THULQADA 10, 1442 AH SUNDAY, JUNE 20, 2021

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ISSUE NO: 18464 The First Daily in the Arabian Gulf www.kuwaittimes.net

One killed, two injured in Global displacement from war, Newest Boeing 737 MAX As Cyberpunk reboots, can 3 Shuwaikh warehouse fire 6 crises doubles in a decade: UN 8 makes first test flight 13 unloved games win extra life?

Ultraconservative cleric Raisi wins presidential vote

Amir congratulates president-elect on victory • Turnout at record low

TEHRAN: Ultraconservative cleric “I congratulate the people on their chose to stay away after the field of some Ebrahim Raisi was declared the winner choice,” said outgoing moderate President 600 hopefuls including 40 women had yesterday of Iran’s presidential election, a Hassan Rouhani, who has served the maxi- been winnowed down to seven candidates, widely anticipated result after many politi- mum of two consecutive four-year terms all men, excluding an ex-president and a cal heavyweights were barred from run- and leaves office in August. Raisi, 60, is set former parliament speaker. ning. Raisi won just shy of 62 percent of the to take over at a critical time, as Iran seeks Three of the vetted candidates dropped vote in Friday’s election, according to offi- to salvage its tattered nuclear deal with out two days before Friday’s vote. Populist cial figures, on a turnout of 48.8 percent, a major powers and free itself from punishing former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, record low for a presidential poll in the US sanctions that have driven a sharp eco- one of those barred from running by the Islamic republic. nomic downturn. Guardian Council of clerics and jurists, said HH the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Nawaf Al- “God willing, we will do our best so that he would not vote, declaring in a video Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah yesterday sent a the hope for the future now alive in people’s message: “I do not want to have a part in cable of congratulations to Raisi. In the hearts grows further,” said Raisi, adding this sin.” Ultraconservative Mohsen Rezai, a cable, HH the Amir expressed sincere con- that he wants to strengthen public trust in former commander of the Islamic gratulations on Raisi’s victory, wishing him the government for a “bright and pleasant Revolutionary Guard Corps, placed second further success and wellness, as well as for life together”. The head of the Iranian judi- with 11.8 percent of votes cast. He was fol- the friendly Islamic Republic to further ciary, Raisi is seen as close to the 81-year- lowed by the only reformist left in the race, progress and prosper. HH the Crown Prince old supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, former central bank chief Abdolnasser Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- who holds ultimate political power in Iran. Hemmati, who scored 8.4 percent. Another TEHRAN: Outgoing President Hassan Rouhani (left) takes in part in a press confer- Sabah and HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Friday’s voting was extended by two ultraconservative, Amirhossein Ghazizadeh- ence with President-elect Ebrahim Raisi during his visit to congratulate the ultra- Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah sent hours past the original midnight deadline Hashemi, came last with 3.5 percent. conservative cleric on winning the presidential election yesterday. — AFP similar cables to the president-elect. amid fears of a low turnout. Many voters Continued on Page 2

the organization, including the health city project, WHO, MoH to which includes many aspects, including a healthy lifestyle, way of living, the environment and benefit- ing from human energies. tackle COVID Regarding the detection of the Delta coron- avirus variant in Kuwait and what WHO can pro- together vide in this regard, Dr Hafeez said they can pro- vide detailed information about this virus. The KUWAIT: The World Health Organization (WHO) organization can also provide the necessary infor- will work with the Kuwaiti Health Ministry to help mation, experts and consultations for the benefit of tackle the COVID-19, the organization’s representa- local experts, which is reflected in treatment pro- tive in Kuwait Dr Assad Hafeez said on Friday. During grams with the knowledge of the most effective an interview with KUNA, Dr Hafeez expressed his vaccines and the best treatment and means of pre- thanks to the government of Kuwait following vention, he added. unremitting efforts that resulted in opening a perma- Dr Hafeez expressed gratitude to Kuwait for nent office of the organization in the country. opening the permanent office after six years of joint Dr Hafeez also touched on Kuwait’s five-year work, despite the current COVID-19 obstacles, plan, stating that it includes multiple targets, such as emphasizing the deep-rooted relationship between improving healthcare, and global goals such as sus- the two sides, which began in 1960, and has grown tainable development. He also shed light on the strongly thanks to a series of Kuwaiti support for KUWAIT: Domestic helpers are vaccinated against COVID-19 at the Kuwait Vaccination Center at the projects that can take place between Kuwait and the activities of the organization. — KUNA Mishref fairgrounds yesterday. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat

was dubbed the ‘Flying Sikh’, passed away at a generations to come.” mourns hospital in the north Indian city of Chandigarh late India’s cricket team led Friday. His wife had also died from the virus earlier by batsman Virat US cutting forces, in the week. Kohli wore black arm- as ‘Flying Sikh’ Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the tributes bands as a mark of missile batteries in for Singh, writing that India had “lost a colossal respect to Singh in the dies of COVID sportsperson, who captured the nation’s imagina- World Test Championship Kuwait, Mideast tion and had a special place in the hearts of count- final against Milkha Singh NEW DELHI: India yesterday mourned the loss of less Indians”. Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar said in the English city of WASHINGTON: The Pentagon said Friday it track legend Milkha Singh, who overcame child- Singh’s legacy would live on. “Rest in Peace our Southampton yesterday. Another tribute came from was cutting the number of troops and air hood tragedy to seek Olympic glory, after he died very own ‘Flying Sikh’ Milkha Singh ji,” he tweeted. women’s tennis star Sania Mirza who said the defense units deployed to the Middle East, con- aged 91 following a long battle with COVID-19. “Your demise has left a deep void in every Indian’s “world will miss a legend like you”. firming a Wall Street Journal report that eight Singh, a four-time Asian Games gold medalist who heart today, but you shall keep inspiring several Continued on Page 2 Patriot batteries were being moved out from the region. The move comes as President Joe Biden’s administration seeks to ease tensions with Iran Prior research establishing the after they heated up in 2019 and saw a strong Biological links connection was mainly epidemiologic, escalation in the US military presence across the meaning that people who developed region. between red the condition were surveyed on their The Wall Street Journal said the Patriot anti- eating habits, and researchers spotted missile batteries were being removed from associations with colorectal cancer Kuwait, Iraq, Jordan and Saudi Arabia, and that meat, cancer incidence. But a lack of clarity around a separate anti-missile system, called THAAD, the biology meant that the case wasn’t was being transferred from Saudi Arabia as well. WASHINGTON: Eating less red quite slam dunk, and in 2019, one Each battery requires hundreds of troops and meat is standard medical advice for team of researchers made waves civilians to operate and support them. preventing colorectal cancer, but the when they declared they only had a Pentagon spokesperson Commander Jessica way it causes cells to mutate has “low” degree of certainty that reduc- McNulty said that some of the units were being remained unclear, and not all experts ing consumption would prevent can- redeployed to other countries and some were were convinced there was a strong cer deaths. returning to the for maintenance. link. A new paper in the journal “When we say red meat is car- She would not say where the redeployed units Cancer Discovery has now identified cinogenic, and that it impacts inci- were being moved to. “This decision was made specific patterns of DNA damage dence of cancer, there has to be in close coordination with host nations and with triggered by diets rich in red meat - some plausible way by which it does a clear eye on preserving our ability to meet our further implicating the food as a car- it,” Dana-Farber Cancer Institute security commitments,” she said in an email. cinogen while heralding the possibility oncologist Marios Giannakis, who led of detecting the cancer early and the new study, told AFP. Continued on Page 2 KABUL: A butcher cuts meat at his shop on June 10, 2021. — AFP designing new treatments. Continued on Page 2 2 Established 1961 Sunday, June 20, 2021 Local NATO Official lauds progress made by women in Kuwait, Gulf region

BRUSSELS: NATO Secretary General’s Special course about women empowerment and women in Representative for Women, Peace and Security Clare peace and security later this year which will be the Hutchinson, has expressed her admiration for the first of its kind in the region. “Thanks to the achievements made my women in Kuwait and the Gulf Ambassador and his leadership on this,” she said. region. “We have heard today how we can learn in the Hutchinson said her task as the NATO representative euro-Atlantic region some of the step that have been was to raise awareness how women empowerment taken by women in particular in Kuwait and the Gulf. I make a country more empowered. “Having more am really impressed,” she said after attending a women in economics, political and security environ- farewell lunch hosted in her honor by Kuwait’s ment makes a country stronger. Our allies and part- Ambassador to NATO, EU and Jasem Al- ners work together to get more women empowered in Budaiwi. “There is a lot that I have learnt and will take security. We can learn from our partners and share with me because I didn’t know some of this. We need good practices,” she said. to do more to get these good stories out that are hap- Meanwhile, Budaiwi, said that this was the fourth pening in Kuwait and the Gulf region.” annual luncheon organized by the Kuwait embassy in Hutchison said it was a farewell lunch for her hosted Brussels to celebrate women achievement and women by Kuwait’s ambassador with women from the region empowerment. He noted that this event was in honour to discuss about women empowerment and about the of Clair Hutchison with the participation of women progress in the region and the “wonderful” progress in ambassadors and diplomats from the Gulf the Gulf. “It is really very interesting for us to hear. We Cooperation Council Countries (GCC) and the Arab do not hear these stories. Women sitting together talk- world and officials from EU, NATO. ing what is important to them. I am very impressed “It was a very good opportunity to discuss issues what I heard today,” she said. related to women. It was an opportunity for us to Clare Hutchinson, a dual British-Canadian national, explain to them what Kuwait has done in empower- took office as the NATO Secretary General’s Special ing women and to integrate women in all sectors of Representative for Women, Peace and Security in the society,” he said. They talked about the achieve- January 2018. Her three-year term ends in June. ments and challenges and about future plans to Hutchinson also worked as a Senior Gender Adviser ensure that women are protected and fully integrated with the United Nations for over a decade. She has into the society, he said. “During the meeting we been instrumental in setting the strategic development heard a lot of praises for Kuwait hosting an annual of Women, Peace and Security for the United Nations event for women. We are the only embassy in Department of Peacekeeping in New York, Brussels to host such events. It is unprecedented. I BRUSSELS: Kuwait’s Ambassador to NATO, EU and Belgium Jasem Al-Budaiwi (right) in a group photo during a and . am honored that this is my fourth event for women lunch hosted for NATO Secretary General’s Special Representative for Women, Peace and Security Clare She is now planning with Kuwait to organize a issues,” he added. — KUNA Hutchinson. — KUNA

KUWAIT: Iran’s Ambassador to Kuwait Mohammad Irani led Iranian voters in casting their votes in the Islamic republic’s presidential election at the Iranian embassy in Kuwait City on Friday. — Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat

Taken as a whole, the multiple lines of evidence hero and inspired a Bollywood film in 2013 called Biological links India mourns “Bhaag Milkha Bhaag” (Run, Milkha, Run). The film’s lead actor Farhan Akhtar, who won top awards for his portrayal of the star athlete, paid between red... as ‘Flying Sikh’... tribute to Singh in an emotional message. “You represented an idea. You represented a dream,” Continued from Page 1 Continued from Page 1 Akhtar wrote on social media. “You represented (to

use your own words) how hard work, honesty and After all, scientists discovered long ago which Singh, who first tested positive for the virus determination can lift a person off his knees and chemicals in cigarette smoke are to blame for can- on May 20 according to Indian media, is survived get him to touch the sky.” cer, and how certain bands of UV light penetrate by three daughters and one son, leading pro The movie’s title refers to the poignant last the skin and trigger mutations in genes that control golfer Jeev Milkha Singh. Singh was born in 1929 words spoken to Singh by his father. As he was how cells grow and divide. in Govindpura, in what is now Pakistan. He lost dying, he told Singh to flee or he, too, would be To address the knowledge gap, Giannakis and his his family during the tumultuous partition of killed in the post-partition riots sweeping the sub- colleagues sequenced DNA data from 900 patients British-ruled India at independence in 1947, continent. Singh ran for his life and boarded a train with colorectal cancer, who were drawn from a when it was divided into Pakistan and India, with other refugees. Millions are believed to have much larger group of 280,000 health workers par- before going on to become one of the young died in the bloody sectarian upheaval. ticipating in a years-long studies that included country’s first athletic heroes. KABUL: A butcher works at his shop in Kabul — AFP “We all grew up with the folklore of Milkha, he’s lifestyle surveys. The strength of this approach is Singh won gold medals at the 1958 and 1962 a larger-than-life figure for us,” said the film’s direc- that the people documenting their diet had no way build up a compelling argument, said Giannakis, liken- Asian Games. However, he shot to fame at the 1960 tor Rakeysh Mehra in 2013. “He’s like what Pele of knowing of their future cancer diagnosis, rather ing the research to careful detective work. In this Olympics in Rome when he finished fourth in the meant to football, or what Jesse Owens meant for than asking people to recall their eating habits after case, the suspicious mutation signature has a lot to 400m, 0.66 seconds behind Otis Davis of the track and field for the West.” Mehra was drawn to they became ill. answer for: Patients whose tumors had the highest United States who set a new world record of Singh’s story not just for his sporting achievements The analysis revealed a distinct mutational signa- levels of alkylation damage had a 47 percent greater 45.07sec to win. Singh was devastated but his time but for the impact the athlete had on a newborn ture - a pattern that had never before been identi- risk of colorectal cancer-specific death, compared to of 45.73sec stood as an Indian national record for nation struggling to assert itself, describing him as fied but was indicative of a type of DNA damage patients with lower levels of damage. almost 40 years. He never fulfilled his dream of win- one of the country’s first heroes outside politics. called “alkylation”. Not all cells that contain these But Giannakis, also a practicing doctor, said it was ning an Olympic medal. “This man never ran away from his fears, he ran mutations will necessarily become cancerous, and important to focus on how the research can be used His rise to elite athlete made Singh a national along with them,” he said at the time. —AFP the signature was present in some healthy colon to help patients. Future work might help physicians samples too. identify which patients are genetically predisposed to To opposition and human rights groups, his name The mutation signature was significantly associ- accumulating alkylation damage, then counsel them to Ultraconservative is linked to mass executions of political prisoners in ated with intake of red meat, both processed and limit their red meat intake. Identifying patients who 1988. The US government has sanctioned him over unprocessed, prior to the patient’s diagnosis of can- have already started to accrue the mutational signa- cleric Raisi wins... the purge, in which Raisi has denied involvement. cer, but not with the intake of poultry, fish or other ture could help identify who’s at greater risk of devel- Asked in 2018 and again last year about the execu- lifestyle factors that were examined. “With red oping cancer, or catch the disease at an earlier stage. tions, Raisi denied playing a role, even as he lauded meat, there are chemicals that can cause alkylation,” And because the amount of alkylation damage Continued from Page 1 an order he said was handed down by the Islamic explained Giannakis. The specific compounds are appears to be a biomarker of patient survival, it could republic’s founder Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini to nitroso compounds that can be made from heme, possibly be used to tell patients about their prognosis. Khamenei hailed the election saying that “the proceed with the purge. which is plentiful in red meat, as well as nitrates, Finally, understanding the biological pathway through great winner... is the Iranian nation because it has Ultimate power in Iran, since its 1979 revolution often found in processed meat. which colorectal cancer occurs paves the way for risen up once again in the face of the propaganda of toppled the US-backed monarchy, rests with the The mutation patterns were strongly associated medicines that interrupt or reverse the process, pre- the enemy’s mercenary media”. supreme leader, but the president wields major influ- with the distal colon - the lower part of the bowels venting the disease. On election day, pictures of often flag-waving ence in areas from industrial policy to foreign affairs. that leads to the anal canal, which is where past Giannakis stressed the takeaway message is not voters dominated state TV coverage, but away from Rouhani’s landmark achievement was the 2015 deal research suggested colon cancer linked to red meat that people should totally abstain from red meat: “My the polling stations some voiced anger at what they with world powers under which Iran agreed to limit mostly occurs. What’s more, among the genes that recommendation would be that moderation and a bal- saw as a stage-managed election. “Whether I vote its nuclear program in return for sanctions relief. were most affected by the alkylation patterns were anced diet is key.” High levels of tumor alkylation or not, someone has already been elected,” said But high hopes for greater prosperity were those that previous research has shown are among damage were only seen among patients eating on Tehran shopkeeper Saeed Zareie. “They organize crushed in 2018 when then-president Donald Trump the most common drivers of colorectal cancer when average more than 150 gm a day, roughly equal to the elections for the media.” withdrew the United States from the accord and they mutate. two or more servings. — AFP Enthusiasm was dampened further by spiraling launched a “maximum pressure” campaign against inflation and job losses, and the COVID pandemic Iran. While Iran has always denied seeking a nuclear that proved more deadly in Iran than anywhere else weapon, Trump charged it was still planning to build in the region, killing more than 80,000 people by the bomb and destabilizing the Middle East through footprint as it pulls out of Afghanistan entirely and the official count. Among those who queued to vote proxy groups in Iraq, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen. US cutting forces, sees a greater threat from in the -Pacific at schools, mosques and community centers, many As old and new US sanctions hit Iran, trade dried region. The Pentagon also slashed its troop pres- said they supported Raisi, who has promised to up and foreign companies bolted. The economy missile batteries... ence in Iraq last year to 2,500, supporting Iraqi fight corruption, help the poor and build millions of nosedived and spiraling prices fueled repeated bouts forces in their fight against the Islamic State group. Iran is still viewed as a major threat across the flats for low-income families. of social unrest which were put down by security Continued from Page 1 Middle East, but the Biden administration is in A nurse named Sahebiyan said she backed him forces. Iran’s ultraconservative camp - which deeply negotiations to restore the agreement on Tehran for his anti-graft credentials and on hopes he would distrusts the US, labelled the “Great Satan” or the “We maintain a robust force posture in the halting its nuclear development program, which “move the country forward” to “save the people “Global Arrogance” in the Islamic republic - attacked region appropriate to the threat and are comfort- would also see some sanctions on the country lifted. from economic, cultural and social deprivation”. Rouhani over the failing deal. Despite this, Iran’s sen- able that these changes do not negatively impact “The Defense Department maintains tens of thou- Raisi, who holds deeply conservative views on many ior political figures, including Raisi, have voiced our national security interests,” McNulty said. “We sands of forces in the Middle East, representing social issues including the role of women in public broad agreement that the country must seek an end also retain the flexibility to rapidly flow forces back some of our most advanced air power and maritime life, has been named in Iranian media as a possible to the US sanctions in ongoing talks in Vienna aimed into the Middle East as conditions warrant.” capabilities, in support of US national interests and successor to Khamenei. at rescuing the nuclear accord. — AFP The US military is rapidly adjusting its global our regional partnerships,” McNulty said. —AFP Established 1961 3 Local Sunday, June 20, 2021 Unvaccinated mall employees in limbo after Kuwait’s new ban Workers fear shops would close until they get their shots

By Nawara Fattahova Other sales staff from various smaller stores who didn’t get the vaccine wondered if their stores will KUWAIT: After the Cabinet decided on Thursday be closed after the decision goes into effect on that unvaccinated people cannot enter large malls June 27. “There are only two salesmen in our store, from June 27, many of the staff working in these and we both are not vaccinated. So I think the store malls are anxious about their jobs. Saleswomen at will close until we get vaccinated,” said Anas, a five different stores at The Avenues mall told salesman at a shoe store. Kuwait Times they haven’t been vaccinated. Thursday’s decision by the Cabinet only men- “Unfortunately I didn’t receive the vaccine tioned shopping malls of an area of over 6,000 although I registered more than five months ago. square meters, without mentioning specific malls. Even during the vaccination campaign at the mall, This led to speculations, as most people are not sure me and my colleague did- which malls are included. n’t get vaccinated A security guard at although we waited for Souq Sharq said he is not over three hours in the We waited sure if this decision will be queue. They told us the applied to this mall, as he vaccines had run out,” three hours, but assumes it is smaller than said a saleslady named 6,000 sq m. “The mall’s Merisel, who works at a the vaccines administration will defi- clothing store. ran out nitely inform us next week. Sara, a saleswoman at But I don’t believe this a grocery store at The decision can be applied. It Avenues, also said she will be very difficult to KUWAIT: Employees of a shopping mall in Kuwait sit in distance while waiting to receive COVID-19 couldn’t get vaccinated during the campaign due to check every visitor at all entrances. Also, we have a vaccine on May 9, 2021. — Xinhua the huge number of people waiting in the queue. supermarket in the mall, which is open to those who “Unfortunately, the medical team was vaccinating are not vaccinated. Maybe they can enter the mall employees received the vaccine. The team was vaccine, which were not enough for all of them,” all those waiting in the queue, which included a from there,” he told Kuwait Times. planning to hold the campaign for two days, but added the guard. In addition to large malls, the large number of visitors, so the number of vaccines “A team from the ministry of health vaccinated they only came once, and it got very crowded as decision also applies to restaurants, salons, health was not enough for all the staff,” she pointed out. staff working at the mall, but I guess not all many visitors also stood in the queue to get the clubs and cinemas.

KUWAIT: Domestic helpers arrive to get vaccinated against COVID-19 at the Kuwait Vaccination Center at Kuwait International Fairgrounds in Mishref yesterday. — Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat

One dead, 2 injured in warehouse fire DGCA Chief, Minister KUWAIT: An unidentified person died while two others were injured in a massive fire that broke out visit new Kuwait yesterday morning at a warehouse in Shuwaikh Industrial area, while seven firefighting teams con- Airport project trolled it, Kuwait Fire Force (KFF) announced. The squads arrived from the fire departments of Shuwaikh KUWAIT: Minister of Public Works and Minister Industrial, Sabhan, Salmiya, Ardiya and Mina of State for Communications and Information Abdullah, extinguishing the blaze at the warehouse Technology Dr Rana Al-Faris, and Head of the with an area of 10,000 square meters, KFF said in a Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) statement. KFF opened an investigation into the inci- Sheikh Abdullah Al-Sabah visited Friday the new dent. Meanwhile, KFF said that an Arab man fell ill Kuwait Airport project. The visit came to stand on while in Failaka Island, and due to weather conditions the project’s progress and discuss ways to over- he was transported aboard a boat and handed to come all the challenges, the Ministry of Public paramedics at Salmiya Fire and Sea Rescue Center. Works said in a press release. The project repre- Separately, Kuwait Customs found 5.4 kilograms of sents one of the largest development plans in the shabu (methamphetamine) in an air cargo shipment country and aims to implement the standards of that arrived to the country yesterday. Customs offi- Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design cers grew suspicious of five packages that contained (LEED) at the gold level, as it will become the first 18 boxes of chocolate bars, and found the drugs hid- passenger building in the world to achieve this den under the candy when they searched the boxes. level of environmental accreditation, said the min- An Arab man was arrested after he arrived to claim istry. The building’s concrete structure will pro- the shipment, and was taken to the proper authorities KUWAIT: Firefighters battle a massive fire that broke out yesterday morning at a warehouse in Shuwaikh vide thermal mass, while the roof includes large for further action, Kuwait General Administration of Industrial area. solar panels, it added. —KUNA Customs said in a statement. 4 Established 1961 Sunday, June 20, 2021 Local

Established 1961 The First Daily in The Arabian Gulf THE LEADING INDEPENDENT DAILY IN THE ARABIAN GULF Kuwait FM attends diplomatic forum ESTABLISHED 1961

Founder and Publisher YOUSUF S. AL-ALYAN alongside counterparts in Turkey Editor-in-Chief ABD AL-RAHMAN AL-ALYAN EDITORIAL : 24833199-24833358-24833432 ADVERTISING : 24835616/7 FAX : 24835620/1 CIRCULATION : 24833199 Extn. 163 ACCOUNTS : 24833199 Extn. 125 COMMERCIAL : 24835618 P.O.Box 1301 Safat,13014 Kuwait. Email: [email protected] Website: www.kuwaittimes.net Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr Nasser Al- Mohammad Al-Sabah meets Iran’s Foreign Minister News in brief Mohammad Javad Zarif.

Amir congratulates UN chief

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al- Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah sent a letter on Friday to con- gratulate United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres on his reelection for a second term. His Highness the Amir wished the UN chief success in continuing his efforts to achieve UN goals, and global peace and security along with the prerequisites for global sustainable devel- opment. His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al- Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah ANTALYA: Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah (right) and his Qatari Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr Nasser Al- both sent similar messages. —KUNA counterpart Sheikh Mohammad bin Abdulrahman (left) participate in the Antalya Diplomacy Forum. Mohammad Al-Sabah meets Pakistan’s Foreign —KUNA photos Minister Shah Mahmoud Qureshi.

Lebanon’s needs

KUWAIT: Kuwait’s military is working to support the humanitarian needs of its Lebanese counterpart, Kuwait Armed Forces Chief-of-Staff Lt Gen Khaled Al-Sabah revealed. The remarks, which also underlined Kuwait’s commitment to Lebanon’s military, were made as the chief-of-staff attended remotely-held talks on behalf of the Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah, according to a ministry statement. The talks, called for by , were held to offer backing to Lebanon’s armed forces. —KUNA

Food handouts Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr Nasser Al- Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr Nasser Al- Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr Nasser Al- Mohammad Al-Sabah meets Afghanistan’s Foreign Mohammad Al-Sabah meets ’s Foreign Mohammad Al-Sabah meets ’s Foreign ADAN: Kuwait Society for Relief completed a campaign Minister Mohammad Hanif Atmar. Minister Djordje Radulovic. Minister Mukhtar Tileuberdi. which delivered 2,500 food aid packages to displaced families in Yemen’s governorate of Taez. A statement by ANTALYA: Kuwait’s Foreign Minister and State the Yemeni organization carrying out the project said the Minister for Cabinet Affairs Sheikh Dr Nasser Al- packs were handed out in five districts in Taiz. This pack- Mohammad Al-Sabah attended Antalya age aims to relief the suffering of the families and those Diplomacy Forum alongside several foreign min- affected by the war. The aid comes as part of a larger isters in Turkey on Friday. The event was also campaign which has thus far seen 24,000 food packs, attended by ’s Deputy Prime Minister and provided by the Kuwait Society for Relief, distributed Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammad bin amongst 10 provinces throughout Yemen since Ramadan Abdulrahman as well as Turkey’s Foreign Minister in mid-May. —KUNA Mevlut Cavusoglu. During the discussion, Kuwait’s Foreign Minister spoke of his country’s historical role in mediation efforts, particularly in Oil price down regards to the successful reconciliation between Gulf Arab states and the hosting of peace consul- KUWAIT: The price of Kuwaiti oil went down by $1.39 tations between opposing Yemeni sides in 2016. to $72.11 per barrel Friday after being at $73.50 pb the Meanwhile, Sheikh Dr Ahmad and Iranian day before, said the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr Nasser Al- Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr Nasser Al- Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif dis- Mohammad Al-Sabah meets Azerbaijan’s Foreign Mohammad Al-Sabah meets Kosovo’s Foreign (KPC) yesterday. The prices of the Brent crude and the cussed Saturday bilateral ties between the two Minister Jeyhun Bayramov. Minister Donika Gervalla-Schwarz. West Texas Intermediate, globally, saw an increase with countries. The meeting came on the sidelines of the first going up by 43 cents to $73.51 per barrel, the the Antalya Diplomacy Forum. Kuwait’s Foreign same case with the latter, which also went up by 60 Minister held similar talks on the sidelines of the Minister Mohammad Hanif Atmar, Montenegro’s Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov cents to $71.64 pb. —KUNA forum with Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Foreign Minister Djordje Radulovic, Kazakhstan’s and Kosovo’s Foreign Minister Donika Gervalla- Mahmoud Qureshi, Afghanistan’s Foreign Foreign Minister Mukhtar Tileuberdi, Schwarz. —KUNA KRCS launches COVID-19 vaccination campaign for Syrian refugees in Lebanon AKKAR: Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) launched Friday a COVID-19 vaccination campaign for Syrian refugees in Lebanon. The campaign began under the supervision of Board Chairman of Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) Dr Hilal Al- Sayer at Al-Mohammara and Akkar refugee camps northern Lebanon. Sayer said that the campaign would help in spreading social immunity; it became necessary to enroll people back into their normal economic and social lives in the wake of the spread of COVID-19. Relief coordinator of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Dr Hossam Al-Sharqawi praised the KRCS’s initiative to provide vaccinations for the refugees. He said that the vaccine is not available in many countries, and launching such campaign has a positive impact on Ahmad Al-Sarraf and Khalid Bin Sabt honor Moayad Al-Saleh. valuing keenness to help and care for them. KRCS people of Lebanon and the region. Representative of will begin a second campaign Saturday to vaccinate the Lebanese Health Minister Dr Jamal Abdou Palestinian refugees in Sidon southern Lebanon. On expressed thanks for the KRCS’s efforts, evaluating Thursday, Al-Sayer and Lebanese Health Minister Kuwait Humanitarian the humanitarian step to help the weak communities. Hamad Hassan signed an agreement to provide Meanwhile, a number of Syrian refugees who Lebanon, Syrian, and Palestinian refugees with the Friendship Society were vaccinated praised this humanitarian initiative, coronavirus vaccines. —KUNA honors donors

KUWAIT: Chairman of the Board of Kuwait Humanitarian Friendship Society Ahmad Al- Sarraf and Director General Khalid bin Sabt vis- ited Moayad Hamad Musaed Al-Saleh and Faisal Yousuf Al-Mushari to hand them plaques in appreciation of their continued support for the society. Sarraf said the donations go to help all society groups who deserve aid. Khalid Sabt meanwhile thanked all those who support the society, both citizens and residents, to achieve its humanitarian goals to help reduce the suffering of the needy. He urged those who like to contribute to the society to make their donations on its official website: www.khf- Khalid bin Sabt honors Faisal Al-Mushari. kwt.com. International SUNDAY, JUNE 20, 2021 Myanmar protesters wear flowers to mark Putin’s party holds congress amid opposition clampdown Page 6 Suu Kyi’s birthday Page 7

HONG KONG: Apple Daily deputy chief editor Chan Pui-man (centre R) gestures as she leaves court as fellow executives from the pro-democracy newspaper, chief editor Ryan Law and CEO Cheung Kim-hung were remanded in custody in yesterday. —AFP HK pro-democracy media executives denied bail Police needs time to examine more than 40 computers, 16 servers seized from newsroom

HONG KONG: Two executives from Hong Kong’s pro- three others were released on bail pending further Local media have an even tougher time, with journal- under the national security law and has had his Hong democracy Apple Daily appeared in court yesterday on investigations. ist associations saying reporters are increasingly having Kong assets frozen. charges of collusion and were denied bail after authori- “We will continue to publish our paper tomorrow,” to self-censor. Hong Kong has steadily plunged down an Authorities froze a further HK$18 million ($2.3 million) ties deployed a sweeping security law to target the deputy chief editor Chan Pui-man said outside court. annual press freedom ranking by Reporters Without of Apple Daily’s company assets on Thursday. Police say newspaper, a scathing critic of Beijing. Chief editor Ryan She was released late Friday on bail. Dozens of support- Borders, from 18th place in 2002 to 80th this year. they also plan to prosecute three companies owned by Law and CEO Cheung Kim-hung are accused of collud- ers were queuing to get seats in court yesterday morn- Mainland China languishes at 177th out of 180, above Apple Daily under the security law, which could see the ing with foreign forces to undermine China’s national ing, including many former and current employees of only Turkmenistan, North Korea and Eritrea. Hong Kong paper fined or banned. It is the first time companies, security over a series of articles that police said called Apple Daily. A staff member, who gave her surname as and Chinese officials say the arrests were not an attack rather than an individual, have faced a national security for international sanctions. Chang, said she and many other Apple Daily employees on the media. Earlier this week, security secretary John investigation. Chief magistrate Victor So said there were insufficient treat “every day like it is our last” working for the paper. Lee described Apple Daily as a “criminal syndicate”. Mark Simon, an aide to Lai who lives overseas, said grounds “for the court to believe that the defendants will “At first, authorities said the national security law Apple Daily is by far the most outspoken of Hong the paper would have difficulty paying its staff of about not continue to commit acts endangering national securi- would only target a tiny number of people,” she told AFP. Kong’s pro-democracy media outlets. But it is not clear 700. Company lawyers were trying to work out the ty”. The two will remain in custody until their next court “But what has happened showed us that is nonsense,” how long it can survive. Its wealthy owner Lai, 73, is cur- breadth of the asset freeze order, he added. “Money is appearance on August 13 as prosecutors said police she added. Another staff reporter, who gave her first rently serving multiple jail sentences for his involvement not an issue. Draconian orders from Beijing via the NSL needed time to examine more than 40 computers and 16 name as Theresa, said she felt Apple Daily’s legal trou- in democracy rallies in 2019. He has also been charged (national security law) are the issue,” he told AFP. —AFP servers seized from the newsroom. bles were a warning shot. “I think what has happened to The case is the first time political views and opinions Apple Daily today can eventually happen to every other published by a Hong Kong media outlet have triggered news outlet in the city,” she said. the security law, which was imposed last year by Beijing to stamp out dissent in the financial hub. Apple Daily and Plunging press freedom its jailed owner Jimmy Lai have long been thorns in Multiple international media companies have regional Beijing’s side, with unapologetic support for the city’s headquarters in Hong Kong, attracted to the business- pro-democracy movement and caustic criticism of friendly regulations and free speech provisions written China’s authoritarian leaders. into the city’s mini-constitution. But many are now ques- More than 500 police officers raided the paper’s tioning whether they have a future there and are drawing newsroom on Thursday. Five executives were arrested. up contingency plans as Beijing presses on with a broad Law and Cheung were charged on Friday while the crackdown on dissent in the city. Hopes languish for UN chief sworn in Kurds in Iraq for second term watching Iran vote ARBIL: Stuck in Iraq for decades due to a lack of docu- UNITED NATIONS: UN Secretary-General ments, Kurdish refugees from neighbouring Iran are Antonio Guterres was sworn in Friday for a watching elections in the Islamic republic this week second term as head of the world body, prom- with little hope for change. One of them, Behzad ising to draw on the lessons of the deadly Mahmoudi, died after setting himself on fire last month COVID-19 pandemic. “Our greatest challenge- in front of a UN office in Arbil, the capital of and which is at the same time our greatest autonomous Iraqi Kurdistan. opportunity-is to use this crisis to turn the tide, His death put the spotlight on the plight of the refugees pivot towards a world that learns lessons,” the in Iraqi limbo. “The UN doesn’t want to see us or hear our former Portuguese prime minister said as the problems,” said Ashkan Mirani, an Iranian Kurd in a United General Assembly re-appointed him for the Nations refugee camp outside Arbil. Four months ago, 2022-2016 term. Mirani decided to leave for with his pregnant wife This, Guterres added, would include promot- and four-year-old daughter. ing a “just, green and sustainable recovery” They were smuggled from Iraq into Turkey, where which shows the way forward “through they boarded a boat in the Black Sea with around 120 increased and effective international coopera- other would-be migrants. “After one hour on the boat, tion to address global issues.” In office since strong waves started hitting us. We all thought we were 2017, Guterres promised to act independently of going to die,” said the 30-year-old. “Thanks to the member states and organizations during the Afghan refugees who called the Turkish coastguard... swearing-in ceremony attended by Portuguese they came to our rescue.” President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, the first head of state to set foot in the United Nations Hardship building for more than a year because of the A decade ago, Mirani joined a Kurdish opposition par- pandemic. Guterres added that it would be ty in Iran, hoping to improve the lives of his people. But essential to “make prevention and prepared- life there is “is unbearable and unliveable due to economic and political hardship,” he said. “And here... I can’t prom- ness-in the broad sense of the words-a top pri- ise my family that tomorrow will be any better than today. ority in the international system.” The only solution I can think of is to try to reach Europe Speaking at a press conference after the cer- once again.” emony, Guterres reiterated that “from the many Today, he struggles each day to feed for his children-a lessons that we learned, the most important les- task the UN says is twice as difficult for refugees as for cit- son is that alone we can do nothing. The most izens of Iraq, whose lives have been battered by decades of important lesson is that we need to rebuild soli- war and the COVID-19 pandemic. Baghdad refuses to darity and trust.” grant citizenship to Iranian refugees, even those who have US Secretary of State Antony Blinken con- been living in the country for more than 40 years. gratulated Guterres saying his country looked Until 2003, under late dictator Saddam Hussein, there forward to “continuing our strong and construc- were 16,000 Kurdish refugees living in Iraq, the UN says. tive relationship” with the secretary-general. There are now more than 10,700, the vast majority in Iraqi Global issues “require a collaborative, effec- Kurdistan. Arbil only grants them residency permits allow- tive, and results-oriented leader in the United ing them to work and travel within the autonomous region’s Nations secretariat, and we have that in Antonio three provinces if they can find a guarantor. Baghdad does Guterres,” Blinken added. not recognise their validity. That means the only way out The 193-member General Assembly had for them is to obtain asylum in a third country-but few approved a resolution extending Guterres’ five- applications are accepted by the UN High Commissioner year term, rather than taking a vote. The UN for Refugees. Security Council, at a crucial stage in the nomi- Sawen Goran, 29, was born in Arbil after her parents nation process, gave its blessing on June 8 to the emigrated from Iran. “My father died without being able to reappointment of the 72-year-old, who had pre- return to Iran,” she told AFP. “I’m afraid that one day my viously served as UN High Commissioner for kids will say the same thing about their mother and father.” Refugees between 2005 and 2015. —AFP But she cannot envisage moving to her homeland without a change of regime. —AFP 6 Established 1961 Sunday, June 20, 2021 International Putin’s party holds congress amid opposition clampdown Survey shows 30 percent of voters support United

MOSCOW: President Vladimir Putin’s United gress today alongside Medvedev, himself boasts Russia party will hold its congress ahead of much higher support than his party with an September parliamentary elections that come amid approval rating of 61.5 percent, according to a sweeping crackdown on the beleaguered opposi- VTsIOM. The pollster also predicts that three tion. The gathering, which will determine the ruling opposition parties that are seen as doing the party’s candidates and electoral programme for the Kremlin’s bidding — the nationalist LDPR, the lower house of parliament vote, comes after Communists and A Just Russia — will garner authorities took drastic measures to stop Russia’s around 30 percent of the vote. main opposition politician Alexei Navalny affecting their outcome. Arrested candidates Barring his organisations from working in Even with Navalny and his allies sidelined, the Russia, a Moscow court earlier this month branded authorities have not let up the pressure on the them as “extremist”, while Putin signed legislation opposition. Dmitry Gudkov, a former opposition outlawing staff, members and sponsors of “extrem- lawmaker who had said he would run for the State ist” groups from running in parliamentary elections. Duma, this month fled to after he said Critics say the moves are aimed at ensuring that sources close to the Kremlin told him if he did not Navalny, who was jailed earlier this year for two- leave he would be arrested. and-a-half years on old fraud charges he says are Not everyone targeted has been able to flee, politically motivated, does not spoil the vote for the however. Andrei Pivovarov, the former head of 68-year-old Kremlin chief and his deeply unpopu- Open Russia, a recently disbanded pro-democra- lar party. cy group, was placed in pre-trial detention this In recent years, United Russia, which controls a month after being yanked off a Warsaw-bound majority of the lower house State Duma, has seen plane minutes before takeoff at the end of May. He MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin is seen on giant screens as he addresses the audience during its support tumble amid economic stagnation, had likewise said he would run in the parliamen- the United Russia political party annual congress in Moscow, yesterday. —AFP entrenched corruption and widespread voter tary polls. fatigue. And this week police arrested municipal law- On the eve of the party congress in Moscow, makers Maxim Reznik in Russia’s second city of the vote in their favour in September. On Friday, stay in power until 2036 — gave election officials state-run pollster VTsIOM published a survey Saint Petersburg and Ketevan Kharaidze in Russia’s elections chief announced that the par- greater opportunities to fix the vote as the ballots showing that 30 percent of voters support United Moscow. Both had announced their intention to liamentary polls would be staggered from were held overnight. Russia — a 10-point drop from the last State Duma run. Despite the ongoing clampdown, Navalny’s September 17 to September 19 to limit the spread The congress comes as Russia grapples with a elections in 2016. allies are promoting his Smart Voting strategy of coronavirus. surge in coronavirus cases, with Moscow on Friday The party, however, is projecting calm ahead that backs candidates best placed to defeat Last summer, after authorities held a constitu- reporting the highest rate of new daily infections of the vote. “It is a good base of support that can Kremlin-linked politicians — a tactic that has tional referendum over one week, independent since the start of the pandemic. be further increased during the election cam- seen United Russia lose a number of seats in election monitor Golos said it had received hun- As a precaution, United Russia party officials paign,” party chairman and former president and recent local elections. dreds of complaints of violations including multiple have restricted attendance down from 1,500 prime minister Dmitry Medvedev said at the start voting and intimidation. people to 500, who will have to present a nega- of the month. Fraud fears The opposition said the multi-day nature of the tive COVID test and can even be vaccinated on Putin, who will speak in person at the party con- But critics also claim that authorities will rig referendum — which paved the way for Putin to location. —AFP Several hurt as UK Conservatives French police break lose safe seat in up mass rave REDON: Five police officers were injured overnight in western France as they broke up a major upset 1,500-strong illegal rave, authorities said yester- LONDON: Britain’s ruling Conservative party suffered day, with one partygoer losing a hand in the clash- a major upset in a by-election result announced Friday, es. Defying an 11:00 pm coronavirus curfew, the losing a safe seat it had held for nearly 50 years. Prime group had attempted to set up the party at a horse Minister Boris Johnson’s party lost in the contest to elect racing track near Redon in Brittany. an MP for Chesham and Amersham-prosperous com- There were “very violent clashes” when 400 muter towns in Buckinghamshire, northwest of London. police intervened, local prefect Emmanuel Berthier The centrist Liberal Democrat candidate, Sarah said, adding the violence lasted more than seven Green, won more than 56 percent in a constituency that hours through the night. Two of the five injured had been held by the Tories since it was set up in its cur- police officers had to be taken to the hospital in rent form in 1974. The Times newspaper said the defeat Redon, Berthier said. He said the “people had an raised questions over the Conservative strategy of objective, to confront the forces of public order.” focusing efforts on seizing seats from the main opposi- A police officer said it was not usual for people tion Labour party, rather than on defending traditional to bring the metal balls used in the French sport of REDON: Participants take part in an illegal rave party in a field in Redon, north-western France, yesterday. Tory seats, known as the “Blue Wall” due to the party’s boules or petanque to a rave. Berthier told AFP Five police officers were injured overnight in western France as they broke up a 1,500-strong illegal rave, logo colour. that the group threw “Molotov cocktails, metal authorities said yesterday, —AFP Johnson’s party in May won a by-election in the tra- ditional Labour-voting Hartlepool, adding another par- balls and pieces of breeze block”. They added that liamentary seat in northeast England to those they one of the partygoers, a 22-year-old man, had lost Local authorities had on Friday issued a legal break up the gathering. secured in the last general election in December 2019, a hand in the violence. order against the party, which came two days His body was found more than a month later when Brexit was the main issue. The pro-European Lib Event organisers said police had chosen vio- before the coronavirus curfew is set to be lifted and protesters in Nantes have demanded “Justice Dems campaigned actively in Chesham and Amersham, lence instead of dialogue by firing tear gas as COVID-19 case numbers fall in France. The for Steve,” saying the police intervention was tapping into local opposition to controversial projects in grenades. “There hasn’t been any music since last rave had originally been set up in memory of a disproportionate. In early May, officials said, the area, with leader Ed Davey visiting 16 times, The night,” but “people taking part in the illegal rave young man killed in nearby city Nantes two years hundreds of people flouted France’s coronavirus Times said. are still on the scene,” the prefect’s office told AFP ago during France’s annual nationwide Fete de la curfew with underground parties near Dijon and The BBC said voters this time round focused on local early yesterday. Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin Musique celebration. Prosecutors said Friday that a village in western Brittany, while police man- issues: The controversial construction of a high-speed cancelled events he had planned and was regularly according to an investigation Steve Maia Canico aged to prevent organisers from staging a mass rail link through the constituency and plans to build keeping abreast of the situation, aides said. fell into the Loire river when police moved to rave in Paris. —AFP more houses in rural areas. Davey tweeted that the result “sent a shockwave through British politics” and proved the “blue wall can be smashed by @libdems”. —AFP Gangs control the road Fleeing gangs, Aid from humanitarian agencies and other organizations in Port-au-Prince had to be most- ly transported by helicopter to Carrefour, with Haitians unsure gangs controlling two kilometers (1.2 miles) of Global displacement the main road through Martissant. of their future An initial count on June 8 found more than 1,100 people staying at the sports center, but from war, crises PORT-AU-PRINCE: Daniella Francois sleeps the arrival of destitute families has not abated each night on a small foam mattress in a gymna- since then. “Just last night, people arrived,” doubles in a decade sium in the Haitian capital that has been convert- Destin told AFP on Tuesday. “Until then they felt ed into an emergency shelter, as she is unable to safe in the area in which they lived in GENEVA: Despite the coronavirus pandemic, the return to her Port-au-Prince neighborhood Martissant, but gradually the hotbed of insecu- number of people fleeing war and persecution which is in the grips of a gang war. rity is spreading.” continued rising last year, with global displace- She is one of thousands of residents of the The hundreds staying at the center only rep- ment climbing to over 82 million-double the figure city’s western Martissant district who have resent the tip of the iceberg as far as the popu- a decade ago, the UN said Friday. become refugees in their own city, living in lation of displaced people is concerned. More A fresh report from the UN refugee agency sports centers or temporary accommodations in than 5,100 people are estimated to have taken showed global displacement figures swelled by private homes. While the gym is just several hun- refuge with host families scattered throughout around three million in 2020 after an already dred meters (yards) from the Martissant neigh- Port-au-Prince or have otherwise fled to other record-breaking year in 2019, leaving a full one borhood where Francois has lived her entire life, provinces, a UN report released Monday said. percent of humanity uprooted and displaced. the move has nonetheless been jarring. The document warns that among the displaced, The report highlighted how drawn-out crises The 18-year-old orphan, who lives alone with some who are living with host families are suf- like those in Syria, Afghanistan, Somalia and her four-year-old daughter, had to flee suddenly fering sexual abuse and even rape, including Yemen were continuing to force people to flee, on June 1. “When the armed men finally arrived offers of “sex for shelter.” while eruptions of violence in places like on my street, I had no choice, I had to leave,” Ethiopia and were causing surging she said. “The guys don’t play around-whoever Traumatized children displacement. is in front of them they do what they want with.” At the Carrefour gym, Kettelene Chateau PORT-AU-PRINCE: Hundreds of families have taken The fact that the numbers rose for the ninth Undermined by insecurity and political insta- said she can count on neighbors to look after shelter in the sport center of the city of Carrefour, in straight year was all the more devastating because bility, is struggling to emerge from a string her children when she leaves during the day to the suburbs of Port-au-Prince. —AFP Covid-19 restrictions had been expected to limit of seemingly never-ending crises, which of late search for new housing accommodations with displacement. have resulted in an upsurge in kidnappings and her husband. “When we fled, my children were During the pandemic, “everything else has gang violence. Joining a flood of families really scared-they were shaking, they were are living through. stopped, including the economies, but wars and attempting to escape the insecurity, Francois crying, they were traumatized,” the 38-year- “My children are smiling again and they are conflict and violence and discrimination and per- ended up at the sports center in Carrefour, a old said. now able to sleep,” Chateau said, somewhat secution, all the factors that pushed these people neighboring community where municipal author- relieved but still worried for the future. “My six- to flee, have continued,” UNHCR chief Filippo Due to the noise and overcrowding at the ities have been providing assistance. “We year-old is very aware and keeps asking me Grandi told AFP. gym, she sent the two youngest of her five to receive lots of help from the community, church- ‘Mom, when are we going to go home? Will we The UN agency found that by the end of 2020, stay with a friend in Carrefour. At the sports have to live somewhere else?’” she said. a record 82.4 million people were living as es, associations, individuals who voluntarily center, NGOs organize daily games so that refugees or asylum seekers, or in so-called inter- bring food, clothes,” said Gutenberg Destin, who the hundreds of children, who otherwise have “I have to tell her that I do not know. I would nal displacement within their own countries, up coordinates emergency preparedness for the little to do except wander among the mat- like be able to tell her something, but I do not from some 40 million in 2011. —AFP municipality. tresses, momentarily forget the ordeal they know,” Chateau said. —AFP Established 1961 7 International Sunday, June 20, 2021 Myanmar protesters wear flowers to mark Suu Kyi’s birthday Protesters put up posters on power lines

YANGON: Anti-coup protesters in Myanmar Laureate’s international reputation was damaged donned flowers in their hair yesterday to mark the after she defended Myanmar’s military over allega- birthday of ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, tions of genocide against the ethnic minority who remains under house arrest and is due to face Rohingya population in troubled Rakhine state in court again next week. 2017. Suu Kyi’s elected government was overthrown in a February 1 coup that sparked mass protests and Back in court renewed clashes between the military and ethnic Not all Myanmar flower protest participants rebel armies in border regions. Flowers tucked into were full of praise for Suu Kyi. “I am involved in this a bun have long been a signature look of Suu Kyi, campaign because now she is unfairly detained by who turned 76 yesterday. the military and her civilian rights... and freedom is Many replicated the floral hairstyle and uploaded denied,” a 35-year-old activist told AFP, adding it pictures onto social media across Myanmar for the wasn’t personal support. “After she is free from her occasion. Among them was Myanmar detention, she will have to take full responsibility beauty queen Thuzar Wint Lwin, who wore red over her silence concerning the suffering of flowers in her hair and wrote: “May our leader be Rohingya and other ethnic groups.” healthy.” Prime Minister Andrej Babis sent In Yangon’s north, protesters put up posters on birthday wishes to Suu Kyi from afar. “I wish you all power lines wishing Suu Kyi a happy birthday and the best for your health and strength... We stand expressing solidarity. “Happy Birthday Mother Suu. with the people of Burma,” he said. The civilian We are right behind you,” the signs read. death toll since the coup is estimated to be at least Some marched with black umbrellas and banners 870 people and close to 5,000 protesters are in that read “freedom from fear” alongside pictures of detention after being arrested, according to a local Suu Kyi. In the border region of Karen state, some monitoring group. rebel soldiers were photographed holding their Suu Kyi is due back in court next week and has guns and yellow, white and purple posies, as well as been hit with an eclectic raft of criminal charges, single flowers tucked behind their ears. including accepting illegal payments of gold and Demonstrators in the south-eastern city of violating a colonial-era secrecy law. She went on YANGON: Protesters make the three-finger salute and hold posters of Myanmar’s detained civilian leader Dawei made a giant pink birthday cake and brought trial for sedition on Tuesday, but journalists were Aung San Suu Kyi to mark her birthday as they take part in a demonstration against the military coup in it to their street protest. The Noble Peace Prize barred from observing proceedings. —AFP Yangon yesterday. —AFP

Massoud during a 1990s civil war, has been appointed unleashed a wave of attacks targeting government forces. Afghan president the new defence minister. The insurgents claim to have seized more than 40 Mohammadi has previously held the defence and districts since early May, forcing military leaders to interior ministry portfolios and also served as the chief strategically retreat from a number of rural districts. replaces security of army staff after the fall of the Taleban regime follow- In one attack at least 20 members of an elite com- UN calls for states ing a US-led invasion in 2001. mando unit were shot dead by the Taliban in an ambush ministers Ghani also appointed General Abdul Sattar in the northern province of Faryab on Wednesday, sev- to ‘prevent the flow Mirzakwal as interior minister, the presidency said. eral officials told AFP. KABUL: Afghan President Ashraf Ghani replaced two Mirzakwal has previously held several regional posts. The Taleban are now present in almost every of arms’ into Myanmar top ministers charged with managing the country’s fal- Mohammadi replaces Asadullah Khalid who has province and are encircling several major cities - a tering security yesterday, as the Taleban pressed on repeatedly flown out of the country for treatment to strategy the militants employed in the mid-1990s when UNITED NATIONS: The UN General Assembly on with their campaign to capture new territory in fierce wounds suffered after a suicide bomber attacked him in they overran most of Afghanistan until they were oust- Friday took the rare step of calling on member states to battles with government forces. 2012. The latest cabinet changes, which have to be ed by invading US-led forces. “prevent the flow of arms” into Myanmar, part of a non- The shake-up of the defence and interior ministry approved by parliament, come with violence increasing Yesterday, the defence ministry confirmed that gov- binding resolution condemning the military coup in the portfolios comes as violence surges and peace talks since early May after the US military began the formal ernment troops had retreated from several districts but violence-wracked country. The resolution — which did remain deadlocked, with the Taliban claiming to have withdrawal of its last remaining troops. said they aimed to take them back. not go so far as to call for a global arms embargo — also seized more than 40 districts in recent weeks across US President Joe Biden has set September 11 — the “There is a new, robust and effective plan to retake demands that the military “immediately stop all violence the rugged countryside. 20th anniversary of the attacks in the United States that areas from which we have pulled back our forces,” min- against peaceful demonstrators.” The presidency announced in a statement that led to the invasion of Afghanistan — as the deadline to istry spokesman Rohullah Ahmadzai said, dismissing It was approved by 119 countries, with 36 abstain- General Bismillah Khan Mohammadi, who fought under withdraw American soldiers. Since the Pentagon com- claims that hundreds of soldiers had surrendered to the ing including China, Myanmar’s main ally. Only one the late anti-Taleban commander Ahmad Shah menced the final withdrawal on May 1, the Taleban have Taleban. —AFP country, , voted against it. This came on the same day that the Security Council was holding infor- mal talks on the situation in the Southeast Asian Hubert Germain, 100, was helped from his nation, where the military ousted civilian leader Aung Macron honors wheelchair to accept a red sash from Macron, San Suu Kyi on February 1. who embraced his cheeks, and then saluted the The resolution was not passed by consensus, as had president before putting on his military cap. Also been hoped, but rather through a vote, forcing all 193 France’s surviving in appearance was Leon Gautier, 98, the last sur- UN countries to reveal their views. In a quirk of history, Myanmar’s envoy to the world viving member of 117 French soldiers who took body, Kyaw Moe Tun, voted in favor of the text. He has WWII heroes part in the 1944 Allied landings at Normandy, the passionately rejected the coup and brushed aside the beginning of the Nazi retreat on the war’s junta’s claims that he no longer represents Myanmar. The PARIS: President Emmanuel Macron bestowed Western front. United Nations still considers him as the rightful envoy. honours Friday on two of France’s last surviving The Kieffer Commando was long overlooked in After the vote, the diplomat voiced regret that it World War II resistance heroes, marking the French narratives of the war, its leader Philippe had taken three months for the Assembly to adopt the anniversary of Charles de Gaulle’s historic call to Kieffer getting his own sculpture near Sword resolution and that it was not more explicit about an defy France’s Nazi occupiers despite the coun- Beach at the 75th anniversary of the landings only arms embargo. try’s capitulation. The military ceremony was held two years ago. Gautier, wearing his unit’s tradi- Among the countries that abstained were Russia and at Mount Valerien, the hilltop fortress west of tional dark green beret, was also embraced by BRUSSELS: German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French Mali, where a second military coup in less than a year Paris where German forces executed more than Macron after being elevated to the rank of Grand President Emmanuel Macron address a press conference recently took place, Iran and Egypt, and Brunei, 1,000 captured fighters and hostages. Officer of the Legion of Honour. ahead of talks at the Chancellery in Berlin. —AFP Cambodia, Laos and . It has become an annual pilgrimage site for “Eighty-one years on, General de Gaulle’s call The UN General Assembly very rarely adopts resolu- French leaders recalling De Gaulle’s dramatic still resonates. The flame of the resistance will not Marin-Catherine, 92, made headlines in April tions condemning military coups or calling for limits on appeal of June 18, 1940 made from BBC studios in be extinguished,” Macron wrote on Twitter after the when a short documentary about her visit to the the arms supplied to the target country. London after his escape from a defeated France. ceremony. Ahead of the ceremony, Macron award- concentration camp where her brother was killed “It is the broadest and most universal condemnation This year it was the occasion to honor the sole ed a posthumous Medal of the Resistance to the won an Oscar. Later on Friday, Macron is to travel of the situation in Myanmar to date,” said Olof Skoog, surviving member of the 1,038 fighters singled brother of Colette Marin-Catherine, a nurse who to Berlin for a dinner with German Chancellor the European Union’s ambassador to the UN. “The EU is proud of the resolution just adopted by the UN out as Heroes of the Resistance by De Gaulle also joined the underground fight to harass German Angela Merkel, where further efforts at improving soldiers and prepare for the Allied landings. European integration are on the menu. —AFP General Assembly. It sends a strong and powerful mes- after the war. sage. It delegitimizes the military junta, condemns its abuse and violence against its own people and demon- Helmand province. strates its isolation in the eyes of the world,” he said. ‘Sangorians’ take a page “We don’t get rest even for two hours. This has The resolution also calls for a restoration of become our life,” he said, dressed in traditional gar- democracy in Myanmar, and the release of all from insurgent playbook ments and sporting a beard. Afghanistan has a long his- detained civilian leaders. “We absolutely must create the conditions for tory of local militias fighting for and against authorities in fight against Taleban democracy to be reinstated,” said UN Secretary in Kabul-frequently switching sides and allegiances General Antonio Guterres before the vote on the reso- LASHKAR GAH: They name themselves after a Turkish depending on the tide of politics. lution, hoping for a “very clear message” from the soap opera, count former Taleban insurgents among Government forces have been on the back foot for General Assembly. their ranks and dress like their enemies, but the shadowy months as the Taleban step up operations ahead of the “Sangorians” militiamen are among the fiercest forces US withdrawal scheduled to finish by September 11. ‘Do the obvious’ on the Afghan battlefield. Enter the Sangorians, who took their name from a pop- It asks for the implementation of a five-point plan They were established in 2015 by Abdul Jabar ular Turkish television serial about undercover opera- drafted by ASEAN in April including the naming of an Qahraman, a high-ranking politician and military com- tives, and whom local media reports say the Taleban envoy from the bloc. The text also calls on the junta to mander who was assassinated three years later by a particularly loathe as many of the militiamen were for- LASHKAR GAH: Photograph taken on March 28, 2021, allow the UN envoy to Myanmar, Christine Schraner Taliban bomb. mer insurgents. shows members of the anti-Taleban “Sangorians” militia Burgener, to visit the country, and for safe passage of Local media reports say the covert group has take position during an ongoing fight with Taleban insur- humanitarian aid. gents in the village of Mukhtar. —AFP Burgener briefed the Security Council during its received training from the country’s spy agency as well ‘No quarter given’ Clashes between the Taleban and defectors are closed-door meeting on Myanmar on Friday. No joint as foreign forces. And the Jamestown Foundation-a US- statement was adopted at that meeting because of based conservative think-tank-says it was established known to be “vicious with no quarter given”, the between 500 to 1,000 fighters. For some militiamen, Jamestown Foundation said. “Consequently, the Taleban after losing relatives and comrades in battles with the persistent divisions between its members, diplomats specifically to infiltrate and disrupt the Taleban. told AFP. “We are fighting all day and night,” militia mem- uses extreme violence to deal with Sangorian members. Taliban, the fighting is personal. Captured Sangorian fighters are tortured brutally and “I lost my son, brother and three cousins,” said The Assembly resolution “calls on UN member states ber Ahmad Jan told AFP recently, pointing towards to do the obvious: stop providing weapons to insurgent positions not far from his outpost on the killed by the Taleban,” it said. Ezatullah Mama, a Sangorian commander leading a The foundation estimated the Sangorian strength at band of 25 militiamen in the area.—AFP Myanmar,” said Human Rights Watch. outskirts of Laskhar Gah, the capital of southern “Months of atrocities and grave human rights abus- es by the junta’s security forces have shown time and Airport Group said in a statement on its official in the southern province of Guangdong where again why no government should be sending them a South China airport WeChat social media account. Shenzhen is located. single bullet. The UN Security Council should now step City health officials said a 21-year-old waitress The airport entry restrictions came into effect up and pass its own resolution imposing a global arms embargo on Myanmar,” said Louis Charbonneau, UN at Shenzhen Baoan International Airport had been from 1 pm local time yesterday (0500 GMT). cancels flights Director at HRW. infected with the Delta variant of the virus. The Nearly 400 flights to and from the airport were The resolution is an opportunity “to show that the woman tested positive during a routine test for cancelled Friday, data from flight tracker BEIJING: The airport in China’s southern city of world stands with the people of Myanmar, and not the airport staff conducted Thursday, they said. VariFlight showed. Dozens of flights scheduled for Shenzhen cancelled hundreds of flights and tight- military” who “committed horrific acts of violence Shenzhen, a mainland Chinese city neighbour- Saturday morning were also dropped. ened entry controls yesterday after a restaurant against ordinary civilians,” said British Ambassador to ing Hong Kong, is home to some of Asia’s Passengers would receive refunds on their tick- employee tested positive for the Delta coronavirus the UN Barbara Woodward. More than 860 civilians biggest tech companies including telecoms ets without penalty, the airport authority said. variant. have been killed in Myanmar since the coup, according equipment maker Huawei and gaming giant Millions of Shenzhen residents have been tested Anyone entering the facility must show a nega- to the UN and the Association for the Assistance of Tencent. China on Friday reported 30 new coro- for the virus in recent weeks after a small out- tive virus test from the last 48 hours, Shenzhen Political Prisoners (AAPP). —AFP navirus cases, including six local transmissions break at the city’s port earlier this month. —AFP Established 1961

SUNDAY, JUNE 20, 2021 Electric auto startups hit speed bumps

Lordstown Motors in the throes of turmoil amid investment crisis

NEW YORK: Several electric auto startups that General Motors and other auto giants, intensifying raised large sums from investors in the wake of competition. Tesla’s ascent are hitting potholes as they pursue next-generation vehicles. The most recent crisis Rising costs occurred at Lordstown Motors, which announced Lordstown Motors was launched by Steve Burns Monday the sudden departure of two top execu- in November 2019 after the acquisition of a recently- tives after warning last week it needed more capital shuttered Ohio auto plant owned by GM. The compa- to keep operating. ny raised $675 million following an October 2020 Company officials plan a series of events dubbed merger with DiamondPeak Holdings, a special pur- “Lordstown Week” later this month to shore up pose acquisition company (SPAC) — essentially a investor support. But local government officials are shell company set up to merge with an operating not sure what to make of the company, which had business. discussed adding more than 2,000 jobs in a region Lordstown Motors unveiled its flagship plagued by plant closures. “Am I confident? Not as “Endurance” all-electric pickup truck in June 2020 much as I was a week ago,” Lordstown Mayor Arno when then-vice president Mike Pence visited its Ohio Hill said earlier this week. “We’re waiting and seeing factory, nearly a year before Ford would present its what the next step is.” all-electric F-150 pickup. Lordstown’s share price There have been similar leadership shakeups in topped $30 in February of this year, but the compa- at least two other electric auto companies that ny’s fortunes began shifting in March, when short- recently went public, raising questions about the selling firm Hindenburg Research released a damning In this file photo The Lordstown Motors factory where GM once operated, in Lordstown, Ohio is viewed. — AFP transactions and underscoring the difficulties start- report that called Lordstown a “mirage.” ups face in competing in the capital-intensive On Monday, Lordstown announced the resignation industry. “It’s definitely more challenging for a small of Burns and Chief Financial Officer Julio Rodriguez ship shakeup, but rallied Tuesday after its executives School of Law, has described SPACs as a “Vegas company,” said Jessica Caldwell, executive director after an investigation concluded Hindenburg’s reaffirmed plans during a Detroit event to begin pro- wedding IPO” because a legal loophole gives them of insights at Edmunds.com, pointing to heavy appraisal was “in significant respects, false and mis- duction in September, pointing to “firm” orders from protection from lawsuits if their forecasts are not met- spending needed to build and maintain factories leading,” while acknowledging that some of its own clients, according to news reports. In a securities fil- which traditional IPOs do not enjoy. EV startups that and obtain key components. statements about vehicle pre-orders were “in certain ing Thursday, Lordstown clarified some of those benefited from SPACs now appear prone to turbu- “It does seem like Tesla is an overnight success respects, inaccurate.” That followed Lordstown’s June remarks, saying that purchase agreements “provide lence. Nikola suffered its own crisis last fall when its story, which is not really the case,” she told AFP. 8 disclosure that it lacks sufficient capital to begin us with a significant indicator of demand” but “do not founder suddenly resigned following fraud allegations. “But they came in and disrupted the space amongst commercial production, and warned about its ability represent binding purchase orders.” The CEO and co-founder of Canoo resigned in April, automotive companies that have been around for to keep operating. Lordstown is hardly the only EV prospect to stum- while Lucid Motors in February delayed production of decades. Everyone wants to believe that the dream The company’s capital spending had swelled in ble after going public through a SPAC. These types of its EV sedan days after announcing a transaction valu- could happen.” part from “stress that the COVID-19 pandemic has transactions-which allow companies to enter markets ing the company at $11.75 billion. Going public Lordstown’s woes come in the wake of signifi- put on the global automotive supply chain,” accord- more quickly than with a traditional initial public offer- through a SPAC may have resulted in some companies cant electric vehicle (EV) announcements since the ing to a securities filing. ing (IPO) — have soared over the last year. Usha getting funds “before they deserved it,” Karl Brauer at November US presidential election from Ford, Lordstown shares tumbled after Monday’s leader- Rodrigues, a professor at the University of Carexpert.com said. —AFP Newest Boeing 737 MAX makes Dow falls to end first test flight worst week NEW YORK: The newest version of Boeing’s 737 MAX made its first test flight over Washington state on Friday, just months after the plane since October returned to service following a worldwide ground- NEW YORK: The Dow capped the ing after two fatal crashes. worst week since October with more Boeing said the 737 MAX 10 departed Renton, losses Friday as markets continued to Washington at 1707 GMT into clear skies, flew over the central part of the state and landed about digest the latest pivot in Federal Reserve two-and-a-half hours later in Seattle. messaging towards more restrictive mon- “The airplane performed beautifully. The profile etary policy. After European bourses fell we flew allowed us to test the airplane’s systems, nearly two percent, the Dow dropped flight controls and handling qualities, all of which more than 500 points, or 1.6 percent on checked out exactly as we expected,” Chief Pilot weakness in energy and financial shares. Jennifer Henderson said in a statement. The mid- The largest airplane in the 737 MAX family, taking off for his successful first flight from Renton Field, That brought the blue-chip index’s losses range jet initially was targeted to enter commercial Washington Friday. — AFP for the week to 3.4 percent, the biggest service in 2020, but the timeframe slipped during drop in eight months. the MAX’s 20-month grounding, and the delay Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing longer but has less flying range than earlier ver- “It is turning into a bit of a black was compounded by the aviation industry down- Commercial Airplanes. sions, employing a Leap-1B engine, which is con- Friday for risk assets in what looks like a turn caused by COVID-19. The jet was first announced at the Paris Air structed by a joint venture of GE Aviation and mini taper tantrum,” said market analyst Boeing currently projects commercial deliveries Show in June 2017, when company officials played Safran Aircraft. Fawad Razaqzada at ThinkMarkets. The of the MAX 10 will commence in 2023. Between up its larger size, calling it the “industry’s most The MAX was grounded worldwide in March reference is to a 2013 panic on markets now and that time, there will be additional test efficient, profitable, single-aisle airplane.” The jet 2019 after two fatal crashes killed 346 people. US after the Fed indicated it would begin to flights, as well as back-and-forth between the was positioned as a rival to Airbus’ A321neo in the regulators approved the jet to resume service in slowly reduce stimulus measures for the company and regulators at the US Federal Aviation single-aisle category. The 737 MAX 10 can carry November 2020, and most other major civil avia- economy. Administration. “The 737-10 is an important part as many as 230 passengers, according to Boeing. tion bodies followed suit. Analysts said the losses were likely of our customers’ fleet plans, giving them more The plane maker has been gradually increasing the Since that time, Boeing has resumed new deliv- exacerbated by Friday’s expiration of key seating capacity since the 737 MAX 7, which had eries of the MAX and announced new contracts capacity, greater fuel efficiency and the best per- options and futures contracts. The Fed on seat economics of any single-aisle airplane,” said between 138 and 153 seats. The new plane is with several leading carriers. —AFP Wednesday maintained highly accom- modative monetary policy, but the central to hustle to find money for rent. And even when he bank moved up the timeframe for hiking Despite apartheid’s finishes his studies, he is not guaranteed a job. interest rates and Fed Chair Jay Powell “Would they be disappointed in us?” said the said the central bank has started discus- end, S ’s young young man carrying a box of muffins, hawking them sions on when to taper the pace of bond on the street. Official statistics show that 63 percent buying, now at $120 billion a month. of those aged 15-24 are jobless in a country where Expectations of Fed tightening grew grapple joblessness the youth makes up close to half of the population. following comments on CNBC from St. “Young people have seen how, since 1994, the Louis Federal Reserve President James SOWETO: Thirty years ago apartheid laws in kind of economic policies that have been put in were formally struck down, bringing a Bullard predicting a first interest rate hike place, have not only maintained privilege for those in late 2022 and saying it makes sense for dizzying jolt of hope to millions of disenfranchised who are formally privileged in the country, but then citizens. But today that optimism has all but fizzled the central bank to become “a little more has also created a new class of black privileged hawkish” in light of recent inflation data. out, particularly among the young. The “Born elites,” Sphiwe Dube, a politics lecturer at the Some analysts now expect the Fed to Frees”-those who came into the world after the end University of the Witwatersrand, said. of apartheid and comprise roughly half the popula- Dube was referring to the elections in 1994 won announce a plan to trim asset purchases tion-are struggling. by the internationally revered anti-apartheid icon, at an August central bank conference in Two out of three young people are jobless, vic- Nelson Mandela. Jackson Hole, Wyoming. “The market tims of endemic unemployment that shows no sign seemed to be somewhat reassured by the of abating under the African National Congress ‘Fight not over’ Fed simultaneously raising its inflation (ANC) government that has been in power since the forecast for the year but also sticking “Mandela, it’s just a name,” scoffed unemployed SOWETO: Seth Mazibuko gesturing while standing first democratic elections in 1994. Thabo Mogogosi, waiting by the roadside for casu- with its message that a spike in prices is along a line that points to where Hector Pieterson was Many say they are battling to see the benefits of al work a few blocks from the former house of the only transitory,” said TD Ameritrade’s JJ shot down in the street during the June 16, 1976 stu- this seismic event, which came just under three country’s first black president in Soweto. “There’s Kinahan. years after then president F. W. de Klerk struck nothing I am benefiting from his fight for freedom,” dent uprising. —AFP “Despite everything going on in the down the country’s last segregation statutes. “We said the young man who scrapes by with small odd market, there hasn’t been a general sense wish to do what is right for South Africa,” de Klerk jobs. On Wednesday, President Cyril Ramaphosa leftist radical Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) of disorder.” had told parliament at the time. outlined a raft of plans to tackle joblessness among party, is not convinced. For “young people there is In other markets, the dollar contin- Disillusioned, the young in present-day South the young, including support in finding employment absolutely nothing to celebrate, because we need ued to gain against most other major Africa say the better life they were promised has and training, as he marked the Soweto student jobs-there are no jobs in South Africa,” said the 26- currencies in the aftermath of the Fed been clouded by despair. “I wonder what those who uprising of 1976. These saw thousands of black stu- year-old at a youth day rally in Centurion, north of announcement. A stronger dollar fre- have struggled and sacrificed would think,” 21-year- dents march to protest against a government order Johannesburg. One of the surviving leaders of the quently weighs on greenback-traded old law student Tumelo Dire said outside the Hector that schools could only teach in Afrikaans, the lan- 1976 Soweto high school revolt, Seth Mazibuko, 64, commodities, but oil prices rose Pieterson memorial, which commemorates the guage of the ruling white elite. Several were killed said “the fight is not over.” Friday, with analysts pointing to an “There are people who are still in poverty and struggle against apartheid by students in Soweto. or wounded, sparking a revolt that would culminate improving demand outlook as the see the politicians getting fatter and fatter while Thanks to a government scholarship grant, his in the end of apartheid. economy recovers. — AFP university studies are catered for, but he still needs But Muzi Khoza, head of the youth wing of the they are still getting thinner,” he said. — AFP 9 Business Sunday, June 20, 2021 CI affirms Gulf Bank’s Long-term Foreign Currency Rating at ‘A+’ Short-term Foreign Currency rating at ‘A1’ with a ‘Stable’ outlook KUWAIT: Capital Intelligence Ratings (“CI both loans and deposits. Commenting on the Capital Intelligence Ratings”), the international credit rating agency, Capital Intelligence credit rating announcement, Ratings recent affirmation, has affirmed the Long-term Foreign Currency and Dalal Al-Dousari, Gulf Bank’s head of Investor Gulf Bank has a Long- the Short-term Foreign Currency of Gulf Bank Relations said: “We are very pleased to receive term Issuer Default Rating Ten days left to enter ratings at “A+” and “A1”, respectively with a the affirmation of our Bank’s Long-term Foreign of “A+” with a “Negative” “Stable” Outlook. Currency rating at “A+” with “Stable” outlook. Outlook by Fitch Ratings, Gulf Bank’s quarterly According to CI Ratings, the affirmation is sup- “This is an important acknowledgement of the an Issuer Credit Rating of ported by Gulf Bank’s well established business Bank’s sustained improvement in asset quality, “A-” with a “Negative” franchise, especially in retail banking, good loan solid capital and sound operating profitability,” Outlook by S&P Global Al-Danah draw of 2021 asset quality, solid capital position, comfortable added Al-Dousari. Ratings, and a Long Term KUWAIT: With just ten days liquidity metrics and sound operating profitability. Gulf Bank continues to be well recognized in Deposits rating of “A3” left until the end of June, Gulf The Core Financial Strength reflects Gulf Bank’s terms of its creditworthiness and financial with a “Stable” Outlook Bank is reminding everyone size as the fifth largest bank in Kuwait with a large strength internationally as it is rated “A” by all four by Moody’s Investor Dalal Al-Dousari that the last chance to partic- distribution network and a sound market share of leading credit rating agencies. In addition to Services. ipate in the year’s third quar- terly Al-Danah account draw multinational customers,” Quinn added in the for the chance to win KD HSBC says French statement. 100,000 is Wednesday, June The bank aims to complete the sale in the first 30. The quarterly draw is cur- half of 2023. HSBC last month announced plans rently scheduled to take place retail bank sale to to exit the retail and small business banking mar- on October 14, 2021 in the ket in the United States. Of its 148 US branches, presence of representatives Mohammed Al-Qattan 90 are to be sold, including to Citizens Bank and from both the Ministry of cost 1.9bn euros Cathay General Bancorp. Commerce and Ernst & Young. LONDON: HSBC on Friday said it will incur a The bank plans to turn about 20 locations into In addition to the upcoming draw, Gulf Bank’s Al- hefty charge of 1.9 billion euros with the sale of international centers dedicated to high net worth Danah account offers account holders multiple serv- ices and features that are designed to encourage and its French retail banking operations to French individuals, and gradually wind down the remain- reward clients for saving, with periodic draws worth lender My Money Group. It comes as the Asia- ing 35-40 branches. HSBC recently announced a doubling of first- valuable prizes. Gulf Bank’s Al-Danah account offers focused banking giant is exiting also the retail quarter profits, helped by a reversal in credit monthly opportunities to win KD 1,000 to ten lucky sector in the United States. London-headquar- LONDON: This file photo shows an HSBC logo pictured losses as well as its ongoing restructuring. It fol- winners, in addition to quarterly draws with KD tered HSBC said in a statement that the French on a wall outside a branch of the bank. —AFP lowed a tumultuous year that saw its fortunes 100,000 prizes each, a semiannual draw prize of KD sale, for a nominal one euro, would generate an take a hammering from the coronavirus pandem- 1,000,000 and a grand draw prize of KD 1,500,000. estimated pre-tax loss of 1.9 billion euros ($2.25 the actions we announced during our strategic ic. HSBC makes 90 percent of its profit in Asia, To enter the upcoming draws, Gulf Bank customers billion). The business comprises 244 retail update earlier this year,” said HSBC chief execu- with China and Hong Kong the major drivers of can open an Al-Danah account at any time. To branches, serving 800,000 customers at the end tive Noel Quinn. growth. In February, it published a new strategy increase their chances of winning, account holders of last year. He said it would allow HSBC to “dramatically laying out plans to redouble its attempt to seize must either maintain the minimum deposit amount of HSBC said that about 3,900 employees would simplify” its business in mainland Europe. “We more of the Asian market. Weighed down by low KD 200, or increase their Al-Danah savings - the transfer to the buyer. “The signing... for the are committed to remaining as a leading interna- interest rates, it is planning to seek out more fee- higher the balances in an account, the more chances potential sale of our French retail banking busi- tional wholesale bank in continental Europe, cap- based income, especially wealth management for accumulated over time. Opening an Al-Danah ness represents a significant step in progressing italizing on our global network and serving our Asia’s increasingly affluent. — AFP account is also easier than ever, with customers being able to open their accounts online through Gulf Bank’s Online and Mobile Banking services. that affect women either specifically-like With the deadline to participate in the upcoming Study highlights menopause or preeclampsia-or disproportionate- draw fast approaching, Gulf Bank’s General ly, such as fibromyalgia. Then there are conditions Manager of Consumer Banking, Mohammed Al- like atrial fibrillation that affect women differently, Qattan, commented: “There are only ten days left to gender gap in from risk factors to symptoms and even treat- participate for the chance to win this year’s third ments. But while the impact of women innovators quarterly Al-Danah draw. That is why we are health innovations on women’s health products was significant, their encouraging all our clients to act quickly, and start representation was small. taking an even more active approach to habitual WASHINGTON: Harvard business professor saving and managing their finances with an Al- Rem Koning studies how bias hurts innovation. 6,500 lost inventions Danah savings account. With an Al-Danah savings But three years ago, his research hit too close to Women inventors represented 25 percent of account, clients can take advantage of multiple home when his wife, suffering from a rare post the patents filed over the three decades ana- chances to win exciting prizes, in addition to being childbirth condition, couldn’t find treatments lyzed-and the team estimated that if patents were rewarded for their loyalty throughout the year. We designed with new moms in mind. “It came out of invented equally during the period studied, there would like to remind everyone that there are still nowhere. And the whole thing was a lot more would be about 6,500 more female-focused A biologist at OSE Immuno-therapeutics pharmaceuti- cal lab works on a program to develop a vaccine plenty of chances left to win our upcoming KD scary than I think it needed to be,” Koning told inventions on the market. “Sadly, prior research against COVID-19 in Nantes. —AFP 100,000 quarterly prizes, the grand draw prize of AFP about the diagnosis of postpartum has shown that women account for a minority of KD 1,500,000, and the monthly draws of KD 1,000 preeclampsia, which is characterized by high patents in the US, both in biomedicine and across each for ten lucky winners. We are wishing everyone blood pressure. other fields, too” Koning said. “So, we weren’t inventors can negatively impact an economy the best of luck!” The couple were also disappointed by the surprised but still disappointed by how little the struggling to recover from the effects of a glob- quality of tech products aimed at mothers-and numbers had changed.” Despite years of al pandemic. Numerous benefits realized it might be because most medical inno- improvement, women make up only 27 percent of “When women don’t get to invent or start new The Al-Danah account is the only account that vations were designed by men who dismissed or all US STEM workers, according to census data- companies, we lose new ideas, new technologies rewards customers for their loyalty by providing overlooked women’s needs. and the gap in future products benefiting and so end up with slower economic growth,” he loyalty chances. Loyalty chances are the total These experiences led Koning to conduct a women’s health needs will likely persist. said. “Not only does society lose out on the ideas chances gained in the previous year, which are then machine learning text analysis of more than Writing in a related commentary, Fiona discovered by women, but women consumers are transferred to the current year to reward customers 440,000 US biomedical patents filed from 1976 Murray, who researches innovation and inclusion especially disadvantaged.” On the other hand, for their loyalty to the Bank. Accordingly, all to 2010, the results of which were published at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Koning said not all inventors are guided by gender chances gained by existing Al-Danah customers in Thursday in the journal Science. argued that innovators from diverse backgrounds identity, and sometimes male inventors invent 2020 have been transferred to the 2021 draws, and By tracking inventors’ names and tying them to identify research blind spots and improve the products for women, for example. Their study was this will be repeated in 2022 onwards. Terms and patents, Koning and his colleagues John-Paul lives and health of more people. For example, also limited in its binary analysis of sex and gender. conditions apply. It is also worth noting that all Ferguson and Sampsa Samila found patents filed African American ophthalmologist Patricia Bath “Unfortunately, the limitations of our data pre- account draws are attended by a representative from all-female inventor teams were more than 35 was granted a patent in 1988 for a laser-based vent us from delving deeper into the complex from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, with percent more likely to focus on the health of cataract removal system. ways gender and sex are related,” he explained. the quarterly and annual draws also reviewed by women. Teams that were majority female were 18 The invention not only benefited women, who “Though my sense is that our findings suggest Ernst & Young. percent more likely to make products with suffer disproportionately from the eye disease, that transgender/nonbinary research is likely also To enter the upcoming draws, Gulf Bank cus- women in mind. but ultimately everyone else. From a business overlooked given the barriers such researchers tomers can open an Al-Danah account today with These patents were aimed at solving problems perspective, Koning said a dearth of women face in society and in the sciences.” — AFP only KD 200. To open an Al-Danah account, existing Gulf Bank customers can apply through Gulf Bank’s online and mobile banking services, or book an appointment at their nearest branch by using the UK retail sales new “Visit Gulf Bank” app for a faster and more convenient branch visit. New customers can also open an Al-Danah account by visiting their nearest drop as consumers Gulf Bank branch or by scheduling an appointment eat out through the app. Deposit more for more Chances to win! LONDON: British retail sales fell last month on With Gulf Bank, depositing into an Al-Danah easing lockdown curbs, as people dined at bars account is easier and more secure than ever, as and restaurants instead of buying food at super- clients can deposit into their accounts through the markets, data showed Friday. following channels: Online/Mobile Banking App Sales by volume declined 1.4 percent in May which includes the ePay service, ATMs and ITMs, after a 9.2-percent bounce in April, the Office for the Customer Contact Center which is available National Statistics said. Food stores were the 24/7, in addition to the free standing order service hardest hit, with sales sinking 5.7 percent as from other Gulf Bank accounts. Britons took advantage of reopening hospitality. Gulf Bank’s Al-Danah account is open to both Under the phased reopening of Britain’s battered Kuwaiti and non-Kuwaiti residents of Kuwait. A economy, bars and restaurants restarted outdoor LONDON: British retail sales fell last month on easing lockdown curbs, as people dined at bars and restaurants minimum of KD 200 is required to open an account dining in April and indoor services in May. instead of buying food at supermarkets, data showed Friday. and the same amount must be maintained for cus- “Instead of eating every meal at home as we tomers to be eligible for the upcoming Al-Danah all did during lockdowns, we were able to dine ed Friday that the economy is on course to reach both Brexit and pandemic fallout. The Food and draws. If the customer’s account balance falls below outside at cafes or restaurants,” said Capital its pre-Covid level by the end of 2021. Drink Federation (FDF) said EU sales slumped 47 KD 200 at any given time, a KD 2 fee will be Economics analyst Paul Dales. “Spending just The Confederation of British Industry, the percent from the same period a year earlier. charged to the account monthly until the minimum shifted from the shops to social activities,” he nation’s biggest employers’ organisation, now Exports to the EU fell by £2.0 billion ($2.8 billion, balance is met. Customers who open an account said, but warned however that “soft retail sales expects the economy to surge 8.2 percent this 2.3 billion euros) compared with the first quarter and/or deposit more will enter Gulf Bank’s Al-Danah data could mean May was not as strong for the year and 6.1 percent in 2022. of 2019, before the pandemic struck. draws throughout the year, for cash prizes totaling economy as we had thought”. The COVID-ravaged economy had collapsed The industry body blamed “the ongoing up to more than KD 2 million. Overall UK retail sales in April and May were by almost ten percent last year in Britain’s impacts of COVID-19 and changes in the UK’s To deposit into an Al-Danah account, customers nevertheless 9.1 percent higher than the pre-pan- biggest slump in three centuries — and the worst trading relationships” after Brexit. Non-EU sales can visit one of Gulf Bank’s branches, or transfer demic level in February 2020. The UK also performance among the G7. accounted for 55 percent of all UK food and drink directly through Gulf Bank’s Online/Mobile Banking reopened non-essential retail in April, allowing exports in the first quarter, it added. “The loss of services. Customers can also direct their queries via the broader British economy to recover further Exports fallout from Brexit £2 billion of exports to the EU is a disaster for our WhatsApp for round-the-clock assistance from Gulf from pandemic fallout on the rapid vaccines roll- Stubborn Brexit worries also fester after industry,” said Dominic Goudie, head of interna- Bank representatives, or call the Customer Contact out. The economy is now expected to fully Britain formally exited the EU single market at tional trade at the federation. The news “is a very Center on the same number. In addition, customers reopen on July 19, after the government this week the start of 2021. Industry data showed Friday clear indication of the scale of losses that UK can visit the dedicated Al-Danah account website to delayed the date by four weeks due to surging that UK food and drink exports to the bloc manufacturers face in the longer-term due to new learn more about the account and its winners. Delta infections. Britain’s business lobby predict- almost halved in the first quarter as a result of trade barriers with the EU”, he added. —AFP 10 Business Sunday, June 20, 2021 NBK Capital wins The Banker’s ‘Deal of the Year Award 2021’ Award in recognition of NBK’s $700 million securities issuance KUWAIT: NBK Capital, the leading investment rated Baa3 by Moody’s, and the transaction achieved ticated business model of the Firm, which puts clients management firm in the region and NBK Group’s a peak orderbook of $1.9 billion, translating to an of all segments at the center of its operations, while investment arm, has been awarded Deal of the Year - oversubscription of nearly 2.7-fold led by the robust simultaneously meeting all their financial and invest- Middle East Award 2021 by The Banker magazine demand of international investors, which had great ment needs. It is worth mentioning that The Banker’s owned by The Financial Times, the world’s leading impact in making the deal rank first among regional panel received hundreds of international submissions global business publication. The award comes in peers for this year. NBK Capital was appointed as a recognition that exemplifies the robust and sustain- for this year’s awards. They selected the winners recognition of the leading role of NBK Capital in joint Global Coordinator, a Joint Bookrunner and a able performance of the Firm in the local and region- based on specific criteria considering meeting clients’ successfully issuing $700 million Regulation S/Rule Joint Lead Manager. al markets despite the prevailing challenging eco- goals, the deal’s complexity, innovation, as well as the 144A Perpetual callable 6-year Tier 1 capital securi- Meanwhile, NBK Capital said in a statement, that nomic conditions.” added NBK Capital, indicating speed of implementation and pricing performance, ties for National Bank of Kuwait (NBK). The Banker’s Deal of the Year Award is yet another that this is yet another proof of the unique and lead- which confirms the transparent process in selecting The capital securities will support NBK’s endeav- testimony of the successful strategy aiming at creat- ing position of NBK Capital at all levels as a pioneer companies for the awards. NBK Capital is a leading ors towards further boosting its capital position and ing value-add investment opportunities for the Firm’s in the investment banking sector. advisor and arranger of debt securities in the region, enhancing its capital adequacy ratios in accordance investors, not to mention a reflection of the profes- The Firm added that the awards received from having advised on more than $24 billion of global and with Basel 3 accord and the instructions of the sionalism and efficiency of the Firm’s team. international institutions specialized in financial and local conventional and Islamic debt capital markets Central Bank of Kuwait. The Capital securities are “It’s a great honor to receive this international banking affairs are based on the accurate and sophis- mandates and restructuring assignments to date.

KFH’s Al-Roshood receives Turkey’s ambassador to Kuwait AUB congratulates KUWAIT: Acting Group Chief facility for constructing the new termi- Executive Officer at Kuwait Finance nal of Kuwait International Airport. This House (KFH) Abdulwahab Al-Roshood project is part of Kuwait’s development winners of received the Ambassador of The plan “New Kuwait Vision”. Republic of Turkey in Kuwait Ayse Hilal He explained “KFH offers a wide Al-Hassad draw Koytak and the accompanying range of trade and financing solutions Commercial Attache at the bank’s to investors in Kuwait and abroad. Our KUWAIT: In accordance with full preven- headquarters. KT Bank AG in , which is the tive guidelines and measures set by health During the meeting, Al-Roshood reit- first participation bank in the Euro authorities, Ahli United Bank (AUB) held the erated the strong economic ties zone, plays a key role in facilitating weekly draw of 16 June 2021 of Al-Hassad between Kuwait and Turkey, indicating businesses by connecting Kuwait to Ambassador honoring Al-Roshood Islamic account which is the very first draw KFH plays a significant role as a strate- Turkey to Europe. KFH offers instant account in Islamic banking in Kuwait and gic partner in the Turkish economy and cross-border payments service to ben- has won the “Best Savings Product in the Islamic finance industry in Turkey eficiaries at KFH-Turkey using Ripple’s importantly, KFH- Turkey is employing a foreign demand and investments, which Kuwait 2019” by the prestigious Banker through KFH-Turkey. He added that technology. This service comes to serve huge number of Turkish people, which is is an indicator of balanced and healthy Middle East Magazine for the numerous KFH-Turkey, founded in 1989, is a clear- customers who want to perform instant a big contribution to Turkish labor mar- growth, and confirms the rapid recov- unique features it provides. Al-Hassad cut example of the cooperation in transfers to Turkey for personal ket. ery of Turkish economy from the global Islamic finance between Kuwait and expenses or investments.” Al-Roshood She added, during the meeting, “last turmoil caused by the pandemic. This Islamic account offers over 750 prizes, Turkey. KFH-Turkey, the largest partici- emphasized the importance of strength- year, the pandemic had a slight impact also highlights an enormous potential Over 12 Month Period and has reshaped the pation bank in Turkey, has huge network ening economic ties between Kuwait on our bilateral trade between Kuwait with many opportunities for greater lives of thousands lucky winners. of branches across Turkey, which makes and Turkey for achieving further pros- and Turkey”, indicating the Turkish cooperation between Turkey and The Bank announced 20 Winners of KD its financial services accessible to huge perity and development. economy was one of the few Kuwait in all areas of the economy. 1,000 as follows: Ahmad Abdullah Al- population in Turkey. Meanwhile, HE Ambassador of The economies growing last year (1,8 per- Koytak said: “I believe we can succeed Failakawi, Sameer Najeeb Hanna, Shaker Al-Roshood pointed out that KFH Republic of Turkey in Kuwait Ayse Hilal cent growth rate) despite the negative not only a much higher bilateral trade Eissa Al-Buloushi, Mona Ahmad Sttarian, has participated in several major trans- Koytak said that KFH is one of the effects of global COVID-19 pandemic.” volume, but also more mutual invest- Abdullah Ragab Mohammed, Hassan actions to finance infrastructure proj- largest Kuwaiti investors in Turkey, indi- She pointed out that the Turkish ments. Since 2002, 225 billion USD for- Mohammad Al-Ansari, Khaled Mohammad ects in Kuwait and overseas. KFH has cating KFH’s subsidiary - KFH-Turkey economy continued to grow above mar- eign investment has been directed to Al-Dousari, Ahmad Eissa Al-Muqahwi, offered financing of Euro 200 million has reached an asset size of 153 billion ket expectations (7 percent growth Turkey. There are more than 300 com- Jujar Mulla Fakhruddin, Fawwaz Sultan Al- Credit facilities for Limak Insaat for the Turkish Lira and has 435 branches in rate) in the first quarter of this year, panies in Turkey having Kuwaiti farhan, Mohammad Yousef Al-Shuaib, Faisal construction of a bridge in Turkey, and Turkey in addition to its subsidiary KT noting of the 7 percent growth in the investors. Total investment stock of Khaled Awad, Baqer Darweesh Hasan, financing of KD124.6 million syndicated Bank AG’s 5 branches in Germany. More first quarter, 56 percent came from net Kuwaitis reached $2 billion.” Khalid Salim Abdullah, Fatemah Mohammad Al-Shammari, Lafi Saad Al- Hatlani, Yousef Ahmed Al-Mailam, Ghaliah AVEVA hosts Khaled Al-Marzouq, Muhalli Mashi Al- Lebanon leaders Dhafeeri and Abrar Hasan Abbas. The draws of Al-Hassad include several word digital cash prizes, such as KD 100,000 each Eid may face sanctions and the grand quarterly draw of KD 250,000 conference prize which continues to be a key aspiration unless crisis solved for customers who are wishing to fulfill their dreams. Al-Hassad offers 20 weekly prizes of BEIRUT: EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell DUBAI: AVEVA, a global leader in industrial software, driving digital transformation and sustainability, hosted its KD 1,000 for each winner. In addition to this warned yesterday that Lebanese leaders could face attractive package of rewards, Al-Hassad sanctions unless they pull the country away from fourth AVEVA World Digital (AWD) conference on June 17, 2021. Aimed at leaders and decision makers interested Islamic account incorporates a Wakala con- financial collapse and strike a deal with the IMF. Peter Herweck Lisa Johnston tract for projected annual profits, making this Lebanon is facing what the World Bank has in innovative industrial technology, to deliver digital trans- account beneficial to all customer segments described as one of the world’s worst economic formation and strengthen resilience in a challenging envi- (IIoT) continue to drive crises since the 1850s. ronment, this was the first joint AVEVA and PI System that are aspiring to build their short and operational resilience in a digital-first environment. Today, A political crisis has left the country without a event since the company acquired OSIsoft earlier this year. long-term savings through a unique savings AVEVA’s software is enabling organizations, throughout functioning government since the last once AWD, a half-day event, explored how data-led insights account with many advantages. the globe, to harness greater efficiencies, increase agility resigned after a massive explosion killed dozens infused with artificial intelligence could help organizations Furthermore, for the first time in Kuwait, and accelerate growth - all key factors in also advancing and destroyed swathes of Beirut in August 2020. optimize their value chains for long-term business growth. the AUB Al-Hassad presents the “Privilege sustainability for industries.” Speaking in Beirut after talks with Lebanese AVEVA’s recently appointed CEO, Peter Herweck, kicked Draw”, which is a quarterly draw of KD Other keynote speakers included a mix of AVEVA and President Michel Aoun, Borrell said he had “a mes- off proceedings with a session that laid out how perform- 25,000 exclusively for Al-Hassad customers former OSIsoft speakers - Lisa Johnston, Chief Marketing sage of firmness to all Lebanese political leaders ance intelligence, the concept developed by AVEVA to who maintained their balances for more than Officer and Chief Sustainability Officer, AVEVA, Norton on behalf of the EU”. explain the outcome of combining information, artificial one year and have not won a prize in the Green, Director of Executive Engagements, AVEVA; Rob “The crisis Lebanon is facing is a domestic cri- intelligence and human insight. Also, in the presenter line-up past five years. McGreevy, Executive Vice President of Operations sis, is a self-imposed crisis, not a crisis coming from will be Nicole Malachowski, the first female United States For all draws, the clients are eligible for Business, AVEVA and Ronan de Hooge, Head of abroad or from external factors,” he said. “The Air Force fighter pilot to be part of the elite Thunderbirds one draw chance for each KD 50 deposited Information Management Business Unit, AVEVA. A cus- Lebanese leadership must take its responsibility... a squadron, who addressed resilience and innovation by in their Al-Hassad account. It is worth men- speaking from her own debilitating experience with Lyme tomer panel session comprising AVEVA and heritage government must be formed and key reforms tioning that Al-Hassad Islamic account has Disease. Having lost the ability to read, write, walk, and fly, OSIsoft customers, including Enbridge, Nutrien and implemented immediately.” won the “Best Savings Product in Kuwait The EU’s foreign policy chief said the bloc was the one-time advisor to former US First Lady Michelle General Mills, ended proceedings. AVEVA is a global Obama tapped into her aerodynamic training bounce back - leader in industrial software, driving digital transformation 2019” by the prestigious Banker Middle East willing to help Lebanon engage in reforms but only Magazine for the numerous unique features after a deal is struck with the International a secret she shared with AWD attendees. and sustainability. By connecting the power of information “I am looking forward to virtually engaging our cus- and artificial intelligence with human insight, AVEVA it provides. Such features include the sim- Monetary Fund. “Only an urgent agreement with plest and easiest program, highest number of IMF will rescue the country from a financial col- tomers and partners at my first AVEVA World Digital as enables teams to use their data to unlock new value. We winners, largest prize value, unique draws lapse... and there is no time to waste,” he said. “You the company CEO and the first for former OSIsoft cus- call this Performance Intelligence. are on the edge of a financial collapse.” tomers. Over the past year, digital transformation has AVEVA’s comprehensive portfolio enables more than during Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha, loyalty But Borrell added that should “further obstruc- demonstrated how trusted data and artificial intelligence 20,000 industrial enterprises to engineer smarter, oper- multipliers, unique online account opening tions to solutions” emerge, the EU “will have to can reshape the future of industries, as well as create new ate better and drive sustainable efficiency. AVEVA sup- feature, transparent draws held during radio consider other courses of action as some member experiences and business opportunities,” commented ports customers through a trusted ecosystem that shows with live broadcast on the Bank’s states have proposed”. — AFP Peter Herweck, CEO, AVEVA prior to the event. “We have includes 5,500 partners and 5,700 certified developers social media platforms. witnessed how Cloud, and the Industrial Internet of Things around the world.

monthly draws. ABK launches Johair Marafi, Africell vows ABK’s Acting General Manager rewarding - Retail Banking to ‘shake up’ said: “It’s Bigger summer campaign This Summer market with ABK reaf- KUWAIT: Al-Ahli Bank of Kuwait (ABK) firms our com- JOHANNESBURG: US-owned mobile network operator cardholders now have a chance to win a mitment to Africell, the first wholly foreign-owned operator licensed to stay in a Family Suite with breakfast for 4 enhancing our provide mobile services in oil-rich Angola, has vowed to adults at Hilton Garden Inn - The Avenues, customers’ expe- Johair Marafi shake up the “overly cosy” market there. The company had and enjoy KD 500 cashback with the rience by provid- finalized a deal with the Angolan government in February to in key government and business positions. Bank’s latest campaign, ‘It’s Bigger This ing exclusive per- join three other mobile phone companies already operating Lourenco came into office on promises to transform the Summer with ABK’. All existing ABK sonalized offerings, rewarding value in the southwest African country. oil-dependent economy. Transformation will require “bring- Credit and Prepaid cardholders will be propositions and shopping experiences Angola’s telecommunications market is dominated by ing in an outsider that shakes up a bit of the overly cosy entered into the draw automatically when with added-value. With the current travel Unitel, a private operator long led by the country’s first business environment,” Africell non-executive director Peter spending a minimum of KD 500 locally or restrictions, we felt it was appropriate to daughter Isabel dos Santos. Accused of graft, she resigned Pham said Friday. Opening the tender to international play- internationally. The campaign will run for choose a relaxing environment such as from the company’s board of directors in August last year, ers helped break “some of the monopolistic tendencies” that three months from 10th June to 9th Hilton Garden Inn, where there is an citing a “climate of permanent conflict”. took hold “under the previous regime”. September 2021, and allows 30 eligible opportunity for the winners to enjoy a President Joao Lourenco-who took office in 2017 — has For Africell, moving into Angola is a “once-in-a-genera- customers to earn one draw point for every weekend break, while also having one of launched a bid to recover Angola from 37 years of alleged tion opportunity... to get into a market that has been closed KD 10 spent locally and three draw points the largest shopping malls in the region corruption and nepotism under his predecessor, Jose for so long,” he said. Africell currently operates telecommu- spent internationally. Winners will not be attached to the hotel, with ample entertain- Eduardo dos Santos. nications networks in the Democratic Republic of Congo, eligible to participate in consecutive ment available.” Dos Santos was accused of placing cronies and relatives Sierra Leone, the Gambia and Uganda. — AFP Established 1961 11 Lifestyle Fashion Sunday, June 20, 2021

Live audience Milan Fashion ‘baby steps’ back to normality

ights, camera, real live audiences - that digital cannot give us,” she said. LMilan fashion welcomes back actual Armani was the first in late May to MILAN: Models present creations by Dolce & Gabbana dur- people to its shows Friday, a sign the announce the return of the public, after ing the menís & women spring/summer 2019 collection industry is ready to start turning the page being the first to shut them out in fashion show in Milan in this file photo. — AFP on virtual formats adopted during the pan- February 2020. “I’m scared, like every- demic. The numbers are still modest, with one else,” Giorgio Armani, 86, said as the only Armani, Dolce & Gabbana and Etro pandemic swept through last year. inviting an audience to their men’s Spring/Summer 2022 collections. “This is Goodbye dull shades the dress rehearsal of the return to nor- The bulk of the 47 fashion shows tak- malcy,” Federica Trotta Mureau, editor of ing place over five days will remain digital. Though still a small minority, the return of euros ($95 billion), driven mostly by After the grey winter and the gloom of the Italian fashion magazine Mia Le That was the case for Ermenegildo even the few in-person shows was “an growth in China. Exports of “Made in Italy” the pandemic, colors found in nature such Journal, told AFP. Zegna, which kicked off the shows on important signal of recovery”, according to fashion are expected to rise by 13 per- as light green, ocean blue, terracotta, sun- The shows represent baby steps but Friday with a virtual display featuring mod- Carlo Capasa, president of the National cent. But only in 2022 will the country’s shine yellow or fire red should prevail, the effect of the live events, instead of the els wandering through labyrinths of green- Chamber for Italian Fashion. fashion industry regain its pre-pandemic according to Mureau. video presentations or short films relied ery before returning to an urban concrete After months of stop-start measures, levels, especially since orders during the “Goodbye to sober colors and too pun- on since early last year when coronavirus landscape. coronavirus restrictions in most of Italy first months of 2021 have fallen below ishing looks, the summer of 2022 in men’s cut short the twice-yearly shows in Italy’s “This marks a renaissance of luxury have now been lifted thanks to falling expectations. Last year, revenue fell by fashion will be marked by color and exag- business capital, would still be appreciat- craftsmanship, a movement that liberates infection rates, although masks are still 26 percent for the Italian industry, as geration,” she said. — AFP ed, Mureau said. the man while preserving his uniqueness,” compulsory in public and social distancing stores shuttered and well-heeled tourists “The lights that go out and come back said the brand’s artistic director, must be respected. Capasa has estimat- stayed home. on, the music that sounds as soon as the Alessandro Sartori. Fendi came next, yes- ed sales for the Italian fashion market will So what will Milan’s men be wearing first models come out... it’s an emotion terday; Prada’s virtual show is due today. rise 17 percent this year to 80 billion next year?

MILAN: A model presents a creation for fash- MILAN: A model presents a creation for fash- MILAN: A model presents a creation by Prada MILAN: Italian fashion designers Stefano Gabbana (left) and Domenico Dolce acknowledge ion house Fendi during the presentation of ion house Etro during the presentation of its during the men & women’s spring/summer applause following the presentation of the Dolce & Gabbana men’s spring/summer 2020 fash- its men’s spring/summer 2020 fashion col- men’s spring/summer 2020 fashion collection 2019 collection fashion show in Milan ion collection in Milan. lection in Milan. in Milan.

neer. She signed all the known models Vuitton, Dolce & Gabbana, Balmain... girls struggling to find a job after school. back then and she said ‘If you want to use have started realizing that a lot of their But Elizabeth saw me on the road, she models them, this is how much you’re going to clients are actually from Africa,” Elohor asked permission to my mom to sign me pay, and those are the conditions,’” Isikalu said, seated in a mustard yellow armchair in her agency and now! Look at me! It said standing on the event’s red carpet. by a Nigerian designer. “Back in the days, was so simple,” she said. look to rock “She set the rules, the rates, she set out of 50 agencies, you would probably Tobi was just 15 when she won the the pace.” The turning point for Africa’s have like five models and now, one Elite Model Look Africa competition, which modeling world came in 2010 when South agency can have up to 10, 15 African propelled her onto the catwalks in Milan, Africa and Nigeria organised fashion models.” Paris and in several international agen- the runways cies. “We have the beauties to rock the he unveiling of a new statue of runways,” she said. Elizabeth knows that, TDiana, princess of Wales, next too. And even if she no longer has time to month could help thaw frosty ties n Nigeria’s economic capital Lagos an between her sons prince William and international model casting was on the walk the streets or the markets of Lagos, I her passion for finding the rare pearls of Prince Harry, a royal biographer said hunt for the face of the future. Elizabeth Friday. The princes are due to attend the Elohor is sure that it will be an African African beauty remains with her. Through “Future Face Africa”, a huge casting first July 1 ceremony in the gardens of one. The former top model created the Kensington Palace, unveiling a statue first modellng agency in Nigeria back in via social networks and then in face-to- face castings, she wants to broaden her they commissioned to mark what would 2004, when there was no Fashion Week have been their mother’s 60th birthday. on the continent, very few local designers search to the whole continent and make and little high-end fashion. Now with her fashion shake in Africa. “Future Face Africa” casting, Elohor hopes The growing sector has allowed the to expand the search for future talent from emergence of many actors, designers, Nigeria to the rest of the continent. Before makeup artists, but also photographers. the 2000s, there were few black faces Kola Oshalusi, a famous Nigerian fashion gracing the covers of women’s magazines photographer, has also witnessed the with the exception of iconic figures like explosion in demand and the profession- Naomi Campbell, Donyale Luna and alization of modeling in Africa over the Beverly Johnson. past decade. Even Nigeria’s growing LAGOS: Founder of Beth Modeling Agency, Elizabeth Elohor (center), pose with friends dur- In Nigeria, Africa’s most populous security troubles, high inflation and eco- ing a reception to mark the launch of the Future Face of Africa. country with more than 200 million people, nomic woes can’t take away the glitz and the few who at the time dared to venture sense of hope. “Africa is the future,” Oshalusi said sporting an elegant beige into modeling were independent, vulnera- Africa is the future ble, and had to distribute their own portfo- weeks that were recognized on the inter- hat and cotton jacket. “Nigeria is Africa. Princess of Wales Diana lios to companies specializing in events national scene as “select” in fashion Tobi Momoh is one of the new genera- Nigerian models are confident, they are and advertising. world. The recent Black Lives Matter tion of models. Smiling and full of life, the bringing so much energy on the runways, movement and high-profile advocates for 19-year-old goes from table to table in her they know what they want, and it’s helped When Elohor returned from London in Omid Scobie, a journalist and writer 2004 to start Beth Model Agency, she was the beauty of black women are also help- fitted black dress, greeting stars from to build an incredible reputation on the ing to change trends around the world. Nigeria’s Nollywood film scene, Afropop international scene.” — AFP whose 2020 book “Finding Freedom” cov- breaking new ground, said Marius Isikalu, ers Harry and Meghan’s marriage and a former top model at barely 30, who now But the reasons are also economic. music royalty or reality TV stars. “I grew “International designers like Louis up thinking that I would be like any other move to the United States, said he works alongside her. “Elizabeth was a pio- expects the event “will demonstrate that both of them are able to be cordial and respectful when it comes to remembering the life of their mother, despite their differ- ences”. The once-close brothers, who studied together at Britain’s elite Eton school, and both served in the military, have become distant since Harry’s mar- riage to Meghan and the couple’s move to California. The brothers’ meeting could remind them “how well” they work togeth- er to preserve the legacy of their mother, who was killed in a Paris car crash, aged 36, in 1997, Scobie told the Foreign Press Association in London, answering a ques- tion from AFP. “Maybe that will be the icebreaker that is needed,” he added, while saying the LAGOS: Picture of an international model is projected to guests during a reception to mark LAGOS: Model Aramide Lopez (left) takes a selfie with founder of Beth Model Management, princes would not be able to talk privately the launch of the Future Face of Africa in Lagos. Elizabeth Elohor (center), and model Tobi Momoh (R) during the launch of the Future Face of at the large event and “there’s a lot to be Africa.—AFP photos discussed”.—AFP 12 Established 1961 Lifestyle Features Sunday, June 20, 2021

The Abeja Negra SOS (SOS Black Bee) organization -founded in 2018 and View of a part of a comb at an apiary, in Xochimilco, City. Veliz works in the removal of a swarm of bees from the garden of a house in formed solely by women- ensure the conservation of bees in natural habitats Naucalpan de Juarez, Mexico. in Mexico, carrying out more than 200 rescues a year.

driana Veliz whispered affectionately home to the Apis mellifera species of hon- The use of toxic agrochemicals and as she removed a colony of bees ey bee, the team took it to an apiary on a the impact of climate change on flowering Afrom inside a statue in a Mexican mountain outside the urban sprawl of cycles have taken their toll on the backyard-part of her mission to help save Mexico City. species, she said. “If they die, humans them from extinction. “Relax babies, relax. Moving the insects is no easy task. are not far from suffering the same fate. You’ll be fine,” the 32-year-old veterinarian Recently, Veliz and her team had to demol- They are a vital indicator for humanity,” said as the bees swarmed around her and ish the wall of a house to get to the bees Correa warned. For years the bees living clung to the white suit she wore to protect inside. “It’s dangerous because the bees in the statue caused no trouble, but a few against their stings. defend their hive. Their queen orders them weeks ago they began stinging the Veliz’s bee protection organization with pheromones when to attack,” Veliz house’s residents. Abeja Negra SOS carries out more than said. Abeja Negra SOS, which was found- “Suddenly they started attacking, espe- 200 such rescues a year to protect the ed in 2018, is not only saving bees-it is cially my parents,” said Montserrat insects from dangers such as humans and also empowering women, her colleague Moreno, a 54-year-old school teacher. “We pesticides. The five-woman team offers its Millan said. “We don’t need a man to do wanted them to be taken away alive and services for free to help safeguard the these jobs. Women aren’t only here to do be treated as well as possible,” she added. bees, which Veliz said play a vital role delicate things,” she said. In the mountainside apiary, Veliz, who including in pollination that enables crops describes herself as a “guardian of the to reproduce. Beekeeping technician Luz Millan (right) and veterinarian Adriana Veliz (left) work in the ‘Vital indicator’ bees,” proudly showed off a dozen res- “Basically they keep an ecosystem in removal of a swarm of bees from the garden of a house in Naucalpan de Juarez, Mexico Mexico is home to nearly 2,000 bee cued hives, each of which can contain up balance,” she said. Despite their impor- state, Mexico. — AFP photos species and, like in many countries, envi- to 80,000 specimens. “You’ll be fine here,” tance, some people kill bees they find in ronmentalists are concerned for their she told the bees as she sprinkled sugar in their homes or offices because they are future. More than a third of Mexico’s Apis their new home. — AFP arm as far as she could inside the 1.5- smoke at the insects to neutralize the afraid of being attacked, Veliz said. mellifera bee colonies were lost in 2020, meter (five-foot) concrete statue where the pheromones they use to communicate, according to Adriana Correa, a researcher bees made their hive in Naucalpan near and sprinkled water on them to make it Risky work at the National Autonomous University of Mexico City. Her partner Luz Millan puffed harder to fly. After removing the colony, Lying on the grass, she stretched her Mexico.

tect Carla Lo-who herself has contributed designs for one of Seestadt’s interior ‘Women build courtyards-Vienna’s planning policies have been refreshed since Kathrin Gaal in 2018 became the first woman to head the the city’: Vienna’s city’s powerful housing department, over- seeing an annual budget of more than a billion euros ($1.2 billion). space for female “Since she has been there, suddenly architects

omen may hold up half the sky, but when it comes to designing the public spaces and buildings NEW YORK: Jean Paul Engelen, Deputy Chairman and worldwide co- Jean Paul Engelen stands next to a picture of Winston Churchill and W in which they live, their voices have too head of 20th century and contemporary art at Phillips Auction House Aristotle Onassis. — AFP photos often been silenced. A visionary project in speaks next to “The Moat, Breccles” painting made by Winston Vienna aims to turn that notion on its Churchill and owned by the Onassis family Friday. head, with a suburb in the Austrian capital another painting from the wartime British Onassis had it lavishly renovated to the designed by and for women. It exemplifies prime minister sold by Angelina Jolie at tune of $4 million, making it “one of the how the city is trying to make urban space Christie’s last March. But even if it doesn’t most incredible structures that floated,” more inclusive, from brighter lights to shatter records, this landscape-which Engelen said. It was a favored gathering broader pavements that make room for Churchill mentioned in a December 1921 spot for the rich and famous, including pushchairs, and how female architects Katja Schechtner (left) and Wojciech Czaja, essay titled “Painting as a Pastime”-could Elizabeth Taylor, John F and Jackie and designers are driving the change. curators of the architecture exhibition appeal to both history and celebrity buffs. Kennedy, Richard Burton, Grace Kelly, J The new Seestadt district has been in “Women build the city”, pose for a picture at Churchill kept the painting for 40 years Paul Getty, Eva Peron and others. When the throes of development since 2012, a Vienna’s suburb Seestadt, . before offering it in 1961, four years Onassis died in 1975, seven years after sprawling building site on the city’s east- before his death, to his friend the Greek his marriage to Jackie Kennedy, the yacht ern edge that is projected to expand from the particular needs of single mothers are shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis, was sold and everything on board placed its 8,300 population now to 20,000 by considered when tenders go out for proj- Phillips Deputy Chairman Jean-Paul in storage, until his heirs recently decided 2030. Giant letters on hoardings around ects,” Lo says. Having given her input to piece of art weaving together one Engelen told AFP. The tycoon was so to part with the painting. To spur interest in some of the construction sites proclaim the development of Seestadt, Gaal says of the great statesmen of the 20th proud of his gift that he hung it in a place the canvas, Phillips has recreated the bar “Women build the city”. she wants the exhibition there to encour- century, an icon of the jet set and of honor-behind the bar of his yacht- on the “Christina”-known as Ari’s Bar-in its By turning the focus on the role of age other women “to make their visions A women in urban design, Vienna is helping the world’s first “super yacht” will go under alongside works by Vermeer, Gauguin, Le New York showroom, including facsimiles reality”. the hammer at New York auction house Greco and Pissarro. This super yacht, of its famous whale teeth, and filled the to highlight the still dominant role men Phillips on June 23. named “Christina” after Onassis’s daugh- shelves with Pol Roger champagne, play in shaping the built environment. Bright lights, safer city “The Moat, Breccles,” a signed 1921 oil ter, was a former Canadian Navy frigate, Churchill’s preferred bubbly. — AFP The developers and bankers who often The desire to cater to women’s needs landscape by Winston Churchill, is esti- nearly 100 meters long. It had been a part make the crucial decisions when it comes can be seen in many facets of Vienna’s mated by Phillips at $1.5 million to $2 mil- of the Normandy landings before Onassis to urban development are still overwhelm- modern city planning, from the brighter lion, far from the $11.6 million netted by bought the ship post-war for $34,000. ingly male, says Sabina Riss, an architect street lights and more exits at sports ven- and university researcher who studies the ues to help women feel safer, to provision relationship between gender and urban of better toilet facilities. In residential planning. design too there are such innovations as common rooms shared between several Janis Joplin flats to keep prices low and encourage She estimates that in most countries families to collaborate for childcare. At “the percentage of women in the decision- the exhibition, visitors can learn about the making process at between five and 10 often overlooked achievements of 18 percent at most”. As well as being heavily new museum dedicated to the fled or were ejected from what is today’s as ethnic Germans who had lived for cen- female architects, artists and urban plan- involved in the design of the new build- long-silenced trauma of German , Russia, the Czech Republic, turies as minorities. ners from across the world. For co-curator ings in Seestadt, women also take center- civilians forced to flee eastern , the Baltic states, , Seventy-six years after the conflict’s Wojciech Czaja, the show fits the ethos A stage when it comes to naming the new Europe at the end of World War II opens and the former Yugoslavia end, director Gundula Bavendamm said reflected in Seestadt’s street names. streets. The philosopher Hannah Arendt, next week after decades of wrenching between 1944 and 1950. Germany was finally ready to talk about “Ninety-two percent of streets in singer Janis Joplin and children’s book debate. Perhaps reflecting what its Escaping the Russian army and later their suffering, while still acknowledging Vienna are named after men,” he says, heroine Pippi Longstocking are just a few founders call their delicate “balancing forced out by occupying powers and local the unparalleled guilt of the Nazis. “We adding: “This doesn’t reflect history or the of the names to grace the new addresses. act”, the new institution in Berlin carries authorities, an estimated 600,000 are not the only country that needed quite present.—AFP The district is also hosting a new exhi- the unwieldy name of Documentation Germans lost their lives on the trek. some time to face up to painful and diffi- bition showcasing female architects that Centre for Displacement, Expulsion and Those who fled included people who had cult chapters of its own history,” she told runs until October 15. According to archi- Reconciliation. Some 14 million Germans settled in Nazi-occupied territories as well reporters at a preview of the museum before it opens to the public on Wednesday. “Sometimes it takes several genera- tions, and the right political constella- tions.” The 65-million-euro ($78-million) museum takes pains to place the Germans’ plight firmly in the context of Hitler’s expansionist, genocidal policies. It is located between the museum at the for- mer Gestapo headquarters and the ruins of Anhalter railway station from which people were sent to the Theresienstadt concentration camp.` Just opposite is a planned Exile Museum devoted to those who fled Nazi Germany. Access to the second-floor space spotlighting the BERLIN: View of the “Displacement and Expulsion of Germans” exhibition at the Germans’ exodus can only be gained VIENNA: A general view of apartment buildings of Vienna’s suburb Seestadt, Austria. Women “Documentation Centre for Displacement, Expulsion and Reconciliation”, in Berlin taken through a darkened room covering the may hold up half the sky, but when it comes to designing the public spaces and buildings in Friday. — AFP Holocaust. —AFP which they live, their voices have too often been silenced.— AFP photos Established 1961 13 Sports Sunday, June 20, 2021 Clippers rally to oust top seeded Jazz, Sixers set stage for game 7

LOS ANGELES: Terance Mann poured in a career- “It feels great,” said George. “They wrote us off their second-round NBA playoff series. Tobias Harris high 39 points as the Los Angeles Clippers advanced to when Kawhi went down. “He is one of the best young and Seth Curry each scored 24 points and Embiid tallied their first NBA semi-finals in franchise history, rallying to players I have been around,” George said of Mann, 22 points and grabbed 13 rebounds as the Sixers over- beat the top seeded Utah Jazz 131-119 on Friday. The whose previous regular season high was 25 points. “He came a double-digit first-half deficit to beat the upstart fourth seeded Clippers won their four straight match reminds me a lot of myself.” Atlanta Hawks 104-99. Curry also had six threes. “You after losing the first two in Salt Lake City to take the The Clippers made history without star Leonard, saw the fight and grit of a whole group,” said Harris. Eastern Conference series in six games. who missed his second straight game with a sprained Game seven will be today at the home arena of the They stormed back in the second half on Friday after right knee. Reggie Jackson added 27 points and 10 top-seeded 76ers. Philadelphia’s win means both being down by 25 points in the third quarter to reach the assists. Nicolas Batum contributed 16 points and Eastern Conference semi-final series will go to a game league’s final four, ending years of playoff frustration Patrick Beverley had 12 points in the win. The Jazz got seven after the Milwaukee Bucks won game six against including a string of NBA quarter-final exits. star guard Mike Conley back on Friday but it wasn’t the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday night. The 24-year-old Mann was electric in just his second enough to salvage their series. Conley finished with The 76ers pushed the best-of-seven series to the career playoff start, shooting 15-of-21 from the field and five points in 26 minutes of playing time. limit after the heartbreak of letting two potential wins in draining seven of 10 three pointers in front of a crowd of Donovan Mitchell, who was playing with a sore games four and five slip through their fingers. “It’s fun. 17,100 at Staples Center arena in downtown Los ankle, scored a team high 39 points, dished out nine It’s a lot of fun,” Curry said. “You’ve just got to weather Angeles. “I just trust my work,” said Mann. “Everybody assists and had nine rebounds for the Jazz. “At the the storm and come back at them at the other end.” was telling me to shoot the ball and that is what I did.” beginning of the third we started turning the ball over Tyrese Maxey added 16 points and seven rebounds They next face the Phoenix Suns in game one of the and that got them going,” said Jazz coach Quin Snyder. off the bench for the 76ers, who rebounded after blow- LOS ANGELES: Paul George #13 of the Los Angeles Western Conference finals today. Second year player “We were late on our rotations and they took advan- ing a 26-point lead at home in game five. Trae Young Clippers hugs Terance Mann #14 of the Los Angeles Mann got plenty of help from the veterans on the team. tage of that.” finished with 34 points and 12 assists for Atlanta, who Clippers after he scored a basket against Utah Jazz dur- Paul George scored 28 points and added nine rebounds Elsewhere, Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers are seeking to reach the Eastern Conference finals for ing the first half in Game Six of the Western Conference and seven assists for the Clippers, who won despite played with more urgency, using a collective offensive the first time in six years. Philadelphia led 80-76 at the second-round playoff series at Staples Center on Friday in missing their top player Kawhi Leonard. effort to come from behind and force a game seven in end of the third quarter. — AFP Los Angeles, California. — AFP

“Mark Cuban approached me about a role as spe- Celtics trade all-star cial adviser and I am happy to support my Mavs,” Nowitzki said. “Donnie Nelson and Rick Carlisle were both my mentors and played huge roles in my career Walker to Thunder and the success of this franchise, and I am going to miss them. It is important for me now to join Mark and LOS ANGELES: Boston dealt all-star Kemba Walker contribute as much as I can as we move forward.” and a first round draft pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder in deal that involves both players and draft picks changing hands, the Celtics announced on Friday. The Celtics are giving up guard Walker and a 2021 first round pick in exchange for centre Al Horford and prospect Moses Brown. This is the first significant move for Brad Stevens who replaced former president of basketball operations Danny Ainge in early June. The NBA clubs also exchanged second-round draft picks. Walker recently signed a four-year, $140.8 mil- lion contract with the Hornets. Walker, who is the Hornets’ all-time leading scorer, struggled with knee injuries during the 2020-21 sea- son. He was limited to 43 regular-season games and Kemba Walker missed the final two games of the Celtics’ loss to the Brooklyn Nets in the first round of the playoffs. The deal marks the return of Horford to the Celtics, where Besides helping with key hires, Nowitzki is expect- MONTREAL: Josh Anderson #17 of the Montreal Canadiens scores the game-winning goal past Marc-Andre Fleury #29 of the he played for three years before leaving in 2019. ed consult with Cuban on other key front office deci- Vegas Golden Knights during the first overtime period in Game Three of the Stanley Cup Semifinals of the 2021 Stanley Cup sions. The move comes just days after owner Cuban Playoffs at Bell Centre on Friday in Montreal, Quebec. ñ AFP ‘Adviser’ Nowitzki fired general manager Nelson and coach Carlisle Dirk Nowitzki, who led the Dallas Mavericks to resigned. Nowitzki played over two decades with Dallas. He led the Mavericks to their lone NBA title in their own blue line. Montreal’s Jesperi Kotkaniemi then their lone championship in 2011, will help the NBA club Anderson scores in ripped a long pass up the ice that Anderson knocked hire its next head coach and manager. Nowitzki, 43, is 2011 and was named the most valuable player of the out of the air to teammate Paul Byron. joining the Mavericks as a special adviser after meet- NBA finals. A 14-time all-star, Nowitzki is the fran- Anderson then got the return pass from Byron ing with owner Mark Cuban, the team announced chise’s all-time leader in points (31,560), rebounds OT, Canadiens take and drove it home, setting off a wild celebration in Friday. (11,489), and games played (1,522). — AFP front of a pandemic-limited crowd of just 3,500 2-1 series lead Montreal fans. Cole Caufield also scored for Montreal, who were the underdogs coming into the series but are surviving on grit and determination LOS ANGELES: Josh Anderson’s second goal of the which has helped them get an important split of the match in overtime lifted the Montreal Canadiens to a first two games in Vegas. 3-2 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights in game Assistant coach Luke Richardson ran the bench three of their NHL Stanley Cup semi-final series with Alex Burrows and director of goaltending Sean Friday. Goaltender Carey Price was superb, making 43 Burke in Ducharme’s absence. Nicolas Roy and Alex saves for Montreal, who lead the best-of-seven series Pietrangelo scored for the Golden Knights, with 2-1. Game four is today in Montreal. Montreal native Marc-Andre Fleury stopping 24 shots The Canadiens won despite missing head coach for Vegas. There were no goals in the opening period Dominique Ducharme, who was isolating after testing before Vegas’ Nicolas Ray drew first blood 3:16 in to positive for the coronavirus. All other tests adminis- make it 1-0. Caufield tied it up just 38 seconds later. It tered to the players and coaches came back negative. was just the sixth time in 16 playoff games the Knights The final play began with a Golden Knight turnover at have scored first. — AFP

This participation comes in coordination with Rafa Kuwait tennis Nadal Academy Kuwait, which trains the Kuwait national tennis team in cooperation with Kuwait Tennis Federation. The Tennis Federation granted the team off to Tunisia national team wildcard entries at the request of Sheikh Ahmad to participate in these important international By Abdellatif Sharaa events, which are considered a good opportunity for Kuwait players and their Arab counterparts to improve TUNIS: Kuwait national tennis team players Bader their world rankings. TOKYO: This file photo taken on December 18, 2020 shows an advertisement for the Cyberpunk 2077 video game for the Sony Sheikh Ahmad thanked President of Tunis Abdelaziz Antar, Essa Salman Qabazard and Ali Playstation, as shoppers browse the gaming section of a shop in Tokyo. — AFP Tennis Federation Salma Mouelhi for supporting Abdelredha Al-Shatti left for Tunisia to participate in a Kuwait players and granting them wildcard entries series of international Futures championships that will ments-it has become a critical success and something of to participate. Sheikh Ahmad, in his capacity as continue until July 26. The participation of the team a classic. President of Arab Tennis Federation, lauded the As Cyberpunk reboots, comes at the instructions of President of Kuwait and Reinvention and constant updates are even more support of TTF headed by Mouelhi to Arab play- important in the world of the MMORPG-or massively- Arab Tennis Federations Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- ers and hoped that more Arab players join the can unloved games Abdullah Al-Sabah following their good results in four multiplayer online role-playing game-which relies on a international rankings. He wished the Tunisia tour- loyal subscriber base to maintain longer-term revenue. similar championships in Egypt and Turkey. naments all success. win an extra life? Real world money BRUSSELS: Retro-futurist video game Cyberpunk In 2010, Japanese studio Square Enix’s “Final 2077 will be back in the Playstation store tomorrow Fantasy XIV”-as the number implies-inherited fans after a disastrous launch marred by bugs forced a 184- from a popular long-running series, only to disappoint day time-out. But can a blockbuster game recover from them at first with a lack of varied content within the the reputational hit of a failed roll-out? Sometimes, as players’ world. The first version was taken down and a other titles have shown, one can. “Redemption is possi- relaunched, reworked virtual world returned in 2013. Bit ble,” said Yohan Bensemhoun, game tester for by bit the community was restored, and by the middle of jeuxvideo.com. “But it’s risky. Fail twice and you’re last year 20 million players were wandering its vast done.” playable space. As journalist Daniel Andreyev CD Projekt’s dark future roleplaying title had been explained, the huge user base becomes not only the hotly anticipated after the studio’s work on the ground- strength of a game and the source of its profits, but also breaking The Witcher III, but gamers were disappoint- a powerful incentive not to just abandon a struggling ed when the game first appeared and an online storm title but to rework it over time to iron out problems. damaged confidence. Some games-even some studios- Sometimes, it’s not a technical failure that sinks a go under after such a botched start, but when the hope- game, but a perceived betrayal. In 2017, US publisher fully revamped Cyberpunk 2077 goes back on sale the Electronic Arts brought out “Star Wars: Battlefront II”, a developers will be hoping they emulate the revival of title that could rely on the goodwill of fans of both the games like “No Man’s Sky”. iconic space opera franchise and a series of popular and When that game came out in mid-2016, under the accomplished battle games. banner of UK studio Hello Games, the epic space The problem was in the way players progressed in explorer was billed as a revolution, set in an almost infi- the game, with their digital avatars gaining prowess nite universe featuring planets boasting unique ecosys- through “loot boxes”: caches of virtual weapons and tems. “It’s up there, yes, as one of the most exciting equipment to help them overcome increasingly danger- game I’ve ever awaited,” said 31-year-old British gamer ous foes. These boxes could be acquired through Matthew Winter. The resulting game, however, fell short spending time in the game at the frontline-or paying as repetitive and bug-ridden. A social media furore real-world money to unlock them. erupted among the vocal gaming community. “I was This wasn’t a new concept, but it was not popular very disappointed,” admitted Winter. “I blame them for with fans. The Force was not with EA, and after months lying but I blame myself for allowing myself for being as of online abuse the company dropped the in-game hyped as I was.” Many player demanded refunds, but commerce and attempted to win back customers by five years later No Man’s Sky has not only survived but- adding new, fan-friendly Star Wars content like classic Kuwait national tennis team members. after a series of free downloadable fixes and improve- characters and locations. —AFP 14 Sports Sunday, June 20, 2021 Rodriguez gives Copa edge in tense derby win over

BRASILIA: Guido Rodriguez scored the only goal of Lautaro Martinez unable to turn in the rebound. rupted the flow of the game and chances were at a the game as Argentina edged past fierce local rivals Moments later, Cristian Romero rose highest in the premium. Despite boasting Luis Suarez and Edinson Uruguay in a disappointing Copa America clash on area to meet a Rodrigo De Paul cross but Muslera Cavani up front, Uruguay struggled to create any Friday. The victory sent Argentina joint top of Group A made a comfortable save. chances of note. with on four points while Uruguay remain with- The pressure was relentless in the early stages and When Matias Vina put in a devil of a ball across the out a point. Argentina took a deserved lead on 13 minutes as Messi six yard box, neither Suarez nor Cavani could get a These two sides have played each other more times got to the byline and stood up a cross to the back post touch to turn the ball in. Soon afterwards, Suarez went for the spectacular with a leaping bicycle kick but sent the ball high over the bar. Up the other end, Messi fired a free-kick from 20 yards straight into the wall as the game petered out into a scrappy affair. Sergio Ramos English touch Earlier, English-born was the unlikely hero as Chile beat 1-0. The 22-year-old Ramos and Sevilla, Blackburn forward was born in Stoke-on-Trent to an English father and Chilean mother, and only made his a complex relationship national team debut on Monday when he came off the bench in Chile’s 1-1 draw with Argentina. But Brereton, who has played his entire career in unlikely to be revived the English Championship, was in the right place at the right time to finish off a rapier counter-attack and CAMAS: On the day of his tearful farewell to Real hand Chile victory. Chile dominated the first period Madrid, Sergio Ramos said Sevilla is “the other club of and could easily have gone in at half-time with a larger my heart, the club of my life” while discarding the possi- lead. bility of returning. Ramos bid an emotional farewell to Bolivia’s goalkeeper Carlos Lampe mounted almost Real on Thursday after failing to agree an extension to solo resistance at times, saving from , his contract. It marked the end of 16 years which and Brereton. The goal came after Bolivia brought 22 titles and the status of one of the club’s were caught out by a lightning counter-attack on 10 greatest players. Before the glamour of the Santiago minutes, with squaring to Brereton, Bernabeu and the prestige of making his debut for who calmly took one touch to beat a sliding defender Sevilla, Ramos started at his home-town side of Camas, and then slotted home with his second. just across the Guadalquivir river, on a pitch where now Soon after, Meneses lashed a shot just past the post there is only dirt and wild flowers. “When he was three BRASILIA: Uruguay’s Luis Suarez (right) is challenged by Argentina’s Guido Rodriguez during their Conmebol and veteran captain put a header straight or four years old, he was already kicking balls out on Copa America 2021 football tournament group phase match at the Mane Garrincha Stadium in Brasilia, on at Lampe. Bolivia were under the cosh for much of the the pitch,” says the former Camas club president Juan Friday. — AFP first half but still came close themselves through Luis Angulo, whose cousin, Eloy Angulo, coached Roberto Fernandez, Erwin Saavedra and Ramiro Vaca. Ramos when he was six years old. Eloy still calls Ramos Lampe, though, had to make seven saves before “my Sergio” and after training him at Camas, he contin- than any other local rivals and played the first ever where Rodriguez rose above his marker to head home halftime to keep his team in the tie. Bolivia made a ued to work with the talented youngster even after the international match to be held outside the United off the far post. good start to the second half and Chile goalkeeper player joined Sevilla’s academy aged 12. Kingdom. They have won the Copa 29 times between Uruguay gradually stemmed the tide and started to was forced into a sprawling save to them but familiarity can breed caution and for much of get a foothold in the game, only to see Argentina deny Saavedra. Mounds of mud the encounter they canceled each other out. counter at pace before Muslera parried a fierce The Bolivians created the better second half Eloy made Ramos run over mounds of mud “so that Six-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi had the Nahuel Molina drive at his near post. Despite enjoying chances and were unlucky when a shot from substitute he would gain strength” and gave him exercises to first real chance, cutting in from the right onto his the lion’s share of possession, Uruguay were unable to Danny Bejarano took a huge deflection before sailing improve his technique. “I forbid him from passing the favored left foot to force a full stretch save from goal- test Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. just past the post. But it wasn’t enough to earn their ball long because that was where he could make mis- keeper Fernando Muslera, who was relieved to see A slew of early substitutions in the second half dis- first point of the tournament. — AFP takes,” says Eloy, who at 65 is still coaching children. “I told him, ‘you’re young, play the safe pass so that you Good heart get picked every Sunday! When you’re rich, you can Lochte’s Olympic career Sometimes a thorn in the side of authority, the play long passes.” fun-loving Lochte commanded a legion of fans Eloy was president of Camas during the nineties and likely over after 200m attracted not only by his prowess in the pool but in his living room at home, he still has a Ramos file from Malango could be also by his forays into reality television. “Deep the 1995-96 season. He has only one regret, that he has down he really has a good heart,” backstroker Ryan lost contact with his former disciple as Ramos grew into Raja Casablanca’s medley defeat at trials Murphy said. “That’s what I really appreciate about a global superstar with more than 44 million followers Lochte, he really does care about people. “He’s on Instagram. ’s former captain is rarely seen in his done so much for our sport and we will miss him on home town. If he returns it is more often to the horse OMAHA: Ryan Lochte’s bid to make a fifth Olympic trump card this team.” farm that he owns nearby, in Bollullos de la Mitacion, team ended in an emotional 200m medley defeat at Andrew was grateful that Lochte, still hurting, where he likes to go with family and friends. None of his the US trials on Friday, almost certainly bringing down found words of encouragement for him after the family remain in Camas either. When Ramos left for JOHANNESBURG: Prolific Raja Casablanca the curtain on the 36-year-old’s Games career. “I still Madrid, most of them went with him, including his par- race. “I think what was amazing is after the end of scorer Ben Malango looms as a huge threat to want to race,” Lochte said. “As far as another Olympic ents, Jose Maria and Paqui, and his brother Rene, who is the race, being able to embrace with Ryan and for Pyramids when the clubs meet today in a CAF trials, I don’t know about that. I’ll be 40 — that would also his agent. His sister Mirian left as well. him to tell me he’s passing the torch to me, he’s say- Confederation Cup semi-final first leg in be pushing it.” Ramos was handed his debut for the first team by ing “OK, you’re the guy, go and do this, go and kick Egypt. The Democratic Republic of Congo- Lochte has won 12 medals, six of them gold, in four Joaquin Caparros in 2004. Pablo Blanco, Sevilla’s acad- some butt. “It’s a special moment that I will remem- born forward is in top form, bagging three of prior Olympics, making him the second-most deco- emy director, remembers the first time he saw Ramos ber forever.” the five Raja goals in a quarter-finals demoli- rated male swimmer in Olympic history after longtime play. “Sergio was blond, not very tall but strong and Lochte said those kinds of connections are what tion of South African side Orlando Pirates last teammate and rival Michael Phelps. He won silver in vivacious, with these very lively eyes,” says Blanco. “We he values most in his career. “One thing about month. the 200m medley in London in 2012 and was fifth in put on a trial match with other kids and we liked him a swimming that I love is you’re a family. Anthony Pyramids know all about physically formi- 2016 in Rio, where his Games ended amid scandal lot. Even then he had this personality and a lot of self- Ervin, Michael Phelps, Cullen Jones, all those guys, dable Malango as he scored against them in after a drunken late-night episode after which he was confidence.” While in the changing room, Ramos was they’re like my brothers. Being in a generation with Casablanca and Cairo when they met at the found to have fabricated a story about a robbery. “talkative and cheerful”, on the pitch he was serious, them, in that era, means everything.” Not that group stage, with Raja winning both matches Sponsors fled and Lochte was suspended for 10 which immediately endeared him to Sevilla’s coaches. Lochte plans to go far from the sport, even when he convincingly. Here, AFP Sport looks ahead to months, a punishment that was followed by a 14- “He wasn’t shy and he came in believing in his own does hang up his suit for good. “This is not the last the first legs with Coton Sport of month ban for receiving a banned intravenous infu- strength, in his own style,” says Blanco. you’re going to see of me,” he said. — AFP hosting JS Kabylie of in the other sion of vitamins in May 2018. It was that year Lochte match. sought treatment for alcohol abuse, deciding that his ‘Why does he behave like that?’ life “needed a change.” In 2005, aged 19, with Sevilla struggling financially, Pyramids v Raja “I think this is probably the most important swim Ramos was snapped up by Real Madrid for 27 million Pyramids have played 12 matches in the meet that I ever had in my career,” Lochte said. “I euros. It was an abrupt departure and while it never African equivalent of the UEFA Europa wanted to prove so much to everyone. “I just want to extinguished the admiration of Sevilla’s coaches, it League this season, winning nine, drawing one make everyone happy, I guess, and prove to everyone fuelled the “grumbles” of the fans at the Ramon Sanchez and losing 3-0 at home and 2-0 away to title I have changed. I’m a different person. My life has Pizjuan, when Ramos proceeded to celebrate Madrid favorites Raja. Apart from Malango, 2020 definitely changed.” goals against his former club. Confederation Cup runners-up Pyramids must Lochte, whose 200m medley record of 1:54.00 set “People said to themselves, ‘we raised him here, he is contain Soufiane Rahimi if they hope to reach at the 2011 World Championships still stands, clocked from here, he is a Sevilla player, he is a friend of Jesus successive finals. 1:59.67 on Friday to finish seventh in a race won by Navas, of Antonio Puerta, we took care of him when he Rahimi was voted the outstanding foot- 22-year-old Michael Andrew in 1:55.44. As he climbed was in the Spanish team. So why does he behave like baller at the African Nations Championship for out of the pool a dejected Lochte was embraced by that?” Blanco says. Sevilla finished fourth in La Liga last home-based players in Cameroon this year Andrew and runner-up Chase Kalisz. season, with Diego Carlos and Jules Kounde, the 22- and has contributed four of the 19 Raja goals Then there were hugs for Lochte’s wife, Kayla, year-old Frenchman now tipped for stardom himself, in 10 Confederation Cup matches. who was poolside with their four-year-old son Caiden forming an impressive partnership at the back. For The Moroccans are seeking an eighth CAF and two-year-old daughter Liv. Phelps made his way OMAHA: Ryan Lochte speaks during a press conference Sevilla, there may be little need for Ramos, or his 12-mil- title and boast stars at both ends of the field down from the stands for another consolatory lion-euro salary. For a 35-year-old desperate to win tro- with twice Nations Championship winner during Day Six of the 2021 US Olympic Team Swimming embrace. “Very emotional,” Lochte said. “I was kind phies, Sevilla remain a level below Europe’s elite. “As of Anas Zniti among the outstanding goalkeepers Trials at CHI Health Center on Friday in Omaha, of taking it all in. I really wanted to be on that today, I am not considering that option, and Sevilla the in Africa. Pyramids will hope young forward Nebraska. — AFP Olympic team.” same, they’re not considering it either,” said Ramos. “It’s Ibrahim Adel can replicate his form in the a different moment now, for them and for me.” —AFP quarter-finals, where he scored three of the five goals that sank Nigerian club Enyimba. ly has the qualities to do it. I have a lot of respect lowers on Instagram. He has branched out into dif- Coton v Kabylie Iran’s ‘King’ Daei for him. He is such a great player that it isn’t even ferent fields, including business, and also has an Coton have moved their home match 640 necessary to sing his praises.” engineering degree from the prestigious Sharif kilometers (398 miles) southwest from Garoua Ronaldo’s record chase fascinates the Iranian University in Tehran. to Yaounde because their ground lacks video ready to be dethroned press, with articles about him published every time Politically, he sometimes disagrees with the ruling assistant referee (VAR) facilities. The the 36-year-old edges closer to Daei’s tally. Daei government, in power since the Islamic revolution in Cameroonians hope the change of venues by Ronaldo was prolific against other Asian sides, netting five 1979. A rare figure acting in civil society in Iran, he brings a change of luck as they lost 2-1 to times in a 7-0 win over Sri Lanka in 1996 and scor- regularly takes a stand on major social and humani- Kabylie in Garoua during the group stage ing four goals in a game on four other occasions, tarian issues. having earlier fallen 1-0 in Algeria. TEHRAN: Iranian football great Ali Daei is ready including in a historic 17-0 World Cup qualifying In 2017, when aid from the authorities was slow Coton played 14 times to reach the semi- for Cristiano Ronaldo to break his all-time interna- victory over Guam. He was not just flat-track bully, to be provided, he launched a campaign to support finals and are the only title contenders not to tional goalscoring record, perhaps during Euro though, setting up the winning goal, scored by the people in the western province of Kermanshah have drawn, winning nine matches, losing five, 2020. The ‘Shariar’ (King in Persian) scored a Mehdi Mahdavikia, in Iran’s famous 2-1 victory over after an earthquake which killed more than 600 scoring 19 goals and conceding nine. Central remarkable 109 goals in 149 appearances for Iran the United States at the 1998 World Cup. people. forward Lambert Araina leads the between 1993 and 2006, an achievement many Daei also captained his side at the 2006 World But Daei has always said he would not enter pol- Confederation Cup Golden Boot race with six thought would never be matched. Cup before retiring from international football aged itics. “My late father told me not to think about pol- goals, but was unable to score in either match But Ronaldo is fast closing in, moving to 106 37. He was the first Iranian to play in one of itics and never get involved personally,” he told the against the six-time CAF title winners from international goals from 176 games with his double Europe’s big leagues, in Germany, first with Arminia Varzesh sports website last month. “I have never eastern Algeria. in ’s 3-0 win over Hungary in Budapest on Bielefeld and then at Bayern Munich and Hertha supported or will support any candidate in the The closest Coton have come to an Tuesday. Daei has said on several occasions that he Berlin. Having later turned to coaching, he became Iranian presidential election.” African title is finishing runners-up in the would be “delighted” if Ronaldo broke his record, known for his outspokenness and spats with refer- Daei is now a successful businessman-he owns a 2003 CAF Cup and 2008 CAF Champions as he believes the Juventus striker ranks among the ees, opposing managers and club presidents. sportswear company and is also the head of con- League while Kabylie last triumphed in 2002 best three players in history, alongside Lionel Messi struction projects in northern Tehran. Maybe that is when they won the CAF Cup for a third con- and Diego Maradona. Living legend a field where he can still compete with Ronaldo, secutive time. —AFP “Records are made to be broken,” Daei told But the 52-year-old Daei remains a living legend who promotes a hotel chain in his name, if the Khabar Online news agency in 2018. “Ronaldo real- in his home country, even boasting 6.7 million fol- Portuguese takes his on-pitch record. — AFP Sunday, June 20, 2021 15 England held by Scotland at Euro 2020 as Croatia face battle to qualify

LONDON: Lackluster England were denied an early Southgate’s side some scares as they sealed a deserved played when we had the ball and created a number of ticket into the Euro 2020 last 16 on Friday as Scotland 0-0 draw. The home side started brightly, with John chances.” held their historic rivals to a goalless draw while World Stones hitting the post with a header, but lacked fluency Earlier, Croatia picked up their first point with a 1-1 Cup finalists Croatia face an uphill task to progress. and an attacking edge and captain Harry Kane was draw against the Czech Republic in Glasgow but cap- Elsewhere, took a step towards the next round again peripheral. Lyndon Dykes saw the visitors’ best tain Luka Modric was disappointed with his team’s with a 1-0 win over Slovakia and midfielder effort of an impressive second half cleared off the line showing. Czech striker Patrik Schick’s first-half penalty Christian Eriksen was released from hospital, six days by Reece James. gave him the early lead in the race for the Golden Boot after suffering a cardiac arrest. “It was a frustrating night, we know we can play bet- with his third goal of the tournament, but Ivan Perisic’s England took on Scotland at Wembley for the 100th ter,” England boss Gareth Southgate told ITV. “Got to excellent 47th-minute strike earned Croatia a draw. time in a competitive fixture but for just the second time give Scotland credit, they defended valiantly and played However, the 2018 World Cup runners-up will have to beat Scotland on Tuesday and hope other results go their way if they are to reach the knockout rounds. “There is a bitter taste after this match, as we didn’t Harry Kane win,” said Modric. “We entered the match really disor- ganized. We looked better in the second half. We scored that goal and we could have scored even more, but unfortunately we didn’t win. Now, we have to defeat Kane’s England Scotland to go through.” The Czechs and England, who meet on Tuesday, both place in question have four points in Group D, with Scotland and Croatia on one apiece. after Scotland flop Eriksen discharged Slovakia blew their chance to qualify for the last 16 LONDON: Harry Kane’s lackluster form at Euro 2020 with a match to spare after losing to Sweden in Saint has left Gareth Southgate facing a selection dilemma as Petersburg and conceding top spot in Group E to their England look to bounce back from their limp 0-0 draw opponents. The Swedes were heavily criticized for their against Scotland on Friday. Southgate’s side missed a ultra-defensive approach in their opening match, a goal- chance to book their place in the last 16 as they were less draw with Spain, but Janne Andersson’s team were frustrated by a determined Scotland side who could easi- far more forward-looking on Friday. ly have beaten their old rivals for the first time since 1999. Emil Forsberg’s penalty 13 minutes from the end England managed just one shot on target at Wembley earned Sweden a win which gives them four points, one and it was that lack of cutting edge which convinced more than second-placed Slovakia. Spain sit third in the Southgate to replace Kane with Marcus Rashford 15 min- group with a single point ahead of their game against utes from full-time. The change made no difference as Poland in Seville on Saturday, boosted by the return of LONDON: England’s defender John Stones heads the ball during the UEFA EURO 2020 Group D football match between England were forced to settle for a point that stalled the captain Sergio Busquets to Luis Enrique’s squad after England and Scotland at Wembley Stadium in London on Friday. — AFP momentum after a 1-0 against Croatia in their opening testing negative for COVID-19. Denmark’s Eriksen was game on Sunday. released from hospital following a “successful opera- England can still qualify for the knockout stages if they at a major tournament, 25 years after they met at Euro well. “We didn’t do enough to win the game but after tion” nearly a week after suffering a cardiac arrest avoid defeat in their last Group D match against the 96. Despite having just 2,500 tickets in the crowd of that the thing we have to worry about in tournament against . Doctors said Thursday that Eriksen, 29, Czech Republic on Tuesday. But it is Kane’s tepid contri- 22,500 limited by coronavirus restrictions, Scottish fans football is we had to make sure we didn’t lose it.” would have a heart defibrillator implanted to regulate butions that will be giving Southgate cause for concern made their presence felt in a sizzling atmosphere in the Scotland manager Steve Clarke said his team had his heart rhythm, casting doubt over whether he will be with England’s goal of winning the tournament in mind. pouring rain. been “unfairly criticized” after their 2-0 defeat against able to play again. “The operation went well, and I am Tottenham striker Kane went into the European England, who beat Croatia 1-0 in their opening the Czech Republic on Monday. “We had chances to doing well under the circumstances,” Eriksen said in a Championship having just won the Premier League match of the tournament, knew victory against their win, England had moments as well,” he said. “Looking at statement from the Danish Football Union. “Thank you Golden Boot with 23 goals. But England’s captain has fierce foes would seal their progress with a match to this you wouldn’t have known which is the favorite, for the massive number of greetings — it has been been unable to replicate the prolific form that saw him spare. But Scotland dug deep and gave Gareth which is a credit to us. The most pleasing thing was we incredible to see and feel.” — AFP finish as top scorer at the 2018 World Cup. Kane has looked sluggish inside the penalty area and uninspired outside it. The creativity and predatory finish- ‘Expectations sky high’ ing that made him a transfer target for Premier League Expectations soared after he scored the winner Wales’ Ramsey a ‘man ‘Unfinished’ Locatelli champions Manchester City have suddenly disappeared. against Juventus in October 2016. But after three years Southgate conceded England’s struggles against a well- and just one more goal, Milan lost faith in their protege for the big occasions’ drilled, combative Scotland team had forced him to look comes of age for and eventually sold him to Sassuolo for 14 million euros. for an alternative to Kane, who only touched the ball once “Expectations were sky-high, I wasn’t even ready,” ahead of Italy return in the penalty area in the first half. recalled Locatelli. “It was devastating when I learned Italy at Euro 2020 “We needed more runs in behind. I felt Marcus that I was no longer part of the project, no longer impor- BAKU: Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey is used to Rashford would give us that energy. At that point we had tant to the team. But in the end this helped me. I needed performing in important fixtures for club and country. got to try and get the goal,” Southgate said. “We have to ROME: Italy midfielder Manuel Locatelli started Euro to change too.” The Juventus playmaker has scored goals in crucial make these decisions based on what we see. We’re still 2020 as a replacement for injured Marco Verratti but the qualifying matches, claimed three assists at Euro 2016 working on those patterns. We’re playing a high level of once-promising youngster who fell out of favor with for- and starred in three FA Cup final wins for former club games under the intensity and to find space tonight was mer club AC Milan has finally come of age. The 23-year- Arsenal. Today, he heads to his adoptive Italy to face difficult. Scotland played well and we weren’t able to old’s impressive brace in a 3-0 win over the Azzurri in Wales’ final group game at Euro 2020. open them up.” midweek helped the Azzurri book their last-16 berth The 30-year-old scored the opening goal in the with a game to spare. midweek win over Turkey to put his country on the ‘Make the right decisions’ It gives coach Roberto Mancini a welcome selection verge of reaching the last 16 for a second straight Isolated by Scotland’s clever game-plan, Kane headache with Verratti targeting a return from a knee European Championship. He joined the record 36-time received minimal support from Raheem Sterling, Phil injury for the final Group A game against Wales today. Italian champions two years ago but his time there so Foden and . Jack Grealish’s introduction off The coach could be reluctant to make adjustments to a far has been littered with various injuries and he has the bench gave England more energy and Kane would well-tuned engine that has scored six goals in two only played 110 minutes for the Bianconeri since the surely relish the chance to feed off the Aston Villa play- games and conceded none. end of March. maker. “I think the whole team, we have got to look at the For Sassuolo’s Locatelli the postponed tournament “I don’t think that’s a concern with Aaron,” Wales ROME: Manuel Locatelli (front) celebrates with Lorenzo whole performance and our use of the ball and review has proven to be a welcome delay. “Locatelli has grown midfielder Joe Allen said on Friday. “He’s naturally Insigne after he scored Italy’s first goal during the UEFA where we can be better,” Southgate said when asked a lot,” said Mancini, who called up the player for the first incredibly fit. He works tirelessly off the pitch to keep EURO 2020 Group A match vs Switzerland at the Olympic about Kane. “That’s right across the board, so it’s not just time last September. “We think he’s a great player and himself in shape and I’ve never played with him and Stadium in Rome on June 16, 2021. — AFP about one person. Scotland, I thought, marked him can improve. He’s a playmaker, he’s physical, has techni- thought he looks anything other than fully fit and sharp extremely well.” cal qualities, he has everything.” and ready to go. As soon as he turned up here you Whether the England manager will opt to replace “For a midfielder two goals are never a given,” added His dreams of emulating Andrea Pirlo would now be could see it wasn’t going to be a problem.” Kane with Rashford or Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin the coach after Wednesday’s game in Rome. Those goals played out away from the bright lights of the San Siro in Ramsey underlined his ability as a box-to-box mid- for the crucial Czech clash is another matter entirely. have catapulted Locatelli back into the limelight, attract- Emilia-Romagna where he flourished under Roberto De fielder in the victory in Baku with a last-gasp 79th- Dropping a player with 34 England goals would be a ing interest from Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri Zerbi. “De Zerbi changed my life, thanks to him I got rid minute challenge in his own box on Turkey’s onrushing hugely brave call. Asked if he would make changes for the who reportedly wants the 40-million-euro ($47 million) of the unfinished label.” left-back Mert Muldur. “He showed that the other Czech game, Southgate said: “We will see how everyone rated player for his new midfield. Legendary Milan coach Arrigo Sacchi estimates “it night with some of his touches, his movement and is, prepare for a different type of opponent and make the Known as ‘Loca’, the player from Lake Como in took Locatelli two years to recover his modesty after the everything he did,” Wales defender Connor Roberts right decisions.” Kane had also been hauled off in the final northern Italy, started his career in Atalanta’s academy, good goal against Juve on his debut in Milan”. In three said this week. “Towards the end of the game they minutes against Croatia after failing to trouble the visi- among a crop of talented youngsters who would later seasons with Sassuolo he has scored seven goals in 99 attacked, and he made a tackle just behind me. I was tors. The 27-year-old took his second successive substi- form the backbone of Gian Piero Gasperini’s successful games, and was a vital part of the team that pushed for thinking ‘That’s Aaron Ramsey — if he can do that, we tution on the chin, saying: “It’s part of the game. The man- side. Locatelli left Bergamo for AC Milan aged 11, pro- European football last season. His club form has been all could show that’.” Ramsey came through Cardiff’s ager felt that was the right decision so you just have to gressing through the youth categories to sign a profes- transferred to the national set-up where he has played 12 academy and made his Wales bow a month before his take it. It is what it is. It was a tough game. Scotland sional contract in 2015, making his first-team debut times, scoring his first goal against Bulgaria in March, 18th birthday. Gareth Bale set up Ramsey’s goals in the defended really well. We know no game is going to be around the same time as goalkeeper Gianluigi with his double against Switzerland ensuring he can no Azeri capital after creating two other golden opportu- easy it’s a European Championship and Scotland are Donnarumma. longer be considered as a simple replacement. —AFP nities for the former Gunner. —AFP playing for their lives.”—AFP Established 1961 Sport

SUNDAY, JUNE 20, 2021 Griezmann rescues draw for France

BUDAPEST: Antoine Griezmann salvaged midway through the first half, and the hosts a 1-1 draw for France against Hungary in were living dangerously as Benzema sliced Budapest as the world champions missed badly from a superb flick by Mbappe the chance to clinch a place in the Euro before the Paris Saint-Germain forward 2020 last 16 yesterday. Hungary threat- dragged wide himself. ened to blow Group F wide open when France captain Hugo Lloris had warned Attila Fiola gave the hosts a shock lead in of over confidence against a team expect- first-half stoppage time after catching out ed to finish bottom of the group, and Les the France defence. Bleus were punished for a brief lapse just But Griezmann, the Golden Boot winner before half-time. Fiola collected Adam at Euro 2016, equalized on 66 minutes as Nagy’s crossfield ball and played a one- an unconvincing France avoided a first two with Roland Sallai, outpacing competitive defeat since June 2019. Didier Benjamin Pavard and holding off Raphael Deschamps’ side top the section with four Varane to side-foot beyond Lloris at his points, one above reigning champions near post. Portugal who play Germany in Munich lat- Deschamps had waited until the 89th er. Hungary earned their first point and the minute before making a substitute in the Germans are bottom after losing to France opener against Germany, but the introduc- in their opener. tion of Ousmane Dembele for Adrien France stay in Budapest for their final Rabiot on the hour nearly brought an game against Portugal, while Hungary trav- immediate equalizer as the Barcelona for- el to Munich to take on Germany, still hop- ward rattled the post. France pulled level ing to qualify for the knockout phase for a when a long kick upfield by Lloris sailed second straight tournament. Contending over the head of Nagy, with Mbappe with stifling temperatures in excess of 30 latching onto it ahead of Hungary’s Paris- degrees Celsius and a crowd approaching born Loic Nego. 60,000 at the Puskas Arena, the only Euro His ball across goal was deflected into 2020 venue without capacity restrictions Griezmann’s path by Willi Orban, allowing due to COVID-19, France controlled much the forward to slam in his seventh of the first half. European Championship goal. Gulacsi Having lived up to their billing as tour- produced a fine save to turnaway a fierce nament favorites in a 1-0 win over shot from Mbappe as France pressed for a Germany, France dominated Hungary early victory that would have sent them through BUDAPEST: France’s midfielder Paul Pogba and Hungary’s midfielder Laszlo Kleinheisler vie during the UEFA Euro 2020 Group F match on, creating numerous chances against a to the knockout phase. Instead, they must at Puskas Arena yesterday. — AFP side that held out for 84 minutes before wait until Wednesday’s clash with Portugal. losing 3-0 to Portugal. Peter Gulacsi slim chances of booking a place in the with two defeats, was the defense. “I’m likely to make alterations to his starting clawed away Karim Benzema’s low drive, Turkey ‘need a miracle’ knockout stage alive. sorry for the result. We want to close the line-up from Wednesday’s loss to Wales in reacting sharply to keep out Griezmann’s Meanwhile, Turkey coach Senol Gunes “We are in a situation where we need a chapter with three points,” he said. “We Azerbaijan. follow-up, despite the Barcelona star being said yesterday his side will need a “mira- miracle to happen,” Gunes said. “It will be are all sad, tomorrow is a completely new Left-back Umut Meras will miss the flagged for offside. cle” to reach the Euro 2020 last 16 ahead very sad to go home from this tournament game. We are really sad to have conceded match with Switzerland and could be Lucas Digne, brought into the side for of their final group game against without any success. After the first game five goals in two games.” replaced by Sassuolo’s Mert Muldur. The Lucas Hernandez as the only change made Switzerland. Turkey sit bottom of Group A, against Italy it felt like it was the end of the Gunes took over in March 2019 and likes of AC Milan’s Hakan Calhanoglu and by France coach Deschamps, then picked without a point or a goal after defeats by world.” Centre-back Caglar Soyuncu said oversaw victories over World Cup holders Fenerbahce’s Ozan Tufan could lose their out an unmarked Kylian Mbappe whose Italy in Rome and Wales in Baku. They face the most disappointing aspect of the open- France and Euro 2016 quarter-finalists spots in the team. “There can be changes. glancing header flashed narrowly wide. Switzerland today in the Azeri capital ing losses, a second straight European during the qualifying campaign, We are below our standard. We still have Hungary lost captain Adam Szalai to injury knowing they need to win to keep their Championship where Turkey have started losing just once. The 69-year-old said he is expectations,” he said. — AFP