BUSINESS | Page 1 QATAR | Page 5 Doha Bank achieves National Sport Day: net profi t of HMC Physiotherapy QR703mn in 2020 Dept goes online for exercises

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TUESDAY Vol. XXXXI No. 11819 February 9, 2021 Jumada II 27, 1442 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

Amir condoles with Saudi king His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, His Highness the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani and HE the QP signs deal for $28.75bn mega Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani sent yesterday cables of condolences to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud LNG expansion at North Field of Saudi Arabia on the death of the mother of Prince Abdulrahman bin O World’s largest LNG project will raise Qatar’s production capacity from 77mn tons per year (mmtpy) to 110 mmtpy by 2025 Faisal bin Saud bin Abdulaziz al-Saud.

Amir congratulates By Pratap John Bidding process for IOC Business Editor president of Libyan partners to start next week executive authority atar Petroleum (QP) has taken the fi nal Qatar Petroleum (QP) is evaluating further His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim investment decision for developing the increase in LNG capacity beyond 126 mmtpy, bin Hamad al-Thani held yesterday a Q$28.75bn North Field East Project (NFE), said HE the Minister of State for Energy Aff airs telephone conversation with the head the world’s largest LNG project, which will raise Saad bin Sherida al-Kaabi. “I would say, stay of the interim executive authority Qatar’s LNG production capacity from 77mn tons tuned,” al-Kaabi told a virtual media briefing of Libya Mohamed Younes al-Menfi, per year (mmtpy) to 110 mmtpy by 2025. yesterday. Although QP is ready to develop during which he congratulated al- In addition to LNG, the project will produce the North Field alone, al-Kaabi said the bidding Menfi on winning the presidency of condensate, LPG, ethane, sulphur and helium. process for international oil firms (IOCs) to take the council, wishing him success and It is expected to start production in the fourth up to a 30% stake in the project’s first phase will the brotherly Libyan people more quarter of 2025 and its total production will reach start next week. He said he expects a decision to progress and prosperity. His Highness about 1.4mn barrels oil equivalent per day. finalise partnerships with the IOCs for the field’s the Amir also aff irmed Qatar’s support The decision to proceed with the invest- expansion by the end of this year. ExxonMobil, for Libya’s security and stability. ment was announced during a signing ceremony Royal Dutch Shell, Total and ConocoPhillips are held yesterday to celebrate the execution of the HE the Minister of State for Energy Aff airs Saad bin Sherida al-Kaabi and other off icials at the signing long-standing partners in Qatar’s LNG industry. FM gets phone calls project’s key onshore engineering, procurement ceremony yesterday. and construction (EPC) contract. from US officials The contract was signed by HE the Minister as helium extraction and refi ning within Ras Laf- dition to being the largest LNG capacity addition pandemic and related depressed economies. HE the Deputy Prime Minister and of State for Energy Aff airs Saad bin Sherida al- fan Industrial City. ever, and the most competitive LNG project in the “This investment decision is a clear demon- Minister of Foreign Aff airs Sheikh Kaabi, also the President and CEO of QP, Ka- At the signing ceremony, al-Kaabi thanked ex- world. stration of the steadfast commitment by the State Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani zushi Okawa, chairman of the Board and CEO ecutives in attendance from Chiyoda and Tech- “This project will generate substantial revenues of Qatar to supply the world with the clean energy received yesterday a phone call of Chiyoda Corp, and Arnaud Pieton, president, nip, and said, “The execution of this EPC contract for the state of Qatar and will have signifi cant it needs. from US National Security Adviser Technip Energies, in the attendance of senior ex- marks the commencement of the construction benefi ts to all sectors of the Qatari economy dur- “Today’s decision carries even more signifi - Jake Sullivan. The call dealt with ecutives from Qatar Petroleum, Qatargas, Chiy- of the North Field East LNG Project, and is a sig- ing the construction phase and beyond.” cance considering that it encompasses a number reviewing bilateral relations, in oda, and Technip. nifi cant landmark in Qatar Petroleum’s strategic Highlighting the “signifi cance” of this event of concrete environmental investments in sup- addition to reviewing issues of The main scope of the EPC contract is the con- growth journey in a sustainable manner. in the context of the global LNG and energy in- port of our strong commitment to achieve the joint interest. HE Sheikh Mohamed struction of four mega LNG trains with a capacity The total cost of the NFE project will be dustry, al-Kaabi said, “This event is of particular highest environmental standards and to provide a also received a phone call from of eight mmtpy each, with associated facilities for $28.75bn, making it one of the energy industry’s importance as it comes at a critical time when the credible solution in the low-carbon energy tran- US Special Representative for Iran gas treatment, natural gas liquids recovery, as well largest investments in the past few years, in ad- world is still reeling from the eff ects of a global sition. Business Pages 1,8 To Page 12 Robert Malley. The call dealt with reviewing bilateral relations, in addition to issues of joint interest. Lewandowski steers Bayern Qatar World Cup to be into Club World Cup final played in full stadiums 15 health centres open today The Qatari 2022 World Cup organisers have insisted that matches will be staged in stadiums operating at 100% he Primary Health Care Cor- the centre, which will operate 24 of capacity. “Qatar started this matter poration (PHCC) has said 15 Outpatient consultations hours. gradually by hosting matches for the Thealth centres (HCs) will op- via phone from tomorrow Regarding appointments for spe- AFC Champions League without fans,” erate continuously from 7am to 11pm cialised clinics, two eye clinics at the said Yasir al-Jamal, chairman of the today during National Sport Day. In view of the recent increase in Leabaib and Airport centres will op- Operations Off ice of Qatar’s Supreme These 15 HCs are Al Wakra, Air- Covid-19 cases in Qatar, Hamad erate in two shifts, in the morning Committee charged with organising port, Umm Ghuwailina, Omar Bin Al Medical Corporation (HMC) has from 7am to 2pm and in the evening the 2022 tournament. “Then in Khattab, West Bay, Al Sheehaniya, announced that it is stopping from 4pm until 10pm. ENT clinics at December, capacity was raised to Abu Baker Al Siddiq, Muaither, Al attendance at outpatient clinics in the Leabaib and Mesaimeer centres 30% which was followed by the Club Rayyan, Mesaimeer, Al Ruwais, Al all HMC hospitals from tomorrow. will operate in from 7am to 2pm and World Cup at the same percentage... Khor, Leabaib, Gharrafat Al Rayyan In a notice on social media from 4pm until 10pm. then reaching the 2022 World Cup and Madinat Khalifa, according to yesterday, HMC said it would Dermatology clinics at the Leabaib with crowds of 100%,” he told AFP. PHCC. instead be using telephone and Muaither HCs will also operate in Sport Page 2 Also, the Al Jumailiya health centre consultations between the two shifts, fi rst in the morning from will operate based on a call-up system. physician and patient. 7am to 2pm and then in the evening Sudan announces With regard to the health centres Should the patient be required to from 4pm to 10pm. Dental clinics new cabinet dedicated to examining suspected appear in person, the doctor will will operate continuously from 7am cases of Covid-19, PHCC said the arrange this, and the patient will to 10pm. Sudan’s Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok Rawdat Al Khail and Umm Salal HCs be informed by the clinic. “Patients The PHCC has said the work announced yesterday a new cabinet would work continuously over a 24- are asked not to come into the timings for urgent case units are bringing in seven ex-rebel chiefs as Champions League holders Bayern Munich reached the FIFA Club World Cup hour period. hospital for their appointment. The 24 hours a day at the Al Ruwais, Al ministers, following a peace deal in final where they will face Mexican side Tigres after two goals from Robert The health centres that will be physician will telephone the patient Kaaban, Umm Salal, Gharrafat Al October aimed to end decades of war. Lewandowski gave them a clinical 2-0 win over Al Ahly at Ahmad Bin Ali closed on Sport Day are Al Daayen, on the day of the appointment,” Rayyan, Al Sheehaniya, Abu Baker Veteran rebel leader and economist Stadium yesterday. Bayern will meet Tigres on Thursday in a bid to win their Al Wajbah, Al Waab, Al Thumama, the notice read. “This measure is Al Siddiq, Muaither and Rawdat Al Gibril Ibrahim, of the Justice and second title in the competition after Egyptians Al Ahly, the African Champions Abu Nakhla, Qatar University, taken for the protection and safety Khail HCs, while the community Equality Movement (JEM) – which League winners, take on Palmeiras of Brazil in the third-place playoff . Leghwairiya, Al Karana and Al Kaa- of our patients.” call centre will operate 24 hours. played a major role in the Darfur conflict PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil Sport Page 1 ban, except for urgent cases unit at To Page 4 – was appointed as Sudan’s new finance minister. “We have reached consensus on over 25 ministries,” Hamdok said. Elderly urged to take Covid vaccine “This lineup aims to preserve this country from collapse... we know there The elderly people, especially those with eff ects have been reported so far. The will be challenges but we are certain ‘Trump committed grievous crime’ any chronic diseases, should take the normal side eff ects are that of any vaccine, that we will move forward.” Covid-19 vaccine as soon as possible and such as pain at the injection site or high the authorities concerned have given temperature, with all problems getting Arab ministers back onald Trump committed the “most grievous consti- them priority, Dr Hanadi al-Hamad, Qatar’s resolved within 24-48 hours mostly without Palestinian state tutional crime” of any US president when he incited National Health Strategy lead for Healthy any medication. Dsupporters to storm the Capitol last month, Demo- Ageing, told Qatar TV yesterday. “Even though people acquire eff ective Arab foreign ministers yesterday cratic prosecutors said yesterday on the eve of his Senate im- “People as they age, usually become more immunity against Covid-19 with the vaccine, reaff irmed their commitment to peachment trial. vulnerable to diseases and their immunity they should continue to follow strictly the a two-state solution to the Israeli- In their fi nal fi ling before the Senate’s 100 members sit in system weakens. Their kidneys, lungs, liver preventive and precautionary measures until Palestinian conflict, warning against judgment of Trump, the nine House impeachment manag- and heart become less eff ective, which is the pandemic recedes,” added Dr al-Hamad, “any unilateral moves” by Israel. ers prosecuting the Republican leader also insisted the case a normal consequence of ageing, which who is also medical director of Rumailah After talks at the Arab League in should not be dismissed. makes the Covid-19 vaccine more important Hospital and Qatar Rehabilitation Institute Cairo, they “emphasised the Arab Trump’s lawyers pushed for a dismissal in a document re- to them, especially if they have any chronic under Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC). states’ commitment to the two- leased hours earlier, saying the Senate “lacks jurisdiction” conditions,” she explained. Dr Al Hareth al-Khater, deputy medical state solution, which embodies a to try Trump, who left offi ce on January 20, because he is no Dr al-Hamad pointed out that if such elderly director at the National Center for Cancer sovereign, independent Palestinian longer a sitting president. The Democratic managers directly people got infected with Covid-19 they are Care and Research, HMC, told Qatar TV state on the basis of international rejected the argument and said there is “overwhelming” evi- more likely to suff er severe complication that that the Covid-19 vaccine is very important law”. The “emergency” meeting at dence of impeachable high crimes and misdemeanours. could pose a risk to their life. So the best way for cancer patients of diff erent categories the League’s headquarters, called “His incitement of insurrection against the United States to avoid such undesired critical situation is to and it is crucial that they abide by the by Jordan and hosts Egypt, came government — which disrupted the peaceful transfer of pow- The US Capital is seen as National Guard secure take the vaccine as soon as possible. preventive and precautionary measures as months after a string of Arab states er — is the most grievous constitutional crime ever commit- the the grounds yesterday in Washington, DC. She further stressed that the Covid-19 cancer and some types of treatment often began normalising ties with Israel. ted by a president,” they said. Trump faces a single article of impeachment. vaccine is very safe and no serious side weakens the immune system. Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, February 9, 2021 QATAR Gulf Times Tuesday, February 9, 2021 3 QATAR

Asean Secretary-General receives credentials of Shura Council reviews Qatar’s ambassador changes to Labour Law

QNA Doha

he Shura Council held its weekly meeting, via video Tconference yesterday, un- der the chairmanship of HE the Speaker Ahmed bin Abdullah The Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian bin Zaid al-Mahmoud. During Nations (Asean) Dato Lim Jock Hoi received the credentials of its session, the council discussed accredited ambassador of Qatar to Asean Fawziya bint Edrees the report of the joint committee al-Sulaiti, via video conferencing. Asean Secretary-General hailed of the Services and Public Utili- the distinguished relations between Qatar and Asean. Asean ties Committee and the Internal Secretary-General Hoi also wished the ambassador success in her and External Aff airs Committee new duties, stressing that he will provide all support to promote regarding Decree-Law No. 18 of bilateral relations between Asean and Qatar. On her part, the 2020 amending some provisions ambassador expressed full readiness to work jointly with Asean of the Labour Law promulgated The Shura Council weekly session with precautionary measures. Online participants at Shura Council meeting. to support and strengthen bilateral relations between Qatar and by Law No. 14 of 2004. the association in various fields, especially in economy, trade and The council also discussed the The council’s session had ex- ate workers. After discussion, briefed the council on the out- strategy for the years 2021-2022, investment. report of the same committee tensive discussions about the the council decided to return the comes of the meeting of the Ex- its work programmes and joint regarding Decree-Law No. 19 of report of the joint committee of report to the joint committee to ecutive Committee of the Global activities with the United Na- 2020 amending some provisions the Services and Public Utili- complete it in light of comments Organisation of Parliamentarians tions and the Inter-Parliamen- of Law No. 21 of 2015 regulat- ties Committee and the Internal and suggestions put forward by Against Corruption (GOPAC) tary Union, was dominated by a Chairman of Gaza Reconstruction ing the entry, exit and residence and External Aff airs Committee several members, and submit that was held via video confer- common desire to develop and of expatriates. After discuss- regarding the general discussion a supplementary report to the ence under his chairmanship last activate the role of the organisa- Committee meets EU off icials ing the two reports, the Council request submitted by several council in this regard at a forth- Tuesday. tion through its offi ce in Doha approved the two decrees and members of the council on the coming session. He explained that this meet- to which GOPAC’s General Sec- HE the Chairman of Qatar’s Gaza Reconstruction Committee decided to refer them to the es- change of employer and travel During the session, HE the ing, during which the commit- retariat will move soon after its Ambassador Mohamed al-Emadi yesterday met separately with teemed government. without notifi cation for expatri- Speaker of the Shura Council tee discussed the organisation’s inauguration. European Union (EU) representative in Palestine Sven Kuhn von Burgsdorff , Representative of the International Quartet in Jerusalem and Ramallah John Clarke, the new Special Co-ordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Tor Wennesland, France’s Consul General in Jerusalem Rene Troccaz, and the Netherlands Representative in Palestine Kees van Baar. Qatar medical aid shipment arrives in Khartoum During the meetings, they reviewed the latest developments in the diff icult conditions experienced by the residents of the Gaza Strip and ways to alleviate these crises. During the meetings, ambassador QNA al-Emadi pointed to what Qatar had recently done in announcing the Khartoum provision of a new grant of $360mn to the residents of the Gaza Strip, stressing that Qatar will soon start the first phase of the project to establish and equip Hamad Bin Jassim General Hospital in Rafah in the plane loaded with medi- southern Gaza Strip, and that the coming days will see the opening of cal assistance provided Noura Bint Rashid Mohammed Al Kaabi Dialysis Center. Aby Qatar in support of the medical sector in Sudan arrived at Khartoum airport. The medical assistance con- signment was received at the air- Public Prosecution port by the Director of Bilateral Relations at the Sudanese Health attends GCC meeting Ministry Dr Eman Mukhtar, am- bassador of Qatar to Sudan Ab- of state prosecutors dulrahman bin Ali al-Kubaisi, and Director of Qatari Charity’s Offi ce in Sudan Omar Abdul Aziz. Director of Bilateral Relations The medical assistance comes within the framework of distinguished relations between the two countries. at the Sudanese Health Minis- try commended Qatar’s support Sudan-Qatar relations as strong tween the two countries, point- of Qatar Charity’s Offi ce in Sudan is also part of “Safety for Sudan” and assistance to her country in and solid. For his part, ambas- ing to Qatar’s supportive stance said the consignment contains 79 campaign, adding there will be a the health domain, expressing sador al-Kubaisi said the assist- to Sudan in the various service tonnes of medical solutions and second phase of assistance that thanks to the government and ance came within the framework and development fi elds as well as is part of continued humanitarian will cover health, educational people of Qatar while describing of distinguished relations be- humanitarian aid fi eld. Director and relief assistance to Sudan and fi elds and others.

Diplomatic Institute signs up with Levan Mikeladze Institute

QNA Doha

he Diplomatic Institute of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs signed yesterday a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) The Public Prosecution participated in the sixth meeting of the Tfor co-operation in the field of training for diplomats with heads of inspection departments of the public prosecution bodies Levan Mikeladze Diplomatic Training and Research Institute of and state prosecutors of the GCC countries, which was held the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia. yesterday via video conference technology. Chief Prosecutor The MoU was signed for the Qatari side by HE the Director of Mohamed Rashid al-Binali represented the Public Prosecution, the Diplomatic Institute Dr Abdulaziz bin Mohamed al-Horr, and reviewed a number of topics on the agenda – the most while ambassador of Georgia to Qatar Nikoloz Revazishvili signed important of which are the discussion of the unified guiding list for the Georgian side. Under the agreement, the two institutes will for inspecting the work of members of the public prosecution exchange information related to training programmes, teaching bodies and state prosecutors of the GCC states. The meeting methodologies and other academic activities in the field of en- also looked at the completion of a study on highlighting good hancing the standards of their diplomatic personnel on a regular investigations by a member of the public prosecution. basis. The signing ceremony. ‘Health system is the secret of FIFA Club World Cup success’

QNA teams working in the tournament, Al-Musleh considered that the infrastructure projects necessary Doha and the 10,000 fans that were ex- most prominent challenges facing for Qatar to host the FIFA World amined for the fi rst two matches. the system are laboratory tests, es- Cup 2022, adding that working as He added that the application pecially since the pandemic is still a team with the ability to achieve dviser to the Minister of of the medical bubble system in present, and the Ministry of Health is the real secret and the main fac- Public Health for Sports sporting events has succeeded is carrying out huge numbers of tor behind the success of the recent AAff airs Dr Abdul Wahab al- greatly, whether in the Judo World tests for the community, which had sporting events organised by Qatar. Musleh confi rmed that Qatar was Masters, the FIBA Asia Cup quali- reached in previous periods 20,000 He believed that the fruit of this able, in all sporting events it hosted fi ers, the Katara International Ara- per day. co-operation was evident in the during the recent period, especially bian Horse Festival or other sport This is a great challenge for the uniqueness of Qatar and its success the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup and non-sport events that require medical staff , but the Ministry of in the organisational aspect in gen- 2020, to protect its participants to be approved and monitored by Public Health has succeeded in eral, as it was able to organise three from infection with the novel coro- the Ministry of Public Health in providing medical teams, he said. sporting events with large partici- navirus (Covid-19), and pointed light of the Covid-19 pandemic. Adviser to the MoPH for Sports pation of athletes, during a period to the provision of comprehensive Qatar’s success in controlling Aff airs Dr Abdul Wahab al-Musleh of three months, namely the AFC medical services for the partici- the pandemic and the expanded added that the success in organis- Champions League West and East pants in the World Cup, whether in medical bubble system applied to Dr Abdul Wahab al-Musleh ing many sporting events in the Qualifi ers, Club World Cup as well places of residence, training or sta- the FIFA Club World Cup is one Qatar’s success in controlling the pandemic and the expanded recent period confi rms the ability as the Amir Cup Final and this de- diums, in addition to fi eld services of the main reasons for FIFA’s ap- medical bubble system applied to the FIFA Club World Cup is one of nation will be required to attend of Qatar and all the organisers in spite the world’s exposure to a large and ambulance services around the proval to hold the FIFA Club World the main reasons for FIFA’s approval to hold the Club World Cup in another event. various government agencies and wave of the pandemic. clock. Cup in February after it was sched- February after it was scheduled for December 2020. He indicated that the secret of institutions, particularly the Min- Al-Musleh noted the commit- In an interview with Qatar News uled for December 2020, indicating the success of the health system is istry of Public Health, to host the ment of the participants as well Agency (QNA), al-Musleh said that FIFA offi cials were impressed offi cials, administrators, escorts, inside the stadium, including ob- that it works to discover the infect- largest future sporting events such as the fans in the FIFA Club World that Covid-19 rate of infection in and praised the system during organisers and service workers, serving the social distance of one ed quickly under the work of peri- as FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Cup, calling on them to continue Qatar in general is 2%, but during daily meetings that take place on whether in stadiums or hotels, as it and a half metres in the fans’ seats, odic checks, provided that the pa- despite all the diffi culties and chal- adhering to all health measures and the matches of the West and East the sidelines of the tournament to was confi rmed that everyone was the obligation to wear a mask and tient is isolated and removed from lenges, especially in light of the procedures applied during match- regions of the AFC Champions discuss the health conditions of free from Covid-19 infection after a plastic face cover in the stands, the bubble and placed in the areas current pandemic. es, especially with regard to social League recently hosted in Doha, it the participating delegations, the undergoing an examination. thermal detection and sterilisers, designated for isolation provided Al-Musleh praised the fruitful distancing, wearing masks and a was at 0.5%, which is the same per- adviser said. Al-Musleh stressed the imple- and the media not approaching the by Qatar, and then monitoring and co-operation between all authori- plastic cover and commitment to centage now during the FIFA Club He explained that the health mentation of strict precautionary players. In addition, the examina- follow-up work for all those in con- ties and institutions in the country, the seats allocated to each fan in World Cup after 12,000 examina- bubble system includes all partici- measures during the FIFA Club tion, if it is negative, will allow its tact with this case until their safety especially the Supreme Committee order to preserve the safety of eve- tions were conducted for the par- pants in the FIFA Club World Cup World Cup, covering all activities holder to attend the event within is proven, and then their normal for Delivery and Legacy, which is ryone in particular and society in ticipating teams, escorts, and the clubs, including players, coaches, and groups, whether outside or three days, and then a new exami- participation in the championship. responsible for implementing the general. Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, February 9, 2021 QATAR MoCI closes retail outlets over violations of Covid-19 precautions

he Ministry of Com- merce and Industry z Closure due to non-compliance with MoCI circulars Panelists during the discussion on Covid-19 vaccines. T(MoCI) has closed a number of retail outlets across regarding Covid-19 precautionary and preventive measures the country, including a wom- as well as failure to meet general and special requirements en’s accessories store in Al Markhiya, a car wash on Salwa tivities across Qatar, and to cial, Industrial and Similar priate measures against the Road and a cafe in Al Duhail, monitor the degree of com- Public Shops, and Street Ven- violators to protect consumer for non-compliance with the pliance with laws and regula- dors, nor would it allow vio- rights. The MoCI has urged ministry’s circulars regarding tions governing commercial lating the circulars regarding all citizens and residents Qatar University precautionary and preventive activities, as well as following precautionary and preventive to report any violations or measures to confront Covid-19 up on compliance with its cir- measures. infractions related to reg- as well as the failure to meet culars regarding precaution- The ministry has assured istration and commercial general and special require- ary and preventive measures that it intends to intensify licensing, or preventive and ments. concerning the coronavirus”. its inspection campaigns to precautionary measures, In a statement yesterday, The ministry stressed that control violating practices. through the call centre: hosts panel the MoCI said these measures it would neither tolerate any Any party who violates laws 16001 or the ministry’s so- come as part of its “keen ef- negligence in terms of meet- and ministerial decisions will cial media accounts – Twit- forts to monitor and regulate ing obligations stipulated in be referred to competent au- ter: @MOCIQATAR, and In- talk on vaccines markets and commercial ac- Law No 5 of 2015 on Commer- thorities, who will take appro- stagram: MOCIQATAR atar University’s (QU) z The discussion aimed to raise Health Cluster hosted a MoPH reports 427 new Covid-19 cases Qvirtual panel discussion awareness on vaccination for on “Covid-19 Vaccines: Your Questions Answered.” Covid-19 and to clarify misconceptions QNA The discussion aimed to raise Doha awareness on vaccination for es that any vaccine would go frequently, social distancing and Covid-19 and to clarify mis- through,” he said, correcting the wearing masks in public.” conceptions. Mashael al-Badr, misconception that the vaccine Dr Khalid Elawad, health he Ministry of Public a PhD student in Biological and was ‘rushed.’ Chaponda coun- protection manager at the Pri- Health (MoPH) report- Environmental Sciences, QU tered other myths such as the mary Health Care Corporation Ted yesterday, 427 new and manager of Diagnostic Test side-eff ects and clarifi ed about (PHCC) spoke about PHCC’s confi rmed cases of coronavi- at National Reference Labora- what the vaccines are made up of role in being the direct line to the rus (Covid-19) during the last tories, Ministry of Public Health and how successful they are. community. PHCC is respon- 24 hours, of which 387 were (MoPH) moderated the session. Dr Abdullatif al-Khal, chair sible for targeting individuals from the community and 40 QU president Dr Hassan Rashid of the National Health Strategic based on the National Vaccina- from travellers returning from al-Derham, and Medical and Group on Covid-19 and the head tion Programme’s phase and abroad who are subject to quar- Health Sciences vice president of Infectious Diseases Division booking their appointment. Dr antine. and College of Medicine dean at Hamad Medical Corporation Elawad also shed light on the It also reported the death of Prof Egon Toft delivered the spoke about the goals of the Na- side-eff ects of the vaccine, say- a 51-year-old patient who was opening remarks. tional Vaccination Programme, ing that potential side-eff ects receiving the necessary medi- Sheikh Dr Mohamed al-Thani, such as targeting those who were mild. cal care. The MoPH also re- director of Public Health, MoPH are at greater risk, reducing the He also stressed the need for corded 123 recoveries from the explained the signifi cance of the number of hospitalised patients the community to take their vac- virus during the past 24 hours, ministry’s eff orts at all levels and achieving herd immunity. cination appointments seriously bringing the total number of re- in mitigating the eff ects of the Dr Soha al-Bayat, head of vac- and to take the second dose at coveries in Qatar to 147,033. pandemic, reducing the number cination at MoPH, said, “We are the appropriate time. All new cases have been in- of deaths, mobilising the public, happy with the response from “We are still dealing with the troduced to isolation and are providing accurate information the public who are eager to re- pandemic and we still have peo- receiving necessary healthcare. and providing vaccines to the ceive the vaccination. This re- ple who are at risk from catching Due to the measures put in population swiftly. sponse will hopefully lead us to the virus and still need to take place by the Qatar government Dr Masautso Chaponda, a take control of the virus. We are all the precautions to prevent and the support of the public in senior consultant in infectious hoping to vaccinate 70-80% spreading the virus,” he said. following the preventive steps, diseases at Al Wakra Hospital, of the community, which will The speakers stressed the need Qatar succeeded in controlling answered frequently asked ques- make it harder for the virus to to avoid taking or sharing infor- the spread of the virus since its tions regarding the Covid-19 transmit from person to person. mation about the vaccine from peak in July. However, over the vaccine. “There were no short- But we must remain patient and untrusted sources such as mes- past month Qatar has seen a cuts taken. The vaccine went continue to take all the precau- sages disseminated on social gradual and consistent increase through exactly the same phas- tions such as washing our hands media. in the number of new daily in- fections. Additionally, and of great concern, is the recent in- crease in both the number of Five arrested for violating home quarantine rules people admitted to hospitals with Covid-19 and people ad- The designated authorities arrested yesterday, five hamed Hussein Zeinan; Mohamed Rashid Mohamed mitted to ICU. persons who violated the requirements of home Afifa; Hamad Salem Ali Faleh al-Nabet; Mohamed Ali The data over the next few quarantine, for which they are legally accountable, in Hamad Dajran; Abdullah Salem Abdullah Ali Afifa. The days and week will tell us more, accordance with the procedures of the health authori- authorities called on citizens and residents under but these increases appear to ties in the country. The arrests came in implementa- home quarantine to fully commit to the Ministry of be the early signs of a potential tion of the precautionary measures in force in the Public Health’s conditions. They added that anyone second wave in Qatar. country, approved by health authorities represented who violates the quarantine will be subject to Article For this reason, it is more im- by the Ministry of Public Health, to curb the spread of No. 253 of Law No. 11 of 2004, provisions of Law No. 17 portant than ever that people of positive cases and hospital be implemented and the country number of Covid-19 cases in Qa- the Covid-19. The violators, who are currently being re- of 1990 on communicable diseases, and Law No. 17 of adhere to preventive measures admissions continue to increase will return to some of the early tar, it is important for everyone ferred to the designated prosecution, are: Saeed Mo- 2002 on protecting society. to halt the second wave before it over the coming week or two, ad- restriction phases. to play their role in controlling gains momentum. If the number ditional restrictions may need to With the recent increase in the the virus. 15 PHCC health centres to operate today

From Page 1 the morning period only, from 7am to 2pm, at the Al Thumama, West Nesma’ak Hamad Patient Contact Centre closed today With regard to the Covid-19 test- Bay and Al Khor centres. ing service provided through vehi- „The service will operate in the Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has said on the occasion of National Sport Day, cles, PHCC noted that this would evening only, from 4pm to 11pm, at the Nesma’ak Hamad Patient Contact Centre and Referral and Booking Management be available according to the ap- the Leabaib, Al Wajbah and Al Rayy- System will be closed today and will resume operations at 7am tomorrow. pointments specifi ed for patients an centres. in advance at the health centres, as „The examination service follows: through vehicles will be available 7am to 2pm and in the evening from Al Wakra, Al Waab, Mesaimeer and „ The service will be available in in two shifts, in the morning from 4pm to 11pm at four health centres: Abu Baker Al Siddiq. Qatar takes part in extraordinary ministerial Arab League meeting

QNA He added that those challenges re- estinian land, and Judaisation of Al announcement made by the Pales- Cairo quire strong Arab solidarity and co- Quds. He reiterated Qatar’s position tinian President Mahmoud Abbas operation, given it will be the perfect that a fair and comprehensive settle- of holding Liberation Organisation weapon to face all those challenges ment of the Palestinian issue must Movement’s presidential and national atar participated Monday in and eliminate dangers. stand on a two-state solution, inter- council elections, saying it represents the extraordinary meeting of He said that Qatar renews its ap- national resolutions, and the Arab an important step towards Palestin- Qthe League of Arab States held preciation of the State of Kuwait’s peace initiative in order to establish a ian unity. Al-Muraikhi stressed that at the headquarters of the General eff orts to achieve a GCC reconcilia- Palestinian state of the borders of June Qatar calls for continuing to provide Secretariat in Cairo to discuss Arab tion, which started with the late Amir 4 1967 with East Al Quds as its capital. humanitarian support to the Pales- solidarity and emphasise commit- Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al- His Excellency added that more tinian people to alleviate humanitar- ment to the Palestinian cause. Sabah, and continued under the Amir joint work is needed to pressure the ian suff ering and economic hardships Qatar’s delegation was chaired by Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber al- international community and ensure they face. HE the Minister of State for Foreign Sabah and were crowned with Al-Ula it is more fi rm with Israel when it He said that, as part of Qatar’s con- Aff airs Sultan bin Saad al-Muraikhi. statement at the GCC Summit held comes to stopping illegal settlement stant support to improve conditions In Qatar’s speech during the meet- in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia last activity, the violations against the in Gaza as it suff ers as a result of the ing, al-Muraikhi said that the meeting month. Palestinian people, the siege imposed siege, His Highness the Amir Sheikh comes at a time when the region is HE the Minister of State for Foreign on Gaza, and ensure it enters serious Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani directed facing diffi cult and dangerous chal- Aff airs stressed that the Palestin- negotiations to end Israeli occupation to allocate a grant to the Palestinian lenges, with Palestine in particular ian issue remains the core Arab issue, of all Arab land. people worth $360mn. He added that facing those challenges. highlighting that it remains the top He added that Qatar is a fi rm sup- the grant will help pay wages and sup- He also noted that it comes as the priority despite the lack of momen- porter of all the rights of the Pales- port poor families, in addition to run- Covid-19 pandemic rages on all over tum of peace talks due to the Israeli tinian people, and the reconciliation ning electricity plants, in order to put the world after killing two mn people violation of its commitment, inten- among Palestinians. an end to the deterioration of human- and infecting millions more. sifi cation of illegal settlement of Pal- He added that Qatar praised the itarian conditions in the strip. Gulf Times Tuesday, February 9, 2021 5 QATAR

FM sends message to Paraguay’s minister ‘Sport cultivates the values of US envoy backs Qatar’s Paraguay’s Minister of Foreign Relations Euclides Acevedo has received a written message from HE the Deputy Prime health, diligence, competition’ Minister and Minister of Foreign Aff airs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al- initiative for healthy life Thani, pertaining to the bilateral relations hinese ambassador to cultivates the values of health, and means of enhancing and developing Qatar Zhou Jian has high- diligence, competition and per- them. The message was handed over Clighted the importance of severance, which serves to be mbassador Greta C Holtz, This year, in adherence to Min- by Acting Charge D’aff aires of Qatar’s sport in a statement issued on driving forces for human devel- chargé d’aff aires of the US istry of Public Health’s measures embassy in Paraguay, Saeed bin Hamad al- the occasion of Qatar’s National opment. Sport is also a common Aembassy in Qatar, has con- to prevent the spread of Covid-19, Marri, during his meeting with the minister Sport Day. language for people across the gratulated the government, peo- the US embassy is partnering with yesterday. “As an important means for world, and a treasure for human ple and residents of Qatar on the Qatar Foundation, Qatar Muse- human beings to keep a healthy civilisation,” the ambassador occasion of National Sport Day. ums and Best Buddies to provide Losail circuit cancels life, sport serves to be the most said. “Sport diplomacy could “The US embassy in Qatar inclusive virtual sports sessions convenient and reliable weapon serve as a bridge between diff er- congratulates the government, during Qatar National Sport Day NSD activities to fi ght diseases. With the pan- ent nations and cultures, which people, and residents of Qatar for for all people in Qatar, including demic still ravaging worldwide, brings people together, unites their dedication to healthy life- women, persons with disabilities Losail Circuit Sports Club (LCSC) has sport has become increasingly nations together. And through Ambassador Zhou Jian styles, women’s empowerment, and children, the statement con- announced the cancellation of National important for us to strengthen its huge potential, it will guide us inclusivity and accessibility in tinued. Sport Day (NSD) activities. In a post on our immunities. “Promoting towards triumph over challenges hold the 2022 Winter Olympics sports. “We invite everyone to follow Twitter yesterday, LCSC stressed that a culture of sports will give us and diffi culties, and lead us the and the FIFA World Cup, re- The United States is proud to US embassy Doha’s Facebook, they “fully support” the Ministry of stronger confi dence that man- way to development. “Modern spectively. It is my sincere wish be Qatar’s partner in promoting Twitter and Instagram accounts, Public Health’s recent announcement kind will never be defeated by Olympics is a most important that they will turn out to be suc- these objectives during this year’s as well as yearsofculture.qa for as Covid-19 infection numbers “are illnesses or disasters, and we multilateral sport activity in the cessful, unique and marvellous. 2021 Qatar-USA Year of Culture updates on upcoming Covid-19- increasing in Qatar”. “To keep everyone will eventually prevail over the world, which upholds the spirit Also, I am looking forward to an- and beyond,” ambassador Holtz safe Year of Culture program- safe, we apologise for cancelling the pandemic,” the statement noted. of ‘higher, faster and stronger’. other successful Asian Games in said in a statement yesterday. ming,” it added. Ambassador Greta C Holtz National Sport Day activities,” it added. “Sport is a kind of lifestyle. It Next year, China and Qatar will 2030,” he added.

Ooredoo off ers free registration HMC Physiotherapy to Doha Virtual Marathon 2021

oredoo has announced that registration fees for Othe upcoming Ooredoo Dept goes online for Doha Virtual Marathon 2021 will be waived in celebration of Na- tional Sport Day 2021. The Ooredoo Doha Virtual The event will feature a possible. We’re all disappointed Marathon 2021 will be held from number of categories for all ages the physical event can’t go ahead February 19-26, 2021. Runners can and abilities: a 1km run for chil- this year, but we hope to see a participate in their own time by dren, a 5km and 10km race for packed leaderboard with runners exercise programme either running outside or running men and women, a 21km half- making the most of the virtual on a treadmill to ensure safety in marathon for men and women, event. he Physiotherapy Depart- access the exercises programme the ongoing pandemic situation. and the full 42km marathon for “Supporting activities that ment at Hamad Medi- through the patient’s mobile To join the event, runners need men and women. There will be promote a healthy, active life- Tcal Corporation (HMC) is or on any digital device. At the simply register and download no registration fees for any of the style is a huge priority for us marking National Sport Day in same time the physiotherapist the Suffi x.Tracker App. They can categories. at Ooredoo, especially in such Qatar by launching its ‘Physi- will be able to track the patient’s then either use the App to track Sabah Rabiah al-Kuwari, di- challenging times where we’re otherapy Online Exercise Pro- performance. their run, or sync their smart rector, PR at Ooredoo, said: all restricted in what we can do, gramme’. The new website, This is a safe and convenient device to the app. Run times will “We’re delighted to be hosting and we consider this an excel- which is hosted at www.hamad. way for patients to continue automatically be uploaded to the the Ooredoo Doha Virtual Mara- lent opportunity to get active in qa, features 609 videos for pa- their treatment at home and en- leaderboard, and there will be a thon 2021, and to be off ering free honour of National Sport Day. tients and will continue to ex- gage the patient in their recovery host of smart devices on off er as registration to make the event Good luck to all the runners pand up to 1,500 videos. which leads to better outcomes. prizes. accessible to as many runners as participating.” The website is intended to en- This programme will be available hance the patient experience and only for patients who are be- enable them to access exercise After an evaluation by the physiotherapist either in person or online, ing treated in the physiotherapy information in a safe and con- the HMC department will develop a treatment plan based on the clinics in the various facilities of venient manner, helping their problems of the patient. HMC. journey to recovery. During the The unique aspect of this en- PHCC: Regular physical Covid-19 pandemic, the online to look for innovative solu- son or online, the therapist will tire website is that the entire consultation and telerehabilita- tions. This led the Physiothera- develop a treatment plan based conceptualisation of the idea, tion service was well utilised by pist Department to develop a on the problems of the patient. video shooting, script of the ex- the Physiotherapy Department large database of online exercise If the patient can be advised to ercises, models for the shoot, activity prevents diseases of HMC. programmes to enable patients perform a home programme, camera shooting, editing, brand- As an initial response, tel- to use them through a secure the physiotherapist will choose ing, developing website content ephone consultations were channel, maintaining patient the right exercises from the on- was undertaken by the multital- QNA Head of Wellness for Com- tivities such as walking and cy- started, progressing gradually to confi dentiality and keeping in line exercise programme and will ented team of physiotherapists. Doha munity Interventions at PHCC cling can be part of most people’s video consultations. The chal- consideration the safety of the send an SMS and e-mail to the They were supported and guided Abdul Hamid al-Khanji said daily routine. lenges to communicate and yet patients. patient. by the dynamic supervisors of that exercise reduces the risk of On the other hand, the PHCC maintain social distancing led After an evaluation by the These will have a password to various facilities led by chief he Primary Health Care heart disease, by strengthening provided awareness tips for a the Physiotherapy Department physiotherapist either in per- login into the exercise portal and Noora al-Mudahka. Corporation (PHCC) said its muscles and improving blood healthy sleep as it is an essential Tthat studies have demon- circulation as the increased part of daily life. For his part, strated the importance of regular blood fl ow raises the oxygen Head of the Wellness Center at physical activity in maintain- levels in the human body, which Leabaib Center and a community ing a healthy body weight and helps reducing the risk of high medicine consultant at PHCC Cleanliness drive preventing obesity. Exercise can cholesterol, coronary artery dis- Dr Anees al-Yafei said that per- reduce the risk of coronary heart ease, and heart attacks. It can sons spend more than a third of disease and stroke by up to 35%, also lower triglyceride and main- their life asleep, the matter that reduce the risk of early death by tain insulin levels, helps the body makes sleep part of the vital re- 30%, in addition to 50% less risk to control blood sugar and helps quirements of the body to renew of developing type 2 diabetes, quit smoking by reducing crav- and maintain the functions of the 50% less risk of colon cancer and ings besides other health ben- body’s organs. 20% of breast cancer. efi ts such as mood improvement, He reviewed the importance of On the occasion of the Na- stress control, reduce the risk of sleep for general health, includ- tional Sport Day, the corporation depression and improve thinking ing building a healthy body and stated that exercise and physi- and learning skills. positive mental health, as studies cal activity have an important He noted that regular exercise have shown, in this regard, that role in preventing and handling also helps children and teens people who maintain enough chronic diseases, besides it helps build strong bones. As for the sleep at night enjoy general to prevent high blood pressure, elderly, research has shown that health free from chronic physi- improve mental health, quality it helps them with balance and cal and psychological diseases, of life and well-being. Physical muscle strengthening activities, compared to their peers of the activity and exercise also help re- while aerobic activity is of mod- same gender and age who get less duce the risk of developing oste- erate intensity helps in reducing sleep. Dr al-Yafei also reviewed oporosis by 83%, hip fractures by the risk of falls, improving sleep the importance of sleep quality 68%, the risk of falls among the and reduce the risk of early death for immunity, the relationship elderly by 30%. It also reduces because of heart disease and between sleep and obesity as well the risk of depression, dementia some types of cancer. He pointed as sleep and some chronic, nerv- and Alzheimer’s by 30%. out that exercise and aerobic ac- ous and psychological diseases.

Crackdown on illegal street vendors

Doha Municipality’s Cleanliness Section carried out activities against insects and rodents in response to 1,373 applications in January. Also accomplished were unblocking manholes in response to 333 applications and removing more than 182mn gallons of sanitary sewage water during January.

The Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME), represented by the Al Sheehaniya Municipality, carried out an inspection campaign on illegal street vendors at Abu Nakhla and Rawdat Rashid areas with the participation of the General Cleanliness Department, in co-operation with the security entities concerned, and the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Aff airs. Warning stickers were placed on 15 abandoned vehicles, asking the owners to remove them. Four violation reports were issued and all violations and vehicles of the vendors were removed from the public roads. Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, February 9, 2021 QATAR Brazil ambassador hails Qatar success Ashghal completes in hosting FIFA Club World Cup 28km TSE network

QNA between Palmeiras and Tigres Unal was Doha highly competitive, with the Brazilian team failing to win at the end. The ambassador revealed he knows quite at Al Kharaitiyat Brazilian ambassador Luiz Alberto praised a lot about Qatari football as he followed Qatar’s success in hosting the FIFA Club the participation of the Qatari national he Public Works Author- World Cup 2020, during the coronavirus team in Copa America. ity (Ashghal) has announced (Covid-19) pandemic. He also highlighted Brazilians have beautiful memories of Tcompletion of all works re- the success of the country’s healthcare Qatar, when Flamengo reached the final lated to the construction of the system and its contribution to hosting of the FIFA Club World Cup last year, he 28km-long Treated Sewage Effl u- sporting events. said. ent (TSE) network to irrigate green Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Speaking on the huge development areas in Al Kharaitiyat and sur- the ambassador said Qatar remains the in Qatar’s infrastructure and the rapid rounding localities. best in implementing health measures pace of completing World Cup facilities, The TSE network also covers and containing the spread of Covid-19, the ambassador said these factors bode Rawdat Egdaim, Rawdat Al Jah- Engineer Jamal Ajina noting the country prioritises safety of well for hosting an exceptional World haniya, Jeryan Al Saham, Rawdat people over everything else, which is why Cup edition in 2022. He expressed Al Thamid, Jarry Al Dhabi, Izghawa Dukhan Highway to the south. it preferred not to receive Club World Cup his delight at being present in Qatar and Al Froush, according to a state- The newly-constructed network fans from outside Qatar. to experience the developments and ment. collects all TSE while distributing He added that the Qatari government and preparations for hosting Middle East’s Jamal Ajina, project engineer it to irrigate green areas, parks and FIFA are making major eff orts to ensure first World Cup. and engineering projects expert at landscapes alongside these roads as that all involved in the competition is safe, The ambassador expressed his hope that Ashghal’s Roads Projects Depart- well as Riff a Street and the green ar- especially fans. the Qatari team can win the World Cup in ment, pointed out that the scope of eas on the sides of the bicycle path. The works also included instal- witness signifi cant urban growth. It The ambassador voiced his support of Qatar in 2022, pointing out that all teams works included constructing a TSE This is to ensure a sustainable lation of 42 control valve rooms, provides and connects TSE lines of all precautionary measures in place, will be competing ferociously for the title. network covering the needs of eight exploitation of TSE to increase the 49 rooms and wash basins, 32 air other existing projects in the area. particularly in light of current conditions He said Brazilian people’s love for football areas in north of Doha through green space in the area. The up- valves rooms and 63 distribution It also minimises the pressure on that requires strict measures to ensure was due to the joy it brings and especially extending new pipelines from Al grading works included extending rooms in addition to control valves local water resources including wa- the safety of others. since they have been playing it for more Kharaitiyat in the Al Rayyan Mu- 28km-long TSE lines using fi ne and communication rooms, Ajina ter desalination and groundwater The ambassador said the FIFA Club than a 100 years. nicipality towards Umm Slal Mu- tunnelling technology and the open explained. well drilling. World Cup includes the best players in The ambassador also highlighted the nicipality. cutting method. The network was The project forms a link in the The project comes as part of the world, making it hard to expect the strength of bilateral relations between The project is surrounded by implemented at an average depth TSE network between Al Shamal Ashghal’s commitment to encour- winner. He noted that yesterday’s match Qatar and Brazil. Al Shamal Road to the east and Al ranging between two to fi ve metres Road and Dukhan Road in north age sustainability and recycling to Majd Road to the west as well as underground. Doha and serves several areas that reuse TSE.

Legendary Omani football player visits National Museum of Qatar

Legendary Omani player Ali al-Habsi visited the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ), where he was welcomed by Abdullah Yousif al-Mulla, director of 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum. Al-Mulla delivered a presentation about 3-2-1, and led a guided tour of NMoQ. Al-Habsi gifted his special football jersey to 3-2-1’s collection. He wore the jersey during the FA Cup Final, where his team, Wigan Athletic, won 1-0. He was the Oman national team goalkeeper and played in a number of clubs in England and Saudi Arabia from 1998 until 2020. In 2016, al-Habsi established the Al Habsi School of Football in Muscat. The academy used his professional experience to develop a complete training methodology aimed at supporting football stars of the future.

E-Ring Road diversion

The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has announced the closure of part of E-Ring Road in the direction from Energy Intersection towards Airport Street from tomorrow for six months. Traff ic will be diverted to the opposite side of the road to include two lanes in each direction. The closure, in co-ordination with the General Directorate of Traff ic, is to allow construction works for surface and groundwater network at Al Thumama. Ashghal will install road signs advising motorists of the temporary closure and has urged all to follow these and abide by the speed limit to ensure safety. Gulf Times Tuesday, February 9, 2021 7 QATAR

Military Police concludes joint exercise with Turkish forces

Forces of the Military Police concluded a four-week joint military exercise with the Turkish Armed Forces. The exercise aimed at raising combat capabilities, exchanging experiences, and enhancing the joint military co-operation between the Qatari army and its Turkish counterpart. The closing day of the exercise included riot control scenarios and storming built-up areas. Commander of the Military Police Brigadier General Rashid Mohamed al-Hajri and Military Adviser to the Turkish forces in Qatar Brigadier General Ramazan Aydemir praised the quality, professionalism and distinguished performance presented by all participants in the exercise. (QNA)

HBKU faculty member wins Romantic dining options with innovative legal teaching award Richard Sandoval Hospitality

r Damilola Olawuyi, a courses in law faculties in the faculty member at the Mena region and the develop- Toro Toro, Zengo and Maya offer guests DCollege of Law at Ha- ment of best practices as to mad Bin Khalifa University the teaching of environmental (HBKU), has received the 2020 law. Thanks to a grant from the ‘exceptional dining choices’ for couples LexisNexis Innovative Teach- Qatar National Research Fund, ing Award at a recent virtual Assellmu has hosted two ma- From Latin and Asian to Mexican comfort food, Richard Sandoval ceremony following the annual jor international conferences, Hospitality group is off ering “endless dining options for couples Qatar Business Law Forum. the fi rst at HBKU in 2018 and looking to enjoy an exceptional night out”. Dr Olawuyi was recognised the second at Hassan the First Dinner specials will be available at the award-winning Toro Toro for his many accomplishments University, Settat, Casablanca, restaurant located at Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl - Doha although two, in particular, Morocco in 2019. on February 14 from 6pm to 11pm, in addition to Maya and Zengo, stood out: the launch of his Dr Susan L Karamanian, which are located at the Kempinski Residences & Suites from new course “Environmental dean, College of Law, re- 5pm to 11pm, according to a press statement issued by Alfardan Law” and his leadership in es- marked, “Dr Damilola’s fo- Hospitality. tablishing the Association for Dr Damilola Olawuyi cus on environmental law, Toro Toro will be preparing an “intimate dinner for two”, featuring Environmental Law Lecturers whether through his teaching ‘El Dia Del Amor’ menu specials. Guests will be invited to enjoy a in Middle East and North Afri- prevent, and mitigate envi- or outreach to major Mena four-course meal, which will be available for QR450 per couple, can Universities (Assellmu). ronmental liability in their universities, is in line with including soft beverages. Dr Olawuyi stated, “The operations, especially through HBKU’s overall emphasis on The culinary delight will start with a selection of cold appetisers Environmental Law course corporate social responsibil- sustainability, specifi cally as ranging from the famous Guacamole to the Dinamita Rolls and provides opportunities for ity, environmental due dili- to the United Nations Sus- finally the Yellow Fin Tuna, known as the Picante Tostada. Beef our students to understand gence, sustainability report- tainable Development Goals. Anticucho, which is Beef Tenderloin served with panca Chilli and the values, assumptions, and ing, green supply chains and His work and engagement on corn salad, can be ordered from the hot starters along with the guiding principles that under- procurements, and strategic issues such as food sustain- Mushroom Coca tossed in truff le oil and baby rocket. lie the fi eld of global environ- risk management.” ability, alternative energy, and The main course section will be featuring delicacies such as the mental law. Coming at a time Assellmu, founded by the clean practices as to natural Pollo Parrilla and Salmon with the sides of Bircollini. Finally, for of real need, the course em- College of Law in co-operation resources are highly relevant dessert, couples will certainly love the sweet Bom-Bom, which phasises practical skills and with the United Nations Envi- to Qatar. We are so proud of is puff ed rice served with Lucuma, Caramel mousse and Passion requirements on how stake- ronment Programme in 2018, him as his energy and vision Fruit. holders in Qatar, especially is a network of environmental have helped establish the Col- Guests will get the chance to relish the most “scrumptious business enterprises, corpo- law academics from the Mena lege of Law as a regional leader Latin American dining experience with enchanting views of the rate organisations, lawyers, region dedicated to the estab- in the important fi eld of envi- Arabian Gulf”, the statement notes. and law fi rms can anticipate, lishment of environmental law ronmental law.” Zengo will also be celebrating the day of love with a special four-course set menu in “one of the most romantic ambiances and mesmerising views of Doha’s skyline”. For QR690 per couple, guests will get to savour a blend of Asian styles and Carnegie Mellon ranks second for US flavours along with a beverage. Menu highlights include the Chicken Salad, Sushi Omakase, Toro Toro undergraduate computer science Salmon Tataki and Nigri Tuna, in the cold starters section, and Like a Truff le and Shrimp Gyoza as the hot starters. The romantic filled with love, happiness and sharing”. “El Día del Amor y la Carnegie Mellon University dinner’s main dishes will include the Salmon Achiote and Omaha Amistad is a great reminder to express your love even further than (CMU) was ranked second for Beef Tenderloin dish known as Kluwak Daging. the small gestures you’re doing every day,” the statement adds. US undergraduate computer For a sweet ending to dinner, Zengo will off er couples the For couples looking to spend a wonderful evening in a modern science programmes by US Zengo Heart, created especially for Valentine’s. The dish will Mexican ambiance filled with vibrant vibes, a special set menu News & World Report, a leader be composed of Basil Pudding, Yuzu Strawberry mousse and will be available for QR490 per couple with a welcome drink. The in educational analysis and Almond crumble. special evening will end with Love’s Nest, which is a special sharing rankings. Maya, which is part of Richard Sandoval Hospitality group as well, dessert made from Pate au Choux, Raspberry Cream, Lyche Carnegie Mellon University will be dedicated to welcoming its guests for a “special evening Ganache and Rose Jelly. in Qatar (CMU-Q), a Qatar Foundation partner, has taught computer science programme since opening its doors in 2004. Michael Trick, dean of CMU-Q, said, “Computer science education is an important focus for Carnegie Mellon, and for our campus in Qatar. Our students can attest that this Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar. is a rigorous programme, but over four years of study, they and collaboration. CMU has Programme now work at top acquire the fundamental skills been home to some of the organisations in Qatar and to develop new technologies world’s most innovative around the world. This is and shape the frontiers of thinkers, including 20 Nobel the first time that US News computing.” Prize winners and 13 Turing & World Report has ranked As a world leader in education, Award winners. Graduates of undergraduate computer Maya Zengo CMU is known for its creativity CMU-Q’s Computer Science science programmes. Gulf Times 8 Tuesday, February 9, 2021 REGION/ARAB WORLD/AFRICA At least 24 dead in Morocco Fatah, Hamas begin Cairo underground factory fl ood talks ahead of AFP have been electrocuted as the Rabat incoming water interfered with power facilities, but this had Palestinian polls not been confi rmed by offi cials. t least 24 people died af- A inquiry has been launched ter heavy rain fl ooded an to determine the cause of the AFP in Israeli-annexed east Jerusa- Aillegal underground tex- accident and those responsible, Cairo lem. The polls will be the fi rst tile workshop in a private house the MAP agency added. Palestinian parliamentary elec- in Morocco’s port of Tangiers, Morocco’s informal sector tions in 15 years. the state news agency reported plays a key role in the economy, ey Palestinian factions Hamas won an unexpected yesterday. representing around a fi fth of Fatah and Hamas opened landslide in the last vote. Rescue workers recovered GDP outside the primary sector, Ktalks yesterday in Cairo Fatah has run the Palestinian 24 bodies from the property with textile production making aimed at clearing the way for the Authority in the Israeli-occu- and rescued 10 survivors, who up a tenth of that work. fi rst elections in the West Bank pied West Bank and Hamas has were taken to hospital, the MAP In terms of textile and leather and Gaza since 2006, Egypt’s held power in the Gaza Strip agency said, citing local au- production, over half of the state television said. since 2007, the year Israel im- thorities. work comes from informal op- “The national dialogue ses- posed a devastating blockade on A search of the premises was erations, including in unregu- sions are underway in Cairo un- the Mediterranean enclave. ongoing. One government offi - lated factories that fail to meet der the auspices of (Egyptian) Palestinian territories thus cial at the scene said 25 people offi cial safety standards, ac- President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi,” have two diff erent political sys- had died, 17 women and eight cording to Morocco’s employ- it reported. tems and without a functioning men, all aged between 20 and ers’ association. Before his departure to Cairo, parliament. 40, according to a local journal- Morocco has experienced Fatah’s delegation head Jibril Fourteen Palestinian politi- ist contacted by AFP. heavy rains in recent weeks, Rajub was upbeat, telling AFP: cal groups are taking part in the News footage broadcast after a long period of drought. “We are confi dent we will over- sessions sponsored by Egypt, as from the site on Moroccan In early January, rain storms come any obstacles in going it seeks to leverage its regional television showed emergency Emergency services gather at the site of an illegal underground textile workshop that flooded after caused several dilapidated ahead with legislative elections clout. services carrying corpses out heavy rainfall in Morocco’s city of Tangiers, yesterday. buildings to collapse in Casa- slated for May 22.” The talks come on the on stretchers under the eyes blanca, the country’s eco- On the agenda fi gure thorny same day as an emergency of traumatised residents, district in the northern city. them out of the flooded base- AFP, who spoke to witnesses. nomic capital, causing at issues such as judicial and se- Arab League meeting, also with a stream of ambulances Workers were saved thanks ment with a rope, according Local media outlets indicated least four deaths, according to curity arrangements for the vote held in Cairo, to discuss the rushing to the residential to a local resident who helped to the journalist contacted by at least some of the victims may local media. and the fate of Palestinian voters Palestinian cause. IS ambush in Syria kills Iran supports ‘any eff ective role’ 26 pro-regime fi ghters of UN towards ending Yemen war

AFP tral Syria, and in December from Europe and Asia also live AFP Qamishli nearly 40 Syrian troops died in a separate annexe, accused of Tehran when IS ambushed a bus carry- family ties with IS. ing soldiers travelling home for Sheikhmous Ahmed, an of- he Islamic State group the holidays. The desert in Deir fi cial in charge of running the ran supports “any eff ective yesterday killed 26 pro- Ezzor province provides a “safe camps, said those killed in Al- role” of the United Nations Tregime fi ghters in eastern haven” for militants planning Hol since the start of the year Itowards ending the confl ict Syria, as alarm grew following attacks on regime forces and were 10 Iraqis and four Syrians, in Yemen, its foreign minister a spate of murders including other rivals, the UN has said. all camp residents. Some had said yesterday after meeting beheadings in a camp housing Meanwhile, a Kurdish offi cial been shot dead by guns with the UN envoy to the war-torn families of the militants. said 14 killings, including three silencers. He blamed “IS cells country in Tehran. Almost 10 years into Syria’s beheadings, had rocked the larg- in Al-Hol” targeting “those Martin Griffi ths, the UN spe- civil war, the militants have lost est displacement camp hous- co-operating with camp man- cial envoy for Yemen, has been the last scrap of their so-called ing alleged IS relatives since the agement”, with the aim to “sow in Tehran since Sunday to meet “caliphate” but continue to use start of the year. chaos and fear”. with Iranian offi cials as part Syria’s vast desert as a spring- IS overran large parts of Syria But a humanitarian source of “eff orts to support a politi- board for attacks. and Iraq and proclaimed a cross- said some of the murders could cal solution” to the confl ict in After the battles against them, border “caliphate” there in 2014, be linked to tribal tensions be- the Arab nation, according to a thousands of alleged militants before several off ensives in both tween residents. A UN report statement from his offi ce. and family members live in jails countries led to its territorial de- published this month highlight- Iran has backed the Houthi or overcrowded camps in the feat. ed “minimal” security in Al- rebels during the six-year-old country’s Kurdish-run north- The Kurdish-led fi ght that Hol, noting some detainees see war against Yemen’s interna- east. expelled IS from its last holdout it as the fi nal remnant of their tionally recognised govern- Early yesterday, an IS am- in March 2019 displaced tens of former so-called “caliphate”. ment, supported since 2015 by a bush in the eastern province of thousands of people, many of The number of guards at Al- military coalition. Deir Ezzor killed 26 pro-regime whom ended up in camps in the Hol fell from 1,500 in mid-2019 Iran rejects accusations that A handout picture provided by the Iranian foreign ministry shows Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohamed fi ghters, including seven Syrian Kurdish-held northeast. to 400 in late 2020, the UN said. it has supplied the Houthis with Javad Zarif (centre-left) during his meeting with Martin Griff iths (centre-right), special representative of troops, the Syrian Observatory The largest of these is Al-Hol, It reported “radicalisation, weapons. the United Nations’ secretary general for Yemen, in Tehran, yesterday. for Human Rights. which holds almost 62,000 peo- training, fundraising and incite- During meetings with Grif- Eleven militants were also ple, of whom more than 80% are ment of external operations” at fi ths, Iranian Foreign Minis- tions in resolving the crisis”. He according to a ministry state- Yemen’s grinding confl ict killed, it said. It was the latest in women and children. the camp, with “some minors... ter Mohamed Javad Zarif ex- underscored the “very diffi cult ment. “The only solution to the has killed tens of thousands and a long string of attacks on pro- Most residents are displaced reportedly being indoctrinated pressed the “full readiness” of conditions resulting from the Yemen crisis is through politics displaced millions, triggering regime forces. Syrians and Iraqis, but thou- and prepared to become future” his country “to support any war and the economic blockade and not through imposed war,” what the UN calls the world’s Last week IS killed 19 in cen- sands of women and children IS operatives. eff ective role of the United Na- imposed on the Yemeni people”, he added. worst humanitarian disaster.

UNREST Gunmen kill 19 in village raids in Nigeria Nineteen people were killed at the weekend when armed men raided two Somalia’s opposition cease Yemen’s Houthis in villages in northwest Nigeria’s Kaduna state, the government said, in the latest violence to hit the region. Gunmen from kidnapping and cattle rustling gangs — called bandits by locals --- often raid villages in northwest Nigeria, new push to capture stealing cattle, kidnapping for ransom and burning homes after looting sup- recognising president in row plies. “Kaduna State Government has received reports from security agen- cies of the killing of 19 citizens in Birnin Gwari and Kajuru local government govt stronghold areas,” Samuel Aruwan, internal aff airs commissioner said in a statement. Reuters “The citizens were killed by armed bandits at Kutemeshi village in Birnin Mogadishu Gwari and Kujeni village in Kajuru, where several others were left with bullet AFP attacks, the source said, a day wounds,” Aruwan said. Late on Saturday, bandits riding on motorcycles killed Dubai after three pro-government 14 people and injured others when they invaded Kutemeshi where they n alliance of Somali op- fi ghters were killed and four looted shops, the off icial said. On the same day motorbike-riding gunmen position parties pro- injured in a missile attack on also stormed Kujeni where they killed five people and burnt “several” houses, Aposed the creation of a emen’s Houthi rebels their camp in Marib. warehouses and a church, said Aruwan in the statement. national council of lawmakers, have resumed an off en- The United States and Brit- opposition leaders and civil so- Ysive to seize the govern- ain condemned the off ensive, ciety to govern the Horn of Af- ment’s last northern strong- with the State Department HEALTH rica nation after the president’s hold of Marib, a government saying it was “deeply trou- SA to roll out AstraZeneca vaccine in steps term expired yesterday with no source said yesterday, with bled” by the violence and call- clear succession plan. dozens of casualties on both ing on the rebels to stand down South Africa will roll out AstraZeneca’s coronavirus vaccine in a “stepped man- The power vacuum and divi- sides. and halt any new campaigns. ner” to assess its ability to prevent severe illness, Professor Salim Abdool Karim, sions between political leaders New clashes between the British Ambassador to co-chair of South Africa’s Ministerial Advisory Committee on Covid-19, said yester- was a boost to the Al Qaeda- rebels and pro-government Yemen Michael Aron said the day. South Africa said on Sunday it would put on hold its use of the AstraZeneca linked Al Shebaab insurgen- forces – backed by a mili- Houthis must “prove their se- shot after research showing it was only minimally eff ective in preventing mild- cy, a Somali security analyst A rickshaw taxi drives past the campaign poster of Somalia’s tary coalition – erupted after riousness in wanting peace by to-moderate illness against a variant of the coronavirus now dominant in the warned, citing a spate of recent President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed in Mogadishu, yesterday. weeks of relative calm in the supporting the eff orts of UN country. Speaking to a briefing of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Abdool attacks in a relatively peaceful oil-rich and strategic region. special envoy Martin Grif- Karim said it was too early to say whether the AstraZeneca vaccine would still part of the country. vately fl oated the idea of ex- and continuous attacks by Al The source said that the fi ths”. be eff ective in preventing serious disease, as there was not yet enough data on The opposition alliance said tending his term. Shebaab forced Somalia to plan Houthis had brought in rein- US President Joe Biden its eff ectiveness in older people against the variant.South Africa would pause they would reject any attempt In a statement issued by its another indirect vote. forcements during that time. last week announced an end its rollout of the AstraZeneca vaccine for now while determining the next steps, to extend the term of President embassy in Mogadishu, the Clan elders should have “Fighting took place about to support for off ensive op- and could vaccinate 100,000 people with the shot to see how well it worked on Mohamed Abdullahi Moham- United States urged Moham- chosen lawmakers in Decem- 10 kilometres west of Marib,” erations in Yemen, as part of preventing hospitalisations and deaths. ed and suggested the council ed to “act now to resolve the ber and the lawmakers were he said on condition of ano- a major reset in foreign policy. could elect a transitional leader political impasse...and fi nd due to choose a president on nymity. The state department has to govern until a new president agreement with Federal Mem- Monday. “At least 20 government also notifi ed Congress of its INOCULATION can be chosen by lawmakers. ber State leaders to allow the But selection of lawmakers fi ghters were killed and 28 intention to revoke a terrorist Vaccination begins for transport workers “We are against time exten- conduct of parliamentary and was delayed after the opposi- others injured,” he said, add- designation against the rebels, sion, suppression, violence and presidential elections immedi- tion accused President Mo- ing that many rebels also died which had been announced at Dubai has begun the mass vaccination of public transport workers, with further delay to the election,” ately.” hamed — who was seeking a but no accurate count was the end of former president the Gulf emirate aiming to remain open to international tourism despite the alliance said in a statement. “The political gridlock...has second term — of packing re- available. Donald Trump’s administra- a surge in cases. The United Arab Emirates, which includes Dubai and six “An election schedule should resulted in a disappointing lack gional and national electoral The Houthis have since tion. other emirates and has a population of nearly 10mn, has administered immediately without delay be of progress in fi ghting Al She- boards with his allies. 2014 held the capital Sanaa Humanitarian groups were 4.4mn doses — one of the best vaccination rates per capita in the world, and displayed with agreed upon baab.” Leaders in two of Somalia’s which lies just 120 kilometres deeply opposed to the terrorist second to Israel. The UAE has recorded 930 deaths from Covid-19 since the specifi ed time.” Somalia was initially plan- five federal states, Puntland away and are mounting a fi erce tag, saying it jeopardised their pandemic began. Dubai gained recent attention after it sought to manage There was no immediate ning to hold its fi rst direct elec- and Jubbaland, have said they campaign to take Marib. operations in a country where the pandemic without closing its doors, with its economic mainstay industry comment from the presidency. tion since civil war erupted in will no longer recognise Pres- In the past 24 hours, gov- the majority of people rely on of tourism battered badly during the pandemic. Aides had previously pri- 1991, but delays in preparations ident Mohamed. ernment forces repelled fi ve aid. Gulf Times Tuesday, February 9, 2021 9 WORLD

OBITUARY UNREST CHARITY ACCIDENT CO-OPERATION Texas Republican first in US Haiti opposition South Korea tycoon to Three hurt as Japan Manila, US in bid to end Congress to die from Covid names interim leader give away half his wealth submarine, vessel crash diff erences on troops deal

US Representative Ron Wright died after testing The struggle over Haiti’s presidency intensified One of South Korea’s wealthiest people, the billion- A Japanese submarine and a private ship were The Philippines and the US will meet this month positive for Covid-19 last month, his off ice said yesterday as opposition politicians named their aire founder of the country’s biggest mobile mes- involved in a crash off the Pacific coast yesterday to iron out diff erences over a Visiting Forces yesterday, making him the first member of the own leader of the country in an eff ort to drive out senger operator KakaoTalk, yesterday promised to and three of the submarine’s crew suff ered minor Agreement (VFA), Manila’s top diplomat said, amid US Congress to die from the pandemic disease President Jovenel Moise, whose term they say has give away more than half his wealth. The decision injuries and it was slightly damaged but still able renewed regional concerns over China’s assertive that has claimed nearly 464,000 American lives. expired. The smouldering political crisis flared up by self-made Kim Beom-su, worth around $9.4bn, to sail, government off icials said. The submarine, maritime agenda. The Philippines in November Wright, a 67-year-old Texas Republican, had also on Sunday, when off icials claimed they had foiled is an unusual one for the world’s 12th-largest econ- operated by the Maritime Self-Defence Force, as suspended for a second time President Rodrigo been battling cancer. He was elected to Congress an attempt to murder the president and over- omy, where business is dominated by sprawling Japan’s navy is known, and the ship crashed off Duterte’s unilateral decision to terminate the VFA, in 2018 and had seats on the House foreign aff airs throw the government. Moise has been governing family-controlled conglomerates. “I have pledged Kochi prefecture in southern Japan, chief cabinet to allow it to work with Washington on a long-term and education and labour committees. Dozens without any checks on his power for the past year to donate more than half of my assets through- Secretary Katsunobu Kato told a regular news pact. “I am narrowing down the issues and soon of lawmakers from the senate and House of and says he is president until February 7, 2022 – an out my life to solve social issues,” Kim said in a conference. Kato, quoting the Coast Guard, said we will meet...and iron out whatever diff erences we Representatives have contracted Covid or been interpretation of the constitution rejected by the message sent to all of Kakao’s employees. Kakao, that there was no damage to the private ship. have,” Foreign Aff airs Secretary Teodoro Locsin told exposed to the deadly virus over the past year. opposition, which led to protests asserting his term founded in 2010, has a range of mobile off erings Authorities were looking into details, such as ANC news channel yesterday, adding a meeting Wright is the only sitting member of Congress to ended on Sunday. Some small demonstrations and its flagship messaging application is installed the type of the ship and in which country it was was likely in the last week of February. He declined succumb to the disease. took place over the weekend. on more than 90 % of phones in South Korea. registered, Kato said. to elaborate on the terms of a potential agreement. Military rule to Flood misery in Jakarta be diff erent this time: Myanmar coup leader

AFP decade of partial civilian rule and Yangon triggering international con- demnation. In the face of an increasingly yanmar’s army chief bold wave of defi ance, state yesterday insisted mili- broadcaster MRTV in the after- Mtary rule would be dif- noon warned that opposition to ferent this time, as martial law the junta was unlawful and sig- was declared across swathes of nalled a potential crackdown. the country after massive pro- “Action must be taken accord- tests against the new junta. ing to the law with eff ective steps Orders covering parts of Yan- against off ences which disturb, gon, Mandalay and other areas prevent and destroy the state’s banned people from protesting stability, public safety and the or gathering in groups of more rule of law,” said a statement read than fi ve, and imposing an 8pm by an announcer on the channel. to 4am curfew. In Yangon, the nation’s com- New junta chief general Min mercial capital, dense crowds Aung Hlaing, wearing a green yesterday spilled onto the city’s military uniform, made his fi rst main roads, immobilising traffi c televised speech since seizing and dwarfi ng the previous day’s power, insisting the putsch was rally. justifi ed by “voter fraud”. “Down with military dictator- A woman makes her way along a flooded street in Bekasi, on the outskirts of Jakarta, yesterday. Floods, heavy rain and power outages led people to evacuate their He echoed previous military ship” and “release Daw Aung San homes in parts of Indonesia’s capital yesterday, with the conditions – worsened by the La Nina weather pattern – expected to continue until March or April. insistence that the power grab Suu Kyi and arrested people”, was in line with the constitution, protesters chanted, fl ashing the but declared that this time things three-fi nger salute that has come would be “diff erent” from the to symbolise their movement as army’s previous 49-year reign, car horns were honked in sup- which ended in 2011. port. “After the tasks of the emer- Textile workers, civil servants gency period are completed, and railway employees went on free and fair multi-party general strike and hit the streets. elections will be held according “This is a work day, but we to the constitution,” he said. aren’t going to work even if our US to ‘re-engage’ with “The winning party will be salary will be cut,” one protester, transferred state duty according 28-year-old garment factory to democratic standards.” worker Hnin Thazin, said. The general said the country Construction worker Chit welcomed foreign investment Min, 18, joined the Yangon rally, and also announced lifting of saying his loyalty to Suu Kyi out- coronavirus restrictions, includ- weighed concerns about his fi - UN rights council ing reopening schools and Bud- nancial situation. dhist pagodas. “I am jobless now for a week AFP The move marks yet another tially be an observer at the coun- way to improve the council is to a range of rights abuses around Rohingya refugees who es- because of the military coup, and Geneva reversal by Biden of his pred- cil and stressed his country still engage with it and its members the world, and Cassayre hinted caped to Bangladesh during a I am worried for my survival,” he ecessor’s policies. regarded it as a “fl awed body, in a principled fashion.” the country would return to 2017 crisis will continue to be said. Trump’s administration in need of reform to its agenda, Diplomats welcomed the an- this role. repatriated to Rakhine state, he Similarly large crowds he US yesterday said it yanked the country out of the membership, and focus”. nouncement, with British am- He said the US would com- added. marched in Mandalay, the coun- would “re-engage” with 47-member council in June But he said the US withdraw- bassador to the UN in Geneva, mit to the “urgent” work of The junta has so far refrained try’s second-largest city, many Tthe UN Human Rights 2018, complaining about “hy- al had done nothing to foster Julian Braithwaite, saying the strengthening the council and from using deadly force against clutching photos of Suu Kyi and Council, nearly three years after pocrisy” of allowing rights- change, instead it had “created a UN as a whole would be much defending human rights around the demonstrations sweeping waving the red fl ags of her party. former president Donald Trump’s abusing nations a seat at the vacuum of US leadership, which stronger with full engagement. the globe. most of Myanmar, but with pres- Huge rallies were also reported administration withdrew. table. countries with authoritarian Before the council’s meet- “In the past few months sure building riot police fi red across much of the country, from President Joe Biden “has in- The country cannot auto- agendas have used to their ad- ing, US diplomat Mark Cassayre alone, we have seen several water cannon in an attempt to Muse on the Chinese border to structed the department of state matically regain membership, vantage”. highlighted the rights-focused emerging human rights chal- disperse thousands gathered in the southern cities of Dawei and to re-engage immediately and instead needing to wait for elec- “To address the council’s de- moves taken by Biden since he lenges that deserve our immedi- Naypyidaw yesterday. Hpa-an. robustly with the UN Human tions towards the end of the year. fi ciencies and ensure it lives up came to offi ce on January 20 on ate attention,” he said. The military last week de- Nationwide rallies wrapped up Rights Council”, US top diplo- The US departure left a void to its mandate, the US must be racism, immigration, climate The rights council’s next ses- tained civilian leader Aung San in the early evening, but protest- mat Anthony Blinken said in a that China and others have been at the table using the full weight change and gender equality. sion will kick off on February 22 Suu Kyi and dozens of other ers are widely expected to defy statement issued as the council eager to fi ll at the council, cre- of our diplomatic leadership,” he Prior to its withdrawal, the and last through March 23. Due members of her National League authorities and hit the streets held an organisational meeting ated in 2006. said. US was seen as a champion to the pandemic, most partici- for Democracy party, ending a again today. in Geneva. Blinken said the US would ini- “It is our view that the best within the council for battling pation will be virtual.

Journalist held in China India glacier disaster ‘was supplying state secrets’ death toll put at 26 AFP this bad as labourers and work- Tapovan, India ers in and around the sites would AFP Cheng is now an Australian na- Cheng’s detention came as have been at home,” Uttara- Sydney tional who emigrated to the relations between Australia and khand Chief Minister Trivendra country as a child, before return- China cratered. wenty-six people were Singh Rawat told reporters. ing to China and joining the state The timing and lack of in- confi rmed dead yester- Twelve people were rescued n Australian journalist broadcaster in 2012. formation about charges raised Tday and more than 170 from one side of the tunnel on who disappeared from China does not allow citizens speculation that her detention others were missing after a Sunday but another 34 were AChinese state television’s to hold dual nationality. was politically motivated, or tit- devastating fl ash fl ood in India still trapped at the other end, airwaves six months ago and was China’s foreign ministry yes- for-tat retaliation. thought to have been caused by the Indo-Tibetan Border Po- detained by Beijing authorities terday confi rmed the arrest Beijing has reacted angrily to a chunk of glacier breaking off . lice’s Banudutt Nair, who is in has been formally arrested for Cheng faces, and said her case is Australia’s liberal use of foreign The resulting wall of water charge of the rescue operation, “supplying state secrets over- being “processed”. interference laws to block Chi- and debris barrelled down a tight said. seas”. Spokesman Wang Wenbin nese investment in sensitive sec- valley in India’s Himalayan north With the main road washed Australian Foreign Minis- called for Australia to “respect tors and to investigate Chinese on Sunday morning, destroying away, paramilitary rescuers ter Marise Payne yesterday said China’s judicial sovereignty and infl uence on the country’s public bridges, roads and hitting two were forced to scale down a China had revealed it formally stop interfering in China’s han- life. hydroelectric power plants. hillside on ropes to reach the arrested Cheng Lei on February dling of the case.” China was also infuriated by Uttarakhand director general entrance. Emergency workers 5, after taking her into custody Cheng faces severe punish- Australia’s calls for an independ- of police Ashok Kumar said late were using heavy machinery to last August without explanation. ment if found to have broken ent probe into the origins of the yesterday that 26 bodies had remove tonnes of rocks. The mother-of-two stands China’s national security laws. coronavirus pandemic, respond- been recovered, and 171 people “Approximately 260 feet in- accused of “illegally supplying Her niece Louisa Wen told ing with a slew of sanctions were still unaccounted for. side the tunnel is cleared and state secrets overseas”, Payne Australian broadcaster ABC that against Australian exports. Most of those missing were accessible,” said Vivek Kumar said in a statement, without pro- the family did not “understand Cheng’s detention came weeks workers at the two power Pandey, another disaster of- viding details. anything about the case”. after Australian authorities raid- plants, with some trapped in fi cial. Cheng had been a familiar face Cheng’s 11-year-old daughter ed the homes of Chinese state a U-shaped tunnel fi lled with Around 1,000 rescuers – in- on CGTN’s English-language and nine-year-old son “don’t media journalists. mud and rocks when the fl ood- cluding from the military, po- channel, conducting interviews fully understand the situation”, Two Australian journalists, ing hit. lice and national disaster per- with noted CEOs from around she said, adding that it had been Bill Birtles and Michael Smith, Members of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) watch as a machine is “If this incident happened in sonnel – resumed their search the world. “quite tough on the kids wonder- fl ed China shortly after being in- used to clear a tunnel after a part of a glacier broke away, in Tapovan the evening, after work hours, operation at fi rst light yester- Born in Hunan province, ing what’s going on”. terrogated about Cheng. in the northern state of Uttarakhand, India, yesterday. the situation wouldn’t have been day. Gulf Times 10 Tuesday, February 9, 2021 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar [email protected] 44350478 (News), 44466404 (Sport), 44466636 (Home delivery) 44350474 facebook.com/gulftimes twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar GULF TIMES Reds ‘Kop’ it in silence at empty Anfi eld Liverpool’s Premier League title defence is in tatters after a 4-1 humbling at home by Manchester City, with Jurgen Klopp facing an uphill task to stop the champions’ season imploding. The bedraggled red-shirted players trudged off the pitch at Anfield on Sunday after their third consecutive home defeat left them 10 points behind Pep Guardiola’s men, having played a game more. Goalkeeper Alisson Becker made two costly blunders after Mohamed Salah had cancelled out Ilkay Gundogan’s opener, before Phil Foden blasted home a fourth at an What’s in a war? empty Anfield. It means after a run of 68 league games unbeaten at home, Liverpool have now lost three consecutive league We cannot even hope to bothered with virus monitoring or Merck, Moderna, Novavax, and Sanofi poison international diplomacy. succeed against Covid-19 contact tracing. – have facilities in many countries. Finally, the war on Covid-19 has games at Anfield for the first time since 1963. Without sound logistics But they need to be able to operate involved massive fi scal and monetary Former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane, now unless we marshal the management, everything else can fall worldwide without worrying about how stimulus, far beyond the levels in a Sky Sports pundit, gave a withering assessment of contributions of many apart. In World War I, Czarist Russia production will aff ect pricing strategies response to the 2008 global fi nancial Liverpool’s efforts to retain their title. diff erent individuals – produced more than enough grain to in segmented markets. crisis. As such, it is important that “You can lose a game of football but there is a way to get feed its population, but the big cities Another issue for suppliers governments start preparing long-term most of them low-paid, endured terrible starvation. Offi cials is transient demand. Vaccine stabilisation programmes to prevent beaten. I don’t see that and I think maybe they have all disadvantaged workers blamed the inadequate rail system. In manufacturers face a problem analogous bottlenecks, shortages, and price believed the hype over the last year or two.” in health, transportation, fact, there were plenty of railcars to to that of armament manufacturers increases when the emergency is over. The figures make grim reading for the Liverpool logistics, and other transport grain, but they were in the before and during wars: if they invest This may sound like attempting wrong place. Rail workers had no shoes, in gigantic production plants, they will to square a circle. The key is to focus hierarchy. critical sectors After 23 games this season, Liverpool have 40 points and thus could not turn up for work. end up with massive unused facilities precisely on the need of the moment, Pandemics, like wars, produce when the war is over. Hence, there while accepting that many other needs — 27 fewer points than they did at the same stage last shortages of critical resources, needs to be more clarity (and creativity) cannot be easily determined. We need season. By Harold James Princeton whereupon decentralised procurement about how the infrastructure used instruments for today that can also be That is the biggest drop can trigger bidding wars, with local and against Covid-19 can be repurposed. At used in diff erent ways tomorrow. And by any reigning champion at state agencies pushing up the prices of least the novel techniques used in the while we look ahead to a better future, Aft er 23 games this stage of a campaign in S President Joe Biden started protective equipment, medical supplies, mRNA vaccines will be useful to combat we also should prepare for higher taxes. There is a model for managing such English top-flight history. his term with a beautifully or vaccines. Disputes about prioritising a wide range of diseases and disorders in this season, crafted speech that caught the vaccination are likely to create tension the future. temporal dilemmas. The post-WWII Liverpool manager Klopp Uspirit of a country exhausted between organised groups, from Wars also need to be paid for. In the vision relied on a surge of economic Liverpool have knows he has a monumental by Trumpism and Covid-19. Biden has pensioners and medical providers to past, countries facing the prospect dynamism that provided a bridge task on his hands to repair promised a “full-scale, wartime eff ort” teachers and other essential workers. of a massive war bill assumed that in from war to peace. Without strong, just 40 points the shattered confidence of against the pandemic. But hasn’t our In wars that are waged successfully, the victory they could impose the costs shared growth, the burden of the war tired world already been in the trenches management of supplies is centralised on the defeated power. The Trump would have been unbearable. Only a a team who just months ago for a year now? to prevent their diversion to ineffi cient administration tried this approach transformative vision of a generally romped to their first English top-flight title for 30 years. On March 19, 2020, when Donald or undesirable uses. when it insisted that China should pay a healthier society can help us overcome Instead of the title, which now appears to be City’s to Trump belatedly started to act as Wars also give rise to international “big price” for its role in the pandemic, today’s dismal reality. — Project lose, Liverpool are glancing nervously over their shoulder though the coronavirus might be competition, which can fuel anger especially considering that it had Syndicate as the race for Champions League qualification becomes serious, he referred to “our big war” of the kind expressed by European already returned to economic growth their priority. and promised to “continue our Union citizens who see vaccinations before the end of 2020. In any case, even z Harold James, Professor of History relentless eff ort to defeat the Chinese proceeding faster in the United friends and allies will squabble over and International Aff airs at Princeton Chelsea and West Ham are only a point behind, with virus.” Similarly, Chinese President Xi Kingdom and Israel than in their the settling of war debts. In the case of University and Senior Fellow at the Everton, who have two matches in hand, just three back. Jinping on February 6, 2020, declared a own countries. The companies that Covid-19, the only realistic scenario Center for International Governance Tottenham and Aston Villa are also within striking distance. “people’s war” against the virus. produce vaccines – Pfi zer, AstraZeneca, is that no-one else is going to pay; Innovation, is the author of the So what has gone so wrong at Anfield for a side that Of course, Trump’s war quickly Johnson & Johnson, GlaxoSmithKline, demands for reparations will merely forthcoming The War of Words. topped the Premier League table just last month? went off the rails, as have previous US attempts to deploy the war analogy Liverpool’s problems at the back are well-documented. outside of a military or diplomatic Defensive talisman Virgil van Dijk has been out of action context. In June 1971, President Richard since October and has been joined on the long-term Nixon, calling drug abuse “public absentee list by Joe Gomez and Joel Matip. enemy number one,” launched the “war That has forced Klopp to rejig his team, playing Jordan on drugs,” which President Ronald Reagan expanded. Fifty years later, Henderson at the back, depriving the team of the captain’s this mobilisation is almost universally drive from midfield. Midfielder Fabinho has also been recognised as having failed. pressed into defensive duties. Likewise, the “war on terror,” Klopp signed two centre-backs — Preston’s Ben Davies declared by President George W Bush and Schalke’s Ozan Kabak — on transfer deadline day and following the attacks of September 11, 2001, succeeded merely in preventing he must surely blood one of them now. a precise repetition of that event. Not Even Liverpool’s fearsome front three are not firing on only were there plenty of other attacks all cylinders. elsewhere, but terror proliferated, Salah still tops the Premier League goal-scoring charts, becoming a tool for groups like US white with 16 goals this season, but Sadio Mane and Roberto nationalists and Trump supporters. The warriors against terror were fi ghting a Firmino have managed just 13 between them. tactic, not a target. But the biggest problem is recapturing the swagger So, what does it take to win a war? and belief that made Liverpool an unstoppable force last For starters, victory requires a complete season — without the support of the vocal Anfield crowd. mobilisation of people and resources. A frenzied Kop would have acted as a 12th man for We cannot even hope to succeed against Covid-19 unless we marshal Liverpool after they equalised on Sunday, roaring the the contributions of many diff erent team forward. individuals – most of them low-paid, Instead Liverpool were left to contemplate the collapse disadvantaged workers in health, of their title ambitions in near silence. transportation, logistics, and other critical sectors. Historically, wars have been waged with the promise that those who fought To Advertise them would be rewarded. World War II was transformative in the sense [email protected] that not only was the enemy defeated, Display but a better world was built in its aftermath. Healthcare, education, and 44466621 44418811 infrastructure were extended to the benefi t of society at large. Classified Victory also depends on “great 44466609 44418811 logistics,” as a spokeswoman for the courier and freight service UPS Subscription pointed out during a White House event early in the crisis. But great [email protected] logistics hasn’t happened. Instead, Covid-19 test results are still routinely held up for the oddest reasons, and © 2021 Gulf Times. All rights reserved the United States has scarcely even Gulf Times Tuesday, February 9, 2021 11 WORLD UK calls for reset with EU, ‘refi nement’ of Brexit deal

Reuters bruising Brexit talks took a turn don hopes to capitalise on the bloc for putting its members opened and that is concerning ... He demanded grace periods for caused shortages in supermar- London for the worse last month when gaff e to win changes to the Brexit above the people of Northern who knows what Trojan horses the transport of food from Britain kets and impeded the delivery of the EU threatened to use emer- deal because the new rules have Ireland by raising the prospect of will come out,” Gove said, quot- to Northern Ireland be extended other goods. gency measures to stop corona- caused disruption in Britain’s checks on vaccines at the border ing former Labour foreign secre- from a few months to at last two The EU and Britain have agreed ritain has called for a re- virus vaccines going from the trade with Northern Ireland. – something Brussels has long tary Ernest Bevin’s words about years. to work intensively to resolve the set in relations with the bloc into Northern Ireland. “It was a moment when trust said it wanted to avoid. the idea of joining a forerunner of “There are a number of issues diffi culties and Gove is expected BEuropean Union and a re- To avoid creating a hard border was eroded, when damage was “If people put a particular type the EU. ... where we believe that we do to meet Sefcovic on Thursday to fi nement of a Brexit deal cover- on the island of Ireland, Northern done and where movement is of integrationist theology ahead The EU’s swift U-turn has need refi nement of the way in try to fi nd a way forward. ing trade with Northern Ireland, Ireland remained within the EU’s required in order to ensure that of the interests of the people of emboldened British ministers, which the protocol operates for it Politicians have been keen saying that trust was eroded single market for goods under the we have an appropriate reset,” Northern Ireland they are not and last week Gove sent a letter to be eff ective in the interests of to avoid a hard border between when Brussels attempted to re- Brexit deal, eff ectively creating a Michael Gove, who is in charge of serving the cause of peace and to European Commission Vice- the people of Northern Ireland,” Northern Ireland and Ireland, strict coronavirus (Covid-19) frontier within the United King- implementing the divorce deal, progress in Northern Ireland, and President Maros Sefcovic de- Gove told the lawmakers. fearing it could be detrimental to vaccine supplies. dom. told a parliamentary committee. that is my principal and overrid- manding some changes to the so- Some Northern Irish politi- the 1998 peace agreement that Relations between Brussels The EU swiftly changed its po- Striking at the heart of the ing concern,” he said. called Northern Ireland protocol cians have called for the protocol ended three decades of confl ict and London strained by years of sition on the vaccines but Lon- EU’s project, Gove scolded the “Pandora’s Box has been of the Brexit deal. to be scrapped, saying that it has in the province.

Cold, snowy Germany, Poland, Sweden weather to continue expel Russian diplomats in UK

AFP/Reuters Russia expels Albanian diplomat in tit-for-tat move Peskov added that Moscow sanctions against Moscow that Dutch snow keeps some Berlin/Brussels did not initiate “the collapse” of would require a unanimous vote coronavirus vaccine sites, Russia announced yesterday that it is expelling an “friendly relations” with Moscow. the relationship with the EU. among the EU members. schools closed Albanian diplomat after one of its own embassy work- Moscow said Albania’s decision was a “provocation “Russia has been and remains In a blog released late on Sun- ermany, Sweden and ers was ordered to leave the Balkan state for alleged with the aim of gaining political points” and accused interested in reviving relations day, Borrell said his pleas to Rus- Guardian/AFP Poland each threw out a repeat violations of coronavirus rules. Tirana of “playing along with anti-Russian forces in between Moscow and Brussels,” sia to halt the expulsions were London/The Hague GRussian diplomat yester- The foreign ministry said in a statement that it had the West”. he told reporters. ignored. day in retaliation for Moscow’s declared Jonida Drogu, the first secretary of the Alba- It was the first reported expulsion since 2018, when Navalny, a fi erce critic of Estonia’s former defence chief expulsion last week of their dip- nian embassy in Moscow, persona non grata. Albania removed two Russian diplomats citing un- President Vladimir Putin, was Riho Terras, now an EU lawmak- now and icy conditions are lomats for allegedly taking part She was given 72 hours to leave the country. specified “inappropriate activities” as the reason. arrested upon arrival in Moscow er, has started a campaign to call set to cause further dis- in protests in support of Kremlin The decision was made in response to Albania expel- Russia has expelled a number of diplomats – mostly on January 17 after spending for Borrell’s resignation. Sruption across the UK as critic Alexei Navalny. ling the first secretary of the Russian embassy in in response to the removal of its own off icials – as its several months in Germany re- But the executive European Storm Darcy brings more cold The three EU countries an- Tirana “under a completely contrived pretext”, the relations with the West have soured following the an- covering from a poisoning attack Commission said it had no re- and snowy weather over the next nounced the tit-for-tat moves statement said. nexation of Crimea in 2014. the West believes was ordered by grets about Borrell making his few days. in co-ordinated statements, Albania in late January ordered Alexei Krivosheev The reason given by European countries for the the Kremlin. fi rst trip to Moscow as the co- The Met Offi ce has so far is- drawing an angry response from to leave the country, citing unspecified violations removal of Russian diplomats recently is espionage. He was jailed for nearly three ordinator of EU foreign policy sued four national severe weath- Russia which accused them of of coronavirus measures, but said that it wanted – AFP years last week for violating because Russia was on a course er warnings for snow but further meddling in its internal aff airs. parole conditions while in Ger- towards confrontation – which warnings are likely throughout The diplomatic spat comes at many. Borrell sought to avert. the week. a time of heightened tensions eign ministry said yesterday, Polish diplomat from Saint Pe- lomats during Borrell’s high- Tens of thousands of Rus- “The trip was necessary. One Amber warnings for snow between the European Union adding that the German staff tersburg and said it had declared profi le visit, and insisted it re- sians have taken to the streets in doesn’t give up on a trip because are in place in central Scotland and Russia, exacerbated by the member had been doing his job “persona non grata” a Rus- mained interested in reviving recent weeks to protest against it looks diffi cult,” Commission from 3am today, with road travel arrest and jailing of leading op- of “observing developments in sian consular offi cial in Poznan, relations with Brussels. Putin’s 20-year rule and de- spokesman Eric Mamer said in delays likely along with delays position fi gure Navalny. Russia by lawful means”. western Poland. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry mand Navalny’s release, trigger- Brussels. “A trip is not a success and cancellations to rail and air Russia humiliated the Euro- Swedish Foreign Minister Ann The Russian foreign ministry Peskov said the declaration of ing a fi erce police crackdown on or a failure on the basis of what travel. pean Union on Friday by an- Linde said Stockholm had “in- immediately hit back. the three foreign diplomats as demonstrators. happens during a particular mo- About 5-10cm is expected nouncing the expulsions dur- formed the Russian ambassador “Today’s decisions by Poland, personae non gratae was a “con- Western leaders too have ment.” fairly widely across the area, ing a rare meeting in Moscow that a person from the Russian Germany and Sweden are un- sequence of the actions of some called for Navalny to be freed In Sunday’s blog post, Borrell with up to 25cm in the worst- between EU foreign policy chief embassy is asked to leave Swe- founded, unfriendly and are a diplomatic missions in Moscow immediately. said Friday’s news conference aff ected regions. Josep Borrell and Russian For- den”. continuation of the very series against the backdrop of illegal Russia has bristled at the in- had been “aggressively staged”. The frequent snow showers eign Minister Sergei Lavrov. “This is a clear response to the of actions that the West is taking riots”. ternational backing for Navalny, “Russia is progressively dis- that hit southeast England and European governments unacceptable decision to expel with regard to our country and He said yesterday that the accusing Europe and the United connecting itself from Europe East Anglia are expected to con- strongly condemned the shock a Swedish diplomat who was which we qualify as interference removal of diplomats from States of interfering in its do- and looking at democratic val- tinue into the middle of the week expulsions, with Berlin warning only performing his duties,” she in our internal aff airs,” spokes- Germany, Poland and Sweden, mestic aff airs. ues as an existential threat,” he with forecasters warning people that it would respond in kind. wrote on Twitter. woman Maria Zakharova said on accused by Moscow of taking The EU’s Borrell is expected wrote. “It will be for member to expect longer journey times Moscow’s decision to expel The Polish foreign minis- state channel Rossiya 1. part in protests last month over to meet with foreign ministers states to decide the next steps, by road, bus and train. the three diplomats “was in no try likewise condemned the The Kremlin earlier defended Navalny, took place a day before from the 27 member states on and yes, these could include Yellow warnings for snow and way justifi ed”, the German for- “groundless expulsion” of a the expulsion of the EU dip- Borrell’s trip. February 22 to discuss fresh sanctions.” ice remain in place for most of the eastern half of the country until late tomorrow night. Steve Ramsdale, a Met Offi ce chief meteorologist, said: “With cold air across all of the UK any For sale: London’s thinnest house precipitation will fall as snow. Snow showers will continue to feed into eastern parts through AFP “It’s a bit of London magic,” Myers said the house was for a the week.” London he told AFP. “young couple or an individual” Overnight temperatures will The dimensions of the house who “sees the beauty for what it remain low throughout the diff er throughout. is and will snap it up”. week, with lows of -10° Celsius link and you could easily While the kitchen at the end With what the London estate expected. miss it. Wedged between of the lower ground fl oor is the agent described as “unique” “Daytime temperatures will Ba doctor’s surgery and a house’s narrowest spot, it opens period features mixed with art also be cold, only reaching 1-2C hairdressing salon, London’s up into a dining area that’s near- deco and other eclectic interior for many early in the week. thinnest house is only identifi ed ly double the size. designs, the house would appeal With strong winds as well the by a streak of dark blue paint. A 16’-wide garden lies beyond to buyers who were “arty” or wind chill will make it feel much But the fi ve-storey house behind French windows. “bohemian”. Myers leads a tour colder,” said Ramsdale. in Shepherd’s Bush – which is The ground fl oor, which now “There are no houses in Lon- of the property in Meanwhile, the Netherlands just 5’ 6” (1.6m) at its narrow- contains a reception where the don that are 5’ 6”. There are west London. remained gripped by snow and est point – is currently on the old shop would have been, and houses in London that are fi ve freezing temperatures yesterday, market for £950,000 ($1.3mn, the fi rst fl oor are of similar sizes. storeys, but don’t have such a Left: A pedestrian shuttering some schools due to €1.1mn). The fi rst fl oor – where a bed- unique space, such individual- passes the front reopen after a seven-week clo- The unusual property, origi- room and study can be found ity,” Myers said. “From the own- of what is dubbed sure and closing some coronavi- nally a Victorian hat shop with – also has a roof terrace with ers that have owned it in the ‘London’s thinnest rus test and vaccination sites. storage for merchandise and liv- commanding views over the past, they’ve all put their own house’ (painted Snow had stopped falling after ing quarters on its upper fl oors, roofs and chimney pots of west stamp on it.” blue). the country was hit on Sunday was built sometime in the late London. The price of the house is by Storm Darcy, the fi rst major 19th or early 20th century. Spiral stairs lead from the prohibitive for most in Britain, If it meets its asking price, the by lower property prices outside snowstorm in a decade, but the In a nod to its past, the house second fl oor – the location of a where the average house price house will have doubled in value the capital, meant the house was Netherlands remained under still has an old-fashioned glass bathroom and shower room – up is £256,000, but typical of Lon- since 2006 when it was sold for unlikely to sell right away. weather alerts. shopfront with a lamp in the to the master bedroom on the don’s property market. £488,500, according to the UK’s “(In) a situation such as Cov- Coronavirus test and vac- shape of a bowler hat. third. “It’s more expensive because land registry. id, where all the fi sh in the sea cination locations in at least David Myers, an assistant It is accessed by a hatch which we have everything going on. The impact of the coronavi- have thinned out quite consider- eight towns including Haarlem, sales manager at Winkworth opens through the fl oor to save From somewhere like Shep- rus (Covid-19) pandemic, which ably, there’s not so many buyers But ultimately the London es- Alphen aan den Rijn and Den estate agents which is selling on space and the bed, which is herd’s Bush we can be in the Myers said had been an impe- out there. tate agent was undeterred. Helder were staying shut be- the property, said the house was built in, takes up an entire end of very heart of (London) in within tus for families in particular to “And there are less buyers for “It’s chic, it’s beautiful, and cause of the wintry conditions, worth its price tag because it’s “a the room, fi tted into the walls on 10-15 minutes,” the estate agent move out of London and take a unique, individual property that’s why this house will sell,” the GGD public health service unique part of London history”. either side. said. advantage of the space aff orded such as this.” he said. said. Primary schools across the country that were closed in early December as part of the Neth- erlands’ toughest coronavirus restrictions since the start of the Three climbers on K2 feared dead, three days after going missing pandemic were meanwhile al- lowed to reopen yesterday. But dozens of schools in the Reuters gully just 300m shy of the 8,611m would be coming down. February 5, and offi cials believe he capital Amsterdam, the port city Islamabad (28,251’) high K2. “I kept the light of my tent on fell while trying to climb K2. of Rotterdam, Utrecht and other The spot is just above the ceil- at night, thinking they would see Last month a team of 10 Nepali locations were staying shut, ing of helicopters, which have been it when they return,” he said. “I sherpas became the fi rst people to mainly because of transport akistani military helicop- searching for three days now. think if they search for the bodies summit K2 in the winter. diffi culties for pupils and staff , ters continued to search for Sadpara, one of Pakistan’s most it makes sense to continue the op- The same day, Spanish climber public broadcaster NOS said. Pthree missing climbers on celebrated climbers who had as- eration, but their chances of sur- Sergio Mingote, 49, died after he The Dutch infrastructure the world’s second highest moun- cended eight of the world’s highest viving, if you are at 8,000 (metres) fell down a crevasse attempting to agency reported 450 accidents tain K2 yesterday, as hope of their mountains, was accompanied by in winter for two or three days, a make his way down to Base Camp. since the weekend. survival faded rapidly. his 20-year-old son Sajid Sadpara, person’s chances of surviving are And last month American Alex The sub-zero conditions are Mohamed Ali Sadpara, 45, of Pa- who was told by his father to climb next no none.” Goldfarb-Rumyantzev died try- set to grip the Netherlands into kistan, John Snorri, 47, of Iceland, down when an oxygen mask he was It was the group’s second at- ing to scale nearby Pastore Peak next week, with daytime tem- and Juan Pablo Mohr, 33, of Chile, using malfunctioned. tempt at climbing K2 this winter, in in preparation for attempting to peratures of -6C and falling as were last seen on Friday around Sajid told repoters on Sunday a season that has already seen three summit 8,047m (26,400’) high low as -11C at night. noon at what is considered the that he waited overnight at a camp other climbers die in the area. Broad Peak. Storm Darcy also caused This undated picture shows Mohamed Ali Sadpara (left) most diffi cult part of the climb: just below the Bottleneck, believ- Bulgarian Atanas Skatov’s body In 2008, 11 climbers died on K2 transport disruption in Ger- with a member of Alpine Club of Pakistan in Islamabad. the Bottleneck, a steep and narrow ing the three had summitted and was picked up by a helicopter on over the course of two days. many. Gulf Times 12 Tuesday, February 9, 2021 QATAR

HE the Minister of State for Energy Aff airs Saad bin Sherida al-Kaabi and other off icials announcing the North Field East (NFE) Project yesterday. QP signs deal for $28.75bn mega LNG expansion at North Field

From Page 1 environmental proposition. praisal activities in the North The NFE project represents Field and targets the monetisa- “One of the most important the fi rst phase of LNG expan- tion of gas from the southern environmental elements of the sion in Qatar, while the sec- sector of the North Field. NFE project is its CO2 capture ond phase, referred to as the As these appraisal activities and sequestration (CCS) sys- North Field South Project continue, QP is evaluating fur- tem that will be integrated with (NFS), will further increase Qa- ther LNG capacity expansions our wider CCS scheme in Ras tar’s LNG production capacity beyond 126mmtpy. Laff an, which once fully opera- from 110mn tonnes per year to Al-Kaabi concluded his re- Qatar Airways carries ‘record’ tional will be the largest of its 126mmtpy. marks by saying: “I would like to kind in terms of capacity in the With an expected produc- express our sincere gratitude to 68,944kg of salmon LNG industry, and will be one of tion start date in 2027, the NFS His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin the largest ever developed any- project involves the construc- Hamad al-Thani, the Amir of Qatar Airways said that it carried 68,944kg of salmon on its B777 passenger where in the world.” al-Kaabi tion of two additional mega the State of Qatar, for his guid- freighter recently. “Fresh catch, from Harstad-Narvik Airport (in Norway) to the added. LNG trains (with a capacity of ance and unwavering support world. We broke all records and carried 68,944kg of salmon on our B777 In addition to the CCS 8mmtpy each) and associated to Qatar Petroleum and Qatar’s passenger freighter recently. Kudos to our teams who helped achieve this scheme, the NFE project will off shore and onshore facilities. energy sector.” milestone record,” the airline said in a tweet yesterday. have elements that provide this The NFS project was initiated project with a unique positive as a result of QP’s onshore ap- See also Business Pages 1 & 8 Undeterred by Covid curbs, teens fashion out a statement By Muhammad Asad Ullah Staff Reporter

Tree planting hen the coronavirus takes off (Covid-19) pandemic Wtook over the world The Ministry of Municipality and and ground everything in the Environment (MME)’s Public Parks country and the world to a halt, Department, in co-operation with Qatar two Doha-based teenaged en- Airways, has held an event at the Airport trepreneurs started their own Park as part of the initiative to plant 1mn fashion project — born of a need trees. Trees were planted in the presence to do something constructive of Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive during the lockdown. HE Akbar al-Baker and Public Parks What followed was the intro- Department director Mohamed Ali duction of a collection of abayas al-Khouri, along with other off icials, the specially made for teens in the MME said in a statement. In a related region. tweet, Qatar Airways said HE al-Baker With penchant for ethical participated in the event to support fashion, the Qatari-Italian duo, “eff orts in promoting environmental 18-year-old Fatima al-Ansari sustainability for a greener Qatar”. from Doha and 16-year-old Aimee Jade (AJ) Monti from Rome, aptly called their fashion project the “DOME” Fashionis- tas, intermingling the craft and design sensibility unique to the places they come from. In an endeavour to help build an Italy-Qatar bridge, the Qatari Business Women Association (QBWA) and the Italian Cham- ber of Commerce (ICC) have partnered in supporting the project. The result of this collabora- tion, DOME’s fi rst collection “Dream Big 2021”, is dedicated to a niche of young teenage girls looking to add more colour, pat- terns and everything quirky to the otherwise standard black abaya. The agreement between QM and Mawater outlines the incorporation of relevant cars for various Speaking recently at a press temporary exhibitions. conference and introducing the young entrepreneurs, Alessan- dro Prunas, Italy’s ambassador to Qatar, said: “We are pleased to encourage fashion projects Qatar Museums and Mawater between Qatari designers and Italian SMEs (small- and me- dium-sized enterprises) which can supply the craftmanship collaborate on car shows and the fi nest materials, from Italian ambassador Prunas with teen entrepreneurs Aimee Jade (AJ) Monti and Fatima al-Ansari. clothes to shoes to jewellery and accessories.” “Italian fashion designer Eli- They visited local abaya pro- The logistics of local tailor- Entities work together on Mal incorporation of relevant cars for tari car collectors, Salem Saeed “This particular project in- ana Casaula was a mentor to our ductions and analysed various ing, mesh of fabric from Italy Lawal 3 Cars various temporary exhibitions, al-Mohannadi and Omar Hus- volved three companies from young designers via Zoom, and abaya companies to develop a and Qatar back and forth, also including the Mal Lawal 3 Cars sain Alfardan. the region of Abruzzo and supported them to develop the trendy product suitable for the took time. atar Museums (QM) and exhibition, of which Mawater is The QM and Mawater also col- Marche, where craftsmanship ‘Dream Big’ Collection. I hope local culture. It was a tedious project – but Mawater have signed a the lead car curator. laborated on last year’s car edi- still plays a big role and arti- this initial co-operation will Much eff ort had to be made certainly worthwhile from the Qmemorandum of under- Mal Lawal (“of the past”) is an tion of Mal Lawal. sans are the backbone of the lead to a bigger exchange be- to maintain quality whilst tak- social and commercial perspec- standing (MoU) to collaborate on exhibition that, since 2012, has The exhibition featured 12 cars economy,” the ambassador said. tween Qatar and Abruzzo and ing inspiration from butterfl ies, tive. car related exhibitions, including showcased an incredible range of used in Qatar in the 1970s and “From the refi ned jacquard silks Marche,” Prunas added. mermaids, Japanese fl owers, The capsule collection fea- an annual update of the Mawater local and regional collectors. 1980s. and the innovative denim fab- During the event, both al-An- and social media emojis, and in- turing six abayas, with more Gallery — previously named the The third edition focuses on Mal Lawal 3 Cars exhibition rics to the rhinestones used for sari and Monti, who were wear- corporating them on the abayas available on made-to-order, Vintage Car Gallery at the Na- the stories of 26 Qatari general runs until August 1 at Muse- the decorations on Aimee’s aba- ing their own designs, spoke in form of ironed-on patches, serve as an apt homage to tradi- tional Museum of Qatar (NMoQ). collectors and showcases the pri- um Baraha – Mawater Gallery, yas, the materials are all made in about their dreams to pursue sourced and shipped interna- tional cuts but standing out for The agreement outlines the vate collections of esteemed Qa- NMoQ. Italy.” careers in the fashion industry. tionally. its originality.