QICCA holds Cautious Al webinar on “Dos Sadd set to and Don'ts for begin title Online defence against Hearings” Muaither

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TUESDAY 26 JANUARY 2021 13 JUMADA II - 1442 VOLUME 25 NUMBER 8514 www.thepeninsula.qa 2 RIYALS Have the SIM delivered to you Qatar University plans to Deputy Amir meets Chairman of Total open branches in Asian and African countries QNA — DOHA consultancy office for gov- Council welcomed the QU Pres- ernment agencies, and others. ident and extended his thanks Qatar University President Dr. Dr. Derham made this and appreciation to the Amir H Hassan Rashid Al Derham told known while honouring an H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al the Shura Council yesterday invitation from the Speaker of Thani for his interest and spon- that there are plans to develop the Shura Council H E Ahmed sorship of university education technical research at the bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al in the country. university, including estab- Mahmoud. The Shura Council Speaker Al Mahmoud lishing the Qatar University held its regular weekly meeting praised the development and technical company. under the chairmanship of expansion Qatar University is Dr. Al Derham said the Speaker Al Mahmoud. witnessing and the remarkable project had reached advanced During his session with the progress it has made in uni- stages with the Ministry of Council, the QU President also versity rankings at the Arab and Commerce and Industry (MoCI). disclosed that the university international levels. He also disclosed plans to is working on a university The Shura Council focused establish the Qatar University endowment project to on increasing the percentage of knowledge group, a enhance its financial sustain- Qatari professors at the uni- ability. He said versity and the importance of Deputy Amir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani met, at the Amiri Diwan office yesterday studies on it are scrutinising the teaching staff’s morning, with the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Total, Patrick Pouyanne, and close to completion. selection and paying attention He also announced to the Qatari administrative the accompanying delegation who called on H H the Deputy Amir to greet him on the occasion of plans to establish cadres. There were also his visit to the country. They reviewed cooperation relations between the State of Qatar and Total branches of Qatar remarks about the significance and means of enhancing and developing them. University in several of developing Qatari adminis- Asian and African trative cadres to assume lead- countries. ership positions at the Dr. Al Derham university. Qatar healthcare system ranked best in region explained the univer- The session also discussed sity’s strategy from graduating the good and scien- IRFAN BUKHARI The scoring has been done the healthcare system, 2018 to 2022, its tifically qualified and how the THE PENINSULA seeing different aspects of healthcare professionals, goals, and future university’s scientific studies healthcare system from skills of equipment, staff, doctors, cost, plans. He highlighted and research are linked to Owing to continuous invest- medical staff to equipment used etc. To present survey result, the framework for Qatar’s strategic development ments and timely chalked-out in facilities. Qatar’s scores in dif- Numbeo used the scale (0, 100) Qatar University is organising basic and plans and its needs for qualified strategies by the State, Qatar’s ferent components, covered in for values since it is easier to enabling strategies cadres. healthcare system has become the survey, are as follows: Skill read for users. working on a university for the university’s They also talked about the the best in the region. and competency of medical staff, In the survey, Doha has also endowment project to transformative university’s development in Qatar has been ranked 68.23 (high); speed in completing emerged as first in the GCC enhance its financial process and its most establishing faculties of med- among top 20 countries in examination and reports, 69.66 scoring 72.94 on Numbeo sustainability. Studies prominent initiatives, icine, pharmacy, dental med- Numbeo Healthcare Index by (high); equipment for modern Healthcare Index by City 2021. expressing the uni- icine, and health sciences and Country 2021, scoring 73 points. diagnosis and treatment, 88.28 Doha’s scores in different on it are close to com- versity’s appreciation the extent of Qatari students’ Taiwan is at number one glo- (very high); accuracy and com- components of the survey are pletion. QU plans to for the care and interest in joining these col- bally among 93 countries pleteness in filling out reports, as follows: Skill and competency establish branches of attention it has leges, and the importance of covered in the survey. 69.53 (high); friendliness and of medical staff, 68.18 (high); Qatar University in received from the benefiting from retired Qatari Other countries in top 20 courtesy of the staff, 76.16 (high); speed in completing exami- state’s leadership cadres in the areas in which include South Korea, France, satisfaction with responsiveness nation and reports, 70.00 (high); several Asian and since its estab- the university sees the Japan, Denmark, Spain, Austria, (waiting) in medical institutions, equipment for modern diagnosis African countries. lishment. He added: potential to benefit from their Thailand, Australia, Finland, 56.35 (moderate); satisfaction and treatment, 88.19 (very high); “We have a clear expertise. There were also Netherlands, Norway, Czech with cost, 75.00 (high); and con- accuracy and completeness in Dr. Hassan Rashid Al Derham vision and message.” remarks made on the grades Republic, Belgium, United venience of location, 78.82 (high). filling out reports, 69.49 (high); Qatar University President Meanwhile, the required to accept Qatari stu- Kingdom, Switzerland, Germany, Healthcare Index is an esti- friendliness and courtesy of the Speaker of the Shura dents. `P2 Israel and New Zealand. mation of the overall quality of staff, 75.98 (high). Qatar-India trade volume to soon return to pre-COVID-19 level SANAULLAH ATAULLAH we will be able to go back by the three destinations for exports held for limited number of THE PENINSULA middle of 2021 to full pre- from Qatar. people,” said Dr. Mittal. COVID-19 time,” said Dr. Mittal. “We have very strong rela- He said the flag hoisting cer- Ambassador of India to Qatar, He said production in India tions with Qatar especially in We have very strong emony will be live streamed on H E Dr. Deepak Mittal has said already beaten the slowdown investment and trade sectors ... relations with Qatar official Facebook account of Indian Qatar-India trade volume is during the pandemic. “India we both India and Qatar are especially in Embassy enabling maximum expected to return to pre- should see its growth rate hitting looking into how to diversify investment and trade members of Indian expatriate COVID-19 level by middle of the pre-pandemic level, which our trade further. community to participate. this year. had been about seven to eight “We do have a very strong sectors ... both India To a question about the pro- “Bilateral trade between percent. We are confident of energy partnership. Now we are and Qatar are looking gramme of the Trade Promotion Qatar and India crossed $11bn going towards it which is good thinking why the partnership is into how to diversify Council of India (TPCI), the in 2019. Despite COVID-19 chal- for India and Qatar to boost limited to energy, why not to our trade further. Ambassador said the Council is lenges the trade volume bilateral trade,” said Dr. Mittal. look into diversification of trade involved in holding promotional between two countries from Speaking about the com- and to complement each other Dr. Deepak Mittal events regularly to promote April to November in 2020 was modities which are being traded and participate in ensuring food Indian products in Qatar. Ambassador of India to Qatar. about $7bn which was a good between two countries, the security and healthcare devel- “Last year, because of the growth,” H E Dr. Deepak Mittal Ambassador said: “We do opments,” said Dr. Mittal. pandemic, we could not hold told The Peninsula. exchange energy, electric appli- He said 2021 looks good as it business,” said the Ambassador. fervour following COVID-19 pro- physical exhibitions and events. The Ambassador said that he ances, foods, beverages, chem- began with all positive develop- Speaking about 72nd tocol in a safe environment. We have been doing a lot of hoped that the bilateral trade icals, textile, pharmaceuticals, ments in the region. “We expect Republic Day of India which falls “The event will begin with activities virtually. With gradual volume might return to pre- construction materials among the vaccination drive taking place on January 26 (today), the flag hoisting at the premises of lifting of COVID-19 restrictions COVID-19 level by the middle of many more.” He said in 2020, in Qatar and India will bring more Ambassador said the event will Indian Embassy in Doha by more activities will be current year. “Now we feel that India has been among the top strength towards work and be celebrated with fun and 8am. A small reception will be organised,” said Dr. Mittal. Police College to move to new premises by April SIDI MOHAMED years adding it will move to new in the Ministry of Interior (MoI).” Dr. Al Marri explained the researches and studies which THE PENINSULA buildings during April or June. He also pointed out that a graduates will be able to com- serve national and regional Speaking to Qatar Radio yes- number of new buildings and plete their MA or PhD studies in security needs. Director-General of the Police terday, Al Marri said: “When the educational facilities will be Police Sciences/Legal Studies. The College provides a College, Brigadier Dr. Police College is transformed added to the new academy. “The The courses are evaluated every learning environment which Mohammed Abdullah Al into an academy by 2023, it will Police College provides a pio- semester. contributes to the preparation Muhana Al Marri, has said that have under its umbrella Ras neering educational envi- He said that the college has and education of police officers the Police College will move to Laffan College, College of ronment in preparing and qual- achieved many of its objectives and make use of the available new premises with more Graduate Studies, Institute for ifying officers. The higher-ups including development of resources at the College. training and educational facil- Women’s Police, Institute for of the MioI had made it clear at cadres of police officers who are Recently, 112 candidtes, Included with ities in April this year. Police Officers, Research the time of the college’s foun- qualified and scientifically and among them 93 Qatarisgrad- He added that the Police Centers, Police Training dation and had set futures plans practically trained in the rel- uated from the College. Among today’s edition is a College will witness many Institute, and many centers that for it in terms of its future devel- evant legal and policing fields, them 19 were from Jordan, Pal- special supplement developments in the coming include various training sectors opment and expansion,” he said. in addition to conducting estine and Yemen. 02 HOME TUESDAY 26 JANUARY 2021

Prime Minister meets Chairman of Total Qatar University plans to OFFICIAL NEWS open branches in Asian Amir receives call from President of and African countries Guyana FROM PAGE 1 the university represented by Replying to the Council’s its Board of Trustees chaired by DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim questions and inquiries, the QU the Deputy Amir H H Sheikh bin Hamad Al Thani received a President said the university Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani phone call from President of the pays attention to the identity, and the Qatar Foundation for Co-operative Republic of Guyana traditions, and customs of the Education, Science and Com- H E Dr. Irfaan Ali, during which he Qatari society, Arab culture, munity Development (QF) expressed his thanks and appre- and Islamic values and has headed by the Chairperson of ciation to His Highness for the ambitious plans to develop the the QF H H Sheikha Moza bint medical aid the State of Qatar social and human sciences. He Nasser, and Vice-Chairperson provided to Guyana in support of disclosed the number of uni- and CEO of QF H E Sheikha its efforts to combat the corona- versity students, the per- Hind bint Hamad Al Thani. virus (COVID-19) epidemic. The centage of Qatari students, the The QU President praised call dealt with reviewing bilateral number of faculty members, the fruitful discussions during relations between the two coun- the percentage of Qatari pro- the sessions and the remarks tries and the means to enhance fessors at the university, and made by members of the Shura and develop them, in addition to the efforts made to attract Council, adding that they will reviewing a number of issues of more Qataris to work in the be taken under consideration. joint interest. — QNA teaching staff. Dr. Al Derham The Speaker of the Shura stressed that the university has Council thanked the QU Pres- Amir sends a stimulating and encouraging ident and his deputies after the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani met environment to work despite session, wishing the university congratulations to yesterday morning with the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Total, Patrick other institutions’ attractive further progress and devel- President of Uganda Pouyanne, and the accompanying delegation. During the meeting, they reviewed areas of existing offers. opment in serving the country cooperation between the State of Qatar and Total as well as means of developing it, in addition to Dr. Al Derham praised the and providing it with capable DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin a number of issues of mutual interest. existing cooperation between national cadres. Hamad Al Thani and Deputy Amir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani sent yesterday cables Qatar healthcare system ranked best in region of congratulations to President of the Republic of Uganda H E FROM PAGE 1 Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on the Doha’s score in other components are satisfaction with responsiveness occasion of winning a new pres- (waiting) in medical institutions, 56.40 (moderate); satisfaction with cost, 74.80 idential term. — QNA (high); convenience of location, 78.65 (high). It is to be noted that improved life expectancy, better health outcomes, and Qatar strongly investment in health infrastructure had ranked Qatar as 5th in the world for condemns attempt health in Legatum Prosperity Index in 2019. Qatar was the only country in the region to score in the top five on the annual prosperity index. to target Riyadh city DOHA: The State of Qatar has expressed its strong condem- MoPH: 277 new virus cases, 123 recoveries nation and denunciation of the attempt that targeted the city of THE PENINSULA — DOHA healthcare according to their health Riyadh in the sisterly Kingdom of status. Saudi Arabia, and considered it “a The Ministry of Public Health yesterday The Ministry further said that dangerous act against civilians, announced the registration of 277 new measures to tackle COVID-19 in Qatar which contradicts all international confirmed cases of COVID-19. Among have succeeded in flattening the curve Minister of Administrative Development meets norms and laws.” In a statement them 18 are from travellers returning and limiting the spread of the virus and issued yesterday, the Ministry of from abroad. the number of new daily cases and Somalia’s Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Foreign Affairs reiterated the State Also 123 people have recovered hospital admissions is continuing to of Qatar’s firm position of rejecting Minister of Administrative Development, Labor and Social Affairs H E Yousuf Mohammed from the virus bringing the total decline each week. violence, terrorism and criminal Al Othman Fakhroo met yesterday with Minister of Labor and Social Affairs of the Federal number of cases recovered in Qatar to Qatar’s proactive and extensive acts, regardless of the motives 144,981. testing of suspected cases has enabled Republic of Somalia H E Duran Ahmed Farah, and the accompanying delegation currently and reasons. — QNA All new cases have been introduced us to identify a high number of pos- visiting the country. During the meeting, they reviewed aspects of joint cooperation in to isolation and are receiving necessary itive cases in the community. the field of labor and social affairs, and ways to support and develop them. QNCECS holds QA expands Africa network with over 100 weekly flights symposium on Arabic language THE PENINSULA — DOHA leading international carrier to and from Africa with connec- (increasing to five weekly flights become the first global airline connecting Africa with Asia- tions via the Best Airport in the from February 1); Casablanca in the world to achieve the pres- QNA — DOHA Qatar Airways continues to be Pacific, Europe, the Middle East Middle East, Hamad Interna- (increased to five weekly flights tigious 5-Star COVID-19 Airline the leading global carrier and the US, offering more tional Airport, to our global from January 21); Durban Safety Rating by international Qatar National Commission connecting Africa, operating flexible travel options and a network of over 120 destina- (increasing to three weekly air transport rating organi- for Education, Culture and one of the largest and most global network of flights that tions. As global travel recovers flights from February 14); sation, Skytrax. This follows Science (QNCECS), in cooper- reliable networks in the region. passengers, trade and business in 2021, we look forward to Johannesburg (increasing to 18 HIA’s re-cent success as the first ation with the College of Law Having become the largest partners can rely on. Having further expanding our network weekly flights from January 26); airport in the Middle East and at Qatar University, and the international carrier during the launched three new destina- and offering more connections Maputo (increasing to three Asia to be awarded a Skytrax Qatari Authors Forum, early stages of the pandemic, tions in Africa with Abuja, Accra to and from Africa.” weekly flights from February 5-Star COVID-19 Airport Safety organized a symposium about the airline has applied its unri- and Luanda joining our network In line with the airline’s 14); and Tunis (increased to five Rating. ‘The Arabic Language from valled knowledge of global pas- in 2020, we continue to dem- steady rebuild of its Africa weekly flights from January 24). Passengers can book flights Legal Protection to senger flows and booking onstrate our commitment to the network, Qatar Airways plans The national carrier of the with peace of mind, knowing Community Empowerment’, trends to rebuild its Africa region by adding new routes to increase frequencies to the State of Qatar continues to that Qatar Airways offers via video conference tech- network to 23 destinations and and steadily increasing fre- following destinations: Alex- rebuild its network, which cur- unlimited date changes and fee- nology. more than 100 weekly flights. quencies across the continent. andria (two weekly flights rently stands at over 120 desti- free refunds for all tickets The symposium discussed Qatar Airways Group Chief With the resumption of Alex- resumed January 25); Cairo (up nations with plans to increase issued before April 30, 2021, for two main ideas, the special Executive H E Akbar Al Baker, andria and Cairo, we will to 16 weekly flights resumed to over 130 by the end of March travel completed by December nature of the language of law, said: “We are proud to be the operate over 100 weekly flights January 18); Cape Town 2021. Qatar Airways has 31, 2021. the legal structure of provi- sions, and the scope of legal protection for the language by international law. Authorities bust home car repair workshop Associate Dean for Aca- demic Affairs Dr. Khalid Saleh THE PENINSULA — DOHA starting and practicing an stipulated in Law No. (25) of Al Shammari; Head of the activity without a commercial 2005 and Law No. (5) of 2015. It International and Regional The Ministry of Commerce and license (a car repair workshop), would intensify its inspection Organizations Department at Industry (MoCI), with the as well as not following public campaigns to crack down on QNCECS Abdullah Khamis Al Ministry of the Interior (MoI), and private rules. Legal actions such practices. Any party that Kubaisi and Director General carried out an inspection were taken against the violates laws and Ministerial of the Qatari Authors Forum campaign on a car repair violators. decisions will be referred to the Maryam Al Hammadi partici- workshop operating without a The campaign forms part of relevant authorities, who would pated in the symposium. commercial license in a house the Ministry’s efforts to monitor take appropriate measures to In a speech, Al Kubaisi in Al Aziziyah. This action and regulate markets and com- protect consumer rights. referred to the global, regional violates Law No. (25) of 2005 on mercial activities across Qatar The Ministry has urged all and local cultural variables Commercial Registration and and assess the degree of com- merchants and shopkeepers to that have placed the Arabic Law No. (5) of 2015 on pliance with laws and regula- comply with applicable laws language in front of many Commercial, Industrial and tions governing commercial and regulations governing com- challenges that threaten its Similar Public Shops, and Street activities to uncover and mercial activities. To avoid legal integrity, status, influences and Vendors. crackdown on violations. accountability, vendors are cultural and civilizational role The inspection resulted in The Ministry stressed that it advised to review all applicable in preserving the nation’s the seizure and reporting of would not tolerate any negli- laws and regulations on the identity and historical The workshop was set up in a home in violation of commercial rules. several violations, including gence in meeting obligations Ministry’s website. heritage. EAA Foundation, partners host global event to mark International Day of Education

THE PENINSULA — DOHA recovery: How can we prevent and Founder of The Barefoot education technology and the was an exceptional year for the secure a prosperous future for a generational catastrophe?” — Foundation; and Karen Bryson digital divide, the campaign will international community, which all students globally.” To mark the International Day saw the participation of H E MBE, British Actor and advocate run for a further three months saw progress impeded. Through Robert Jenkins siad: “The of Education, Education Above Lolwah R M Al Khater, Assistant for the rights of women and to urge the international com- the pandemic, almost 90 pandemic and subsequent dis- All Foundation (EAA) virtually Foreign Minister and Spokes- children, who discussed the munity to join efforts to percent of students worldwide ruptions to learning show how brought together learners, person for the Ministry of global commitment to rebuild #BuildBackEducation. have been affected by school important schools are in a very education decision-makers and Foreign Affairs; Maria Victoria education during two subse- Shakira, UNICEF Goodwill closures. It also exacerbated the holistic way. We need to thought leaders from across the Angulo Gonzalez, Minister of quent sessions. Ambassador and Founder of inequalities we have been grap- remember that schools provide globe to discuss how education National Education of Ahead of the International The Barefoot Foundation, said: pling with throughout the last a wide range of services that should be rebuilt and reshaped Colombia; Robert Jenkins, Day of Education, EAA launched “School is a place of safety and decades. must cover all children – and globally following the devas- Global Chief of Education at its #BuildBackEducation cam- of nourishment for children. “Our discussion today that we need to rebuild tating impact of the COVID-19 UNnicef; Dr. Mamadou Dian paign under the umbrella of Even before COVID-19, the should outline a new future for stronger.” The virtual event, that pandemic on Sunday. Balde, Deputy Director, Division #UniteToProtect, to raise global world was already in an edu- education. By exposing the was held as part of the Youth- With the right to education of Resilience and Solutions, awareness for the urgent need cation crisis. To now truly brittle areas of the sector, we TalkEd series, was concluded of nearly 1.6 billion learners in UNHCR; and Marie-Ange Sar- to build back education, as a recover, we must promote must aim to build back resilient with a promise of a list of rec- over 190 countries impacted by aka-Yao, Managing Director at central element to the global accessible, quality, inclusive, education systems. We are here ommendations for young people the pandemic, the virtual event Gavi, in addition to key global COVID-19 recovery process. and equitable education for all.” because we know there is no across the world, to empower — titled “Education, a key to figures including Shakira, Covering key areas such as In her keynote speech, H E one-size-fits all solution. them to pursue education post COVID-19 pandemic Unicef Goodwill Ambassador access, safety, financing, Lolwah Al Khater, said: “2020 Together, we must work to advocacy at a grassroots level. TUESDAY 26 JANUARY 2021 HOME 03 Shura Council hosts IPU President

QNA — DOHA particularly those related to enhancing parliamentary work The IPU President The Shura Council hosted the in establishing peace and welcomed H H the Amir’s new President of the Inter- security and solving global Parliamentary Union (IPU), H E problems like poverty, ter- announcement that the Daniel Pacheco, yesterday. rorism, and climate change to Shura Council’s elections Speaker of the Shura help all countries achieve sus- will be held in October, Council H E Ahmed bin tainable development. and highlighted Qatar’s Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud For his part, the President renaissance in various welcomed the IPU President of the Inter-Parliamentary and expressed appreciation of Union expressed his happiness fields and the influential his choice to make the State of to visit the State of Qatar. He role it plays at the regional Qatar his first destination after praised the wise policy of the and international levels his election in November 2020. State of Qatar under the lead- for peace and Speaker Al Mahmoud ership of the Amir H H Sheikh development in the world. praised Pacheco’s experience Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in in the parliamentary field and helping brotherly and friendly his important role in imple- countries resolve disputes menting the goals of the IPU through diplomatic means. He also praised the fruitful when chairing the Portuguese Pacheco welcomed H H the efforts of the Speaker of the delegation and the IPU’s 12 Plus Amir’s announcement that the Shura Council to promote joint Speaker of the Shura Council, H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud, and President of the Geopolitical Group, which Shura Council’s elections will international parliamentary Inter-Parliamentary Union, H E Daniel Pacheco, attending a Shura Council session yesterday. includes parliaments from be held in October. He high- work and achieve the goals of Europe, Australia, Canada, and lighted Qatar’s renaissance in the Inter-Parliamentary New Zealand. various fields and the influ- Union. United Nations choosing Qatar venting and combating ter- meetings and conferences of the Speaker of the Shura ential role it plays at the He underlined the election to be the headquarters of the rorism as examples. Inter-Parliamentary Union, Council stressed the council’s regional and international of Speaker Al Mahmoud as Office of Counter-Terrorism The IPU President appre- adding he chose his first official commitment to cooperate with levels for peace and devel- President of the Global Organ- (UNOCT) Program Office, which ciated the Shura Council’s role visit to be the State of Qatar to Pacheco in all fields related to opment in the world and ization of Parliamentarians is concerned with parlia- and its distinguished and express his thanks and appre- the union’s future event, defending peoples’ issues. Against Corruption, and to the mentary engagement in pre- respected efforts in the ciation for these efforts. Seven arrested HMC telemedicine service received 197,000 calls in 2020 for violating THE PENINSULA — DOHA The Urgent Consultation cardiology, dermatology, pae- Service was launched in a diatrics, dentistry, mental home quarantine Hamad Medical Corporation record time of 7 days with health, neurology, pain man- (HMC) held an event at Itqan support of various departments agement, geriatrics, and QNA — DOHA Clinical Simulation and Inno- at HMC, including the depart- oncology,” added Dr. Al vation Center to celebrate the ments of Health Information Rumaihi. The designated authorities success of the Urgent Consul- and Communication Tech- The Urgent Consultation arrested yesterday seven tation Service recently. nology, Engineering, Human Service offers patients a range people for violating the Present at the event were 30 Resources, Communications, of healthcare services, including requirements of home quar- representatives and heads of Health Facilities Development, medical consultations, new pre- antine, they committed to departments that contributed as well as the support by the scriptions, prescription refills, following, which they are to the implementation of the Ministry of Public Health and referrals to OPD clinics, legally accountable for, in service. the Ministry of Transport and referrals to primary health care accordance with the proce- Launched in March 2020 Communications. centres, referrals to the emer- dures of the health authorities following the outbreak of the Head of Urology at HMC, Dr. gency department, issuing in the country. COVID-19 pandemic and the Khalid Al Rumaihi is managing health numbers for visitors, and The arrest of the violators suspension of face-to-face out- the Urgent Consultation Service. reviewing lab test results and came in the implementation patient appointments, the He said the Service has clinical imaging reports when of the precautionary measures Urgent Consultation Service achieved its goals and was very no medical appointments are in force in the country, offered medical consultations well received by the public as it available soon in the clinic. approved by health authorities to patients with urgent but non- received 197,000 calls between Dr. Al Rumaihi said a number represented in the Ministry of life-threatening conditions via its launch and 31 December of physicians receive patient calls Public Health and other telemedicine, with options 2020, with a 95% response rate. and conduct an initial assessment authorities, to ensure public available for video or audio A recent customer satis- for the patients and answer their safety and curb the spread of An HMC official receives the certificate during a ceremony held to consultations. faction survey involving 1,000 questions and when a specialised the Coronavirus. recognise contribution by various HMC departments to the success HMC’s Chief Medical Officer, service users showed that 88 consultation is required, the call The violators, who are cur- Dr. Abdulla Al Ansari, presented percent of the respondents of the telemedicine service. is put through to the specialist rently being referred to the certificates of appreciation to expressed their satisfaction with physician. In the event that a call designated prosecution, are the honourees and thanked all the service, while 90 percent of allows patients to speak to Consultation Service is staffed is not answered, the doctors will Jack Kamal Dualibi, Salem Ali staff members who contributed those surveyed recommended healthcare professionals to by around 150 physicians and call the patient back and then Al Alawi, Zebeer Valikat Putia to the implementation of the that the service remain in place obtain appropriate diagnosis for is currently available for 15 dif- transfer the call to the specialist Michael, Salman Mohammed Urgent Consultation Service. He in the future even after the end their conditions so that nec- ferent specialities, namely: doctor if needed. All calls are Ibrahim Ahmed Ibrahim, also confirmed that the service of the COVID-19 pandemic. essary actions can be taken urology, orthopaedics, ENT, recorded for quality control pur- Tamer Salaheldin Awad will remain in place in the The telephone-based without the need to visit the general surgery, obstetrics and poses and for future reference Abdulaziz, Sabeel Zada, future. Urgent Consultation Service hospital. “The Urgent gynaecology, general medicine, when required. Nahyan Khalid Nahyan Al Muraiziq Al Marri. The designated authorities GAC to celebrate called on citizens and residents QRCS launches ‘Little Hearts’ project in Indonesia under home quarantine to Customs Day fully commit to the Ministry of THE PENINSULA — DOHA covering the costs of 40 cardiac Public Health’s guidelines. QNA — DOHA catheterizations for children Qatar Red Crescent Society born with heart problems, a The General Authority of (QRCS) has launched a ‘Little main cause of child mortality 175 referred to Customs (GAC) will celebrate Hearts’ project in Indonesia, in Indonesia. He described the International Customs Day with the aim of treating 40 initiative as a timely and long- prosecution for today, commemorated on children with congenital heart awaited relief for the benefici- January 26 every year, by defects. aries, whose families could not not wearing organising various events at Hosted by the Harapan Kita afford the costs of procedures. the Customs Training Center National Heart Center in “I wish that this will not be the masks in Hamad Port. Jakarta, the $90,000 project is last one. We still have a waiting The event aims at co-implemented by QRCS, the list of 300 children who need QNA — DOHA enhancing its participation in Indonesian Red Cross Society, help,” said Dr. Dakota. this day, which is celebrated and Indonesia’s Ministry of Sudirman Said said, “I The designated authorities under the slogan “Customs Health (MOH). The procedures appreciate QRCS’s important yesterday referred 175 people bolstering Recovery, Renewal, are performed by local medical role in Indonesia, by supporting to the Public Prosecution for and Resilience for a sus- specialists in cardiac catheter- the response and recovery not wearing masks in places tainable supply chain.” ization for children. efforts in the aftermath of 2018 where they are mandatory. A beneficiary child is receiving treatment under the ‘Little Hearts’ During the event, the GAC The launching ceremony and 2019 earthquakes in The measure is in line with project by QRCS in Indonesia. will honour its distinguished was attended by Dr. Azhar Jaya, Sulawesi and Lombok, respec- the Cabinet decision, Decree employees, including distin- Health Service General- tively. Now, they are acting to Law No. 17 of 1990 on infec- guished customs inspectors, Director at MOH; Sudirman support the cardiac catheteri- have been looking for Convoys programme, which tious diseases, and the precau- graduates of customs Said, Secretary General of the zations for children. We hope treatment. He called for further involves providing treatment tionary measures in force in employees who have a bach- Indonesian Red Cross Society that such a partnership with cooperation in the future to for poor patients, performing the country to contain the elor’s degree in border man- and Dr. Iwan Dakota, Director QRCS will continue to create cover the remaining children surgeries in many medical spe- spread of coronavirus agement, and graduates with of the Harapan Kita National opportunities of a better life for on the cardiac catheterization cialisations, supplying the host (COVID-19). a diploma in customs sciences Heart Center, and the doctors those who had ailing hearts waiting list, as well as other hospitals with surgical The designated authorities from the Community College, involved in the project. since their birth.” medical specialties. equipment and consumables, called on the public to adhere in addition to government and In his speech, Dr. Dakota Dr. Jaya welcomed the Being the first Little Hearts and training medical profes- to the precautionary measures private partner and cooper- thanked QRCS for its the project, under which QRCS project to be executed in Indo- sionals in the latest medical in place to ensure their safety ating agencies. humanitarian initiative of would help 40 children who nesia, it is part of the Medical advancements. and the safety of others. 'Ministry developed effective plans for continuity of education amid pandemic'

QNA — DOHA National Commission, Qatar universities and educational Therefore, she added, the She said the global event most prominent challenges University, and Education institutions, affecting about 1.6 Ministry of Education and will highlight international faced by the College since the Qatar National Commission for Above All Foundation. billion students in more than Higher Education has developed cooperation and solidarity to beginning of the crisis, in Education, Culture and Science At the beginning of the cer- 190 countries around the several plans and effective bring lifelong education and addition to technological (QNCECS) celebrated Interna- emony, Secretary-General of world, and the closure of alternatives for different levels learning core of disaster support, adding that since the tional Day of Education 2021 QNCECS Dr. Hamda Hassan Al schools and universities and classes to ensure that stu- recovery. infrastructure was ready a long virtually, under the theme Sulaiti welcomed everyone affected 94% of students in the dents continue their education Dr. Pollini called on states time ago, they were able to train ‘Recover and Revitalize during her speech to the virtual world, a percentage that rises and not fail to complete their and their officials to provide a students and teachers to use the Education for the COVID-19 gathering to celebrate Interna- to 99% in low-income and school year. properly funded education right technology systems Generation,’ in cooperation with tional Day of Education. middle-income countries. Director of the Unesco recovery package to respond to quickly. the Unesco Doha Office and the She pointed out that this Al Sulaiti explained that the Regional Office in Doha, Dr. the scale of the crisis, which has The International Day of College of the North Atlantic. year’s celebrations were held world has undergone and is Anna Pollini, said under the been exacerbated by inequality Education, which is marked on The event was held with the under exceptional circum- now going through challenges theme ‘Recover and Revitalize in many countries around the January 24, is the culmination participation of the Educational stances worldwide due to the in the educational process in Education for the COVID-19 world. of the will of the world to Guidance Department at the COVID-19 pandemic, which particular, due to the many Generation,’ a plan was Dr. Muthana Al Kubaisi, improve education standards Ministry of Education and caused the largest disruption challenges that the pandemic developed to celebrate Inter- from the College of the North and eliminate illiteracy, and it Higher Education, schools affil- in the education system in has created, the most important national Education Day along Atlantic, spoke about the col- emphasizes the importance of iated with Unesco, the Unicif history and disrupted the edu- of which was the difficulty of three main segments: learning lege’s experience in distance education for sustainable (social Doha office, the Tunisian cational process as it caused providing direct learning for heroes innovations and learning in the context of the and economic) development in National Committee, the Omani the closure of schools, students. financing. pandemic, and addressed the the world. 04 HOME TUESDAY 26 JANUARY 2021 QU begins global conference on religion in constitutions

The first batch of undergraduate nursing students from the University of Calgary in Qatar (UCQ) at Sidra Medicine for clinical placements at the hospital. Sidra Medicine welcomes first batch of nursing students from UCQ

THE PENINSULA - DOHA substantive topic, constitutions, Dr. Nayef said: “The con- THE PENINSULA - DOHA and their relationship with peo- ference is part of the center’s competent nurse is observation population and incorporating Ibn Khaldon Center for Human- ple’s culture and heritage. strategy aiming to create a Sidra Medicine has welcomed and performance in the clinical family centered care. ities and social sciences at Qatar This requires significant bridge for better under- the first batch of undergraduate practice setting in order to The students placement is University (QU), in collabo- expertise, knowledge, and standing of the phenomena in nursing students from the apply classroom learning to real part of UCQ’s Bachelor of ration with Hamad bin Khalifa commitment of the cultural which the relationship University of Calgary in Qatar life scenarios." Nursing Program under the University (HBKU), kicked off and social, moving from local between national, constitu- (UCQ) for clinical placements "We are committed to “childbearing/childrearing fam- a three-day international to global contexts and pro- tional and social issues and at its hospital. ensuring that the UCQ students ilies’ clinical course”. conference on Religion in ducing clear ideas capable of their relationship to religion Fifteen UCQ students will will have a comprehensive Nursing Practice Coordinator Constitutions within a Global achieving the center’s objec- will be discussed. be working closely with the learning experience that will last at the University of Calgary Context: Historical, Political, tives in preserving the nation’s The conference will also nursing teams at Sidra Medicine a lifetime for their future suc- Qatar, Diana White said, “The Legal, and Cultural Dimensions identity and cultural openness discuss the controversy across pediatric specialties such cessful careers. Nursing is one University of Calgary in Qatar on January 24. to the other. between religion and power in as medical specialty, general of the bridges that leads, sup- nursing students have been The first session of the con- She thanked the guests and the tangible reality, the consti- surgery and neuroscience for a ports and guides our patients eagerly anticipating the oppor- ference covered the topic "The their efforts in making it a suc- tutional status of the religion rotation period of 12 weeks. and families to a healthier place. tunity to practice their nursing historical and cultural dimen- cessful event. according to different practices Acting Chief Nursing Officer We are happy that the students skills at Sidra Medicine. Every sions of the religious issue in the The opening session also of some countries shedding at Sidra Medicine, Judy are joining us in this journey semester students and faculty ask constitutions of the nations in included a speech by Dr. Nayef light on the issues of external Dawson-Jones said, “Congrat- through their commitment to when they will be able to work the world." Nahar Al Shamari, Director of penetration in Islamic ulations and welcome to our learning," she said. with at the hospital. On behalf of The conference was opened Ibn Khaldon Center for Human- constitutions.” undergraduate nursing students The students will be trained UCQ faculty and students thank by Prof Mariam Al Maadeed, ities & Social Sciences. Dr. Muhammad Al-Mukhtar from the University of Calgary by nursing teams at Sidra Med- you for all the time and effort that Vice-President for Research He welcomed the partici- Al-Shinqiti, Representative of in Qatar. This is an exciting time icine where they will learn has gone into preparing this and Postgraduate Studies. pants and spoke about the con- the Scientific Committee, said for Sidra Medicine as we train about evidence-based nursing clinical placement opportunity. She explained the impor- ference’s importance, in which during his speech that the con- the next generation of practice through the application We look forward to many tance of this conference, noting the fundamental issues will be ference theme had been his healthcare professionals. An of the nursing process; devel- more semesters of learning that it deals with an important discussed. concern for years. important part of becoming a opmental care in the pediatric ahead.” AAB launches waterborne automotive paint technology in Qatar

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Abdullah Abdulghani & Bros. Co. (AAB), the exclusive distributor of Toyota and Lexus in Qatar, has launched Water- borne, an innovative and eco- friendly automotive paint tech- nology. This type of paint tech- nology uses water as a soluble liquid in paint mixture instead of toxic solvents. AAB is the first in Qatar to use this 100 percent water- borne paints tested for all primer, basecoat and clear coat with Kansai Paint. Abdul Rasak Khalidu, Operation Manager – Qatar Abdul Rasak Khalidu, Operation Manager – Qatar (Kansai Paint) (Kansai Paint) together with together with Kamal Al Hajj Director – Customer Service Division Kamal Al Hajj Director – Cus- (AAB); Muthusamy Chinappan, Senior Manager – National Service tomer Service Division (AAB); Department (NSD – AAB) and other senior management team Muthusamy Chinappan, Senior members from AAB and Kansai Paint representatives during the Manager – National Service launch ceremony of Waterborne at the AAB facility in Industrial Area. Department (NSD – AAB) and other senior management team members from AAB and Kansai Paint representatives witnessed the recent launch at the AAB facility in Indus- trial Area. Waterborne paints are eco- friendly with almost no con- tamination produced in the air nor hazardous effects to the environment. With the waterborne paint technology, AAB takes the lead in providing a healthier and improved safety option as it is user friendly and has no harmful effects to human. It has no strong smell during applications making way for a much healthier ambient condition. Customers will be delighted by the finishing as the metallic orientation and texture of waterborne painted cars are comparable to newly painted units. It allows high-gloss finish without the extra coating. Committed to contribute towards Qatar National Vision 2030 pillar on the Green Envi- ronment, AAB takes a step forward in choosing envi- ronment friendly automotive paint technology. Established in 1958 as part of Qatar’s infrastructure development, AAB has grown to be one of Qatar’s leading automobile com- panies with operations spanning heavy equipment, pre-owned vehicles, rental and leasing. The company operates two Toyota showrooms and 1 Lexus showroom with eight service centers across Qatar. TUESDAY 26 JANUARY 2021 HOME 05 UNAOC holds virtual youth summit on preventing extremism through sport

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Under the leadership of the United Nations Alliance of Civi- lizations (UNAOC), Save the Dream recently co-hosted a two-day first Online Youth Consultation on Preventing Violent Extremism through Sport, within the framework of the UN Global Programme on Security of Major Sporting Netherlands envoy participates in ‘Plant Million Tree’ initiative Events, and Promotion of Sport and its Values as a Tool to Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the State of Qatar, H E Marjan Kamstra; Director Prevent Violent Extremism. of Public Parks Department, Mohamad Ali Al Khori; Business Developer/ Gulf Region at Netherlands The implementation of the Participants during the Youth Consultation on Preventing Violent Embassy in Qatar, Heba Leith, and other officials during a tree plantation event held under ‘Plant Million programme is led by the United Extremism through Sport event. Tree’ initiative. The event was organised by Public Parks Department at the Ministry of Municipality Nations Office of Counter-Ter- and Environment (MME) at Al Mamoura Park yesterday. rorism (UNOCT), in partnership on PVE nominated by 15 with the United Nations Inter- The Youth Consultation Member States, assigned within regional Crime and Justice brought together youth the UN Global Programme Research Institute (UNICRI), leaders, between the framework to represent their QU holds virtual Graduate the United Nations Alliance of ages of 15 and 29, from respective entities within the Civilizations (UNAOC), the global PVE NFP network. They International Centre for Sport 38 countries and five discussed ways to improve Security (ICSS), in consultation continents, with youth integration in decision- Orientation Day - Spring 2021 with the UN Counter-Ter- experience in sport, making processes, both in rorism Committee Executive peacebuilding, and/or implementing programme THE PENINSULA — DOHA Studies’ website on Qatar Uni- Specialist, also reviewed the Directorate (CTED) and with the prevention of violent deliverables to maximize versity. Besides, it explained postgraduate programmes the participation of INTERPOL. efficacy and ensure their long- Qatar University’s Office of some of the essential policies offered during the term Spring The programme is financially extremism (PVE). term success. Graduate Studies held the that students must consider 2021. She highlighted some supported by the State of CEO, ICSS, and Executive Graduate Orientation Day – during their higher education academic tips on study plans Qatar, the United Nations Director Save the Dream Mas- Spring 2021 for the newly studies at the university. and supervisions. Peace and Development Fund World Cup in Qatar; a guide for similiano Montanari said, “Sport admitted graduate students, via Dr. Mary Newsome, Assistant Aldana Al Thani, Senior (UNPDF – funded by the Peo- policymakers to support the is a powerful tool in the pre- WebEx, with nearly 90 students Dean of Graduate Learning Student Affairs Specialist – Reg- ple’s Republic of China), and inclusion of sport-based initi- vention of violent extremism in in attendance. Support, talked about the istration, discussed the services the Republic of Korea. atives in PVE policies, and a communities that are at risk. It In his welcome speech, Dr. services provided to graduate available to graduate students, The Youth Consultation training handbook and app to is a way to empower a gener- Ahmed Al-Own, Acting Dean of students, such as workshops for such as copying, printing, brought together youth leaders, assist sporting events organ- ation of future leaders who will Graduate Studies at College of writing a thesis and dissertation copying, and providing the uni- between the ages of 15 and 29, izers with the provision of PVE be able to build more inclusive Arts and Sciences QU, discussed and events that the section con- versity card, and an overview from 38 countries and five con- tools. and fair societies.” the nature of the study at the ducts such as TED talks, TED boot on obtaining textbooks in both tinents, with experience in The Youth Consultation Afghan-Danish football postgraduate level compared camp, and other supporting paper and electronic types. sport, peacebuilding, and/or featured inspiring keynote player for Paris Saint- to the undergraduate level. activities. In addition to this, she The event concluded with the prevention of violent speakers such as Nadia Nadim, Germain and the Danish Ghada Al Kuwari, Assistant discussed the Graduate Students an open discussion session, extremism (PVE). an Afghan-Danish football national team Nadia Nadim Dean of Student Affairs at Office Blackboard Community on the during which all students’ ques- On the first day, youth par- player for Paris Saint-Germain said; “It is hard to feel like an of Graduate Studies, made a Qatar University website. tions were answered by the ticipants provided inputs and and the Danish national team; outsider, and that is why I presentation that included a Dr. Sandy Rahme, Senior dean and assistant deans of the suggestions to UN representa- Thandiwe Abdullah, Black believe sports in general and tour of the Office of Graduate Graduate Programs Review Office of Graduate Studies. tives on ways to develop Lives Matter (BLM) activist and football, in particular, can various outputs for the Global co-founder of the BLM Youth give children and young Programme, such as a global Vanguard; and Honey Thaljieh, people that security, the communications campaign to FIFA Manager, founder of the feeling that they belong to a Head Girl of Durham School becomes youngest be launched concurrently with Female Palestinian National group and have people Major Sporting Events (MSEs) Team, Save the Dream around them who care. That participant in Microsoft Student programme and involving professional ath- Ambassador. is what football did for me. letes scheduled to gain signif- On the second day of the Football was of the way for THE PENINSULA — DOHA icant exposure during MSEs event, youth participants had me to become a part of some- such as the 2021 Tokyo fruitful discussions with thing, to feel included and Having the opportunity to work Olympics and the 2022 FIFA National Focal Points (NFPs) accepted.” for Microsoft is a dream for many, but for Head Girl of Durham School for Girls, this is a dream come true at the age of just 14. Shaikha Jassem Al Sulaiti is the youngest student in Qatar to be offered this prestigious opportunity and will be joining a selected handful of college undergraduates in the student Head Girl of Durham School for Girls, Shaikha Jassem Al Sulaiti programme. with her certificate. Durham School had partic- ipated in the Microsoft Global the Microsoft Student Programme ported during this time. Learning Connect Programme this year. Microsoft Student pro- Durham is an all-girls in November, in which Lana gramme is intended to school and female campus. Its Khalaf Microsoft Qatar Country introduce Students to experts goals of instilling ‘Confidence manager was the host, Shaikha and mentors at Microsoft and for Life’ in all its students allows represented the school and pre- begin that journey of collabo- girls to thrive and grow without sented how the students at ration and learning. compromising values or Durham Schools are using During this collaboration culture. With Durham’s rich Teams and Office 365 and with Microsoft, students will gain 600 years of history, and the Microsoft education tools to exclusive access to Microsoft MARK values, the school aims empower their remote learning resources, such as Microsoft to inspire the new generation and unleash their innovation. Learn, Visual Studio Code, and of female leaders in Qatar and This inspired Microsoft to Azure credits, will be trained and the world, and embrace the invite Shaikha to the student certified as well as leading Qatar National Vision 2030. program and be able to further projects within Microsoft. “Shaikha is an amazing role invest in her development to Shaikha will be trained on model for the school and for all embrace future digital skills. the topics related to IoT the girls in Qatar. We are so As part of a programme (Internet of Things), AI (Arti- proud of her and thank designed to engage and empower ficial Intelligence) and Data Microsoft for this collaboration. more girls in the field of Artificial Analytics. This programme will We are opening Year 12 next Intelligence, Education, and Infor- run alongside her normal year and are excited about the mation Technology (IT), Microsoft school studies and both future of our girls and the Qatar has selected the student Durham School and Microsoft opportunities for them,” said Shaikha Jassem Al Sulaiti to join will ensure that she is sup- the school in a statement. St. Regis Doha launches outdoor private dining experience

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The newly launched St. Regis private beach gazebos, located at the hotel’s pristine beach, offer a unique dining experience curated to take the traditional outings to an unparalleled level for those who are seeking to create timeless memories with their loved ones. St. Regis Doha, the Finest Address in Qatar, continues to make everyday exquisite for its guests. With views of the exceptional Doha’s iconic skyline and marvelous sea, St. Regis guests can enjoy the menu of the award-winning Al Sultan looking for personalised experiences in spacious Brahim restaurant that features signature Leb- outdoor environments that will allow them to anese dishes in their gazebo every day from 5pm. enjoy and explore the simpler pleasures, which This includes casual or bespoke dinners to cele- were once taken for granted before 2020.” brate special occasions in a private outdoor space. “At St. Regis Doha, we perfect every aspect General Manager of the St. Regis Doha, of every minute by curating personalized Wissam Suleiman, said: “Our private gazebos offerings that recognise our guests’ individuality, provide our guests with an exclusive dining expe- which is one of the St. Regis brand values. In 2021, rience to share with their families and friends, we will continue to innovate bespoke experi- or enjoy an evening to unwind and relax while ences impeccably crafted to satisfy our guests’ watching the sunset. We have started witnessing tastes. This and more will contribute to making a shift in the customers’ behaviours within the us not only the finest but also the most sought- hospitality industry. Our guests of 2021 are after address in Qatar,” Suleiman added. 06 HOME TUESDAY 26 JANUARY 2021 TUESDAY 26 JANUARY 2021 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 07 Turkey, Greece resume talks on maritime disputes

BLOOMBERG — ISTANBUL The next round will in the Aegean and east Mediter- be in Athens but ranean,” Greek Prime Minister Turkish and Greek officials met Kyriakos Mitsotakis told law- to see if they could find any the timing wasn’t makers in Athens last week. common ground to try to immediately clear. The talks were announced resolve a festering dispute over earlier this month just weeks maritime boundaries that Going into the talks, after the European Union brought their navies to the brink the countries staked pledged to expand the number of confrontation. out different aims for of Turkish officials sanctioned In the run-up to the meeting over the country’s energy in Istanbul yesterday, Turkey their meetings. exploration in the disputed and Greece couldn’t even agree waters. on the agenda of “exploratory Competing claims to sover- talks,” whose ultimate aim ranean Sea over the past year. eignty over waters between the would be to defuse years of The next round will be in two countries that may be rich conflict over sovereignty of the Athens but the timing wasn’t in hydrocarbon reserves led to areas off their coasts. For the immediately clear. Going into a naval standoff between Greeks, they’re not even talks the talks, the countries staked Greece and Turkey in the but contacts. out different aims for their summer. With expectations running meetings. Officials did not disclose the so low before, even maintaining Turkey, wants to expand the agenda of the talks yesterday. dialogue seemed like a success scope of the negotiations to Despite the technical disagree- to both sides. A renewal of ten- other long-running disputes ments, both sides voiced sions could potentially trigger with Greece. guarded optimism, though they tougher EU sanctions against “It’s possible to find a were still trading barbs in the Turkey over its unilateral search solution to all problems and our days leading up to Monday’s for energy in contested waters will to do that is strong,” said meetings. of the eastern Mediterranean presidential spokesman Analysts have said an Sea. Ibrahim Kalin after the latest immediate breakthrough is The sides had last sat down round of discussions. unlikely given decades-old to discuss maritime boundaries Greece “will willingly policy differences, but that Turkish officials (right) and Greek committee members participate in the 61st round of exploratory in 2016. This 61st round of talks discuss” with Turkey, “in resuming dialogue is an talks between Turkey and Greece, at Dolmabahce Office in Istanbul, Turkey, yesterday. yesterday were decided under accordance with international important first step after EU pressure from European Union law, the issue that the two coun- pressure on Ankara. what he called the “positive March. ordered an energy exploration and Nato allies after the tradi- tries have disagreed over for Turkish Foreign Minister atmosphere” between Ankara Erdogan has in recently ship to limit its work to an area tional rivals mobilised their decades and that caused the Mevlut Cavusoglu held talks in and the EU. In December, the said his country wants a new far from Greek islands through navies and warplanes against recent tension, namely the Brussels last week to discuss bloc postponed the question of chapter in its relations with the June 15, after the vessel’s oper- one another in the Mediter- delimitation of maritime zones possible future steps to maintain sanctions on Turkey until EU. His government also ations angered Greece. Second batch of COVID-19 Iran asks Indonesia to explain seizure of tanker vaccines arrives REUTERS — DUBAI/JAKARTA issue and resolve it,” Khatib- Both the supertankers, each turn off the devices if there is a Iran has been accused of zadeh told a televised weekly capable of carrying two million danger of piracy or similar concealing the destination of its in Turkey Iran has asked Indonesia to news conference. barrels of oil, were last spotted hazards. But transponders are oil sales by disabling tracking provide details about the Coast guard spokesman earlier this month off Singapore, often shut down to conceal a systems on its tankers, making ANATOLIA — ISTANBUL seizure of an Iranian-flagged Wisnu Pramandita said the shipping data on Refinitiv Eikon ship’s location during illicit it difficult to assess how much vessel, Iranian Foreign Ministry tankers, seized in waters off showed. activities. crude Tehran exports as it seeks A plane carrying the second spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh Kalimantan province, will be Very Large Crude Carrier “The tankers, first detected to counter US sanctions. batch of a COVID-19 vaccine said yesterday, a day after escorted to Batam island in Riau (VLCC) MT Horse, owned by the at 5.30am local time (2130 GMT Iran sent the MT Horse ordered from China’s Sinovac Jakarta said it had seized Iran Island Province for further National Iranian Tanker on January 23) concealed their vessel to Venezuela last year to Biotech Ltd arrived early and Panama-flagged tankers in investigation. Company (NITC), was almost identity by not showing their deliver 2.1 million barrels of yesterday in Istanbul, Turkey. its waters. Wisnu said yesterday that fully loaded with oil while VLCC national flags, turning off auto- Iranian condensate. The Turkish Airlines Indonesia said on Sunday the ships were “caught red- MT Freya, managed by matic identification systems and Over the past few months, Boeing 777 plane, which its coast guard had seized the handed” transferring oil from Shanghai Future Ship Man- did not respond to a radio call,” MT Freya has delivered two departed from Beijing, landed Iranian-flagged MT Horse and MT Horse to MT Freya and that agement Co, was empty, the Wisnu said in a statement on crude oil cargoes totalling about at Istanbul Airport at 6.15am the Panamanian-flagged MT there was an oil spill around the data showed. Sunday. 4 million barrels into Qingdao local time (0315 GMT). Freya vessels over suspected receiving tanker. Asked to comment on the A search on a Chinese port on the east coast of China Containers containing the illegal oil transfer in the coun- He added that 61 crew seized tanker, Iran’s Oil Min- company directory found and northeast Yingkou port, vaccine were taken from the air- try’s waters. members onboard the vessels ister Bijan Zanganeh told that the registered office said Emma Li, a senior crude craft after customs procedures Khatibzadeh said that the were Iranian and Chinese reporters: “It was carrying oil... address of Shanghai Future analyst with Refinitiv. and moved to warehouses. seizure was over “a technical nationals and had been the issue is being followed up Ship Management Co came The Qingdao cargo was A total of 6.5 million doses issue and it happens in shipping detained. by Iran.” under another firm named declared as Upper Zakum crude of the inactive COVID-19 field”. Indonesia’s foreign and The International Maritime Shanghai Chengda Ship produced in the United Arab vaccine were brought in the “Our Ports Organisation and energy ministries did not Organization requires vessels Management. Emirates, said Li, who tracks first part of the second the ship owner company are immediately comment on the to use transponders for safety Several calls made to the China-destined crude oil shipment of 10 million doses. looking to find the cause of the matter. and transparency. Crews can office went unanswered. shipments. Mass vaccinations began in Turkey on January 14 after the first batch of three million doses of the Sinovac vaccine New round of talks on arrived on December 30. Later, a second consignment of 10 Syria constitution begins million doses was approved. Over 1.23 million people, mostly health workers and the AP — GENEVA mostly in neighboring elderly, have been inoculated countries. since January 14. Delegations from Syria’s “I believe that we need to Health Minister Fahrettin government, opposition and ensure that the committee Koca and President Recep civil society began a new round begins to move from `pre- Tayyip Erdogan were among of meetings in Geneva paring’ a constitutional reform the first to be vaccinated to yesterday aimed at revising the to `drafting’ one, as it is man- boost public confidence in the constitution of the war-torn dated to do,” Pedersen said last vaccine. country. week. The government has also The fifth round of the so- The United States and introduced nighttime and called Constitutional Com- several Western allies have weekend curfews to stem the mittee came days after UN accused Syria’s President spread of COVID-19. Special Envoy for Syria Geir Bashar Assad of deliberately Since December 2019, the Pedersen told the UN Security delaying the drafting of a new pandemic has claimed more Council that many subjects constitution to waste time until than 2.12 million lives in 192 have been discussed for more presidential elections are held countries and regions. than a year and it’s now time this year and avoid UN-super- Over 99 million cases have for the committee to ensure vised voting as called for by the been reported worldwide, with that “the meetings are better UN Security Council. recoveries now over 54.7 organized and more focused.” According to Syria’s elec- million, according to figures Syria’s nearly 10-year con- tions law, presidential elections compiled by US-based Johns flict has killed more than half are scheduled to take place Hopkins University. Palestinians protest against UNRWA aid cut a million people and displaced between April 16 and May 16, The US, India and Brazil People gather to stage a protest against cuts of aid by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency half the country’s pre-war 23 at least 90 days before Assad’s remain the worst-hit countries (UNRWA) outside the UNRWA, in Gaza City, Gaza, yesterday. million population, including seven-year term expires. Assad in terms of cases. more than five million refugees has been in power since 2000. Eswatini labour minister Kagame backs proposed global social protection fund dies of virus infection REUTERS — NAIROBI rights such as a minimum wage, world’s poorest nations start to International Trade Union Con- creating the need for universal bridge an $80bn funding gap federation said. Rwanda’s President Paul social protection, Kagame told for social protections. Burrow, speaking on the ANATOLIA — MANZINI African health facility, where Kagame yesterday welcomed a virtual meeting of the World Proponents of the global same panel as Kagame, said he had been admitted for a spe- the proposed establishment of Economic Forum. social protection fund, which is governments could boost the A senior official in the small cialised treatment procedure a global social protection fund, “This is a bold idea that part of the United Nation’s sus- fund through ensuring big firms southern African nation of arising from a COVID-19 saying it will build resilience merits serious consideration by tainable aims, want it to be pay their fair share of taxes. Eswatini, formerly known as infection. May his soul rest in among societies to help them policymakers,” the president funded by a combination of Rwanda, which has seen a Swaziland, has died as a result eternal peace,” Masuku said in navigate the economic impact said. existing aid assistance from rich surge of COVID-19 cases this of COVID-19-related compli- a statement. of future pandemics. Governments, which are nations, increased taxation of year, has been providing food cations, the country’s acting Vilakati was recently trans- The COVID-19 pandemic spending trillions of dollars to firms, and contributions from and health insurance to at least prime minister announced ferred from Lubombo Referral has exposed glaring inequalities help economies survive the existing funds. That can be two million of its most vul- Sunday. Hospital to a South African among the world’s workers. coronavirus crisis, can start complemented by debt relief or nerable citizens, Kagame said. “His Majesty’s government health facility for specialised Nearly half of the globe’s 3.3 social universal protection cancellation. It also set up a $100 million notifies the nation of the sad treatment not available billion workforce has been funds with a fraction of the Once set up, it will offer fund to help businesses that passing of Member of Par- domestically. thrust into the risk of losing cash, said Sharan Burrow, the basic income like cash transfers have been hit hard by the liament Makhosi Vilakati, the He becomes the second their livelihoods by the crisis, general secretary of the Inter- to the poor, pensions for the impact of the pandemic to stay Minister of Labour and Social Cabinet minister to die from the World Economic Forum national Trade Union elderly, disability benefits and afloat through access to Security,” Themba Masuku said COVID-19 after Minister of said. Confederation. unemployment benefits, child affordable financing. at a press conference. Public Service Christian It has particularly hit many “It will go to the G20 this benefits and access to the “Everybody needs to be “Vilakati passed away on Ntshangase, who died last week of Africa’s workers, who toil in year,” she said of the proposal, health, education and housing brought into the fold and Saturday evening at a South and was buried on Saturday. informal sectors without any which also aims to help the services, the Brussels-based engaged,” he said. 08 VIEWS TUESDAY 26 JANUARY 2021

Established in 1996

CHAIRMAN DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI [email protected] Health workers are seen in protective gear inside a locked down portion of the Jordan residential area to contain a new outbreak of the coronavirus disease, in Hong Kong, China, yesterday. EDITORIAL How COVID-19 has changed the The safest country rules of the game in the aid sector YET another feather in the cap for Qatar. The State has again retained its global distinction in safety as major disruptions in their to any disaster. Throughout could prove more efficient, Doha, the capital, has been ranked as the second operations and programmes, our interventions, we have have a longer-term impact, safest city in the world. becoming unable to provide found that local health and minimise the “transac- The ranking of Doha at top of safest cities in the on-the-ground assistance and workers are the linchpin of tional cost” of aid. However, world reflects overall security and safety situation in services to people in need. If community health systems this will require donors to Qatar, thanks to the continuous efforts of the Ministry the restriction of movements around the world. By sup- break with their rigid funding of Interior in its mission of achieving maximum security imposed by countries was one porting local players to lead mechanisms and pre-defined and stability in society and protecting people’s lives RABIH TORBAY of the reasons that caused health and emergency plans, and allow for solutions and property in accordance with Qatar National Vision AL JAZEERA disruption, aid agencies responses, the aid sector will to be redesigned – and mod- 2030. pulling out their international be able to continue its opera- ified whenever necessary – The Ministry of Interior has been working on Optimism bias is the belief staff was another one. Many tions without facing severe by those who will benefit building an integrated security system, ensuring that the future will be better, humanitarian and aid organi- disruptions caused by future from them. security throughout the country, as well as enhancing much better, than the past or sations rely heavily on foreign epidemics, pandemics and Fortunately, throughout security awareness among the public, which con- present. And most of us staff for management and health crises. Infectious the pandemic, we were able tributed to the decrease in the number of crimes. display this bias. That is not a implementation. This archaic disease outbreaks are already to rely on our national staff, According to Numbeo’s Crime Index by City 2021, bad thing, of course. approach of heavy more prevalent and harder to network of local partners and Doha was placed at No. 2 in terms of safety and low However, the negative side of dependence on international control. Therefore, we can health workers to continue crime rate in 431 cities covered in the report. Doha optimism bias is that we staff has shown its limitations. expect more travel restric- delivering medical aid and secured 87.96 points in safety index while its crime underestimate risks and As we continue to deal tions to come and stringent support. We have continued index is just 12.04 points. According to the classifi- dismiss warnings. with the COVID-19 pandemic, measures to be imposed by to build the capacity of local cation rules of the report, cities have been ranked in This is, partially, what got conducting “business as nations to contain the spread and regional organisations reverse order that the city that occupies 431st place us here today, unprepared to usual” in the aid sector can no of infectious diseases. and trained more health is the city with the lowest crime rate and ranks first in face a pandemic about which longer be an option. In fact, it Only by investing in local workers to respond to the terms of safety and security. Doha stood at 430th we have received several would be a betrayal to the health care workers, building needs generated by the pan- position. warnings since the 1990s. Too people and communities we their capacity and giving them demic – and to be prepared Qatar had also retained its position as the ‘Safest many nations ignored science seek to help. We cannot keep the tools they need, and for the next one. Technology Country’ globally as per the 2020 mid-year Crime Index and failed to recognise the using old tricks for new chal- enhancing local health has helped us a lot. More than by Numbeo released in July last year. In the Safety interconnected nature of our lenges. We have here a systems, can we strengthen 87,000 COVID-19 front-line Index, Qatar ranked the first by scoring 88.10 points modern world. moment to seize and the and optimise local and workers accessed our virtual out of 100, in reverse of the Crime Index. The Ebola epidemic that current pandemic presents regional disease surveillance training in 2020 in 52 Qatar’s superiority is considered as an extension struck West Africa in 2014 significant opportunities to and response. This can be countries. of its achievements in the past years, specifically during showed us that every second accelerate change – one of done by supporting and The COVID-19 pandemic the period (2015-2019), where it maintained the number counts when dealing with them being a genuine working hand in hand with is likely to generate new and one position in the Arab world throughout, as well as epidemics and pandemics, investment in local and governments, local and bigger needs, yet we can be achieving first place globally in 2017 and 2019. It and yet many put that crisis national capacities. regional entities. Besides, optimistic about the future if reflects the constant and outstanding level enjoyed behind us like it never hap- When responding to strengthening health systems we reject our biases and by the State in the field of security and safety, and the pened. Inevitably, our lack of emergencies and humani- is not only a development pri- learn from our failures. Gov- significant decrease in the rates of crimes in the preparedness set us up to fail. tarian disasters, time and ority. It is a security one too, ernments, non-profits, country. Twelve months after the start context are critical. Those as underscored in the objec- academia, technology com- In 2019, Qatar retained its distinction as the Safest of the COVID pandemic, we nearest to crisis-affected pop- tives of the Global Security panies and the private sector Country among Arab countries and globally by winning are still counting the dead. ulations are often the ones Health Agenda. Countries need to come together to first place in terms of safety and security among 118 And this is not over yet. best placed to respond with strong and compre- plan and prepare for the countries. Qatar came in the forefront of the safest No sector was prepared to quickly and appropriately – hensive emergency prepar- next pandemic, learning countries with a score of 86.74 points in safety index. face the wrath of a rapidly and stay the longest. Prox- edness plans are better from our current failures It is also important to note that Qatar has continued spreading and deadly virus. imity is crucial and we cannot equipped to face current and and successes. As we seize to top the Global Peace Index among the MENA coun- Now, this should be a keep waiting for international future health emergencies. this opportunity to learn and tries during the past couple of years. It also ranked wake-up call. Even in the aid staff to fly into a crisis scene. With humanitarian needs transform, local stake- first in the Arab world and the 7th globally out of 118 sector where we are trained At Project HOPE, the growing and a record amount holders must have a seat at countries in the Global Finance Safety Index and the to respond to emergencies, global health and humani- of $35bn requested by UN the table. Their voices will 2nd in the Arab World and the 10th globally in the including epidemics, we were tarian relief organisation that agencies and partner organi- be critical in driving lasting Global Competitiveness Report 2019. not adequately prepared for I lead, we know that local aid sations to assist 160 million solutions. this pandemic. Most interna- workers and agencies are people in 2021, embracing Rabih Torbay: President tional organisations faced typically the first responders bottom-up-driven responses and CEO of Project HOPE. Pandemic destroyed 225 million jobs worldwide, but billionaires got richer D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR JENNIFER HASSAN EMAIL: [email protected] low-paid and low-skilled general of the ILO, said during back their losses, and the THE WASHINGTON POST jobs," which "points to the risk a news briefing that the wealthiest 10 have earned of an uneven recovery, impact of the coronavirus more than $500 billion amid EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 At least 225 million full-time leading to still greater ine- pandemic had not only been the pandemic. FAX: +974 4455 7758 jobs disappeared worldwide quality in the coming years," greater than that of the British lawmaker David last year due to the corona- the ILO found. That une- financial crisis but also the Lammy of the Labour Party MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 virus pandemic, according to venness is already apparent: Great Depression of the called the Oxfam findings a report published Monday by Global poverty could take 1930s. Job losses, he said, "truly staggering." DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 the International Labor 14-times longer to return to were likely to continue "The wealth of ten of the Organization, losses four pre-pandemic levels than the through 2021 - although he world's richest men has LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 times worse than those of the recovery of the world's noted that battered econ- increased by more than global financial crisis in 2009. wealthiest, according to omies could begin rebuild £400bn ( during the pan- BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 But the ultrawealthy have Oxfam. once vaccination efforts begin demic - more than enough to seen their wealth soar. According to the report by to take effect. vaccinate every person in the SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 According to another the ILO, a UN agency, 8.8% of "I am pleased to say that world," he tweeted report released Monday, by global working hours were there is some relatively good Authors of the report said ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 antipoverty nonprofit Oxfam, lost last year, It found news in all of this, that we do that the pandemic could email: [email protected] the combined wealth of the "unprecedented disruption" see tentative signs of recovery - trigger a rise simultaneous world's 10 richest men has among global labor markets, these signs are fragile, they are rise inequality nearly every- PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 risen by more than $500 bil- and that women and young uncertain and the prospects are where, for the first time since email: [email protected] lions since the crisis began - people have been the hardest notably uneven," he said. records began. enough to vaccinate the entire hit. The Oxfam findings also "The virus has exposed, ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 planet and then some, Employment loss among suggest a slow path to eco- fed off and increased existing FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] according to the organization. 15-24 years old stood at 8.7%. nomic recovery: It could take inequalities of wealth, gender Both sets of findings The data "highlights the all at least a decade for the and race," the report said. CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 identify inequality as one of too real risk of a lost gener- world's poorest to recover Jennifer Hassan is the email: [email protected] the pandemic's principal out- ation," according to the from the impact of the health social media editor for the comes. "Job destruction has report. crisis while the 1,000 richest Foreign desk at The Wash- SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 disproportionately affected Guy Ryder, the director people have already made ington Post. FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar There is no question the new variant made this /ThePeninsulaQatar fight a whole lot tougher. The critical message /Peninsula_Qatar is we must be cautious. For all of us, our response must be extra careful. /ThePeninsulaNewspaper Matt Hancock, Britain's Health Minister +974 6698 6188 TUESDAY 26 JANUARY 2021 AFRICA 09 Heavy fighting erupts in Somali town near Kenya border

AP — MOGADISHU The information ministry asserted that Somali vice-president declined to Ben Wallace on renewing the north, that have refused to mention any casualties. security agreements. take part. Heavy fighting broke out over- forces were in control of the town and that Somalia’s accusation of Kenya’s foreign affairs min- In September, President night in a Somali town near the nearly 100 of the suspected rebels had Kenyan involvement comes istry said in a statement that it Abdullahi Mohamed Abdullahi Kenyan border between Somali surrendered to Somali forces. But Information after Somalia cut diplomatic ties had raised its concern about the in talks between states and the forces and those from the state with Kenya in December “to fighting with the African Union federal government agreed to of Jubbaland, as Somalia’s Minister Osman Abokor Dubbe later told safeguard the unity, sover- continental body. withdraw Somali forces from the election troubles spill over into reporters that five children had been killed and eignty, stability of the country.” “Kenya’s primary concern Gedo region of Jubbaland, where violence. Somalia’s president has been is that the renewed fighting Bulo Hawo is located. But that Somalia’s information min- their mother wounded when a mortar round accused by critics of stirring up engenders large-scale dis- hasn’t happened, and the Somali istry in a statement early yes- landed on their house. such issues to draw support as placement of civilians inside forces remain after taking over terday accused Kenya-funded he seeks a second term. Somalia and increasingly gen- the town mid-last year. rebels of crossing into the town Kenyan Internal Security erates large numbers of ref- The president also has of Bulo Hawo and attacking Both sides claimed victory. been killed and their mother Minister Fred Matiangi ugees and asylum seekers to replaced district commissioners Somali forces. But the Jubbaland The information ministry wounded when a mortar round described yesterday’s fighting Kenya, therefore aggravating in Gedo who had been Vice-President, Mohamud Sayid asserted that Somali forces landed on their house. as “internal to Somalia and has the already dire humanitarian appointed by Jubbaland leader Adan, told reporters that Jub- were in control of the town and “Ordinary militias don’t nothing to do with us (Kenya). situation in Somalia and in the Ahmed Madobe, who is seen to baland forces stationed outside that nearly 100 of the suspected have mortars and missiles,” the “We are not involved in it refugee camps in Kenya,” the have Kenyan support. the town were attacked by what rebels had surrendered to minister said. “This is proof that and none of our forces has statement said. Jubbaland also contains the he called forces recently Somali forces. Kenya is arming those rebels.” crossed the border to go to Somalia faces a troubled lucrative port city of Kismayo, deployed to the region by the But Information Minister He added that some Somali sol- Somalia,” he told journalists national election in the coming where Kenyan forces are government in the capital, Osman Abokor Dubbe later told diers had been wounded but during a joint press conference weeks. Jubbaland is one of two deployed as part of a multina- Mogadishu. reporters that five children had none killed. The Jubbaland with British Defense Secretary states, along with Puntland in tional African Union force. Uganda court orders authorities to free opposition leader

REUTERS — KAMPALA declared winner of the poll with order to security agencies. 59 percent of votes versus 35 “Their continued presence there A Ugandan court has ordered percent for Wine, who had for is illegal,” he said. security forces to cease years denounced corruption Last week, US Ambassador surrounding the home of oppo- and nepotism in his songs. He Natalie E Brown tried to visit sition leader Bobi Wine, whose rejected the result, alleging Wine at his home, drawing an house arrest since a mid-month fraud which the government accusation of meddling and presidential election has drawn denies. subversion from the Ugandan international pressure, his Uganda’s military was government. lawyer said yesterday. aware of the court ruling and Museveni has long been a Troops have blocked the would comply, said military Western ally, receiving copious 38-year-old pop star-turned- spokeswoman Brigadier Flavia aid and sending troops to politician from leaving his Byekwaso, without specifying regional trouble spots including house in a suburb of the capital when soldiers would depart. Somalia to fight Islamist Kampala since he voted in the Barricades were still up by militants. Jan. 14 election where he ran early afternoon. But Western backers have against long-serving incumbent Pressure has been mounting become increasingly frustrated President Yoweri Museveni. on the government to free Wine, at his reluctance to cede power “The judge ordered that the including from the United States and crackdowns on Ugandan presidential candidate and singer Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu addressing a news conference state and its agencies should and rights group Amnesty Inter- opponents. at his house in Magere neighbourhood of Kampala, Uganda, in this file photo. immediately vacate his property national which called his incar- Wine had channelled the and his right to personal liberty ceration arbitrary and politi- anger of many young Ugandans “The Ugandan government Leader Steny Hoyer on Sunday. Museveni casts Wine as an should immediately be rein- cally motivated. who view former guerrilla continues to use state security “Mr. Museveni’s tactics towards upstart backed by foreign stated,” lawyer George Musisi Joel Ssenyonyi, spokesman leader Museveni as an out-of- in a partisan manner to harass those who advocate for an powers and says only his said. for Wine’s National Unity touch autocrat repressing dis- and intimidate its citizens, press, inclusive democracy is dan- administration can guarantee Museveni, 76, who has been Platform (NUP), said lawyers senters and failing to create and political opposition,” gerous and must be addressed political stability and economic in power since 1986, was were moving to serve the court jobs. tweeted U.S. House Majority by the global community.” progress.

Ramaphosa hits back at critics Six Malian soldiers killed in ‘complex’ attacks over steps to AL JAZEERA — BAMAKO a large amount of military gear regions, regularly carrying out area. has killed thousands of people secure vaccines were seized from the attackers, raids against the army and Mali has received support and left hundreds of thousands At least six Malian soldiers have it added. civilians as they jockey for in its fight against the armed displaced, with the country’s been killed in two “complex and Mali’s crisis was triggered control while exploiting groups from France’s Barkhane centre having become one of BLOOMBERG — JOHANNESBURG simultaneous” attacks in Mali’s in 2012 when ethnic Taureg poverty and inflaming ten- force, which numbers 5,100 the main flashpoints. conflict-wracked centre, separatists, allied with fighters sions between ethnic troops spread across the arid The UN’s High Commis- South African President Cyril according to the military. from an Al Qaeda offshoot, tensions. Sahel region. sioner for Refugees said Ramaphosa defended the The coordinated assault launched a rebellion that took In September 2019, the In addition to Mali, the recently that more than two government’s approach to took place at about 3am (03:00 control of Mali’s north. same army positions struck on French force has been fighting million people in the wider secure COVID-19 vaccines, GMT) on Sunday in the villages But the armed group Sunday were targeted in one of armed groups alongside sol- Sahel had fled their homes due saying it had acted as swiftly of Boulkessi and Mondoro in the fighters swiftly pushed over the deadliest attacks to hit Mali diers from Mauritania, Chad, to violence. as possible in the face of Mopti region, near the country’s the Tuareg rebels and seized since 2012, with some 50 sol- Burkina Faso and Niger. The UN Security Council extensive negotiations to get border with Burkina Faso. key northern cities until they diers killed. The United Nations has also held a meeting earlier this sufficient doses. “The provisional toll is six were driven out in early 2013 That double attack was later deployed to Mali its 13,000- month devoted to Mali’s Medical professionals, sci- dead and 18 wounded” among by French troops, together claimed by the Support Group strong MINUSMA peacekeeping security crisis, while UN Sec- entists and labour unions have the soldiers, the army said in a with Malian forces and sol- for Islam and Muslims, the main force, often dubbed as the world retary-General Antonio criticized the administration’s statement, adding that the diers from other African coun- alliance in the Sahel region body’s “most dangerous” Guterres has expressed concern poor planning and said its hap- attacks prompted a military tries However, groups with affiliated with Al Qaeda. mission, having suffered 146 about the deteriorating security hazard process and a lack of response which left “around 30 linked to ISIL (ISIS) and Al On Thursday, three other hostile deaths since it was environment, pointing to the transparency led to unnec- dead on the terrorist side”. Qaeda have sprung up in Malian soldiers were killed in a established in 2013. situation in central Mali as par- essary delays and cost lives. Some 40 motorcycles and Mali’s central and northern bomb blast in the Mondoro The long-running violence ticularly worrying. The country has confirmed about 1.4 million infections so far, the most in Africa, and deaths have exceeded 40,000 SA cops probe official amid a resurgence of the coronavirus. for not wearing mask “Given the unprecedented global demand for vaccine AP — JOHANNESBURG barring her from entering the doses, combined with the far gravesite without a mask and not greater buying power of South African police are inves- taking action against her. wealthier countries, we had to tigating the premier of Mpuma- South Africa requires masks engage in extensive and pro- langa province for failing to to be worn in all public spaces tracted negotiations with man- wear a mask at a public funeral. and failure to do so is punishable ufacturers to secure enough Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane by a fine or imprisonment for up vaccines,” Ramaphosa said in was seen on a live state tele- to six months. Several hundred his weekly newsletter pub- vision broadcast violating the people have been arrested for lished on the Presidency’s country’s COVID-19 regulations not wearing masks, according to website. by not wearing a mask and police reports. Earlier this month, the hugging a police officer. She was Funerals have been limited president announced a deal attending the funeral of Cabinet to a maximum of 50 people, all with the Serum Institute of minister Jackson Mthembu, who of whom must wear masks at India Ltd that will enable was buried Sunday after dying all times and keep a distance 750,000 health workers to get of COVID-19 last week. of 1.5 metres from each other. the AstraZeneca Plc vaccines Photos and video footage of Police Minister Bheki Cele by the end of February. Mtweni-Tsipane attending the said he instructed police to As was the case with this Kenya hosts British Defence Minister burial without a mask have been investigate the conduct of Mts- agreement “the details of deals widely circulated on social weni-Tsipane, the highest gov- Kenya’s Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi flanked by British Defence Minister Ben Wallace with manufacturers will be media, prompting many to crit- ernment official of Mpuma- addresses a news conference in Nairobi, Kenya, yesterday. released as and when negoti- icize government officials for not langa province. ations are concluded and we are released from the commu- nications terms of the non-dis- closure agreements,” Ram- 13 dead, thousands homeless in southern Africa after storm Eloise aphosa said. The first vaccines would be REUTERS — JOHANNESBURG making landfall in central Reduction (INGD) reported, of communications for the pro- The death toll stood at two provided to health-care Mozambique on Saturday, but while the number of displaced vincial department of cooperative in eSwatini, according to police. workers, he said. The second The death toll from storm Eloise continued to dump rain on Zim- people rose to more than 8,000, governance and traditional affairs. Three people had been reported phase of the vaccine rollout rose to at least 13 yesterday after babwe, eSwatini — formerly with thousands of homes In neighbouring Limpopo, killed in Zimbabwe and one in would target essential heavy winds, rain and flooding known as Swaziland — South wrecked or flooded. fast-flowing rivers destroyed a Madagascar. workers, teachers, the elderly destroyed buildings, drowned Africa and Botswana. A five-year-old child was makeshift bridge, leaving people “Rainfall is starting to ease and people with co-morbid- crops and displaced thousands Six people were killed in killed in South Africa’s eastern hoping to cross stranded on off slowly,” said Puseletso ities, and the third phase will in parts of southern Africa. Mozambique, the country’s Mpumalanga province after being either side. Others waded Mofokeng, senior forecaster at include other adults in the Eloise weakened from a National Institute for Disaster swept away, said George through the knee-high flood the South African Weather population.” cyclone to a tropical storm after Risk Management and Mthethwa, head waters. Service. 10 ASIA TUESDAY 26 JANUARY 2021 Infections soar in Thailand despite increased testing AGENCIES — AP reimposed in most provinces, including Bangkok, where Thailand yesterday discovered Health workers in Samut schools were closed and res- a record 914 new cases of the taurant hours limited, among coronavirus, all in Samut Sakhon province, the other measures. Sakhon province near Bangkok epicentre of the latest Samut Sakhon Gov where a major outbreak began outbreak, where more Veerasak Vijitsaengsri was hos- in December. The new cases than 900 infections pitalized with the coronavirus shot the national total past were reported before the New Year, and 14,000. remains in critical condition The previous high was on yesterday, would be the with severe lung damage, January 4, when 745 cases were first to be inoculated according to the Bangkok hos- reported, mostly in Samut with the initial delivery pital where he was admitted. Sakhon among migrant workers of 50,000 doses. from Myanmar. The province is Vaccinations a center for fishing and industry. Thailand said yesterday it The first case reported in the would start its coronavirus recent surge was detected there cases and migrant workers for inoculation programme next in mid-December at a major 795. Earlier yesterday, Health month by administering the A protest leader, Parit “Penguin” Chiwarak, takes part in a demonstration demanding resignation of seafood market, which has been Ministry officials had AstraZeneca vaccine to high- Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha and against the coronavirus disease vaccinations plans in front of closed. announced 187 new cases risk groups, as it faces accusa- Any new cases in other prov- nationwide, bringing the total tions of being too slow to secure Siam Bioscience company headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday. inces will be announced today. to 13,687. Two deaths pushed vaccines. National totals are announced the death toll to 75. The Samut Health workers in Samut approved AstraZeneca's at hand, they just confirmed has rejected the criticism. the day after test results, but Sakorn figures were announced Sakhon province, the epi- vaccine for emergency use but to us, they would supply Thanathorn Juangroongru- Samut Sakhon health officials in the afternoon and not yet centre of the latest outbreak, has yet to grant authorisation 150,000 doses," Anutin told angkit, a prominent politician, released local results yesterday, officially added to the national where more than 900 infec- for that of Sinovac Biotech, of reporters, without elaborating, has said the strategy relied too the same day they began mass total. Cases linked to the Samut tions were reported yesterday, which Thailand has ordered 2 adding Thailand had initially much on one company, Siam proactive testing in the province, Sakhon outbreak have spread would be the first to be inoc- million doses. requested 1 million doses. Bioscience, a firm under the targeting up to 10,000 people a to more than 60 of Thailand’s ulated with the initial delivery Health Minister Anutin The government has been holdings of King Maha Vaji- day for a week. 78 provinces. A cluster of cases of 50,000 doses. The elderly Charnvirakul yesterday said criticised for taking too long ralongkorn, which will man- They said 844 new cases also occurred among itinerant and people with chronic dis- AstraZeneca would be sup- to procure vaccines while ufacture the AstraZeneca were detected yesterday gamblers who gathered at eases would also be a priority, plying 50,000 fewer doses of neighbours in Southeast Asia vaccine locally for regional through pro-active testing and illegal gambling dens. officials said. the vaccine than the 200,000 start vaccinations or race to distribution. That deal is sep- 70 discovered in hospitals. Thai Restrictions to control the Thailand's food and drug Thailand had ordered. secure supplies from multiple arate to the imported doses nationals accounted for 119 spread of the disease were administration last week "With the orders they have companies. The government direct from the company. Indian, Chinese soldiers spar again along disputed frontier Nepal: Caretaker PM ejected from AP — SRINAGAR asked media “to refrain from Wednesday night and were locked in a tense military territorial claims. Despite more overplaying or exaggerating” blocked by Indian soldiers, standoff since May high in the than three dozen rounds of talks ruling party Indian and Chinese soldiers the incident. leading to clashes with sticks Karakoram mountains, with over the years and multiple brawled last week along the Chinese Foreign Ministry and stones. The officials, who troops settling in for the harsh meetings between Indian Prime REUTERS — KATHMANDU countries’ disputed border, spokesperson Zhao Lijian said spoke on condition of ano- winter. Both sides have mobi- Minister Narendra Modi and Indian officials said yesterday, he did not have information to nymity because of the sensi- lized tens of thousands of sol- Chinese President Xi Jinping, Nepal’s caretaker Prime as a monthslong standoff provide on the incident but tivity of the issue and in keeping diers, artillery and fighter air- they are nowhere near settling Minister KP Sharma Oli was between the nuclear-armed urged India “not to take any with government regulations, craft along the fiercely con- the dispute. thrown out of the country’s rivals continued. unilateral action that may said soldiers on both sides were tested border known as the Line The standoff began last May ruling Communist party The clash in the Naku La further complicate or exac- carrying firearms but did not of Actual Control, or LAC, that with a fierce brawl, and yesterday, his opponents said, area of Sikkim came four days erbate the border tension.” use them. separates Chinese and Indian- exploded into hand-to-hand in protest at his abrupt before the countries held a Since a deadly clash last year, The two officials said over held territories from Ladakh in combat with clubs, stones and decision in December to ninth round of talks yesterday soldiers from the two sides have a dozen Indian soldiers and at the west to India’s eastern state fists on June 15 that left 20 dissolve parliament and call on ending tensions in another brawled occasionally and fired least eight Chinese soldiers of Arunachal Pradesh, which Indian soldiers dead. China is for an early general election. disputed border area in the shots for the first time in received minor injuries. China claims in its entirety. believed to also have had cas- Oli remains in office remote Ladakh region. decades, breaking a long- There was no independent The frontier is broken in ualties, but has not given any despite the expulsion. The Indian army described standing agreement not to use confirmation of the incident. parts where the Himalayan details. Indian and Chinese Yesterday, dozens of pro- the clash at Naku La as “a minor firearms during border Both sides rushed more sol- nations of Nepal and Bhutan army commanders met for the testers who marched near Oli’s face off” and said it “was confrontations. diers to the area in an border China, and where ninth round of talks after a gap residence to oppose the par- resolved by local commanders Two Indian security officials “aggressive deployment” that Sikkim, the site of the latest of 2 1/2 months in Ladakh on liament’s dissolution clashed as per established protocols.” said at least 18 Chinese soldiers swelled the number of personnel brawl, is sandwiched. Sunday but neither side with police who used water An army statement did not tried to cross into Indian- to hundreds, the officials said. The LAC divides areas of released any details of the cannons and caned some with provide any other details, but claimed territory at Naku La last India and China have been physical control rather than outcome. rattan sticks to break up the anti-Oli rally. Witnesses said some pro- testers were injured in the New Zealand confirms first clash but police officials said only “mild force” was used to virus case in months stop demonstrators from entering the restricted area. REUTERS — WELLINGTON Ashley Bloomfield said 15 Judges in the Himalayan people had been identified as country’s top court are hearing New Zealand yesterday close contacts of the woman and more than a dozen petitions confirmed its first case of were being contacted. from independent lawyers and COVID-19 in the community in However, her closest con- Oli opponents on whether the months in a 56-year-old tacts, her husband and hair- dissolution of parliament and woman, but said close contacts dresser, had tested negative, calling of an early election was of the recently returned trav- which was encouraging. legitimate or unconstitutional. eller had so far tested negative. Confirmation of the case led The court is expected to The woman, who returned Australia to immediately deliver its verdict next month. to New Zealand on December suspend a travel bubble with The ruling Nepal Com- 30, had tested positive for the New Zealand for 72 hours. munist Party has split over Oli’s South African strain of the virus Anyone arriving from New call for a new parliament to be after leaving a two-week man- Zealand since January 14 will elected more than a year ahead datory quarantine where she need to isolate and stay home of schedule on the basis that his had twice tested negative, until they test negative for colleagues were not cooper- COVID-19 response minister COVID-19. Anyone arriving in ating with the government on Chris Hipkins said. the next 72 hours will have to policy interventions. No other community cases go straight into hotel “We have expelled Oli from had been reported since the quarantine. the party on the grounds that woman’s case was disclosed on “This will be done out of an he was not following the party A file photo of farmers participating in a tractor rally to protest against the newly passed farm bills, Sunday and authorities said the abundance of caution whilst rules and was working against on a highway on the outskirts of New Delhi, India. source of the infection was more is learned about the event collective decision-making,” probably a fellow returnee at and the case,” Australian Health said Pampha Bhusal, a senior the quarantine facility. Minister Greg Hunt said late leader of the faction opposing India: Farmers ride caravan of tractors Authorities were looking at yesterday. Oli. whether the virus was spreading He said the case was of Surya Thapa, an aide to Oli, into capital ahead of Republic Day through the ventilation and air concern because of the trans- said the expulsion held no conditioning systems in these missibility of the South African political meaning and that Oli REUTERS — NEW DELHI during the demonstration, Delhi blockaded approaches into New facilities, Hipkins said. variant and because the woman was confident of a legal and Police Commissioner SN Delhi for about two months to New Zealand Health Chief had been in the community. political victory. Caravans of tractors clogged a Shrivastava told reporters. protest against three new farm key highway in northern India “We are aware of all this and laws they say will hurt their live- yesterday as tens of thousands we are taking whatever action is lihoods and help big of farmers protesting against required,” Shrivastava said, “I companies. Suu Kyi to receive COVID-19 vaccine this week agriculture reforms streamed have trust that everything will go Their unions are pushing for BLOOMBERG — YANGON million doses of vaccine from contract with Serum Institute of into the capital ahead of Republic on peacefully.” repeal of the laws, after rejecting India last week, will expand the India to buy 30 million doses of Day, and police said they were On National Highway 44, a government proposal to Myanmar’s de facto leader Aung inoculation programme to those Covishield vaccine developed by prepared to deal with the crowds. loudspeakers blared anti-gov- suspend the measures it says will San Suu Kyi alongside health older than 65 years in 74 town- AstraZeneca Plc and Oxford Uni- India marks its founding as ernment songs as the lengthy usher in much-needed steps to workers will be among the first ships under stay-at-home orders versity and is in talks with a republic today with a military procession of vehicles rolled boost farmer incomes. to receive COVID-19 vaccine this once healthcare workers are Chinese manufacturers including parade in the historic city centre, down, fuelled by dozens of com- Several rounds of talks with week as the Southeast Asian covered, Khin Khin Gyi said. Sinovac Biotech Ltd. and but the farmers, who are munity kitchens that handed out Modi’s government have made nation seeks to stem the corona- Myanmar’s stay-at-home Sinopharm for additional sup- demanding a rollback of Prime hot meals and beverages in the little headway, and protesters virus outbreak and further relax orders have covered more than plies. The nation aims to inoc- Minister Narendra Modi’s dereg- winter cold. now aim to up the ante with the containment measures. one-fourth of its population of ulate more than 40% of its pop- ulation effort, plan their own “We will teach Modi a lesson procession set to follow Tues- Frontline healthcare workers almost 55 million from early Sep- ulation by the end of this year, peaceful show of strength. that he will never forget,” said day’s military parade. will get the shots from tomorrow, tember to control a second wave according to the health Delhi’s police said protesters one of the protesters, from the Top leaders and military offi- according to Khin Khin Gyi, of infections that’s seen the ministry. have been told to use three main district of Ludhiana in Punjab, cials attend the annual high- director of emerging infectious nation’s total caseload surge to Suu Kyi’s administration also routes for the tractor procession, who drove his own tractor. The security parade to mark the day disease at Myanmar’s Ministry 137,574 with more than 3,000 expects supplies from the global which had been agreed upon 35-year-old, who cultivates 10 India’s constitution took effect in of Health and Sports. Suu Kyi, fatalities. A vaccine rollout may Covax facility before April 7 and after six days of discussion with acres (4 hectares), asked not to 1950. President Win Myint and cabinet allow authorities to further ease the government plans to allow farmer leaders. be identified. A farmers’ group exhorted its members will be inoculated the restrictions in areas including its the private sector to import vac- But there are lingering con- Farmers mainly drawn from members to refrain from vio- following day in capital commercial hub Yangon and in cines approved by the World cerns that “anti-national people” the breadbasket states of Punjab lence in detailed instructions Naypyidaw. Rakhine state. Health Organization later this may seek to foment trouble and adjoining Haryana have issued for yesterday’s event. Myanmar, which received 1.5 Myanmar has signed a year, Khin Khin Gyi said. TUESDAY 26 JANUARY 2021 ASIA 11 Xi calls for unity in fighting virus, climate change

BEIJING — AP avoiding confrontations over “America First” stance in han- trade and technology. dling global issues such as the Countries must cooperate more “Humanity has only Relations between the US pandemic and global warming. closely in fighting the chal- Earth and one future,” Xi and China have sunk to their Few experts expect Biden to sig- lenges of the pandemic and said in remarks from worst in decades as former nificantly soften the US stance climate change and in Beijing to a virtual President Donald Trump on trade and technology given supporting a sustainable global imposed punitive tariffs and longstanding friction over a economic recovery, Chinese gathering that is taking other sanctions to try to gain wide range of issues, including President Xi Jinping said place in lieu of the concessions on trade and human rights. yesterday in an address to the annual in-person counter perennial trade Xi said countries need to World Economic Forum. meetings in Davos, deficits. better coordinate their economic “Humanity has only Earth Switzerland, due to the “We should advocate fair policies, avoid protectionism and and one future,” Xi said in competition, like competing other barriers to trade and coop- remarks from Beijing to a COVID-19 pandemic. with each other for excellence eration to support a global eco- virtual gathering that is taking in a racing field, not beating nomic recovery and ensure the place in lieu of the annual in- each other on a wrestling stability of world financial person meetings in Davos, Swit- truly become a public good that arena,” Xi said. systems. zerland, due to the COVID-19 are accessible and affordable “To engage in cliques, a new “Despite trillions of dollars pandemic. to people in all countries,” he Cold War, exclusion, threats and countries around the world rolled “Fighting the pandemic is said. intimidation against others, to out in economic remedies, the the most urgent task facing the Much of what the Chinese warn of decoupling, cutting off momentum of the global eco- international community,” Xi leader said was a reiteration of supplies, sanctions at every nomic recovery remains very said, in urging that countries Beijing’s usual stance on issues turn... can only drive the world unstable, and there is great cooperate to conquer the such as closing the gap to division and even conflict,” uncertainty about the outlook,” disease, which first was between wealthy and devel- he said. Xi said. Other leaders expected reported in the central Chinese oping nations, and warning “A divided world cannot to address the virtual forum city of Wuhan just over a year that countries should not tackle the common challenges include Indian Prime Minister ago. meddle in other countries’ facing humanity, and confron- Narendra Modi, German Chan- A photo of Chinese President Xi Jinping attending the World “In particular, we should affairs. tation will lead humanity to a cellor Angela Merkel and South Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland. strengthen cooperation in While Xi did not mention dead end,” Xi said. African President Cyril Ram- vaccine research and devel- recent US policies directly, he Just days after his inaugu- aphosa. The forum has said it opment, production and dis- did call for sticking to rules, ration, President Joe Biden has administration’s own policies is adopting a more conventional plans to hold its annual meeting tribution, so that vaccines can embracing diversity and yet to set out his on trade with China, though he approach than Trump’s in person in May in Singapore.

Communist Party meets to pick Nine workers found dead in China gold mine explosions AP — BEIJING the mine, which was under con- yesterday died more than 400 news conference. Such protracted and new leadership struction, is under investigation. meters below ground. He said Chen and other officials expensive rescue efforts are rel- Chinese rescuers have found the The explosions on January 10 there had been two explosions involved in the rescue effort held atively new in China’s mining in Vietnam bodies of nine workers killed in released 70 tonnes of debris that about an hour and a half apart, a moment of silence for the industry, which used to average explosions at a gold mine, raising blocked a shaft, disabling ele- with the second explosion victims, bowing their heads. 5,000 deaths per year. Increased REUTERS — HANOI the death toll to 10, officials said vators and trapping workers causing more damage. “Our hearts are deeply supervision has improved safety, yesterday. underground. Rescuers drilled Search efforts will continue grieved. We express our pro- although demand for coal and Vietnam’s ruling Communist Eleven others were rescued parallel shafts to send down food for the remaining miner until he found condolences, and we precious metals continues to Party gathers for its first national a day earlier after being trapped and nutrients and eventually is found, said Chen Fei, the mayor express deep sympathies to the prompt corner-cutting. A new congress since 2016 later underground for two weeks at bring up the survivors on Sunday. of Yantai city, where the mine is families of the victim,” he said. crackdown was ordered after yesterday with a mission to the mine in Shandong province. Chen Yumin, director of the located. Authorities have detained two accidents in mountainous select new leaders and shape One person was still missing. rescue group, told reporters that “Until this worker is found, mine managers for delaying southwestern Chongqing last policy for the next five years. The cause of the accident at the nine workers recovered we will not give up,” he said at a reporting the accident. year killed 39 miners. The event, the 13th congress since the founding of the Com- munist Party of Vietnam in 1930, will bring 1,600 delegates China: US military in disputed from across the Southeast Asian country to the capital, Hanoi. sea not good for peace In nine days of meetings - mostly behind closed doors - REUTERS — BEIJING “This is not conducive to delegates will pick a new lead- peace and stability in the ership team aiming to bolster The United States often sends region.” China has repeatedly both Vietnam’s ongoing eco- ships and aircraft into the South complained about US Navy nomic success and the legit- China Sea to “flex its muscles” ships getting close to islands it imacy of the Party’s rule. and this is not good for peace, occupies in the South China Vietnam has seen its China’s Foreign Ministry said Sea, where Vietnam, Malaysia, economy outstrip much of Asia yesterday, after a US aircraft the Philippines, Brunei and in the past year, keeping the carrier group sailed into the Taiwan all have competing coronavirus pandemic at bay disputed waterway. claims. thanks to stringent quarantine The strategic South China The carrier group entered measures, testing and tracing: Sea, through which trillions of the South China Sea at the same it has reported just over 1,500 dollars in trade flows each year, time as Chinese-claimed COVID-19 infections and 35 has long been a focus of con- Taiwan reported incursions by deaths in total, much fewer tention between Beijing and Chinese air force jets into the than most other countries. Washington, with China par- southwestern part of its air One of the last five Com- ticularly angered by US military defence identification zone, munist-ruled countries in the activity there. prompting concern from world besides China, Cuba, The US carrier group led by Washington. Laos and North Korea, Vietnam the USS Theodore Roosevelt China has not commented is already eyeing average and accompanied by three on what its air force was doing, annual gross domestic product Frontline workers warships, entered the and Zhao referred questions to growth of 7.0% over the next waterway on Saturday to the defence ministry. five years. Indonesian healthcare workers prepare before treating patients at an emergency hospital for promote “freedom of the seas”, He reiterated China’s coronavirus disease at Athlete Village in Jakarta, Indonesia. the US military said, just days position that Taiwan is an inal- after Joe Biden became US ienable part of China and that Pfizer requests president.. the United States should abide “The United States fre- by the “one China” principle. South Korea quently sends aircraft and Taiwan President Tsai Pakistan pins big hopes on small vessels into the South China Sea Ing-wen visited a radar base in approval to flex its muscles,” the foreign the north of the island yes- ministry spokesman, Zhao terday, and praised its ability of vaccines dams to help farmers beat drought Lijian, told reporters, to track Chinese forces, her responding to the US mission. office said. REUTERS — ISLAMABAD paper published in 2020 by a according to international charity REUTERS — SEOUL group of agricultural and environ- WaterAid. For years, Nangji Mal struggled to mental researchers. The State Bank of Pakistan Drugmaker Pfizer Inc has filed scrape together a living growing The Sindh provincial gov- noted in its annual report for Japan likely to hit COVID-19 an application seeking pulses and pearl millet on his farm ernment hopes the new rainwater 2016-17 that the country’s water approval of its coronavirus in Nagarparkar, a desert area in harvesting dams will not only supply was both limited and herd immunity in October vaccines to be used in South Pakistan’s southeastern Sindh provide farmers with a reliable erratic, while demand was rising Korea as the country gears up province. water supply but also help rapidly due to a growing popu- REUTERS — TOKYO until around October, about to begin inoculations next But these days his land is lush recharge groundwater levels, as lation and increasing two months after the close of month, authorities said and fertile, after the government some of the water from the dams urbanisation. Japan is likely to achieve herd the Summer Games. yesterday. constructed new water-har- sinks into the earth, said Murtaza “The resulting imbalance is immunity to COVID-19 through Japan has arranged to buy The Ministry of Food and vesting dams nearby. Wahab, environment adviser to pushing the country towards mass inoculations only months 314 million doses from Pfizer, Drug Safety said it aims to Using irrigation water from the chief minister of Sindh. severe water shortage,” the report after the planned Tokyo Moderna Inc and AstraZeneca reach a decision within 40 one of the small dams, Mal is Since construction started six stated. Olympics, even though it has Plc, and that would be more days after cutting its previous growing onions, wheat and other years ago, the provincial gov- According to its latest eco- locked in the biggest quantity than enough for its population deliberation period of up to crops on his 40-acre plot and says ernment has built 60 small rain- nomic survey, Pakistan had about of vaccines in Asia, according of 126 million. 180 days to fast-track the he has seen his income increase water-fed dams - each with an 94 million acre feet of surface to a London-based forecaster. But problems seen in approval and speed up the more than 60%. average storage capacity of water available for agriculture That would be a blow to vaccine rollouts elsewhere stir vaccination process. “It had never occurred to me 100,000 gallons - in the remote during the financial year 2019-20 Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga doubt that Japan will get those “Pfizer submitted the that I might be able, in my lifetime, drought-hit areas of Nagarparkar - a nearly 10% shortfall compared who has pledged to have supplies on time. request today for its vaccines to earn a handsome amount from and Kohistan, Wahab added. to how much the sector uses on enough shots for the populace Taro Kono, Japan’s vaccine produced in Belgium,” the my fields, but this reservoir has The plan is to build at least 23 average every year. by the middle of 2021, as it trails programme chief, said last ministry said in a statement. made it all possible,” Mal, 59, told more in the next two or three Wahab, the government most major economies in week it would begin its first “We will thoroughly review the Thomson Reuters years, he said. adviser, said the small dams had starting COVID-19 shots in February, starting with their safety and effectiveness Foundation. Wahab noted that because been a boon to the farmers using inoculations. 10,000 medical workers, but in cooperation with profes- Pakistan, a nation of about those areas have such scattered them, noting that last year Nagar- “Japan looks to be quite late he walked back on a goal to sional examiners and outside 220 million people, faces populations, there are no reliable parkar’s onion farmers reported in the game,” Rasmus Bech secure enough vaccine supplies experts so that our people can increasing water scarcity driven figures on how many people are a total yield worth 600 million Hansen, the founder of British by June. Japan is particularly access safe and effective by worsening climate-related benefiting from the new dams. rupees ($3.75 million), a record for research firm Airfinity, said. vulnerable because its initial COVID-19 vaccines.” South drought and an agriculture Mal said the dam in his area Sindh province. “They’re dependent on inoculation plan is dependent Korea has said its first batch of industry that is pushing itself to has transformed his farm, as he Besides the Sindh govern- importing many (vaccines) on Pfizer doses, which are at vaccines consisting of 100,000 meet the demands of a growing can now use water from it year- ment’s project, the federal gov- from the US And at the moment, risk of being taken back by US doses of Pfizer products for population, say water experts. round to irrigate his crops. ernment has also allocated 20.4 it doesn’t seem very likely they authorities to fight the pan- 50,000 people could arrive Less than 20% of the water In Tharparkar, the district billion rupees to build more than will get very large quantities of demic there. before the Lunar New Year hol- the country’s farmers use for irri- where Mal’s farm is located, the 500 small dams across the for instance, the Pfizer vaccine.” “There simply aren’t idays, which begin on February gation is captured rainwater, with average annual rainfall can be as country, said Ghazala Channar, Hansen said Japan will not enough vaccines for all the 11, via global distribution most coming from ground and low as 9mm and the area fre- deputy chief of water resources reach a 75% inoculation rate, a countries that Pfizer made scheme COVAX. surface water, according to a quently experiences drought, in the Ministry of Planning. benchmark for herd immunity, agreements with,” Hansen said. 12 EUROPE TUESDAY 26 JANUARY 2021 Johnson says working on plan to quarantine arrivals into UK BLOOMBERG once the target to vaccinate almost 15 million people con- With the UK’s overall The UK is “actively” working on sidered most vulnerable to the death toll likely to a plan to quarantine arriving disease has been met, which travellers in hotels to guard Johnson said is still on track to surpass 100,000 this against coronavirus infections happen by mid-February. week there are growing from overseas, Prime Minister But with the UK’s overall indications the timetable Boris Johnson said. death toll likely to surpass for lifting lockdown is “We want to make sure that 100,000 this week and infec- slipping, potentially even we protect our population, tions still high — though falling protect this country against — there are growing indications into summer. reinfection from abroad,” the timetable for lifting Johnson said, adding the UK lockdown is slipping, potentially must consider there’s “at least even into summer. do more than reopen schools,” a theoretical risk” that a new That has alarmed prominent he said. “We want to do that in variant of the disease could Tories including Mark Harper a way that is consistent with prove immune to the vaccines and Steve Baker, who have led fighting the epidemic and his government is rolling out. demands for the government to keeping the infection rate “That idea of looking at set out plans for lifting the down.” Johnson’s government hotels is certainly one thing that lockdown, and especially to sees vaccines as the UK’s ticket British Prime Minister Boris Johnson carries Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine doses for mobile we’re actively now working on.” reopen schools, and the criteria out of lockdown, and is consid- distribution at a vaccination centre, in north London, yesterday. In a pooled broadcast it will use for doing so. ering tightening further tight- interview yesterday, the “Once the vulnerable are ening border controls to try to premier also warned that lifting protected, the first priority keep out any strains that might first dose of the vaccine to more with the University of Oxford. spokesman, Jamie Davies, told lockdown rules too quickly should be to start reopening undermine the effectiveness of than 6.3 million people, leaving A third vaccine developed reporters when asked about the risked triggering a new surge of schools,” Harper said on Twitter the doses being administered. about 8.7 million elderly and by Moderna Inc. has been vaccine rollout. infections in the UK, amid yesterday. Johnson reiterated Ministers are expected to make vulnerable people to inoculate approved, but first deliveries Work to Pfizer’s factory in growing pressure from that his government’s priority a decision this week on whether in the next three weeks to meet aren’t expected until the spring. Belgium means that “supplies members of his Conservative to reopen schools as fast as pos- to quarantine arriving travellers Johnson’s target. “AstraZeneca have com- will be lower this month and Party to lay out a time frame for sible, though he said any lifting in hotels, as countries including The UK is using shots mitted to delivering 2 million next” than previously expected, reopening the economy. of the lockdown must be done Australia and Singapore have developed by Pfizer Inc. in con- doses a week to the UK and he said, but then ramp up so Ministers have previously in a “responsible, cautious way.” done. junction with BioNTech SE, and we’re not expecting any that total volume “will remain pledged to ease restrictions “There’s nothing I want to So far, the UK has given a by AstraZeneca Plc working changes to that,” Johnson’s the same for January to March.” Chaos mars over-80s vaccine start in major German state No move yet on third lockdown: AP — BERLIN to nursing home residents and system, informed users home to cities such as Cologne, Hospital staff in the western staff last month. yesterday. Duesseldorf and Dortmund, German state, which borders French Minister Thousands of elderly Germans But people over 80 who are “We’re working hard to currently languishes far down with Belgium and the Nether- faced online error messages and still living at their homes have restore the online booking the per capita vaccine league lands, had already complained REUTERS & AP — PARIS jammed up hotlines yesterday been left waiting for appoint- service again. Please try again tables in Germany, with about bitterly that they hadn’t been as technical problems marred ments to get their first shots at later.” 1.6% of the population having offered the excess doses left The government has not yet the start of the coronavirus vast vaccine centres, and many The technical problems received their first shot. over from vaccine drives at decided whether France will vaccine campaign for over-80s will likely have to wait even were an embarrassment for Nationwide, fewer than 1.6 nursing homes. move into a third lockdown to in the country’s most populous longer. state governor Armin Laschet, million people or about 1.9 % of Germany’s federal gov- curb the coronavirus epidemic state. “Due to heightened who was just elected the new the population had received ernment has sought to distance and notably the circulation of North Rhine-Westphalia demand, it’s currently not pos- head of Chancellor Angela Mer- their first shot by Sunday, a rate itself from problems with the new variants of the virus, state, whose population of sible to book a vaccination kel’s centre-right Christian far lower than in Israel, Britain vaccine rollout, saying it’s the French European Affairs almost 18 million is bigger than appointment,” the website of Democratic Union party. or the United States — and responsibility of individual minister Clement Beaune said those of many European coun- the regional doctors’ associ- North Rhine-Westphalia, an 228,763 had received their states to organise those efforts yesterday. tries, began administering shots ation, which is organising the industrial powerhouse that is second dose. on the ground. “Nothing has yet been decided. There are scenarios (on the table) but no decision yet,” Beaune told Radio Classique Virus rules make for long when asked if a lockdown could be announced as early as this week. lines at German-Czech border France probably needs to AP — BERLIN move into a third lockdown, results no older than 48 hours every time perhaps as early as the German police say hundreds of cars and they enter Germany. The Czechs who February school holidays, pedestrians are lining up at border commute to work in neighbouring because of the circulation of crossings along the Czech-German border Germany formed long lines at some the new variants, the govern- after Germany declared the Czech border crossings, waiting for required ment’s top medical adviser Republic a high risk area in the pandemic, tests on the coronavirus. Jean-Francois Delfraissy on meaning it requires proof a negative coro- The Czechs were boosting the capacity COVID-19 policy had said on navirus test results before entry. of their testing site at the crossings and Sunday. At the crossings in Waldmuenchen elsewhere to meet the growing demand. Meanwhile, France’s and Fuerth im Wald authorities said hun- Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis Pasteur Institute announced dreds of cars lined up on the Czech side was scheduled to discuss the situation yesterday it was abandoning trying to get into Germany in the early with his Bavarian counterpart Markus its main COVID-19 vaccine morning hours. Further backup was Söder. Other Czechs who don’t work in project after clinical trial tests expected during the day Monday. the neighbouring country on a daily basis did not meet expectations. Security personnel organise people, after the controls were tightened due to the Since Sunday, people from the Czech have to have a test but also need to isolate The decision was made in COVID-19, at the Czech-German border in Folmava, Czech Republic, yesterday. Republic need to show negative test for 10 days if they travel to Germany. coordination with its industrial partner, US pharmaceutical company Merck, the statement Discrimination said. The project was Spain health minister quits to run for regional election attempting to develop a worsens in COVID-19 vaccine based on an REUTERS — MADRID Valencia imposed some of the coun- existing measles vaccine. Spain: Ministry try’s toughest measures yet, limiting people Pasteur’s statement Spanish Health Minister Salvador Illa to mixing only with members of their stressed that first human trials REUTERS — MADRID (pictured)will leave his job today (Tuesday) household at home and banning groups of showed "the vaccine candidate to run for elections scheduled in Catalonia more than two from socialising outdoors. was well tolerated, but Racial and ethnic discrimi- on February 14 to try and win the regional Even Madrid, whose regional gov- induced immune responses nation in Spain has worsened government away from pro-independence ernment has been staunchly opposed to were inferior to those in the past few years, with a parties. any measures that hurt business, is bringing observed amid people who notable drop in access to “Salvador Illa starts today his last 24 forward a night curfew to 10 pm and said had recovered naturally and housing, the Equality Ministry hours at the helm of the ministry,” the office it would deploy drones and extra police to those observed with said in its 2020 report of Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez patrols to enforce compliance. approved COVID-19 vaccines.” yesterday. It also highlighted said in a statement. “Tomorrow Tuesday Opinion polls have been split on the The French institute said it will growing racism in the will be his last cabinet meeting and his The new minister’s first task will be Catalonia election. But some, including one keep working on two other education sphere. Almost one replacement will be disclosed.” A source tackling a rampaging third wave of infection by the Centre for Sociological Studies (CIS), vaccine projects using dif- in three Black or ethnic close to the government pointed to Regional that has sent Spain’s 14-day incidence of have shown Illa’s Socialists, now the fourth- ferent methods. minority respondents said they Policy Minister Carolina Darias as the most the virus spiralling to 829 cases per 100,000 largest party in the regional parliament, on French pharmaceutical had experienced discrimi- likely candidate to take over the position. people from 263 cases a month ago. track to win the biggest share of the vote company Sanofi said last nation while house-hunting, In her current role, Darias has worked Desperate to control the spread, some in the February 14 election. month its potential vaccine, starting with real estate and closely with Illa and overseen weekly regional authorities have substantially That would be a major change in a developed with GlaxoSmith- housing agencies and summits of regional health chiefs to coor- stepped up their response after months of region currently led by pro-independence Kline, won’t be ready until late extending to locals and indi- dinate the coronavirus response. incremental tightening. parties. 2021. vidual landlords. That was double over the previous report in 2013. Discrimination in the edu- Italy PM under pressure to resign and seek fresh coalition cational sector increased by more than 50% from 2013, with REUTERS — ROME guarantee that a new coalition pact and possible ministerial Movement. It has reiterated its Looking to put pressure on one in five respondents saying can form and always a risk that positions. support for him, and has also waverers, the main ruling they had endured insults, Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe early elections might end up as But his efforts have floun- made clear that it does want parties have warned that snap assault and racist jokes from Conte faced pressure from the only viable solution. dered and lawmakers from the any attempt at reconciling with elections, two years ahead of fellow students, and been within his own coalition Conte lost his absolute centre-left coalition Democratic Renzi. schedule, will be the only way excluded from games and activ- yesterday to resign and try to majority in the upper house Party (PD) said he needed to "He is a problem and cannot out of the impasse unless a ities. People from sub-Saharan put together a new government Senate last week when a junior stand down and open formal be part of the solution," said solution is rapidly found. Africa and Spain’s Roma com- after lawmakers warned he partner, the Italia Viva party negotiations to create a new Stefano Patuanelli, industry A recent reform cut by one- munity, known locally as faced defeat in parliament headed by former premier coalition. If he didn't, he faced minister and a 5-Star third the number of parlia- Gitano, experienced the highest without an overhaul. Matteo Renzi, quit in a row over defeat in a vote on the justice politician. mentary seats up for grabs at levels of racism based on their Italy has had 66 govern- the government's handling of system in the Senate this week, Renzi has indicated he the next national ballot, physical aspect — 82% and 71% ments since World War Two the coronavirus crisis and eco- they warned. would return to the coalition on meaning that many of the for the respective demo- and administrations are regu- nomic recession. Trying to allay his fears of a the condition that Conte accepts current lawmakers are unlikely graphics. A United Nations larly ripped up and then pieced The prime minister is political imbroglio, PD law- a string of demands. to win re-election, whatever the expert said last year that Spain’s back together in tortuous, resisting resigning for fear that makers said they would support If the prime minister shuns result. discriminated-against commu- behind-the-scenes talks that he might not be reappointed, him to lead a new cabinet. him, his path to securing a solid This means that there will nities suffer staggeringly high open the way for cabinet and has instead tried to draw Conte has no direct party parliamentary majority will be be no rush in parliament for a rates of disease, inequality, and reshuffles and policy reviews. centrist and unaligned senators affiliation but is close to the much more difficult, with rela- vote, putting pressure on party poor access to education and However, once a prime into his camp with vague largest coalition group, the anti- tively few senators seen as open leaders to find a housing. minister resigns, there is no promises of a new government establishment 5-Star to joining the government. compromise. TUESDAY 26 JANUARY 2021 EUROPE 13 Portugal President Sousa wins second term

REUTERS — LISBON discriminatory views towards minorities. Portugal’s centre-right pres- His party won just 1.3 ident, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, The most urgent of tasks percent of votes in the 2019 leg- won a second term on Sunday is to combat the islative elections. in an election marked by record pandemic. This is my Rebelo de Sousa, in an abstention as the country battles apparent dig at Ventura — a crippling third wave of coro- priority, in total solidarity whose campaign catchphrase navirus contagion. with parliament and was that he would represent The 72-year-old former government, the ‘good Portuguese’ and not leader of the Social Democratic those who lived off the state — Party, known for his warm vowed to be a president who persona and habit of taking Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa “stabilises, unites, who is not selfies with supporters, won 61 President of Portugal only of the ‘good’ against the percent of votes, above his 52 ‘bad’”. percent win in 2016. Masked, socially distanced Still, 60 percent of voters and using their own pens, voters abstained — the highest figure is my priority, in total solidarity were subjected to extensive in Portuguese history — in part with parliament and gov- measures by local councils to because 1.1 million voters from ernment,” Rebelo de Sousa said prevent contagion during the abroad were added to the elec- in his victory speech. voting process. toral register for the first time, Andre Ventura, a lawmaker Still, almost two-thirds of but also due to hundreds of for the far-right Chega party, Portuguese thought the election Portugal President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa addressing journalists after the announcement of thousands of people in narrowly lost out to left-wing should have been postponed electoral results in Lisbon on Sunday. quarantine. candidate Ana Gomes in the because of the pandemic, a poll The president holds a fight for a distant second place, last week by research institute The country of 10 million deaths broke records for the and 636,190 cases. largely ceremonial role but can with 12 percent of the vote to ISC/ISCTE showed. people is reporting the world’s seventh day in a row on Sunday Casting his vote at a Lisbon veto certain laws and decree Gomes’ 13 percent. “Since the date of the elec- highest seven-day rolling at 275, with hospitalisations also school, centre-left Prime Min- states of emergency, a power The result was nevertheless tions wasn’t changed, I decided average of new cases and at an all-time high and ambu- ister Antonio Costa acknowl- Rebelo de Sousa deployed often a significant jump for Ventura, to come early,” said Cristina deaths per capita, according lances queuing for several hours edged the grave stage of the during the pandemic, taking a close ally of European far- Queda, 58, who arrived at her to Oxford University data at Lisbon hospitals full to pandemic, but said that “eve- parliament’s lead. right parties who dubs himself polling station in Lisbon as soon tracker www.ourworldindata. capacity. rything was done for people to “The most urgent of tasks is ‘anti-system’ and has fuelled as it opened at 8am to “avoid org. Portugal has posted a total be able to exercise their demo- to combat the pandemic. This fears among rights groups for groups and queues”. The number of COVID-19 of 10,469 deaths from COVID-19 cratic right to vote”.

EU to hold off on Russia sanctions if Navalny released COVID-19 UPDATE

REUTERS — BRUSSELS days,” German Foreign Minister detaining people, bundling energy, financial and arms Heiko Maas told reporters fol- them into nearby vans. sectors over its 2014 annexation Poland says Moderna delays The European Union will hold off lowing a meeting with his EU EU foreign policy chief Josep of the Crimea peninsula. It has from imposing fresh sanctions counterparts. “This is not over.” Borrell said he would go to imposed sanctions on six coronavirus vaccine supply on Russian individuals if the Navalny, President Vladimir Moscow next week to press the Russian officials close to Putin Kremlin releases pro-democracy Putin’s most prominent critic, Kremlin to free demonstrators in response to Navalny’s REUTERS — WARSAW campaigner Alexei Navalny, EU was detained and jailed for and Navalny. EU leaders could poisoning. foreign ministers said yesterday, alleged parole violations after discuss any further steps at a Fellow Baltic countries Moderna has cancelled its coronavirus vaccines supply to Poland sending the bloc’s top diplomat flying back to Russia for the first planned summit on March 25 to Latvia and Estonia support scheduled for today, a government official said, adding the to Moscow next week. time since being poisoned by 26, he said. more EU sanctions on Russian delivery could be supplied during the weekend at the earliest. Despite calls from Baltic what Germany says was a mil- Earlier, Lithuania’s foreign individuals, and Italy’s foreign “Unfortunately tomorrow’s delivery of Moderna vaccines countries, Italy and Romania for itary-grade nerve agent in minister Gabrielius Landsbergis minister said on Sunday that has been cancelled. We will be modifying the vaccination sanctions on Russian officials August. said the EU needed to send a Rome was ready to support schedule if needed,” the Polish prime minister’s top aide Michal in response to Navalny’s He accuses Putin of ordering “very clear and decisive more travel bans and asset Dworczyk told a news conference yesterday. detention as he returned to his murder, which the Kremlin message” to Moscow, pushing freezes. Romania publicly Poland has been receiving coronavirus vaccinations as part Russia from Germany on denies. His supporters held for the bloc to agree sanctions backed sanctions yesterday. of the European Union’s procurement scheme. Warsaw has also January 17, Germany pushed to nationwide protests on Saturday, under its new human rights Germany and France, the ordered vaccines outside the EU agreement, local media reported. give the Kremlin more time. leading to more than 3,000 sanctions framework, which EU’s main powers, will be Poland has vaccinated over 700.000 up to date, mostly “We have agreed today to arrests and intensifying interna- allows for quicker adoption of central to deciding if the bloc medics and some elderly. The country planned to vaccinate 3 wait for the court’s decision, to tional calls for Navalny’s release. asset freezes and travel bans. goes ahead with punitive million people in the first quarter of 2021. wait to see ... whether Alexei In central Moscow on Sat- The EU already has eco- measures on Russia, a big oil Navalny is set free after 30 urday, police were seen roughly nomic sanctions on the Russian and gas exporter to the bloc. Greece detects 32 cases of UK variant

REUTERS — ATHENS SARS-CoV-2 virus. Authorities Austria stops man said 17 of the positive samples Greece has detected 32 cases were detected in Athens. trying to smuggle of the British variant of Britain has attributed the COVID-19, health authorities high transmission rates that 74 chameleons said, with the country’s led it to impose a recent Network of Genomic Moni- lockdown partly to a highly AP — BERLIN toring planning more intensive contagious variant that was checks in the coming weeks first identified in southeast Austrian authorities stopped a for the potentially more deadly England and is now prevalent man at Vienna airport as he virus. in many areas. tried to smuggle 74 protected Laboratory tests of 235 Prime Minister Boris chameleons from Africa into samples taken at border entry Johnson said on Friday the the country. points, hospitals and people in new variant may be associated They said in a statement close contact with a confirmed with a higher level of mor- Friday that a 56-year-old man, case of the mutant virus tality, although scientists have who was not further identified, showed that 33 were positive said the evidence on that had hidden the animals in for the 117 mutation of the remained uncertain. socks and empty ice-cream boxes when he was caught at Netherlands PM condemns riots customs control in Vienna. He had traveled to Austria from REUTERS — AMSTERDAM in one case knives at police Tanzania via Ethiopia. and burned down a COVID-19 The chameleons were Dutch Prime Minister Mark testing station. taken to Schoenbrunn Zoo, Rutte yesterday condemned “This has nothing to do with which said that three of the riots across the country this protest, this is criminal violence animals did not survive. All the weekend in which demon- and we will treat it as such,” animals were from the strators attacked police and set Rutte said. Schools and non- Usambara Mountains in Tan- fires to protest against a night- essential shops in the Nether- zania and ranged in age from time curfew to slow the spread lands have been shut since French Defence Minister Florence Parly and her Greece counterpart Nikos Panagiotopoulos applaud 1 week old to adult animals. of the coronavirus, calling mid-December, following the after the signing of an agreement for the purchase of 18 Dassault-made Rafale fighter jets at the On the black market they them “criminal violence”. closure of bars and restaurants Greek Defence Ministry in Athens, yesterday. would sell for for about The police said hundreds two months earlier. $44,9700, officials said. of people had been detained Rutte’s government added The man who smuggled after incidents that began on the curfew as an additional Greece, France sign $2.8bn fighter jet deal the animals into Austria has to Saturday evening and lasted lockdown measure from Sat- pay a fine of up to 6,000 euros, until the early hours of urday over fears that the British ATHENS AP — agreed to restart talks aimed at training center is critical for the Austrian finance ministry Monday, including some in variant of COVID-19 may soon resolving the dispute peace- Greece to present a credible said in a statement. which rioters threw rocks and lead to an increase in cases. Greece signed a $2.8bn deal fully. Senior diplomats from the deterrence,” Michael Tanchum, with France yesterday to two countries met in Istanbul a senior fellow at the Austrian purchase 18 Rafale fighter jets, yesterday to resume the process Institute for European and as tensions remain high with that had been interrupted for Security Policy, told The Asso- Refugee resettlement hits 20-year low: UN neighbor Turkey. nearly five years. ciated Press. Florence Parly, the French But Athens says that it will “It also provides Athens an REUTERS — GENEVA need of transfer from one The United States resettled defence minister, signed the continue a multibillion-euro enhanced ability to exercise asylum country to another. the highest number of refugees agreement in Athens to deliver program to upgrade its military more strategic autonomy when Barely 1.6 percent of 1.44 “We can only hope that last year, 6,740, but this was 12 used and six new aircraft following years of cuts because EU and Nato frameworks are million people with refugee 2020 will be an extreme less than one-third of the 21,159 built by Dassault Aviation over of the country’s financial crisis. deemed inadequate, making status who were prioritised for anomaly for refugee reset- that it admitted in 2019, UNHCR two years, starting July this France and the United Greece more of a player in its resettlement in another country tlement. We urgently call on figures show. year. States are in competition to own right.” of asylum last year found new governments to boost their pro- Sweden and Canada ranked France has sided with provide the Greek navy with Starting in May, mandatory homelands through the UN grammes this year, offer more second and third last year, Greece in a dispute over bound- new frigates, while Greece’s national service in the Greek refugee agency, the lowest places, expedite the processing resettling about 3,543 and 3,496 aries in the Aegean Sea and government recently approved Armed Forces will be increased number in nearly two decades, of cases and help us save lives refugees respectively through eastern Mediterranean that has plans to cooperate with Israeli from nine to 12 months to boost it said yesterday. of those most in need and at UN refugee agency’s brought Nato members Greece defense electronics firm Elbit the number of people serving The drop to 22,770 admis- greatest risk,” Gillian Triggs, programmes. and Turkey to the brink of war Systems to create a new mil- in uniform. sions was due to lower quotas UNHCR’s Assistant High Com- The vast majority of the several times in recent decades. itary flight academy in southern Parly, who also met Greek set by recipient countries, missioner for Protection, said world’s total 26.4 million ref- Tension spiked again last Greece. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mit- limited flights and delays in in a statement. ugees who have fled wars and summer when a Turkish explo- “The upgrade in the capa- sotakis, announced that France processing during the corona- Refugees from Syria, the persecution remain in neigh- ration mission in disputed bilities of the Hellenic Air Force would join two Greek military virus pandemic, the UN High Democratic Republic of the bouring countries, but the most waters triggered a dangerous by means of both the acqui- exercises later this year, partic- Commissioner for Refugees Congo, and Myanmar were the vulnerable and those with military buildup. sition of new fighter aircraft ipating with Rafale jets from the (UNHCR) said. In 2019, it largest groups resettled in special needs are given priority Greece and Turkey have and the new state-of-the-art French air force. resettled 63,696 refugees in 2020. for the resettlement. 14 AMERICAS TUESDAY 26 JANUARY 2021 Mexico President tests positive for COVID-19 MEXICO CITY AP — López Obrador has rarely been seen wearing López Obrador has rarely been seen wearing a mask and Mexico President Andrés Manuel a mask. He has also resisted locking down continued to keep up a busy López Obrador was working the economy, noting the devastating effect it travel schedule, taking com- from isolation yesterday, a day mercial flights. He spent the after announcing that he had would have on so many Mexicans who live day weekend in San Luis Potosi and tested positive for COVID-19, his to day, despite that the country has registered Nuevo Leon states, where he was interior secretary said. nearly 150,000 COVID-19 deaths and more photographed without a mask. The President was absent He has also resisted locking for the first time in his two years than 1.7 million infections. A new wave of down the economy, noting the in office from his daily news infections has pushed the health system of devastating effect it would have conference. Having shaped an on so many Mexicans who live administration so reliant on the country’s capital city close to saturation. day to day, despite that the himself for everything from country has registered nearly setting priorities to making 150,000 COVID-19 deaths and public statements, López Obra- resolute spirit, working and his return. She said López more than 1.7 million infections. dor’s absence felt all the greater. looking good”. Obrador was well and strong. A new wave of infections has It comes as his country registers López Obrador, who has “He is carrying out his func- pushed the health system of the its highest levels of infections been criticised for his handling tions as President of the country’s capital city close to and deaths to date. of Mexico’s pandemic and for republic. He will continue saturation. López Obrador spoke by not setting an example of pre- keeping an eye on public In November, Tedros phone yesterday with Russian vention in public, announced affairs,” she said. Sánchez Adhanom Ghebreyesus, head of President Vladimir Putin and the diagnosis on Sunday on his Cordero, who spoke without the World Health Organization, his spokesman, Jesus Ramirez, official Twitter account, saying, wearing a mask, said she was urged Mexico’s leaders be serious said afterward on Twitter that “The symptoms are mild but I awaiting test results of her own. about the coronavirus and set Mexico would receive 24 am already under medical Despite his age and high examples for its citizens, saying million doses of the Russian treatment.” blood pressure, López Obrador that “Mexico is in bad shape” with Sputnik V vaccine against José Luis Alomía Zegarra, has not received a vaccine shot, the pandemic. He didn’t name COVID-19, though it has not yet Mexico’s director of epidemi- though Mexico has received López Obrador, but said: “We been approved for use in the ology, said the 67-year-old López batches of Pfizer-BioNTech would like to ask Mexico to be country. Obrador had a “light” case of doses. He has said that health very serious.” “We have said it in Foreign Affairs Secretary COVID-19 and was “isolating at workers would be the first to general; wearing a mask is Marcelo Ebrard, who is also iso- home”. Yesterday, Interior Sec- get them. Under the gov- important, hygiene is important lating and awaiting test results, retary Olga Sánchez Cordero said ernment plan, people over 60 and physical distancing is Mexico President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador arrives to attend said via Twitter that López the President had designated her will start being vaccinated in important and we expect leaders the inauguration of an installation of the National Guard in San Luis Obrador had appeared “with to hold the daily briefings until February. to be examples,” he added. Posoti, Mexico, on Sunday. US top court ends US 'proud to be back' in climate fight, Kerry tells leaders anti-corruption REUTERS — AMSTERDAM power to make up for it,” Kerry Washington would “make for success,” said International climate extremes related to told the virtual Climate Adap- good” on previous global Monetary Fund Managing global warming have inten- lawsuits The United States is “proud to be tation Summit, hosted by the climate finance commitments Director Kristalina Georgieva. sified, investments to shield against Trump back” in international efforts to Netherlands, by video link. by investing in climate action UN Secretary-General people from these risks have tackle global warming, Washing- Kerry was joined by China’s domestically and abroad. Antonio Guterres said “the pan- remained modest, scientists REUTERS — WASHINGTON ton’s new special climate envoy Deputy Prime Minister Han Under former President demic has reminded us that we wrote to leaders taking part. John Kerry told a summit of Zheng, German Chancellor Barack Obama, the United cannot afford to ignore known “Unless we step up and adapt Five days after the end of world leaders yesterday. Angela Merkel, French Pres- States pledged $3bn to the risks. Climate disruption is a risk now, the results will be increasing Donald Trump’s presidency, US President Joe Biden is ident Emmanuel Macron, global Green Climate Fund to we are well aware of”. poverty, water shortages, agri- the US Supreme Court yes- this week expected to release British Prime Minister Boris help vulnerable countries fight Climate change could cultural losses and soaring levels terday halted lawsuits more policies to tackle climate Johnson and others. climate change but only depress global food pro- of migration with an enormous accusing him of violating the change after rejoining the 2015 “President Biden has made delivered $1bn. Leaders at yes- duction by up to 30 percent, toll on human life,” the 3,000 sci- US Constitution’s anti-cor- Paris climate agreement that fighting climate change a top pri- terday's summit, which aims to while rising seas and greater entists wrote. ruption provisions by main- predecessor Donald Trump quit ority of his administration. We help countries build resilience storms could force hundreds Developing countries alone taining ownership of his saying it was too costly to the have a president now, thank God, against climate change, stressed of millions of people in coastal need to spend around $70bn business empire including a US economy. who leads, tells the truth and is the importance of having Wash- cities out of their homes, per year to battle the effects of hotel near the White House “We’re proud to be back. We seized by this issue,” Kerry said. ington back at the table. summit organiser the Global global warming, a UN report while in office. come back with humility for the Kerry, who signed the Paris “To tackle this great chal- Center on Adaptation said. showed this month, and those The justices threw out absence over the last four years agreement when he was US lenge we need all hands on deck Although droughts, fires, costs could jump to $140bn to lower court rulings that had and we will do everything in our secretary of state, said and certainly the US is so critical heatwaves, floods and other $300bn by 2030. allowed the lawsuits — one filed by the District of Columbia and the state of Mar- Ecuador okays use yland and the other by plain- Sanders running for tiffs including a watchdog of AstraZeneca group — to proceed, while also vaccine for virus declining to hear Trump’s Arkansas governor appeals of those decisions. The REUTERS — QUITO justices ordered the lower courts to dismiss the cases Ecuador has approved the use AP — LITTLE ROCK governor of Arkansas.” because they are now moot. of the COVID-19 vaccine The daughter of former The plaintiffs accused developed by AstraZeneca Plc Sarah Sanders, Donald Trump’s Governor Mike Huckabee, Trump of running afoul of the and the University of Oxford, former chief spokeswoman and Sanders had been widely Constitution’s “emoluments” the health ministry said. one of his closest aides, expected to run for the office provisions that bar presidents AstraZeneca’s vaccine is the announced yesterday that she’s after leaving the White House from accepting gifts or pay- second that the National Agency running for Arkansas governor, — and Trump publicly ments from foreign and state for Health Regulation, Control vying for political office even encouraged her to make a go. governments without congres- and Surveillance has registered as the former president’s legacy She’s been laying the sional approval. The plaintiffs for use. A pilot program that is clouded by an impeachment groundwork for a candidacy, had asked the Supreme Court provides the Pfizer Inc vaccine charge that he incited the speaking to GOP groups around to reject Trump’s appeals to medical personnel and in deadly siege at the US Capitol. the state. because the dispute would dis- nursing homes began last week The former White House Sanders joins a Republican appear once he left office last when the first doses arrived. press secretary, who left the primary that already includes Wednesday. “The agency authorized job in 2019 to return to her two statewide elected leaders, In one of the cases, plain- imports of approximately five home state, launched the bid Lt. Gov. Tim Griffin and tiffs including the nonprofit million doses of the Astra- less than a week after the end Attorney General Leslie watchdog group Citizens for Zeneca COVID-19 vaccine, of Trump’s time in office and Rutledge. The three are running Responsibility and Ethics in which will be applied to 2.5 as the ex-president faces an to succeed current Governor Washington (CREW), a hotel million Ecuadoreans,” the impeachment trial. Asa Hutchinson, a Republican owner and a restaurant trade ministry added. But her announcement who is unable to run next year group said the former Repub- “It will allow Ecuador to reflected how much she due to term limits. No Demo- lican president’s failure to dis- strengthen the process of con- expected voters in solidly red crats have announced a bid to entangle himself from his taining the disease to achieve Arkansas to embrace the former run for the seat. businesses had made him vul- herd immunity.” The health Dam disaster anniversary president, if not his rhetoric. Sanders launched her bid nerable to inducements by ministry did not say when the “With the radical left now weeks after a riot by Trump’s officials seeking to curry favor. People affected by the disaster of the tailings dam owned by AstraZeneca doses will arrive, in control of Washington, your supporters at the US Capitol left The plaintiffs said that they Brazilian mining company Vale SA, protest yesterday in front of but has said mass vaccination governor is your last line of five people dead. More than 130 lost patronage, wages and will start in March. the company, two years after it collapsed in Brumadinho, Minas defense,” Sanders said in a people have been charged in commissions from clients who Gerais state, Brazil. The signs read: “Stop”. Families of the roughly video announcing her bid. “In the insurrection, which was chose Trump’s businesses over 270 victims of a Vale SA mining dam collapse held protests and fact, your governor must be on aimed at halting the certifi- theirs because of the ability to FARC party changes vigils on the disaster's second anniversary, raising pressure on the company as it struggles to settle legal claims. the front line. So today I cation of President Joe Biden’s gain the former president’s name to Comunes announce my candidacy for win over Trump. favour. REUTERS — BOGOTA

Colombia’s FARC political party — which was formed fol- EU urges dialogue in Venezuela to set up new elections lowing the demobilization of the guerrilla group with the AP — BRUSSELS Venezuela is mired in a deep early 2019 as head of Vene- angered the Venezuelan oppo- responsible for serious viola- same acronym — will change economic crisis, which critics zuela’s National Assembly. sition, which believed it sent tions of human rights”. They its name to Comunes, it said. The European Union called yes- blame on two decades of failed A coalition of more than 50 mixed messages about Maduro’s said the measures “are The decision to change the terday for broad political talks socialist policies that have left nations recognized him, legitimacy. designed not to harm the Ven- name was taken at the party’s in Venezuela to set up new elec- the nation bankrupt and its including most of the United Yesterday's statement said ezuelan population and can be second national assembly, tions, and warned that it stands crumbling infrastructure. States and most EU countries, that the EU considers Guaidó reversed”. which ran for three days ready to slap sanctions on more Describing the December 6 saying that President Nicolás and other opposition officials The EU has imposed travel through Sunday. “Our new senior Venezuelan officials in elections as “a missed oppor- Maduro had clung to power “to be important actors and bans and asset freezes on dozens name is COMUNES,” the party the country if they undermine tunity for democracy” whose after undemocratic elections. privileged interlocutors” and of officials until at least said on Twitter. “It’s a real and democracy or take part in results they cannot endorse, the In a tweet, Guaidó’s com- urged them “to take a unified November 14. It has also slapped transformative bet on Colom- human rights violations. ministers said the 27-nation munications office welcomed stance with a view to an an arms embargo on Venezuela bia’s peace made by the EU foreign ministers said in bloc stands ready to send an the EU’s move of rejecting the inclusive process of dialogue and outlawed the supply of common people.” a statement that “the only way observer mission should new recent election and expressing and negotiation”. equipment that could be used in The leftist Revolutionary out of the crisis in Venezuela is polls take place. support for the opposition-led The ministers also said that any crackdown on civilians. Armed Forces of Colombia to resume political negotiations They called for the “freedom National Assembly, calling for given the deteriorating rights Last week, the Trump (FARC) guerrilla group signed a promptly and to urgently and safety” of all political oppo- free and fair parliamentary and situation and problems with administration announced a peace deal with Colombia’s gov- establish a Venezuelan-led dia- nents to be ensured, “especially presidential elections. the rule of law in Venezuela sweeping round of stiff ernment in 2016. The pact logue and transition process Juan Guaidó, as well as other The ministers made no ref- that “the EU stands ready to financial sanctions that target ended the FARC guerrillas’ role leading to credible, inclusive and representatives of the demo- erence to the status of Guaido adopt additional targeted a network accused of moving in a more than 50-year conflict transparent local, legislative and cratic opposition”. or that of the assembly. A pre- restrictive measures against oil on behalf of Maduro’s that left more than 260,000 presidential elections”. The opposition leader vious EU statement referred to those undermining democracy alleged frontman, Alex Saab, dead and millions displaced. Once a wealthy oil nation, claimed presidential powers in them as “outgoing", and this or the rule of law and those a Colombian businessman. TUESDAY 26 JANUARY 2021 AMERICAS 15 Biden to implement travel restrictions

REUTERS — WASHINGTON The US President will impose a ban on most non-US citizens entering the country who President Joe Biden will impose have recently been in South Africa starting a ban on most non-US citizens entering the country who have Saturday in a bid to contain the spread of a recently been in South Africa new variant of COVID-19. starting Saturday in a bid to contain the spread of a new Today, new CDC rules take effect requiring variant of COVID-19, a senior US public health official said. all international air travellers 2 and older to Biden is also reimposing an present a negative coronavirus test taken entry ban on nearly all non-US within three calendar days of travel or proof travelers who have been in of recovery from COVID-19 to enter the Brazil, the United Kingdom, Ireland and 26 countries in United States. Europe that allow travel across open borders. Biden meets Austin, Milley “We are adding South Africa Reuters they would be open to capacity. Numerous US airlines US President Joe Biden meets with new Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin (right) and Joint Chiefs of to the restricted list because of adding additional countries to last week had asked CDC for Staff Chairman Gen. Mark Milley as Vice-President Kamala Harris stands by, in the Oval Office at the the concerning variant present the list if needed. waivers, airline officials said. that has already spread beyond The South African variant has But CDC officials said they White House in Washington, DC, yesterday. South Africa,” said Dr. Anne not yet been found in the United would consider case-by-case Schuchat, the CDC’s principal States but at least 20 US states humanitarian exemptions for deputy director, in an interview. have detected a UK variant some travellers if needed. CDC She added the agency was known as B.1.1.7. Current vac- officials noted 120 countries US Senate aims to pass COVID-19 “putting in place this suite of cines appear effective against the currently have mandatory measures to protect Americans UK mutations. COVID-19 testing requirements and also to reduce the risk of Centers for Disease Control for international travel. bill ahead of Trump trial: Lawmaker these variants spreading and and Prevention director (CDC) The CDC order says trav- worsening the current pan- head Rochelle Walensky will ellers should self-quarantine REUTERS — WASHINGTON beginning. That’s a tall order, to have money out there for vac- demic.” Then-president Donald sign a separate order requiring for seven days upon return to because we also have to do the cines,” Cassidy told Fox News Trump directed on January 18 masks on all airplanes, ferries, the United States and consider The US Senate is aiming to pass confirmations,” King, a Maine yesterday. “And testing, we can those restrictions on Brazil and trains, subways, buses, taxis, getting a new COVID-19 test COVID-19 relief legislation independent who caucuses with accept that.” King said there was Europe be lifted effective today and ride-share vehicles for all within three to five days of before former President Donald Democrats who lead the Senate, a general consensus on Sunday’s but Biden’s proclamation will travellers two and older, offi- returning to the United States. Trump’s impeachment trial told National Public Radio. call to do “whatever we have to rescind that decision. cials said. The new require- The US restrictions barring begins in early February, a law- “Two weeks would be an do to speed up the vaccination Biden, who took office on ments are set to take effect in most visitors from Europe have maker said yesterday, amid aggressive schedule but I think process. I don’t think there’s Wednesday, is taking an the coming days, they said, and been in place since mid-March growing signs of agreement on that’s where we’re going to be going to be any debate about aggressive approach to com- masks can be removed for brief when Trump signed proclama- the need to speed vaccine going,” he added. that.” He added that the group bating the spread of the virus periods while eating. tions imposing them, while the distribution. It was not clear whether the on Sunday’s call would speak after Trump rejected mandates Today, new CDC rules take Brazilian entry ban was A day after some Republicans Senate would try to pass the again soon. Although Biden’s sought by US health agencies. effect requiring all international imposed in May. The restriction, pushed back on the size of Pres- entire Biden proposal before Democratic Party narrowly con- Some health officials are air travellers 2 and older to along with the new South Africa ident Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion February 8 or focus on legis- trols the House of Representa- concerned that current vac- present a negative coronavirus ones, mean most non-US cit- relief proposal, Senator Angus lation with a more limited tives and the Senate, legislation cines may not be effective test taken within three calendar izens who have been in one of King said the Senate plans to scope. King and Republican would need bipartisan support against the South Africa variant, days of travel or proof of those countries within the last consider a bill in the next two Senator Bill Cassidy, who both to become law. which also raises the prospect recovery from COVID-19 to 14 days are not eligible to travel weeks, while it also moves to participated in a call about In addition to the size of of re-infection. The South enter the United States. to the United States. confirm Biden’s Cabinet ahead COVID-19 relief with Biden Biden’s plan, Republicans and African variant, also known as The CDC will not, as it said Permanent US residents of the Trump trial’s start during administration officials on some Democrats are concerned the 501Y.V2 variant, is 50 on January 12, consider granting and family members and some the week of February 8. Sunday, said there is broad about a proposal to send $1,400 percent more infectious and has temporary waivers to airlines other non-US citizens are per- “We’re going to try to do agreement about the need to stimulus choques to most been detected in at least 20 to exempt some travellers from mitted to return to the United something between now and the move forward on vaccinations. Americans, even some with countries. CDC officials told countries with limited testing States under the order. time of the impeachment trial “We can all agree: We need fairly high incomes. Moderna believes vaccine will work against new variants Supreme Court spurns appeal REUTERS — NEW YORK encouraging that the Moderna symptomatic infection or mildly testing showed that even against symptomatic infection that is by former Moderna said yesterday that it the variant found in South Africa, not a burden to the healthcare believes its COVID-19 vaccine the antibody response produced system,” Offit said. lawmaker protects against new variants by its mRNA-1273 vaccine was Moderna said the new found in Britain and South still “above the levels” that booster shot could be made REUTERS — WASHINGTON Africa, although it will test a provide protection. available in future if evidence new booster shot aimed at the Yee also said the speed with were to emerge that protection The US Supreme Court yes- South Africa variant after con- which Moderna was able to declined. terday declined to hear an cluding that the antibody design a new booster shot can- Pfizer Inc and BioNTech SE appeal by Sheldon Silver, the response could be diminished. didate was proof of the flexi- have also said tests showed once-powerful New York State The company said in a press bility of the new mRNA tech- their vaccine is effective against Assembly Speaker, of his con- release that it found no reduction nology upon which it is based. the variant found in Britain, but viction on corruption charges in the antibody response against Dr. Paul Offit, an infectious have not yet disclosed results that resulted in a 6-1/2-year the variant found in Britain. disease expert at the University against the South Africa variant. prison sentence. Against the variant found in of Pennsylvania and a member That variant first found in Silver, 76, began serving South Africa, it found a reduced of the US Food and Drug Britain has caused a massive his sentence last August response but still believed its Administration’s vaccine surge in cases there and has also despite being in poor health. two-dose regimen would provide advisory panel said he was only been found in more than a He had appealed the portions protection. mildly concerned that the Boxes containing the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine are prepared to dozen US states. US public of his 2018 conviction that The emergence of new var- vaccine would not be protective be shipped at the McKesson distribution center in Olive Branch, health officials expect it to be were upheld in January 2020 iants in Britain, South Africa and against the variants. Mississippi, US, on December 20, 2020. the dominant strain in the by the Manhattan-based 2nd Brazil has created some concern “It is a little worrisome that United States within 6 weeks. US Circuit Court of Appeals. that mutations in the virus may you see a lesser neutralizing noting that even these lower “The goal of this vaccine is Moderna said it plans to Two conservative justices, make vaccines less effective. antibody response, but that levels may still be enough to to keep you out of the hospital publish data from its tests Neil Gorsuch and Clarence Jefferies analyst Michael Yee doesn’t necessarily mean that protect against serious and to keep you out of the against the variants on the Thomas, said they would have said in a research note that it was you are unprotected,” he said, infections. morgue. If you get a website bioRxiv. taken up Silver’s appeal. Silver, a Democrat, was accused of accepting close to $4m in illegal payments in exchange for Navy SEAL gets 10 years for his Trump lawyer Giuliani taking official actions in two separate schemes. Prosecutors said Silver role in Green Beret’s death faces $1.3bn lawsuit arranged for state grants to go to a cancer researcher who AP — NORFOLK state why the service members showing Melgar a video of the REUTERS — WASHINGTON saying during a radio show last referred mesothelioma were there. But US Special incident sometime later. week he is being attacked for patients to his law firm, and A US Navy SEAL has been sen- Forces have been in Africa to The case has pulled back A US voting machine company “exercising my right of free supported rent regulation tenced to 10 years in prison for support and train local troops the curtain on misconduct filed a $1.3bn lawsuit against speech and defending my interests of two real estate his role in the hazing death of a in their fight against extremists. among some of America’s most former President Donald client”. Trump and his allies developers that sent business US Army Green Beret while the DeDolph testified during his elite service members, while Trump’s lawyer Rudy Giuliani, spent two months denying his to another law firm. men served together in Africa. court-martial that they were offering a brief window into accusing him of defamation in election defeat, and claiming Silver represented Man- The SEAL’s attorney said he plans trying to get back at Melgar for how some have addressed what it called his “big lie” cam- without evidence that it was the hattan’s Lower East Side, and to appeal the punishment. perceived slights. The other grievances outside the law. paign about widespread fraud result of widespread voter fraud, served as Assembly speaker Tony DeDolph received the SEAL, Adam Matthews, testified DeDolph is a member of the in the presidential election, court before his supporters stormed from 1994 to 2015. Along with sentence on Saturday from a in 2019 that the perceived elite SEAL Team 6. Besides the documents yesterday showed. the Capitol on January 6. Democratic Governor Andrew jury of fellow servicemembers slights included an incident in prison time, his sentence strips The Denver-based company, Dominion is seeking $1.3bn Cuomo and Republican former at a Navy base in Norfolk, Vir- which Melgar was driving his him of his pay and his rank of Dominion Voting Systems Inc, in damages from the former New Senate Majority Leader Dean ginia, the Navy said in a motorcycle to a party at a dip- chief petty officer. He’ll also filed an earlier lawsuit against York City mayor, alleging in the Skelos, Silver was one of the statement yesterday. He had lomatic embassy in the capital receive a dishonorable dis- Trump campaign lawyer Sidney lawsuit that “he and his allies “three men in a room” with pleaded guilty to involuntary city of Bamako. Two Marines charge. The punishment still Powell, whom the company also manufactured and disseminated effective power to shape New manslaughter and related were following in another must receive official approval accused of spreading false con- the ‘Big Lie’, which foreseeably York legislative priorities. counts on January 14. vehicle before Melgar drove off, from an admiral. DeDolph had spiracy theories about the went viral and deceived millions Skelos was convicted on DeDolph had placed Army Matthews said. Matthews sug- faced a maximum sentence of election that Trump lost to Dem- of people into believing that separate corruption charges Staff Sgt. Logan Melgar into a gested that the Marines felt 22-and-a-half years in prison. ocrat Joe Biden. Dominion had stolen their votes in 2018. In his appeal, Silver martial-arts-style chokehold to Melgar had abandoned them in DeDolph’s attorney, Phillip A senior Dominion employee, and fixed the election.” said the 2nd Circuit ignored try to make him temporarily an unsafe city that’s been the Stackhouse, said that the sen- Eric Coomer, also filed a defa- A group of prominent Supreme Court precedent by lose consciousness during what target of terrorist activity. tence will be appealed. he mation lawsuit against the Trump attorneys last week asked New upholding his conviction the SEAL said was a prank. The service members plotted expressed concerns about the campaign, saying he had been York’s judiciary to suspend despite the absence of agree- Melgar died of strangulation. to get Melgar back with an elab- length of the jury’s delibera- driven into hiding because of Giuliani’s law license because ments that he would perform DeDolph is one of four orate prank known as as a “tape tions. He said it “would have death threats from Trump sup- he made false claims in post- “official acts” for the service members — two SEALs job”, DeDolph testified earlier been virtually impossible for porters. Giuliani and his lawyer, election lawsuits and for urging researcher and developers in and two Marines — to be this month. The prank included them to do more than a cursory Robert Costello, did not respond Trump’s supporters to engage exchange for bribes. Silver was charged in Melgar’s 2017 death binding Melgar with duct tape, review of the significant volume to requests for comment. in “trial by combat” shortly originally convicted in 2015 in the African country of Mali. applying the choke hold to tem- of evidence given to them just Giuliani has stood by his before they stormed the US and sentenced to 12 years in Charging documents do not porarily knock him out and then when they began”. claims about the election, Capitol on January 6. prison. TUESDAY 26 JANUARY 2021 16

Earth losing ice faster today than in mid-1990s: Study

REUTERS — ANCHORAGE

Earth’s ice is melting faster The global atmospheric PRAYER today than in the mid-1990s, temperature has risen by TIMINGS new research suggests, as about 1.1 degrees Celsius PRAYERPRAYRRAAAY TIMINGSMING climate change nudges global since pre-industrial times. temperatures ever higher. Altogether, an estimated 28 But in the Arctic, the FAJR 04.59 am trillion metric tonnes of ice have warming rate has been SUNRISE 06.19 am melted away from the world’s more than twice the sea ice, ice sheets and glaciers DHUHR 11.46 am global average in the last since the mid-1990s. 30 years. ASR 02.52 pm Annually, the melt rate is MAGHRIB 05.16 pm now about 57 percent faster ISHA 06.46 pm than it was three decades ago, scientists report in a study pub- global sea level by 3.5 centim- lished yesterday in the journal eters. Ice loss from mountain The Cryosphere. glaciers accounted for 22 “It was a surprise to see percent of the annual ice loss such a large increase in just 30 totals, which is noteworthy con- years,” said co-author Thomas sidering it accounts for only Slater, a glaciologist at Leeds about 1 percent of all land ice University in Britain. atop land, Slater said. While the situation is clear Across the Arctic, sea ice is WEATHER to those depending on mountain also shrinking to new sum- glaciers for drinking water, or mertime lows. Last year saw the TODAY Portage Glacier is seen from Portage Pass, as hikers look on, in Chugach National Forest, in Alaska. relying on winter sea ice to second-lowest sea ice extent in protect coastal homes from more than 40 years of satellite storms, the world’s ice melt has monitoring. average in the last 30 years. approach, and one that’s Stroeve of the National Snow begun to grab attention far from As sea ice vanishes, it Using 1994-2017 satellite actually quite needed,” said and Ice Data Center in Boulder, frozen regions, Slater noted. exposes dark water which data, site measurements and geologist Gabriel Wolken with Colorado noted the study had Aside from being captivated absorbs solar radiation, rather some computer simulations, the the Alaska Division of Geo- not included snow cover over o o by the beauty of polar regions, than reflecting it back out of the team of British scientists calcu- logical and Geophysical land, “which also has a strong 16 C 25 C “people do recognize that, atmosphere. This phenomenon, lated that the world was losing Surveys. Wolken was a co- albedo feedback”, referring to Minimum Maximum although the ice is far away, the known as Arctic amplification, an average of 0.8 trillion metric author on the 2020 Arctic a measure of how reflective a Misty to foggy at places at first effects of the melting will be felt boosts regional temperatures tonnes of ice per year in the Report Card released in surface is. becomes moderate temperature by them,” he said. even further. 1990s, but about 1.2 trillion December, but was not involved The research also did not daytime with some clouds, cold by The melting of land ice - on The global atmospheric metric tonnes annually in with the new study. consider river or lake ice or per- night. Antarctica, Greenland and temperature has risen by about recent years. In Alaska, people are mafrost, except to say that W ALRUWAIS : 18o → 20o mountain glaciers — added 1.1 degrees Celsius since pre- Calculating even an esti- “keenly aware” of glacial ice “these elements of the cryo- W ALKHOR : 12o → 25o enough water to the ocean industrial times. But in the mated ice loss total from the loss, Wolken said. “You can see sphere have also experienced W DUKHAN : 16o → 20o during the three-decade time Arctic, the warming rate has world’s glaciers, ice sheets and the changes with the human considerable change over W WAKRAH : 11o → 26o period to raise the average been more than twice the global polar seas is “a really interesting eye.” Research scientist Julienne recent decades.” W MESAIEED : 11o → 26o W ABUSAMRA : 13o → 20o Ooredoo displays artworks from Day-trippers brought skis, HIGH TIDE 03:56 – 13:19 ‘The Art and The Mobile’ initiative sleds and virus to Czech LOW TIDE 12:19 – 20:59 mountains: Mayor THE PENINSULA — DOHA “One of the key pillars of our Chief Consumer Officer at corporate social responsibility REUTERS — MODRAVA 170km from Prague. Artists taking part in The Art and Ooredoo Fatima Sultan Al is a firm commitment to sup- Mountains areas across Merck ends The Mobile — a unique project porting the communities in Czechs flocking to escape the Czech Republic have intended to enrich Qatar’s Kuwari said: “We were which we operate, and we’re coronavirus restrictions with experienced similar crushes development of cultural and artistic scene and delighted to see the proud to be working with Qatar a day’s cross-country skiing, of people clogging parking showcase its young and incredible works created Museums on such a worthwhile sledding or snow-shoeing in lots with cars and camper two COVID-19 upcoming artists — were given by our talented artists as project to promote arts and a national park have brought vans at the weekend and cre- smartphones to use as their part of this initiative.” culture in our communities. a surge of COVID-19 infec- ating headaches for local offi- vaccines canvas, turning the devices into We’re sure everyone will enjoy tions to a tiny village, a local cials like Modrava’s mayor. creative masterpieces. seeing these unique pieces when official said. “Once I said that one of AP — NEW YORK Organisers chose a select they go on display to the public Modrava Mayor Antonin the options for lowering the group of artists to take part in soon.” Schubert said tests last week number of visitors is to limit Merck is giving up on two the challenge, with each artist are on display at Ooredoo HQ. The finished masterpieces identified 13 positive cases parking in the village, sud- potential COVID-19 vaccines given two to three devices Chief Consumer Officer at will be exhibited for the public among the 90 people who live denly a wave of hysteria following poor results in early- depending on the technique Ooredoo Fatima Sultan Al at the Qatar Fire Station later there, making the hamlet that rose,” said Schubert, who had stage studies. used. Kuwari said: “We were delighted this month, and part of the col- sits in central Europe’s largest just left quarantine after con- The drugmaker said yes- These works created as part to see the incredible works lection will be donated or auc- forest area, the Sumava tracting COVID-19. terday that it will focus instead of a cultural initiative organised created by our talented artists tioned for a worthy cause in national park, the most The country of 10.7 million on studying two possible treat- by Ooredoo and Qatar Museums as part of this initiative. Qatar. infected in the region. has been one of the worst-hit ments for the virus that also Ski lifts were closed but, globally, with a high rate of have yet to be approved by reg- with local pubs allowed to sell infections and 15,453 deaths ulators. The company said its take-out food, crowds built up so far and many hospitals are potential vaccines were well tol- in the village, which became filled to capacity. With Czech erated by patients, but they gen- much more popular after alpine ski centers shuttered erated an inferior immune Alpine resorts shut their doors. and borders with Austria, system response compared with “At every take-out where a few resorts are open, other vaccines. window, the line of people difficult to cross, people have Merck entered the race to is much bigger than if they increasingly visited the local fight COVID-19 later than other were waiting for the ski lift,” mountains. top drugmakers. said the mayor of the hamlet A number of recent visitors It said last fall that it had surrounded by gently rising to Modrava complained that started early-stage research in peaks near the German and closing ski lifts would not stop volunteers on potential vaccines Austrian borders. “No visitor Covid infections and said that require only one dose. Vac- is wearing a mask.” On a spending time in nature was cines developed by Pfizer and recent weekend, skiers, better than staying in the city. Moderna were already in late- sledders and others — most “Considering how many stage research at that point. without masks — congre- people there are, I think it The Food and Drug Admin- gated in small groups as would be better if they opened istration allowed emergency use they strapped on their gear in some ways,” Josef Novotny of both the Pfizer and Moderna to explore the snow- said as he loaded his skis into vaccines late last year. Each covered trails around his car. requires two shots. Since vaccinations began in December, nearly 22 million doses have been delivered to people nationwide, according Fan Museum in Paris to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A select group of artists have been chosen to take part in ‘The Art and The Mobile’ initiative. A total of 3.2 million people gets time to pay debts have received both doses required for those vaccines. AP — PARIS protect the small museum that The government is paying French officials had placed on Merck about $356m to fast- China tackles pandemic with mass construction Paris City Hall has instructed an intangible heritage list only track production of one of its the landlord seeking to close last year. Hoguet said that Paris potential treatments under AP — BEIJING 600 rooms were ready by January is battling outbreaks this winter down the city’s indebted Fan City Hall officials confirmed to Operation Warp Speed, a push 19. Another 3,600 are to be added in its frigid north. The National Museum to extend its deadline her that they had intervened to to develop COVID-19 vaccines A sprawling quarantine center by the time of completion. Health Commission on Monday for payment, the museum said get the landlord to delay the and treatments. with more than 4,000 rooms is Construction workers and reported 145 new cases in the yesterday. deadline. The money will allow being thrown up in northern materials have been sent from all latest 24-hour period, including Director Anne Hoguet said “It’s a huge relief. We hope Kenilworth, New Jersey, China in response to a COVID-19 over the country to help build the 11 in Hubei province. The quar- her beleaguered museum — a to live another day,” Hoguet company to deliver up to outbreak in Shijiazhuang, a city center, state media reported. It’s antine center is designed to house registered historic monument said. 100,000 doses by June 30, if of more than 10 million people in common practice for China to people who have been in contact — owed 117,000 euros in rent Paris Deputy Mayor Karen the FDA clears the treatment Hebei province. mobilize resources nationwide to with COVID-19 patients. Each arrears due to losses incurred Taieb said officials are now for emergency use. Satellite images from the tackle natural disasters and other room, for one person only, is during virus lockdowns last meeting with Hoguet on Feb- The treatment, known as European Space Agency show crises. Last year, two hospitals, 18sqm and comes with bedding, year. The money was due Jan. ruary 5 “in order to think about MK-7110, has the potential to dramatic changes over 10 days in Huoshenshan and Leishenshan, a desk, an air conditioner, a tele- 23 and the landlord had long-term solutions for this minimise the damaging effects an area where there had been were built within days to treat vision and Wi-Fi, the China News threatened to seize the heritage museum which is in a of an overactive immune only flat land before construction COVID-19 patients in the city of Service reported. It is in museum’s priceless artifacts as very complicated situation.” response to COVID-19. This started on January 13. Wuhan, where the coronavirus Zhengding county, a suburban payment. Hoguet said that she has been immune response can com- Rows of prefabricated houses was first detected. area in north Shijiazhuang. The In response to AP’s inundated with offers of dona- plicate the life-saving efforts can be seen. The official People’s China has largely curbed the city, the capital of Hebei, is about reporting, on Thursday Unesco tions since last week’s media of doctors and nurses. Daily newspaper said more than domestic spread of the virus, but 260 km southwest of Beijing. called on France to do more to reports.