www.thepeninsula.qa Tuesday 25 August 2020 Volume 25 | Number 8360 6 Muharram - 1442 2 Riyals

BUSINESS | 13 PENMAG | 16 SPORT | 20

Barwa Bank Classifieds Parisians announces exit and Services vow to come of education section back investment in Qatar included stronger

Choose the network of heroes Enjoy the Internet Qatar’s labour programme protects all workers: GCO THE PENINSULA — DOHA Human Rights Watch intentionally misled readers while performing a disservice to those they claim to The Government Communica- tions Office (GCO) said be assisting. yesterday that Qatar’s labour programme protects all Nearly all individuals who come to Qatar for workers in all stages of their employment never experience any form of wage employment cycle. abuse. “The success of our approach is evident in the Government is available to work collaboratively with achievements we have made to date and the positive impact Human Rights Watch when they have issues related it is having on hundreds of to wage abuse or any other employment concern. thousands of workers and those reliant on their income,” the In collaboration with the International Labour GCO added. Organization, upgrades are being made to the Wage Amiri Air Force, US Air Force conduct joint aerial sortie The GCO statement said Qatari Amiri Air Force and the US Air Force carried out a joint aerial sortie between the two sides as an that in its report published on Protection System and the Workers’ Support and expression of the relations between the two friendly countries. A group of Rafale and Mirage aircraft August 24 (yesterday), Human Insurance Fund. of the Qatari Amiri Air Force and F-15E aircraft of the US Air Force, which recently landed at Al Udeid Rights Watch intentionally misled readers while per- Air Base, participated in the sortie. The event comes within the framework of continuing military forming a disservice to those only prior to the publication of other employment concern, as cooperation to enhance friendship and strengthen the strategic partnership between the State of they claim to be assisting. the report. We never heard we do with other NGOs. Qatar and the United States of America. Defence Ministry shared the picture on its Twitter handle. “The current report con- about these issues in real time “The recommendations put tains repeated inaccuracies or in any of our engagement forward in the report by Human around policies and does not with them. If notice had taken Rights Watch are already being reflect the current situation in place earlier, the government implemented or on track to Doha Metro gets ready to be back on track Qatar. Nearly all individuals would have worked to address begin implementation. This who come to Qatar for the issues raised by the workers includes laws that remove No- THE PENINSULA — DOHA distancing messages installed Doha Metro will start opera- employment never experience interviewed in the report. A Objection Certificates and the across the network. tions in phase four of the any form of wage abuse. There backward-looking annual introduction of a minimum Doha Metro has installed "Thermal temperature gradual lifting of COVID-19 are a few, isolated, instances report does little to address the wage – the first of its kind in 18,000 social distancing scanners have been installed to restrictions and the date for where workers experience this specific challenges raised by the the Middle East. Currently, in messages across the network monitor health status of users,” which is likely to be announced issue. These cases have workers.” collaboration with the Interna- as part of its preparation to Doha Metro said in a number by the authorities in the coming declined as laws and regula- Going forward, the GCO tional Labour Organization, resume service following the of tweets. days. tions have driven fundamental said, the government is upgrades are being made to the preventive and precautionary Doha Metro and public As many as 300 hand san- and lasting change,” the GCO available to work collabora- Wage Protection System and measures to curb the spread of buses had stopped services as itisers have been installed at said in the statement. tively with Human Rights the Workers’ Support and COVID-19. part of the measures taken to strategic locations in all stations “Human Rights Watch Watch when they have issues Insurance Fund,” the GCO “Getting ready to be back prevent the spread of COVID-19 of Doha Metro for the pas- reached out to the government related to wage abuse or any statement added. on track, 18,000 social in Qatar. It is expected that sengers. `P2 Popular local varieties on display at ‘Qatar Dates Week’ festival THE PENINSULA — DOHA display at highly subsidised rates. Director of Ajaj Farm, Ahmed Al Sheikh Dr. Faleh bin Naser Ajjaj. The Ministry of Municipality and Al Thani, Undersecretary of the Lulu Hypermarkets have Environment (MME) yesterday Agricultural Affairs and Fisheries always been a dedicated pro- launched ‘Qatar Dates Week’ at MME inaugurated the festival moter of Qatari food and non- festival at all Lulu Hypermarket virtually. The opening ceremony food products and local agricul- stores to celebrate the season of was remotely attended by tural produce, and every year local dates. Director of the Agricultural they have been organizing pro- The festival was organised Affairs Department, Yousef motions like ‘Made in Qatar Fes- with a view to support local Khaled Al Kualifi; Board Member tival’, ‘Qatari Products our First farmers by ensuring better mar- of Qatar Chamber, Mohamed bin Choice’, ‘Festival of Qatari keting opportunities and value Ahmed Mohamed Ali Al Obaidli; Premium Products’ and ‘Festival for their agricultural produces. Ministry Adviser for Agriculture, of Qatari Farm Products’ etc. The popular local varieties Dr. Mohammed Awad; Director Lulu Hypermarkets have Ras Abu Aboud Stadium making steady progress namely Tamar Khalas, Tamar of Lulu Hypermarkets Qatar, Dr. long-standing association with The Ras Abu Aboud Stadium, the 40,000-seat Qatar 2022 venue, being constructed using shipping Shaishi, Rathub Khalas, Rathub Mohamed Althaf; Chairman and the local farmers and remain the containers and modular elements, is setting a new standard in tournament sustainability and legacy. Shaishi, Rathub Barhee, Rathub Managing Director of Paramount focal point in marketing local The Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy tweeted the photo yesterday. Khanzi, Rathub Nabit and Rathub Farm, Bader Ahmad I S Alemadi; agricultural produce for many Lulu are made available on and Chairman and Managing years. `P2 QU announces updated educational process for Fall 2020 THE PENINSULA — DOHA notify them that teaching will Colleges are to develop a relevant authorities. courses (online or on campus). with making sure that all safety be on campus. These courses mechanism in coordination Main (midterm and final) A plan for conducting midterm measures are applied. The Higher Committee for include graduate studies with the training bodies and exams for all courses will be and final exams will be Office hours will be pro- Health and Safety at Qatar courses (diploma, masters and according to the safety conducted on campus regardless developed and shared early vided online by faculty University has announced an doctoral degrees). Face-to-face measures announced by the of the teaching method of these enough before the exam date members. Library, learning updated plan for Fall 2020 as teaching on campus will start centres and student services part of the preparations for on September 1, 2020. Practical (academic advising, career fourth phase that is expected to laboratory courses that require Teaching will continue to be online except for Academic departments services, student learning start on September 1, 2020. students to attend physically students enrolled in some specific courses. will ensure that all safety support, student counselling, This new decision comes as and perform hands-on exper- measures announced by special needs services and part of Qatar University efforts iment in the laboratory. Face-to-face teaching on campus will start the university are financial aid services) will con- to carry out a smooth educa- Departments offering these on September 1, 2020 for graduate studies tinue to provide their services tional process during the labs will monitor the teaching applied. online and face-to-face coming semester. process in light of the courses (diploma, masters and doctoral whenever is possible. Additional Qatar University will announced safety measures by degrees). Main (midterm and final) details regarding these services commit to a number of the University. Students will exams for all courses will will be announced later. measures regarding the attend these courses on campus Practical laboratory courses that require be conducted on campus The committee also empha- teaching method during Fall starting from (September 6), sized on the importance of students to attend physically and perform regardless of the 2020. Classes will continue 2020. Graduation and research hands-on experiment in the laboratory will staying updated regarding the according to the announced Fall projects, as well as courses of teaching method of these different announcements and 2020 calendar with no changes special nature that require stu- begin on September 6. courses. instructions that will be sent out while all academic policies and dents to attend on campus fol- later from different sectors and procedures suspended during lowing the approval of the departments such as the Spring 2020 have been reacti- College Dean. Student Affairs Sector, Campus vated. Teaching will continue Academic departments will Facilities and General Services to be online except for students ensure that all safety measures Department, etc. Given the enrolled in some specific announced by the university nature of the pandemic, all courses. are applied. Internship, plans remain subject to reviews Faculty members teaching fieldwork, preceptorship, and and updates according to the these courses will communicate clinical practice courses will directives received from the rel- directly with their students to also be conducted on campus. evant authorities. 02 HOME TUESDAY 25 AUGUST 2020

Qatar Armed Forces participates in Tank Biathlon Competition in Russia OFFICIAL NEWS

Amir congratulates Ukraine President DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Deputy Amir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani sent yesterday cables of congratulations to Pres- ident of Ukraine H E Volodymyr Zelenskiy on the anniversary of his country’s Independence Day. Prime Minister and Minister of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin Kha- lifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani also sent a cable of congratulations to Prime Minister of Ukraine H E Denys Shmyhal on the anniver- sary of his country’s Independence Day. -QNA

The Qatari Armed Forces participating for the first time in the Military Games ‘Tank Biathlon 2020 Competition’, held in the Russian Federation. The competition is held annually with the participation of 16 countries and will continue until the sixth of September. Armed Forces’ Deputy Chief of Staff for Education and Training, H E Major Qatar attends 33rd General Hamad Ahmed Al Nuaimi and Qatar’s Military Attaché to Russia Nautical Brigadier General Mubarak Rashid Al Sulaiti attended the function. meeting of the GCC Ministers of Doha Municipality takes part in remote Ministry directs public Youth and Sports schools to adopt e-learning QNA — DOHA discussion session to support Beirut The State of Qatar took part in THE PENINSULA — DOHA later), or Mac OS X10.13 or later, the 33rd meeting of the GCC THE PENINSULA — DOHA CPU speed - 1 GHz, Memory - Ministers of Youth and Sports, In a preparation for the 512 M:B, hard disk space - 5 GB, held via videoconferencing The Doha Municipality partic- reopening of schools from Internet connection - fixed yesterday. ipated yesterday in a panel September 1, the Ministry of Internet connection with a Minister of Culture and discussion organised by the Education and Higher minimum of 2 Mbps/ High Sports, H E Salah bin Ghanim General Secretariat of the Education has directed to all speed broadband. Al Ali represented the State of Organisation of Arab Cities, via public schools nationwide to Browser should be Google Qatar at the meeting, with the video conferencing, about adopt e-learning as an essential Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Safari, participation of Their High- supporting the city of Beirut, method of teaching for the Firefox, high speed broadband, nesses and Excellencies Min- providing moral support to the upcoming academic year. This Microsoft Teams – Microsoft isters of Youth and Sports of Lebanese people, and devel- will apply to both distance Edge, Google Chrome,fixed the Gulf Cooperation Council oping a mechanism for the learning and face-to-face Internet connection with a states. reconstruction and restoration classes. minimum of 4 Mbps without The meeting discussed of damaged historical buildings According to the directives, camera and fixed Internet con- several topics, most impor- and structures, following the all public schools are urged to nection with a minimum of 6 tantly the measures and the explosion of the Beirut port inform parents of the need to Mbps with camera. efforts adopted by the GCC Director of Doha Municipality Eng. Jamal Matar Al Nuaimi and recently. provide a computer for each Schools are required to countries to address Director of Arab Towns Organisation Award Issa Rashid Ali Hamad Director of Doha Munici- student. Whichever device is educate parents about how to (COVID-19) pandemic. during a remote session on supporting Beirut. pality and Chairman of the chosen, it will need to meet the verify their usernames and Institution of the Arab Cities following specifications as a passwords in order to follow Award, Eng. Jamal Matar Al Director of Doha Municipality and Chairman of minimum, said the Ministry on up on their students’ learning Qatar’s Embassy Nuaimi affirmed the solidarity the Institution of the Arab Cities Award, Eng. its website. over online platforms. In case and support of the city of Doha, The required specifications of any technical issues, parents provides aid to its residents, and the Qatari Jamal Matar Al Nuaimi affirmed the solidarity include operating system - should call the Ministry's ded- people in general, to the city of and support of the city of Doha, its residents, and Windows 10 (Version 1809 or icated hotline at 155. Uzbekistan to Beirut and all its residents, who have borne the effects and the Qatari people in general, to the city of Beirut fight coronavirus consequences of the terrible and all its residents, who have borne the effects explosion that occurred in the Lusail University accepts QNA — TASHKENT Beirut port on August 4. and consequences of the terrible explosion that He said that the painful occurred in the Beirut port on August 4. The Embassy of the State of incident that Beirut witnessed, first batch of students Qatar to the Republic of shook the feelings of hundreds QNA — DOHA accepted students, followed by Uzbekistan has provided of millions around the world, participation in the award He added that everyone is the College of Law with 32 financial assistance offered by and it hurt Arab peoples heart branches, or the participation fully confident that the city of Lusail University has accepted percent, and the College of Qatar Charity to Uzbekistan to who have historical, civilisa- of its specialised experts Beirut, through the efforts of its the first batch of students in its Education and Arts with 19 help confront the spread of tional and cultural ties to among the members of the loyal people, will be able to various disciplines offered for percent. coronavirus pandemic. Lebanon, as one of the most arbitration bodies that carry overcome this great ordeal, to the fall semester 2020. The University will organise The Ambassador (non-res- important cultural influences out the process of selecting the return to what it was, effective A total of 833 students an introductory meeting ident) of Qatar to the Republic in the Middle East and the Arab winners of these awards. and influential in its Arab, were accepted to join the uni- (remotely) for the accepted stu- of Uzbekistan H E Mohammed world. It is rich in cultural Eng. Jamal Matar Al Nuaimi regional and international versity, out of more than 3,000 dents on September 1 for three bin Hamad Al Fuhaid Al Hajri activities such as a free press, indicated that the State of surroundings. enrolment applications, rep- days. The meeting will include said that the aid was provided theatres, publishing houses, art Qatar stood by the Lebanese The session was also resenting 27 percent of the information about the regis- to Uzbekistan as part of the galleries, museums and inter- Republic, as Qatar rushed to attended by Secretary-General applicants, the University said tration procedures for the new efforts of Uzbek officials to national universities. establish an air bridge to of Arab Towns Organisation in a statement. semester, the mechanism for protect people from COVID-19 He highlighted the active transport aid that includes field Eng. Ahmad Al Subaih; Mayor The students were organising blended learning, an pandemic. participation of the Beirut hospitals and medical supplies of Beirut Engineer Jamal Itani; accepted based on the prin- introduction to the student Municipality, a member of the to Lebanon, in addition to Director of Arab Towns Organ- ciple of competitiveness and services centre, the academic Executive Council of Arab launching many popular initi- isation Award Issa Rashid Ali according to the available guidance, and an introductory Passengers from Towns Organisation (ATO) , in atives for charitable and Hamad , and a number of heads seats for each college in the fall profile about the campus which the Arab Cities Award compe- humanitarian organisations as of Arab cities municipalities and semester of 2020. The College includes the library, the Turkey to Qatar titions, which are based in an expression of solidarity with heads of institutions affiliated of Managerial, Financial and medical clinic and parking lots. Doha, during its previous ses- the Lebanese people in their with the Arab Towns Economic Sciences came first Classes will begin on Sep- need COVID-19 sions, whether through its ordeal. Organisation. with 49 percent of the tember 6. negative test 258 new COVID-19 cases, THE PENINSULA — DOHA Effective from August 29, passengers arriving in Qatar 291 recoveries reported from Ankara, Antalya and THE PENINSULA — DOHA cases have been introduced to Bodrum must present a negative isolation and are receiving nec- result of a COVID-19 medical The Ministry of Public Health essary healthcare according to test taken within 48 hours of (MoPH) yesterday announced their health status. arrival to Doha at an accredited the registration of 258 new The Ministry further said that medical centre, Qatar Airways confirmed COVID-19. measures to tackle COVID-19 in announced in a post on Twitter Another 291 people have Qatar have succeeded in flat- yesterday. recovered from the virus, tening the curve and limiting the Passengers arriving in Qatar bringing the total number of spread of the virus. from Istanbul are already recovered cases in Qatar to Also, Qatar’s proactive and required to present a negative 114,099. Besides, the Ministry has extensive testing of suspected test result at check-in. Ministry announced one new death, aged cases has enabled us to identify of Public Health (MoPH) 63, who was receiving the nec- a high number of positive cases Accredited COVID-19 Testing essary medical care. All new in the community. Centres in Turkey include Sheikh Dr. Faleh bin Naser Al Thani, Undersecretary of the Agricultural Affairs and Fisheries at MME; Ankara Sehir hospital-Ankara, Yousef Khaled Al Kualifi, Director of the Agricultural Affairs Department; Dr. Mohamed Althaf, Director Basaksehir Cam ve Sakura Sehir of Lulu Hypermarkets Qatar and other officials during the launch of ‘Qatar Dates Week’ festival Doha Metro gets ready to be back on track hospital - Istanbul, Kartal Dr. remotely, yesterday. Litfi Kirdar hospital- Istanbul, FROM PAGE 1 Doha Metro also engaged Sakarya Üniversitesi Eğitim Ve “We encourage social dis- commuters in an online survey Popular local varieties on display at ‘Qatar Dates Week’ festival Araştırma Hastanesi (SAKARYA tancing — for your safety — and to ensure the safety and health FROM PAGE 1 University Education and all other Doha Metro cus- of passengers. Under the that Lulu was the first one who Qatar navigated the crisis with Research Hospital), Istanbul tomers. We have ensured that survey, the people were asked Since June, 2017 they have promoted local farms’ products great resilience and Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi our staff receives the required to vote on ‘what is the best way been concentrating more seri- in cooperation with the Ministry confidence.” Kanuni Sultan Süleyman Eğitim training to comply with to keep surfaces clean and ster- ously in this respect as a socio- of Municipality and “There were no major price Ve Araştırma Hastanesi (Istanbul national COVID-19 precautions. ilize them from viruses?’ giving economic commitment to the Environment.” hikes, no shortages and non- Health Sciences University Metro staff is receiving extra options - high pressure nation. Speaking on the initiative, availability of essentials. This Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Edu- training.” cleaning, continuous sterili- Inaugurating the festival, Director of Lulu Hypermarkets could not have been possible cation and Research Hospital) - “As high body temperature zation or weekly screening. Sheikh Dr. Faleh bin Naser Al Dr. Mohamed Althaf said, “We with the exemplary per- Istanbul, Cerrahpaşa Hospital - is an indicator of potential A total of 12.5 percent Thani said: “I am very happy to are quite happy with the coop- formance by the local farms and Istanbul, Yavuz Selim Kemik infections, thermal scanners respondents voted for high inaugurate the ‘Qatar Dates eration and support being solid support given to them by Hastalıkları Ve Rehabilitasyon have been installed to monitor pressure cleaning, 81.3 percent Week’ festival in Lulu Hyper- extended by the Ministry of the Ministry of Municipality and Hastanesi (Yavuz Selim Osteo- the temperature of customers people favoured continuous market as they have been pro- Municipality and Environment, Environment. Festival like this pathic and Rehabilitation Hos- entering our stations. We con- sterilization and 6.3 percent moting and supporting Qatar farm owners and Qatar will be instrumental in estab- pital) - Trabzon, Muğla Bodrum stantly work on sanitising all people voted for weekly national products and Qatari Chamber. During this extra time lishing a platform to deepen and Devlet Hastanesi - Bodrum and surfaces in our stations,” it said screening, until yesterday farms’ fruits and vegetables, of global emergency and dis- broaden our partnership with Antalya Eğitim ve Araştırma in another tweet. evening. and am very happy to indicate ruption in the supply chain, the Qatari farmers.” Hastanesi - Antalya. TUESDAY 25 AUGUST 2020 HOME 03

Over 4,200 HBKU’s QEERI, Qatar stakeholders collaborative participate in project aims to detect COVID-19 in wastewater ‘Forsa’ training Wastewater monitoring is a useful tool that gence of the virus. programme can potentially assist MoPH in determining the The wastewater monitoring effort will ensure that sewage is THE PENINSULA — DOHA lifecycle of the pandemic and in understanding regularly analysed for traces of how it spreads. the coronavirus that causes The Excellence Centre for COVID-19. QEERI will employ a Training and Consulting at the modelling approach to estimate Doha Institute for Graduate THE PENINSULA — DOHA provide scientific evidence to the number of symptomatic and Studies (DI) and Silatech have Qatar’s policymakers for data- asymptomatic cases in the pop- successfully completed ‘Forsa’ A newly launched collaborative based decision making. ulation based on the levels found programme that was held from research project led by Qatar Infection with SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater. July 4 to August 17. Environment and Energy leaves traces of the virus in “These efforts are now The programme aimed to Research Institute (QEERI), part human waste. Therefore, quan- moving from proof of concept, invest and develop the capabil- of Hamad Bin Khalifa University tifying the viral material level in to regular surveillance at the ities of Arab youth in building (HBKU), has been able to wastewater offers a good gauge national level. Data collected their leadership skills and monitor the municipal waste- of the infection’s prevalence from eight weeks sampling have strengthening their roles within water for the novel coronavirus among the population. This indicated a very clear trend that society. SARS-CoV-2. cheap, non-invasive tool has matches the decay in reported Over 4,200 trainees from 18 This national effort is a col- been shown globally to predict A project led by Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute clinical cases by MoPH until July countries participated in the laboration with the Public Works a rise in COVID-19 positive cases is monitoring the municipal wastewater for the novel coronavirus. 26, 2020. programme, including Qatar, Authority (Ashghal), Weill- in the population before the “With the ease of restrictions Jordan, Algeria, Morocco, Cornell Medicine-Qatar increase in case numbers begins and return to school, our waste- Tunisia, Syria, Turkey, Lebanon, (WCM-Q), Qatar Biomedical to show in clinics. transcriptase-polymerase chain of infected cases. water surveillance programme Palestine, Sudan, Egypt, Guinea, Research Institute (QBRI) and During the pilot phase of the reaction (qRT-PCR) technique, Wastewater monitoring is a will be very useful in detecting Mauritania, Oman, Kuwait, Hamad Medical Corporation project, Ashghal provided performed at WCM-Q and QBRI. useful tool that can potentially any change in COVID-19 trends. Benin, Iraq, and Libya. (HMC). sewage samples from various The concentration of viral assist MoPH in determining the The second phase of the study Many national and interna- The project forms part of the wastewater treatment plants RNA, and its variations over lifecycle of the pandemic and in will involve frequent sampling tional entities also participated environmental testing pilot pro- across Qatar to evaluate if the time, can be utilised to monitor understanding how it spreads. from wastewater treatment in ‘Forsa’ comprising: Ministry gramme launched by the Scien- virus could be monitored. the presence and changes in This knowledge can help plants and selected catchment of Administrative Development, tific Reference and Research After processing multiple disease prevalence in the pop- ascertain and provide a level of areas in Qatar,” said Dr. Khaled Labour and Social Affairs, Inter- Task Force of the Ministry of samples at QEERI, the collab- ulation, in near-real-time. The assurance in the efficacy of the Mahmoud, Research Pro- national Labour Organisation Public Health (MoPH), which orative team measured SARS- relative concentrations of this implemented control measures. gramme Director of Water (ILO), Cisco, Unicef, Ministry of was established in response to CoV-2 levels in the sewage viral material in sewage should In addition, the technique will Quality at QEERI and the project Education and Higher Edu- the COVID-19 pandemic to using the quantitative reverse be proportional to the number allow early warning of a resur- lead. cation, Qatar Medical, Kah- ramaa, Ministry of Culture and Sports. Dr. Farid El Sahn, Director Aspetar experts to share insights on illness and injury prevention in sport of the Excellence Centre for Training and Consulting at DI THE PENINSULA — DOHA illness prevention. with sports participation, using hamstring injuries and one of the said that ‘Forsa’ programme Aspetar’s participation in the a multidisciplinary approach. The most interesting topics ahead of covered six diverse training Aspetar experts will be playing upcoming conference as partner programme will consist of guest the Games, presented by Prof courses, starting with “Youth key roles in the world’s premier of the conference, and is consid- speakers, panel discussions, sym- Sebastien Racinais, Head of empowerment strategies” sports medicine event, the IOC ering its partnership with the IOC posia, workshops, free commu- research entitled ‘Tropical par- course to instil the principles World Conference on Prevention as being one of its accredited nications and posters. adise or danger zone? Beat the of loyalty, belonging and love of Injury & Illness in Sport. research centres and part of Aspetar experts, including heat to protect athletes in a of the homeland and to work The event is intended for Aspetar fundamental role to several recognised professionals sweltering 2020 Tokyo’. on important youth individuals and organisations protect the health of athletes and in the area of injury and illness Prof. Roald Bahr, IOCs Chair initiatives. with an interest in the clinical prevent injuries and illnesses. prevention have been invited as of the Scientific Committee of The second course titled aspects of sports and exercise Commenting on Aspetar’s members of the scientific the conference and Head of the “Technology and youth identity” medicine, only a few months participation, Chief Executive committee. Aspetar Sports Injury and Illness touched on the most important before the largest sporting event, Officer of Aspetar, Dr. Abdulaziz Thor Einar Andersen, Chief Prevention Programme, said: “I technological developments to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. Jaham Al Kuwari, said; “This con- of Sports medicine in Aspetar, am grateful to Aspetar for con- save time and support inno- The 5th IOC World Con- ference is an ideal opportunity and 15 high-level experts from tributing no less than 15 staff vative creative thinking; where ference on Prevention of Injury for Aspetar’s experts and Aspetar will present their case members as speakers, including the third course “Create your Aspetar CEO Dr. Abdulaziz and Illness in Sport was initially researchers to join hands with studies, informative panel dis- the prestigious keynote spot job” focused on a set of inno- Jaham Al Kuwari scheduled to be in March 2020 healthcare professionals, sharing cussions and workshops. The with Prof. Sébastien Racinais on vative jobs and jobs that were but had to be moved until Feb- insights on illness and injuries attending experts will offer how to prepare for the chal- canceled during COVID-19, and ruary 2021 because of the prevention in sports. We are with our partners around the insights, obtained through real- lenging climate awaiting partic- how to deal with the labour COVID-19 outbreak. The event proud to be partners in such a world.” life case interactions, on topics ipants in Tokyo for the Olympic market. will take place in Monaco from prestigious event. As an IOC Like previous editions, the including load management in Games in July. Few, if any, other Dr. Farid add that the February 11 to 13 in 2021 and will Research Centre for the Pre- conference will present evi- elite football, cardiac screening institutions world-wide can fourth course “Leader in a dif- bring together a diverse faculty vention of Injury and Protection dence-based information on the of the elite paediatric athlete, match the wide-ranging spectre ferent time” dealt with the representing the foremost inter- of Athlete Health, Aspetar is com- prevention of injuries, illness and preventing overuse injuries in of expertise provided by concept of leadership and national expertise on injury and mitted to sharing the knowledge other health problems associated team sports, how to prevent Aspetar.” appropriate decision-making mechanisms, whereas the “Positive youth leadership” course reviewed leadership DFI opens jury applications and positivity, how youth pos- itivity overrides negativity, and ways to exploit psychological capital. The last training course for Ajyal Film Festival 2020 was “ Post-pandemic entre- preneurship”, which demon- THE PENINSULA — DOHA cinema through curated film Festival Director and Chief Exec- strated leadership and how screenings, workshops and utive Officer of DFI, said: “At a individuals manage their sit- The Doha Film Institute (DFI) has discussions. time of uncertainty and physical uations and become announced it is accepting juror DFI’s annual signature event separation, we take great pride entrepreneurs. applications from youth from is an immersive celebration of in our global Ajyal community A meeting was held at the Qatar and beyond for the eighth community and the permeating and its collective belief that art end of the training with rep- edition of its flagship Ajyal Film power of film for audiences and film are here to comfort and resentatives of ILO and the Festival, set to take place from across generations. In a fun and inspire each of us. As we re- Ministry of Administrative November 18 to 23 in a new collaborative environment, Ajyal imagine one of our annual Development, Labour and hybrid format that extends the Jury in three age-groups from 8 flagship events in and for this A file photo of Ajyal jury at the opening of Ajyal Film Festival 2019. Social Affairs to familiarise spirit of Ajyal into a virtual space to 25 evaluate the films show- extraordinary time, participants with the rights for immersive creative cased at the festival and discover “DFI is presenting an adapted assume active roles within their and short films appropriate to and responsibilities associated expression and community. cinema not just from the per- festival edition that will continue communities. Ajyal over the years their age brackets. with employment in interna- Building on the immense spective of entertainment but as to celebrate the essence of Ajyal has given the youth an oppor- Being an Ajyal Juror is a tional and local institutions. success of the Ajyal Film Festival a medium that can bring about and its commitment to youth tunity to explore new horizons highly creative learning expe- and its reputed jury programme positive social change. development. While we must of creative and cultural under- rience that instils an appreciation that welcomes over 550 jurors To register for the Ajyal Jury remain responsive to the global standing. Now more than ever, of cinema as well as the values The programme annually, DFI is presenting an programme visit: https://www. public health situation, we are youth engagement across of teamwork, critical thinking aimed to invest adapted festival edition this year dohafilminstitute.com/ajyaljury. also hopeful that Ajyal’s move physical and cultural divides is and leadership. and develop the with most activities — including The last date for applications is into the virtual sphere will inspire essential to instilling a sense of Last year more than 550 the Ajyal Competition awards — October 31 and a registration fee an even greater number of par- empowerment in our future and jurors of 54 nationalities served capabilities of Arab running online to offer partici- of QR50 is required to confirm ticipants to benefit from this one- bringing us closer together as a as Ajyal Jurors, who had access youth in building pants a safe event experience. interest. Participants can avail of of-a-kind cultural initiative.” global community.” to specially curated workshops, Youth aged 8 to 25 are invited to an early bird discounted fee of An invaluable exchange of Categorised in three compe- daily film screenings, jury discus- their leadership skills the Ajyal Jury Competition pro- QR150 for applications received culture and learning through film, tition segments — Mohaq (ages sions, opportunities to interact and strengthening gramme running from before September 20. For more Ajyal’s acclaimed jury pro- 8-12), Hilal (ages 13-17) and Bader with global filmmakers and a November 11 to 23 and be part of information or queries, email: gramme is a truly eye-opening (ages 18-25), the Ajyal Jurors range of events and activities that their roles within an invaluable cultural experience [email protected]. experience that empowers the evaluate a curated film pro- inspire creative interaction and society. and explore the exciting world of Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, youth and encourages them to gramme, including feature films stimulate cinematic dialogue. Academic hindsight: What is a good SAT score? THE PENINSULA — DOHA High SAT scores drive merit-based awards at “Getting into elite schools like Cornell, Yale, Princeton, MIT, and Simply put, a perfect SAT score many schools. Thus, earning a top percentile can others is a goal of many high is 1600, the minimum is 400 and simultaneously save you a fair amount of money. school students. How exactly to the average score for the class of realise this goal is often a 2019 was 1080. These numbers, dilemma for students and parents however, do not really tell you selective colleges and universities globally. going through the admissions the exact score that you are going to reject students with near- On the flip side, there are process,” said Pradeep Singhal, to need for colleges and univer- perfect SAT scores when other hundreds of test-optional col- Regional Manager at ScorePlus. sities of your choice. parts of the application fail to leges where SAT scores do not “For more than 35 years, stu- High SAT scores drive merit- impress the admissions officers. matter, and many others where dents and parents have trusted based awards at many schools. Therefore in its true sense, a average scores (roughly 1080 The Princeton Review to help Thus, earning a top percentile can “good” score depends on the Reading + Math) would be ade- them get into their dream simultaneously save you a fair requirements of the universities quate for receiving an acceptance schools. We help students amount of money. Students must that you are considering. In letter. Having said that, despite succeed in high school and remember that being in the top general, a combined SAT score the fact that a solid SAT score beyond, by giving them resources ten percentile on the SAT does of roughly 1400 will give you an does not guarantee admission, a for better grades, better test not guarantee college admission. advantage at nearly all of the US low SAT score could do more scores, and stronger college Students must remember that being in the top 10 percentile on the It is not uncommon for highly colleges or universities harm than good. applications,” he added. SAT does not guarantee college admission. 04 MIDDLE EAST TUESDAY 25 AUGUST 2020 Haftar labels GNA ceasefire annoucement a ‘stunt’ AFP — BENGHAZI Ahmed Al Mesmari Friday’s statements were the central Mediterranean port “In the past 24 hours, we the statement from parliament signed by Fayez Al Sarraj, head of Sirte, the gateway to Libya’s have observed Turkish ships speaker Saleh. A spokesman for eastern Libyan charged that “pro-GNA of the UN-recognised GNA, eastern oil fields and export ter- and frigates advance towards Oil-rich Libya was thrown strongman Khalifa Haftar has forces intend to attack based in the capital Tripoli, and minals, and to the key Al Jufra Sirte,” he added, warning that into chaos after veteran dictator slammed a ceasefire Aguila Saleh, speaker of the airbase to the south. “we will retaliate against any Moamer Kadhafi was ousted in announcement by the rival our units in Sirte and eastern-based parliament Turkey and Qatar have hostile act”. a 2011 Nato-backed uprising. Government of National Accord Al Jufra and then backed by Haftar. backed the GNA, while the Sirte lies roughly halfway Rival administrations and (GNA) as a media stunt, accusing However, Haftar’s United Arab Emirates, Egypt between Tripoli in the west and militias have been vying for it of preparing a new offensive. advance towards the spokesman Ahmed Al Mesmari and Russia support Haftar, who Libya’s second city Benghazi in power ever since, increasingly Libya’s warring rival admin- oil crescent” further said late Sunday in video message is also suspected of receiving the east. drawing in foreign countries and istrations announced separately east. that the GNA statement is “media French backing. Later on Saudi television threatening region’s stability. on Friday that they would cease marketing... The truth is what is Al Mesmari, showing a map channel Al Hadath, Mesmari Last week, before the all hostilities and hold happening on the ground”. of the region around Sirte, appeared to tone down his ceasefire announcement, nationwide elections, drawing foreign diplomats to Libya in Haftar launched an charged that “pro-GNA forces remarks, denying Haftar’s side German Foreign Minister Heiko praise from the UN, the EU and recent weeks, and came after a offensive to seize Tripoli from intend to attack our units in had rejected the ceasefire but Maas warned of a “deceptive several Arab countries. series of agreements and the GNA in April 2019, but was Sirte and Al Jufra and then claiming the GNA’s statement calm” in Libya and that outside The surprise declaration fol- pledges that, however, have beaten back. advance towards the ‘oil had been “written by Ankara”. powers were “continuing to lowed multiple visits by top failed to be implemented. Fighting has stalled around crescent’” further east. Haftar made no mention of massively arm the country”. Pompeo, Netanyahu hopeful more Arab states will forge ties with Israel AFP — JERUSALEM where we could have other announced on August 13, Israel nations join”. pledged to suspend its previous Israel’s prime minister and “I hope we’ll have good plans to annex parts of the Washington’s top diplomat news in the future, maybe in the occupied West Bank, without voiced hope yesterday the near future,” he said. saying for how long. Jewish state would soon build Washington and its close The Palestinians slammed ties with more Arab countries, ally Israel hope that more such the UAE’s move as a “stab in the following its landmark move to ties with other regional coun- back” while their own conflict normalise relations with the tries traditionally hostile to the with the Jewish state remains United Arab Emirates. Jewish state will help forge a unresolved. Benjamin Netanyahu and stronger regional alliance The militant group Hamas, US Secretary of State Mike against their common foe, Iran. which rules the Gaza Strip, Pompeo, who was starting a Pompeo again stressed US charged yesterday that the Middle East tour in Jerusalem, President Donald Trump’s goal Israel-UAE deal helps “maintain both praised the US-brokered that “Iran will never have a crimes and violations” against deal as a major step toward sta- nuclear weapon” and urged the Palestinians. bility to the turbulent region. world powers to maintain an It urged regional and world “I’m very hopeful that we arms embargo on the Islamic leaders to “break their silence to will see other Arab nations join republic. bring an end” to Gaza blockade. in this,” said Pompeo, who was Israel has existing peace An Israeli foreign ministry also set to visit Sudan, Bahrain treaties with Egypt and Jordan official said British Foreign Sec- and the UAE on his five-day trip. which, unlike the UAE, share retary Dominic Raab would be Netanyahu hailed the borders with the Jewish state asked to coax the Palestinians A view of fire from an explosion on the Arab Gas Pipeline is seen between the towns of Ad Dumayr Israel-UAE agreement as “a and have fought wars with it. back to peace talks with the and Adra, northwest of Damascus, in Syria, yesterday. boon to peace and regional sta- Under the US-brokered Jewish state, which stalled in bility” which “heralds a new era agreement with the Emirates 2014. Blackout in Syria after ‘terror’ pipeline attack Iran Guards say AFP — DAMASCUS attack. bourhoods,” he said. Iran sets date for next “But it was almost certainly The Russia and Iran-backed three US-linked War-torn Syria’s government a strike by ISIS,” Jeffrey said, Damascus government in 2018 yesterday blamed a “terrorist” using an acronym for the IS expelled the last rebels and mil- presidential election infiltrators killed attack on a gas pipeline near militant group. itants from Dmeir, a town about AFP — TEHRAN Damascus for a nationwide Kharboutli said the 40km northeast of Damascus. AP — TEHRAN terms in office. Rouhani was first blackout, in the latest such explosion was the “sixth of its But IS retains a presence in elected in 2013 and reelected Iran’s Revolutionary Guards alleged assault on its energy kind on the pipeline in that the vast Badia desert east of the Iran’s constitutional watchdog four years later. said yesterday that its forces infrastructure. area”, without giving a town. yesterday set June 18 as date for Rouhani has been under killed three gunmen with links Caretaker electricity min- timeframe. The Syrian Observatory for the country’s next presidential increasing pressure from the US to the United States who tried ister Zuhair Kharboutli said a SANA published pictures of Human Rights said it was not election, a vote that will choose sanctions since President to infiltrate its territory in the pipeline explosion in the firefighters working to put out immediately clear who was the successor to President Donald Trump two years ago country’s far northwest. Damascus area late Sunday “led a blaze, followed by images a behind the overnight attack that Hassan Rouhani who has served pulled America out of the 2015 “Last night, a counter-rev- to an electricity blackout across mangled land pipeline missing had caused several explosions two four-year terms in office. nuclear deal between Iran and olutionary terrorist group... got Syria”, according to state news a large chunk. between Adra and Dmeir that The watchdog, the Guardian world powers. The deal curbed caught up in an intelligence agency SANA. Damascus residents said were so loud they could be Council, approved the date, Iran’s nuclear programme in web of (Guards) fighters in the The caretaker oil and they woke up yesterday with heard in Damascus. Iranian election headquarters exchange for sanctions relief. Maku public area,” the Guards’ mineral resources minister, Ali no electricity in their homes. A host of pro-government chief Jamal Orf told the official Trump also imposed severe Sepahnews website reported. Ghanem, said the explosion of Mid-morning, Kharboutli forces are stationed in the area, IRNA news agency. Candidates sanctions on Iran, sending its The Guards said the armed the gas pipeline, between Adra said that power had started to said the Britain-based war hoping to run in the balloting are economy into a downward group was “affiliated with the and Dmeir, was “the result of a partially return to several prov- monitor. to apply in early April for spiral. global arrogance”, a term the terrorist attack.” inces and had been restored to Russian forces are present approval; the final list is to be Iran is now grappling also Islamic republic uses for its James Jeffrey, the US parts of central Damascus. at the Dmeir military airport, announced in early June. with the Trump administration’s arch enemy the United States. pointman on Syria, told jour- “Power has returned to while Iranian forces and allied Under Iranian law, an push to impose so-called They said the group had nalists in Geneva that the US several vital installations in fighters held positions around incumbent president cannot run “snapback” sanctions over what “intended to penetrate deep was still looking into who was Damascus including hospitals the town and on the edge of the for a third term if he has already Washington says is Iran’s vio- into our country, the all three responsible for the pipeline and some residential neigh- Badia desert. served for two consecutive lation of the nuclear deal. were killed during clashes.” Toll from flooding in Turkey rises UN suspends Syria ANATOLIA — GIRESUN the rescue efforts. According to reports, 157 The death toll from flooding in people have been rescued so constitution talks Turkey’s Black Sea province of far. At least 12 people have been Giresun has risen to eight, said injured due to the heavy over virus cases the country’s interior minister flooding. yesterday. The floodwaters demol- AFP — GENEVA Answering questions of ished 17 buildings and slightly reporters in the disaster-struck damaged 361 structures, Envi- Syrian constitutional talks at the UN were put area, Interior Minister ronment and Urbanization on hold almost as soon as they started Suleyman Soylu said search Minister Murat Kurum said at yesterday after three delegates tested positive and rescue teams are still a news briefing at the scene. for COVID-19. looking for missing people. Agriculture and Forestry It was hoped that the planned week of ten- Turkey’s Disaster and Minister Bekir Pakdemirli said tative discussions in Geneva — between rep- Emergency Management damage assessments were resentatives of President Bashar Al Assad’s gov- Authority (AFAD) in a statement underway, adding farmland ernment, the opposition and civil society — said some 988 personnel and had suffered less damage than could help pave the way towards a broader 288 vehicles were deployed in initially estimated. political process. But after a nine-month hiatus — in part due to the coronavirus crisis — the talks on amending the war-torn country’s constitution A reputed media organization were put on ice. in Qatar is looking for Reporter The discussions, between 15 delegates from each of the three groups, were being mod- [ .Q%CR .:0V : CV: 7V:` V6]V`1VJHV8 erated by Geir Pedersen, the UN special envoy for Syria. [ :H.VCQ`; RV$`VV 1J =Q%`J:C1I5 I: HQII%J1H:QJ Q` : Pedersen’s office received confirmation `VC: VR VCR8 that three members of the Syrian Constitu- [ $ :JRLQ` &'() V6]V`1VJHV 1Q%CR GV :J :R0:J :$V8 tional Committee “tested positive for COVID- [ 1C1J$%:C ^)`:G1HL'J$C1._ 1 :J :R0:J :$V8 19”, it said in a statement. [ (. 8 “Having informed the Swiss authorities and the United Nations Office in Geneva, imme- diate measures have been taken consistent [ Q0V`1J$ :1$JIVJ  :JR RV0VCQ]1J$ Q1J 1RV: 1J Q with protocols to mitigate any risks, and tracing `VCV0:J JV1 HQJ VJ 8 of anyone who may have been in close contact [ /QCCQ11J$ ]`VH`1GVR VR1 Q`1:C  7CV :JR `Q`I: 8 with affected persons is under way,” it said. [  :7 :%JVR Q CQH:C5 `V$1QJ:C :JR  : V 1%V :JR .V1` The committee members were tested for VcVH  QJ CQH:C HQII%J1V8 the new coronavirus before they travelled to [ )VJR1J$ HQII%J1 7 V0VJ  :JR CQH:C :JR `V$1QJ:C Geneva, and were tested again on arrival, it IVVJ$ : :1$JVR8 said. The delegates arrived at the UN in Geneva %:C1VR H:JR1R: V :`V 1J01 VR Q VJR .V1`  Q7 yesterday morning wearing facemasks and [email protected] physical distancing measures were in place in the meeting room. TUESDAY 25 AUGUST 2020 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 05 Mali talks end with no deal on transitional govt

REUTERS — BAMAKO Goodluck Jonathan reporters. Talks were taking place Talks between West African said that Boubacar with the threat of regional sanc- mediators and Mali’s military Keita no longer tions hanging over the junta, coup leaders ended yesterday known as the National Com- after three days of discussions wished to return to mittee for the Salvation of the without any decision on the politics and he wants People (CNSP). make-up of a transitional a quick transition to “(Mediators) will discuss this government, a junta spokesman with the heads of state so they said. allow the country to can lift or at least ease the sanc- West Africa’s regional bloc return to civilian rule. tions. Sanctions are not good for dispatched negotiators to Mali us or the population,” Wague at the weekend in a bid to said. reverse President Ibrahim Bou- would be decided locally. The regional branch of West bacar Keita’s removal from “Nothing has been decided. Africa’s BCEAO central bank power last week. But talks had Everyone has given their point reopened yesterday. focused on who would lead Mali of view,” Wague told reporters. Four sources, who have and for how long, rather than “The final decision of the direct contact with people the possibility of reinstating the structure of the transition will involved in talks, had said Nigeria’s former President Goodluck Jonathan, who leads an ECOWAS mediation delegation, addressing president, diplomats said. be made by us Malians here.” earlier that Keita would not be the media after a meeting with Mali’s junta following the coup, in Bamako, yesterday. The coup has raised the Former Nigerian President involved in any transition. prospects of further political Goodluck Jonathan, who led the Two sources said a year- turmoil in Mali which, like other regional mediation team, said long transition, similar to the of the military. elections without addressing the Studies, referring to the vote countries in the region, is facing they requested and were one in Niger following a 2010 An African diplomat moni- corruption and misman- that brought Keita to power in an expanding threat from granted access to Keita. coup, was on the table. Another toring the talks said that agement that the soldiers and 2013 after his predecessor was militants. “President Ibrahim Bou- source said the junta was eager ECOWAS was keen to push for opposition leaders who led also ousted. Colonel Ismael Wague said bacar Keita told us that he has to prioritise reforms over elec- a “short transition” with a focus weeks of protests in the run up “We should be innovative mediators would report to resigned. That he was not forced tions so it could be longer. on holding the elections and to the coup complained about. and use the time of the tran- regional heads of state ahead of to do so. That he does not want Wague earlier denied allowing an elected civilian “We did that in 2012 and sition to make the process of the a summit on Mali this week but, to return to politics and that he reports by French radio RFI that administration to handle the here we are with another coup,” reform irreversible,” she said. highlighting the backing the sol- wants a quick transition to the CNSP wanted a three-year reforms afterwards. said Lori-Anne Theroux- “This might take longer than diers enjoy, the final decision allow the country to return to transitional government led by However, several analysts Benoni, head of the Dakar office what some international actors on the interim administration civilian rule,” Jonathan told a soldier and mostly made up warned against rushing to fresh of the Institute for Security want.” Jordan summit Ramaphosa rebukes minister over remark on Zambian leader still on after AFP — JOHANNESBURG South African Finance Min- On Sunday, he wrote that reflect the views of the South Minister Dora Siliya has mean- Iraq minister ister Tito Mboweni reacted his tweets had landed him in hot African government” and the while expressed surprise at South African President Cyril angrily in a series of tweets and water, but vowed not to give up. “issue is being addressed to Mboweni’s “immature and tests virus positive Ramaphosa has “strongly repri- demanding an explanation. “Looks like I am in trouble ensure that such an incident improper criticism of a sov- manded” his finance minister “Presidents in Africa must about my statement on the dis- does not occur again”. ereign decision by Zambia”. AFP — AMMAN for challenging the Zambian stop this nonsense of waking up missal of the Bank of Zambia A former World Bank exec- In a tweet on Sunday, she leader to explain his decision to in the morning and fire a Governor! I stand by my utive director, Kalyalya’s tenure urged Mboweni to instead focus An Amman summit between oust that country’s central bank Central Bank Governor! You statement. Central Bank inde- had been due to end in 2023. on the coronavirus “problems Jordan, Iraq and Egypt will go governor, the presidency said cannot do that. This is not some pendence is key. Not negotiable. He was replaced by a deputy facing” South Africa. ahead today, officials said, yesterday. fiefdoms of yours! Your per- Let all central bankers speak out!” secretary to the cabinet, Chris- With nearly 610,000 cases with extra precautions after In a surprise move, Zambian sonal property?! No!” tweeted He has since deleted the topher Mvunga. and more than 13,000 deaths, Iraq’s telecommunications President Edgar Lungu on Sat- Mboweni on Saturday. tweets. In a statement yesterday, South Africa has recorded the minister tested positive for urday fired Denny Kalyalya “That Governor was a good A statement from the South the International Monetary highest numbers of coronavirus COVID-19. from his post as governor of the fella. Why do we do these things African presidency said Ram- Fund said it had noted the infections on the continent, Minister Arkan Al Shaybani Bank of Zambia. as Africans. The President of aphosa had “strongly repri- “change in leadership” and accounting for more than half and fellow Iraqi officials were No reason was given for the Zambia must give us the manded” Mboweni. called for the central bank’s of Africa’s recorded fatalities. tested upon landing in Amman removal of the governor, who reasons why he dismissed the He had assured the Zambian “independence and credibility” Zambia has recorded 11,148 on Friday and were put under has been credited with bringing Governor or else hell is on its government that the minister’s to be maintained. cases, of which 280 have been confinement following the stability to the economy. way. I will mobilize!” “unfortunate remarks do not Zambian Information fatal. positive result, according to a statement by Jordan’s infor- mation minister Amjad Al Adayla. Over 1,100 villagers killed in “This required imple- menting medical procedures Nigeria this year: Amnesty put in place to protect the health of our guest while he is AFP — LAGOS Taraba and Zamfara states, in the kingdom,” Adayla said who reported living in fear of in comments carried by Jor- More than 1,100 villagers have attacks and abductions. dan’s official Petra news been killed this year by armed “Terrifying attacks on rural agency. gangs in several states across communities in the north of Shaybani was travelling to central and northwest Nigeria, Nigeria have been going on for Amman for a tripartite summit where raids have escalated, years,” said Osai Ojigho, today between the leaders of Amnesty International said in director of Amnesty Interna- Iraq, Jordan and Egypt to a report yesterday. tional Nigeria. “The ongoing discuss trade, telecommuni- “The Nigerian authorities failure of security forces to take cations and oil. have left rural communities at sufficient steps to protect vil- The one-day meeting will the mercy of rampaging lagers from these predictable bring King Abdullah II of gunmen who have killed at attacks is utterly shameful.” Jordan and Egyptian President least 1,126 people in the north Amnesty blamed both state Abdel Fattah Al Sisi together of the country since January,” authorities and the federal gov- with Iraqi Prime Minister the rights watchdog said, giving ernment for failing to protect Mustafa Al Kadhemi for the a tally until the end of June. the population. first time. The killings, during attacks Armed groups loot and set Iraq’s oil and trade min- by “bandits” or armed cattle fire to villages and frequently isters will also travel to Jordan. rustlers, and in clashes between kidnap people for ransom, The gathering comes just herders and farming commu- apparently with no ideological days after Kadhemi’s return nities for access to land, have motive. Many experts have from Washington, which has been recurrent for several years. recently warned against asso- long urged its allies in the Amnesty said it had inter- ciating the attackers with mil- region to band together against viewed civilians in Kaduna, itant groups active in the Iranian influence. Katsina, Niger, Plateau, Sokoto, region. Oil-leaking Japan ship sunk off Mauritius

AFP — PORT LOUIS

The broken stem of a Japanese- owned ship which ran aground causing a devastating oil spill in pristine waters off Mauritius, has been successfully sunk in the open ocean, the national crisis committee said yesterday. The MV Wakashio ran aground on a coral reef off the Indian Ocean island on July 25 and began leaking oil two weeks later, prompting a race against the clock to pump all the fuel off the bulk carrier before it broke in two. The operation was successful A helicopter operates near the Japanese-owned bulk carrier MV and two tugboats last week began Wakashio which ran aground on a reef, in Mauritius, yesterday. towing the larger, forward section of the vessel some 15km out into the open ocean, where it has been statement from the crisis that have long been a major draw sunk to a depth of 3,180 metres. committee. for honeymooners, and contain The smaller section remains Greenpeace opposed the precious mangroves and coral wedged on the reef where the plan, warning last week that reefs. shipwreck occurred. sinking the vessel would “risk bio- Last week a team of British “The planned sinking of the diversity and contaminate the scientists arrived to co-ordinate stem (forward) section of the cas- ocean with large quantities of an impact assessment on what ualty has been completed and at heavy metal toxins”. damage has been done to the around 3.30pm was no longer Over 1,000 tonnes of oil island and how to help the eco- visible on the sea surface,” read a spilled into the pristine waters system recover. 06 ASIA TUESDAY 25 AUGUST 2020 Shooter emotionless as victims’ kin address sentencing hearing in NZ

REUTERS — WELLINGTON Brenton Tarrant could hereafter.” Elayyan was near be the first person the back of the mosque while A white supremacist who killed his father, near the front, sur- 51 people at two mosques in in New Zealand to vived the attack despite being New Zealand last year watched receive a term of life shot in the head and shoulder. without emotion yesterday as Gamal Fouda, imam of Al relatives of his victims in prison without Noor mosque, told Tarrant that recounted the horror of a parole, when a High he was “misguided and misled”. massacre which prosecutors “I can say to the family of said he carefully planned to Court judge sentences the terrorist that they have lost cause maximum carnage. him later this week a son and we have lost many Australian national Brenton for carrying out the from our community too,” Tarrant, 29, has pleaded guilty Fouda said. to 51 murders, 40 attempted deadliest shooting in “I respect them because they Brenton Tarrant, the gunman who shot and killed worshippers in the Christchurch mosque attacks, murders and one charge of the country’s history are suffering as we are.” Tarrant during his sentencing at the High Court in Christchurch, New Zealand, yesterday. committing a terrorist act will be allowed to speak at some during the shooting rampage in on March 15 last year. point during the hearings, and revealed that he had layouts by flying a drone over overflow court rooms. the city of Christchurch which although Justice Cameron intended to burn down the Al his primary target, and timed Justice Mander said he he livestreamed on Facebook. Mander has powers to ensure the Noor mosque after the his attacks to maximise casu- would not sentence Tarrant He could be the first person Maysoon Salama said she High Court is not used as a shootings, Hawes said. alties, the prosecutor said. before Thursday so that sur- in New Zealand to receive a constantly wondered what her platform for extremist ideology. “He intended to instil fear into While most of Tarrant’s vivors and family members of term of life in prison without son was thinking in his last The attacks prompted a those he described as invaders, victims were at Al Noor mosque, victims had an opportunity to parole, when a High Court judge moments “armed only with his global outpouring of grief as including the Muslim population he killed seven people at a address the court. sentences him later this week courage”. well as scrutiny of social media or more generally non-European second mosque before being A murder conviction carries for carrying out the deadliest “I can’t forgive you... you platforms after the then immigrants,” Hawes said. detained en route to a third. a mandatory sentence of life in shooting in the country’s history gave yourself the authority to 28-year-old live-streamed the Tarrant fired “two precisely Security was tight outside prison. The judge can impose a on March 15 last year. take the souls of 51 people. Our shootings shortly after aimed shots” at three-year-old the court, with police dogs life term without parole, a sen- Dressed in grey prison only crime in your eyes is that uploading a manifesto. Mucaad Ibrahim who was pacing the streets and snipers tence that has never been used clothes, Tarrant looked at those we are Muslims,” she said. Crown prosecutor Barnaby clinging to his father’s leg, on rooftops, television footage in New Zealand. delivering victim impact state- “You killed your own Hawes said Tarrant told police Hawes said. Ibrahim was the showed. A murder conviction carries ments including the mother of humanity and I don’t think the that he wanted to create fear youngest victim of the With social distancing a mandatory sentence of life in Ata Elayyan, the 33-year-old world will forgive you for your among the small Muslim shootings. measures in place due to the prison. The judge can impose a goalkeeper for the New Zealand horrible crime. May you get the minority in New Zealand. The shooter spent years coronavirus pandemic, some life term without parole, a sen- futsal team who was slain in the severest punishment for your Tarrant had also expressed purchasing high-powered survivors and victims’ relatives tence that has never been used Al Noor mosque. evil act in this life, and regret for not taking more lives firearms, researched mosque had to view the proceedings in in New Zealand.

Leader of India’s Congress party Experts flag risks in India’s use of rapid virus tests AP — NEW DELHI isn’t always happening. rapidly increase testing to spread of the virus in hard-hit are proposing developing a $1 holds on after Cases surged faster than identify infected people and areas. saliva-based antigen test for all In June, India began using labs could scale up testing once prevent them from spreading Rapid test results can be Americans to test themselves dissent letter cheaper, faster but less accurate India’s harsh lockdown was the virus. Samples tested using backstopped with more daily, something that has not yet tests to scale up testing for the relaxed. So far authorities have both tests increased from 5.6 accurate laboratory tests, but been approved by the Food and REUTERS — NEW DELHI coronavirus — a strategy that rationed the use of the more million in mid-June to 26 these are slower and expensive. Drug Administration. the United States is now consid- precise molecular tests that million two months later, and Experts also warn that since the Harvard’s Dr. Michael Mina India’s main opposition ering. detect the genetic code of the nearly a third of all tests con- two types of tests vary in says antigen tests don’t catch as Congress party yesterday These rapid tests boosted virus. But on June 14, India ducted daily are now antigen accuracy, they need to be inter- many patients early in the rejected a request from its India’s testing levels nearly five- decided to bolster these with tests, health officials say. preted separately to properly infection, when virus levels are leader, Sonia Gandhi, that she fold within two months. But faster tests that screen for But India’s experience also assess the spread of infection — low. But these people aren’t be allowed to step down, after government numbers suggest antigens, or viral proteins. highlights the inherent pitfalls something India isn’t doing. considered the greatest threat a rare challenge to the Nehru- some parts of the country might Albeit less accurate, these of relying too heavily on antigen The US faces a similar need to to spreading the disease since Gandhi dynasty, which has have become over reliant on the tests are cheap and yield results tests, at the expense of more strike a balance between speed it’s only after virus levels surge dominated the party for seven faster tests, which can miss in minutes. Most don’t require accurate tests. The danger is and precision, with overburdened that they become more infec- decades. infections. Experts warn that a lab for processing or any spe- that the tests may falsely clear labs struggling to keep pace with tious, and by then they will be Earlier yesterday, the safely using them requires fre- cialized equipment or trained many who are infected with the outbreak. Researchers at picked up by antigen tests, he Italian-born widow of former quent retesting, something that personnel. The plan was to COVID-19, contributing to new Harvard and elsewhere said. prime minister Rajiv Gandhi had offered to resign as interim leader after almost two dozen senior figures called Bangladesh to lift Rohingya for better decision-making in the party, which has ruled Internet ban ‘very soon’ India for much of its post- colonial history. AFP — KUTUPALONG “However, responding to the Her request was rejected requests from our friends and by the party’s top decision- Bangladesh will restore Internet also for the need of imparting making body, the Congress access to nearly a million education and COVID-19 Working Committee, which Rohingya stuck in refugee response, for greater internet wants Gandhi and her son, camps “very soon”, the connectivity, we have taken a Rahul, to remain in control. government said yesterday, on decision on lifting the restric- “The CWC, reflecting the the eve of the third anniversary tions on 3G and 4G mobile net- overwhelming view and desire of their escape from Myanmar. works, which will be effective of the rank and file of the Con- Authorities in Bangladesh cut very soon,” Momen said. gress, unanimously resolved to mobile Internet access to the The Internet clampdown strengthen the hands of Sonia sprawling, teeming camps in the disrupted communications Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in country’s southeast a year ago, between different camps, as every possible way,” K C citing security concerns, sparking well as with Rohingya still in Venugopal, a Congress law- international condemnation. Myanmar and elsewhere. It also maker, told a news conference. Foreign Secretary Masud bin complicated wire transfers of The party meeting came Momen said yesterday that the money from the Rohingya after 23 senior Congress spread of “baseless rumours and diaspora. figures wrote a letter calling misinformation” could create Rights groups said the lack for better leadership of the panic and destabilise the camps, of Internet access meant misin- party, two sources said - taken where a few Rohingya have formation and rumours, partic- by many as a thinly veiled crit- Rohingya people walk back to their house after collecting relief material in Kutupalong refugee camp, been killed in internal clashes ularly about the coronavirus, icism of the Gandhi family. in Ukhia, Bangladesh, yesterday. in recent years. could spread unverified. Victoria reports lowest rise Rohingya to mark 3rd ‘genocide’ anniversary today in virus cases in 7 weeks ANATOLIA — DHAKA more than four dozen interna- authorities to accept an inter- But due to some measures tional supporters including UN national solution that provides implemented by the host REUTERS — SYDNEY to climb above 13 percent by Three years on, the Rohingya officials, human rights activists, for the safe, dignified and vol- country Rohingya have been the end of September, Muslim minority today will genocide scholars, international untary return of Rohingya facing troubles, the statement The Australian state of Victoria according to government commemorate the crackdown law experts, and concerned jour- refugees. said. reported its lowest daily rise in estimates. by Myanmar’s military forces nalists from all continents. “To demonstrate compliance “Rohingya refugees in new coronavirus infections in Nearly half a million people which drove away hundreds of “They will join Rohingya with the order and readiness for Bangladesh have faced seven weeks yesterday, fuelling could lose their jobs due to the thousands from their lands. survivors and refugees to Rohingya to return, the tightened restrictions on rights optimism that a deadly second full lockdown in Melbourne, The crackdown in Myan- memorialize and honor the Myanmar government should to information, movement, wave there is subsiding. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said mar’s western Rakhine state thousands of victims slaugh- amend the [1982] citizenship law access to education, and health, Victoria yesterday reported on Sunday. which began on August 25, tered, raped, and tortured in the in line with international and have been unlawfully killed 116 cases and 15 deaths from Neighbouring New Zealand 2017, saw the rampant dis- violent purge by Myanmar gov- standards,” it added. by Bangladeshi security forces.” the virus in the past 24 hours, on Monday will take a decision placement, killings and rape of ernment troops, that began on Pointing to the discrimi- After a peaceful demonstration down from a peak of more than on whether to ease the current the world’s most persecuted 25th August 2017,” it added. natory attitude toward 600,000 in Kutapulong camp in Bang- 700 cases early this month. coronavirus restrictions in its community triggering an inter- Meanwhile, Rohingya people Rohingya still living in Rakhine ladesh by Rohingya in August Australia saw a surge in biggest city of Auckland. national outcry.In the face of as well as rights organizations state, the rights group added: 2019 to commemorate infections in the past month in An abrupt resurgence of the pandemic, campaigns to across the globe have urged “The authorities should imme- Meanwhile, Rohingya rights Melbourne, Victoria’s capital COVID-19 about two weeks ago raise awareness about their Myanmar authorities to ensure diately lift restrictions on body, Rohingya Youth Associ- and the country’s second- in Auckland prompted New plight will be held online. a conducive environment in the freedom of movement, repeal ation (RYA), in a statement on largest city, but cases have been Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda “Rohingyas and those who country’s Rakhine state so that discriminatory regulations and Monday declared August 25 as trending downward in recent Ardern to put the city’s 1.7 million stand in solidarity with them, the persecuted people, who have local orders, and cease all “Rohingya Genocide Remem- days helped by a total residents in a lockdown until will mark the 3rd anniversary taken shelter in different coun- official and unofficial practices brance Day”. lockdown. Wednesday, forcing businesses of Myanmar’s genocide, in the tries largely in neighbouring that restrict their (Rohingya) “Today we remember and While the Melbourne to close and schools to shut. first-ever worldwide multi- Bangladesh, can return to their movement and livelihoods, honour all those Rohingya men, lockdown has curtailed the New Zealand, which has a lingual online rally,” said the homeland with safety and such as arbitrary roadblocks women and children who have spread of infections, it has population of 5 million, has so Free Rohingya Coalition, a dignity. and extortion systems.” The been killed as a result of the wreaked havoc on the economy far recorded just over 1,300 global network of activists, in a Human Rights Watch rights watchdog praised Bang- genocide violence perpetrated with Australia’s effective confirmed cases of the virus statement on Friday. (HRW) in a statement issued on ladesh for hosting more than and led by Myanmar’s security unemployment rate expected and 22 deaths. “The event will bring together Monday urged Myanmar one million Rohingya. forces.” TUESDAY 25 AUGUST 2020 ASIA 07 14 killed, 75 wounded in Philippine bomb attacks AP — MANILA At least 75 soldiers, bombings “in the strongest pos- sible terms.” Initial pictures Militants allied with the Islamic police and civilians showed soldiers carrying a man State group set off a powerful were wounded in from the scene of the explosion motorcycle explosive followed near an army truck while by a suicide bombing that the midday motor another victim lay on the road. together killed 14 people cycle and suicide The wreckage of a motorcycle yesterday, many of them and body parts were seen on the soldiers, in the worst extremist bombings in Jolo road. attack in the Philippines this town in southern Sulu The first bombing was carried year, military officials said. province, regional out near a town plaza and the At least 75 soldiers, police cathedral in the predominantly and civilians were wounded in military commander Muslim and poverty-stricken the midday bombings in Jolo Lieutenant General province. The country’s southern town in southern Sulu province, region is home to minority regional military commander Corleto Vinluan said. Muslims and has been the scene Lieutenant General Corleto of decades of separatist unrest, Vinluan said. The bombings particularly in remote island were staged as the government and killed the bomber, a soldier, provinces such as Jolo. grapples with the highest a police commando and There was no immediate number of coronavirus infec- wounded several others, a mil- claim of responsibility for the tions in Southeast Asia. itary report said. It said the sus- attacks, but the military blamed Vinluan said most of the pected bomber walked out of a an Abu Sayyaf militant com- victims, including children, snack shop, approached sol- mander, Mundi Sawadjaan, who were killed and wounded in the diers who were securing a has been linked to suicide first attack, when a bomb Roman Catholic cathedral and bombings in recent years in Sulu. attached to a motorcycle “suddenly blew herself up.” Military officials said last exploded near two parked army Snipers were deployed in the week that Sawadjaan had trucks in front of a grocery store area to guard against more plotted bombings in Sulu using Filipino soldiers on the site of an explosion on Jolo Island, Sulu province, Philippines, yesterday. and computer shop in Jolo. bombers as the victims were two female suicide attackers. “It was a vehicle-borne carried to an ambulance. Army troops were carrying out The army angrily described The military has been Its armed fighters have improvised explosive device A third unexploded bomb a covert operation to locate and the killings as a rub out and waging a years long offensive dwindled in number to a few which exploded while our sol- was reportedly found in a public capture Sawadjaan and the demanded murder charges be against the Abu Sayyaf, a small hundred in recent years due to diers were on a marketing run,” market. Jolo was immediately suicide bombers in June when filed immediately against nine but violent group listed by the battle setbacks and surrenders, Vinluan told reporters. placed in a security lockdown four army personnel were policemen. Police officials, United States and the Philip- including a key commander, A second blast, apparently by troops and police. stopped at a Jolo police check- however, say it may have been pines as a terrorist group for Abduljihad Susukan, who gave from a female suicide attacker, Presidential spokesman point and later shot to death by a mistaken encounter between past bombings, ransom kidnap- up to authorities two weeks ago occurred about an hour later Harry Roque condemned the a group of policemen. the army and police forces. pings and beheadings. after being wounded in battle. Japan PM visits hospital again for medical checks Taliban negotiators AFP — TOKYO Abe arrived back at his “I see him every day and I ulcerative colitis, an inflam- office yesterday afternoon after don’t see any change in him,” matory bowel condition, and Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo several hours at the hospital in he said. spent months being treated in visit Pakistan to talk Abe said yesterday he had Tokyo, but offered little detail When asked whether Abe hospital. On his return to office undergone more medical tests on his condition. would serve out his term through in 2012, Abe said he had but declined to provide details, “Today, I received detailed September 2021, Suga said: “The overcome the condition with Afghan peace push a week after a first hospital visit explanations about the results additional tests are being done the help of medication. that fuelled growing speculation of the tests from last week, and to achieve that end.” Even before Analysts said it was too AP — ISLAMABAD be taken by Afghans them- about his health. I had additional tests,” he told his hospital visit last week, there early yet to know whether Abe’s selves,” Qureshi said. Abe cut short his first term reporters. were questions about whether health problems could trigger A Taliban political team arrived The visit comes a day after in office in part because of crip- “By taking full care of my Abe was sick, with commentators political upheaval, but that in Pakistan yesterday as efforts the Taliban chief announced a pling health problems linked to health, I would like to continue noting he has not held a full press there would now be growing appear to be ramping up to get powerful negotiating team that ulcerative colitis, an ailment he to work hard.” He declined to conference in weeks despite pressure on him to explain the negotiations underway includes nearly half of the said he had overcome when he be drawn further on the nature rising criticism of the govern- situation. between the Afghan Taliban leadership council and returned to power in 2012. of the tests conducted last week ment’s handling of the corona- “It seems as if the gov- government and the insurgents. has the power to set agendas, But in recent weeks, reports or on Monday, but suggested he virus outbreak. ernment hoped that with a The start of the talks, decide strategy and even sign have suggested that the might speak publicly about Abe’s health has haunted pause Abe might recover and envisaged under a US-Taliban agreements with the Kabul 65-year-old prime minister is them at “a later time”. him in the past. In 2007, he therefore his condition would peace agreement signed in government. That Taliban team ill again, with tabloids claiming Earlier, Japanese gov- resigned just a year into his first not become a political issue,” February, was hampered by a is headed by Sher Mohammad he has been vomiting blood and ernment spokesman Yoshihide term as prime minister, citing said Tobias Harris, a Japan series of delays that have frus- Abbas Stanikzai. even confidants publicly saying Suga downplayed speculation health problems in part. expert at Teneo consultancy trated Washington. Some had Earlier, Pakistan approved he needed rest. about Abe’s health. He was diagnosed with and author of a book on Abe. expected the negotiations to several orders to implement UN begin earlier this month. sanctions against a number of The Taliban delegation, led outlawed groups, including the HK researchers by their political chief Mullah Taliban. The sanctions restrict Abdul Ghani Baradar, will travel, freeze assets, limit fun- report first discuss with Pakistan’s leaders draising and outlaw weapons the “recent developments in sales. At the time, Shaheen told documented Afghanistan’s peace process,” The Associated Press the as well as “relaxation and facil- restrictions could hurt the virus re-infection itation of people’s movement peace process. and trade between the two The UN has allowed travel REUTERS — HONG KONG neighboring countries,” for the purpose of peace nego- tweeted Suhail Shaheen, the tiations, but only for a limited A Hong Kong man who spokesman for the Taliban number of Taliban figures. recovered from COVID-19 was political office. Islamabad has had an infected again four-and-a-half Islamabad is thought to uneasy relationship with months later in the first docu- wield influence over the Baradar, who spent eight years mented instance of human Taliban, though there is mistrust in jail in Pakistan until his re-infection, researchers at the on the part of some within the release in 2018. He and Wash- University of Hong Kong said movement toward Pakistan. ington’s peace envoy Zalmay yesterday. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Khalilzad negotiated the US- The findings indicate the Shah Mehmood Qureshi told Taliban deal and signed it on disease, which has killed more reporters he would meet with February 29. The deal has been than 800,000 people the Taliban delegation on touted as Afghanistan’s best worldwide, will continue to Tuesday. Islamabad’s role is chance at peace in four spread amongst the global only to “facilitate the peace decades. population despite herd process,” and it’s up to Afghans The deal also sets condi- immunity, they said. to decide the way forward, he tions — linked to Taliban com- The 33-year-old male was said. mitments to fight terrorism — cleared of COVID-19 and dis- Malaysia begins inquest into Irish girl's death “The majority of Afghans for the US troop pullout from charged from a hospital in believe the only way forward Afghanistan, which would end April, but tested positive again Police officers leave a court for an inquest into the death of 15-year-old Irish-French girl Nora Quoirin, is through reconciliation but the longest-ever US military after returning from Spain via in Seremban, Malaysia, yesterday. the decision to reconcile has to engagement. Britain on August 15. The patient had appeared to be previously healthy, Bali postpones plan to allow researchers said in the Xinjiang residents protest online paper, which was accepted by the international medical tourists back next month journal Clinical Infectious against coronavirus lockdown Diseases. REUTERS — JAKARTA when foreign tourism could He was found to have con- resume would depend on the AFP — BEIJING Urumqi cluster, and there have received thousands of likes. tracted a different coronavirus The Indonesian island of Bali “assessment of the situation in been no new cases reported in “Doors have been sealed, strain from the one he had has postponed a plan to reopen and outside of the country”, said Residents in China’s north- the last eight days. this has brought huge inconven- previously contracted and the country’s biggest tourism Koster in the statement signed western Xinjiang region have But hundreds of local resi- ience to workers and people’s remained asymptomatic for hub to international tourists on on Saturday. complained on social media dents flooded local social media lives. Prices of daily items have the second infection. September 11, its governor said, “Bali cannot fail because it about the harsh coronavirus forums in recent days to com- risen... many things I buy are “The finding does not due to the rising level of coro- could adversely impact the lockdown measures in the plain about harsh conditions, expired.” Little information has mean taking vaccines will be navirus cases reported in the image of Indonesia including sensitive region after a local including many being forced to been released by the authorities useless,” Dr. Kai-Wang To, one Southeast Asian country. Bali in the eyes of the world, outbreak. stay home. about the Xinjiang cluster. of the leading authors of the Indonesia has reported which could prove counter- China — where the disease After some of these com- Other local governments in paper, told Reuters. “Immunity more than 155,000 coronavirus productive to the recovery of first emerged — had largely ments were removed — China’s China have provided infor- induced by vaccination can be infections and 6,759 deaths as travel,” he said. brought domestic transmission Internet is heavily censored — mation on patients’ movements different from those induced of Monday, the highest number Tourism is Bali’s main under control through lock- users tried to flood local forums in granular detail. by natural infection,” To said. of fatalities in Southeast Asia. source of income and travel downs, travel restrictions and on the Twitter-like Weibo Photos circulating on Weibo “will need to wait for the Authorities halted interna- restrictions due to the pan- testing, but sporadic regional platform in Beijing, Shanghai and WeChat also purportedly results of the vaccine trials to tional tourism in early April as demic have hammered the outbreaks have emerged. and Guangzhou. showed people chained to com- see if how effective vaccines the outbreak picked up pace. local economy. A new cluster in Xinjiang’s Social media users shared munity gates with handcuffs, are.” Governor Wayan Koster The occupancy rate at Bali’s capital Urumqi in mid-July photos of front doors sealed with reportedly as a punishment for World Health Organi- said in a statement that plans to starred hotels plunged to 2.07 prompted fresh restrictions. A steel crowbars, and locks leaving their homes. zation (WHO) epidemiologist open up Bali to foreign tourists percent in May, according to total of 902 cases have been installed by community workers. Some residents also wrote Maria Van Kerkhove said yes- were postponed because the Bali’s statistics bureau, from officially reported in the “Why can’t prefectures with that they were forced by terday that there was no need “situation in Indonesia isn’t con- 62.55 percnet in December outbreak. no cases remove the lockdown? authorities to take Chinese to jump to any conclusions in ducive to allow international before the pandemic hit and Officials said earlier this Why do you need to lock down medicine daily, and were response to the Hong Kong tourists to visit the country, down from 51.56 percent in month that they had “effectively the whole of Xinjiang?” read required to film themselves case. including Bali.” A decision on May 2019. contained” the spread of the one comment on Weibo, which doing so. 08 VIEWS TUESDAY 25 AUGUST 2020

Established in 1996

CHAIRMAN DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI [email protected]

A car passing through the Unesco-listed buildings in the old city of Sana’a following heavy rains. EDITORIAL Torrential rain, floods batter the glorious Setting new standards ancient quarter of Yemen’s capital QATAR continues to support development plans and enhance the competitiveness of national products in that their homes could collapse Funding cuts by the United the local, regional and global markets. The launch of further over their heads. States and other countries have Qatar Quality Mark by Prime Minister and Minister of The destruction in Sanaa is resulted in sharp reduction in Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al the result of erratic weather has food aid. If funding doesn’t revive Thani is evidence to that. led to flooding this year in many by next month, 9 million people The Qatar Quality Mark, a badge that is granted by areas of Yemen, deepening the will be cut off from health care, Qatar General Organization for Standards and misery of a nation already in the and 250,000 severely malnour- Metrology, aims to support the national production, ALI AL MUJAHED & SUDARSAN grips of a civil war, a severe ished children could die, the development plans and consumer protection. It con- RAGHAVAN THE WASHINGTON POST humanitarian crisis and the United Nations warns. firms the keenness of the government to enable the coronavirus epidemic. At least And the flooding looks consumer obtain the best local product that competes Four generations of Ayman 170 people across the country unlikely to stop. With the rainy with the their global counterparts. The Quality Mark will Alameer’s family have lived in a have died because of flooding, season typically lasting from also push companies in Qatar to produce their products large burnt-brick house in this more than 7,000 have been dis- March to October, the United maintaining international specifications. capital’s ancient Old City. He says placed, and dozens of shelters Nations and aid groups are Minister of Commerce and Industry H E Ali bin the house dates back 500 years and public buildings have been expecting outbreaks of cholera, Ahmed Al Kuwari said that launching the Quality Mark and in recent times has survived destroyed, according to local malaria and dengue fever. is an important step towards promoting the concept of civil war, airstrikes and authorities and aid agencies. “Flooding is expected to con- quality and conforming to the specifications approved economic blockade. “This is completely unprece- tinue in the upcoming weeks, in the country, in order to support the national industry, It was nature, though, that dented,” said Franz Rauchen- increasing health risks for the enhance the production and export capacity of private delivered the catastrophic blow. stein, the outgoing head of dele- already vulnerable population, sector companies and establish competitiveness of This month, torrential rains and gation for the International Com- affected by previous floods and their products at all levels. flash floods engulfed the Sanaa’s mittee of the Red Cross in COVID-19 outbreak,” wrote Granting of the Quality Mark to any company is the Old City, damaging more than Yemen. “I have never seen such ACAPS, a consortium of western best evidence of the efficiency of the quality system 100 homes, many centuries old. strong rainfall. It’s just one havoc aid agencies working in Yemen, and it supports the ability of the companies to continue As he surveyed his partially more, after various epidemics, in a briefing last week. their efforts to upgrade their products in accordance The destruction destroyed house, Alameer could after the coronavirus.” Before Yemen’s 2011 Arab with the specifications and standards set in the country. in Sana’a is the not hide his anguish. “The war, In Sanaa, all social and eco- Spring revolution, which ushered The Quality Mark has many advantages as it con- result of erratic the airstrikes and the siege have nomic classes have been in a period of conflict and eco- tributes to gaining the trust of customers and increases caused a lot of destruction here, affected. Roughly two weeks ago, nomic turmoil, many residents of the products’ value and opportunities for competition weather has and now the heavy rains have when the heavy rains began, the the Old City routinely maintained in the local and foreign markets. The Quality Mark is an led to flooding added insult to injury,” said Alameer family’s roof started to their homes, said Aqeel Nassar, optional mark placed on the product as evidence of its Alameer, a 27-year-old tax leak. Then part of the kitchen deputy head of the Historic Cities conformity with the approved national standards and this year in authority employee. “The city ceiling fell in. “Now it is so scary Preservation Authority. that it has been examined and tested by an interna- many areas cannot hold on much longer.” for my mother and sister to even But as jobs and salaries were tionally recognized “certified laboratory”. In its sixth year of war, cook in the kitchen,” said lost, many homes fell into dis- It is a badge that is granted by the Qatar Standards of Yemen, Yemen’s fragile cultural heritage Alameer, who also lives with his repair or were abandoned. to indicate the quality control mechanism in the facility. deepening was already under threat. The father and four other sisters. Roughly 40 houses that had been In order to obtain the mark, the facility must fulfil a Old City, home to stunning gin- The flooding is only the latest damaged or weakened by air- number of conditions and standards stipulated in the the misery gerbread-colored houses with trauma to strike Yemenis since strikes since 2017 have been “Qatar Quality Mark” regulation adopted from the inter- of a nation white symmetrical patterns, is their civil war widened in 2015. repaired with funding from national requirements and regulations for granting the already in the one of the world’s oldest contin- Tens of thousands of civilians UNESCO, Nassar said. He added Quality Mark. ually inhabited human settle- have been killed, and nearly that “if those buildings were not It is noteworthy that Al Qataria for Production of grips of a civil ments, dating back more than four-fifths of Yemen’s 30 million repaired, they would have defi- Reinforcing Steel was the first facility to obtain the Qatari war, a severe 2,500 years. It is also a UNESCO- people need humanitarian nitely collapsed during these Quality Mark for its products after it fulfilled all the nec- protected heritage site, added to assistance to survive. heavy rains.” essary requirements. H E the Minister praised the efforts humanitarian the United Nations list in 2015 “In a time that Yemen is bat- Other residents of the quarter of the Qatar General Organization For Standardization crisis and the when the escalating civil war tling the COVID-19 pandemic echoed similar sentiments and in supporting and developing national institutions and threatened to destroy or damage with extremely limited resources, said they were getting little establishments and encourage them to apply national coronavirus the ancient quarter. floods are devastating parts of rebuilding help from government standards and adopt best international practices in their epidemic. Today, Yemeni authorities the country and thousands of authorities or aid agencies. Local products. say the rain and floods have left children continue to go hungry, officials said they were fielding 111 homes partially or completely the focus should be on these as many as 250 requests and destroyed and hundreds of fam- issues, not on fighting,” said were doing their best to rebuild ilies either seeking shelter else- Xavier Joubert, director of Save under the duress of war and a where or living under the threat the Children Yemen. shattered economy.

D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR EMAIL: [email protected] Trudeau needs to spend to survive autumn confidence votes DAVID LJUNGGREN & to vote in favor” as long as month, citing the likelihood of they can take advantage of EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 STEVE SCHERER REUTERS there are no obvious poison NDP support for the Liberals. NDP weakness and a new FAX: +974 4455 7758 pills, such as spending cuts, a But in order to stay in Conservative leader, Cana- Canadian Prime Minister Justin senior NDP source said on power, Trudeau will need to dians may object to a vote so MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 Trudeau’s Liberal government Wednesday. offer the NDP enough of an soon after an October 2019 will likely survive a confidence The NDP is short of money incentive to back the Liberals election, especially if there is a DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 vote next month but needs to and would find it hard to go to when they unveil a fiscal second COVID-19 wave. invest in social programs to the polls now, the source update later in the year, which Senior cabinet minister LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 secure the opposition support added. As long as the party is also subject to a confidence Dominic LeBlanc said the gov- he needs to stay in power, backs the Liberals, Trudeau vote. ernment and opposition had BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 especially with a second, riskier will have enough support to The NDP source said the already been discussing some vote coming later in the year. govern. party would need to see major of the plans that Trudeau will SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 Trudeau said he would Trudeau’s main rivals are investments in at least one of unveil next month. introduce “bold new solutions” the right-leaning Conserva- its priorities. These include a “So we don’t think there ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 as part of a plan to help Canada tives, who will elect a new national childcare program, would be any reason for the email: [email protected] recover from the coronavirus leader this Sunday. The Con- universal dental care and a opposition to force an pandemic. He will put it to a servatives would need both the reform to employment election,” he told the Canadian PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 vote in September which, if NDP and the separatist Bloc insurance payments. Broadcasting Corp on email: [email protected] lost, will trigger an election. Quebecois - the three hold a “We want to see real action Wednesday. The Liberals only control a combined 177 seats to the Lib- ... if people conclude that all the Not everyone thinks the ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 minority of seats in parliament erals’ 156 - to bring down Liberals are doing is talking, Liberals can or even want to FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] and need opposition legislators Trudeau, who says he does not then there are a lot of soft left avoid an early election. Pollster to govern. The most obvious want an election. votes we could take in the next Nik Nanos of Nanos Research CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 choice is the New Democratic Three Conservative strate- election,” said the source, who said the Liberals would benefit email: [email protected] Party (NDP), which competes gists told Reuters there was requested anonymity given the from going to the polls while for the same center-left voters. little or no chance of an sensitivity of the situation. Ottawa is still sending out SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 “I think we will find it easy election being triggered next Even if the Liberals think stimulus checks. FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar

/ThePeninsulaQatar Vaccine nationalism only helps the virus. The success of the COVAX facility hinges /Peninsula_Qatar not only on countries signing up to it, but /ThePeninsulaNewspaper also filling key funding gaps. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General +974 6698 6188 TUESDAY 25 AUGUST 2020 EUROPE 09 UK Premier urges parents to let their kids go back to school

AP — LONDON Prime Minister Boris Johnson said it was Britain’s prime minister is the government’s “moral duty” to reopen the asking parents to set aside their fears and send their schools as he stressed that authorities now children back to school next know more about COVID-19 than they did when month when schools in Britain fully reopen for the first time the country went into lockdown on March 23. since the coronavirus pandemic shut then down with their friends,’’ Johnson spread of coronavirus. more than five months ago. said in a statement released Some students were Prime Minister Boris late Sunday. allowed to return in early June, Johnson said it was the gov- “Nothing will have a but classes weren’t mandatory ernment’s “moral duty” to greater effect on the life and only about 18 percent of reopen the schools as he chances of our children than students nationwide took part. stressed that authorities now returning to school.” The chief medical officers know more about COVID-19 The statements come as of England, Scotland, Northern than they did when the parents and teachers have Ireland and Wales said in their country went into lockdown express concerns about reo- statement that children are on March 23. pening schools amid fears that less likely to catch COVID-19 A woman wearing a face mask as a precaution against the spread of the novel coronavirus drags her Johnson’s comments came social distancing measures than adults and they have “an suitcases on London Bridge with the Shard Tower in the background, in central London. hours after Britain’s top public won’t keep children safe. exceptionally low risk’’ of health officials issued a joint Unions have demanded that dying from the disease. statement saying that children Johnson’s Conservative gov- By contrast, they said COVID-19 due solely to confirmed virus-related death the virus. were more likely be harmed ernment make sure that social studies show that not going to attending school,’’ the medical toll in Europe, at 41,515 people, Thousands of British trav- by staying away from school distancing measures and other school limits children’s ability officers said. and Johnson’s government has ellers had to cut short vaca- than from being exposed to protective procedures are in to succeed in life and may ”This has to be set against been strongly criticised for not tions and rush home earlier COVID-19. place to ensure the safety of worsen physical and mental a certainty of long-term harm locking down sooner, not this month after the gov- “This is why it’s vitally students and staff. health problems. to many children and young getting medical workers ernment abruptly announced important that we get our Schools across the UK “Very few, if any, children people from not attending enough protective equipment it was slapping 14-day quar- children back into the closed in March as the gov- or teenagers will come to school.’’ and not properly protecting antines on people returning classroom to learn and to be ernment sought to control the long-term harm from Britain has the highest the elderly in care homes from from France.

Russia expels Survey finds most Britons reject COVID-19 ‘vaccine nationalism’ Austrian diplomat REUTERS — LONDON by polling firm Savanta response. It simply won’t work millions of doses of COVID-19 that when a COVID-19 vaccine ComRes for anti-poverty for each country to go its own vaccines. is available, it should be dis- in reciprocal move Most Britons reject COVID-19 organisation The ONE Cam- way,” said Romilly Greenhill, The One Campaign poll tributed in the most effective “vaccine nationalism”, and say paign, the survey found signif- The ONE’s UK director. results found that of more than way to beat the pandemic glo- ANATOLIA — MOSCOW they would be willing to wait icant public support for “While this virus thrives 2,000 people surveyed, 82 bally. Some 71 percent think until health workers in other COVID-19 vaccines being made anywhere, it threatens people percent said a country that that if it means the pandemic In a tit-for-tat move, Russia on countries have had vaccines if available to all countries at the everywhere.” The World Health develops a COVID-19 vaccine could be ended more quickly, yesterday announced the that would help end the same time, regardless of how Organisation called last week for should share that knowledge, health workers in Britain and expulsion of an Austrian pandemic sooner, according to rich or powerful they are. an end to “vaccine nationalism” and 76 percent think COVID-19 then other countries should get diplomat. poll findings released “British people clearly and warned against “hoarding” shots should be available in all vaccines first, even if healthy Johannes Eigner, Austrian yesterday. understand this global pan- as a growing number of coun- countries at the same time. people at home have to wait a ambassador to Moscow, was Conducted in mid-August demic demands a global tries agreed bilateral deals to buy More than 80 percent think bit longer. summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry where he was handed a note of protest over the expulsion of a Russian dip- lomat from Austria, the ministry France reports said in a statement. “The ambassador was strongly protested in connection with the unjustified decision of highest daily rise in the Austrian side to revoke the Russian diplomat’s accreditation and demand to leave the ter- coronavirus cases ritory of the Republic of Austria,” it said. ANATOLIA — PARIS Throughout France 333 new clusters have been confirmed France confirmed yesterday a and 38 departments are con- France to reciprocate spike of 4,897 new corona- sidered vulnerable. virus cases over the last 24 The health minister was UK's quarantine rule hours, the highest single-day however reluctant to call the REUTERS — PARIS figure since the start of the daily spike in cases as a resur- outbreak. gence of the virus. French authorities will in The death toll in France “No, it’s not the same as in coming days reciprocate Brit- currently stands at 30,513 with February. This is not a ain’s decision to impose a overall cases at 242,899, resumption of the epidemic 14-day quarantine on all arrivals according to the Health because it has never stopped. from France, the junior minister Ministry. It was only checked during the for European affairs said A total of 4,709 people confinement. The risk is that yesterday. remain in hospital — 383 of after you gently remove the lid UK said on Friday trav- those in intensive care. from the pot, the water will Pedestrians wearing protective face masks walk behind a COVID-19 information sign during the annual ellers from the UK to France Health Minister Olivier boil again.” summer flea market as France reinforces mask-wearing as a part of efforts to curb a resurgence of are required to self-certify that Veran said in a statement that Meanwhile, a naturist the coronavirus disease across the country, in Merville-Franceville-Plage, France. they are not suffering corona- France has achieved the ability resort on France’s Mediter- virus symptoms or have been to test 700,000 people per ranean coast has seen a sharp authority said. distancing had probably not ordered people to wear masks in in contact with a confirmed week — roughly 1 percent of spike in coronavirus infections That was more than four been sufficiently respected at the camp, banned gatherings of case within 14 days preceding the French population. and tourists have been ordered times higher than the 7 percent the centre. more than 10 people there and travel. Since August 15 British “We have just exceeded to at least wear masks and rate recorded in other people “There are infections eve- scrapped exemptions on night authorities have also required our objective of 700,000 tests practice social distancing, in the area who had not visited rywhere, including among club opening hours. travellers returning from carried out each week, pre- health authorities said the centre, the authority people who are not libertines. He also asked anyone France to self-isolate upon cisely 725,000,” Veran told Le yesterday. added. The message is the same for planning to go to the village to their return due to high Journal du Dimanche in a Tests had shown a 30 Officials at the resort, everyone: wear a mask, wash delay their travel plans. COVID-19 infection rates in weekend interview. percent infection rate in which is about 60km down the your hands and practice social Cap d’Agde, set in a huge cir- France. “France is now doing more people who had visited Village coast from Montpellier, did not distancing, whether you are a cular modernist building by the “We will have a measure tests than Germany, Spain, Cap d’Agde — which adver- respond to calls seeking libertine or not a libertine,” beach, is one of France’s oldest called reciprocity so that our Italy, Sweden, and The Neth- tises itself as a village for comment. The health author- Ricordeau said. and biggest naturist resorts and British friends do not close the erlands. We can do a million naturists and libertines — the ity’s director general, Pierre After the tests, the gov- draws tens of thousands of vis- border in one single way,” said tests if we need to.” Occitanie region health Ricordeau, said social ernment prefect for the region itors per day in summer. Clement Beaune. Berlin Film Festival to go ahead Sweden may see local outbreaks but next February despite pandemic REUTERS — BERLIN anteed for all guests, they said. no big second wave of cases: Official “Adjustments in the festival The Berlin Film Festival will go structure, the film programming REUTERS — STOCKHOLM many as Europe’s worst-hit Per capita, Sweden 6,000 people, including many ahead next February as planned and the total number of invited countries such as Belgium, Spain nursing home residents who suc- despite the COVID-19 pandemic, films will be defined by the fes- Sweden is likely to see local and Britain. has suffered many cumbed during March, April and its organisers said yesterday, as tival management within the outbreaks but no big second New cases, hospitalisations times more COVID- May, Tegnell and the pandemic Germany battles a surge in infec- coming weeks,” it added. wave of COVID-19 cases in the and mortality have fallen sharply strategy he champions has tions linked to returning holiday- The Berlin Film Festival, one autumn, such as inundated over the past couple of months. 19 deaths than its divided opinion both at home makers, large family gatherings of the industry’s biggest events in hospitals a few months ago, the With most Swedes having Nordic neighbours, and abroad. and nightlife. Europe, normally draws 480,000 country’s top epidemiologist and returned from summer vacations though not quite as A group of scientists that has The film festival, also known filmmakers, movie stars and fans architect if its unorthodox and schools reopening last week long been critical of the country’s as the Berlinale, is being planned into the cinemas of the German pandemic strategy said for the new semester, there are many as Europe’s response, sometimes engaging as a physical festival while a capital. yesterday. concerns the country could see worst-hit countries in fierce argument with Tegnell, hybrid model of virtual and The festival’s Golden Bear is Sweden has been an outlier a second wave of infections. this month warned of a renewed on-site events is intended for the one of the most prestigious in Europe’s fight against the novel “We don’t believe we’ll have such as Belgium, spread of the virus as schools European Film Market (EFM) awards in Europe, together with coronavirus, keeping businesses, a classic second wave, such as Spain and Britain. reopened, calling on authorities event running at the same time, the Palme d’Or of the Cannes fes- restaurants and most schools those seen in influenza pan- to step up safeguards. the organisers said in a statement. tival in France and the Golden open throughout the pandemic, demics where you get wide- “I think one should always be The EFM is the business centre of Lion award of the Venice Film while not recommending the use spread contagion in the com- likelihood is greater that we will worried about this disease the Berlinale, and is one of the Festival. Cannes, the world’s of face masks, which remain a munity again,” Chief Epidemiol- see — as one is currently seeing because it is constantly causing largest international film market biggest cinema showcase, usually rare sight on city streets. ogist Anders Tegnell said in an around Europe — outbreaks in new mischief and is very unpre- events in the world. The festival held in May on the French Riviera, Per capita, Sweden has suf- interview with broadcaster TV4. certain places, at workplaces and dictable,” Tegnell said. “But that will take place February 11-21 and was abandoned following a two- fered many times more “This disease appears to similar environments, during the we would return to the situation will observe the health guidelines month lockdown in France to COVID-19 deaths than its Nordic work in a different way. The autumn.” we had during the spring - we in place then so that the greatest combat the coronavirus neighbours, though not quite as spread is more patchy, so the With the death toll nearing don’t see that.” possible security can be guar- pandemic. 10 EUROPE TUESDAY 25 AUGUST 2020 Berlin says ‘fairly likely’ Navalny was poisoned AFP — BERLIN Doctors in Omsk any public assessment of his but “the crucial question is candidates ahead of next denied they were condition. whether he will survive this month’s elections. The German government said Doctors treating him in unscathed and continue to play Yarmysh said he had yesterday it was “fairly likely” pressured by officials Omsk initially refused to let his role”. seemed “absolutely fine” before that leading Russian opposition while treating Alexei Navalny leave but had a change In any case, he would cer- boarding the flight and had not figure Alexei Navalny of heart after his family and tainly be out of action politically taken any medication. (pictured), who is being treated Navalny. staff demanded he be allowed “for at least one or two months”, She said she was sure he in a Berlin hospital, was to travel to Germany. Bizilj said, meaning he would had suffered from an “inten- poisoned. His supporters have said Navalny’s spokeswoman miss key regional elections next tional poisoning” and blamed The 44-year-old was they believe Navalny was poi- Kira Yarmysh claimed Russia’s month. Putin. brought to the German capital soned with something in his cup refusal to evacuate him was a German foreign minister Navalny has made many on Saturday from Siberia, of tea at the airport, pointing the ploy to “play for time” and make Heiko Maas said yesterday that enemies with his anti-cor- where he went into a coma after finger of blame at President it impossible to trace poison. “more clarification is needed” ruption investigations, which falling ill on a flight with what Vladimir Putin. At a press conference yes- on Navalny’s condition. often reveal the lavish lifestyles Russian doctors have blamed The Omsk regional health on a medical plane chartered terday, doctors in Omsk denied “There are still many facts of Russia’s elite and attract mil- on a metabolic disorder. ministry has said that caffeine by German NGO Cinema for they were pressured by officials missing, of a medical but also lions of views online. “We are dealing with a and alcohol were found in Nav- Peace, an initiative financed by while treating Navalny. criminological nature, which we European Union leaders patient who it is fairly likely was alny’s urine, but “no convulsive private donations. “There was no influence on must wait for,” he said during a including Merkel and French poisoned,” Chancellor Angela or synthetic poisons were The transfer came after the treatment of the patient a visit to Ukrainian capital Kiev. President Emmanuel Macron Merkel’s spokesman Steffen detected”. Merkel extended an offer of priori and there couldn’t have Navalny is the latest in a have voiced concern for him Seibert told reporters. “The suspicion is... that treatment in Germany, saying been any,” said Alexander long line of Kremlin critics who after he faced repeated physical The Kremlin critic and anti- somebody seriously poisoned news of Navalny’s condition Murakhovsky, the chief doctor have fallen seriously ill or died attacks and prosecutions. corruption campaigner, Russia’s Mr Navalny which, unfortu- had “truly upset me”. at the Omsk emergency hospital in apparent poisonings. The director of the Anti- best-known opposition figure, nately, there are some examples Navalny is being treated in No 1. He lost consciousness Corruption Foundation that was rushed into intensive care of in recent Russian history, so Berlin’s Charite hospital, where Jaka Bizilj, the head of the shortly after his plane took off Navalny founded, Ivan on Thursday after his plane the world takes this suspicion doctors have pledged to carry Cinema for Peace NGO, told on Thursday from Tomsk in Zhdanov, confirmed on social made an emergency landing in very seriously,” Seibert said. out an “extensive medical diag- Germany’s Bild newspaper he Siberia, where he was working media that the organisation was the Siberian city of Omsk. Navalny was flown to Berlin nosis” but have not yet given believed Navalny would survive to support opposition continuing its work.

Cyprus denies new Italy begins human trial allegations in 'golden of COVID-19 vaccine passport' scheme ANATOLIA — ROME researchers selected only those AP — NICOSIA who were in perfect health The first clinical trial of an conditions. Cyprus denied fresh allega- Italian-developed COVID-19 “I believe in Italian science. tions that it was granting citi- vaccine started at Rome’s Spal- I hope that my choice will be zenship to foreigners accused lanzani hospital yesterday, as useful and that people will be of crimes in exchange for Italy faces a constant surge in more responsible,” the woman millions in investments, new coronavirus cases. — who requested to remain insisting that all those who The Italian vaccine is just anonymous — told Italian received a passport met all one of several candidates being media. criteria in place at the time. developed and tested The vaccine’s trial has been The Cypriot parliament worldwide in a continued effort financed by the Lazio region last month beefed up the eli- to shield the global population with an investment of 5 million gibility criteria for the so- from the outbreak. euro — together with Italy’s called “golden passport” Many potential vaccines, Research Ministry — and was investment programme, which including one produced by a produced by Italian biotech firm has brought billions in revenue UK-Italian joint venture, are ReiThera. since its introduction following now in different stages of The news comes as Italy a 2013 financial crisis. The development. registered a further increase in programme has attracted “I am very satisfied and new infections on Sunday, con- many investors because a proud of this,” said Francesco firming the surging trend in passport from the Mediter- Vaia, Spallanzani’s health contagions observed over the ranean island of Cyprus auto- director. “If all goes well and we last month. matically grants its holder cit- finish this trial within this year, The European country Medical staff is seen at the Lazzaro Spallanzani infectious diseases hospital on the day of the first izenship to the entire we could have the vaccine reported 1,210 more cases, human trials of an Italian-developed COVID-19 vaccine, with doses administered to 90 volunteers 27-member European Union. ready by next spring on a com- bringing the total to 259,345. over 7 months, in Rome, yesterday. Cyprus’ interior ministry mercial basis.” Seven more fatalities were con- said 12 foreigners named in a The first of 90 volunteers to firmed, raising the death toll to high-risk destinations and large won’t require a new lockdown. clusters. report received citizenship undergo the trial test was a 35,437, with a total of 505,470 gatherings of people enjoying The rise in contagions has Italy has been one of the under the investment pro- 50-year-old woman, who will people recovering, Health Min- the nightlife at the peak of the fuelled worries of a new pan- worst-hit countries globally by gramme only after being be monitored for 12 weeks to istry’s data showed. summer season. demic wave in September, the pandemic, but has managed approved by Cypriot and check if the vaccine causes any Infections in Italy have been However, on Sunday, when Italian schools are set to to contain the outbreak thanks foreign agencies tasked with side effects, and if it produces on the rise since the beginning Health Minister Roberto reopen amid an ongoing debate to strict lockdown measures vetting such applications. anti-bodies. Over 5,000 people of August, with experts blaming Speranza sought to reassure over the complex security that the government started The report claimed that the applied for the trial, but holiday goers returning from Italians, saying the country measures needed to avoid new easing only in May. 12 — including four Russians, two people each from Ukraine, China and Iran, and one each Serbia ready from Venezuela and Vietnam Dutch Royals sorry for Greece holiday virus breach — secured Cypriot passports for ‘constructive after paying at least $2.36m in AFP — THE HAGUE restaurant owner on the island virus.” respect social distancing was a investments despite being talks’ with Kosovo of Mykonos. The photo showed the king, “mistake”. under investigation for an The Dutch king and queen apol- “A photo appeared in the 53, in a patterned shirt with a In March, the Dutch royals assortment of crimes such as ANATOLIA — BELGRADE ogised yesterday after they media in which we kept too mask in one hand and his arm went into self-isolation after corruption and fraud. were pictured breaking coro- little distance. In the sponta- around the queen, 49, while the cases of the virus were reported The Cypriot interior min- The Serbian president is navirus (COVID-19) social neity of the moment, we did not man also had his arm around in a part of Austria where they istry said would look into the meeting Kosovo premier in distancing rules while on pay attention,” the king and the queen. had spent a skiing vacation. new information in the report. Washington for a “constructive holiday in Greece. queen said on Twitter. The person who took the The Dutch government has Under the latest changes, conversation,” an official said A photograph on the “Of course, we should have photo, quoted anonymously by recently urged citizens to be new anti-money laundering yesterday. internet showed King Willem- done. Because on holiday too, Dutch broadcaster RTL Nieuws, extra careful to respect social rules will be used to bolster The remarks by Marko Alexander and Queen Maxima respecting rules for coronavirus said it was taken in a private distancing rules after a surge in how prospective investors are Duric, director of the Office for up close to a man said to be a is essential for beating the capacity and that the failure to COVID-19 cases. vetted. Kosovo, came two days after Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic’s announcement of the meeting with Kosovar Prime Belarus arrests two oppn Minister Avdullah Hoti at the White House on September 3 figures after demonstrations and 4. “The intention of the hosts REUTERS — MINSK/MOSCOW points. to focus on the economy coin- A board member at the cides with our position that The authorities in Belarus Belarus central bank told the free flow of people, arrested two of the leading Reuters the issue was a tech- capital, goods and services, opposition figures still at large nical one involving the physical removal of barriers and better yesterday, a day after tens of availability of banknotes, and economic connections are thousands of people defied the did not signal liquidity needed in the entire region for army to march demanding the problems. joint development,” Duric downfall of president Alexander A spokesman for the Coor- added. Lukashenko. dination Council, an opposition US National Security Two weeks after an election body set up last week, said two adviser Robert O’Brien will which his opponents say he of its highest profile members, host the talks with the US rigged, Lukashenko has shown Olga Kovalkova and Sarhei special envoy for Serbia and little sign of bringing a halt to Dyleuski, had been detained on Kosovo negotiations, Richard the demonstrations, the biggest Monday near a factory entrance. Grenell. threat to his 26-year rule. Many of the leading figures In July, Vucic and Hoti held The president, who has in the Belarus opposition are in their first face-to-face nego- called the protesters “rats”, said jail or have fled the country. The tiations in 20 months under a last week he had given an order Coordination Council was set EU-mediated dialogue to police to put down any dem- up with the stated aim of pro- A screengrab taken from a video released by Belarus state agency “Belta” shows President Alexander process. onstrations in Minsk. But tens moting a peaceful handover of Lukashenko holding an automatic rifle and wearing body armour as he arrives, on Sunday, at his At those talks, the two of thousands took to the streets authority, and comprise dozens residence in Minsk, not far from where opposition protests are taking place. sides focused on issues of on Sunday in one of the biggest of public figures including a missing and displaced persons demonstrations since the Nobel Prize-winning author Dmitry Murin, a member of despite an infusion of cash last last Friday. Our bank and others as well as economic election, and dispersed and the former head of the main the board of the Belarus central week. wanted to buy foreign cash cooperation. peacefully. state drama theatre. The gov- bank, said any shortage of “There is panic now, demand today but Raiffeisen said they Kosovo declared its inde- In a sign of the peril to an ernment has launched a foreign currency at exchange for foreign currency cash is very have none.” pendence from Serbia in 2008, already shaky economy, several criminal investigation, calling points “has a technical nature high,” one currency dealer in A spokesperson for Pri- with most UN member states banking sources told Reuters it an illegal attempt to seize - there is an issue with physical Minsk said, speaking on con- orbank, Raiffeisen’s subsidiary recognising it as an auton- most banks had effectively run power. availability of the banknotes. dition of anonymity. in Minsk, declined to comment. omous country. out of foreign currency to meet “Belarus has changed and Banks do not have forex “The only bank that has A source at a state-run Bela- Belgrade, however, main- surging demand from residents authorities will have to talk to liquidity shortages as of now.” (foreign) cash is Raiffeisen rusian bank said his bank had tains that it is a breakaway trying to sell the local Bela- us,” one of the council Banking sources described Bank, which sold it very actively received requests from cus- province, and has worked to rusian rouble. Queues have members, Maria Kolesnikova, what appears to be a serious last week. But the last plane car- tomers to withdraw $2.5m but roll back recognition. become common at exchange told reporters. shortage of hard currency rying cash arrived in Belarus had just $100,000 in its coffers. TUESDAY 25 AUGUST 2020 AMERICAS 11

Congresswoman Military planes, troops join firefighters in Brazil charged with murdering husband in California to fight massive blazes REUTERS — RIO DE JANEIRO

REUTERS — LOS ANGELES The worst of the Brazilian Congresswoman blazes, including the Flordelis de Souza was charged Crews from across the US West, with ordering the execution of military planes and National second and third her husband, pastor Anderson Guard troops poured into Cal- largest wildfires in do Carmo, who was shot more ifornia to join the fight against recorded California than 30 times at their home in two dozen major wildfires June 2019, according to a police burning across the state, as offi- history, were burning statement yesterday. cials warned of more dry in and around the San The Rio de Janeiro state lightning storms approaching. Francisco Bay Area, police said a total of 11 people The worst of the blazes, have been charged in con- including the second and third where more than nection with the crime. Souza largest wildfires in recorded 200,000 people have did not respond to a request California history, were burning for comment sent by email. in and around the San Francisco been told to flee their Her Social Democratic Bay Area, where more than homes. Party (PSD) said in a statement 200,000 people have been told her membership will be imme- to flee their homes. diately suspended and, as pro- “Extreme fire behaviour The LNU Complex, which ceedings progress, she will be with short and long range began as a string of smaller fires expelled from the party. spotting are continuing to chal- that merged into one massive As part of the probe, the lenge firefighting efforts. Fires blaze, has burned across police yesterday served nine continue to make runs in mul- roughly 340,000 acres of Napa, arrest warrants and 14 search tiple directions and impacting Sonoma, Lake, Yolo and Solano warrants in the cities of Rio de multiple communities,” the Cal- counties, Cal Fire spokesman Janeiro, Niterói, São Gonçalo ifornia Department of Forestry Daniel Berlant said. Chula Vista firefighter Rudy Diaz monitors the LNU Lightning Complex Fire as it engulfs brush in Lake and Brasília, where the con- and Fire Protection said of the It is now the second-largest County, California, US, on Sunday. gresswoman has an apartment. largest conflagration, the LNU wildfire on record in the state and Police said Souza’s motive Lightning Complex. was only 17% contained as of the way, Berlant said. Some 200 and central parts of California from the storms evaporates was “a struggle for power and The fires, which were ignited Sunday. To the south the SCU members of the National Guard during a record-breaking heat before reaching the ground, her financial emancipation.” by lightning from dry thunder- Lightning Complex was nearly had been activated and the US wave that has baked the state leaving dry lightning strikes that There is currently no arrest storms across Northern and as large, at 339,000 acres, and military sent planes, he said. for more than a week, caused have contributed to a volatile warrant for Souza, who is an Central California over the past only 10% contained, Berlant said. US President Donald Trump by a dome of atmospheric high wildfire season. elected federal deputy and as week, have killed at least seven Outside the Bay Area, the on Saturday declared the fires pressure hovering over the The American Lung Asso- such enjoys parliamentary people and destroyed some 700 flames were threatening forests a major disaster, freeing up American Southwest. ciation has warned that the immunity. homes and other structures. near the University of California federal funds to help residents Meteorologists say that same coronavirus pandemic has All told nearly one million at Santa Cruz and a wide swath and businesses harmed by the high-pressure ridge has also been heightened the health hazards Chile truck drivers acres have been blackened, of the area between San Fran- fires in seven counties pay for siphoning moisture from rem- posed by smoky air and according to Cal Fire. cisco and the state capital of temporary housing and repairs. nants of a now-dissipated extreme heat. Inhaling smoke call for strike after Smoke and ash has blan- Sacramento. Berlant said more dry thun- tropical storm off the coast of and ash can worsen the 9-year-old girl shot keted much of the northern part Reinforcement crews and derstorms were forecast Mexico and creating conditions weakened lungs of people with of California for days, drifting fire engines have arrived from through today and so-called red rife for thunderstorms across COVID-19, said Afif El-Hassan, REUTERS — SANTIAGO for miles and visible from Arizona, Montana, Nevada, flag warnings had been issued much of California. a physician spokesman for the several states away. Texas and Utah, with more on across much of the northern Most of the precipitation lung association. Truckdrivers in Chile called for a countrywide strike to begin on Thursday if President Sebastian Pinera and Congress Tropical storm Laura do not act immediately to stem a rising tide of attacks against their number in Chile´s Arau- kills 12 in Haiti, cania region. The threat of a walk-off comes after a nine-year-old Dominican Republic girl was hospitalized with a gunshot wound after an attack AFP — PORT-AU-PRINCE A woman and a child died on her father´s cement truck. at home, while a young man Police have launched an inves- Two hurricanes are expected died when a tree fell on his tigation but have yet to identify to slam into the US Gulf Coast home, Mendez said. The storm suspects. in the coming days, forecasters has flooded houses, cut off The country´s National Con- said, as Tropical Storm Laura remote villages and left more federation of Cargo Transport killed at least 12 people when than one million Dominicans said Congress had failed to pass it struck Haiti and the in the dark, Mendez added. laws necessary to stop these Dominican Republic. In neighbouring Haiti, a kinds of attacks and punish US media said twin hurri- 10-year-old girl was among the them adequately. “We demand canes were unprecedented in nine dead, authorities said. that Congress urgently... the Gulf of Mexico since records They said some homes were approve the 13 laws related to began 150 years ago. Tropical flooded and evacuations were the prevention, persecution Conservative Party of Canada Leader Erin O’Toole speaks after his win at the 2020 Leadership Storm Marco strengthened into under way. With brown water and sanctioning of crime,” they Election, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, yesterday. a hurricane with winds of up to their knees, some resi- said in the statement, referring 120km per hour, and is forecast dents tried to save what they to bills currently under review to hit the state of Louisiana. could from their flooded by lawmakers. Canada Conservatives elect new leader Tropical Storm Laura ham- homes, while street traders saw mered Haiti and the Dominican their goods washed away. Brazil’s Bolsonaro AFP — OTTAWA Peter MacKay, 54, who served as better and Conservatives will Republic with heavy rain, “I didn’t know there was bad foreign, defence and then justice work hard to earn the trust and killing at least 12 people — 9 in weather forecast. We don’t often threatens to Canadian Conservatives yes- minister under former prime confidence of Canadians in the Haiti and three in the have electricity in my neigh- punch reporter terday announced their new minister Stephen Harper, had next election.” A member of Dominican Republic. It was set borhood so I couldn’t follow the leader, former air force navi- been the favorite. parliament for Ontario and less to become a hurricane today news on the radio,” said Sony AFP — SAO PAULO gator Erin O’Toole, who will Two lawyers, little known well-known than MacKay, that could hit the US coastal Joseph, trembling with cold. quickly have to get the party to the general public, including O’Toole had twice previously region tomorrow. The Atlantic storm season, Brazilian President Jair Bol- battle-ready to challenge liberal the first black woman to run for run for the party leadership. Energy companies have which runs through November, sonaro on Sunday threatened Prime Minister Justin Trudeau the Conservative leadership, Both touted a need for the suspended some oil and natural could be one of the busiest ever to punch a reporter repeatedly in possible snap elections. Leslyn Lewis, were also in the party to broaden its appeal to gas production in the Gulf as this year, with the Hurricane in the mouth after being asked Following a largely virtual running. O’Toole won in the progressive voters, with a focus the weather deteriorates. Center predicting as many as about his wife’s links to an campaign due to the corona- third round after a close race on jobs and the economy, but The US National Hurricane 25 named storms. Laura is the alleged corruption scheme. virus epidemic, O’Toole, 47, was with MacKay, picking up support also to pitch a clear climate Center said Storm Laura was 12th so far. “I so want to pound your proclaimed the winner early of part of the religious right, plan, which has been lacking “bringing torrential rainfall Haiti, a country of 11 mouth with punches,” the far- Monday after a record 175,000 which had supported Lewis, from the Tories during the 2019 and life-threatening flooding” million, has seen a relatively right president said when a voted in the party race. according to several analysts. elections. to Haiti, which shares Hispa- low incidence of COVID-19 — reporter from O Globo, posed The results were delayed for “We must continue to point Like his three rivals, O’Toole niola island with the with just over 8,000 cases and the question. The reporter was several hours after an envelope- out Liberal failings and cor- also pledged to abolish the Dominican Republic. around 200 deaths to date — part of a group that met Bol- opening machine damaged ruption, but we must also show carbon tax put in place by The storm killed three but authorities urged caution sonaro after his regular visit to several thousand mailed-in Canadians our vision for a Trudeau, while promising an people in Dominican Repub- to prevent further spread in the the Metropolitan Cathedral in ballots. Former veterans affairs stronger, more prosperous and environmental plan. O’Toole lic’s capital Santo Domingo, aftermath of Storm Laura. Brasilia. The President ignored minister O’Toole faced three more united Canada,” O’Toole also wants to lift gun restric- said Juan Manuel Mendez, head Storms pose a serious risk protests from other journalists other candidates in the race to said in his acceptance speech. tions recently imposed by the of the country’s Center of to Haiti every year from June after the remarks and left without replace outgoing Andrew Scheer. “Canada can and must do Liberal government. Emergency Operations. to November. making further comments. In Mexico’s televised ‘return to classes’, parents turn to state schools REUTERS — MEXICO CITY running out of people and will very likely to support her two children in a paying have to close.” school. The pandemic has recently Millions of students returned to classes Schools were among the first insti- eased, but the government decided that virtually in Mexico yesterday after a tutions the government ordered into infections remained too high to risk hiatus lasting months caused by the lockdown in March, taking over 30 reopening schools. coronavirus pandemic that has sparked million students from some 216,500 So students must start the new aca- an exodus from private schools. public schools, and 5 million private demic year with a home-learning Mexico has yet to publish official students, out of classrooms. Mexico has program broadcast by major television data, but private-school bodies con- since recorded more than 60,000 deaths networks until infection rates are sulted by Reuters said almost 2 million from COVID-19, the third-highest toll deemed sufficiently low. The outlook students at all levels were expected to from the pandemic globally. has forced over 48,000 private schools quit private schools because of the In an attempt to hold on to students to delay a return to classrooms and crisis to join an already overcrowded and the payment of fees, private instead move online. public system. schools are trying to make deals with At least 15 parents said they had The lack of both in-person teaching parents, offering more discounts, withdrawn their children from private and access to facilities has left many scholarships and other benefits. schools to put them in the public parents unwilling to shoulder private- It has not been enough for some. system. The government says it can school costs. “We’re facing a tremendous “It’s ridiculous. They reduced (tuition) pick up the slack. “Nobody’s going to crisis,” said Alfredo Villar, head of the 3%, but before that they raised it 30% be left out. We’re ready to receive this Ines Lozo, 6, participates on her English virtual class, taught by the child’s private National Association of Private Schools, in the previous cycle,” said housewife wave of migration from private schools,” school, as millions of students returned to classes virtually yesterday after schools which groups more than 6,000 institu- Alicia Martinez, 37, who from the Deputy Education Minister Marcos Bucio went into lockdown in March, due to COVID-19 outbreak, in Mexico City, Mexico. tions nationwide. “Many schools are beginning of the crisis began struggling told a news conference. 12 AMERICAS TUESDAY 25 AUGUST 2020 Trump marks nomination by complaining about mail-in voting in speech

BLOOMBERG — CHARLOTTE State officials — and convention, White House offi- many Republican cials had said the tone of the US President Donald Trump event would be more positive marked his official nomination politicians other than the Democratic convention for a second term with a speech than Trump — have last week. But the President complaining about voting by said voting by almost immediately belied mail, alleging that his opponents those promises by again were attempting to steal the mail is secure and attempting to sow doubt in the November election and accusing have encouraged election outcome and accusing Democratic nominee Joe Biden Americans worried his opponents of a conspiracy of being a puppet of Beijing. to defeat him. The President launched into about coronavirus State officials — and many his allegations about mail voting infection to use the Republican politicians other — an option states have greatly than Trump — have said voting US President Donald Trump gives a thumbs up as Vice-President Mike Pence waves, following the expanded this year because of service. by mail is secure and have President’s address on the first day of the Republican National Convention after delegates voted to the coronavirus outbreak — encouraged Americans worried confirm him as the Republican 2020 presidential nominee for re-election, in Charlotte, North Carolina, even before he thanked dele- about coronavirus infection to gates gathered at the Republican going to complain and then the use the service. US, yesterday. National Convention in Charlotte election’s going to be over and While touching on policies for their nomination. then they’re going to complain, he considers accomplishments Trump ran largely unop- nomination. The President 336 delegates representing the “It’s not fair and it’s not they’ll say, ‘Oh well. we didn’t — increasing US defence posed for the party’s nomi- plans to appear nightly during 50 states, six territories and right,” he complained. “It’s not get it. No big deal.’ In the spending, his so-called “phase nation. Before the President the four-day convention, which Washington attended the roll-call going to be possible to tabulate, meantime, you might lose the one” trade deal with China, a secured enough votes yesterday will be staged mostly from vote inside the Charlotte Con- in my opinion.” He later alleged, election. This is the greatest program to speed up devel- to be the party’s official can- Washington because of the pan- vention Center. without evidence, that Demo- scam in the history of pol- opment of a coronavirus didate for the election, Vice- demic. He is scheduled to for- In a sign of his control over cratic-run states might mail itics. They’re trying to steal vaccine — he portrayed Dem- President Mike Pence was for- mally accept the nomination on the party, almost a third of the ballots only to neighbourhoods the election from Repub- ocrats as corrupt and bent on mally nominated to seek his Thursday in a speech from the convention’s speakers are people where members of their own licans,” he added. the country’s destruction. office again. South Lawn of the White House. who are related to the President party live. “Suppose they don’t The President later assured “Our country can go in a hor- Trump took the stage at the The Republican convention or work for him. First Lady mail them to Republican neigh- the convention delegates he rible, horrible direction, or an Charlotte Convention Center comes a week after Democrats, Melania Trump will deliver a bourhoods,” Trump said, would win, crediting what he even greater direction,” Trump after his adopted home state of in a mostly virtual event, nomi- speech from the Rose Garden speaking to an audience of a few said is higher enthusiasm for his said. He repeated allegations that Florida ended the roll-call vote nated Biden to challenge Trump today, and all of the President’s hundred GOP officials. candidacy than for Biden’s. Biden is beholden to China. by awarding him its 122 dele- in November. Republicans, adult children — Donald, Jr., Eric, “That means they’re not Leading up to the beginning of “China will own our country if gates. No delegate from any though, insisted on at least a par- Tiffany and Ivanka — will have a going to get them. So they’re Trump’s nominating this guy gets elected,” he said. state voted against Trump’s tially in-person convention. The speaking role. Police shoot Black man in the back US President's media pugilist Kellyanne in Wisconsin city, sparking unrest Conway to step down REUTERS — KENOSHA, WISCONSIN AFP — WASHINGTON Police shot a Black man in the back multiple times in Kenosha, Kellyanne Conway (pictured), Wisconsin, as his three sons a long-serving adviser to Pres- watched on Sunday, his fam- ident Donald Trump known for ily’s lawyer said, sparking a sparring with reporters, night of unrest during which announced that she will step protesters hurled firebombs and down to focus on her family. bricks at law enforcement Conway, 53, has been at officers. Trump’s side since day one, The victim, 29-year-old managing his 2016 campaign Jacob Blake, was taken to a hos- that catapulted the reality TV be less drama, more mama.” pital in serious condition after star into the world’s most pow- Her announcement came a the shooting on Sunday erful office. day after her 15-year-old afternoon. Blake’s father told But the past four years of daughter Claudia tweeted that NBC News yesterday that his singular loyalty to Trump, she was “devastated” that her son was out of surgery and in including defending him on TV mother would speak at the stable condition. and with informal “gaggles” Republican convention, and A video circulating on social with the press, have taken a toll pledged to seek legal emanci- media showed Blake walking on the combative spin doctor pation “due to years of toward the driver’s side of a who coined the phrase “alter- childhood trauma and abuse”. gray SUV followed by two native facts”. Separately, George Conway officers with their guns drawn People walk past a used car lot with burned out cars after a night of unrest, in Kenosha yesterday. While she made a name for said he would be stepping back at his back. Seven gunshot herself as one of Trump’s from the Lincoln Project, a sounds can be heard as Blake, nationwide protests against Matter chapter in Kenosha who by the police as to what led to sharpest defenders, her group of anti-Trump Repub- who appears to be unarmed, police brutality and structural is also known by her social the shooting. husband, prominent Wash- licans he co-founded, and opens the car door. racism in the United States. media name Billy Violet, said Prominent civil rights ington lawyer George Conway, taking a break from Twitter, It was unknown whether Former Vice-President Joe her group has staged protests attorney Ben Crump said that is a strident critic of the Pres- which he frequently used to the officers saw something Biden yesterday called for the following two other incidents Blake had been trying to de- ident, repeatedly and loudly assail the President. inside the vehicle to justify officers to be held accountable of police use of force in recent escalate a domestic incident questioning his mental fitness Kellyanne Conway came to deadly force. It was also not and for the dismantling of sys- weeks and has been dissatisfied when the officers first shot him for office. “I will be transi- prominence just days after clear whether one or both temic racism. “And this with the police response. with a taser gun. “As he was tioning from the White House Trump took office for coining officers fired their weapons. morning, the nation wakes up “This city is not going to stop walking away to check on his at the end of this month,” she the term “alternative facts” Crowds gathered at the yet again with grief and outrage burning itself down until they children, police fired their said in a statement. while defending the debunked scene, set fires and threw bricks that yet another Black American (protesters) know that this weapons several times into his “George is also making White House claim that the and Molotov cocktails at police, is a victim of excessive force,” officer has been fired,” she said. back at point blank range. changes. We disagree about 45th President’s inauguration prompting authorities to impose Biden said in a statement, “There was no reason for seven Blake’s three sons were only a plenty but we are united on crowd was larger than a curfew. Yesterday, Kenosha noting that Blake was shot in shots to be fired into this man’s few feet away and witnessed what matters most: The kids.” Obama’s. In 2017 she referred County announced on Twitter the back. “These shots pierce back while he had three kids in police shoot their father,” She said their four children to a non-existent terrorist that its courthouse and admin- the soul of our nation.” the car.” The shooting occurred Crump said. would be starting the new aca- attack, “the Bowling Green istration building would be Social media posts showed around 5pm as officers were The officers involved in the demic year remotely. massacre”, to defend Trump’s closed due to damage from the crowds marching on Sunday responding to what they termed shooting have been placed on “As millions of parents immigration ban. night’s unrest. evening down streets in Kenosha, a “domestic incident”. administrative leave, the Wis- nationwide know, kids ‘doing During Trump’s term she The incident occurred three a city of around 100,000 people The victim was immediately consin Department of Justice school from home’ requires a was both famous and notorious months after the death of on Lake Michigan about 100km taken to a hospital by the police, said. The state’s Division of level of attention and vigilance for sparring with the media, George Floyd, a 46-year-old north of Chicago. according to a Kenosha Police Criminal Investigation said it that is as unusual as these often by finding a way to Black man, in Minneapolis Whitney Cabal, one of the Department statement. No would work to issue a report to times,” she said. “For now, and change the topic, turn the police custody sparked leaders of the Black Lives further explanation was given prosecutors within 30 days. for my beloved children, it will question back on the reporter, FDA’s authorisation of plasma treatment for coronavirus hailed REUTERS — WASHINGTON plasma can decrease mortality and carries water, enzymes and blood cells improve the health of patients when throughout the body. It also carries the President Donald Trump on Sunday administered in the first three days of antibodies humans form to fight off hailed FDA authorization of a corona- their hospitalization. disease and boost immunity. virus treatment that uses blood plasma The agency also said it determined COVID-19 patients have been from recovered patients, a day after this was a safe approach in an analysis receiving convalescent plasma for accusing the agency of impeding the of 20,000 patients who received the several months through clinical trials rollout of vaccines and therapeutics treatment. So far, 70,000 patients have at medical centers such as New York’s for political reasons. been treated using blood plasma, the Mount Sinai Hospital and Johns The US Food & Drug Administration FDA said. Hopkins. Supplies of plasma are (FDA) announcement of its “emergency “It appeared that the product is safe limited because they require that a use authorization” of the treatment and we’re comfortable with that and recovered COVID-19 patient donate came on the eve of the Republican we continue to see no concerning blood and that it matches the blood National Convention. “This is what I’ve safety signals,” Peter Marks, director type of the recipient. been looking to do for a long time,” of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Eval- Reuters reported that COVID-19 Trump told an unusually brief White uation and Research, told reporters in plasma supplies are dwindling, with House news conference. a conference call. the American Red Cross saying its “Today I’m pleased to make a truly At least 5,686,377 cases of stockpile of plasma for COVID-19 historic announcement in our battle COVID-19 have been reported in the patients declined 70% in July. FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn speaks as Health and Human Services Secretary against the China virus that will save United States, according to a Reuters US regulators provided emergency Alex Azar looks on in the Press Briefing Room of the White House in Washington, countless lives.” tally, and more than 176,000 Amer- authorization for Gilead Science Inc’s DC. US authorities announced an emergency approval of blood plasma from The FDA, explaining its decision, icans have died. remdesivir as a therapeutic treatment recovered virus patients as a treatment against the disease. cited early evidence suggesting blood Plasma is the element of blood that for COVID-19 earlier this year. BUSINESS TUESDAY 25 AUGUST 2020 13

PAGE | 15 PAGE | 15 Norwegian fund Apple’s Tim Cook drops Exxon and is poised to get Chevron over $279m annual climate lobbying stock payout

Barwa Bank announces successful exit US recession likely to end of education investment in Qatar late 2020 or

THE PENINSULA — DOHA 2021: Survey

Barwa Bank has announced the BLOOMBERG successful closure of the edu- cation investment launched by its wholly owned subsidiary, The US economy will The First Investor (TFI) Qatar, emerge from the recession a leading Shariah-complaint in the second half of this investment firm. year or at some point in In 2013, along with investors 2021, and a majority of and in partnership with Qatar economists said Congress Insurance Company (QIC), TFI needs to extend supple- provided funding for the con- mental aid, according to struction of two schools in Al a National Association for Wakra, Qatar and leased the Business Economics operations to GEMS survey. Education. Two-thirds of pan- The transaction, in line with elists said the economy is the planned investment In 2013, along with still in the recession that strategy, performed excep- A provided picture of Wellington School building funded by The First Investor (TFI) Qatar, a leading started in February, while tionally well throughout the investors and in nearly 80 percent indi- Shariah-complaint investment arm of Barwa Bank. holding period and initial partnership with cated that there is at least investors received a net 60 a one-in-four chance of a percent return on investment. Qatar Insurance endorsement of our ability to Barwa Bank Group will con- are vital for enhancing the double-dip recession. The During the tenure of their Company (QIC), TFI capitalise on well-defined and tinue seeking and offering Qatari economy. The Education NABE survey summarises investment, investors received provided funding for distinct opportunities alongside superior risk-adjusted Fund provided us with one such the responses of 235 semiannual dividends equating reputable partners. We con- investment opportunities to unique opportunity to support members and was con- to an annual cash-on-cash the construction of tinue to believe in the per- esteemed investors in local and the growth in the education ducted between late July return between 6 percent and two schools in Al formance of the Qatari real international markets. sector, a key pillar in realising and early August. 8 percent. Wakra, Qatar and estate market especially the Further highlighting the the Qatar National Vision 2030. A majority of panelists Khalid Al Subeai (pictured), residential segment, for 2020 rationale behind this strategic We will continue to engage in said they believe Congress Group CEO at Barwa Bank leased the operations and beyond. We remain partnership between QIC and identifying such investment should extend supple- Group and TFI Board Member to GEMS Education. focused on identifying value- TFI, Salem Al Mannai, Group opportunities, which promote mental unemployment commented, said: “We are enhancing investment oppor- CEO at QIC Group, added: “We the broader agenda at the insurance and the Pay- extremely pleased with the tunities that are supported by consistently endeavour to national level and at the same check Protection Program performance of the asset. Our strong fundamentals with identify and support initiatives time provide attractive risk- for small businesses, with investors have enjoyed a strong their respective holding minimal risks.” that aim at furthering adjusted returns to QIC Group 22 percent indicating that and steady income throughout periods. This investment is an He further affirmed that investment in key sectors that and its partners.” the next fiscal package should be $1.5 trillion to $2 trillion. After Congress failed to agree on a new stimulus Germany launches first ‘green’ bonds package, letting the extra $600 a week in unem- AFP — FRANKFURT The country earmarked conventional federal bonds agenda: Greta Thunberg and ployment assistance €54bn in spending to 2023 as with the same maturity and representatives of the environ- expire, President Donald Germany yesterday announced part of a climate package that coupon, the finance ministry mental activist group Fridays Trump announced in early details of its first “green” bond includes introducing a carbon said. For Future had an audience August that he would placing, tapping financial tax to cut greenhouse gases by It means investors will be with Chancellor Angela Merkel redirect disaster-relief markets to fund environmental 55 percent by 2030 compared able to swap their bonds from last week. funds to provide federal projects for the first time. with 1990 levels. one variant to the other, with Green bonds accounted for aid to the unemployed by The finance ministry said it Rita Schwarzeluehr-Sutter the aim of making them more 2.85 percent of global bond executive action. would raise up to €11bn ($13bn) (pictured), parliamentary state attractive to investors, issuance in 2019, or around While 40 percent of in 2020 to support climate- secretary for environment, said according to Joerg Kukies, par- $205bn, according to the respondents rate the fiscal related projects. the bonds will contribute to the liamentary secretary to the European Central Bank. response by Congress as The first issue in September government’s efforts. finance ministry. Almost half of green bonds “insufficient,” 37 percent of a 10-year bond, or Bund, will “Green federal bonds create Germany joins the green issued worldwide last year were said it’s “adequate.” At the have a minimum of €4bn in a clear incentive. In this way, bond trend relatively late. in euros, the ECB added. pandemic. same time, more than 75 volume. we are showing how green and Poland launched the world’s ECB chief Christine Lagarde Lagarde started at the ECB percent of panelists said The German government climate-friendly economic first sovereign green bonds in said in July that climate pro- late last year with a pledge to the Federal Reserve mon- announced late last year that it activities can be made trans- 2016 and France, currently the tection was a top priority for the pursue a “greener” monetary etary policy is currently would launch the bonds in the parent and predictable,” she world leading issuer of the bank, after it unveiled a plan policy, raising the prospect that “about right,” the second half of 2020 as part of said. instrument, in 2017. worth €1.35 trillion to help the the bank could increase the strongest approval in its efforts to combat climate The green bonds will be Yet environmental issues European economy recover share of climate-friendly more than 13 years. change. “twin bonds”, issued alongside are high on the German political from the coronavirus investments in its portfolio. UK plans law to force big Record Turkey gold output is all headed for the companies to clean up Central Bank, says chief of Gold Miners Association BLOOMBERG about 160 tonnes for the past 25 demand has cooled as a result, their supply chains years, and consumers are said Yucel, who is also the chief Turkey is poised to produce a expected to buy at least 150 executive officer of Nurol Hold- REUTERS — LONDON record amount of gold this year tonnes, Yucel said. The country’s ing’s gold-mining unit, Tumad rubber, soy and palm oil, are and the central bank will gold import bill was $7.2bn in Madencilik. produced in accordance with probably buy all of it, at prices 2019 for 160 tonnes, the associ- Turkey’s recoverable gold Britain said yesterday it would local laws, or face fines. near record highs. ation said yesterday. Imports reserves of 1,500 tonnes is a start a consultation process on The new law would help Production by one of the amounted to 137 tonnes in the bigger resource for the country a potential new law which deter the destruction of rain- world’s top buyers of the pre- first seven months of the year, it than the natural-gas discovery would force big companies to forest in order to grow agricul- cious metal is expected to said. in the Black Sea announced by clean up their supply chains by tural products elsewhere in the increase 16 percent to 44 tonnes The central bank, based in President Recep Tayyip Erdogan fining them if they used world, said the government’s this year, Hasan Yucel (pictured), Ankara, had 583 tonnes of gold on Friday, he said. products grown on illegally Department for Environment, the head of Turkey’s Gold Miners reserves at the end of June, up “The value-add that the deforested land. Food and Rural Affairs in a Association, said in an interview. unlikely to change this year. from 413 tonnes at end-2019, country will have from gold is Prime Minister Boris statement, adding that the level Legislation introduced in The value of the central according to the World Gold much bigger than the natural-gas Johnson, who is due to host the of fines would be set at a later 2017 gives the central bank the bank’s stockpiles have surged Council. While it’s still far behind find, making it clear the need for United Nations’ climate summit date. right of first refusal to purchase even as it ran down foreign- top holders like the US or more government support in in November 2021, has “There is a hugely important gold mined in the country at pre- exchange reserves to an almost Germany, the Turkish regulator gold production,” Yucel said. promised to “build back connection between the vailing market prices. The value 15-year low to support its weak- has been the biggest bullion The industry has attracted greener” from the coronavirus products we buy and their of its gold reserves surged to an ening currency. buyer so far this year, adding $6bn of investment in explo- pandemic which caused its wider environmental footprint, all-time high in the week through Turks are big consumers of about 170 tonnes to its stockpile. ration in the past three decades, economy to shrink by a fifth in which is why the government August 7, only to drop 5 percent the commodity, which is used as In terms of consumer demand, he said. the second quarter. is consulting today on new a week later, the biggest decline a traditional gift for events Turkey is the fifth largest. Alamos Gold of Canada, Under the proposed new measures,” said international in five months. That effectively ranging from weddings to cir- A spokesman for the central Nurol, Guris Holding and Calik legislation, larger companies environment minister Zac Gold- mirrored the moves in market cumcision ceremonies. It’s typi- bank declined to comment on its Holding plan to invest at least which operate in Britain would smith. Many big companies prices over the same period. cally also used by merchants purchasing strategy. $100m each in western Turkey’s need to show that any com- already have sustainable “The central bank has always inside Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, The jump in gold prices has Canakkale and Balikesir regions, modities they used in their sourcing policies in place for been our only buyer since the one of the world’s oldest covered boosted appetite among local or in Artvin province, in the supply chain, such as cocoa, commodities. legislation was changed,” Yucel markets, to pay rent. That’s investors to produce the metal, northeastern tip of the country said, predicting that the trend is helped keep local demand at even though local consumer bordering Georgia, Yucel said. 14 BUSINESS TUESDAY 25 AUGUST 2020 TUESDAY 25 AUGUST 2020 BUSINESS 15 ‘Great urgency’ to make over Singapore’s Apple’s Tim Cook is economy, says President Yacob poised to get $279m BLOOMBERG The president also said in her speech that the government will annual stock payout With the coronavirus pandemic address the sense of competition threatening the global openness for jobs from work pass holders, BLOOMBERG and integration that have allowed Efforts to bolster an issue that is “potentially Singapore to prosper, President resilience in critical divisive” and has become a major Halimah Yacob said there’s areas of the economy source of anxiety, especially With Apple’s stock soaring, “great urgency” to transform the among mid-career Singaporeans. Tim Cook (pictured) is city-state’s economy. such as food, health These concerns “not only touch cruising toward another big “Much of our economy care and supply on matters of livelihood, but also payout. thrives because we have made on our sense of identity and Barring a precipitous ourselves a vibrant hub for the chain management belonging,” she said. drop in Apple’s stock, Cook region and an attractive place for can become new Halimah said that while the was set to receive 560,000 trade, investments, talent and government will work with shares yesterday, worth a sources of growth, Halimah Yacob, President of ideas,” Halimah said yesterday, employers to further bolster combined $278.6m as of Fri- Singapore. addressing the first session of while the Southeast workforce capabilities and day’s close, his annual haul parliament since July’s general Asian nation will ensure firms treat Singaporeans from an award he got nine election. “We cannot take our dormitories. Partial lockdown fairly when they recruit and years ago after succeeding hub status for granted, or assume also make a major measures imposed in April kept retrench workers, the country Steve Jobs. partly tied to continued that its scope and role will remain push for sustainable infections at bay among the must also not turn inwards and It’s the latest in a string service, while the remainder the same.” She said the country growth including general public, while Singapore should continue to welcome of victories for Cook, who pays out in relation to how will resume air travel safely and has bolstered its testing and those who can contribute to the was named chief executive well Apple’s stock does rel- help its companies develop links for green financing contact-tracing capacity as well nation. The president’s com- officer of the iPhone-maker ative to other companies in to new markets. Meanwhile, across the region. as built dedicated community ments follow elections last month nine years ago. In late July, the S&P 500 index over three efforts to bolster resilience in care centers that have helped where popular support for the the company reported a years. critical areas such as food, health prevent its health care system ruling People’s Action Party fell record third quarter. The As of Friday, the com- care and supply chain man- annualised basis. Additional from becoming overloaded. to near a record low. With the firm’s stock soared, pushing pany’s return over that agement can become new support measures of S$8bn Halimah said the island opposition taking a greater role his net worth above $1bn less period, including reinvested sources of growth, while the ($5.8bn) were announced last nation needs to strengthen its in parliament, Halimah said that, than two weeks later. And, dividends, was roughly 225 Southeast Asian nation will also week to help businesses and social-safety net “to give Singa- “besides raising questions and last week, Apple’s market percent, better than the vast make a major push for sus- workers, adding to some S$93bn poreans more assurance coping criticisms,” they should now value eclipsed $2 trillion. majority of firms in the tainable growth including for in earlier pledges of government with life’s uncertainties” and propose policy alternatives to be Cook, 59, said in 2015 index, according to data green financing across the region, aid for the economy, among the added the government will do scrutinised and debated. that he plans to give most of compiled by Bloomberg. That she said. highest levels in the region. “much more” in this term to see “When the situation his fortune away and has puts him well above the Singapore’s economy The city-state has more than its people through the crisis and demands, both the government already donated millions of threshold for the payout. entered a technical recession in 56,000 confirmed cases of beyond. Singapore’s jobless rate and opposition should set aside dollars worth of Apple Josh Rosenstock, an the second quarter, shrinking a infection, with over 90 percent hit its highest level in the second differences and work together to shares. Apple spokesman, declined record 42.9 percent from the pre- of the total coming from migrant quarter since the global financial secure the safety and future of His annual payouts are to comment. vious three months on an laborers living in tightly-spaced crisis more than a decade ago. our nation,” she said. Norwegian fund drops Exxon and Chevron over climate lobbying

AP - BERLIN better than US oil majors.” He A Norwegian pension fund called on other investors to said yesterday that it is help speed up the transition divesting over $47m from 27 away from fossil fuels. companies, including Exxon “We need to accelerate and Chevron, as part of its away from oil and gas without commitment to combating deflecting attention onto climate change. The fund carbon offsetting and carbon warned other major oil and capture and storage,” Saug- gas companies it might drop estad said. them as well. “Renewable energy Storebrand, which sources like solar and wind manages assets worth $91bn, power are readily available had over $12m invested in alternatives.” Among the other Exxon and more than $10m in companies that Storebrand is Chevron. It said it is also selling action to solve this crisis.” “The divesting from are Japan’s its stocks in UK-based mining Exxons and Chevrons of the Mitsui, Kansai Electric Power company Rio Tinto and world are holding us back,” Company and Chubu Electric German chemicals maker Storebrand’s chief executive, Power Company, which Saug- BASF. Jan Erik Saugestad (pictured), estad said were “too slow to The Oslo-based fund said in a statement. “This get out of coal.” Storebrand’s EU's recovery package a long-term measure called climate change “one of initial move does not mean policies include not investing the greatest risks facing that BP, Shell, Equinor and in companies that lobby German Finance Minister and Vice-Chancellor Olaf Scholz (left) and Pamela Rendi-Wagner, party humanity” and accused other oil and gas majors can against the 2015 Paris climate leader and parliamentary group leader of Austria’s social democratic SPOe party address a press several of the companies it is rest easy and continue with accord or which derive more conference in Vienna, yesterday. Scholz has noted that the European Union's recovery package divesting from of “lobbying business as usual, even though than 5 percent of their revenue financed by joint borrowing was a long-term measure rather than a short-term coronavirus crisis fix. activities which undermine they are performing relatively from coal or oil sands.

Microsoft defends Fortnite maker in Apple fight AFP - NEW YORK and gamers,” wrote Kevin Gammill (pictured), Microsoft’s Microsoft came to the defense of general manager of gaming the maker of video game sen- developer experiences. sation Fortnite on Sunday, saying Apple has alleged that the in a court filing that Apple’s Fortnite maker deserves to lose moves to cut off the company its access to the programming from programming tools would tools because it violated the hurt other game creators and terms of their contract. players as well. At the heart of the fight is the Epic Games is locked in a 30 percent that Apple takes on legal battle with Apple after the revenue generated by com- trying to dodge commission pay- panies to distribute their apps ments due to the tech giant, through its online store. prompting the iPhone maker to Epic Games filed a lawsuit pull Fortnite from its online store. court handling the case between against Apple last week after the Apple also threatened to cut Epic and Apple, a Microsoft tech giant took Fortnite off its off Epic’s access to its pro- manager said Unreal Engine “is App Store for releasing an update gramming tools needed to critical technology for numerous that dodges revenue sharing. maintain “Unreal Engine”, a game creators including The latest version contains a software platform that was Microsoft”. payment system that lets player developed by Epic and which is “Apple’s discontinuation of transactions bypass the App used by many video game studios Epic’s ability to develop and Store, preventing Cupertino- to create graphics. support Unreal Engine for iOS or based Apple from collecting its In a filing to the California macOS will harm game creators typical 30 percent cut. Supermarket Tesco creates 16,000 jobs AFP - LONDON “These new roles will help us continue to meet online demand for the long term, and will create Tesco will create 16,000 permanent UK jobs to meet permanent employment opportunities for 16,000 a surge in online demand for groceries triggered by people across the UK,” he added in a statement. the coronavirus pandemic, the British supermarket The new permanent positions are in addition to giant said yesterday. around 4,000 full-time jobs created by Tesco during Britain’s biggest retailer added in a statement the pandemic. that it expects “the majority” of jobs to be filled by Some 47,000 temporary staff joined Tesco at temporary staff drafted in during the pandemic to the peak of the coronavirus, most of whom have cope with soaring home food deliveries during the reached the end of their contracts. Yesterday’s country’s lockdown. announcement came after major UK companies “Since the start of the pandemic, our colleagues announced thousands of job cuts in recent weeks, have helped us to more than double our online notably across the aviation and retail sectors, owing capacity, safely serving nearly 1.5 million customers to effects of the coronavirus outbreak. In October, every week and prioritising vulnerable customers the UK government is to end a furlough scheme that to ensure they get the food they need,” said Jason has been paying up to 80 percent of wages for around Tarry, CEO for Tesco UK and Ireland. ten million workers during the pandemic. Tuesday 25 August 2020 To advertise contact: Tel: 44557 857 or email: [email protected] TUESDAY 25 AUGUST 2020 CLASSIFIEDS 17 18 CLASSIFIEDS TUESDAY 25 AUGUST 2020

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Tokyo Skytree lights up to Anderson reaches 599 wickets mark one year to go for as Pakistan frustrate England AFP — SOUTHAMPTON Buttler on the thigh as he failed Paralympics to get his gloves to a chance James Anderson was left just far less difficult than several AP — TOKYO one shy of becoming only the catches he held on Sunday. fourth bowler to take 600 Test England batsman Ollie The Tokyo Skytree was lighted wickets as a combination of Pope injured his shoulder in red, green and blue yesterday poor catching, bad weather chasing a ball to the boundary to mark one year to go for the and some determined Pakistan and was replaced by James opening of the Paralympic batting conspired against the Bracey, with the substitute Games. England paceman in South- fielder summing up the hosts’ The Olympics and Paral- ampton yesterday. morning when his needless shy ympics were to take place this Anderson, denied an early at the stumps led to four year but have been postponed breakthrough when Jos Buttler overthrows. because of the COVID-19 dropped a routine chance to Pakistan resumed yes- pandemic. reprieve Shan Masood, returned terday a huge 310 runs behind Tokyo Olympic organisers for a third spell late on the fourth a total built on Zak Crawley’s have also announced that the day of the third Test to have 267 and Buttler’s 152. The pair Olympic flame that has been in opener Abid Ali lbw. shared an England fifth-wicket Tokyo since it arrived from That took the 38-year-old record stand of 359. Greece in March will go on to 599 Test wickets but even Azhar’s superb 141 not out display beginning on September though the floodlights were on, kept England at bay longer 1 at the Japanese Olympic the umpires ruled the only way than looked likely after his side Museum in Tokyo. play could continue safely was collapsed to 75-5 on Sunday. Organisers say the flame with spin from both ends. England’s James Anderson will remain there until As a result Anderson, who celebrates with team-mates after SCOREBOARD November 1. It is not clear had miserly figures of 1-18 taking the wicket of Pakistan’s Abid where it will be located after from 12 overs was replaced by England 1st Innings 583-8 dec Ali in Southampton, yesterday. Pakistan 1st Innings 273 that. The Olympics are to open England captain Joe Root, who Pakistan 2nd Innings on July 23, 2021, with the Para- bowled his part-time off- Shan Masood lbw b Broad ...... 18 lympics opening on August 24. breaks in partnership with century and Babar Azam the decision but once again and India’s Anil Kumble (619). Abid Ali lbw b Anderson ...... 42 Local organisers, the Inter- frontline spinner Dom Bess. unbeaten on four. technology upheld Michael Anderson started the day Azhar Ali not out ...... 29 national Olympic Committee But with the natural light If England, as now seems Gough’s original verdict. in sight of the select group Babar Azam not out ...... 4 and the International Paral- fading, the umpires decided highly likely, avoid defeat they Anderson, switched to after taking 5-56 -- his 29th Extras (lb7) ...... 7 ympic Committee have given no conditions were unsafe even will win their first Test cam- Gough’s end, had Abid lbw for five-wicket haul in 156 Tests Total (2 wkts, 56 overs, 249m) ...... 100 details about how the mega under for slow bowling. paign against Pakistan in a a painstaking 42, with the bats- -- during Pakistan’s first- To bat: Asad Shafiq, Fawad Alam, Mohammad Rizwan, Yasir Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad events will be held next year Rain then fell to end any decade. Root’s men are 1-0 up man’s fruitless review leaving innings 273. Abbas, Naseem Shah with COVID-19 still spreading. hope of a resumption, with in a three-match campaign. Pakistan 88-2. He might even have Fall of wickets: 1-49 (Masood), 2-88 (Abid) The Olympics involves more showers forecast for Anderson started the day No paceman has yet reached the landmark late on Bowling: Anderson 12-3-18-1; Broad 11-5-23-1; 11,000 athletes and the Paral- today’s final day. with 598 wickets and then saw reached the landmark figure Sunday had not three catches Woakes 8-2-14-0; Archer 9-5-8-0; Bess 14-3- ympics 4,400. Pakistan, following on, Buttler drop a fourth catch in of 600 Test wickets. been dropped off his bowling 27-0; Root 2-0-3-0 Organisers have said only were 100-2 -- still 210 runs 37 balls off his bowling. The only bowlers ahead of with the new ball. England: Rory Burns, Dom Sibley, Zak Crawley, that they plan to scale back and behind England’s first innings After an initial rain break the 38-year-old Anderson in And there was more frus- Joe Root (capt), Ollie Pope, Jos Buttler (wkt), Chris Woakes, Dom Bess, Jofra Archer, Stuart simplify, but have said they will 583-8 declared -- at the close. of more than three-and-a-half the all-time list are three tration for Anderson when Broad, James Anderson not begin sharing details until Azhar Ali, the Pakistan hours, Masood fell lbw playing retired spinners -- Sri Lanka’s Masood, on three, edged an Match position: Pakistan are 210 runs behind the fall. captain, was 29 not out fol- no shot to Stuart Broad for 18. Muttiah Muralitharan (800), intended drive outside off- with eight second-innings wickets standing lowing his first-innings The left-hander reviewed Australia’s Shane Warne (708) stump only for the ball to hit Woods finds rhythm Dimitrov wins as big after shooting 66 at names in women's Northern Trust Open draw make early exit AP — NEW YORK seed when the Grand Slam REUTERS — NEW YORK tournament begins August 31, Two months after barely being lost 7-5, 6-4 to Veronika Kuder- Tiger Woods shot his lowest round able to walk while ill with metova; Kenin, who won the of the year with a 66 at the COVID-19, Grigor Dimitrov Australian Open this year, was Northern Trust Open and said he This has been a very different played a professional tennis upset by Alize Cornet 6-1, 7-6 is starting to find his “rhythm and year for all of us, and that’s match at the Western & (7); Stephens was eliminated by flow” after some inconsistent one of the things that we’ve all Southern Open and -- while the Caroline Garcia 6-3, 7-6 (4). displays since the PGA Tour had to make adjustments, and result was not what was most Dimitrov tested positive for restarted in June. for me, I’m just now starting to important -- he won. the coronavirus in June while Woods fired four straight get into the rhythm and flow of “I said to myself, ‘I’ll give it participating in a series of exhi- birdies to open his final round and competing and playing again: a try.’ Now I’m here playing a bitions in Croatia and Serbia finished on six-under-par 278 for Tiger Woods match today,” said Dimitrov, a organized by Novak Djokovic, the tournament -- 24 shots behind 29-year-old from Bulgaria who who also got COVID-19. winner Dustin Johnson. was a US Open semifinalist last (Djokovic pulled out of the Woods, who has played three going to be -- if I played well, four year and is ranked No. 19. doubles event at the Western events since the Tour’s resumption out of five weeks, so it’s going to “Honestly, I’m just purely & Southern Open on Sunday, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, told be a busy stretch either way.” thankful that I’m even able to citing neck pain, but is still reporters he had not been at his Meanwhile, Dustin Johnson just be here, to participate. slated to compete in singles best since the restart. said he is targeting a lengthy stay Forget about the match -- I’m Monday.) “This has been a very different at the top of the world rankings not even talking about tennis “The first week was just year for all of us, and that’s one of after reclaiming the number one right now.” tragic. I started by just walking. the things that we’ve all had to spot with a 11-shot victory at the He said he arrived in New I couldn’t really do any exercise. make adjustments, and for me, I’m Northern Trust Open. The 36-year- York, the site for both the I could not lift weights. I just now starting to get into the old American became the fifth Western & Southern Open and couldn’t play tennis,” Dimitrov rhythm and flow of competing and player to be ranked number one the US Open, just 1½ days said, adding that he lost a lot of playing again,” he added. this year after he leapfrogged Jon before taking the court for what weight while sick. Woods, who is fighting for Rahm, Justin Thomas and Rory turned out to be a 6-3, 6-4 Eventually, Dimitrov said, enough points to earn a spot in the McIlroy following his dominating victory over Ugo Humbert. he would practice for 20 FedExCup final in East Lake, display at TPC Boston. Brooks The women’s draw saw minutes at a time, then built Atlanta, said he was encouraged Koepka was also No. 1 this year. some big names exit on Day 2 that up in increments. by the finish ahead of the BMW Johnson last held the number at the hard-court tournament: Still, he was doubtful Championship this month. one ranking in May last year. No. 1 seed Karolina Pliskova, about getting back on tour at “I wish I’d have played a bit "... It's something that I'm very Tiger Woods of the United States lines up a putt No. 2 Sofia Kenin and 2017 US the Western & Southern Open, better this week to make it a little proud of is to be number one in the on the 11th green during the final round of The Open champion Sloane the first ATP tournament bit easier on me next week to try world, and I'd like to stay there for Northern Trust. Stephens. since tennis went on hiatus in to get into East Lake, but this is a little while," said Johnson. Pliskova, the 2016 US Open March because of the runner-up who will be the top pandemic. NBA: Doncic leads Mavericks past Clippers in thriller

REUTERS — NEW YORK Trey Burke added 25 points The Raptors will play the 28 points, including seven Luka Doncic of the Dallas and Tim Hardaway Jr. scored Boston Celtics in the Eastern inside the final 3:20 of the third Mavericks celebrates a Luka Doncic’s 3-pointer at the 19 of his 21 in the second half Conference semi-finals. period, during which the Celtics game winning three point buzzer in overtime lifted the for the Mavericks, while Seth Boston Celtics 110 - Phila- broke from a 77-all tie to take Dallas Mavericks to a 135-133 Curry chipped in 15 points. delphia 76ers 106 an 89-77 advantage into the basket against the LA victory over the Los Angeles Toronto Raptors 150 - Boston completed a four- fourth quarter. Clippers. Clippers and even up the teams’ Brooklyn Nets 122 game sweep of Philadelphia in Utah Jazz 129 - Denver first-round Western Conference Reserve Norman Powell the first round of the Eastern Nuggets 127 play-off series as two games scored a career play-off high 29 Conference play-offs, riding Donovan Mitchell scored 51 apiece in the NBA bubble near points and Toronto completed Kemba Walker’s game-high 32 points and dished out seven Orlando. a four-game sweep of under- points and a 14-point run assists to help Utah outlast Doncic shook off the effects manned Brooklyn in their first- bridging the third and fourth Denver and take a 3-1 lead in of a sprained left ankle sus- round Eastern Conference play- quarters. their Western Conference first- tained on Friday and recorded off series. The third-seeded Celtics round playoff series. his second consecutive triple- Serge Ibaka added a play- will move on to the Eastern Mitchell posted his second double with 43 points, 17 off career best 27 points off the semi-finals and face second- 50-point game in the series, rebounds and 13 assists in the bench and grabbed 15 rebounds seeded Toronto, which also fin- becoming just the third NBA game. for the Raptors, who swept a ished off a sweep of its first- player, joining Michael Jordan He carried the Mavericks to best-of-seven play-off series for round opponent, Brooklyn, on and Allen Iverson, to score 50 the win despite playing without the first time in their 25-year Sunday. points twice in the same play- Kristaps Porzingis (knee). franchise history. Jayson Tatum finished with off series. SPORT SPORT | 19 SPORT | 19

Anderson reaches Woods finds rhythm 599 wickets after shooting as Pakistan 66 at Northern frustrate England Trust Open

TUESDAY 25 AUGUST 2020

Parisians vow to come back stronger

AFP – LISBON underneath a photo of the Bra- positives, questions remain and zilian crying. Tuchel has much work to do, Paris Saint-Germain will look But PSG have muscled their and little time to reflect on what back at their narrow defeat by way into the very elite of might have been -- PSG play Bayern Munich in Sunday’s European clubs in the years their first game of the new Ligue Champions League final in since Qatar Sports Investments 1 season, away in Lens, on Lisbon and wonder what might took over in the French capital Nobody thought Saturday. have been, while also steeling in 2011 and they will be hopeful we would make The Champions League themselves to come back of getting to another Champions it to the final. We group stage begins again in stronger in Europe’s elite club League final while Neymar and were very close October and between now and competition in a new season Mbappe are still there. then Paris may need to get busy which is already starting. “Nobody thought we would to winning it, but in the transfer market. Kingsley Coman’s second- make it to the final. We were that’s football. Edinson Cavani, right-back half goal decided the final at the very close to winning it, but We are going to Thomas Meunier and young Estadio da Luz in Bayern’s that’s football,” said PSG’s work hard to win defensive prospect Tanguy favour, allowing them to Qatari President, Nasser Al Nianzou Kouassi all left the club become European champions Khelaifi. the Champions under freedom of contract for the sixth time and denying “We are going to work hard League next before the ‘Final Eight’. PSG victory in their first to win the Champions League season because The latter has joined Bayern, appearance in club football’s next season because that is our that is our becoming the latest in a long biggest game. objective and now we believe line of exciting youngsters to The French champions were in it more than before.” objective and walk away from PSG. left to pay the price for failing On Sunday they became the now we believe They can only hope he does to convert the opportunities that seventh consecutive side to in it more than not come back to haunt them came their way -- Neymar was lose when appearing in the before: PSG’s in the way Coman -- another notably denied by a fine Manuel Champions Leaague final for Paris-born ex-PSG starlet -- did Paris Saint-Germain President Nasser Al Khelaifi comforts President, Nasser Neuer save early on, but Kylian the first time. At least next time, Neymar as other team-mates receive their runner-up medals in Lisbon. Mbappe really should have if there is one, they will not be from UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin after the Champions Al Khelaifi Skipper Thiago Silva is now done better than shoot straight novices. League final against Bayern Munich on Sunday. out of contract too. at the goalkeeper just before Coach Thomas Tuchel, who “I think we have created a half-time. put the defeat down to “bad special atmosphere in the squad The two most expensive luck”, has been widely praised supposedly can’t handle the to come from a goal down and shutdown, while in France they over the last two years,” Tuchel players in football history were for getting a team dominated dressing room and the star beat Atalanta in the quarter- won every trophy going last insisted. signed, ultimately, to win this by a couple of superstars to all players but the truth is that he finals and then outclassed RB season. Their improved “We have lost lots of key game. It was not their night, and pull together in the same is overseeing the best season Leipzig in the semi-finals. European performances rep- players, big characters, so now Neymar was in tears at the end. direction. in the history of the club,” said They had overturned a resent enormous progress after we must create a strong new “Inconsolable” was the “The players are right Mbappe of Tuchel ahead of the first-leg deficit to oust Borussia often humiliating defeats in pre- team which is capable of doing headline on the front page of behind the coach. I have heard final. Dortmund in the last 16, just vious campaigns. this again. That will be the chal- sports daily L’Equipe yesterday, things about how he PSG showed fantastic spirit before the coronavirus Yet while there are lenge for us.”

Honduras Bayern Munich’s German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer Messi ‘welcome’welcome carries the Champions capable of League trophy as they qualifying for arrive at the airport in at PSG:: TTucheluchel Munich, yesterday. Bayern defeated PSG in the final Qatar 2022, on Sunday. REUTERS – PARIS says Suazo Paris Saint-Germain Managerager Thomas Tuchel says Lionel Messi (pictured) would bebe welcomewelcome at tthehe clubclub ifif he QNA – TEGUCIGALPA ever decided to leave Barcelonarcelona but he does not exexpectpect the Argentine forward to ddoo so. David Suazo, a member of one Messi, who joined Barcelonaarcelona aged 13, has scored a of the finest generations of record 634 goals for the clublub in 730 ggamesames and is also their players Honduras has ever most decorated player withith 33 trophies but the 33-33-year-year- produced, has stressed the old is into the final year ooff his contract at the club. ability of his country’s team to Reports in the Spanishish media have cast doubts qualify for the FIFA World Cup about his future at the clubb after a disappointing season Qatar 2022. that culminated in an 8-2 ChampionsChampions LeagueLeague humil-humil- Speaking to FIFA.com, iation by Bayern Munichh in the quarter-finals this Suazo said his country’s team month. is very young and “I know that “He’s very welcome. What coach says no toto the coach, Fabian Coito, will do Messi?” Tuchel told BT Sportport on Sunday.Sunday. a really good job, because he’s “I think Messi finisheses hishis careercareer in Bar-Bar- got a very promising squad of celona. He’s Mr Barcelona.na. players. There are a lot of Tuchel said the club wouwouldld tatalklk ooverver youngsters but they’ve got their potential signing targetsgets and that quality.” they needed a deeper squadd to cope On preliminary draw for with the demands of the newew Concacaf World Cup qualifying season. “We lost lots of that took place recently, he players for this campaign said: “The groups look very and we lose now Thiago tight but I think Canada in Silva and Eric Maxim Group B and Panama in D, are Choupo-Moting.” the two sides who definitely won’t have any problems qual- ifying. Canada are producing young players with big reputa- tions and Panama are coming in after qualifying for Russia Al Khor, Al Markhiya set Al Kharaitiyat crowned champions of Second Division League 2018, their first ever World Cup. That’s created some big expec- to battle for QSL spot tations for them. The final eight-team round is going to be THE PENINSULA – DOHA a real battle.” Asked about his favorites Al Khor and Al Markhiya will compete for a place in next to claim Concacaf’s 3.5 quali- QNB Stars League (QSL) season on Friday, the organisers fication places, Suazo said: announced yesterday. “These preliminaries will show The date and kick-off time of the play-off match for us what the standard is like in the 2019-20 season was decided after Al Markhiya fin- Concacaf. In the end, though, ished Second Division runner-up on Sunday. I think Mexico, USA, Honduras The play-off pits 11th-placed team in the QSL (Al Khor) and Costa Rica are the against Second Division runners-up of this season (Al favorites to make it to Qatar. Markhiya). It’s going to be tough because The match will be played at the Al Janoub Stadium. it’s a very long road, but I The kick-off is at 18:30. reckon those four teams will The match regulations stipulate that in the event of a be fighting it out for the qual- tie, extra time of 30 minutes (15 minutes in each half) will Al Kharaitiyat players and officials celebrate with the Second Division winners' shield at the end of their final ification places. They’ve got be played. If that also ends in a draw, penalty shoot-out match of the League against Muaither, on Sunday. Al Kharaitiyat will join QNB Stars League next season. the quality to do it.” will decide the winners.