EU Welcomes Kuwait Talks Initiative ‘Crucial Partner’

baseball markets

Page 9

Page 14 THE FIRST ENGLISH LANGUAGE DAILY IN FREE KUWAIT Established in 1977 / www.arabtimesonline.com

FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JUNE 25-26, 2021 / ZUL-QAADAH 15-16, 1442 AH emergency number 112 NO. 17723 16 PAGES 150 FILS EU welcomes Kuwait talks initiative ‘Crucial partner’

By Saeed Mahmoud Saleh Arab Times Staff and Agencies BRUSSELS, June 24: The European Parliament (EP) welcomed on Thursday the initiative by Kuwait Parlia- ment Speaker Marzouq Al- Ghanim on talks between lawmakers from the EU and the Gulf Cooperation Coun- cil (GCC). “The (Kuwaiti) Speaker has started an initiative to organise a parliamentary dialogue with the parliaments of the Gulf region on the one hand and the European Parliament,” For- eign Affairs Committee chief David McAllister told reporters alongside the Kuwaiti top lawmaker. “I had a great conversation with the speaker of the Kuwaiti parliament and I remember very well our visit to Kuwait a couple of years ago and the hospitality that we received,” said McAllister. On the EU’s ties with Kuwait, he said the country is a “crucial partner” when it comes to promoting security, stability and development in the region,” he stressed. He highlighted the “important role Kuwait plays in trying to negotiate in conflicts, and its “credibly active” contributions in the humanitarian side. The support Kuwait is giving in Syria or in KUNA photo Yemen is very, very important,” said the His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, on Thursday, headed to Germany on a private visit. His Highness the Amir was seen off by His Highness the Deputy Amir German MEP. and Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah, His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah In a separate meeting, the Chair of and other senior state officials. European Parliament’s Delegation for relations with the Arab Peninsula, Han- nah Neumann, expressed her happiness Benigno dies, 61 in meeting Speaker Al-Ghanim in person, saying it was an “extremely productive Opinion meeting. “For us in the EU, we are very happy to have a key partner in the region working Amir condoles for peace and stability in the region,” she stressed. Rouhani, Raisi ... camel’s revenge Aquino passing Neumann said she is looking forward to visit Kuwait at the end of this year for discussions with the Kuwaiti parliament KUWAIT CITY, June 24, (Agencies): but also to exchange views with many His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf women who are active in politics in Ku- By Ahmed Al-Jarallah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Thursday Editor-in-Chief, the Arab Times wait. Day by Day expressed, in a cable, his condolences to Earlier today after meeting with EP THE Iranian president-elect Ibrahim Raisi did not delay in the Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte President David Sassoli, Al-Ghanim re- revealing the intentions of his policy for the coming years over the death of former president Be- vealed talks will take place in Kuwait in of his rule. WHAT His Highness the Amir has said say, it is the head of a state who suffers nigno Aquino. the near future to “discuss all the con- During his fi rst press conference, he announced a death yesterday is crystal clear and comes at the most, but when people and the coun- His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh cerned issues as well as bilateral relations sentence for any glimmer of hope on the improvement of the most appropriate time. This is the try love him so much he cannot shy away Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah between the European Parliament and the his country’s relations with neighboring countries. If eve- authentic talk of a man whose heart is from the responsibility. also expressed his condolences to Presi- GCC.” rything goes well, these improved relations would have as clean as his white dress. It is full of The speech of His Highness, the Amir dent Duterte. helped rebuild international confi dence in Iran; otherwise, The six-member GCC includes Ku- advice. of the country is a lantern of knowledge His Highness Prime Minister Sheikh wait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar there would be no change to the diffi cult reality faced by 80 The responsibility of the nation fell on and a guiding light. Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah also million Iranians because of the regime’s aggressive policies. and Oman. his shoulders although he was not look- ... Yet, tomorrow is another day. sent his condolences to President Duterte. During the visit, Al-Ghanim conducted In his fi rst statement, the president-elect said, “We do not ing for it. He has always preferred to stay Aquino III, the son of pro-democracy mind restoring diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia and discussions about the Palestinian situa- away from the limelight, because as they Zahed Matar icons who helped topple dictator Fer- tion in light of the recent Israeli attacks reopening embassies in both countries”. dinand Marcos and a defender of good The words in the title seem good, but its content is on the Palestinians in Gaza, Jerusalem governance who took China’s sweeping and other parts of Palestine. drenched in poison, especially when he added, “Saudi Ara- territorial claims to an international court, bia should stop its attacks targeting the civilians and infra- In a press conference with Sassouli, structure in Yemen”. Newswatch died at 61. Al-Ghanim disclosed that the European He is forgetting the many questions raised by interna- Aquino’s family told a news confer- Parliament initially approved the propos- tional human rights organizations and bodies of his role in ence that he died in his sleep early Thurs- al to hold a session between the European the execution ceremonies of dissidents. He is forgetting that day due to “renal failure secondary to and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) his “Revolutionary Guards” which elected him is the one KUWAIT CITY: His Highness the Amir ways announced Thursday three new diabetes.” A former Cabinet official, Ro- parliaments to discuss common issues that directs terrorist operations against civilians in schools, Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- destinations to Tashkent, the capital of gelio Singson, said Aquino had been un- and strengthen relations between the two economic facilities and holy places in Saudi Arabia, while Sabah sent a cable Thursday to the Amir Uzbekistan, the Turkish city of Antalya, dergoing dialysis and was preparing for a parties. Riyadh defends itself through internationally guaranteed and of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad and Kyrgyzstan’s capital, Bishkek, as of kidney transplant. As representative of the Arab Inter- legitimate means. Al-Thani in which he expressed sincere next July. “Mission accomplished Noy, be happy Parliamentary Union, Al-Ghanim said Therefore, if someone is responsible for the bloodshed congratulations on his eighth anniversary In a press statement, Jazeera said that now with Dad and Mom,” said Pinky he conveyed a message to Sassouli in Yemen and Saudi Arabia, it is the Mullahs regime. It is since assuming offi ce. the fi rst fl ights between Kuwait and Uz- Aquino-Abellada, a sister of the late pres- about the continuous suffering of Pal- the one that should stop its attacks on Saudi Arabia and its His highness the Amir also commended bekistan will be on Saturday and Tuesday ident, using his nickname and struggling estinians and the aggression of Israel, threats to the Arabian Gulf states. Qatar for its growing achievement in vari- of each week, adding that the reason for to hold back her tears. especially against the Palestinians in Despite six and a half years of Iranian terrorism, the in- ous fi elds during the Amir’s reign, wish- choosing this destination is due to the Condolences poured in from politi- ternationally sanctioned president has come to give advice, growth of trade relations between the two Jerusalem and Gaza that is considered ing him good health and the country fur- cians led by President Rodrigo Duterte the largest jail in the world. He stressed when it is he and his regime that are more deserving of it. ther prosperity and development. countries during the past years. and others, including the dominant If he wants good relations with the neighboring countries, It also noted that the fl ights towards the the importance of the European Parlia- His highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Catholic Church and Sen. Imee Marcos, ment’s role in maintaining peace and he should stop the toxic scheme known as “exporting the Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Turkish city of Antalya will start on July a daughter of the late dictator. Philippine revolution” which his neighbors have been enduring for the 2, while the fl ights to the Kyrgyz capital, justice in the region. and his highness the Prime Minister flags were lowered at half-staff on gov- He also highlighted the humanitarian past 42 years. Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al- Bishkek, on June 26, pointing out that these ernment buildings. This scheme is an expansion project that aims for the Sabah sent similar congratulatory cables two destinations witnessed high demand as role of Kuwait, which hosted three fo- transformation of the region according to the Safavid ap- it is safe and ideal places for families. “We are saddened by President Aqui- rums of donors for Syria and a forum on to Sheikh Tamim. (KUNA) no’s passing and will always be thank- proach, which was established by Shah Ismail in the six- ❑ ❑ ❑ Jazeera Airways was established in the reconstruction of Iraq. He added Ku- teenth century who had forced and killed about two million 2004 and listed on the Kuwait Bourse in ful for our partnership,” U.S. Embassy wait has always been the just mediator, people who refused to convert to the new sect. LONDON: Google will delay by nearly 2008, and its fl ights limited to low-cost Charge d’ Affaires John Law said in a particularly in the Yemeni issue and the After the coup led by Khomeini against Shah Moham- two years the phase out of Chrome web air transport operations in the region. statement. GCC dispute. mad Reza Pahlavi, Iran acted in a similar manner. His gov- browser technology that tracks users for (KUNA) “For beyond politics and much public ernment started the eight-year war with Iraq, in which about ad purposes, saying that it needs more ❑ ❑ ❑ acrimony, I knew Noynoy as a kind and Stability four million Iraqis and Iranians were killed, wounded, and time to develop a replacement system. simple soul. He will be deeply missed,” On the other hand, Sassouli praised the displaced. Both countries incurred losses of about USD 600 The tech giant on Thursday moved its KUWAIT CITY: The decision to prevent Marcos said in a statement, using Aqui- role of Kuwait in maintaining stability in billion in that war. deadline to remove so-called third-party entry into malls, restaurants, and health no’s nickname. clubs for non-vaccinated people as of the region, in addition to its humanitar- Over the past decades, the ruling junta in Iran followed cookies to late 2023 rather than January Aquino, who served as president from ian role. He revealed the talks with Al- a policy of interfering in the affairs of Arab countries such 2022 as was initially planned. Sunday, June 27 does not apply to owners 2010 to 2016, was the heir of a family that of shops and restaurants who are not vac- Ghanim focused on maintaining regional as Lebanon which it turned into a ruined farm controlled “We need to move at a responsible has been regarded as a bulwark against stability and combating terrorism and ex- by a hired gang, Iraq where it practiced a policy of revenge pace, allowing suffi cient time for public cinated, reports Al-Qabas daily quoting informed sources. authoritarianism in the Philippines. tremism. He lauded the Kuwaiti efforts in against the people of Iraq, Syria where it plundered its discussion on the right solutions and for His father, former Sen. Benigno Aqui- solving regional disputes and humanitar- wealth and killed its people, and Yemen, in addition to its publishers and the advertising industry They explained that the COVID-19 Emergency Committee met on Thurs- no Jr., was assassinated in 1983 while ian work. terrorist operations in various parts of the world, and espio- to migrate their services,” Vinay Goel, under military custody at the Manila nage acts in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the rest of the director of privacy engineering for day afternoon under the chairmanship of In a related development, Al-Ghanim Chrome, said in a blog post. (AP) Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of international airport, which now bears also met Head of the European Parlia- the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, not to mention the his name. His mother, Corazon Aquino, propagation of Shiasm in Morocco, Egypt and some African ❑ ❑ ❑ Defense Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali. ment Delegation for relations with the countries by Iranian intelligence in an effort to build spy net- The agenda of the meeting included a led the 1986 “people power” revolt that Arab Peninsula Hannah Neumann who works in those countries. NEW YORK: An appeals court suspended number of important decisions in light of ousted Marcos. The army-backed upris- described the meeting as fruitful. She There are those who bet on changing the US adminis- Rudy Giuliani from practicing law in the developments in the epidemiological ing became a harbinger of popular revolts praised the Kuwaiti efforts in solving tration’s approach of dealing with the Tehran regime, es- New York because he made false state- situation in the country, the high rate of against authoritarian regimes worldwide. Gulf problems and the outstanding hu- pecially after the systematic misleading information given ments while trying to get courts to over- COVID-19 infections, and the high rate of A scion of a wealthy land-owning po- manitarian role; specifically in Syria, Iraq by Hassan Rouhani’s administration regarding the Vienna turn Donald Trump’s loss in the presi- clinical occupancy in intensive care units. litical clan in the northern Philippines, and other global issues. negotiations and its almost-daily announcement of great dential race. (AP) Aquino, who was fondly called Noynoy She said it was a pleasure meeting progress in them, the latest of which was the claim to lift An attorney disciplinary committee said ❑ ❑ ❑ or Pnoy by many Filipinos, built an image a great partner that seeks stability and in its motion to suspend Giuliani’s license sanctions on Iranian oil. This is in contrast to the US pu- ROME: The International Arab Banking of an incorruptible politician who battled peace -- the common goal. She is looking nitive measures that exposed such misleading information, that there was “uncontroverted evidence” poverty and frowned over excesses by forward to visiting Kuwait before the end that Giuliani had made false statements to Summit kicked off Thursday here to dis- especially the ban on electronic trumpets and the websites of cuss fi nancial strategies after the COVID the country’s elites, including powerful of 2021 to exchange parliamentary expe- Iranian institutions that promote the terrorist regime. the courts, the public and lawmakers as he politicians. One of his first orders that pushed theories that the election was sto- -19 pandemic under the patronage Italian riences and meet female political activists The international community is well aware that this re- Prime Minister Mario Draghi. lingered throughout his presidency was who could not reach the Assembly. She gime, which is evil and lives on blood wherever it goes, can- len through fraud. “This country is being torn apart by The summit will focus on challenges to ban the use of sirens in vehicles that stressed that this reality can be changed not change its character. Therefore, Ibrahim Raisi’s call for facing Arab countries and problems of in- carried VIPs through Manila’s notorious by working together and through hard the revival of relations with Saudi Arabia seems very scan- continued attacks on the legitimacy of the 2020 election and of our current presi- creased public debts after COVID-19, as it traffic jams. work. dalous. If it was sincere, it should have started by ceasing the will shed light on fi nancial and economic Aquino, whose family went into exile aggression against Saudi Arabia, and bringing an end to the dent, Joseph R. Biden,” the committee Also: wrote. “The hallmark of our democracy is strategies, as well as recovery plans to in the U.S. during Marcos’s rule, had tur- killing of Yemenis with Iranian daggers and then lamenting compensate loses. bulent ties with China as president. After KUWAIT CITY: Kuwait’s Ambassador to over them. predicated on free and fair elections. False statements intended to foment a loss of In a speech delivered in the opening China seized a disputed shoal in 2012 Belgium and head of its missions to the Email: [email protected] confi dence in our elections and resulting session, Chairman of the Union of Arab following a tense standoff in the South European Union and NATO Jasim Al- loss of confi dence in government gener- Banks Sheikh Mohammad Al-Jarrah China Sea, Aquino authorized the filing Bedaiwi held a dinner banquet in honour Follow me on: ally damage the proper functioning of a Al-Sabah of Kuwait said the summit of a complaint before an international ar- of the visiting Kuwait parliament speaker free society.” (AP) would follow up and discuss latest de- bitration tribunal that questioned the va- on Wednesday. ❑ ❑ ❑ velopments imposed by the pandemic on lidity of China’s sweeping claims in the The event was held in the attendence of banking, economic, and fi nancial sectors. strategic waterway Beijing claims virtu- ambassadors from the Gulf Cooperation KUWAIT CITY: Kuwait’s Jazeera Air- (KUNA) [email protected] ally the entire South China Sea on histori- Council and Palestine alongside Kuwait cal grounds. embassy staff. ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JUNE 25-26, 2021 2

Weather Expected weather for the next light to moderate north westerly Jahra 49 32 Prayer Timings 24 hours: wind to light variable wind with Salmiyah 40 32 Fajr ...... 03:14 Asr ...... 15:24 By Day: Very hot with light to speeds of 08-28 km/h. Ahmadi 40 36 Sunrise .. 04:50 Maghrib .. 18:51 moderate freshening at times Station Max Exp Min Rec Nuwaisib 47 29 Zohr ...... 11:50 Isha ...... 20:23 north westerly wind with speeds Kuwait City 46 33 Wafra 48 31 of 12-40 km/h. Kuwait Airport 47 34 Salmy 45 28 By Night: Hot to rather hot with Abdaly 47 27 Jal Aliyah 47 30

VACCINE REGISTRATION WEBSITE: https://cov19vaccine.moh.gov.kw/SPCMS/CVD_19_Vaccine_Registration.aspx

National Bank of Kuwait rallies 9 fi ls, Mabanee Co slips Kuwait market takes breather after 17-day winning spree By John Mathews ■ UUS$/KDS$/KD Kuwaiti held Arab Times Staff 0.30100/100.30100/10 KUWAIT CITY, June 24: Kuwait stocks ▼ Euro/KD 0.3594 pulled back slightly as it took a breather for sabotage after a 17-day marathon winning spree. ■ Yen/KD 0.0027 The All Shares Index eased 3.97 points By Munif Nayef in volatile session to 6,459.66 pts even ▼ British £/KD 0.4190 Al-Seyassah Staff as the overall sentiment turned slightly downbeat. ■ Indian Rs/KD 0.0040 KUWAIT CITY, June 24: An The Premier Market eased 2.04 pts to unidentifi ed Kuwaiti, believed to 7,016.40 points while Main Market gave ■ Philippines Peso/KD 0.0062 be an employee of the Directo- up 8.64 pts. The BK Main 50 index was rate-General of Fire Department, down 11.34 points at 5,632.46 points. ▲ FTSE has been arrested on suspicion of The volume turnover meanwhile shrank +35.91 pts at 18:50 June 24 starting fi re in eight different plac- for the second straight session. Over 350 es in the Sabah Al-Salem area. million shares changed hands – down 6 ▲ Nikkei +0.34 pts at closing June 24 According to a security source, pct from the day before. securitymen intensifi ed their pres- The sectors closed mostly in red turf. ence in the area after the outbreak ▼ Gold 1780.20 per oz (London) of fi res in several areas in Sabah Technology outshone the rest with 4.46 Al-Salem and arrested the Ku- pct jump while Energy slipped 1.05 per- waiti who is believed to be in his cent, the biggest loser of the day. Volume ▼ NYMEX crude $73.25 per barrel late thirties. He is being interro- wise, Financial Services topped with gated to fi nd out what motivated 184.9 million shares and the sector was ▼ Brent crude $75.42 per barrel him to set the places on fi re. also ahead in value with KD 20.5 million. ❑ ❑ ❑ Among the notable movers, sector LIBOR rate 0.14725% bellwether National Bank of Kuwait Suicide reported: A Sri Lan- extended last session’s gains with 9 fi ls kan domestic worker committed jump to 859 fi ls on back of 7.4 million House eased 1 fi l to 775 fi ls after pushing suicide by hanging inside her shares while Boubyan Bank scaled 4 fi ls 3.6 million shares whereas Burgan Bank sponsor’s house in the Surrah. KUNA photo after pushing 2.2 million shares. Maba- took in 1 fi l. According to a security source, Minister of Finance and Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment Khalifa Hamada holds talks with nee Co and National Investment Co shed Kuwait International Bank tripped 1 fi l when the operations room of the the EU Ambassador to Kuwait Dr Cristian Tudor. 6 fi ls each while Humansoft Holding with a volume of over 5 million and Gulf Ministry of Interior received a re- partly erased last session’s gains with a Bank dialed down 2 fi ls. port from the Kuwaiti sponsor that Warba Bank fell 4 fi ls to 255 fi ls and his domestic worker has commit- Boost eyed in economic ties 11 fi ls drop to KD 3.780. The stock has gained 490 fi ls month-to-date. Ahli United Bank BSC inched 1 fi l into ted suicide securitymen and para- red after moving 5.8 million shares. Al medics went to the site and saw the Minister of Finance and Minister sues of common interest were ordinating with Kuwait on various Zain eased 1 fi l to 586 fi ls after mov- corpse dangling from a rope. of State for Economic Affairs and reviewed as well as efforts to issues of common concern were ing 2.4 million shares while Ooredoo Ahli Bank took in 1 fi l whereas Ahli The remains of the victim have Investment Khalifa Hamada dis- strengthen cooperation in the eco- commended, it added. stood pat at 640 fi ls. stc dialed down 2 United Bank Kuwait stood pat at 300 fi ls. been referred to Forensics. Police cussed Thursday with the EU Am- nomic and investment fi elds, the The impact of the COVID-19 fi ls before settling at 845 fi ls and logis- Kuwait Investment Co eased 1 fi l to have opened an investigation into bassador to Kuwait Dr. Cristian ministry said in a press statement. pandemic on the economy, as tics major Agility was down 11 fi ls at 212 fi ls whereas International Financial the incident. Tudor ways to enhance bilateral The inauguration of the 2019 well as measures taken to mitigate 951 fi ls paring the month’s gains to 32 Advisors and Arzan Financial Group cooperation between both sides. EU mission in Kuwait and the its effects were also discussed, it ❑ ❑ ❑ fi ls. Mezzan Holding fell 3 fi ls to 644 took in 1 fi l each. Kuwait Financial Cen- During the meeting, several is- role played by the mission in co- noted. (KUNA) fi ls whereas Boursa Kuwait Securities Co tre (Markaz) added 2 fi ls on back of 3.3 Expat rescued: The Marine Fire added 2 fi ls. KIPCO trimmed 1 fi l and million shares whereas KMEFIC gave up Services department, Friday, trans- Tamdeen Investment Co dropped 8 fi ls to 5 fi ls. ported an unidentifi ed expatriate 262 fi ls. Noor Financial Investment fell 3 fi ls to who fell ill while on the Failaka National Industries Group slipped 6 229 fi ls whereas Gulf Investment House Island due to the unstable weather fi ls to 228 fi ls after pushing 13.9 mil- and Aayan Leasing added 3 fi ls each. conditions and handed him over No tourist visas issued to lion shares while Gulf Bank dials down Osoul Investment gave up 2.8 fi ls and to the ambulance, reports Al-Rai KAMCO dialed up 1 fi l on back of 2.8 daily. The Public Relations and 2 fi ls. Boubyan Petrochemical Co dipped Media Department of the Direc- 9 fi ls to 922 fi ls whereas Al Qurain Pet- million shares. KFIC inched 0.3 fi ls into torate-General of Fire Department rochemical Co held ground at 387 fi ls. green. said the operations room received Kuwaitis: Russia embassy Jazeera Airways glided 8 fi ls higher to Kuwait Cement Co eased 1 fi l to 250 a report that an Arab man was ill 654 fi ls and ALAFCO whittled down 3 fi ls and Kuwait Portland Cement clipped and a fi re-boat was dispatched to fi ls after moving over 2 million shares. 2 fi ls. Hilal Cement climbed 8.1 fi ls to the island to bring the man and United Projects Co shed 14 fi ls. 89.6 fi ls while ACICO Industries scaled hand him over to the Emergency ‘Verifi ed PCR test for travelers must’ The market opened gap up and pulled 6 fi ls. Kuwait Foundry Co and NICBM Medical Services department. higher in early trade. The main index were unchanged at 389 fi ls and 162 fl ipped direction and fell sharply to fi ls respectively whereas Shuaiba Indus- KUWAIT CITY, plumb the day’s lowest level of 6,459 pts trial took in 1 fi l. Educational Holding June 24: The Rus- before heading north. It peaked at 6,477 Co sprinted 15 fi ls to 735 fi ls and Kuwait sian embassy an- points half way into the session and re- National Cinema Co slid 15 fi ls. nounced that it does treated again to close marginally in red. Kuwait and Gulf Links Transport Co Top gainer of the day, Kuwait Hotels rose 1.5 fi ls to 59.5 fi ls whereas Auto- not issue tourist visa Co galloped 17.9 percent to 77.4 fi ls mated Systems Co and YIACO paused at to the nationals of and Hilal Cement Co scaled 9.94 pct to 117 fi ls and 500 fi ls respectively. Inovest most countries, in- stand next. UPAC skidded 4.6 percent, climbed 7 fi ls to 128 fi ls and Combined cluding Kuwaitis, the steepest decliner of the day and Gulf Group Contracting Co gave up 6 fi ls. Bur- Finance House topped the volume with gan Company For Well Drilling inched 1 at present; clarify- 33.8 million shares. fi l up to 196 fi ls and KCPC erased 7 fi ls. ing that Kuwaitis Mirroring the day’s drop, the win- Independent Petroleum Group skidded are allowed to en- ners outnumbered the losers. 53 stocks 19 fi ls to 609 fi ls. advanced whereas 70 closed lower. Of The market was buoyant during the ter Russia only for the 141 counters active on Thursday, 18 week. The main index closed higher treatment and those closed fl at. 12,986 deals worth KD 60 in four of the fi ve sessions gaining 66 who have Russian million were transacted during the ses- points week-on-week. It has rallied 238 fi rst degree relatives sion. points from start of the month and is up (husband-wife-chil- In the banking sector, Kuwait Finance 898 points year-to-date. dren), reports Al- Qabas daily. In a statement to the daily, the embassy disclosed that some excep- tional cases are exempted from travel restrictions; including participation in offi cial events such as international conferences and tournaments (champi- onships). The embassy stated that travelers from Kuwait or other foreign travelers heading to Russia must undergo PCR test 72 hours before arrival. If the result of the PCR test is in Arabic, the traveler must visit the Consular Sec- tion of the embassy for au- thentication. The embassy added that before traveling, the traveler Sheikh Mubarak Abdullah Al-Mubarak presents a plaque to the French Ambassa- is required to fi ll out a form dor to Kuwait Anne-Claire Legendre. for monitoring the health status of those entering Russia on the website www.rospot- French envoy, Sheikh Mubarak meet rebnadzor.ru The embassy went on to H.E. the French Ambassador to Kuwait relations between the two friendly say that foreigners are re- Anne-Claire Legendre received H.E. countries, as well as some cultural and quired to present a medical Sheikh Mubarak Abdullah Al-Mubarak social issues of concern to both par- certifi cate in Russian or Eng- Al-Sabah at the headquarters of the ties. lish confi rming the negative French Embassy. During the meeting, At the end of the meeting, Sheikh result of a laboratory test for many issues were discussed, espe- Mubarak presented a memorial plaque covid-19 (PCR test) when cially those that strengthen economic depicting the Kuwaiti heritage. boarding the aircraft. The test should have been done no earlier than three Nuwaiseeb hits 53.2 C degrees calendar days before arrival in the Russian Federation. If it is not possible to submit Eight Kuwaiti areas termed hottest the certifi cate in Russian or English, it is allowed to have the document in the offi cial KUWAIT CITY, June 24: Nuwaiseeb ture of 53.2 degrees Celsius, Ahwaz language of the State where recently topped the list of 15 cities that and Umaydiya (Iran) 50.1 degrees the medical organization, recorded the highest temperatures in Celsius, Jahra 49.7 degrees Celsius, which issued the the world. The list had eight cities of Sulaibiya 49.2 degrees Celsius, Ama- medical certifi cate, is situ- Kuwait including Nuwaiseeb, as well rah (Iraq) 49 degrees Celsius, Mutribah ated. In this case, it is necessary to attach a Russian as three Iraqi cities and four Iranian cit- 49 degrees Celsius, Abadan (Iran) 48.9 translation of the certifi cate ies. degrees Celsius, Kuwait International notarized by a consular of- The list was published by the inter- Airport 48.8 degrees Celsius, Safi Abad fi cial of the Russian Fed- national “El Dorado weather forecast” Dezful (Iran) 48.8 degrees Celsius, Ab- eration. Before arrival at the website, which specializes in monitor- dali 48.7 degrees Celsius, Basra Inter- Russian Federation, foreigners must fi ll out a questioning temperatures. national Airport 48.6 degrees Celsius, naire — the sample of which The order of those cities with the Faw (Iraq) 48.6 degrees Celsius, Wafra is available on the offi cial highest temperatures was as follows - 48.5 degrees Celsius, and fi nally Subbi- website of Rospotrebnadzor. Nuwaiseeb which recorded a tempera- ya in Kuwait with 48.5 degrees Celsius. ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JUNE 25-26, 2021 LOCAL 3 diwaniya A DIGEST OF PUBLIC OPINION ‘Govt must keep check on ‘hypocrite politicians’ who mislead public’

“WHAT is called negative thinking by the scientists is the domination of MPs, intellectuals and activists are currently convinced that the road to “This happens although they are taking various types of ‘Botox’ injec- pessimism on the thinking which brings forth negative ideas and all that a reach the Assembly or bagging a ministerial position begins with walking tions to look good or in shape although these are banned by Islam, and the human being sees is the half empty cup which produces a lot of ideas that the path of negative aspects of both the community and the state simulta- side effects of these injections are confirmed by the scientific references. destroys the human potential and impedes the process of production and neously in addition to highlighting the scandals of others, but unfortunate- “Talking about personal freedom this can be refuted by saying ‘the development accordingly which ultimately results in the community join- ly this negative aspect, is supported and encouraged by the community freedom of an individual will end when he/she violates the freedom of the ing the ranks of the so-called ‘failed’ and ‘backward’ people,” columnist and many politicians have become examples for the voters and the youth. community’. Anyone who transmits the sickness or an infection to others Owaied Al-Sulaili wrote for Al-Shahed daily. “Given this scenario, the government is requested to take the initiative will be looked upon as someone who violates the freedom of others. “About ten years ago when I presented TV pro- and do its utmost to mobilize its effort to cooperate with the specialists in “However, if we observe the entire world is fighting various types of grams on ‘Al-Shahed TV Channel’ my efforts con- the government to handle such lesions and fight every hypocrite politician smoking to protect public health despite a fact that smoking falls within centrated on attempts to draw the attention of the who strives to achieve his objective by promoting rumors and pessimism the personal freedom but this freedom is determined by a rule by the im- government and the concerned specialists to this without producing any evidence. position of preventive measures to protect people from themselves. Given negative thought and pessimism which currently “In conclusion, we cite the famous Chinese proverb which says ‘It is these examples, we wonder how the demonstrators can justify their dem- prevails among the Kuwaitis simultaneously and is better to light a candle than curse the darkness’.” onstration, sit-ins and wailing over the vaccination issue. unfortunately promoted by the politicians. Also: “But the most significant question is, can our problems be solved by “I see these negativities as something catastrophic taking to the street, organizing sit-ins and giving speeches? The country that destroy the state, the process of development “Earlier, the Kuwaitis remained divided as an opposition where some will suffer if the government fails to control the street, at a time when the and the ambition of every citizen who look forward people described themselves as ‘free’ and pro-government while another citizen doesn’t know the meaning of personal freedom to such an extent to see their country progressing. Through these pro- Al-Sulaili group identified themselves as Sunni, Shiite, civilized, and Bedouin and he/she cannot differentiate between advice and scandal. grams, I have repeatedly requested the state and the some of these denominations of had some other branches, however, we “Anyway, this will not be confined to dividing the citizens between concerned government authorities to pay concern to the relevant destruc- will not go into these details, but this division overnight became a new the vaccinated and unvaccinated, rather the country is likely to witness tive remarks which promote the negative culture and pessimism among division of those who support the vaccination against the Covid-19 and another new division, where the people as a result shall take to the street, the community and this has resulted in the majority of citizens not appre- those who oppose the vaccine or who called themselves ‘vaccinated and unless the government hastens to take necessary action and play its role ciating the achievements made by the state. unvaccinated,” columnist, former MP and the incumbent general manager to protect the entire community or protecting the people from themselves “This happens at a time when small achievements made by the neigh- of Scope TV Satellite Channel Talal Al-Saeed wrote for Al-Seyassah and not wait for ‘Rome to burn’. boring states are being lauded and appreciated and this shows our govern- daily. “In other words, if the current situation continues, we shall see the ment is currently busy with its daily problems with the Parliament and “We found how those who are not convinced of the vaccination consti- wives taking to the street and resorting to sit-ins to express their anger daily threats and blackmails from the MPs without looking for urgent tute a specific bloc and are involved in organizing street demonstrations against their husbands.” solutions to the problems. while others called for banning Jewish vaccines saying this will not cause “In the meantime, we have observed that most politicians including the their deaths after two years, according to what they claim. — Compiled by Zaki Taleb

Other Voices Inspectors at risk as residency, labor Human resources decline law violations detected at work sites By Ahmad alsarraf versity owners government land on a contract which expires in 20 years, Contractors blamed was surprised and astonished at the as if building a university and wait- Idecline of the level of Kuwait Uni- ing for its outputs is no different from versity in international rankings, after granting government land to build a it drifted from 1,001 to 1,200 in the central market or a public bathroom? KUWAIT CITY, June 24: A field inspection QS classification for the year 2022, To confi rm the deterioration of tour of the South Abdullah Al-Mubarak Res- although it was at the level of 801 to the Kuwait University, graphs show idential Project, which is witnessing an in- 1000 only one year ago. the extent of low productivity of crease in the building of residential plots, was The drop in the Kuwait University the university teacher, especially in level is accompanied by a noticeable scientifi c subjects such as medicine conducted by the National Center for Occu- rise in the levels of private universi- and architecture and this is defi nitely pational Health and Safety, affiliated with ties, especially the American Univer- because of the bad outcomes of high the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM). sity of the Middle East AUM, which school. ranked fi rst locally, and the 33 Arab During the inspection tour, a number of labor- The belief that there is an opportu- related violations were discovered including failure universities in the QS classifi cation nity for the Minister of Higher Edu- which received advanced scien- cation to improve the university’s to comply with the residency and labor laws, and tifi c places and classifi cation is unrealistic especially violation of the decision that bans outdoor work awards despite after the meager formation of the during midday hours due to the scorching summer its relatively Kuwait University Board of Trus- heat, reports Al-Qabas daily. short academic tees with respect to its members. The history. The tour revealed the extent of the risks that PAM problem is not only with them or the inspectors face when dealing with labor violations. The decline teaching staff, the spread of immoral in the Kuwait As soon as the inspection team arrived at one of the practices such as cheating and the residential plots, the site contractors fled the site, University clas- scarcity of research and studies but sifi cation is felt rather in the educational system as a leaving their workers hanging on the ceilings of the in all state fa- whole. plots, although the team attended to implement the cilities, almost Therefore, raising the effi ciency decision to prevent working during the midday hours. without excep- of the Kuwait University and raising The team was able to issue warnings for more than tion, and there alsarraf its classifi cation cannot be achieved 30 workers within minutes of the start of the inspec- KUNA photo is no doubt that without raising the level of the edu- tion tour. The tour revealed the extent of contractors’ Staff at the Ministry of State for Communications and Information Technology Af- the responsibility lies with the gov- cational stages that preceded it. We negligence of the decision and their keenness to make fairs during the opening ceremony. ernment which accepted the handing urgently need an educational revolu- over of education to backward and laborers work in the afternoon in the South Abdullah tion through a Supreme Council for Al-Mubarak area when the temperatures reach more High-speed Net services eyed politicized religious forces from kin- Education, whose task is to develop a dergarten to university level in addi- binding education plan that includes than 50 degrees Celsius, despite the laborers’ knowl- tion to its insistence to treat education all levels and can be developed for edge of the decision. The Ministry of State for Communica- civil sector. like a farm and livestock pen when a It was remarkable during the tour that the center’s tions and Information Technology Af- She explained that this project will the better by the council itself which fairs stressed on the importance of the serve the infrastructure at high speeds minister comes and distributes these is made up entirely of members who inspectors, led by the Head of the Occupational Safe- pens and farms without any plan or Network Operations Center (DWDM) needed by border posts, state institu- meet certain conditions, and who ty Department in Farwaniya Governorate Mansour project in strengthening the infrastruc- tions, government agencies and the pri- looking at food security. have no ties to any of the declared Al-Mutairi, sought to educate workers about the dan- ture to provide high-speed Internet ser- vate sector. It will also develop and ac- This is also the case in educa- and secret religious parties. vices to users without interruption. tivate a GPS service to locate tracks for tion where a minister comes and ger of not complying with the decision and its health The Council may seek the assis- repercussions on them, in addition to the repercus- The ministry said in a press release cables and optical fibers when they fail. decides to use the World Bank to tance of all international expertise, on the occasion of the opening of the She stated that the duration of the develop education or benefi t from sions of violating the residency and labor laws by first phase of the Network Operations contract for the completion of the project conclude agreements with various those working for a company or an entity that is not the experiences of Finland or Sin- parties, cancel some or all of the cur- Center project in the South Sabahiya is three years, and work began in 2019 gapore or impose the teaching of their sponsor. exchange, that the project aims to link in the South Sabahiya divider, through a rent curricula and replace them with between exchanges, border posts, in- special control room, instrument rooms, living global languages in the early new modern curricula and that its Implement stages of education, then a minister stitutions, government agencies and the and provision of training rooms. (KUNA) work continues for a relatively long He stressed the keenness of Kuwait to implement comes, often affi liated to the forces period, and the Minister of Educa- of backwardness, and cancels all tion and deputy ministers have no the decision that bans outdoor work during the mid- agreements to seek the assistance of right to interfere in the affairs of the day hours from 11:00am to 4:00 pm in order to pro- ‘Charities deposit cash without info’ experts, and another worse comes Supreme Council or to be members tect this category of workers from the summer heat. and expels international consultants of it but rather to implement its deci- Al-Mutairi indicated that this decision is an affir- KUWAIT CITY, June 24: The Ministry and General Secretariat of Endowments. and a third caves in to the pressures sions. mation of Kuwait’s humanitarian role as the global of Social Affairs has discovered cash de- The ministry has asked local banks of backward forces and cancels the This suggestion may not be practi- center for humanitarian work. posits in the local bank accounts of some and exchange companies not to accept teaching of international languages cal for some, but keeping the situa- charity societies without the knowledge any cash deposits from charity socie- in the early stages, and all of this He said, “The decision came into effect this June of the ministry, reports Al-Qabas daily. ties without the written approval of the tion as it is shall be a recipe for the and will continue until the end of August, as these would not have happened if there continued disintegration and erosion The daily quoting the ministry sources Ministry of Social Affairs specifying the was a binding education plan and no three months witness a rise in temperatures and said this is done in violation of the deci- amount to be deposited and the name of of the Kuwaiti citizen’s component. weather fluctuations”. one allowed to interfere in this plan, ❑ ❑ ❑ sion of the Council of Ministers, which the person responsible for depositing the even a minister. Regarding the procedures, Al-Mutairi explained forbids collection of cash donations – the amount, even if it is through money trans- It is also absurd to give private uni- e-mail: [email protected] that the inspectors record minutes and warnings to facility that is limited to the Zakat House fer companies. avoid violations. After a working day has passed, the inspectors return to the site. The inspectors are constantly exposed to dangers ‘More power for better work’ due to workers fleeing the site. The tour on Tuesday included only seven sites from where 30 violations were recorded, most of which were against workers ‘Strengthen municipality bylaws’ who are in violation of the residency and domestic labor laws. By Abdel Nasser Al-Aslami cy. It is worth mentioning that, even though citizens Al-Seyassah Staff He said the documentary cycle of have been waiting for many years for their residential the Municipal Council is very long and plots to be built, their lack of interest in following up KUWAIT CITY, June 24: Member of sometimes reaches eight months, which the Municipal Council and Chairman the construction and building operations contributes requires that the council’s approvals not to the entry of marginal labor and violation of daily of the Reform and Development Com- be necessary for all organizational ap- mittee, Hamoud Al-Enezi, has stressed provals, especially since the regulations work that contractors rely on. on the need to consider amendments were prepared only to avoid lengthening It was discovered during the tour that the majority to the Kuwait Municipality’s bylaws, the process. of laborers at construction sites hold residencies for to strengthen governance in the Mu- Al-Enezi affi rmed he will work to domestic workers, customs brokers, air freight and nicipality’s apparatus and break the give more authorizations to the execu- other types of professions that are not specialized in intertwining competencies between the tive body while defi ning clear guiding the construction industry. Municipality and the Council, with the requirements and regulations that will The inspectors told the daily that the procedure be- expansion of granting authorizations enable the Kuwait Municipality to de- ing followed requires the submission of a detailed that enable the council’s executive body cide directly on regulatory approvals report on the violators to the concerned department, to carry out its roles to the fullest of without entering into a long documen- which is then referred to the Ministry of Interior to providing services at a faster pace to tary cycle. take legal measures if the worker is under article 20 citizens. It is noteworthy that Kuwait Munici- visa. Al-Enezi rejected any proposals to pality’s 17 bylaws are considered among During one of the tours by the inspection team on cancel previous mandates of the execu- the most important regulations that affect tive body, stressing that the municipal- the condition of the citizen and his daily government road projects, the team found two labor- ity’s vote in its last session to cancel a routine, which are aimed at supporters working on a pedestrian bridge project on Route 20-year-old mandate for the Municipal- ing projects and encouraging economic 6.5. After checking their civil IDs, it was discovered ity director slows down the work of the movement in Kuwait, in light of the cur- that they hold article 20 work permits which are in- executive body and reduces its effi cien- rent circumstances. tended for domestic workers. ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JUNE 25-26, 2021 LOCAL 4 WHO offi ce in Kuwait holds its introductory workshop Dr Al-Watian confi rms depth of ties between MoH and WHO

By Marwa Bahrawi national Health Relations, Dr Rehab Al-Watian, the Al-Seyassah Staff Permanent Representative of the World Health Or- Photo by Rizk Taufi q KUWAIT CITY, June 24: The Ministry of Health organization for the Eastern Mediterranean Region in A photo from the fi rst ‘introductory’ workshop of WHO held in Kuwait. ganized the fi rst workshop of the Permanent Offi ce Kuwait, Asaad Hafeez, the epidemiologist at the WHO of the World Health Organization in Kuwait, in the Regional Offi ce, Dr Amjad Al-Khouli, and the WHO’s presence of the Director of the Department of Inter- liaison offi cers in the country. Dr Al-Watian said in a press statement on the sidelines of the meeting that this workshop is the fi rst after the offi cial opening of the offi ce of the permanent representative of the World Health Organization in Kuwait last week in the presence of the Minister of Health Sheikh Dr Basil Al-Sabah. She pointed out the primarily purpose of the workshop is introductory, as the WHO permanent representative in Kuwait, Dr Ha- feez liaises with the liaison offi cers in the Ministry of Health, and they are the point of contact between the Kuwaiti Ministry of Health and the WHO, as they are responsible for submitting the reports, informa- KUNA photo tion and numbers required from Part of the largest oxygen shipment from Kuwait to India, carried by an Indian Navy the Ministry to the World Health ship. The ambassador during his meeting with Assistant Foreign Minister, Asia Affairs Ali Al-Saeed. Organization. She explained the Ministry of ‘Kuwait in forefront of global efforts’ Indian ambassador meets Assistant FM Al-Saeed Health includes many sectors, and each sector has a number of liaison The Indian Ambassador to Kuwait HE Sibi George fairs Minister to Kuwait, Dr S. Jaishankar; Covid-19 offi cers who work in a joint pro- met HE Ambassador Ali Sulaiman Al-Saeed, Assis- vaccine related issues, travel restrictions and up- gram between the Kuwaiti Minis- Largest Kuwaiti oxygen shipment tant Foreign Minister, Asia Affairs, Ministry of For- coming events. PGoE (Protector of Overseas Em- try of Health and the World Health eign Affairs, Kuwait and discussed, inter-alia bilat- ployment) and Joint Secretary, MEA, Yogeshwar Organization, and these programs arrives in India: says ambassador eral relations, follow up on the positive momentum Sangwan also addressed the gathering virtually. are vital and organized and require from External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar’s ❑ ❑ ❑ visit to Kuwait to further strengthen bilateral ties, Di- interaction and permanent respons- Workshop on UPI: The Indian Embassy in Kuwait es. NEW DELHI, June 24, (KUNA): of the State of Kuwait to alleviate the aspora issues, and matters of mutual interest. Kuwait Ambassador to India Jassem suffering of the friendly people of In- ❑ ❑ ❑ participated in a workshop on Unifi ed Payments Dr Al-Watian confi rmed the Interface (UPI) & Rupay with NPCI organized by depth and strength of the relations Al-Najem revealed on Thursday that dia during the health crisis it is going Open House: The Indian Embassy in Kuwait or- Ministry of External Affairs, India on June 24; the between the Ministry of Health the largest oxygen shipment has ar- through. ganized the Open House at its auditorium, June fruitful discussions that highlighted the immense and the World Health Organiza- rived from Kuwait at the Indian port of Kuwait is in the forefront of global 23, during which Ambassador Sibi George briefed potential for enhanced collaboration with local pay- Mumbai to confront the coronavirus. efforts providing India with oxygen the Indian community on the visit of External Af- ments switch providers. tion, and this relationship was crowned by the inauguration of the In a statement to KUNA, Ambassa- and other medical supplies in the wake permanent offi ce, noting that Ku- dor Al-Najem said that an Indian naval of massive health crises following the 550 experts participate in virtual conference wait is an offi cial member of the ship carrying 7,500 medical oxygen spread of the new strain. organization since 1960, and that cylinders arrived Mumbai port to help During his recent visit to Kuwait, it is ranked 19th among 22 coun- the country fi ght the mutated version of Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. tries in the eastern Mediterranean, the virus. S. Jaishankar had thanked the Kuwaiti ‘Cyber security confabs build close scientifi c and that the presence of an offi ce The ambassador renewed keenness leadership and people for the aid. of the organization in the country base with experts and scholars in the fi eld’ will document the relationship and will increase communication Bid to obtain certifi ed int’l certifi cate KUWAIT CITY, June 24: The work of the fi rst virtual and continuous follow-up and will conference on cyber and information security (InfoSec MEW launches new e-service undoubtedly give clear results and Summit’21), which was held by the Information Scienc- shed light on Kuwait’s efforts. es Department at the College of Life Sciences under the KUWAIT CITY, June 24: The Ministry of Elec- In turn, Dr Hafeez said: “We are PAM signs contract for training and patronage of the Acting President of Kuwait University, tricity, Water and Renewable Energy last week in the process of introducing the Prof. Dr Bader Al-Badawi, and in cooperation with the announced the launch of the service to complete liaison offi cers in the Kuwaiti Min- qualifi cation of 25 engineers: offi cial Communications and Information Technology Author- transactions through the Hotline Number 153, istry of Health to the organization’s ity and the US Embassy in Kuwait, concluded yesterday reports Aljarida daily. with the participation of 550 experts and academics, via programs in full coordination with KUWAIT CITY, June 24: The Public tributing to raising the effi ciency of train- The ministry explained that the electronic ser- the ministry in all its departments live broadcast technology on the YouTube platform, re- vices provided by the ministry are multiple and Authority for Manpower (PAM) signed a ees at work in line with the needs of the ports Al-Seyassah daily. in various disciplines.” contract for the training and qualifi cation private sector labor market in the State of include entering the meter reading, transferring He explained that there is a set The speech was delivered by the sponsor of the con- ownership of a facility, checking the meter, ob- of 25 engineers in the fi eld of effective- Kuwait. ference, Dr Abdullah Al-Mutawa, Acting Vice President taining a clearance, paying bills by sending an of very precise rules on the basis of ness in engineering project management At the same time, Al-Shaalani affi rmed for Academic Support Services, who pointed out the im- electronic link, registering a request to replace which work is being done for coor- to obtain the Certifi ed International En- the authority is keen on determining the portance of such conferences to build a close scientifi c a meter, disconnection the electricity and water dination and cooperation between gineer Certifi cate — an international pro- obstacles that companies are facing in re- base with experts and scholars in the fi eld to exchange the organization and the ministry services, in addition to many other services. fessional certifi cate accredited based on cruiting citizens; and to overcome them experiences and lessons in accordance with quality to enhance joint cooperation to It revealed that the working hours will be the foundations and international engi- in a way that serves the Kuwaiti youths standards. from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm from Sunday to Thurs- reach more positive results. neering standards for the development of who are looking for a job. He is look- He pointed out that with the increase in people’s de- day every week. He pointed out that in the inter- engineering capabilities and supports op- ing forward to a fruitful cooperation with pendence on modern technologies, the danger of cyber In a separate context, the ministry announced est of the World Health Organiza- portunities to fi nd suitable work for them breaches increases and that in the Sabah Al-Salem Uni- a power outage in some chalets in Khairan area tion to consolidate cooperation and that enhances the skills of trainees in en- companies in the engineering fi eld to in- versity City, which relies on artifi cial intelligence appli- in order to conduct emergency maintenance of support, qualify and prepare the gineering projects, reports Al-Rai daily. crease the percentage of national workers cations, information and cyber security have been taken the 33KV overhead line of Zour Port B. and achieve the goal to replace expatri- into consideration. health system in Kuwait calling Deputy Director-General for National the relationship with the “organi- Manpower Affairs in the authority Sultan ates with citizens. In turn, the Acting Dean of the College of Life Sci- An agreement has been reached with ences, Prof. Ahmed Al-Lafi , spoke about the importance ered by Eng. Waleed Al-Qallaf, Board Member of the zation” deep and extends for dec- Al-Shaalani met with representatives of of cybersecurity and information at the present time, es- Communications and Information Technology Regula- ades, pointing out that the initial Kuwait Society of Engineers to sign the the society to train job seekers in the fi eld pecially after the increasing reliance of institutions and tory Authority, where he focused on the importance basics in the areas of cooperation contract between the authority and soci- of effectiveness in managing engineering companies on technological systems and applications in of building a secure cyberspace and focusing on joint and technical support by the World ety. projects via the Zoom platform for a pe- the management and conduct of their business. commitments to make Kuwait more secure and devel- Health Organization and how to re- During the meeting, Al-Shaalani dis- riod of three weeks to achieve the desired The keynote speech at the conference was also deliv- oped to face the dangers of this space. ceive programs will be discussed. cussed the role of the authority in con- results, he added.

15pc surplus power: ministry MEW calls to rationalize electricity consumption

KUWAIT CITY, June 24: The Ministry of Electricity and Water has appealed to the public to rationalize electricity consumption, considering the steady increase in consumption due to rising temperatures, reports Al-Anba daily quoting sources from the ministry. The power consumption index recently recorded a maximum consumption of 14,350 megawatts during which the temperature was 47 degrees Celsius. Sources said the consumption is still within the ministry’s expectations and below the projected maximum consumption of 15,600 megawatts based on the annual increase monitored by the ministry. Sources revealed the ministry has power supply surplus of about 15 percent of the total production, so it can still meet the demand; but this does not mean wasting energy as judicious consumption is necessary to avoid putting pressure on stations and to prevent power disruptions due to technical faults. Sources stressed that while the ministry is able to meet the demand, it is at the same time dealing with an electri- cal network which may be exposed to pressure and technical malfunctions like any other network in the world. They af- ﬁ rmed the ministry is doing its best to maintain the service and deliver it to customers in full capacity. Council rejects MPW’s request to allocate KD1m for ‘tunnel’ KUWAIT CITY, June 24: The Municipal Council, in its session presided over by Eng Osama Al-Otaibi, approved the amendments to the previous regulation on the list of mobile vehicles,reports Al-Qabas daily. The council compared its internal regulations with those stipulated on the list from the Legal Advice and Legislation Department to ﬁ nd out the differences between the two regulations, and discuss these differences in the next session. On the other hand, the council rejected the request of the Ministry of Public Works to allocate KD 1 million for Der- wazat Al-Abdul-Razzaq tunnel which is located in the heart of the capital, and referred it to the Heritage Protection Com- mittee. It also rejected the request of the mayor of Mansouriya for the Arab Club to establish restaurants and shops in the area. ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JUNE 25-26, 2021 LOCAL 5

Kuwait’s tallest skyscraper delegates’ favorite due to its original design, state-of-the-art tech Al Hamra Business Tower wins ‘Audience Award’ for 10 year category KUWAIT CITY, June 24: Heralded for being the most infl uential tower built in Kuwait in the last decade, Al Hamra Business Tower was the proud winner of the ‘Audience Award’ for the 10 year category of 2011 projects completion by the Council on Tall Buildings and Ur- ban Habitat (CTBUH). Delegates from around the world ranging from the fi eld of tall buildings and sustainable urban habitat projects and design such as ar- chitects, building owners, and engineers unanimously voted for Al Hamra Busi- ness Tower as their favorite project due to its original design, cultural symbolism, sustainability and state-of-the-art technology. Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), Al Hamra Business Tower stands at 413 meters high across 80 levels, integrated with intelligent design, functionality a striking mix of iconic sculptural form and breathtaking offi ce views overlooking the Gulf. The Tower has inspired a new wave of development, and cultivated a pro- found legacy as an economic driver for the city in only a decade. Modern It is credited for creating a modern offi ce space environment and revolu- tionizing the way the local business community works and operates. Situ- ated at the heart of Kuwait City’s commercial district, the Tower has evolved into a vertical city with a thriving The Al Hamra Business Tower has evolved into a vertical city with a thriving community that is home to over 120 community that is home to over 120 tenants, who are some of Kuwait’s leading political, telecom, banking, government, business and diplomatic fig- tenants, who are some of Kuwait’s ures since its inception. leading political, telecom, banking, government, business and diplomatic can exert over a decade after comple- the world, 5th tallest offi ce building in fi gures since its inception. tion. This award represents the impor- the world and 12th tallest building in Mr. Ali Khajah, Chief Operating Of- tance of the long term value of design the world in the year 2012. fi cer of Al Hamra Real Estate Develop- within the urban environment.They are Al Hamra Business Tower is the re- ment said: “This is truly an honor and expressions of how a community sees cipient of several local, regional and The Al Hamra Business Tower stands at 413 meters high across 80 levels, an enriching experience as Al Hamra itself, not only now, but in the future. global recognitions including ‘Best Business Tower receives a new cat- integrated with intelligent design, functionality a striking mix of iconic sculp- SOM is proud that Al Hamra, after ten international commercial high rise de- tural form and breathtaking office views overlooking the Gulf. egory award resulting from the global years, still represents the aspiration, velopment’ award, ‘Best Commercial respect and appreciation for our brand ambition and energy of Kuwait City.” High-Rise Architecture’ and ‘Best from American Institute of Architecture sophisticated view of these important and its progress from a vast and diverse CTBUH explore projects, technolo- Commercial High-Rise Development’ (AIA) – New York Chapter, American buildings, spaces, and technologies, list of industry peers. This achieve- gies, and approaches currently reshap- awards for both Kuwait as well as the Architecture Awards Organization from while advocating for improvements ment projects the economic prosperity ing skylines and urban spaces world- Region by the International Property The Chicago Athenaeum Museum of in every aspect of their performance, of modern day Kuwait to the world at wide. Previously, Al Hamra Business Awards, Dubai, African and Arabian Architecture and Designs to name a few. especially those that have the greatest large and more particularly, the confi - Tower was recognized by the Council Property Awards and Arabian Property The CTBUH Annual Awards pro- impact on the people who use them dence and pride the people of Kuwait on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat Awards. Smart Building Award-Middle gram recognizes projects and individu- each day. Celebration of the award have in their future development.” (CTBUH) as the tallest building in East Organization from Honeywell, als that have made extraordinary con- winning projects is recognized through Gary Haney,Design Partner at SOM, Kuwait, 2nd tallest building, and tall- Excellence in Concrete Construction tributions to the advancement of tall the annual Tall + Urban Innovation said:“We are honored to participate in est offi ce building and tallest concrete Awards First Place/High-Rise Build- buildings and the urban environment, Conference, where Award of Excel- a program that celebrates not just de- structure in the Middle East. Interna- Ali Khajah, Chief Operating Officer ings Organization from American Con- and that achieve sustainability at the lence Winners in each award category sign or commercial success, but the tionally, the Tower was acclaimed for of Al Hamra Real Estate Develop- crete Institute (ACI), Design Award: highest and broadest level. The objec- present their projects to an internation- sustained infl uence a visionary project being 2nd tallest concrete structure in ment. Architecture Merit Award Organization tive is to deliver a comprehensive and al audience and live juries. KRCS distributes clothes to 4k needy families for Eid Al-Adha Project continues with support of Kuwaiti private sectors

By Arwa Al-Wuqayan KUWAIT CITY, June 24, (KUNA): Kuwait Red Cres- cent Society (KRCS) donat- KUNA photo ed Thursday clothes to 4,000 New South Korean Ambassador to Kuwait His Excellency Chung, Byung- ha presenting his credentials to Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister needy families in Kuwait and of State for Cabinet Affairs, Sheikh Dr. Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad Al- who are registered in KRCS. Sabah. KRCS Deputy Chairman Anwar Al-Hasawi told KUNA, the aid FM receives credentials of new comes annually within the KRCS interest in providing a helping S.Korean ambassador to Kuwait hand and support to families in need in Kuwait for Eid Al-Adha. KUWAIT CITY, June 24, (KUNA): Ambassador to Kuwait Chung, Al-Hasawi said the KRCS assists Minister of Foreign Affairs and Min- Byung-ha. In the meeting, Sheikh Dr. families in need inside Kuwait which ister of State for Cabinet Affairs, Ahmad wished the new ambassador includes widows, orphans, divorcees, Sheikh Dr. Ahmad Nasser Al-Mo- success in his tenure and for relations people with special needs, and sick, hammad Al-Sabah, received Thurs- between the two countries further elderly and low-income people. day copy of credentials of S.Korean progress and prosper. The project of distributing clothing to families in need continues with the support of Kuwaiti private sectors, he added. In other news, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) Dr. Hilal Al- KUNA photo Sayer opened earlier this week medical Qaruh Island wards at Wardieh Hospital in Beirut, which KRCS helped restore after it Number of island, sea-goers increases during summer was damaged by a massive explosion of Beirut Port in August 2020. Al-Sayer opened three wards 10 EPA campaigns seek to protect Kuwait islands months after the start of renovation work. Representative of the People’s KUWAIT CITY, June 24, (KUNA): maintaining their cleanliness, as well the General Administration of Coast Committee for Fundraising in Kuwait The Kuwait Environment Public Au- as adherence to laws, especially the Guard and its cooperation in facilitat- Tareq Al-Salem Al-Mutawa and Head thority announced on Thursday the environmental protection law, and em- ing all procedures and means of trans- of KRCS’s mission in Lebanon Dr. start of its awareness campaign on the phasizing the prohibition of throwing portation to reach the islands, as well Musa’ad Al-Enezi participated in the islands of Kuwait next week to educate garbage or waste of any kind except in as its role in monitoring the situation, ceremony. island-goers about preserving the envi- the designated containers. protecting the Kuwaiti islands and en- Documentary ronment and coral reefs, as well as the She stated that the authority’s Public suring the removal of infringements natural resources in the Gulf. Relations and Media Department team and violations. At the ceremony, a documentary Director of the Public Relations Earlier this month, the Environ- Kuwaiti Foreign Minister receives Belgian Ambassador to Kuwait. was shown about the moment of the works round the clock, on holidays and explosion and what the hospital was and Media Department at the author- outside official working hours, with ment Public Authority (EPA) recorded exposed to. ity, Sheikha Al-Ibrahim, told Kuwait the aim of educating the public about harmful acts on Qaruh Island and ex- Al-Sayer affirmed to KUNA KRCS’ News Agency (KUNA) that the cam- the importance of preserving the envi- amined status of surrounding coral keenness to pay great attention to the paign’s slogan “have fun but keep ronment so that this becomes a culture reefs. Some persons were found using health sector, because it constitutes the the islands clean,” coincides with the and social behavior. prohibited fishing tools and were pe- primary need in crises and disasters. beginning of the summer and the in- Compliance nalized according to the environment After the explosion, many hospitals crease in the number of island and sea- protection law, EPA said in a press goers, urging them to leave the place She added that the team makes field release. in Beirut lost their ability to treat the visits and tours during the weekend to injured and provide medical services clean and preserve coral reefs. An EPA team, in coordination with Al-Ibrahim added that these cam- monitor the environmental situation in the Coast Guards, surveyed the island to others, which rushed them to pro- the country and ensure compliance with vide them with support, he said. paigns aim to monitor the extent of and divers checked the nearby coral commitment of islanders and fishing environmental standards. She pointed reefs that showed no symptoms of For his part, Al-Mutawa told KUNA to coordination with the Kuwait Mu- that KRCS immediately took the ini- enthusiasts in Kuwait Bay to the envi- bleaching. The personnel reminded ronmental protection law and to reach nicipality to confirm the follow-up of visitors of the relevant laws for pro- tiative to collect donations from phi- law enforcement and the protection and lanthropists to complete this humani- the widest possible segment of seafar- tecting the environment, namely the cleanliness of Kuwaiti beaches and is- tarian work. ers to educate them about the impor- islands, keeping the island clean and In turn, Nicola Al-Aqiqi, head of tance of the Kuwaiti islands to enrich lands by intensifying hygiene and control the reefs in healthy condition. EPA has the hospital, told KUNA that after the the coral cover in the country. campaigns and providing containers in repeatedly urged sea goers to abstain explosion, they were in a state of loss She explained that the campaign all places with a commitment to identify- from acts that harm the reefs, like ran- and confusion, then witnessed Kuwait will include awareness campaigns for ing and implementing a mechanism for dom dropping of anchors that damage KUNA photos standing by Lebanon’s side which the pioneers of the islands of Kubbar, collecting and transporting waste to the them. Qaruh is one of several Kuwaiti Kuwaiti Foreign Minister receives the Czech Ambassador to Kuwait. gave them hope and strength. Qaruh and Umm Al-Maradim and places designated for it. islands. Surrounding crystal clear wa- She pointed out that the wards that Kuwait Bay, due to the importance of Al-Ibrahim praised the efforts of ters are favored by scuba divers. FM receives outgoing ambassadors are restored returned to the best of what they were, re-equipped with good Society (KRCS) called for supporting the world to alleviate the suffering of the Syrian refugees in Lebanon, Jordan Kuwaiti Foreign Minister and Min- contributions in boosting bilateral technology. refugees around the world, providing millions of refugees. and Rohingya in Bangladesh, Al-Sayer ister of State for Cabinet Affairs ties between the two friendly coun- The affected hospitals also delivered them with protection, health, educa- Assistance provided by Kuwait via said. Sheikh Dr. Ahmad Nasser Al-Mo- tries. Kuwaiti Foreign Minister and medical equipment and health materi- tional and social care. governmental and non-governmental With the increase in the number of hammad Al-Sabah, on Thursday, Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs als that were transported through an air In a statement to KUNA marking institutions confirms the importance refugees around the world, the human received Belgian Ambassador to Sheikh Dr. Ahmad Nasser Al-Mo- bridge that Kuwait began to set up the World Refugee Day, KRCS Chairman of its role in international humanitar- suffering they are experiencing exacer- Kuwait Leo Peeters on the occa- hammad Al-Sabah also received day after the explosion, which transport- Dr. Hilal Al-Sayer, said Kuwait’s con- ian work to serve refugees all over the bated, Al-Sayer added, as he called or- sion of his tenure ending. on Thursday the Czech Ambassa- ed through 18 Kuwaiti Air Force planes tribution to helping refugees around world, he added in a statement. ganizations and authorities in the world During the meeting, Sheikh Ah- dor to Kuwait Martin Dvorak on the more than 820 tons of needs to Lebanon. the world was clear by responding to KRCS works with the refugees for to quickly establish a specialized body to mad praised the ambassador’s occasion of his tenure ending. Meanwhile, Kuwait Red Crescent humanitarian crises in various parts of better living and future, especially for spread awareness among the refugees. ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JUNE 25-26, 2021

Humans have a moral obligation to preserve nature and its features. Humans are responsible for taking care of the Protection. environment. Protecting the environment would be an act of fulfilling their compulsions. Recently, on June 12, Pots Painting Activity was done to make colourful pots for plants with the purpose to add Pakistan Women’s Forum has always tried to do such activities to promote awareness about Environmental colours to environment which was beautifully and creatively performed by all the ladies. ‘Mothers need to be kind to themselves’ PWF holds physical, mental health webinar By M. Irfan Shafi q KUWAIT CITY, June 24: Pakistan Women’s Forum Kuwait, a representative organization of Pakistani women in Kuwait, held a webinar on physical and mental health which was conducted by Ms Xandra Spijk- er, a famous life coach and mindful analyst. Mrs Romina Sarwar conducted the online session where all affiliated members of PWF, Pakistani ladies residing in Kuwait and in different parts of the world joined in and took part in the webinar. PWF Patron-in-chief, Mrs Am- breen Mustafa (spouse of HE Am- bassador of Pakistan to Kuwait) was the chief guest. In her opening notes, she thanked the speaker and welcomed all the participants for taking part in the webinar. Ms Xandra Spijker, started her lecture with small exercises to engage the audience. She spoke about the importance of having a structure to the day and how important it is in these times where we forget the importance of A screen shot from the event. self-care. She shared a few tips on self- care, for e.g., reading, deep breathing and just taking the time out to relax. Ms Xandra also spoke about the im- A flyer of the event. portance of physical exercise to promote the well-being and happiness of the individual, for example, 15 minutes’ walk a Bayan awarded ‘Club of the Year’ day would help in blood circulation, thus brings about a change to a person’s mental and physical well-being. The importance of social interac- GUST clubs remain very active tion was also stressed on as being an important component to the well- being of people. and excel in tough conditions She stressed that mothers in particular need to be kind to themselves KUWAIT CITY, June 24: Student- as they tend to disregard their own led clubs at Gulf University for Sci- well-being and needs while they ence and Technology were highly take care of their family’s needs and active during the 2020/21 Academic wants. Year, showcasing great organiza- After the lecture, Mrs Rabia tional skills and progressing activity Burney held a Q&A session where with meaningful events despite ob- the participants asked questions re- stacles set by the global pandemic. lated to their daily issues and also A screen shot from the event. Due to health and safety protocols stressed that the session was deeply set by the Ministry of Health and impactful in the current pandemic Ministry of Education, clubs per- situation. Pak Donors ranked among top 6 formed all their events virtually and At the end, President PWF, Ms. used social media platforms to their Hina Saleem, thanked Ms Spijker and the audience for taking their By M. Irfan Shafi q thousands of pints blood donations since its incubation. advantage by presenting highly in- PAK Donors aspires to inspire other communities to teractive events. time out for a fruitful session. On the occasion of World Blood Donation day, Paki- PWF team urged further coopera- spread awareness of blood donation in Kuwait. Since the 2019/20 summer se- stani Blood Donors Association ranked 6th among all Arif Butt (Chairman Pak Donors) and Noman Aslam mester and including the 2020/21 tion and guidance in future for the other communities and 1st among Pakistani Associa- Ghumman (Team Leader Pak Donors) Praised the academic year, clubs have pro- betterment of women and entire Pak- tions in Kuwait. On this annual occasion, Central Blood Almighty Allah and congratulated team on this suc- duced a total of 153 events. Con- istani community in Kuwait and stat- Bank of Kuwait commemorates all donors’ associations cess.They thanked Embassy of Islamic Republic sisting of virtual panel discussions, ed that they will keep on conducting in the Kuwait. of Pakistan for their utmost support at all the time. interviews, musical performances, such useful events in future too. Pakistani Blood Donors Association established in They Mentioned that without the support of Pakistani Ms Xandra Spijker can be reach 2011, is the first organization of its kind among the academic lectures, cultural events/ Honoring the President of Bayan Community, Supporters, Donor and well-wishers, it activities, and much more. There Cultural Club, Waad Al-Azmi. out at Coaching@Xandraspijker. Pakistani Community in Kuwait, with an aim to spread was hard to achieve any target. At the end, they ap- were also competitions and raffles com or Instagram lifecoach.xandra. awareness about the serious matter of Blood donation. plauded all the efforts by Pakistani Community and where students got the chance to received programs.” spijker It has conducted more than a dozen drives yielding will give their best in their upcoming events. win prizes and awards. Clubs also Student Clubs Officer for the Of- worked together on collaborative fice of Student Life, Noor Al-Huda events by offering their help to Al-Azzawi said “Despite the condi- Dr Tharakan to talk on ‘Abdominal Diseases and Remedies’ the Office of Student Life’s (OSL) tions and obstacles laid out by the “GUST Cares” initiative which current global pandemic, our student took place during the holy month clubs did not hide from the challenge Malayalikal to host 6th Health Webinar on June 25 of Ramadan. Where they provided of organizing events and activities their own food and necessity boxes from a distance. All clubs deserve to KUWAIT CITY, June 24: The He will be delivering the speech of maintaining physical health for families in need. be awarded for their constant efforts for the GUST community.” sixth health webinar organized by on the subject and answering ques- and preventing diseases was re- Moreover, OSL promotes com- the Kuwaiti Malayalikal Group tions directly. markable. petition amongst clubs to allow for Currently, GUST has more than greater innovation and creativity by 12 active student clubs that con- will be held online on Friday, June Kuwait Malayalikal Group The office bearers appealed to awarding one club every year with stantly serve as a great example of 25 from 3 pm onwards with the President George Cherian, Gen- all the people to make the most of the title of “Club of the Year”. For GUST’s extraordinary student life theme ‘Abdominal Diseases and eral Secretary Jacob Roy and this opportunity as well. the 2020/21 academic year they and environment. For those inter- Remedies’ by prominent gastroen- General Program Convener Sh- For more details on the webinar awarded the Bayan Cultural Club ested in following all club activities terologist, renowned physician in emeer Rahim said that the par- you can contact: George Cherian with the title of “Best (Outstand- and events, visit https://events.gust. Kuwait and representative of the ticipation of expatriates in all the (Phone: 51456066), Muhammad ing) Virtual Club of the Year” due edu.kw/ which showcases all past Indian Doctors Forum Dr. Joseph previous medical webinars held Shuhail (Phone: 55290976), Sh- to their exceptionally active and well and upcoming events. Dr Tharakan Tharakan. on various topics during this time emeer Rahim (Phone: 66177436). ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JUNE 25-26, 2021 INTERNATIONAL 7

America Britain ‘Diversity goals’ Hope rises to strike deal Palace ethnic Group of senators ‘push’ staff ‘makeup’ $953b infrastructure plan LONDON, June 24, (AP): Buckingham Palace has for the fi rst time released fi g- WASHINGTON, June 24, (AP): in his American Jobs Plan, part ures on the ethnic makeup of its staff, fol- A bipartisan group of senators is of nearly $4 trillion in broad in- lowing the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s seeking President Joe Biden’s sup- frastructure spending on roads, allegations of racism in the royal family. port for a $953 billion infrastruc- bridges and broadband internet but The Royal Household said Thursday ture plan, raising hopes for a break- also the so-called care economy of that 8.5% of its staff come from ethnic through agreement after arduous child care centers, hospitals and minorities, compared with a target of negotiations on his top legislative elder care. 10% by next year. The latest census data priority. With Republicans opposed to shows that ethnic minorities account for Biden has invited members of Biden’s proposed corporate tax about 13% of the UK population. The the group of 21 senators, Republi- rate increase, from 21% to 28%, staffi ng fi gures cans and Democrats, to the White the group has looked at other ways were released as House on Thursday, and they are to raise revenue. Biden rejected part of an annual scheduled to meet late morning. their idea to allow gas taxes paid report on royal fi - The pared- at the pump to rise with infl ation, nances. down plan, viewing it as a fi nancial burden on A senior palace with $559 American drivers. source said pub- billion in Psaki said the senior staff to the lishing the fi gures new spend- president had two productive meet- was an effort to Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II greets Prime Minister Boris Johnson at an audience at Buckingham Palace, ensure greater ac- ing, has ings with the bipartisan group at London, June 23, the Queen’s fi rst in-person weekly audience with the prime minister since the start of the rare bipar- the Capitol. The White House team countability be- tisan back- was huddled late into the evening coronavirus pandemic. (AP) cause there would be “no place to ing and with the Democratic leaders. hide” if diversity could open Meghan Taxes 1 dead, 35 rescued goals aren’t met. the door to The source acknowledged that much the presi- The White House said Pelosi more needed to be done. dent’s more and Schumer and the top admin- Biden “We are not where we would like to sweeping istration aides agreed on Biden’s Wing of Miami-area condo collapses be despite our efforts,” the source said, $4 trillion proposals. goal of infrastructure investments speaking on condition of anonymity as The senators have struggled over without raising taxes on anyone is customary for royal offi cials. “It is not how to pay for the new spending. who makes under $400,000. SURFSIDE, Fla, June 24, (AP): A fi re that we have not been progressing diver- The tentative framework dipped by According to a White House offi cial says 35 people were pulled Stopped at traffi c sity and inclusion initiatives during this $20 billion after a shift in funds for readout of the meeting, the lead- from a Miami-area condominium period, it is that simply the results have broadband internet, according to ers talked with acting Budget Di- building that partially collapsed, kill- not been what we would like.” details from a person familiar with rector Shalanda Young, National ing at least one. as a cloud of dust fl oat- Buckingham Palace struggled to quiet the proposal who spoke on the con- Economic Council Director Brian ed through the neighborhood. Arkansas deputy fatally shoots teen criticism after comments made by the dition of anonymity to discuss the Deese and Domestic Policy Coun- Raide Jadallah is assistant fi re chief Duke and Duchess of Sussex, also known negotiations. cil Director Susan Rice, and they of operations for Miami-Dade Fire CABOT, Arkansas, June 24, (AP): Highway 89 south of Cabot, state as Prince Harry and Meghan, during a discussed the two-track approach Rescue and told a news conference An Arkansas sheriff’s deputy shot police said. Cabot, a city of about March interview with Oprah Winfrey. Positive ahead - a reference to the smaller Thursday morning that search and res- and killed a 17-year-old male during 26,000 people, is located about 30 The interview was the couple’s most The White House and Demo- bipartisan deal emerging from the cue efforts are ongoing. a traffi c stop early Wednesday, but miles (48.28 kilometers) northeast signifi cant since they stepped away from cratic leaders cast the bipartisan group alongside a more sweeping Surfside Mayor Charles Burkett authorities aren’t saying what led to of Little Rock. royal duties and moved to California. the fatal shooting. State police said Brittain was proposal as a positive develop- plan of Democratic priorities that warned during a news conference that The Lonoke County Sheriff’s Of- from McRae, a city of about 700 lo- Biracial ment. Biden’s top aides had met Congress is now drafting. the building manager told him the tow- fi ce said it has turned the investiga- cated about 15 miles (24.14 kilom- Meghan, who is biracial, said an uni- with senators for back-to-back Schumer said the leaders “super was quite full and the death toll was tion of the shooting that occurred at eters) northeast of Cabot. meetings on Capitol Hill and lat- port the concepts” they have heard likely to rise. dentifi ed member of the royal family had about 3 a.m. over to Arkansas State Later Wednesday, the sheriff’s raised “concerns” about the color of her er huddled with House Speaker from the bipartisan negotiations. “The building is literally pancaked,” Police. State police say the circum- offi ce identifi ed the deputy as Sgt. Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority The Democratic leaders also baby’s skin before she gave birth to her Burkett said. “That is heartbreaking stances of the traffi c stop and what Michael Davis, who has been with fi rst child. The couple also alleged that Leader Chuck Schumer. insisted on the two-part process because it doesn’t mean to me that led to the deputy to fi re his gun at the sheriff’s offi ce since 2013. “We’re very excited about the ahead, starting with initial votes in Meghan was the victim of callous treat- we are going to be as successful as we Hunter Brittain “will be documented The sheriff’s offi ce says Davis will ment during her time as a working mem- prospect of a bipartisan agree- July to consider the bipartisan deal wanted to be in fi nding people alive.” in the investigation.” be on administrative leave pending ber of the royal family. ment,” Pelosi said Wednesday and to launch the lengthy proce- Ten people were treated at the scene Brittain was driving the truck that the outcome of the state police’s in- The palace responded at the time by night. The president’s press sec- dure for the Democrats’ proposal, and two were brought to the hospital, was stopped by the deputy, state vestigation. saying the allegations about race were retary, Jen Psaki, said Biden had now drafted at nearly $6 trillion. one of whom died, Burkett said, add- police said. Brittain was transported to a “particularly concerning” and would called for the meeting at the White The Democrats’ bigger proposal ing that 15 families walked out of the The shooting occurred outside North Little Rock hospital, where he be “addressed by the family privately.” House and that the group had made would run through the budget rec- building on their own. an auto repair shop along Arkansas later died. But critics called the 61-word statement progress “towards an outline of a onciliation process, which would Work is currently being done on the made on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II potential agreement.” allow passage of Biden’s priori- “too little, too late.” building’s roof, but Burkett said he did he fi rst heard what he thought was a picker. One member of the group, Re- ties by majority vote, without the not see how that could have caused the Prince William, Harry’s older brother, publican Sen. Rob Portman of need for support from Republicans collapse. Authorities did not said what crack of lightning. The couple went Cohen said he raised concerns years was forced to respond after reporters Ohio, said it was time for the group to overcome the Senate’s 60-vote the cause may be. onto their balcony, then opened the ago about whether nearby construction shouted at him demanding comment dur- to reach out to other senators for threshold. It would require multi- The collapse left a number of homes door to the building’s hallway to fi nd might be causing damage to the building a visit to an East London school. support. ple rounds of voting that are likely in the still-standing part of the building “a pile of rubble and dust and smoke ing after seeing cracked pavers on the “We’re very much not a racist fam- “In good faith, we tried to get to extend into fall. exposed. Television footage showed billowing around.” pool deck. ily,” William said as his wife, Kate, there. We didn’t agree on eve- Schumer said, “One can’t be bunk beds, tables and chairs still left “I couldn’t walk out past my door- Santo Mejil, 50, told the Miami Her- walked by his side. rything, but we were able to get done without the other.” way,” said Cohen, the former vice ald that his wife called him from the The fi gures on ethnic minorities were inside. Air conditioner units were released along with data on employment there,” Portman told reporters on That’s a signal to both parties of hanging from some parts of the build- mayor of Surfside. “A gaping hole of building, where she was working as an Capitol Hill as he left a Wednes- the road ahead. Liberal Democrats at the palace. As of March 31, public ing, where wires now dangled. rubble.” aide for an elderly woman. money paid the salaries of 556 crown day evening meeting with the other have been wary of the bipartisan He and his wife eventually made it “She said she heard a big explosion. senators and the White House effort because they see it as insuf- “I’ve lived here my whole life, and employees, down from 580 a year ear- I’ve never seen anything like this hap- to the basement and found rising water It felt like an earthquake,” Mejil told lier. While the total staff was equally team. fi cient and worry it will take the there. They returned upstairs, screamed the newspaper. He said she later called Biden has sought $1.7 trillion place of Biden’s bigger plan. pen,” the mayor said. split along gender lines, men dominated Barry Cohen, 63, said he and his for help and were eventually brought him and said rescuers were bringing the senior ranks. Of 34 senior employees, wife were asleep in the building when to safety by fi refi ghters using a cherry- her down. 25 were men. BuzzFeed to become a publicly traded company

BuzzFeed will become a tional reporting. BuzzFeed tutions, and instead merging jections for big growth they’re publicly traded company with also said Thursday that it plans with a special purpose acqui- expecting in the future, for ex- an implied value of $1.5 bil- to buy Complex Networks from sition company, or SPAC. ample. In a traditional IPO, the lion through a merger with a Verizon and Hearst for $300 SPACs can cut up to 75% off company is limited to highlight- This file photo shows the special purpose acquisition million, a global youth network the time it takes for a company ing its past performance, which entrance to BuzzFeed in New company. that engages with millennials to get its stock trading on an may not be a great selling point York. (AP) The company, founded by and Gen Z. exchange, versus the tradition- for young startups that typically Jonah Peretti in 2006 and ini- A number of companies al process of an initial public of- fail to put up big profits or rev- tially known for listicles and on- this year have chosen a non- fering. SPACs can also make it enue. line quizzes, has established traditional path to putting their easier to get prospective buy- BuzzFeed, based in New itself as a serious contender shares on the public market, ers on board. Companies go- York City, is merging with a in the news business, this year choosing to skip partnerships ing the SPAC route often feel SPAC called 890 Fifth Av- winning a Pulitzer for interna- with traditional financial insti- more license to highlight pro- enue Partners Inc. (AP)

Market Movements 24-06-2021 Change Closing pts Change Closing pts SAUDI - Tadawul +25.48 10,919.68 UAE - DFM -10.84 2,857.07 JAPAN - Nikkei +0.34 28,875.23 PHILIPPINES - All Shares -32.41 6,886.00 UK - FTSE 100 +35.91 7,109.97 EUROPE - Euro Stoxx 50 +46.49 4,122.43 EGYPT - EGX 30 +6.14 10,278.86 INDIA - Sensex +392.92 52,699.00 PAKISTAN - KSE 100 +61.84 47,962.54 Business JOBLESS CLAIMS TICK DOWN TO 411,000 US economy up 6.4% in ﬁrst quarter

Stronger future gains expected

WASHINGTON, June 24, (AP): The Consumer spending, which accounts for more than jobless assistance to self-employed, gig workers, and two-thirds of economic activity, grew at a sizzling an- those out of work more than six months. The extra U.S. economy grew at a solid 6.4% nual rate of 11.4% in fi rst three months of the year, up $300 ends nationwide on Sept. 6. rate in the first three months of this slightly from the 11.3% growth estimate made a month Economists at Bank of America have estimated year, setting the stage for what econ- ago. Consumers benefi ted from a round of $1,400 indi- that those who earned less than $32,000 a year at their vidual payments that were included in the $1.9 trillion previous jobs can receive more in jobless aid with the omists are forecasting could be the support package Congress passed in March. extra $300. At the same time, the federal government strongest year for the economy in The fi rst-quarter spending gain refl ected increases last year set up two unemployment benefi t programs possibly seven decades. in goods purchases, led by auto sales, and gains in that covered millions of self-employed and contract spending on services, led by food services and travel workers for the fi rst time. The Commerce Department said Thursday accommodations, two areas that have benefi ted from Four states - Alaska, Iowa, Mississippi, and Mis- that growth in the gross domestic product, the the re-opening of the economy as vaccinations have souri - stopped providing the $300 payment last week. country’s total output of goods and services, increased. All but Alaska also cut off the two programs that cov- was unchanged from two previous estimates. Business investment grew at a strong 11.7% rate, ered the self-employed and the long-term jobless. The gain represented an acceleration from better than the previous estimate of 10.8% growth, In Iowa, Mississippi, and Missouri, about 163,000 growth at a 4.3% rate in the fourth quarter. while government spending increased at a 5.7% rate, people are no longer receiving jobless aid because of Economists believe GDP growth has acceler- slightly below last month’s estimate of a 5.8% gain. the cutoff. ated even more in the current April-June quarter as The trade defi cit grew in the fi rst quarter, subtract- The decision by 26 states -- nearly all run by Repub- In this file photo, electronic signage is shown at Morgan Stanley headquar- increased vaccinations have allowed for more busi- ing 1.5 percentage points from growth, as a recover- lican governors -- to drop the $300 will sharply reduce ters, in New York. (AP) nesses to re-open and encouraged consumer to get ing U.S. economy attracted rising imports while U.S. unemployment aid for roughly 4.7 million people, the out and spend. The spending has been aided by the exporters struggled with weaker overseas demand. National Employment Law Project, a worker advocacy Big US banks to employees: nearly $3 trillion in support the government has ap- In a separate report, the number of Americans ap- group, estimates. State jobless benefi ts provide, on av- proved since December. plying for unemployment benefi ts dropped last week, erage, about $320 a week and typically replace about “This summer will be hot for the U.S. economy,” a sign that layoffs declined and the job market is im- 40% of an unemployed worker’s previous wages. Return to office vaccinated predicted Lydia Boussour, lead U.S. economist for proving. About 2.3 million people will lose all their unem- Oxford Economics. “As the health situation contin- The Labor Department said Thursday that jobless ployment aid in the 22 states that have decided to end NEW YORK, June 24, (AP): Wall mit their vaccination records as well, ues to improve, consumers sitting on piles of savings claims declined just 7,000 from the previous week assistance for the self-employed and long-term job- Street’s big investment banks are send- in the form of an internal portal. will give into the urge to splurge on services and ex- to 411,000. The number of weekly applications for less, according to NELP. ing a message to their employees this The return-to-offi ce push has its periences they felt deprived of during the pandemic.” unemployment aid has fallen steadily this year from A coalition of progressive groups released a report summer: Get back into the offi ce and roots in banking-industry culture. De- Boussour forecast that GDP growth in the current about 900,000 in January. The level of unemploy- Thursday arguing that the early cutoff of benefi ts and bring your vaccination card. spite years of observing modernization April-June quarter will surge to an annual rate of 12% ment claims generally refl ects the pace of layoffs. the diffi culties administering unemployment aid ear- New York-based Morgan Stan- and digital banking, the industry’s top and growth for the entire year will come in at 7.5%. As the pandemic fades, states and cities are lift- lier in the pandemic show that the current unemploy- ley said this week that all employees executives still operate under a culture That would be the best annual performance since 1951. ing more business restrictions - California just fully ment insurance system, administered jointly by the will be required to attest to their vac- that prizes in-person meetings to carve Even economists whose forecasts for 2021 growth reopened June 15 - and the economy is picking up as federal and state governments, is inadequate for deep cination status. Those who are not out deals. This has made banks among range from 6% to 7% believe growth this year will be consumers are traveling, eating out more, and visiting downturns such as the COVID-19 recession. vaccinated will be required to work the leading industries pushing for em- the best since a 7.2% gain in 1984 when the economy movie theaters and amusement parks. Growth could When the pandemic shutdowns kicked in suddenly remotely, which could potentially put ployees to return to the offi ce as soon was still recovery from a deep recession triggered by top 10% at an annual rate in the April-June quarter, in March 2020, most state unemployment systems their jobs at risk, since the bank’s top as possible as the pandemic wanes. the Federal Reserve to halt a bout of infl ation. according to the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. were quickly overwhelmed by requests for jobless executives have said they want every- “We know from experience that our Economists believe growth in the current quarter With many employers desperate to hire, some aid by millions of newly-laid off workers. Some did one back in the offi ce by September. culture of collaboration, innovation will be enough to push GDP output above the pre- states are starting to cut off pandemic-related un- not receive benefi ts for months. “If you can go into a restaurant in and apprenticeship thrives when our vious peak set in the fourth quarter of 2019 before employment aid programs in response to business And when the federal government created the New York City, you can come into people come together, and we look for- the pandemic struck, ending the longest economic complaints that the assistance is making it harder for new programs covering those ineligible for state aid, the offi ce,” said Morgan Stanley CEO ward to having more of our colleagues expansion in U.S. history. them to fi nd workers. Starting this month, 26 states many state agencies struggled to reprogram outdated James Gorman at a industry confer- back in the offi ce so that they can ex- Thursday’s GDP report was the government’s will end an extra $300 weekly federal unemployment software -- some dating from the 1960s -- to handle ence earlier this month. perience that once again on a regular third and fi nal look at fi rst-quarter GDP. payment and 22 of those states will also cut off all the additional applications. Morgan Stanley is one of several big basis,” Goldman Sachs executives banks requiring employees to return to wrote in a memo to employees earlier the offi ce and also provide documenta- this month. tion of having received a coronavirus This isn’t the fi rst time banks have vaccine or making a formal declaration tried to return their employees to the confi rming vaccination. offi ce in the pandemic. JPMorgan Goldman Sachs required most of its Chase CEO Jamie Dimon tried to man- employees to return to the offi ce on date a return to offi ces for traders back June 14, with some exceptions extend- in September 2020, long before the ing that deadline to Sept. 30. It requires availability of a vaccine. The experi- every employee to state their vaccine ment lasted less than a week, resulting status, but does not require proof. in several traders becoming infected JPMorgan is asking employees to sub- with COVID. McAfee, software pioneer turned fugitive, dead at 75 BARCELONA, June 24, (AP): John life story for a documentary. The crim- McAfee, the outlandish security software inal charges carried a prison sentence pioneer who tried to live life as a hedonis- of up to 30 years. tic outsider while running from a host of Nishay Sanan, the Chicago-based legal troubles, was found dead in his jail attorney defending him on those cases, cell near Barcelona on Wednesday. said by phone that McAfee “will al- His death came just hours after a ways be remembered as a fi ghter.” Spanish court announced that it had “He tried to love this country but the approved his extradition to the United U.S. government made his existence States to face tax charges punishable impossible,” Sanan said. “They tried by decades in prison, authorities said. to erase him, but they failed.” McAfee, who was among other things Born in England’s Gloucestershire a cryptocurrency promoter, tax opponent, in 1945 as John David McAfee, he U.S. presidential candidate and fugitive, moved to Virginia as a child and grew who publicly embraced drugs, guns and up troubled, with a father who “beat sex, had a history of legal woes spanning him mercilessly” and killed himself from Tennessee to Central America to with McAfee’s shotgun when the boy the Caribbean. In 2012, he was sought was 15, said Steve Morgan, who spent for questioning in connection with the time with McAfee in Alabama in 2016 murder of his neighbor in Belize, but was to talk about his life for a biography never charged with a crime. he’d been contracted to write. Morgan This photo shows the CMA CGM Argentina arrives at PortMiami in Miami. The U.S. economy grew at a solid 6.4% rate in the first three months of this McAfee’s body was discovered at is also the founder of market research year, setting the stage for what economists are forecasting could be the strongest year for the economy in growth led by strong consumer reporting. (AP) the Brians 2 penitentiary in northeastern fi rm Cybersecurity Ventures. Spain. Security personnel tried to revive “He told me his father never showed him, but the jail’s medical team fi nally him an ounce of affection,” Morgan Defaulting could precipitate a financial crisis: Yellen certifi ed his death, a statement from the said, adding that recounting his fa- regional Catalan government said. ther’s death was the only time during “A judicial delegation has arrived their long meeting that McAfee cried. to investigate the causes of death,” the While McAfee’s tech legacy may Failure to raise debt limit would be ‘catastrophic’ statement read. “Everything points to have been overshadowed in recent death by suicide.” years by his tumultuous life, Morgan WASHINGTON, June 24, (AP): Treasury Secretary ligations, something that has never occurred in U.S. Yellen said defaulting on the national debt should McAfee’s death was confi rmed after said he sees his most lasting impact as Janet Yellen told a congressional panel Wednesday history. A standoff on raising the debt ceiling in 2011 be regarded as “unthinkable” because it would have Spain’s National Court ruled in favor of a software and security pioneer. that failing to raise the federal debt ceiling would resulted in a fi rst-ever downgrade on a portion of the “absolutely catastrophic consequences” that could extraditing McAfee, 75, who had argued “I think that’s how ultimately he have “catastrophic consequences” that could bring federal government’s AAA-bond rating by the Stan- precipitate a fi nancial crisis. in a hearing earlier this month that the really most like to be remembered. I on a fi nancial crisis. dard & Poor’s rating agency. “I would plead with Congress simply to protect the charges against him by prosecutors in think a lot of people will remember Testifying before a Senate Appropriations subcom- full faith and credit of the United States” by address- Tennessee were politically motivated and him as a very troubled soul. Some peo- mittee, Yellen said in response to questions that it is im- ing the issue before the July 31 deadline. that he would spend the rest of his life in ple will remember him as a criminal. portant Congress not delay in dealing with the debt limit, The Treasury Department is able to use bookkeep- prison if returned to the U.S. It depends on your age and your expo- which has been suspended for the past two years. ing maneuvers, such as temporarily disinvesting gov- The court’s ruling was made public sure to him,” Morgan said. That suspension is due to expire on July 31, when ernment pension accounts, to keep the government on Wednesday and was open for ap- McAfee founded his eponymous the limit will go back into effect at the level of debt from broaching the debt limit. But those measures peal, with any fi nal extradition order company in 1987. At the time, Morgan at that time. The debt subject to the limit currently can only buy a limited amount of time. also needing to get approval from the said, he was operating a BBS, a bulletin stands at $28.3 trillion. It has risen sharply over the Yellen said she could not give an estimate for how Spanish Cabinet. board system that served as a precursor past year as Congress has approved trillions of dol- long the emergency measures might last. Outside groups McAfee was arrested last October at to the World Wide Web and working lars in support packages to combat a recession caused have estimated that the Treasury’s emergency measures Barcelona’s international airport and with his brother-in-law. When the fi rst by the COVID-19 pandemic. would likely be exhausted by sometime this fall. had been in jail since then awaiting the major computer virus, called “Brain,” Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., asked Yellen what Yellen said it is hard to make an accurate forecast outcome of extradition proceedings. hit in 1986, “John instantly dialed up a would occur if Congress were to fail to either raise because of the large amount of uncertainty caused by The arrest followed charges the same programmer he knew and said, there’s the debt ceiling or suspend it for a period of time so the pandemic regarding payment fl ows and revenue month in Tennessee for evading taxes a big opportunity. We need to do some- that the government could keep borrowing to meet its Secretary of Treasury Janet Yellen testifies during collections. after failing to report income from thing. You know, we want to write some obligations, including making interest payments on a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing She said it is possible Treasury could reach a point promoting cryptocurrencies while he code to combat this virus,” Morgan said. the national debt. to examine the FY 2022 budget request for the where it would be unable to pay the government’s did consulting work, made speaking He called the program VirusScan and the Failure to make those debt payments would result Department of the Treasury, Wednesday, June bills as soon as August, when Congress is scheduled engagements and sold the rights to his company McAfee Associates. in the federal government defaulting on its debt ob- 23, 2021, on Capitol Hill, in Washington. (AP) to be out for its summer recess. ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JUNE 25-26, 2021 BUSINESS 9

Visa to acquire European open banking platform Tink

Visa announced it has signed a Through a single API, Tink al- holm, Sweden. ing their money, fi nancial data Kelly, CEO and Chairman of Visa. at Tink has created together. We defi nitive agreement to acquire lows its customers to access ag- The combination of Visa’s prov- and fi nancial goals. At the same “By bringing together Visa’s net- have built something incredible Tink , a European open banking gregated fi nancial data, use smart en infrastructure and sustained time, businesses large and small work of networks and Tink’s open and at the same time we have only platform that enables fi nancial infi nancial services such as risk investment in resilience, cyberse- will have a greater and more cus- banking capabilities we will deliver scratched the surface. Joining Visa, stitutions, fi ntechs and merchants insights and account verifi cation curity and fraud prevention with tomized range of tools to operate increased value to European con- we will be able to move faster and to build tailored fi nancial manage- and build personal fi nance man- Tink’s APIs, technology and cus- digitally and securely, whether sumers and businesses with tools reach further than ever before. Visa ment tools, products and services agement tools. Tink is integrated tomer relationships is expected reconciling bank statements and to make their fi nancial lives more is the perfect partner for the next for European consumers and busi- with more than 3,400 banks and to help accelerate the adoption of accounts or enabling alternative simple, reliable and secure.” stage of Tink’s journey, and we are nesses based on their fi nancial fi nancial institutions, reaching mil- open banking in Europe by ensur- fi nancing. “For the past ten years we have incredibly excited about what this data. Visa will pay total fi nancial lions of bank customers across Eu- ing a secure, reliable platform for “Visa is committed to doing all worked relentlessly to build Tink will bring to our employees, cus- consideration of 1.8 billion Euros, rope. Tink will retain its brand and innovation. As a result, consumers we can to foster innovation and em- into a leading open banking plat- tomers and for the future of fi nancial inclusive of cash and retention in- current management team, and its can better control their fi nancial power consumers in support of Eu- form in Europe, and we are incred- services,” said Daniel Kjellén, CEO centives, to acquire Tink. headquarters will remain in Stock- experiences, including manag- rope’s open banking goals,” said Al ibly proud of what the whole team and Co-founder of Tink. (AP) US stocks gain, major indexes near record Investors show little negative reaction to jobless claims data Brussels imposes sanctions NEW YORK, June 24, (AP): Stocks were mod- on Belarus citing ‘violations’ erately higher in morning BRUSSELS, June 24, (AP): The cident, and over the country’s al- trading Thursday, helped European Union slapped economic leged use of migrants to pressure sanctions on Belarus on Thursday neighboring Lithuania, which has by some modestly positive in response to what the bloc called provided a safe haven to Belaru- economic data as well as a the “escalation of serious human sian opposition fi gures and is one continued belief that the rights violations” including the de- of Lukashenko’s most vocal crit- tention of journalist Raman Prata- ics. U.S. economy is recovering sevich. On Monday, EU foreign min- from the pandemic and that The sanctions target the econ- isters imposed travel bans and as- infl ation, while higher than omy but are also aimed at hitting set freezes on 78 Belarus offi cials President Alexander Lukashenko and froze the assets of 8 “entities,” usual, will not be a long- and his allies. which are usually companies, term problem. Pratasevich, a dissident journal- banks, or associations. A total of The S&P 500 index rose 0.6% as ist, was arrested May 23 after Be- 166 people and 15 entities in Be- of 11 a.m. Eastern. The Dow Jones larusian fl ight controllers ordered a larus are now under EU restrictive Ryanair jet traveling from Greece measures. The United States, Brit- Industrial Average rose 0.7% and to Lithuania to land in Minsk. ain and Canada also slapped sanc- the Nasdaq Composite rose 0.8%. The sanctions agreed upon tions on senior Belarus offi cials. Markets have calmed notably since Thursday target industries includ- The foreign ministers also the Federal Reserve surprised investors ing potash - a common fertilizer infl agged the economic sanctions last week by saying it could start raising gredient - tobacco industry exports that were approved Thursday. Ger- short-term interest rates by late 2023, and petroleum products. man Foreign Minister Heiko Maas earlier than expected, if recent high in- “Trade in petroleum products, said they would take aim at “eco- fl ation persists. potassium chloride (‘potash’), and nomic areas that are of particular The super-low rates the Fed engi- goods used for the production or signifi cance for Belarus and for the neered to carry the economy through manufacturing of tobacco prod- regime’s income.” the pandemic have propped up prices ucts is restricted,” the EU said in That provoked an angry reaction across markets, and any change would a statement. The sanctions also from Belarus, with the country’s be a big deal, so the Fed’s announcement include a ban on sales to Belarus foreign ministry saying they would triggered selling of stocks and a rise in In this fi le photo provided by the New York Stock Exchange, trader Ashley Lara works on the trading fl oor. Markets of equipment and software that can hurt ordinary people and “border Treasury yields last week. However that have calmed notably since the Federal Reserve surprised investors last week by saying it could start raising short- be used to monitor the internet and on the declaration of an economic selling reversed this week. The three ma- term interest rates by late 2023, earlier than expected, if recent high infl ation persists. (AP) phone calls. war.” The ministry warned the jor indexes are all up more than 2% this The sanctions also restrict Bela- country would be forced to take re- week and are once again near records. partment said Thursday that orders for approval to the drugmaker’s experi- to drive further movement,” Yeap Jun rus’ access to EU capital markets taliatory measures that would hurt Investors had little negative reaction durable goods - meant to last at least mental Alzheimer’s treatment. Rong of IG said in a commentary. and halted payments to the coun- Western companies. to a report that showed that 411,000 three years - climbed 2.3% in May, re- Germany’s DAX gained 0.6% to Fresh data on infl ation will come on try’s public sector by the European Belarus has been shaken by Americans fi led for unemployment versing a 0.8% drop in April and com- 15,547.75 and the CAC 40 in Paris Friday with the release of the Federal Investment Bank. months of protests fueled by Lu- benefi ts last week, down 7,000 from ing despite a backlogged supply chain picked up 0.7% to 6,599.78. In Britain, Reserve’s preferred gauge. It will cover The EU has gradually ratcheted kashenko’s re-election. The au- the week before. That was a much and a shortage of workers. the FTSE 100 added 0.2% to 7,084.64. May, when the consumer price index up sanctions since Lukashenko - thorities responded with a massive more modest decline than investors The yield on the 10-year Treasury Asian shares were mixed Thursday, saw year-over-year infl ation of 5%. dubbed the last dictator in Europe crackdown that saw more than had expected, and the second week in note was 1.47%, largely unchanged trading in a narrow range as investors Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 index was fl at - won a sixth term last August in 35,000 people arrested and thou- a row where unemployment benefi ts from 1.48% late Wednesday. awaited new U.S. infl ation data. at 28,875.23 and Hong Kong’s Hang elections the bloc called fraudulent. sands beaten by police. Most op- claims stalled after declining steadily Rite Aid plunged nearly 15% after Tokyo and Shanghai were un- Seng edged 0.2% higher to 28,885.52. The 27-nation bloc has taken a position leaders have been jailed or for months. the drug store chain said it expects to changed, while Seoul and Hong Kong In Seoul, the Kospi added 0.3% to tougher line since the Ryanair in- forced to leave the country. Meanwhile, orders to U.S. factories report a loss for the year, due to pres- advanced. Sydney declined following 3,286.10. for big-ticket manufactured goods rose sure on its pharmacy benefi ts services a listless day of trading on Wall Street. The Shanghai Composite index was for the 12th time in the last 13 months and lower-than-expected sales. “Sentiments may be largely echoing virtually unchanged at 3,566.65, while in May, pulled up by surging demand Eli Lilly rose 9% after the Food and the US indices movement overnight, Sydney’s S&P/ASX 200 declined 0.2% for civilian aircraft. The Commerce De- Drug Administration gave expedited as markets await more economic data to 7,275.30. China based XPeng Inc. launches Hong Kong public offering GUANGZHOU, China, June 24, continue to be listed and traded on the prises 4,250,000 new Class A ordinary der the Hong Kong Public Offering (Agencies): XPeng Inc. a leading Chi- New York Stock Exchange . The Pro- shares under the Hong Kong Public could be adjusted to up to a maximum nese smart electric vehicle company, posed Listing is a dual-primary listing Offering and 80,750,000 new Class A of 17,000,000 new Class A ordinary announced the launch of its Hong Kong of the Class A ordinary shares of the ordinary shares for the international shares, representing 20% of the Of- public offering , which forms part of Company on the Hong Kong Stock Ex- offering , representing approximately fer Shares initially available under the the global offering of 85,000,000 new change. Investors in the Global Offer- 5% and 95%, respectively, of the total Global Offering. In addition, the Com- Class A ordinary shares of the Com- ing will only be able to purchase Class number of Offer Shares in the Global pany expects to grant the international pany and listing of its Class A ordinary A ordinary shares and will not be able Offering, subject to reallocation and underwriters an over-allotment option shares on the Main Board of The Stock to take delivery of ADSs. Upon the over-allotment. Subject to the level of to require the Company to issue up to an Exchange of Hong Kong Limited un- Proposed Listing, the Class A ordinary oversubscription in the Hong Kong additional 12,750,000 new Class A or- Belarusian opposition politician Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, left, and der the stock code “9868”. shares listed on the Hong Kong Stock Public Offering and pursuant to the dinary shares in the International Offer- European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Oliver The Company’s American deposi- Exchange will be convertible with the clawback mechanism as described in ing, representing no more than 15% of Varhelyi pose for a photo during a European Foreign Affairs Ministers tary shares each representing two Class ADSs listed on the NYSE. the Hong Kong prospectus, the total the total number of Offer Shares initially meeting at the European Council building in Luxembourg, June 21. (AP) A ordinary shares of the Company, will The Global Offering initially com- number of Offer Shares available un- available under the Global Offering. ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JUNE 25-26, 2021 BUSINESS 10

US blocks solar components from China over labor abuses

A major Chinese producer of ma- aries under a law that bans the These latest U.S. moves could practices and ensuring that Bei- U.S. has already banned cotton ply chains. terial used to make solar panels import of goods produced with make it harder for the administra- jing plays by the rules of fair trade and tomatoes from the area and China denies allegations that will be barred from the U.S. mar- forced labor. tion to meet renewable energy as part of the rules-based inter- both Canada and Britain have it uses forced labor in Xinjiang ket as part of a broader effort to In addition, the Commerce De- goals because about 45% of the national order,” the White House also moved to restrict imports or elsewhere and has broadly halt commerce tied to China’s partment will add six Chinese or- global supply of the polysilicon said in announcing the trade ac- over the issue. rejected the consistent and repressive campaign against Uy- ganizations linked to the industry used to make photovoltaic cells tions. The administration said the La- well-documented reports that ghurs and other minorities, the that produces raw materials and for solar panels comes from Xin- It’s part of a campaign that bor Department will also update Uyghurs and other minorities Biden administration said Thurs- components of the solar industry jiang. has gained global momentum its list of goods known to be pro- have been detained under brutal day. in the Xinjiang region to a list of “These actions demonstrate to apply economic pressure on duced with forced labor to include conditions, subjected to indoc- U.S. Customs and Border Pro- entities from any access to the our commitment to imposing ad- the Chinese government over polysilicon from China. That will trination and intensive surveil- tection will immediately halt ship- U.S. market, the administration ditional costs on the People’s its forced assimilation of large- put additional pressure on U.S. lance intended to force them to ments from the Hoshine Silicon said in a fact sheet announcing Republic of China for engaging in ly Muslim minorities in the far manufacturers to remove Chi- assimilate into the dominant Han Industry Co. Ltd. and its subsidi- the new restrictions. cruel and inhumane forced labor western Xinjiang region. The nese components from their sup- culture. (AP)

Execution of plan remains a risk given country’s often-fractious politics Can pandemic recovery plan end Italy’s years of stagnation?

MILAN, June 24, (AP): The COV- ID-19 pandemic hit Italy especially hard, killing more than 127,000 people and sending the European Union’s third-largest economy into a devastat- FDI in Arab countries unexpectedly rises ing tailspin. Yet out of that tragedy may come solutions for decades-old problems that have held back growth and productivity - and with them, a new sense of stability for the euro, the currency by 2.5% to $40.5 billion in 2020: Dhaman shared by 19 of the European Union’s 27 members. Backed by 261 billion euros from the EU and Italian government, the Number of FDI projects falls by 38.8%, capital investment dips 40.5% country’s plan for recovering from the pandemic calls for a top-to-bottom KUWAIT CITY, June 24: shakeup of a major industrial economy long hampered by red tape, political The Arab Investment & reluctance to change, and bureaucratic Export Credit Guarantee and educational inertia. Corporation (Dhaman) has Leading the charge is Premier Mario Draghi, the former head of the Euro- released its 36th annual re- pean Central Bank, who was tapped as port on the investment cli- head of a national unity government mate in Arab countries for specifi cally for his economic expertise and institutional knowledge both in 2021. The report has moni- Italy and the EU. tored an unexpected hike The challenge is formidable: Italy in FDI infl ows into Arab has failed to show robust growth in the more than two decades since it joined countries by 2.5% to USD the euro currency union in 1999. 40.5 billion in 2020, mak- Execution of the recovery plan re- ing up 6.1% of the over- mains a risk given Italy’s often-fractious politics. But “if they succeed all infl ows into developing with even half, it will have a big im- countries and 4% of the pact,” said Guntram Wolff, director of total global fi gure, which the Bruegel think tank in Brussels. A key target is keeping more young amounted to around USD Italians from taking their know-how 999 billion. abroad, a perennial issue in Italy, The report showed that the top which has one of the lowest rates of fi ve countries held roughly 95% university graduates in Europe and one of the overall infl ows. The United of the largest brain drains. The plan aims to create eco-systems Arab Emirates (UAE) came fi rst that would help scientifi c discoveries by USD 19.9 billion (49%), fol- fi nd their way into the market place, lowed by Egypt by USD 5.9 bil- fueling startups and industry while cre- lion (14.5%), Saudi Arabia by ating career paths that would help re- USD 5.5 billion (13.6%), Oman by tain educated Italians, many of whom 4.1 billion (10.1%) and Lebanon leave home due to low pay and limited by USD 3.1 billion (13.1%). prospects. Arab FDI stocks dropped by USD Velia Siciliano, who heads a bio- 3.75 billion or 0.4% to USD 908.6 medicine lab in Naples for the Italian billion in late 2020 from USD 912.3 Institute of Technology, said the pan- billion in 2019, said the report, cit- demic only underlined the necessity of ing the statistics of the United released by specialized internation- though the average ranking remained a combined share of 50% of the total tainty drop, its role becomes more strong domestic research centers. al agencies for evaluating different below the global average. projects, while chemicals, coal, oil significant since it has to come up She has spent large chunks of her Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). In addi- components of the investment cli- FDI projects in Arab countries: and gas and renewable energy held with mechanisms and tools that can scientifi c career abroad, building on mate and business environment as In this context and based on the the first three positions respectively ensure continuing Arab trade and her undergraduate and master’s de- tion, the top three countries held grees in Italy with a Ph.D. from the around 58% of the accumulated FDI well as risk levels. database of the FDI Markets, the with a combined share of 55% of FDI inflows into Arab countries by U.K. and postdoctoral study at the stocks into the region. Saudi Arabia Al-Sabeeh added that the rating of number of FDI projects in Arab capital investment. means of providing protection to Massachusetts Institute of Technol- came first by USD 241.9 billion several Arab countries fell during countries went down by 38.8% to In relation to inter-Arab invest- Arab export, investment and banking ogy. She was named one of Italy’s top (26.6%), followed by United Arab 2020 in sovereign rating indexes and 616 projects, and the capital investment projects, they nosedived by entities in the light of the current 10 women of the year for 2019. Emirates (UAE) by USD 150.9 bil- a number of key risk indexes as well ment dipped by 40.5% to USD 34 42% to 110 projects, and the capital epidemic and political developments, Siciliano noted that Italy had al- lion (16.6%) and Egypt by USD as innovation, human development, billion, in the worst performance in investment dipped by 68.8% to USD through insurance operations against ready launched programs to stop brain 132.5 billion (14.6%). governance and competitiveness the region since 2003. 4.8 billion, accounting for 14% of the political and commercial risks at an drain with ad-hoc initiatives, but she The corporation’s Director- indexes. But, the position of Arab As for geographical distribution, overall foreign direct investments in accumulated value of USD 21 billion said a key missing element has been General, Abdullah Ahmad countries was stable in the indexes of North America was the top investor Arab countries. Saudi Arabia was the until late 2020. public-private synergies that transfer Al-Sabeeh said in a press state- e-government and regulatory restric- in the region in terms of the capital top destination by 29 projects with The report, through its four sec- research results into new inventions ment that according to Dhaman’s tions on foreign direct investment investment; led by the USA by capital investment of USD 1.35 bil- tions, handles the changes in the and innovations. previous predictions, the invest- (FDI). 22.4% of the overall investments. lion. Software was the top sector by investment climate during 2020 and “The truth is, if they don’t nurture ment climate in Arab countries has However, the ranking of Arab These projects were mainly in the 20 projects, while communications their reflections on the volume of a system and if research doesn’t also been negatively affected by the countries in the World Bank’s Doing UAE by 347 projects and Saudi came first in view of the capital foreign direct investment (FDI) proj- include technology transfers, it will Business Index, which measures the Arabia by a capital investment of investment by over USD 842 mil- ects and inflows into the region, tak- be diffi cult to have a large number of regional events and developments, Italian researchers returning to Italy,” taking into consideration the rami- performance between June 2019 and USD 10.4 billion. lion. ing into consideration the expected she said. fications of the novel coronavirus June 2020, improved by four spots With regard to sectoral distribu- In conclusion, the corporation’s impact of the political and economic Universities failing to turn ideas (COVID-19) and measures taken thanks to Arab countries’ fast-track tion, the sectors of business services, director general stressed that Dhaman developments and the ramifications into startups is just one of the chronic to curb it, which were monitored reforms by a total of 55 reforms, a software and financial services had is well aware that amid extraordinary of the novel coronavirus and mea- problems listed in the 270-page recov- by several compound indexes rise of six compared with 2019, even the first three places respectively by events, when confidence and cer- sures taken to curb it. ery plan. Others include too much red tape for businesses, lower levels of of Europe’s monetary union,” Wolff Central bank warns of rising infl ation higher education than in many other said. “The one critical issue has al- developed countries, clogged courts, ways been, if Italy doesn’t grow, at and low participation of women in the what stage will Italian debt become a workforce. problem, not just for Italy but for the The plan would fund efforts to tackle Bank of England keeps rates at record low of 0.1% all of these: For instance, digitizing how eurozone. ” people use public services to cut down Wolff said he was “cautiously opti- LONDON, June 24, (AP): The cial distancing restrictions remain that had already occurred.” on wasted time and paperwork. Using mistic” that the plan could bring about Bank of England kept its main in- in place. The committee also appeared to long-postponed change. The size of alternative dispute resolution such as terest rate at the record low of 0.1% However, the most recent planned take a fairly sanguine view on the ITC ‘urges’ to arbitration to quickly resolve business the support gives political leeway for on Thursday even though it warned easing for England that was due to disputes. Adding 228,000 day care the government to address deep under- recent spike in infl ation. Like oth- that infl ation pressures are rising as begin this week was delayed by a ers, the U.K. has seen price pres- and pre-school places to help get more lying issues: “This is the fi rst govern- the British economy bounces back month because of a resurgence in ment in power in Italy that actually support SMEs women into the work force. following the lifting of many coro- the virus, this one the more danger- sures increase in recent months as Of the 261 billion euros, the lion’s talks about the right reforms and has navirus lockdown restrictions. ous delta variant. Now, the British the global economy rebounds. GENEVA, June 24, (KUNA): An In- share of 191.5 billion euros in grants fi nancial support from Europe to im- Infl ation in the U.K. rose in the ternational Trade Center (ITC) report and loans comes from the EU’s recov- plement them, so I think there is reason In a prepared statement accom- government hopes to lift all remain- panying its decision, the bank’s ing restrictions on social contact on year to May to 2.1%, above the urged to support small and medium- ery and resilience facility, part of the to be optimistic here.” sized companies in order to help them 27-country bloc’s 806.9 billion euro rate-setting Monetary Policy July 19. The other nations of the bank’s target of 2%. The commit- Francesco Di Stasio, a 37-year-old deal with future fi nancial shocks and pandemic recovery fund backed by researcher at a top robotics center, has Committee voted unanimously to U.K. - Scotland, Wales and North- tee said it could exceed 3% for a common borrowing. Italy is the largest keep borrowing rates unchanged. strengthen their competitive position. left Italy twice, but returned each time. ern Ireland - have been broadly temporary period but that the direct The report pointed to the need to recipient because it suffered the most He has degrees from Italian and British The committee also kept its stimu- coming out of lockdown in the same impact of rises in commodity prices economic damage. enable this segment of companies to universities, has worked in both Italy lus program unchanged, though way as England “will be transitory.” recover from the consequences of the The recovery fund aims to promote one member voted to reduce the and Britain, and has done advanced The committee said the “direct It said it “does not intend to tight- COVID-19 pandemic. long-term growth and recovery by studies both at home and abroad in scale of support given the improv- funding economic reforms, efforts to economic implications of the delay It also stated that the transition to Spain. ing economic outlook, and rising in the fi nal stages of the relaxation en monetary policy at least until a green economy is imperative for fi ght climate change, and the spread of there is clear evidence that signifi - digital technologies. Di Stasio says Italy’s problem is not cost and price pressures. of COVID restrictions were likely the survival of economic and com- The underlying problem: From that Italians go abroad - that is com- Both decisions had been widely to be relatively small compared cant progress is being made in elim- mercial activities and to ensure job 1999 to 2019, Italy’s economy grew mon in Europe and essential in the anticipated in fi nancial markets. with the impact of the re-openings inating spare capacity and achieving opportunities, especially since small only 7.9%, compared to 30.2% for sciences. Now in a position to hire The committee sounded a rela- of retail and hospitality activities the 2% infl ation target sustainably.” and medium-sized enterprises repre- Germany, 32.4% for France, and scientists for his lab developing light tively upbeat tone about the British sent more than 50 percent of all jobs 43.6% in Spain. Slow growth has sources using nanomaterials, he says economy since it last met in early worldwide. kept Italy’s debt at a dangerously high the real weakness in the system is the May. It said bank staff have revised The report shows that small and level. The pandemic has pushed the diffi culty in attracting qualifi ed appli- medium-sized businesses in develop- their expectations higher for sec- ing countries are among the companies debt ratio even higher, from 134.6% of cants to Italy, be they Italians or for- ond quarter growth by around 1.5 GDP before the pandemic to 157.1%. eigners. The question is more complex most concerned about the consequenc- percentage points since then as re- es of negative climate change. More growth would mean a smaller than salary. strictions on economic activity have debt burden compared to the size of While Italy has pockets of excel- Furthermore, the report affi rmed the economy. eased. The bank now expects output that nearly 60 percent of African com- lence - including relatively recent in June to be only around 2.5% be- Right now, that’s not a problem, research institutes like Genoa-based panies that have invested in green since European Central Bank stimu- low its level in the fourth quarter economy businesses have been able to Italian Institute of Technology, where obtain new, high-quality products and lus has driven borrowing costs to re- Di Stasio works - what it is lacking are of 2019, just before the pandemic cord lows. But rising borrowing costs struck. access new markets. fuller ecosystems on par with more The report calls on business sup- threatened the country’s fi nances in competitive economies like Germany, It said the recovery has been most 2011. Italy is a concern for the entire port organizations and associations, Britain or France, where researchers in pronounced in the consumer-facing 19-country eurozone since it is too big services for which restrictions were governments, leading companies and to be bailed out by the other eurozone scientifi c and technological fi elds can international agencies to catalyze the see places to jump every few years as loosened in April. governments, as smaller economies Restrictions across the U.K. have transition towards a green economy. such as Greece and Ireland were dur- they pursue a career path. The International Trade Center ing the 2010-2015 debt crisis. “The doubt is more present. When I been lifted over recent months fol- is a joint agency of the World Trade Just an additional half-percentage search for people, they worry about the lowing a monthlong winter lock- Organization and the United Nations point of growth would, over the longer future. They don’t know how to access down and the rapid rollout of vac- to help small and medium-sized busi- term, make Italy’s debt much more a career path in Italy,’’ Di Stasio said. cines. Much of the British economy, In this fi le photo, pedestrians wearing face masks pass the Bank of Eng- nesses in developing and transition manageable, said Bruegel’s Wolff. “What plays against us is the percep- which shrank around 10% in 2020, land in London. The Bank of England has kept its main interest rate at the economies become more competitive “It’s the most important question tion we have of Italy.” has reopened though an array of so- record low of 0.1%. (AP) in global markets. ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JUNE 25-26, 2021 SCIENCE 11

Space

Can ET see us? Study fi nds many stars with prime Earth view NEW YORK, June 24, (AP): Feeling like you are being watched? It could be from a lot farther away than you think. Astronomers took a technique used to look for life on other planets and fl ipped it around — so instead of looking to see what’s out there, they tried to see what places could see us. There’s a lot. Astronomers calculated that 1,715 stars in our galactic neighborhood — and hundreds of probable Earth-like planets circling those stars — have had an unobstructed view of Earth during human civilization, according to a study Wednesday in the journal Nature. “When I look up at the sky, it looks a little bit friendlier because it’s like, maybe somebody is waving,” said study lead author Lisa Kaltenegger, director of the Carl Sagan Institute at Cornell University. Even though some experts, including the late Stephen Hawking, warn against reaching out to aliens because they could harm us, Kaltenegger said it doesn’t matter. If those planets have advanced life, someone out there could conclude that there is life back here based on oxygen in our atmosphere, or by the radio waves from human sources that have swept over 75 of the closest stars on her list. “Hiding is not really an option,” she Kaltenegger said. This illustration provided by the American Museum of Natural History depicts the planet Earth, (center), with the Sun in the background. The line of spots across the One way humans look for poten- center of the image indicates star systems which can see Earth as it goes in front of our Sun. (AP) tially habitable planets is by watching them as they cross in front of the star they are orbiting, which dims the stars’ light slightly. Kaltenegger and astrophysicist Jacqueline Faherty of the American Museum of Natural History used the Euro- Coronavirus pean Space Agency’s Gaia space telescope to turn that around, looking to see what star systems could watch Earth as it passes in front of the sun. They looked at the 331,312 stars within 326 light-years of Earth. One light-year is 5.9 trillion miles. The angle to see What should I know about the delta variant? Earth pass in front of the sun is so small that only the 1,715 could see Earth at some point in the last 5,000 years, including 313 that no longer can see us because we’ve moved out of view. Vaccine benefi ts outweigh heart risk Contact NEW YORK, June 24, (AP): Federal Another 319 stars will be able to see Earth in the next 5,000 offi cials said Wednesday they plan to years, including a few star systems where scientists have al- strengthen cautions about a rare side ready spotted Earth-like planets, prime candidates for contact. effect of some COVID-19 vaccines Unvaccinated Missourians fuel That brings the total to more than 2,000 star systems with an — chest pain and heart infl ammation, Earth view. mostly among teenagers and young The closest star on Kaltenegger’s list is the red dwarf star adults. COVID: ‘We will be the canary’ Wolf 359, which is 7.9 light-years away. It’s been able to see But in an unusual joint statement, KANSAS CITY, Mo., June 24, (AP): is happening largely in a politically us since the disco era of the mid 1970s. top US government health offi cials, As the US emerges from the CO- conservative farming region in the Carnegie Institution for Science planetary scientist Alan medical organizations, laboratory VID-19 crisis, Missouri is becoming northern part of the state and in Boss, who wasn’t part of the study, called it “provocative.” He and hospital associations and others a cautionary tale for the rest of the the southwestern corner, which said in addition to viewing Earth moving in front of the star, In this May 19, 2021 file photo, a li- stressed the overriding benefi t of the country: It is seeing an alarming rise includes Springfield and Branson, space telescopes nearby could spot us even if the cosmic ge- censed practical nurse draws a Mod- vaccines. in cases because of a combination the country music mecca in the ometry is wrong: “So intelligent civilizations who build space erna COVID-19 vaccine into a syringe “The facts are clear: this is an ex- of the fast-spreading delta variant Ozark Mountains where big crowds telescopes could be studying us right now.” at a mass vaccination clinic at Gillette tremely rare side effect, and only an and stubborn resistance among are gathering again at the city’s So why haven’t we heard from them? Stadium in Foxborough, Mass. On exceedingly small number of people many people to getting vaccinated. theaters and other attractions. It takes a long time for messages and life to travel between Wednesday, June 23, federal officials will experience it after vaccination. Intensive care beds are filling up While over 53% of all Americans stars and civilizations might not last long. So between those said they plan to strengthen cautions Importantly, for the young people who with surprisingly young, unvacci- have received at least one shot, two it’s enough to limit the chances for civilizations to ex- about a rare side effect of some COV- do, most cases are mild, and individu- nated patients, and staff members according to the Centers for Dis- change “emails and TikTok videos,” Boss said in his own ID-19 vaccines — chest pain and heart als recover often on their own or with are getting burned out fighting a ease Control and Prevention, most email. “So we should not expect aliens to show up anytime inflammation, mostly among teenagers minimal treatment,” the statement battle that was supposed to be in southern and northern Missouri soon.” and young adults. But in an unusual said. its final throes. counties are well short of 40%. One Or, Kaltenneger said, life in the cosmos, could just be rare. joint statement, top US government There does seem to be a link be- The hope among some health county is at just 13%. health officials, medical organizations, leaders is that the rest of the US Cases remain below their winter What’s exciting about the study is that it tells scientists laboratory and hospital associations tween the Pfi zer and Moderna shots might at least learn something from highs in southwestern Missouri, “where to point our instruments,” said outside astronomer and others stressed the overriding ben- and some cases of heart infl ammation, Missouri’s plight. but the trajectory is steeper than Seth Shostak of the SETI Institute that searches for extrater- efit of the vaccines. (AP) experts said at a meeting Wednesday “If people elsewhere in the coun- in previous surges, Frederick said. restrial intelligence. “You might know where to look for the of an outside panel that advises the try are looking to us and saying, As of Tuesday, 153 COVID-19 pa- aliens!” Centers for Disease Control and Pre- ‘No thanks’ and they are getting tients were hospitalized at Mercy ❑ ❑ ❑ vention on vaccinations. vaccinated, that is good,” said Erik and another Springfield hospital, The problem appears to be most Frederick, chief administrative of- Cox Health, up from 31 just over a The European Space Agency says it was “blown away” by common in young men after they re- ficer at Mercy Hospital Springfield, month ago, county figures show. the record number of applicants — more than 22,000 — hop- ceive their second of two doses, but it which has been inundated with CO- These patients are also younger ing to become the continent’s next generation of space travel- is nevertheless rare overall: There have VID-19 patients as the variant first than earlier in the pandemic - 60% ers, including more women than ever and some 200 people been 323 confi rmed reports of the in- identified in India rips through the to 65% of those in the ICU over the with disabilities. fl ammation in people younger than 30, largely non-immunized community. weekend at Mercy were under 40, In releasing the results of a new recruitment drive aimed at and the vast majority recovered from “We will be the canary.” according to Frederick, who noted more astronaut diversity, the agency acknowledged Wednes- their symptoms. The state now leads the nation that younger adults are much less day that it still has work to do on gender balance. Just 24% That risk “seems to me, and to many with the highest rate of new CO- likely to be vaccinated — and some of the applicants were women, up from 15% at the last hiring others, to be much lower than the risk VID-19 infections, and the surge are pregnant. drive in 2008. of COVID,” said Dr. Brian Feingold, a The hiring campaign didn’t specifi cally address ethnic di- Stark Putin University of Pittsburgh heart special- doctors investigated. They did not see make it better at latching onto cells in versity, but stressed the importance of “representing all parts ist who is not a member of the panel. of our society.” The agency received applications from all 25 any lingering effects, but they advised our bodies. In the United Kingdom, There have been nearly 2,800 COV- him avoid exercise so his heart could the variant is now responsible for 90% member nations and associate members, though most came Climate ID-19 deaths among adolescents and from traditional heavyweights France, Germany, Britain recover. of all new infections. In the US, it rep- young adults, and more than 4,000 Morrison, a stem cell biologist at resents 20% of infections, and health and Italy. youths have suffered a dangerous con- ESA specifi cally sought out people with physical disabili- the University of Texas Southwest- offi cials say it could become the coun- Moscow endures ‘heatwave’: Resi- dition called MIS-C that appears to be ern Medical Center, praised the vac- try’s dominant type as well. ties, for a fi rst-of-its-kind effort to determine what adapta- linked to the coronavirus. COVID-19 tions would be necessary to space stations to accommodate dents of Russia’s capital are wilting un- cines as a crucial weapon in the battle It’s not clear yet whether the vari- der hot temperatures that on Wednesday itself also can cause heart infl amma- against a virus that has killed about ant makes people sicker since more them. tion. The competition is fierce. Just four to six people will be hit an all-time high for June since records 600,000 Americans. But he also called data needs to be collected, said Dr Ja- started being kept. The expert panel did not vote to for more research into the side effect. chosen as Europe’s next astronauts, with a reserve team of change its recommendation to CDC cob John, who studies viruses at the The mid-afternoon temperature of 34.8 ❑ ❑ ❑ Christian Medical College at Vellore about 20. The candidates will undergo intensive screening Celsius (94.6 Fahrenheit) edged above the that Americans as young as 12 get the over the next year, with a final decision expected in late 34.7 (94.46) recorded in 1901, according shots. What should I know about the delta in southern India. 2022. to Roman Vilfand, scientifi c director of CDC offi cials said Wednesday that variant? Studies have shown that the avail- “We’ve all been astonished” at the number of applicants, Russia’s meteorological service. He said they plan to update their guidance It’s a version of the coronavirus that able vaccines work against variants, ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher told a news confer- the heat is due to a stationary anticyclone to say that anyone who suffers the has been found in more than 80 coun- including the delta variant. ence. “It’s a very strong expression of interest and enthusiasm hovering over the European section of heart infl ammation after one dose of tries since it was fi rst detected in India. Researchers in England studied how that people have across Europe for space.” Russia. Russia’s president is Vladimir the vaccine can defer a second shot. It got its name from the World Health effective the two-dose AstraZeneca The European agency has sent only two women into space Putin. Meanwhile, the Food and Drug Ad- Organization, which names notable and Pfi zer-BioNTech vaccines were to date — Claudie Haigneré and Samantha Cristoforetti — Moscow temperatures in June average ministration is planning to put together variants after letters of the Greek al- against it, compared with the alpha but wants that number to grow. about 22 C (72 F) and many residents a product warning that notes the risk. phabet. variant that was fi rst detected in the While 5,419 women applied for the new ESA program, “the weren’t adapting well. One of the fi rst Americans diag- Viruses constantly mutate, and most UK. numbers also show there is more to be done to achieve gender “This is hell, plain hell,” said Tanya nosed with vaccine-linked heart in- changes aren’t concerning. But there The vaccines were protective for balance in the space sector,” said David Parker, its director of Tretyakova, who was seeking shade un- fl ammation was Sean Morrison, a is a worry that some variants might those who got both doses but were less human and robotic exploration. der a tree in central Moscow’s Muzeon scientist in Dallas. Three days after his evolve enough to be more contagious, so among those who got one dose. Globally, 65 of the more than 560 people who have explored park. Another park visitor, however, was de- second dose, he developed intense pain cause more severe illness or evade the It’s why experts say it’s important to space were women, most of them Americans. in his chest that he said felt like a heart protection that vaccines provide. be fully vaccinated. And it’s why they ESA this week signed an agreement with the European Un- lighted. “I’m really enjoying it because I was born in Uzbekistan and I feel like I’m attack. Experts say the delta variant spreads say making vaccines accessible glob- ion that will see the 27-nation bloc deepen ties with and in- He was hospitalized for four days as more easily because of mutations that ally is so critical. crease its funding for the space agency. right at home,” said Alina Zhuyzik. Vilfand took a broad, philosophical ap- As part of the deal, the EU will invest almost 9 billion eu- proach. “From my point of view, station- ros ($10.8 billion) between now and 2027 for ESA programs ary stability is good in society ... For the aimed at boosting economic growth, digitalization and envi- sions and set net zero targets. achieved by magic, so surprisingly little Less snow for Yellowstone: Yellow- atmosphere, stability is a bad factor,” he “It’s been a year when the government has been done so far to deliver on them,” stone National Park visitors hoping to see its ronmental protection. told the TV station Dozhd. (AP) the committee’s chief executive Chris While many ESA members are also part of the EU, some — has been willing to make genuinely his- world-renowned geysers, wolves and bears ❑ ❑ ❑ toric commitments on climate, but the Stark said. (AP) can expect warmer temperatures and less such as Britain — are not. ❑ ❑ ❑ Among the future programs planned are one that will test ‘Deliver on policies’: The British gov- targets they have set are not going to be snow as climate change alters the park’s en- the use of a satellite-based quantum encryption system for se- ernment is being urged by its own climate vironment, according to a report by US and cure communications, and another to monitor space for poten- advisers to deliver on its promises to deal university researchers released Wednesday. tial hazardous debris. with climate change or risk undermining a Average temperatures in the Yellow- key environmental summit that it is host- stone region in recent decades were likely Also: ing at the end of the year. the warmest of the last 800,000 years, according to geologic studies. And average HUNTSVILLE, Ala.: The Federal Aviation Administration is Among some 200 recommendations in a report published Thursday, the advisory annual snowfall has decreased by nearly 2 considering a plan to land commercial space vehicles in Ala- feet (1 meter) since 1950. bama. Climate Change Committee said policies are urgently need to make homes more The changing climate could affect The agency recently released information about a proposal energy-effi cient, accelerate the shift to some of the park’s most iconic sites, in- by the Huntsville airport and Nevada-based Sierra Space to electric cars and encourage people to eat cluding Old Faithful, a geyser famous for use the site roughly 15 miles (24 kilometers) west of down- less meat. erupting at regular intervals. town to land ships that resemble a small space shuttle with The committee also urged the govern- Past droughts have reduced the fre- upswept wings, WHNT-TV reported. ment to engage with the public on the quency of water shooting out of the popu- The spacecraft would be launched elsewhere and land on climate crisis, to provide people with in- lar geyser, meaning it could erupt less an existing runway in Huntsville, which has the largest com- formation and involve them in the coming frequently as drought conditions become mercial airport in north Alabama and is a hub for the aerospace changes needed to meet the targets. more common in the park, Bryan Shu- industry. It said all policies need to be judged man, a geology professor at the Univer- The Huntsville-Madison County Airport Authority said against a “net-zero” test to ensure they sity of Wyoming, said during a news con- the FAA is conducting a preliminary review of the pro- are compatible with climate targets. It ference Wednesday. posal. also said that changes to planning legisla- Temperatures in the region have in- A study completed in 2015 found the airport compatible for tion should be amended to make sure new creased by more than 2 degrees (1 degree the so-called Dream Chaser, which Sierra Space describes as developments cut emissions and are pre- Celsius) since 1950 and are expected to a spaceplane designed to take crew and cargo into low-Earth pared for rising temperatures. increase by an additional fi ve to 10 de- orbit. It would be launched on an Atlas V rocket. The government has pledged to cut grees (3 to 6 degrees Celsius) by the end Both the airport and the company would need licenses be- emissions by at least 68% by 2030 com- Visitors are seen at Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park, Wyo- of the century, according to fi ndings by fore any landings could occur. pared with 1990 levels. It has laid out its ming on May 1, 2021. A study by federal and university researchers says aver- scientists with the US Geological Survey, hope that other countries bring forward age park temperatures in recent decades were likely the warmest of the last Montana State University and the Univer- their own ambitious plans to cut emis- 800,000 years. (AP) sity of Wyoming. (AP) Television FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JUNE 25-26, 2021 FFeatureseatures weekly Wednesdayaudience. up inrowsduringthepontiff’s grabber amongthepubliclined the character,wasattention- least anItalianwhodressesuplike can gatherings,Spider-Man,orat Francis sion.” immediately understoodmymis- exciting becausePopeFrancis as hegreetedthepontiff. COVID-19, onthebackanarm who worenomaskagainst reached outandtouchedFrancis, children inhospitals.” eyes Idailyseepainfromsick sign, totellhimthatthroughthese gave Francisasparemask,“as the childrenandtheirfamilies. he askedPopeFrancistoprayfor Rome Wednesday. which heplannedtovisitlateron at theVatican’spediatrichospital hospitalized children,likethose super-hero outfi the comic-bookandmovie in aVaticancourtyard.(AP) youngsters attendingtheaudience tion of month inthe in theseriesbeganearlierthis treatment optionsareevaluated. be reconfi tinue andthefi Walt DisneyCosaidWednesday. fi 78-year-old washurtrehearsinga ing ashoulderinjuryonset.The “Indiana Jones5”aftersustain- is takingahiatusfromfi Pinewood Studiosin lennium Falconwhilefi beneath aheavydooroftheMil- Awakens” whenhewascrushed the setof“StarWars:TheForce Ford. In2014,hebrokehislegon is settobereleasedinJuly2022. fall’s PEN Americaliterary gala, Soyinka ght scene,aspokespersonforthe NEW YORK: VATICAN CITY: LOS ANGELES: and writesforRollingStone. a ghostwriterforcelebritymemoirsbyJennaJamesonandKevinHart Uncomfortable BookaboutRelationships.”Strausshasalsoservedas his ownstruggleswithintimacyandmonogamyin“TheTruth:An the SecretSocietyofPickupArtists.”Tenyearslater,heexamined was chronicledinthe2005bestsellingbook“TheGame:Penetrating tactics suchasbackhandedcomplimentsandlimitedavailability.This world ofpickupartistry,wherementrainedtoattractwomenwith ing himselftouniquesituations.Hefamouslywentundercoverinthe up, atleastinpartduetotheintensityofinvestigation. than togoalong.Straussalludesonthepodcasthismarriagebreaking helped too,nowsayingthatatthetimeitwasoriginallymoretogetalong the bandIncubus—andhiswife,violinistAnnMarieSimpson.Strauss search. ShebroughtinneighborandfriendMikeEinziger—guitaristfor thing disturbingmayhavetakenplaceinhercommunityandjoinedthe Malibu —wheretheylived.DeLaOcouldn’tshaketheideathatsome- across anewsreportonlinethatsaidPark’sabandonedcarwasfoundin became awareofthecaseafterhisthen-wife,IngridDeLaO,stumbled Calabasas, California.AnewepisodeisreleasedonThursdays.Strauss 2017 disappearanceofElainePark,a20-year-oldwomanlastseenin intimate, nottomentionterrifying. The revelationswerereleasedinalmostrealtime,andlisteningseemed helped solvethecaseofa25-year-oldmissingwoman,AdeaShabani. podcast “ToLiveandDieinLA”cameforwardwithinformationthat NEW YORK,June24,(AP):In2019,alistenerofwriterNeilStrauss’ ‘To LiveandDieinLA’ returnstosearch formissingwoman Matteo Villardita Villardita tookselfi Said Villardita:“Itwasvery Villardita, withacostumedarm, The mantoldAPTVthathe Sweating underhiscostumein Filming onthefi Production isexpectedtocon- It’s notthefi Deadline fi Strauss canattributesomeofhisprofessionalsuccesstosubject- Strauss isbackwithasecondseasonofhispodcast,focusingonthe ’s heatwave,Villarditasaid James Mangold isusuallythestaratVati- willbeattending this ❑ ❑ gured asneededwhile rst reportedthenews. UK lming schedulewill Nobel laureate rst on set injury for rst onsetinjuryfor t tocheerup underthedirec- Harrison Ford While fth installment London , 28,dons es with lming at lming . Thefi Pope . (AP) Wole lm

Suzanne Nossel ble occasion,”PEN AmericaCEO us forwhatwillbe anunforgetta- Wole Soyinkahas decidedtojoin Gates Louis GatesJr thor, scholarandfi to helppresentanawardtheau- fl ying infromhisnative “It meansagreatdealto New York.Butitalsobecomesabundantlyclear Iván achieveshisdreamandmakesitasachefin fraught relationshipswiththeirownfathers. to bothIvánandGerardo’schildhoodstheir present freely,withsomedevastatingfl with onlyGerardoasalifeline. liveryman. He’salsoachinglylonelyandisolated, kitchen andendsupworkingasajanitorde- fi akin todisappearingforever. about thosewho’vemade“thecrossing,”itsounds US ThewaythecharacterslivinginMexicotalk behind forthehopeofbetteropportunitiesin good MichelleRodríguez),andtojustleaveitall with hisbestfriend,Sandra(aheartbreakingly he makesthedecisiontocrossoverintoAmerica stand. Whenitlookslikehe’sabouttobeexposed, him ifhe’soutedandhisownmotherwon’tunder- He fearsthathisson’smotherwon’tletIvánsee fair thatIvántriestokeepsecretfromeveryone. is outasagayman.Theybeginpassionateaf- do (ChristianVázquez),ateacherwho,unlikehim, kitchen positionwitharelativeinneed. ent areofnointeresttotheboss,whofi to bepatient.Iván’sculinaryschooldegreeandtal- has himwashingdishesandfi enough moneytosupporthisson.Hisboss,who struggling togetaspotinkitchenandmake an aspiringchefwhowemeetinMexicoashe’s love, sacrifi dreamy andtender,decades-spanningstoryabout D Love &lossin‘ICarryYou withMe’ rst either,whoisstillnotabletogetabreakin Because ofthestructure,weknowearlythat The fi New YorkishardlyapromisedlandforIvánat Then onenightIvánmeetsthehandsomeGerar- The centralcharacterisIván(ArmandoEspitia), andtoPENAmerica that Variety This imagereleasedbySonyPicturesClassicsshowsChristianVazquezinascenefrom‘ICarryYouwithMe.’(AP) rative debutwith“ICarryYouMe,”a irector HeidiEwingmakesapowerfulnar- lm cutsbackandforthbetweenpast ‘Podcastsaboutunsolvedcasesmoreeffectivethanarticles’ ce, memoryandimmigration. . saidina state- lmmaker By LindseyBahr Nigeria Skip Henry

Film there’s somethingsinthecomments,butapodcastunfoldsweekto effective thanarticlesindrawingpeoplein. podcast episodeabouthim. of missingCaliforniamanMatthewWeaverbyproducingaone-off tionship withthepoliceisdifferent.”He’salsohelpedamplifycase said Strauss,whoaddsthat“frommylimitedexperience,everyrela- has jurisdictionoverthecase—beenreceptivetotheirinput. one thingandthenyoulearnsomethingelseistrue.” all ofusbecausethingsarenotalwayswhattheyseemtobe.Youthink not,” hesaid,alsooverZoom.“It’sbeenahugelearningexperiencefor xing toilets,tellshim Toronto FilmFestivalplotsin-person,digitaledition “Articles arestatic,”hesaid.“Thearticlecomesoutandmaybe Strauss hasatheorywhypodcastsaboutunsolvedcasescanbemore “Whatever waytheycangetinformation,they’rehappytoit,” Strauss andEinzigersaytheGlendalePoliceDepartment—which “We’ve allbeeninvolvedprettyconstantlywhetherwewantedtoor bus andimmediatelyafterward,gottenonaphonecallaboutthecase. life. There’sbeentimeswhenhe’sonstageperformingwithIncu- including abookofadviceorofferingguidancebehindthescenes. families searchingformissinglovedones.He’smullingoveroptions, fi “I’m doingverycurrentcases,notold,coldcases.”Strausswantsto much ofhisfocusinrecentyears. nd outwhathappenedtoPark,buthealsofeelsacallhelpother odMangold Ford Einziger saysPark’sdisappearancehasconsumedmuchofhisown “It’s veryjustintenseandstressful,”saidStraussrecentlyoverZoom. But it’sthediveintothesemissingpersonscasesthathastakenup lls anopen ashbacks pets andoutdoorscreeningsbecauseofthepan- September, ayearafterturningtovirtualredcar- tival isplanninganextensivein-personfestivalin NEW YORK: stars outoffour. brief nudity.”Runningtime:111minutes.Three Picture AssociationofAmericafor“languageand release intheatersFriday,isratedRbytheMotion to feellikeyourown. losses, triumphsandmemoriesgoodbadstart emotions allthemoreuniversal.Byend,Iván’s but it’sthatspecifi couple tryingtocarveoutaplaceforthemselves, specifi Iván andisgivenanevendreamierquality. Mexico alsoexistsmainlyasanostalgicideafor very differentenergiesofMexicoandNewYork. does wonderswiththecamera,too,capturing thentic. the fi overall fl elements cometogethersometimesdisruptsthe sions ofIvánandGerardo.Thewaythenon-linear of sorts,withactorsportrayingtheyoungerver- out asdocumentarybeforeevolvingintoahybrid claimed NewYorkchef.Theprojectevenstarted Arriaga. Theybaseditontherealstoryofanac- mentaries, co-wrotethescreenplaywithAlanPage left inMexicoisnowagrownman. their facetimeconversationsthatthelittleboyhe looms always.It’sagutpunchtorealizeononeof being undocumentedandthethreatofdeportation fulfi that hispromisestoreturnsonhavenotbeen Learning “I CarryYouwithMe,”aSonyPicturesClassics “I CarryYouwithMe”couldn’tbeanymore Mexican cinematographerJuanPabloRamírez Ewing, whohaspreviouslyco-directeddocu- lled. Therearetoomanycomplicationswith lm isalwaysengagingandemotionallyau- c aboutthetrialsofanundocumentedgay ow andpoignancyofkeymoments,but TheTorontoInternationalFilmFes- event, either inpersonorthrough also speakaboutGates atthePEN history andculture.” tions toourunderstanding of Professor Gatesforhiscontribu- momentous taskofrecognizing stature isproportionatetothe is agiantinworldliterature.His ment Wednesday.“WoleSoyinka Oscar-winner city thatmakesitsthemes and Also: Jodie Foster will for oursafetysure.” want ustofi gether, sowhoeverisresponsible,it’slogicaltoassumetheywouldnot something probablyhappenedtoElaine.We’retryingpieceitto- of aninsurancepolicy”tosharewherethecaseistakinghim. advantage because“announcingapersonI’minvestigatingistinybit necessary facts.” have toreallyrepeatstuff,andyougivetheskeletonof they tuneout,”explainedStrauss.“Youhavetobereallyclear.You when someone’slisteningtoaudio,iftheygettoomuchinformation, keeping listenersengagedisinbeingconciseandsimple. over 60millionepisodedownloads.Strausssaysonechallengein pany TenderfootTVsaysbetweenthetwoseasons,therehavebeen people tocare.” tear upeverytimeIlistentothosepartsofthepodcastandyouwant window intothepersonbehindname. ing afreestylerap,andtweetstextarereadaloudtoprovide talk aboutarticlesthewaytheypodcasts.” call, theygetemotionallyinvolvedandattached.Youdon’thearpeople week anditkindofspreads.It’sinteractivewithtipscomingin,people Einziger adds,“Somebodyismissingsotheimplicationthat Strauss sayshostingapodcastwithlargelistenershipgiveshiman The investigationisn’tonlytimeconsuming.Itcanalsobescary. “When you’rewritinganarticle,youcangivealotoffacts.But Strauss’ podcasthasdrawnasubstantialaudience.Productioncom- “What abeautifulsoul,whatperson,”saidStrauss.“I A goalistohumanizePark.Thepodcasthasaudioofherperform- Service Award. Heknowsboth receive thePEN/Audible Literary range ofbooksand fi research andhasworked onawide center forAfrican and American professor whodirectstheschool’s nounced. human rightsorganizationan- a tapedmessage,theliteraryand Gates, aHarvardUniversity in to followitspremiereattheVeniceFilmFestival IMAX screeningof tary “Jagged.”Thefestivalwillalsohostan Alison Klayman “Dionne Warwick;Don’tMakeMeOver,”and Kenneth Branagh films toplayatTIFFthisyear.Thoseinclude next month,butitofferedasamplingofsome can participateinthefestival.” ensure that,nomatterwhereyouarelocated, This inclusivityacrossallourofferingshelpsto and willbevitaltothefutureoffilmfestivals. tant partofprovidingaccessibilitytoaudiences val. “Webelievethatdigitalaccessisanimpor- form,” saidJoanaVicente,co-headofthefesti- brought backtheTIFFDigitalCinemaProplat- international borders.Inresponse,wehave press colleaguesmaynotbeabletotravelacross a degreeofnormalcy,manyourindustryand tal platformthatwillbeavailableacrossCanada. ahead withahybridmodel,includingrobustdigi- vaccinations havespedupinCanada. hibited untilatleastJuly21.Butafteraslowstart, nonessential travelfromthe not allowed.Lastweek,Canadaannouncedthat States Canada ful anddependentonimprovinghealthconditions. cess ofWalesTheatre. Bell Lightbox,RoyThomsonHall,andthePrin- usual downtown and returntoin-personscreeningsinmanyofits the 45theditionofTIFFwilltakeplaceSept9-18 demic. gure itout.Therehavebeentimeswherewe’veafraid The festivalwillannounceitsmainlineuplate “While theworldisdefinitelymovingtowards With thosefactorsinmind,TIFFplanstogo Organizers acknowledgedthoseplansarehope- Festival organizersannouncedWednesdaythat Italy and . (AP) ’s reopeninghasgoneslowerinthe Europe lms, isto Toronto ’s AlanisMorissettedocumen- . IndoordininginOntarioisstill ’s “Belfast,”TahirRana’s Denis Villeneuve venues,liketheTIFF US College. (AP) both werevisiting FellowsatClare and poet,fi 86-year-old novelist, playwright Morrison thesis aboutNobellaureate he helpedadviseheronsenior Yale Universityinthe1980sand was hisstudentwhensheattended Soyinka andFosterwell. wouldremainpro- . GatesandSoyinka, the rst metin1973when ’s “Dune” United Toni ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JUNE 25-26, 2021 NEWS/FEATURES 13

People & Places

Opera

Most daunting role Kaufmann takes on Tristan, voice killer NEW YORK, June 24, (AP): Ten years ago, Jo- nas Kaufmann didn’t hesitate when asked if he was ready to take on heavy Wagnerian roles like the hero of “Tristan und Isolde.” “I don’t want to get into the history books as one of the youngest Tristans ever, and who lost his voice right after,” Kaufmann, then 41, told The Associated Press. “Hopefully I’ll be able to do those things later.” Now he’s 51, and later has arrived. On June 29 the most sought-after tenor in opera stakes his claim to one of its most daunting roles, headlining a new production at Munich’s Bavar- ian State Opera directed by Krzysztof Warlikowski. There will be fi ve performances through July 31, all sold out. It’s the highest-profi le de- but imaginable, kicking off the company’s annual summer festival - the last one planned by outgoing chief Nikolaus Bachler. It also re- Kaufmann unites him with his frequent co-star, soprano Anja Har- teros, and with conductor Kirill Petrenko, who is leaving Munich for the Berlin Philharmonic. The premiere comes just as the house has emerged from months of sporadic shutdowns due to the pandemic. Recently it has been playing to Britney Spears arrives at the Los Angeles premiere of ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ on July 22, 2019. After 13 years of near silence in the conservatorship audiences of one-third the 2,100 seat capacity, and that controls her life and money, Spears passionately told a judge Wednesday that she wants to end the ‘abusive’ case that has made her feel demoralized and the company said it hoped to increase that to one- enslaved. (AP) half for the festival. During rehearsals, Kaufmann responded to emailed questions from AP about his new role. These are edited excerpts from that exchange. People AP: You fi rst sang Act 2 in concert with the Boston Symphony Orchestra three years ago, but plans to sing Act 3 last year fell victim to the pandemic. Are you confi dent this is the right time to Singer asks judge to free her from conservatorship add a role that has a reputation as a voice killer? Kaufmann: Yes, I am. If I weren’t, I wouldn’t sing it. AP: Many Tristans insist on substantial cuts, ‘I want my life back:’ Spears skipping the 11-minute section of Act 2 known as “Tag und Nacht,” and leaving out chunks of Act LOS ANGELES, June 24, (AP): After ing my life,” Spears said, “so I feel like public silence has falsely created the 3, in which the mortally wounded hero holds forth 13 years of near silence in the con- it should be an open court hearing and impression that she approved of her almost without pause for 40 minutes. Do you plan servatorship that controls her life and they should listen and hear what I have circumstances. to sing these portions uncut? money, Britney Spears passionately to say.” “I’ve lied and told the whole world, Kaufmann: Yes and yes. We’ll do the com- told a judge Wednesday that she wants She went on to say she was forced ‘I’m OK, I’m happy,’ ” she said. “I’ve plete score, no cuts. to end the “abusive” case that has made to take lithium - which made her feel been in denial, I’ve been in shock. I am AP: What makes Act 3 so diffi cult? Is it the vo- her feel demoralized and enslaved. “drunk” - after rehearsals broke down traumatized.” cal demands or the dramatic intensity? Speaking in open court for the fi rst for a Vegas residency in 2019, which More than 100 fans from the so called Kaufmann: It’s mainly the length. You need time in the case, Spears condemned was subsequently canceled. #FreeBritney movement gathered out- some stamina to sing that! But for me, the toughest her father and others who control the She said all she had done was disa- side the courthouse before the hearing, thing was to get it all in my head, all those words, conservatorship, which she said has gree with one part of the show’s cho- holding signs that read “Free Britney pauses, all those details to remember and deliver. Author Neil Strauss, (left), and Incu- compelled her to use birth control and reography. now!” and “Get out of Britney’s life!” bus guitarist Mike Einziger, of the take other medications against her will, “I’m not here to be anyone’s slave,” Fan Marissa Cooper was inside the AP: Your Isolde, Anja Harteros, is also singing and prevented her from getting mar- Spears said. “I can say no to a dance courtroom, and cried and occasionally her role for the fi rst time. Is there a comfort that podcast ‘To Live and Die in LA,’ pose for a portrait on Thursday, June 17, in ried or having another child. move.” clapped during the remarks. comes from your long partnership in Munich? “This conservatorship is doing “Not only did my family not do a “It was insane,” Cooper said outside Kaufmann: After having been lovers in Malibu, Calif. (AP) — Details on Page 12 me way more harm than good,” the goddamn thing, my dad was all for it,” court. “Everyone that’s been following so many operas it’s just consistent to perform 39-year-old Spears said. “I deserve to Spears said. this has been called crazy since the be- “Tristan und Isolde” as well, don’t you think so? have a life.” ginning, and conspiracy theorists, so it Yes, there is a special chemistry between us. Sing- She spoke fast and sprinkled profan- Power just feels really really good to actually ing with her, I’ve always got the feeling that this is ity into the written speech that lasted She accused her father of relishing hear it from her.” how it can be if you inspire one another and keep more than 20 minutes as her parents, his power over her, as he showed when Spears said she has not felt heard in raising your level. fans and journalists listed to an audio she failed a series of psychological any of her previous appearances be- AP: When you were a young singer just start- livestream. Many of the details Spears tests in 2019 and forced her to go into fore the court, all of which were sealed revealed have been carefully guarded a mental hospital. from the public. ing out, did you imagine you would someday be by the court for years. “I cried on the phone for an hour, Her court-appointed attorney, Sam- singing Tristan? Spears told Los Angeles Superior and he loved every minute of it,” uel Ingham III, said he made no at- Kaufmann: Defi nitely not! My whole train- Court Judge Brenda Penny that “I want Spears said. ”The control he had tempt to “control, or fi lter, or edit” his ing could be summed up in the words: “Just be to end this conservatorship without be- over someone as powerful as me, as client’s words. He said Spears has not careful and sing quietly, otherwise you’ll ruin ing evaluated.” he loved the control to hurt his own offi cially asked him to fi le a petition to daughter 100,000%.” your voice.” At one point I thought: If this is my Kelly Bell Penny thanked the pop star for her end the conservatorship. future, I’d better look for another job. That was “courageous” words but made no rul- Spears said she felt forced to do the Spears said she had done research at a performance of “Parsifal” at which I sang ings. A long legal process is likely be- Las Vegas residency on the heels of a that showed her conservatorship could the Third Squire, a bit part if ever there was one. fore any decision is made on terminat- tour, and felt like a great weight was be ended without further evaluation Around me were nothing but Wagnerian voices, Variety ing the conservatorship. lifted when it was canceled. She has of her. But under California law, the Spears said she wants to marry her not performed or recorded since. burden would be on her to prove she and I naturally didn’t want to sound like a gnat in boyfriend Sam Asghari and have a Spears also said several nurses often is competent to manage her own af- comparison. So I really gave it my all - and within NEW YORK: R&B singer R. Kelly has baby with him, but she is not allowed watch her every move, not even letting fairs, and an intensive investigation a few phrases I was completely hoarse. I opened been jailed in New York City in anticipation to even drive with him. her change her clothes in private. and evaluation is probably inevitable my mouth and all that came out was hot air. The of his sex-traffi cking trial later this summer. “All I want is to own my money and Vivian Thoreen, attorney for before it can come to an end. conductor looked up at me in astonishment. For a A federal prison website on Wednesday for this to end and for my boyfriend to Spears’ father, James Spears, gave a The conservatorship was put in singer, this is a nightmare, of course. Thank God, listed Kelly as an inmate at the Metropolitan be able to drive me in his (expletive) brief statement on his behalf after con- place as she underwent a mental health a colleague took me to the teacher to whom I basi- Detention Center in Brooklyn. He arrived car,” Spears said. ferring with him during a recess. crisis in 2008. She has credited its ini- there Tuesday afternoon from Chicago, “I truly believe this conservatorship “He is sorry to see his daughter suf- tial establishment with saving her from cally owe everything: Michael Rhodes. He taught where he was being held on similar charges. me how to use my own voice. When he said that is abusive,” Spears said, adding at an- fering and in so much pain,” Thoreen fi nancial ruin and keeping her a top Kelly, 54, is accused of leading an enter- other point, “I want my life back.” said. “Mr. Spears loves his daughter, fl ight pop star. I’d sing Lohengrin one day, I simply shook my prise made up of his managers, bodyguards head in disbelief. When an attorney representing her and misses her very much.” Her father and his attorneys have em- and other employees who helped him re- co-conservator said the hearing and James Spears serves as co-conservator phasized that she and her fortune, which AP: You recently triumphed in another of the cruit women and girls. Federal prosecutors say the group selected victims at concerts transcript should be kept sealed if pri- of his daughter’s fi nances, and also had court records put at more than $50 mil- most demanding tenor roles, the title character of vate medical information was to be re- control of her life decisions for most of lion, remain vulnerable to fraud and Verdi’s “Otello.” How does Tristan compare to and other venues and arranged for them to travel to see Kelly. vealed, Spears shouted her down, say- the conservatorship. He currently serves manipulation. Under the law, the burden that? The Grammy Award-winning singer ing her words should be public. as co-conservator of her fi nances. would be on Spears to prove she is com- Kaufmann: Well, since opera singing is a high- denies ever abusing anyone. “They’ve done a good job at exploit- Britney Spears said her years-long petent before the case could end. performance sport, one may say that Tristan is a His trial is set for Aug 9. (AP) marathon whereas Otello is a row of sprints. Actu- ❑ ❑ ❑ ally, in the part of Otello there’s not a single in- media messages,” Sinclair said. impact statement at the sentencing. child, but was catapulted to stardom as a CLEVELAND: Drake Bell, the former star The sentencing range is probation to Sinclair declined to comment about the teen with Nickelodeon’s “The Amanda stant where you can just let go. Every bar requires of the popular Nickelodeon show “Drake utmost concentration. The emotional level that two years in prison. The girl, who is now case Wednesday. Show” and later “Drake & Josh,” which & Josh,” pleaded guilty on Wednesday an adult, will be allowed to give a victim Bell, also a singer, began acting as a debuted on the channel in January 2004. Verdi builds up is constantly high. Whereas Wag- to charges relating to a girl who met him The fi nal episode aired in September 2007. ner’s timing of highlights and “zones of calmness” online and attended one of his concerts in Bell and co-star Josh Peck also starred in is completely different, of course. Cleveland in 2017, when she was 15. two “Drake & Josh” movies. (AP) AP: Which tenors of the past did you listen to Jared “Drake” Bell, 34, of West Holly- ❑ ❑ ❑ while preparing Tristan? wood, California, pleaded guilty via Zoom to felony attempted child endangerment NEW ORLEANS: Rapper McKinley Kaufmann: I’ve got a lot of inspiration by and a misdemeanor charge of disseminat- “Mac” Phipps has been released from listening to great singers, and Jon Vickers is one ing matter harmful to juveniles. Sentencing prison after being granted parole in the case of them. Other Tristans I listened to are Lauritz is scheduled for July 12 in Cleveland. of a 2001 shooting at a south Louisiana Melchior, Max Lorenz, Ludwig Suthaus, Ramon Defense attorney Ian Friedman said nightclub. Vinay, Wolfgang Windgassen and Jess Thomas. Wednesday that he could not comment The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans And I must say, the one who impressed me most on the case but said it will be revealed at Advocate reported that Phipps was released was Suthaus in that legendary (1952) Furtwängler/ sentencing “why Mr Bell chose to enter late Tuesday, hours after parole was today’s plea.” granted by the state parole board. Flagstad recording. That sovereignty of his sing- Bell had initially pleaded not guilty Phipps was serving a 30-year sentence ing, that calmness, that musicality, that wonderful to the charges earlier this month. Tyler after a St Tammany Parish jury found legato! Sinclair, a spokesperson for the Cuyahoga him guilty in 2001 of manslaughter in the AP: What is your next new role after this? County Prosecutor’s Offi ce, said at the shooting death of a man at a nightclub in Kaufmann: I’m singing Peter Grimes (the title time that the girl contacted Toronto police Slidell. At the time of the shooting, he was character in Benjamin Britten’s opera) in Vienna in October 2018. Toronto authorities then a 22-year-old rapper with a new record deal contacted Cleveland police, prompting an with the No Limit label. next year. A fascinating part in every aspect, and investigation. Phipps has always maintained that he I’m really looking forward to it. The attempted endangering children was wrongfully convicted. Witnesses told AP: Finally, I’m sure you’re aware that the very charge relates to the concert, Sinclair said, The Huffi ngton Post in 2015 that their testi- fi rst Tristan, Ludwig Schnorr von Carolsfeld, died where Bell “violated his duty of care” mony was coerced, bringing new attention just a few weeks after the work’s 1865 premiere in and created a risk of harm to the victim. to his case. Munich, giving rise to the legend that the role is Sinclair didn’t elaborate further. Phipps, meanwhile, was drawing praise cursed. Is that on your mind at all? Bell and the girl had “developed a for mentoring young inmates. Board relationship” online several years prior to This image released by the Bavarian State Opera shows tenor Jonas Kaufmann members noted that he had no disciplinary Kaufmann: Since I’m not superstitious, I don’t the concert, Sinclair said. The disseminat- as the mortally wounded Tristan during a rehearsal for his role debut in a new infractions in the last 18 years and that he worry. ing harmful material charge concerns Bell production of Wagner’s ‘Tristan und Isolde,’ premiering at Munich’s Bavarian would be eligible for early release for good having sent the girl “inappropriate social State Opera on June 29. (AP) behavior in 2024. (AP) ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JUNE 25-26, 2021 SPORTS 14

UEFA abolishes away-goals rule in club competitions Qatar’s 2020 World Cup stadiums inspired by Arab, Gulf culture DOHA, June 24, (Agencies): Qatar’s fi ya varies slightly from country to Gulf region. Meanwhile, the away-goals rule after the regulation 90 minutes in the home and away” including more tel- 2020 World Cup stadiums embody country, yet still binds Arab nations Ahmad bin Ali stadium embodies was abolished Thursday by UEFA second leg will go direct to extra time evision coverage to better understand the Arab and Gulf culture through together through shared tradition. the Qatari desert, while the Educa- after 56 years as a fundamental way and then to a penalty shootout. opponents’ styles, comfortable travel their magnifi cent architectural de- Lusail magnifi cent stadium is in- tion City stadium’s design represents of deciding matches in its European UEFA president Aleksander and better playing surfaces. signs. spired by the interplay of light and club competitions. Čeferin cited the “unfairness, espe- Čeferin said the rule outlived its Al-Thumama stadium’s design is shadow that characterizes the (fa- SOCCER The move was often proposed in cially in extra time, of obliging the usefulness and inhibited home teams inspired by the (Gahfi ya), a tradi- nar) lantern, while Al-Bayt stadium recent years by club coaches who felt home team to score twice when the from attacking “because they fear tional woven cap worn for centuries takes its name from Bayt Al-Shaar, an idea from the 1960s was no longer away team has scored.” conceding a goal that would give by men in many Arab countries. The which is a tent historically used by quality, durability and resilience relevant. UEFA cited several factors that their opponents a crucial advan- style and even the name of the gah- nomadic people in Qatar and the through an Islamic inspiration. Games now tied on aggregate score “blurred the lines between playing at tage.” Vandy stays alive Giants wait out Ohtani, rally in Vanderbilt beats Stanford at CWS OMAHA, Nebraska, June 24, (AP): Enrique Bradfi eld Jr. enjoyed the view from second base as the biggest play of the season unfolded for 13th inning for win over Angels Vanderbilt. Bradfi eld had just driven in the tying run against Stanford, and what happened next was Padres top Dodgers for 1st sweep of rivals in 8 seasons nearly unimaginable for a Commodores team that had played from behind all game. Spencer Jones scored from third on Brendan ANAHEIM, Calif., June 24, Beck’s wild pitch with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning, allowing Vanderbilt to stay (AP): Shohei Ohtani struck out alive in the College World Series with a 6-5 vic- nine over six innings of one-run tory. ball for the Angels, but the San “We’ve done some crazy things this year, down in the last inning, two outs,” Bradfi eld Francisco Giants rallied for sev- said. “Nobody’s on to start the inning. We get to en runs in the 13th inning of a 9-3 two outs, we get a baserunner, another base hit victory over Los Angeles. follows. So we knew it was always possible.” Steven Duggar had an RBI double in the Possible, yet improbable. 12th and a two-run single in the 13th for The reigning national champions were down to their last strike before the shocking fi nish the Giants, who fi nally blew it open while against the Pac-12 pitcher of the year, who had the Angels had outfi elder Taylor Ward been dominant since beginning his rare relief playing catcher and starting pitcher Grif- appearance in the seventh. fi n Canning playing left fi eld as the fallout The Commodores (47-16) were uncharacter- from an untimely injury to Kurt Suzuki istically sloppy against Stanford (39-17) until and a series of strategic decisions made to the middle innings and pulled within 5-4 after allow Ohtani to hit for himself. being down 4-0. Mike Tauchman struck out five times before They avoided their shortest stay at the CWS hitting a three-run homer to cap the Giants’ in their fi ve appearances, all since 2011, and will 13th-inning rally. Brandon Crawford put San play North Carolina State in the Bracket 1 fi nal. Francisco ahead to stay with a bases-loaded They would have to beat the Wolfpack on Fri- walk from Alex Claudio (1-2), who walked day and again Saturday to reach the best-of-three three straight in the 13th. championship series a second straight time. The 13-inning game matched the longest in Vandy won the national title in 2019. There the majors since the institution of the runner- was no CWS last year because of the pandemic. on-second-base rule to open extra innings last The fi rst fi ve batters that faced Beck (9-3) season. struck out, and no one reached base until Javier Dominic Leone (1-0) won despite yielding Vaz walked on a 3-2 pitch with two outs in the the tying run in the 12th for the major league- ninth. leading Giants, who swept the two-game inter- Jones hit a pinch infi eld single, and Vaz end- league series with their eighth victory in nine ed up on third on shortstop Adam Crampton’s games - long after Ohtani and Kevin Gausman off-target throw to fi rst. Bradfi eld then singled staged a compelling pitchers’ duel. to right to bring home Vaz and send Jones to Padres 5, Dodgers 3 third. In San Diego, Trent Grisham drew a go- ahead, bases-loaded walk with one out in the BASEBALL eighth, San Diego hit three solo homers off Trevor Bauer and the Padres completed their San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Kevin Gausman throws to the plate during the second inning of a baseball game against the Los first three-game sweep of the NL West rivals in Angeles Angels, on June 23, in Anaheim, California. (AP) On a 1-0 count to Carter Young, Beck threw a curveball that slipped out of his hand, sailed eight seasons. with his ninth homer of the season off Kyle The game ended in front of a sellout crowd high and glanced off catcher Kody Huff’s glove. Wright (0-1) to make it 5-0. Huff gave chase, but Jones was able to score of 43,961 when pinch-hitter Albert Pujols MLB Results/Standings Rangers 5, Athletics 3 lined out to third baseman Manny Machado, easily as the Vanderbilt dugout emptied for a In Arlington, Texas, Major league rookie celebration at home plate. who doubled Will Smith off second. That home run leader Adolis García went deep twice earned Mark Melancon his 23rd save, most in “One of those classic World Series games,” for his 19th and 20th, Brock Holt had a tie- Stanford coach David Esquer said. “Of course, the majors. Tim Hill (4-3) got the win. WASHINGTON, June 24, (AP): Results and standings from the MLB games on Wednesday. breaking RBI single in the seventh inning and it didn’t fall our way. I’ve been part of a few of Chicago White Sox 4 Pittsburgh 3 NY Yankees 6 Kansas City 5 Texas beat Oakland. them, and some have gone my way. That hap- Detroit 6 St Louis 2 Texas 5 Oakland 3 BASEBALL Colorado 5 Seattle 2 Washington 13 Philadelphia 12 Nate Lowe homered into the Texas bullpen pens in Omaha sometimes. You get in those late San Francisco 9 LA Angels (13 inn) 3 Milwaukee 3 Arizona 2 in right-center field for his 10th, Eli White innings and you have a magical ending for one Machado, Jake Cronenworth and Victor Houston 13 Baltimore 0 NY Mets 7 Atlanta 3 lined a double to left-center and Holt blooped team or the other. No regrets on our side.” Toronto 3 Miami 1 San Diego 5 LA Dodgers 3 the third pitch from Yusmeiro Petit (7-1) down The key, Vandy coach Tim Corbin said, was Caratini homered for San Diego, which is 7-3 Tampa Bay 8 Boston 2 this season against the Dodgers, including the line in left to bring home White and give the his players’ ability to overcome their poor start American League National League Rangers a 4-3 lead in the seventh. to put themselves in position to win. winning four straight, and has won two of the East Division East Division three series against the eight-time defending W L Pct GB W L Pct GB Sean Murphy opened Oakland’s three-run “We just had to tie it up,” he said, ”so good division champions. San Diego has won seven Boston 44 30 .595 _ New York 38 31 .551 _ seventh with a 443-foot home run to center for the kids. They didn’t back down. They’ve Tampa Bay 44 31 .587 -1/2 Washington 35 36 .493 4 field after García had put Texas ahead 2-0 with been tough. They’ve showed a lot of resiliency straight games overall. This was San Diego’s New York 39 34 .534 4-1/2 Atlanta 35 38 .479 5 first sweep of the Dodgers since April 15-17, a solo shot that barely cleared the same fence in and played a lot of one-run games - regional, Toronto 37 35 .514 6 Philadelphia 34 37 .479 5 super regional, tonight. So nothing’s been easy 2013, at Dodger Stadium. It was their first Baltimore 23 51 .311 21 Miami 31 42 .425 9 the sixth. García connected on another two-out home sweep of the Dodgers since Sept. 6-8, Central Division Central Division solo shot in the eighth. for the group.” W L Pct GB W L Pct GB White Sox 4, Pirates 3 Bradfi eld said when he saw the way the ball 2010. Chicago 44 30 .595 _ Milwaukee 42 33 .560 _ Blake Treinen (1-3) took the loss for the In Pittsburgh, Yasmani Grandal hit a two- came out of Beck’s hand, it was game over. Cleveland 40 31 .563 2-1/2 Chicago 41 33 .554 -1/2 “I know curveballs like that for a catcher, any Dodgers, tied it in the eighth when Max Muncy Kansas City 33 39 .458 10 Cincinnati 36 36 .500 4-1/2 run double and Chicago stopped a five-game doubled and scored on Justin Turner’s oppo- Detroit 32 42 .432 12 St Louis 36 38 .486 5-1/2 losing streak, beating Pittsburgh. catcher - doesn’t matter elite or whatever level Minnesota 31 42 .425 12-1/2 Pittsburgh 26 46 .361 14-1/2 Leury García added a home run as the AL - are hard to catch,” he said. “When I saw that, I site-field single to right. Bauer allowed thee West Division West Division runs and five hits in six-plus innings, struck out Central leaders ended their longest skid of the knew it was going to give us a chance.” W L Pct GB W L Pct GB Stanford left the bases loaded in the fourth 10 and walked four. Houston 46 28 .622 _ San Francisco 48 26 .649 _ season. Yankees 6, Royals 5 Oakland 45 31 .592 2 Los Angeles 44 30 .595 4 Chicago starter Dylan Cease (6-3) bounced and eighth innings and stranded a total of 11 In New York, Gary Sánchez homered off Seattle 39 37 .513 8 San Diego 45 32 .584 4-1/2 back from rough outing to work 5 2/3 innings, runners. Los Angeles 36 38 .486 10 Colorado 31 44 .413 17-1/2 Vanderbilt came to Omaha 1-13 when trailing Greg Holland in the ninth inning, Luke Voit hit Texas 27 47 .365 19 Arizona 21 55 .276 28 allowing one earned run while striking out a winning single and New York survived seven. He was tagged for seven runs in 3 1/3 after six innings. The Commodores have been in another blown save by Aroldis Chapman to innings in his previous outing at Houston. that situation in both of their wins in Omaha, beat Kansas City. Rockies 5, Mariners 2 having come back from a 5-3 defi cit to win 7-6 again, allowing five runs, three hits and four in 12 innings against Arizona on Saturday. The lead changed three times in the last two walks in 1 2/3 innings. He has given up 15 runs In Seattle, Trevor Story homered twice, innings. Carlos Santana put the Royals ahead over 11 innings in last three starts. German Márquez took a perfect game into the 3-2 in the eighth against Zack Britton, and Blue Jays 3, Marlins 1 sixth inning and Colorado beat Seattle for just Rougned Odor hit a two-run homer in the bot- In Miami, Robbie Ray allowed one run in six its sixth road victory this season. tom half against Jake Brentz. innings, and three relievers completed a five- Story had a solo shot in the fourth and a two- Chapman (5-2) forced in the tying run with a hitter as Toronto earned its fourth victory in a run homer in the eighth. Brendan Rodgers also four-pitch walk to rookie Sebastian Rivero with row, beating Miami to complete a two-game hit a two-run drive, more than enough offen- two outs in the ninth, blowing a save for the sweep. sive punch to back Márquez, whose perfect third time in his last eight chances. Ryan Ray (5-3) struck out six to increase his sea- game was broken up by Taylor Trammell’s O’Hearn, who put Kansas City ahead with a son total to 103 in 79 2/3 innings. Jordan solo homer. two-run homer in the first, followed with a go- Romano pitched around a leadoff double in the Márquez (6-6) allowed just two baserunners ahead infield hit. ninth for his fifth save in six chances and sec- in eight innings while striking out seven. Sánchez hit his 12th home run off Greg ond in two nights. Tigers 6, Cardinals 2 Holland (2-3) with one out in the bottom half, Bo Bichette had two hits, an RBI and a run In Detroit, Jonathan Schoop hit a solo homer and then Giancarlo Stanton singled to right. scored for the Blue Jays, who improved to 13-2 and a two-run double to help Detroit beat skid- Pinch-runner Tyler Wade later came around to in interleague play, including 4-0 against ding St. Louis. score on Voit’s line drive off the top of the left Miami. The Tigers have won three straight for the field wall. Starling Marte hit his sixth homer in the second time in a 10-day span. The Cardinals Nationals 13, Phillies 12 San Diego Padres’ Manny Machado (13) sixth for the Marlins. Trevor Rogers (7-4) went have lost five of six. Since leading the NL In Philadelphia, Starlin Castro hit a go- five innings and gave up three runs. Central nearly a month ago, they have lost 16 ahead, two-run single off closer Hector Neris in hits a solo home run during the fi rst inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Brewers 3, Diamondbacks 2 of 22 games. Vanderbilt’s Parker Noland (25), (right), tags the ninth inning and Washington rallied three In Phoenix, Brandon Woodruff threw seven Matt Manning (1-1) allowed two runs on out Stanford’s Nick Brueser (24) as he at- times to beat Philadelphia. Dodgers, on June 23, in San Diego. (AP) dominant innings and also had an RBI single at five hits and two walks over 5 2/3 innings. tempted to steal second base in the seventh It was the first game in major league history Yordan Alvarez, Abraham Toro and Chas Gregory Soto, Jose Cisnero and Michael inning during a baseball game in the College that featured a grand slam and three-run homer the plate, leading Milwaukee over Arizona. McCormick also homered for the Astros, who The hard-throwing Woodruff (6-3) contin- Fulmer combined to pitch 3 1/3 innings of World Series, on June 23, at TD Ameritrade for each team. Josh Bell answered Andrew outscored the lowly Orioles 26-3 during a scoreless relief. Park in Omaha, Neb. (AP) McCutchen’s slam with one of his own as the ued his excellent season, giving up just three three-game sweep. Houston’s 10-game run is hits and one run. He walked two, struck out Nationals overcame deficits of 5-0, 9-5 and its longest since May 2019 and two short of the 12-11. nine and also had a single in the fifth inning club record. Kyle Schwarber hit Washington’s three-run that scored Jace Peterson to give the Brewers a homer and Travis Jankowski had one for Altuve was greeted with jeers every time he 1-0 lead. Minnesota overcomes ‘18-point’ Philadelphia. Bryce Harper also connected for stepped to the plate during the series, including Josh Hader worked a scoreless ninth for his the Phillies. before he hit a drive in the fourth inning off 19th save. After Ronald Torreyes gave the Phillies a Thomas Eshelman (0-1) that made it 6-0. Left-hander Caleb Smith (2-3) took the loss defi cit, beats Dream for 3rd time 12-11 lead in the bottom of the eighth with an Alvarez and Toro connected in the seventh despite a good outing, giving up just one run RBI single, Neris allowed consecutive singles off knuckleballer Mickey Jannis and over six innings. Christian Walker and Eduardo COLLEGE PARK, Ga., June 24, (AP): free-throw line jumper with 1:10 left to cap to Bell and Josh Harrison to start the ninth, and McCormick added a solo shot in the eighth. Escobar both hit solo homers for the D-backs. Sylvia Fowles had 26 points, 19 rebounds the scoring. Alex Avila’s sacrifice moved the runners. Rays 8, Red Sox 2 Mets 7, Braves 3 and fi ve blocks, Damiris Dantas added 23 Napheesa Collier added 12 points to help Castro then lined a single to center to put In St. Petersburg, Florida, Austin Meadows, In New York, Francisco Lindor homered and points and the Minnesota Lynx overcame an Minnesota (6-7) beat Atlanta (5-8) for the Washington ahead to stay as Neris (1-4) blew Mike Zunino and Brandon Lowe homered to drove in three runs, Michael Conforto jolted third time this season. help Tampa Bay stop a seven-game losing 18-point fi rst-half defi cit to beat the Atlanta his fifth save in 15 tries. New York’s stagnant offense in his delayed Dream 87-85. Fowles had 18 points and 10 rebounds in Paolo Espino pitched the ninth for his first streak by beating AL East-leading Boston. return from injury and the Mets beat Atlanta. Rich Hill (6-2) struggled with his command Tylor Megill and Corey Oswalt came up the fi rst half, but Minnesota trailed 46-40. career save after Tanner Rainey (1-2) got the Layshia Clarendon had six points and seven last two outs in the eighth. but limited the Red Sox to one run over five from the minors to provide steady pitching BASKETBALL Astros 13, Orioles 0 innings. The 41-year old lefty, who threw 58 of for a New York staff ravaged by recent inju- assists in the opening half, and fi nished with In Baltimore, José Altuve silenced the boo- 97 pitches for strikes, gave up three hits, five ries, and the Mets bounced back from con- eight points and nine assists. ing fans at Camden Yards with a two-run walks and had five strikeouts. secutive shutouts to split the four-game Fowles made two free throws with 3:13 Courtney Williams led Atlanta with 24 homer, José Urquidy (6-3) pitched seven Xander Bogaerts and Christian Vázquez had series. Edwin Díaz got five outs for his 16th remaining to give the Lynx an 83-81 lead - points, making 11 of 19 fi eld goals. Chennedy innings of three-hit ball and the Houston Astros RBI singles for the Red Sox, who had their lead save in 17 tries. their fi rst since 13-12. The Lynx closed on a Carter added 16 points and Odyssey Sims 13. stretched their winning streak to 10 games by over the Rays cut to a half-game. Jeff McNeil had three hits, including an RBI 17-6 run with seven points from Kayla Mc- The Dream did not make a fi eld goal in the breezing past the Baltimore Orioles 13-0. Boston’s Garrett Richards (4-5) struggled single in the second inning. Lindor followed Bride and six by Dantas. McBride made a fi nal three minutes. ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JUNE 25-26, 2021 SPORTS 15

Organizers urged to take every possible anti-virus measures Japan emperor ‘worried’ about Olympics amid pandemic TOKYO, June 24, (AP): Japan’s Emperor Naruhito is “ex- sible anti-virus measures so as not to cause the spread of Suga eased a third state of emergency in Tokyo that had tremely worried” that the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics the infections at the Olympics and Paralympics, where the been in place since late April and switched to less-stringent could accelerate the spread of the coronavirus, the head of emperor serves the Honorary Patron.” measures focusing on shorter bar and restaurant hours. But the Imperial Palace said Thursday with the games opening The emperor is the symbol of the state with no political experts said Wednesday that infections are already bouncing in one month. power. But like his father, Naruhito has gained broad popu- back in the Tokyo region and could accelerate in coming The games will bring thousands of foreign athletes, of- larity and his words are highly respected. weeks. fi cials, sponsors and journalists to Japan during a pandemic, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is determined to hold the Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato, downplaying despite caution raised by experts about the risk of infections Olympics despite concerns from the public and public health the impact of emperor’s concern, said he believed the grand and the public’s persistent calls for cancellation or further experts. steward expressed “his personal views.” postponement. Naruhito, 61, also expressed his concern about the pan- Yasuhiko Nishimura, grand steward of the Imperial demic in his speech at an academic award ceremony Mon- Household Agency, told a news conference that the Emperor OLYMPICS day: “In order to overcome this challenge, it is important for has voiced concerns. In this Oct. 26, 2020 file photo, Japan’s Emperor Na- all of us, in and outside of Japan, to bring our hearts together “His majesty is extremely worried about the current situ- ruhito wearing a face mask to protect against the coro- Adding to their concern, offi cials in Izumisano, a west- and cooperate.” ation of the COVID-19 infections,” Nishimura said. “While navirus attends to formally open an extraordinary Diet ern Japan town hosting the nine-member Ugandan Olympic Under the plan before a one-year postponement, Na- there are voices of unease among the public, I believe (the session at the upper house of parliament in Tokyo. (AP) team for training, said a second member of the team tested ruhito was scheduled to declare the start of the Olympics emperor) is concerned that holding the Olympics and Para- positive for the virus. The fi rst, reportedly a coach, was de- at the opening ceremony, but details, including his pres- lympics ... may lead to the expansion of the infections.” gin a month later. tected upon arrival Saturday in Tokyo. The rest of the team ence at the games, are yet to be finalized, palace officials The delayed games open July 23, and the Paralympics be- Nishimura also urged the organizers to “take every pos- have been isolating at an Osaka hotel. said. ‘Public opinion not important’ Tokyo shapes up to be ‘No-Fun’ Beauvillier helps Islanders beat Olympics with many rules, tests TOKYO, June 24, (AP): The Tokyo of its Asian neighbors. Olympics, already delayed by the pan- While the games may still end up Lightning in OT to force Game 7 demic, are not looking like much fun: wowing television audiences who will Not for athletes. Not for fans. And tune in around the world, the pandemic not for the Japanese public. They are has removed any sense of celebration. caught between concerns about the Athletes are meant to stay in the vil- coronavirus at a time when few are lage or venues. Most others entering vaccinated on one side and politicians Japan for the Olympics can only shut- who hope to save face by holding the tle between their hotels and venues for games and the International Olympic the fi rst 14 days, must sign a pledge of Committee with billions of dollars on follow the rules, and could have their the line on the other. movements monitored by GPS. Japan is famous for running on con- There will be no public viewing ar- sensus. But the decision to proceed eas in Tokyo. The few fans who can with the Olympics - and this week to attend venues must wear masks, social permit some fans, if only locals - has distance, refrain from cheering, and go shredded it. straight home afterward. No stopping “We have been cornered into a situ- off at the local izakaya for beer and ation where we cannot even stop now. skewers of grilled chicken. We are damned if we do, and damned With spectators from overseas ruled if we do not,” Kaori Yamaguchi, a out months ago, there’s little business member of the Japanese Olympic for hotels. Local sponsors have paid Committee and a bronze medalist in more than $3 billion to be involved, judo in 1988, wrote in a recent editorial and some have complained about lost published by the Kyodo news agency. advertising possibilities. Others have “The IOC also seems to think that pub- expressed concern about being tied to lic opinion in Japan is not important.” an event that’s unpopular at home. In perhaps a last-ditch effort to save OLYMPICS some of the festive spirit, organizers said Tuesday they were looking into selling alcohol at the venues. Support for going ahead seems to Olympic Minister Tamayo Maruka- be increasing, but there’s persistent wa indicated fi nancial concerns were opposition with small street protests at play: Japanese brewer Asahi is one planned on Wednesday, one month of the sponsors and has kicked mil- before the July 23 opening. Much of lions into the local operating budget. that concern stems from qualms about But after immediate pushback, or- the health risks. While the number of ganizing committee president Seiko new cases has been receding in Tokyo, Hashimoto reversed the decision at a only about 7% of Japanese are fully Wednesday news conference. vaccinated - and even though the gov- “We decided as Tokyo 2020 not to ernment is now supercharging its vac- sell alcoholic beverages and to ban cine drive after a slow start, the vast drinking alcoholic beverages in the majority of the population still won’t venues,” she said. be immunized when the games start. And athletes who might want a drink That’s left the IOC and the Japa- to celebrate have been told by organiz- nese government going through con- ers to “drink alone” in their rooms. tortions to pulls this off. Dr. Shigeru New York Islanders left wing Anthony Beauvillier (18) controls the puck against Tampa Bay Lightning center Tyler Johnson (9) during the second period Alcohol is otherwise banned in the of Game 6 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup semifinals, on June 23, in Uniondale, N.Y. (AP) Omi, the government’s top COVID-19 athletes’ village. adviser, called it “abnormal” to hold This village will also have a fever the world’s biggest sports event dur- clinic, the fi rst stop for anyone who Varlamov stops 22 shots ing a pandemic. He also said the safest fails a daily test - and the last place Álvarez breaks late tie, Galaxy edge Whitecaps 2-1 Olympics would be with no fans. anyone wants to go. He was overruled on both counts by “We are hoping that there won’t be so UNIONDALE, N.Y., June 24, the government of Prime Minister Yo- many people,” Dr. Tetsuya Miyamoto Sounders run unbeaten streak to 10 shihide Suga and organizers. said, director of medical services for To- (AP): Anthony Beauvillier The offi cial cost of the Tokyo Olym- kyo 2020. “This is an infectious disease scored 1:08 into overtime and SEATTLE, June 24, (AP): Raúl Ruidíaz scored on a pen- biala, capping the second-half comeback for the Timbers pics is $15.4 billion, but government au- we are talking about. It has the possibility alty kick in the 88th minute and the Seattle Sounders ran (4-4-1). It was the forward’s fi rst goal of the season. dits suggest it’s twice that. All but $6.7 the New York Islanders rallied of spreading. So once that happens, the their franchise-record, season-opening unbeaten streak Dairon Asprilla pulled Portland within one in the 50th billion is public money. The IOC chips in to beat the Tampa Bay Light- minute, gathering a lead pass from Claudio Bravo and only about $1.5 billion to the overall cost. numbers could start to explode.” to 10 with a 2-1 victory over Real Salt Lake. The pressure to hold the games is Details of the opening ceremony are ning 3-2 to force a deciding Anderson Julio’s handball in the penalty area set up placing a chip shot over the goalkeeper. largely fi nancial for the Switzerland- always kept a secret. But this time the Game 7 in their Stanley Cup Ruidíaz’s penalty kick for the Sounders (7-0-3) in their Los Angeles FC 2, FC Dallas 0 based IOC, a nonprofi t but highly questions aren’t about which celeb- semifinal series. second consecutive victory. The Galaxy set the MLS re- In Los Angeles, Carlos Vela scored his fi rst goal of commercial body that earns 91% of rity will light the cauldron but rather cord in 1996 with a 12-0 start. the season and added an assist to help Los Angeles FC its income from broadcast rights and will athletes social distance and wear Jordan Eberle and Scott Mayfield Albert Rusnák tied it for Real Salt Lake (3-2-2) tied it beat FC Dallas. sponsorship. Estimates suggest a can- masks as they march through the ven- scored for the Islanders, who rallied in the 79th, converting a penalty kick following a hand- Vela opened the scoring for LAFC (3-3-3) in the fourth celation could cost it $3 billion to $4 ue? And how many will march at all? from two goals down in the second pe- ball by the Sounders’ Stefan Cleveland. minute, poking his fi rst touch of Eduard Atuesta’s pass billion in broadcast rights income. One of the symbols of the celebratory riod. Semyon Varlamov finished with 22 Galaxy 2, Whitecaps 1 into an open space in the middle of the area and pivoting Beyond fi nancial concerns, put- atmosphere of the Olympics has long In Sandy, Utah, Efraín Álvarez scored in stoppage to smash home a left-footed strike off the fi rst bounce. been its notorious policy of handing out saves. ting on a successful Olympics is also Brayden Point scored for the ninth straight time to lift LA past Vancouver. NYC FC 1, Atlanta United 0 a major source of pride for the host condoms. At the games in Rio de Janei- Alvarez connected in the 93rd minute, scoring his sec- ro, offi cials distributed 450,000 through game and Anthony Cirelli had a goal and an In Harrison, N.J., Ismael Tajouri-Shradi scored for the country. Some economists compare it assist for the Lightning. Andrei Vasilevskiy ond MLS goal just a minute after the Whitecaps’ Janio fourth consecutive match and New York FC beat Atlanta to throwing a big party. You overspend vending machines with signs that read, Bikel found the far post to tie it with his fi rst MLS goal. “Celebrate with a Condom.” stopped 25 shots. United. but hope your guests go away bragging Beauvillier got his stick on the puck to pick The Galaxy (6-3-0) have won four of their last six. New York City (4-3-2) won for the second time in about the hospitality. off a pass in the right circle, gathered it and Vancouver (2-6-1) has lost fi ve straight. three games. Atlanta (2-2-5) had its fi ve-game undefeat- “It’s a bit like a gambler who already quickly beat Vasilevskiy on the first shot on ed streak snapped. has lost too much,” said Koichi Nakano, Revolution 3, Red Bulls 2 goal of the extra period. In Foxborough, Mass., Tajon Buchanan and DeJuan Nashville 3, Toronto FC 2 a political scientist at Sophia University With this possibly the final game at Nas- Jones scored six minutes apart in the fi rst half, Carles Gil In Nashville, Tenn., Luke Haakenson scored his fi rst in Tokyo. “Pulling out of it now will only sau Coliseum as the Islanders plan to move had three assists and New England held off New York. two MLS goals late in Nashville’s comeback victory confi rm the huge losses made, but carry- into their new home at UBS Arena next sea- New England (7-1-2) won its fi fth consecutive match. over Toronto FC. ing on you can still cling to the hope of son, fans showered the ice with beer cans and winning big and taking it all back.” New York (4-5-0) had its two-game winning streak Haakenson tied it in the 83rd with a close-range fi n- bottles in celebration. snapped. Before the postponement 15 months Game 7 is Friday night in Tampa, Florida. ish after C.J. Sapong knocked down a header into the ago, Japan was on track to host a well-run Gustavo Bou made it 3-0 on a breakaway in the 51st. area. Haakenson gave Nashville (3-1-5) the lead in the if expensive Olympics. It had a beautiful Union 1, Crew 0 second minute of stoppage time, fi nishing the Nashville new National Stadium by architect Ken- ICE HOCKEY In Chester, Pa., Jamiro Monteiro scored in the 24th break with a right-footed shot from 15 yards into the left go Kuma, meticulous organization, and minute and Philadelphia beat Columbus to extend its un- corner. a grand stage for a country that mounted Mayfield tied at 2 with 8:44 left when he beaten streak to seven games. D.C. United 0, Montreal 0 historic games in 1964 - just 19 years af- got a pass from Mathew Barzal, skated into The Crew’s Vito Wormgoor attempted to clear Olivier In Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Clément Diop had fi ve saves ter defeat in World War II. IOC President the right circle and beat Vasilevskiy with a Mbaizo’s cross with a header, but Monteiro chest trapped for his third shutout of the season and 10-man Montreal Thomas Bach called Tokyo the “best pre- shot that went in off the crossbar. it at the top of the penalty area and fi nished a left-footed held on for a scoreless draw with D.C United. pared Olympics ever” - and he still says Vasilevskiy had a nice glove save on Bar- strike into the center of the goal for his second goal of it repeatedly. zal two minutes into the second to preserve the season. SOCCER But now, worries that the games will In this May 9, 2021 file photo, an Tampa Bay’s 1-0 lead. be become an incubator for the virus Timbers 2, Dynamo 2 official wearing a face mask waits Cal Clutterbuck engaged in some pushing In Houston, Jeremy Ebobisse scored in stoppage time hang over them. For now, the rolling to use a starter pistol for a women’s and shoving with Tyler Johnson and Blake Montreal (3-3-3) went down a man when defender averages of deaths and cases have sta- 100 meter heat at an athletics test to give Portland the tie with Houston. Coleman, drawing a roughing penalty to put Ebobisse headed home a wide cross from Larrys Ma- Zorhan Bassong was sent off in the 45th minute, receiv- bilized in a country that has reported event for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics Tampa Bay on the power play 6 1/2 minutes ing his second yellow card for a hand ball near midfi eld more than 14,000 deaths - good by Games at National Stadium in To- that halted a D.C. counter. Bill Hamid had one save to global standards but worse than many kyo. (AP) into the second. The advantage lasted a minute as Victor earn his third shutout in as many starts this season for Hedman was called for tripping and then United (4-5-1). Mikhail Sergachev was whistled for interfer- Sporting KC 3, Rapids 1 New Zealand defeat India by ence 45 seconds apart. The Islanders managed In Kansas City, Kan., Dániel Sallói scored twice, Fe- just one shot during the 5-on-3, and one on the lipe Hernandez added a goal and Sporting Kansas City remaining advantage. never against Colorado. 8 wickets in world Test final Cirelli made it 2-0 with 7:24 left in the Sporting K.C. improved to 6-3-2. second on a breakaway as he brought the Sallói converted on a center from Johnny Russell at SOUTHAMPTON, England, June 24, India, 64-2 overnight, was bowled puck up the left side and beat Varlamov 14 minutes to open the scoring. In the 34th, he took a (AP): New Zealand won a brilliant fi - out for 170 in its second innings before between the legs for his fourth of the post- pass from Hernandez and rifl ed in a short blast. The nal of the inaugural world test champi- tea, leaving New Zealand 139 to win season. homegrown Hernandez took a give-and-go from Sallói onship by beating India by eight wick- in 53 overs. The Islanders got on the scoreboard less to make it 3-0 at the 64th. ets on the sixth day at the Rose Bowl. than two minutes later as Barzal brought the FC Cincinnati 1, Fire 0 Captain Kane Williamson and Ross CRICKET puck up the middle of the ice and passed it off Taylor, befi tting two of New Zealand’s to Eberle, who skated in a put backhander past In Chicago, Álvaro Barreal scored his fi rst goal of the greatest batsmen, combined from 44-2 Vasilevskiy with 5:38 remaining. season to help FC Cincinnati beat Chicago Fire 1-0 on after the loss of the openers to reach India’s bowlers created chances and Tempers flared at the second-period buzzer Wednesday night. the target of 139 with seven overs re- never gave up. Williamson was given as Tampa Bay’s Steven Stamkos and May- Cincinnati (2-5-1) won for the fi rst time in three maining. out on 1 and overturned the decision field were involved in some pushing and matches. Chicago (1-7-1) lost for the fi fth time in six Taylor hit the winning runs fl icking on review, and he was dropped on 45. shoving. Mayfield and Coleman received games. a Mohammed Shami ball over mid- Taylor was dropped on 26, and hit roughing penalties. Minn. United 2, Austin FC 0 wicket. He was 47 not out and Wil- fl ush on the front of his helmet on 30 The Islanders outshot the Lightning 7-6 In St. Paul, Minn., Franco Fragapane and Adrien Hu- liamson was 52 not out. but soldiered on. in a tightly played first period that saw Ni- nou scored early goals eight minutes apart and Minne- But, typical of a fi nal which was They absorbed all of India’s pres- kita Kucherov, the league playoffs leader Seattle Sounders defender Shane O’Neill denies sota United beat expansion Austin FC. gripping despite being disrupted by sure to fi nish off for New Zealand with 27 points, leave the ice and head to Salt Lake attacker Rubio Rubin a second chance at Minnesota (3-4-2) won for the fi rst time since May 15 two washed out days and bad light, the a fi rst International Cricket Council the dressing room 2 1/2 minutes into the a shot off the corner kick during the first half an MLS when it edged FC Dallas 1-0, also at Allianz Field. Aus- fi nish was tense. tournament victory in 21 years. game. soccer game, on June 23, in Seattle. (AP) tin (2-5-3) is winless in seven games. ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JUNE 25-26, 2021 16

Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring his team’s fi rst goal from the penalty spot during the Euro 2020 soccer championship group F match between Portugal and France at the Puskas Arena, Budapest, Hungary. (AP) Sports Latest sports scores at — http://sports.arabtimesonline.com Ronaldo scores 2 to take a step closer to scoring history Goretzka keeps Germany in Euro ’20 after draw with Hungary MUNICH, June 24, (AP): The second- half subs saved Germany’s day at the Ecuador, Peru draw European Championship. Euro 2020 Standings Leon Goretzka scored in the 84th minute after Timo Werner’s shot was blocked following a run through the GROUP A GROUP D Brazil edge Colombia after accidental pass defense from Jamal Musiala. P W D L GF GA Pts P W D L GF GA Pts That gave the Germans a 2-2 draw x-Italy 3 3 0 0 7 0 9 x-England 3 2 1 0 2 0 7 SAO PAULO, June 24, (AP): De- with Hungary, enough for them to fi n- x-Wales 3 1 1 1 3 2 4 x-Croatia 3 1 1 1 4 3 4 Ronaldo scored two penalties to help x-Switzerland 3 1 1 1 4 5 4 x-Czech Rep 3 1 1 1 3 2 4 fending Copa America champions ish in second place in the group. A Turkey 3 0 0 3 1 8 0 Scotland 3 0 1 2 1 5 1 the defending champions secure a 2-2 Brazil beat Colombia 2-1 in a tense loss would have sent the Hungarians GROUP B GROUP E draw with France and give the team a match on Wednesday that featured into the next round and sent Germany P W D L GF GA Pts P W D L GF GA Pts spot in the round of 16 at the European home early for the second straight ma- x-Belgium 3 3 0 0 7 1 9 x-Sweden 3 2 1 0 4 2 7 Championship. They also increased his three extraordinary goals. Despite x-Denmark 3 1 0 2 5 4 3 x-Spain 3 1 2 0 6 1 5 the last-minute defeat, the Co- jor tournament. Finland 3 1 0 2 1 3 3 Slovakia 3 1 0 2 2 7 3 total with the national team to 109 goals, Goretzka came off the bench in the Russia 3 1 0 2 2 7 3 Poland 3 0 1 2 4 6 1 tied for the all-time men’s record with lombians will also advance to the 58th minute, Werner followed in the GROUP C GROUP F former Iran striker Ali Daei. knockout stage of the tournament. P W D L GF GA Pts P W D L GF GA Pts 67th and Musiala came on in the 82nd. x-Netherlands 3 3 0 0 8 2 9 x-France 3 1 2 0 4 3 5 The Portugal great’s Euro Colombia opened the scor- Three years after being eliminated x-Austria 3 2 0 1 4 3 6 x-Germany 3 1 1 1 6 5 4 2020-leading fourth and fi fth goals ing in the 10th minute after Juan from the group stage at the 2018 World x-Ukraine 3 1 0 2 4 5 3 x-Portugal 3 1 1 1 7 6 4 also extended his overall tournament Cuadrado crossed from the right Cup, Germany can now look forward N.Macedonia 3 0 0 3 2 8 0 Hungary 3 0 2 1 3 6 2 record to 14. and found Luis Díaz all alone in to a trip to London to face England on Note: Standings read as played,won,drawn ,lost,goals for,goals against and points Karim Benzema scored both of the middle of Brazil’s penalty box. Tuesday in the round of 16 at Wemb- x denotes advance to round of 16. (AP) France’s goals, his fi rst ever at the ley Stadium. tournament after failing to fi nd the tar- The striker shot a powerful volley It had looked like Ádám Szalai was get at Euro 2008 and 2012. They were to the right side of goalkeeper We- Hungary through to the next round at Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Brazil’s Renan Lodi, jumps for a verton and scored possibly the best going to drag Hungary into the round Germany’s expense, but Löw’s substi- goals are adding up fast, and they are also his fi rst goals for the national team header during a Copa America of 16. The team’s captain scored an tutes rescued the game and kept him in taking Portugal deeper into yet another since October 2015. Soon after that, he soccer match against Colombia at goal of the tournament. early goal against the run of play and his job for at least a few more days. tournament. lost his place in the team because of his Nilton Santos stadium in Rio de Ja- Colombia then started defending then set up András Schäfer to make it role in a “sextape” scandal. neiro, Brazil. (AP) against a Brazil team that barely 2-1 right after Kai Havertz had equal- stopped surrounding its penalty ized for Germany. SOCCER box on the poor pitch of the Nilton Germany made the better start but ‘3 delta variant Santos stadium in Rio de Janeiro. trailed early yet again when Szalai met Roland Sallai’s cross with a fl ying “Of course I was waiting for these It appeared as if Colombia would header on a counterattack in the 11th. goals,” Benzema said. “There has been cases at Euros’ be able to hold out, until Argentine On the other end, the home team a lot of pressure on me, but I’ve never COPENHAGEN, Denmark, referee Nestor Pitana’s knee came struggled against Hungary’s defensive given up.” The Portuguese ended up in June 24, (AP): Danish health into play. 5-3-2 formation. third place in the group, one spot be- offi cials have urged soccer fans Pitana accidentally blocked a The Germans also seemed to miss hind Germany. World Cup champions who attended the European pass by Neymar about 10 meters in Thomas Müller’s unpredictability. He France, which had already qualifi ed Championship game between front of the Colombian area in the was on the bench because of a knee in- following a 1-1 draw with Hungary, Denmark and Belgium on June 78th minute. Colombian defend- jury sustained in the 4-2 win over Portu- fi nished fi rst. The French will face 17 to be checked for the coro- ers momentarily stopped, but Bra- gal. Leroy Sané started in his place, the Switzerland in the next round while navirus after they found at least zil substitute Lucas Paquetá just only change Löw made from the teams Portugal will take on Belgium. three people who later tested that started both previous games. “This was a really tough group,” moved the ball to left-back Renan positive for the delta variant. Lodi and his cross found Roberto Germany had to wait till the 66th when France coach Didier Deschamps said. Danish Health Minister Mag- the normally excellent Péter Gulácsi failed “Hungary proved that.” Ronaldo nus Heunicke wrote on Twitter Firmino, whose angled header to punch away Toni Koos’ free kick. Mats scored the opening goal in the 31st on Wednesday that about 4,000 beat Colombian goalkeeper David Hummels headed the ball forward and minute after France goalkeeper Hugo people sat near those who tested Ospina. Havertz made sure from close range. Germany’s Kai Havertz runs for the ball during the Euro 2020 soccer cham- Lloris misread a free kick and punched positive. The Colombians initially refused It would have been enough to send pionship group F match between Germany and Hungary in Munich. (AP) Danilo’s face. Separately, the governing to restart the match but Pitana, the body of European soccer said referee of the 2018 World Cup fi - Thursday it was “satisfi ed with nal, confi rmed Brazil’s goal. the overall situation” in the Brazil kept pressuring in the fi - tournament’s 11 host stadiums nal minutes and found its reward in across the continent, where pub- added time. Neymar took a corner lic authorities take the lead on Hawks ‘hand’ Bucks first managing virus issues. and Casemiro netted the winner. “The overall rates of positive “They came at us once and then results following the group stage stopped,” Casemiro said after the of the Euro 2020 tournament are match. “It was our attack against still marginally low,” UEFA their defense. Colombia are strong said in a statement. team but, as the coach requires, we All those who attended the are very strong mentally.” home loss of postseason three Euro 2020 games in Co- Colombia coach Reinaldo Rue- penhagen had to provide valid da said the defl ection off Pitana af- documents showing they were not infected with COVID-19 fected his players in the buildup to before being allowed to enter Brazil’s fi rst goal. Parken Stadium. “The two Brazil goals are differ- About 25,000 fans were al- ent situations. In the fi rst, I think lowed to attend the host team’s the referee’s decision distracted game against Belgium as re- our players. And in the second we strictions began to ease in the were not paying attention when country. they took the The head of the Danish Agen- corner,” he cy for Patient Safety said the said. “It is a people were infected indepen- dently of each other and were shame, all our infected during the game. effort was lost “They did not get symptoms in a set piece.” until three or four days later, Midfi elder which means that there must Cuadrado have been some kind of un- agreed, saying known source of infection pres- “We are very ent in the section where they upset for the sat,” Anette Lykke Petri told goal.” Neymar Danish broadcaster DR. Denmark has reported 247 case “The ball hit the referee and he of the variant since April 2. Ac- should not have validated it in the cording to Danish media, the fans way he did.” that tested positive were Danes. Copenhagen will host one SOCCER more match at Euro 2020 on Monday. Spain will face Croatia in the round of 16 in that game. Brazil were already assured of ad- Denmark next plays against vancing to the knockout stage before Wales in Amsterdam on Satur- the match, but players were effusive day. Heunicke said the Danish Pa- in their celebration of the win. Ney- tient Safety Authority and the mar and Colombia’s Miguel Borja Danish soccer federation “work traded insults after the match ended, closely together on effective in- and tough challenges from both sides Atlanta Hawks’ Bogdan Bogdanovic shoots between Milwaukee Bucks’ P.J. Tucker and Giannis Antetokounmpo during the second half of Game 1 of the fection detection.” marked the fi nal minutes. NBA Eastern Conference basketball fi nals game in Milwaukee. (AP) The Danish Patient Safety Earlier Tuesday, Ecuador and Peru Authority said there is no rec- drew 2-2 at the Olimpico stadium in Young scores 48 points ommendation to go in isolation. Goiânia in the other Group B game The cases in Copenhagen are of the evening. The Ecuadorians among the most notable virus opened the scoring with an own goal MILWAUKEE, June 24, playing on the road,” said Young, opposing crowd, an opposing team. ing. I think that really brings our intrusions on Euro 2020, which was postponed after the pan- by Renato Tapia in the 23rd and got who was two points off his career It feels like you’re really with your group together.” their second via Ayrton Preciado in (AP): Trae Young remains high. “I loved playing against an team, and it’s just them in the build- Game 2 is Friday night in Milwau- demic was declared last year. as poised as ever in hostile kee. Only a few players from the the fi rst-half stoppage time. environments in his first Giannis Antetokounmpo had 34 24 teams have tested positive and Peru pulled level in the second missed games. England players postseason. points, 12 rebounds and nine assists half with goals by Gianluca Lapad- for the Bucks. Jrue Holiday added 33 Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell ula in the 49th and André Carrillo Young scored 48 points, Clint points and 10 assists. had to self-isolate as close con- in the 54th. Both teams retained Capela converted a go-ahead put- Milwaukee’s Khris Middleton tacts of Scotland midfi elder Billy their chances of advancing to the back with 29.8 seconds left and the missed a potential tying 3-pointer in Gilmour, who tested positive for knockout stage. COVID-19. The three Chelsea the closing seconds. Although Middle- Atlanta Hawks beat the Milwau- teammates had a long talk in the Brazil lead the group with nine kee Bucks 116-113 on Wednesday ton scored 15 points, he shot 6 of 23 tunnel after their teams played last points after three matches. Colom- night to open the Eastern Confer- and missed all nine of his 3-point at- Friday in London. bia have four from four matches, ence finals. tempts. UEFA used the fi rst day of no but they are sure to advance be- “I’ve just got to be better,” Middle- games at Euro 2020 since June cause Peru and Venezuela will BASKETBALL ton said. “It’s as simple as that.” 11 to update on managing virus meet on the weekend - and only Never before had the Hawks won an risks. one of those teams can overtake Eastern Conference fi nals game since Asked how Gilmour got the moving to Atlanta in 1968. The Hawks the Colombians in the group. The Hawks improved to 6-2 in road virus within the tournament Peru have four points followed playoff games this year and handed reached the East fi nals in 2015, but bubble, Euro 2020 chief medical the Bucks their fi rst home loss of the were swept by Cleveland. offi cer Dr. Zoran Bahtijarević by Ecuador (3) and Venezuela (2). postseason. The Hawks did win a title in 1958 said it was “extremely hard to The top four teams advance to the “Ever since I was in middle Milwaukee Bucks’ Jrue Holiday steals the ball from Atlanta Hawks’ Trae and reached the league fi nals in 1957, trace where the infection hap- playoff stage. Brazil will play their school, when I was going on the road Young during the second half of Game 1 of the NBA Eastern Conference 1960 and 1961 when they were in St. pened, almost impossible.” last group stage match on Sunday in middle school, I always loved basketball finals game in Milwaukee. (AP) Louis. against Ecuador.

THE FIRST ENGLISH LANGUAGE DAILY IN FREE KUWAIT Published by: Arab Times Publishing House

Editor-in-Chief Editorial Office: Telephone: 24813566 & 24849144 Advertising: Tel: 55633481 Annual Subscriptions: Airport Road, Shuwaikh Fax: 24818267 Fax: 24911307 Individuals KD 45/- Companies and Ofﬁ cial Tel: 24849144 AHMED AL JARALLAH Departments KD 75 Airmail charges extra for Fax: 24839487 P.O. Box 2270, 13023 Safat, Kuwait E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] overseas