The chaos in in ten Republicans. interest rates, taking imme- removed from office after he which a police officer and four Some 30 percent said the diate action — even with encouraged a protest this week others died, has been widely President should be removed deficit financing — is going to that escalated into a deadly riot condemned by both Democrats using provisions in the 25th help the economy”. inside the US Capitol, according and Republicans. Amendment of the US Consti- The President-elect said to a Reuters/Ipsos poll. Democrats in the House of tution, which allows the Vice- action was needed to help Most of them were Demo- Representatives plan to President and Cabinet to remove Americans get to the other side crats, however, with Repub- introduce misconduct charges the President if he is unable to of the health and economic A photo illustration shows the suspended Twitter account of US licans apparently much more today that could lead to a discharge his official duties. crisis, and to “avoid a broader President Donald Trump on a smartphone at the White House supportive of Trump serving second impeachment of Trump, Another 14 percent said economic cost that exists out briefing room in Washington, US, on Friday. out the final days of his term, two sources familiar with the Congress should impeach and there, that will happen due to which ends on January 20. matter said. “If the President remove Trump from office, and long term unemployment, The national public opinion does not leave office immi- 13 percent said Trump should hunger, homelessness and Twitter suspends survey, conducted on Thursday nently and willingly, the Con- simply resign. A small minority business failings”. and Friday, also showed that gress will proceed with our of the American public — 12 Markets have reacted seven out of 10 of those who action,” House Speaker Nancy percent — said they supported quickly to expectations that voted for Trump in November Pelosi said in a statement. the actions of those people who government spending will rise Trump's account opposed the action of the The public’s reaction is took part in the riot. since Democrats won the hardcore supporters who broke divided by political party, as it Seventy-nine percent of Georgia elections. Biden’s REUTERS — WASHINGTON the end of his presidential term. into the Capitol while law- has been on almost every major adults, including two-thirds of transition team also said on The Republican President is makers were meeting to certify issue in the Trump era. While Republicans and Trump voters, Friday that they are looking Twitter Inc said on Friday that due to hand over to Democratic the election victory of Dem- almost everyone condemned described the participants as into other economic relief it has permanently suspended President-elect Joe Biden on ocrat Joe Biden. the violent confrontation, calls either “criminals” or “fools”. actions they can take unilat- US President Donald Trump’s January 20. Nearly 70 percent of Amer- for Trump’s ouster came mostly Nine percent saw them as “con- erally, including extending a account due to the risk of In a blog post on Friday, icans surveyed also said they from Democrats. Altogether, the cerned citizens” and 5 percent pause on repayments of further incitement of violence Twitter said that two of the disapprove of Trump’s actions majority of Americans who said called them “patriots”. federal student loans. following the storming of the President’s tweets posted that US Capitol on Wednesday. day were in violation of its The suspension of Trump’s policy against the glorification account, which had more than of violence. Twitter had tem- Democrats to introduce misconduct charges today 88 million followers, silences porarily blocked Trump’s his primary megaphone days account on Wednesday fol- REUTERS — WASHINGTON before the end of his term and lowing the siege of Capitol Hill, follows years of debate about and warned that additional vio- Democrats in the House of Representatives how social media companies lations by the President’s plan to introduce misconduct charges today should moderate the accounts accounts would result in a per- that could lead to a second impeachment of powerful global leaders. manent suspension. of President Donald Trump, sources said. “After close review of Trump was required to With a majority in the House, Demo- recent Tweets from the @real- delete three rule-breaking crats appear poised for a historic first: No DonaldTrump account and the tweets before his account was President has ever been impeached twice. context around them we have unblocked. He returned to But it is unclear whether lawmakers would permanently suspended the Twitter on Thursday with a be able to remove Trump from office, as account due to the risk of video acknowledging that any impeachment would prompt a trial in further incitement of violence,” Biden would be the next US the Senate, where his fellow Republicans the company said in a tweet. president. still hold power. It was the first time Twitter Twitter said that Trump’s Top Democrats have called on Vice- has banned a head of state, the tweet that he would not be President Mike Pence and Trump’s Cabinet company confirmed. Social attending Biden’s inauguration to invoke the US Constitution’s 25th media companies have moved was being received by a number Amendment, which allows them to remove swiftly to crack down on Trump of his supporters as confirmation the President if he is unable to discharge and some of his prominent right- that the November election was his official duties. Pence is opposed to the wing allies and supporters in the not legitimate. idea, an adviser said. wake of the turmoil in Wash- It said another tweet Democrats said a House vote on ington, DC, on Wednesday, praising “American Patriots” impeachment could come next week. The which led to five deaths. and saying his supporters sources said the articles of impeachment, Trump has repeatedly used “will not be disrespected or which are formal charges of misconduct, People wearing protective masks hold a US flag at the Barclays Center during a rally in Twitter and other platforms to treated unfairly in any way, were crafted by Democratic Representa- the Brooklyn borough of New York City, New York, US, on Thursday. claim his defeat in the November shape or form!!!” could be tives David Cicilline, Ted Lieu and Jamie 3 election was due to widespread seen as “further indication Raskin. Lieu said on Twitter the draft had votes to overturn Biden’s victory in that damage,” the Alaska Senator told the voter fraud and to share other that President Trump does not 150 co-sponsors. A copy circulating among state. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called Anchorage Daily News. conspiracy theories, and had plan to facilitate an orderly members of Congress charges Trump with Trump “unhinged” on Friday and said Con- Trump allies, including Senator Lindsey urged supporters to come to transition”. “inciting violence against the government gress must do everything possible to protect Graham and the House Republican leader, Washington on Wednesday and Critics of major social of the United States” in a bid to overturn Americans. Senator Ben Sasse of Nebraska, Kevin McCarthy, had urged Democrats to march on the Capitol to protest media platforms, including top his loss to President-elect Joe Biden. said he would consider supporting an shelve talk of impeachment to avoid further the election result. Democratic politicians, praised The articles also cite Trump’s hour-long impeachment proceeding. Republican division. “If Speaker Pelosi pushes Facebook Inc said earlier Twitter’s move and said it was phone call last week with Georgia Secretary Senator Lisa Murkowski said Trump should impeachment in the last days of the Trump this week it was suspending his long overdue, while Trump of State Brad Raffensperger, in which resign immediately. “I want him to resign. presidency it will do more harm than good,” account through until at least suppporters expressed outrage. Trump asked the official to “find” enough I want him out. He has caused enough Graham said on Twitter. SUNDAY 10 JANUARY 2021 16

Opera and theatre’s Prototype Festival pushed online

AP — NEW YORK Times Square, and “Ocean director of Beth Morrison Barry said only one seasonal Body,” a multi-screen and music Projects. staff member was hired for the One of the world’s top festivals installation for in-person audi- The ninth annual “In the middle of a pan- festival in addition to two full- PRAYER of contemporary opera and ences of four a time at HERE Prototype Festivals demic, we wildly underbudgeted time festival staff members year- TIMINGS theatre has shifted format Mainstage in lower Manhattan. opens on Friday night ticket revenues for this festival, round, down from the usual five PRAYERPRAYRRAAAY TIMINGSMING because of the coronavirus There also will be three US with the world premiere because most of the offerings are or six additions. While the fes- pandemic. digital premieres: Ben Frost and of “Modulation,” a self- free,” Barry said. tival hired about 500-600 artists The ninth annual Prototype Petter Ekmann’s “The Murder of Recent festivals included last year, this year’s total is FAJR 04.59 am festivals opens on Friday night Halit Yozgat;” Valgeir Sigurðs- guided digital work for Ellen Reid’s “prism” (2019) and 150-180. SUNRISE 06.21 am with the world premiere of son’s “Wide Slumber for Lepi- distanced times by 13 Du Yun’s “Angel’s Bone,” both World premieres planned “Modulation,” a self-guided dopterists;” and by Septina Pulitzer Prize winners, and Missy for 2021 were put off until 2022. DHUHR 11.41 am composers exploring digital work for distanced times Rosalina Laya’s “The Planet - A isolation, identity, and Mazzoli’s acclaimed “Breaking “We hope it picks up with no ASR 02.42 pm by 13 composers exploring iso- Lament.” fear. the Waves.” Plans to shift to skipping,” Morrison said, “But I MAGHRIB 05.04 pm lation, identity, and fear. Beth Morrison, a former digital thus year started in late think we’ve picked up the pieces ISHA 06.34 pm Two other world premieres administrator at Boston Univer- April. in a pretty exciting way. We have will be presented through sity’s Tanglewood Institute and About 10,000 had attended 19 composers we’re working January 16, including “Times3” producer of New York City HERE, dedicated to hybrid live each recent festival. The budget with who we’re really excited to a digital audio collage by com- Opera’s contemporary showcase performances in theater, dance, dropped from just over $1 be featuring, who we wouldn’t poser Pamela Z and theatre artist VOX, runs the festival with music and visual art, and with million to far less for this year. have had the opportunity to oth- Geoff Sobelle in New York’s Kristin Marting of Jecca Barry, the executive Because of the pandemic, erwise collaborate with.” Google suspends Parler social

WEATHER networking app from Play Store; TODAY Apple gives 24-hour warning

REUTERS — NEW YORK In suspending the service, Google, whose software powers Owners of the two biggest Android phones, cited its policy o o mobile app stores took action on against apps that promote vio- 16 C 23 C Friday against the Parler social lence and gave recent examples Minimum Maximum networking service because of from Parler, including a Friday Misty at places at first becomes posts inciting violence, with post that began “How do we take moderate temperature daytime Alphabet Inc’s Google removing back our country? About 20 or with scattered clouds, cold by night. it and Apple Inc warning it may so coordinated hits” and another do the same. promoting a “Million Militia W ALRUWAIS : 17o → 21o Google said the app favoured March” on Washington. W ALKHOR : 12o → 23o by many supporters of US Pres- In a statement, Google said W DUKHAN : 11o → 21o ident Donald Trump must dem- that “for us to distribute an app W WAKRAH : 11o → 23o onstrate “robust” content mod- through Google Play, we do eration if it wants to get back in require that apps implement W MESAIEED : 11o → 23o the store. Apple gave the service robust moderation for egregious W ABUSAMRA : 12o → 21o 24 hours to submit a detailed content. In light of this ongoing moderation plan, pointing to and urgent public safety threat, HIGH TIDE participants using the service to we are suspending the app’s 03:02 – 12:51 A unique project coordinate Wednesday’s siege listings from the Play Store until of the US Capitol building. it addresses these issues.” In a Cellist Angela Acuna plays from a balcony as part of a project called Voces de mujer al viento (Woman LOW TIDE 09:42 – 20:39 The actions by the two letter from Apple’s App Store voices to the wind) at an apartment building during the Santiago a Mil International Theatre Festival Silicon Valley companies mean review team to Parler seen by in Santiago, Chile, on Friday that the network seen as a haven Reuters, Apple cited participants for people expelled from Twitter of the mob storming the US could become unavailable for Capitol building on Wednesday. new downloads on the world’s “Content that threatens the Michael Apted, director of ‘Up’ documentary series, dies main mobile phone app stores well-being of others or is within a day. It would still be intended to incite violence or AP — CALIFORNIA 7 to 63. The project started in audiences. The ambitious project available in mobile browsers. other lawless acts has never been 1964 with “Seven Up!” the brain- earned him an Institutional Parler Chief Executive John acceptable on the App Store,” Michael Apted, the acclaimed child of the late Canadian film- Peabody Award in 2012 and also Matze said in posts on his service Apple said in the letter. British director of the “Up” docu- maker Paul Almond. Apted had the honour of being satirized on Friday that Apple was Apple gave Parler 24 hours mentary series and films as served as a researcher on the by “The Simpsons” in a 2007 applying standards to Parler that to “remove all objectionable diverse as the Loretta Lynn first film and took over as episode. The last film, “63 Up,” it did not apply to itself and the content from your app... as well biopic “Coal Miner’s Daughter” director seven years later, con- came out in 2019. companies were attacking civil as any content referring to harm and the James Bond film “The tinuing to check in with the sub- “The series was an attempt liberties. He added in a text to people or attacks on gov- World Is Not Enough,” has died. jects every seven years. to do a long view of English message, “Coordinating riots, ernment facilities now or at any He was 79. “He turned it into a nice film, society,” Apted told Slant Mag- violence and rebellions has no future date.” The company also A representative for the but I turned it into a political azine in 2019. place on social media.” demanded that Parler submit a Directors Guild of America said document,” Apted said in a DGA “The class system needed a Right-leaning social media written plan “to moderate and his family informed the organ- Quarterly interview in 2018. kick up the backside.” Apted was users in the United States have filter this content” from the app. isation that he passed on “That if you were born into born in Aylesbury to a middle flocked to Parler, messaging app Apple declined to comment. Thursday night. No cause was a certain environment, you had class family in 1941. Scholarships Telegram and hands-off social Matze, who describes Michael Apted given. no chance at all of achieving any allowed him to study at Cam- site Gab, citing the more himself as libertarian, founded An incredibly prolific ambition. It was going to be con- bridge, where he counted John aggressive policing of political Parler in 2018 as a “free-speech director, Apted’s legacy is troversial, crude, no holds graphically how awful things Cleese among his friends. He comments on mainstream plat- driven” alternative to main- perhaps most defined by the barred, and was going to tell it were.” Apted credited the late started in media with an appren- forms such as Twitter Inc and stream platforms but began nine “Up” films, which followed as it was. It had a huge effect on film critic Roger Ebert for ticeship at Granada Television, Facebook Inc. Twitter perma- courting right-leaning users as the lives of 14 economically the country, not just on tele- bringing the series to the working on productions such as nently suspended President prominent supporters of Trump diverse British children from age vision, because it showed attention of American “Coronation Street.” Trump’s account on Friday. moved there. Sentimental video tribute closes ‘I love life’: Oldest living Olympic champion turns 100 Trebek’s final ‘Jeopardy!’ AP — BUDAPEST Keleti said the experiences she AP — NEW YORK don’t dance” is shown amid For Agnes Keleti, the oldest gained while scenes of him dancing through living Olympic champion, the traveling the world More than two months after Alex the years. fondest memory of her were more pre- Trebek’s death, fans of The tribute is still plenty sad remarkable 100 years is simply cious to her than “Jeopardy!” finally got the chance and sentimental, though, as that she has lived through it all. her 10 Olympic to say goodbye. Jackman sings “it’s so hard to say The Holocaust survivor and medals. A video tribute to the host good-byes, when there’s so winner of 10 Olympic medals in “I loved gym- closed Friday’s episode of the much that’s left unspoken in gymnastics — including five golds nastics because it quiz show, the final one that your eyes,” and “once before I — celebrated her 100th birthday was possible to Trebek taped before pancreatic go, I would like to let you know, yesterday in her native Budapest, travel for free,” she cancer claimed his life on Nov. that I would do it all again.” And punctuating a life of achievement, said. 8. in its final moments it shows adventure, tragedy and perse- Those travels The 90-second montage, set Trebek through signing off verance which, she says, passed would ultimately to Hugh Jackman singing the through the decades, repeatedly by in a flash. result in a nearly Peter Allen song “Once Before I saying, “So long, everybody.” “These 100 years felt to me 60-year absence Go,” is a lighthearted and Trebek died Nov. 8 at age 80 but like 60,” she said at a celebration from her native laughter-filled remembrance had pre-taped several weeks of in Budapest on the eve of her Hungary. At the age showing Trebek’s changing look shows that have continued to air. birthday. of 35, while she Agnes Keleti laughs as her son Rafael holds one of her medals in front of her at through his 36 years as host, with He kept working for nearly two Leafing through a copy of a was becoming the her apartment in Budapest, Hungary. moustache and without, with years after his diagnosis with new book about her life — “The oldest gold black hair and with grey, with pancreatic cancer, remaining in Queen of Gymnastics: 100 Years medalist in gym- suits from several decades. place at the podium where he of Agnes Keleti” — her trademark Her mother and sister sur- of 31, winning a gold medal in the nastics history in Melbourne, the It celebrated the wackier had become an institution since modesty was on full display. vived the war with the help of floor exercise as well as a silver Soviet Union invaded Hungary moments of the usually strait- starting in 1984. “‘The queen of gymnastics,’” famed Swedish diplomat Raoul and two bronzes. following an unsuccessful anti- laced Trebek, showing him ver- The show will continue next she said, switching to English. Wallenberg, but her father and Despite her achievements - Soviet uprising. Keleti remained bally sparring with contestants week with a series of interim And in Hungarian: “That’s an other relatives perished at with six medals she was the most in Australia and sought political and arm-wrestling with one. hosts, starting with veteran exaggeration.” Keleti, who was Auschwitz, among the more than successful athlete at the 1956 asylum. “You really make me feel “Jeopardy!” champion Ken Jen- born Agnes Klein in 1921, had her half a million Hungarian Jews Melbourne Olympics and she is Today, Keleti follows her inadequate,” he tells a child con- nings. The week’s final Trebek illustrious career interrupted by killed in Nazi death camps and recognized as one of the most doctor’s recent advice to avoid testant. “Sorry about that,” she episodes began Monday with the World War II and the subsequent by Hungarian Nazi successful Jewish Olympic ath- performing full leg splits, and her sassily answers. host urging viewers to give to cancellation of the 1940 and 1944 collaborators. letes of all time - the still-viva- near-perpetual smile and infec- Trebek is shown walking on others who were suffering Olympics. Forced off her gym- Resuming her career after the cious Keleti said she most values tious laughter are reminders that the set pants-less in one clip, during the coronavirus nastics team in 1941 because of war, Keleti was set to compete at her health and the simple fact even in times of great hardship, dressed as the Statue of Liberty pandemic. her Jewish ancestry, Keleti went the 1948 London Olympics but a that she has lived. there remains the immutable in another, and wearing the “We’re trying to build a into hiding in the Hungarian last-minute ankle injury dashed “I love life,” she said. “Health potential for perseverance and costume of a Trojan solider in gentler, kinder society, and if we countryside where she survived her hopes. Four years later, she is the essence. Without it, there the joy of life. “I live well, and it’s another. all pitch in just a little bit, we’re the Holocaust by assuming a false made her Olympic debut at the is nothing.” In an interview with great that I’m still healthy,” Keleti A clip of the host declaring “I going to get there,” Trebek said. identity and working as a maid. 1952 Helsinki Games at the age The Associated Press last year, said. “And I love life.”