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SUNDAY 4 JULY 2021 24 DHUL-QA'DA - 1442 VOLUME 26 NUMBER 8673 www.thepeninsula.qa 2 RIYALS

Over 80 farms line up for Fresh Local Dates Festival

SIDI MOHAMED event last year in Souq Waqif.” during the festival at very THE PENINSULA Regarding prices, he said attractive prices, including that the costs would be Khalas, Al Shishi, Al Khanizi, The ‘6th Fresh Local Dates acceptable and suitable for all Barhi, Iraqi, Silji, Sufri, Nabt Festival 2021’ will start next week visitors. He noted that the fes- Saif, Al Sawafi, and Khurdi. and last for two weeks in Souq tival would be open in the The local Rutab (Fresh Local Waqif. About 80 farms are lined evenings from 4pm to 10pm Dates) is characterised by dis- up to participate in the festival. due to the summer weather. tinct production and mar- The festival aims to The festival is part of a keting capabilities that con- develop the agricultural sector major programme of the MME tribute to its freshness and through palm tree farms and to provide platforms to market high quality, making it pref- supporting local farmers to local produce during their erable to consumers com- produce varieties of quality harvesting season. pared to other varieties. ‘Sixth Fresh Local Dates Festival 2021’ will start next week and last for two dates. The Organizing Com- In a bid to support the local weeks in Souq Waqif. Speaking to The mittee of the festival has set farmers, Souq Waqif is keen to Peninsula, Ahmed A Yafei, requirements for the dates participate in such a festival. It Head of The Department of offered for sale, including that attracts many visitors, The festival aims to develop the agricultural sector through palm tree farms. Agricultural Guidance and the fresh dates showcased in including citizens, expatriates, Services, Department of Agri- the festival should be in the and tourists, due to its strategic Festival would be open in the evenings from 4pm to 10pm. cultural Affairs of the Ministry ripening stage and free from location in central Doha. of Municipality and Envi- any odour. In addition, the Last year, the MME held ronment, said: “This edition dates should have a natural the festival in cooperation Varieties including Khalas, Al Shishi, Al Khanizi, Barhi, Iraqi, Silji, Sufri, Nabt will be distinguished and will taste and smell. with Al Meera Consumer Saif, Al Sawafi, and Khurdi will be offered at the festival. witness a large production, Different types of fresh Goods Company at Al Meera’s considering there was no local dates will be offered Hayat Plaza branch.

Doha Metro to Demand revival cheers retail businesses suspend services

SACHIN KUMAR Last month was a game- months. We are planning to slated to reopen by the end of years to enter malls and restau- on Fridays and THE PENINSULA changer for Qatar’s retail sector launch ‘Back to School’ cam- August. rants and eased some other in reviving the customers’ paign next month,” he said. Currently, electronic items, restrictions from June 18. From Eid Al Adha Qatar’s retail market is booming demand. ‘Back to School’ campaign furniture, apparels are top on that day, we have seen families with business again as “Last month was crucial in is a major event for Qatar’s the shopping list of customers. coming in larger number to the holidays customers begin to line-up at revival of demand in the retail sector. Every season when With in electronic goods, malls. billing counters. With easing of market. We have seen signif- schools reopen after vacation retailers are seeing high "When children below 12 THE PENINSULA — DOHA COVID-19 restrictions, icant pick up in the business. or break, retailers get ready demand for laptops, TVs, years were not allowed, customers are back with their Customers are back in the with ‘Back to School’ campaigns tablets, headphones while home parents were hesitant to go out Qatar Rail has announced a shopping list, setting the cash market and this time they are which include new stationery décor items are also among top for shopping. Once this temporary closure of the Doha registers ringing at malls, focusing on value-buying,” a items, uniforms, bags and other selling list. restriction was removed, Metro services during Fridays hypermarkets and showrooms. senior official of major retailer related items. Reopening of Retailers say June 18 was a parents started heading to and Eid Al Adha holidays. Buoyed by the uptick in cus- told The Peninsula. schools this time is special as turning point for retailers in malls and showrooms with Doha Metro services will tomer demand, retailers are “Going by the current trend, many students will be going to terms of customers demand. their shopping list,” a manager be suspended on Fridays planning to launch new I am hopeful that demand will classrooms after a long time. “Concerned authorities in Qatar of an electronic showroom told between July 9 and August 13 shopping campaign and offers. pick up further in coming Most of the schools in Qatar are had allowed children below 12 The Peninsula. `P2 and during the Eid holidays between July 21 and 24. According to Qatar Rail, the closure comes due to an 232 work sites closed in essential system upgrade across the network. The June for violating upgrade will increase the network capacity, allowing more trains to operate and pro- summer schedule rules viding more frequent services to customers in the future. QNA — DOHA 232 work sites for a period of Qatar Rail also stated that three days, noting that the most it has chosen dates that histor- The Ministry of Administrative of the violating companies ically record the fewest pas- Development, Labor and Social work in the contracting sector sengers to minimise customer Affairs, represented in Labor in different sites. inconvenience. Inspection Department, has The decision obliges com- The metro service has been carried out intensive inspection panies and institutions that operating at 30 percent campaigns during June, with have workplaces under direct capacity since the gradual the aim of ensuring that sunlight to set a schedule spec- lifting of COVID-19 restrictions companies comply with Minis- ifying the daily working hours and only started Friday oper- terial Resolution No. (17) for the in accordance with the provi- ations on May 28. Doha Metro year 2021, regarding the sions of the decision, a visible also recently announced that necessary precautions to place that is easy for all metroexpress will now protect workers from heat workers to see and for the Min- connect passengers to Fox stress in open work sites during istry inspectors to observe Hills South in Lusail. The new the summer period. during their inspection visits to expansion of the metroexpress Under this rules, workers the workplace, in addition to services is available to and cannot work outside between providing air-conditioned from Legtaifiya Station. 10.00 and 15.30 from June 1 to spaces for the workers’ The metrolink service September 15. comfort, providing chilled recently resumed service on Qatar set to take on El Salvador today The Ministry said that the drinking water and light four selected routes. The four field visits carried out by its clothing, and giving them rest routes include Al Wakra Qatar players during a training session yesterday as they gear up for friendly game against El Salvador inspectors on the work sites periods at different times in (M132), Oqba Ibn Nafie (M123), to be played in Pula, Croatia, today. It is Qatar’s second friendly in Croatia in build up for this month’s during the period from June 1 order to protect them from the Umm Ghuwailina (M139), and Concafaf Gold Cup. Al Annabi defeated a local Croatian side 3-1 in a friendly last week. to 30, resulted in the closure of risk of heat stress. Al Doha Al Jadeda (M114). Initiative encouraging students to enrol in STEM education launched QNA — DOHA science and technology disci- and female students in 10 schools universities and educational and initiative, welcomed the general framework of the plines, through the development (five boys and five girls), under the professional institutions. partners, indicating its centrality national educational curriculum The Ministry of Education and of a professional academic supervision of the academic and It was announced during an in educating students about the of the State of Qatar provided the Higher Education, represented by guidance system that involves vocational guidance section. extended meeting recently held importance of scientific and basis for the development of mul- the Academic Guidance Section preparing various programs The initiative is carried out by the Ministry with the initia- technological disciplines for tiple tracks for students in the of the Department of Educational aimed at motivating and under the supervision of Assistant tive’s partners. Moza Al meeting the needs of the labour secondary education stage, which Guidance in the Education Affairs preparing students to join the Undersecretary for Education, Mudahka, Director of the Edu- market, thus achieving the goals meet the needs of all students, Sector, launched an initiative to targeted disciplines. Affairs Fawzia Al Khater, in coop- cational Guidance Department and objectives of Qatar National with different levels of abilities, encourage middle school students The pilot phase of the initiative eration and coordination with a in the Educational Affairs Sector, Vision (QNV) 2030. and the diversity of their ten- (8th and 9th grades) to enrol in is implemented on 6,000 male group of partners, including who is responsible for the Al Mudahka stressed that the dencies and interests. `P2 02 HOME SUNDAY 4 JULY 2021

Qatar attends OFFICIAL NEWS inauguration of Egypt’s ‘July 3 Amir greets President of Belarus Naval Base’ DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Deputy Amir H H PRAYER Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani sent cables of congratulations to Presi- TIMINGS QNA — CAIRO dent of the Republic of Belarus H E Alexander Lukashenko, on the anniversary PRAYERPRAYRRAAAY TIMINGSMING of his country’s Independence Day. Prime Minister and Minister of Interior H E The State of Qatar participated Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani also sent a cable of congrat- ulations to Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus H E Roman Golovchenko, FAJR yesterday in the inauguration 03.19 am ceremony of the Egyptian on the anniversary of his country’s Independence Day. -QNA SUNRISE 04.48 am “July 3 Naval Base” in Gargoub DHUHR 11.38 am area on the northwest coast of ASR 03.01 pm Egypt. Commander of the Amiri Naval Forces H E Major Qatar condemns attack in Iraq MAGHRIB 06.30 pm General Abdullah bin Hassan ISHA 08.00 pm Al Sulaiti represented the State of Qatar in the inauguration QNA — DOHA reiterated the State of Qatar’s ceremony. firm stance rejecting violence The State of Qatar expressed and terrorism, regardless of the Demand revival its strong condemnation and motives and reasons. denunciation of the attack in The statement expressed cheers retail Al Anbar governorate in the State of Qatar’s condo- western Iraq, leading to deaths lences to the families of the businesses and injures. victims, the government and FROM PAGE 1 In a statement released, the people of Iraq, wishing the WEATHER Ministry of Foreign Affairs injured a speedy recovery. TODAY Under the second phase of lifting of restrictions, the cabinet had announced that Qatar condemns Somalia bombing kids would be allowed entry into malls and souqs from June Foreign Ministry Special Envoy, 18. Restaurants have also QNA — DOHA State of Qatar’s firm stance on started welcoming more guests rejecting violence and ter- 33oC 45oC UN official discuss cooperation as customers are coming out Qatar has strongly condemned rorism, regardless of the Minimum Maximum with families for dining. Fam- and denunciation of the motives and reasons. ilies are now allowed to enter bombing that targeted a coffee The Ministry expressed the Special Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Climate Change in malls and restaurants after shop in the Somali capital State of Qatar’s condolences to Hot to very hot daytime with slight and Sustainability, H E Bader Omar Ismail Al Dafa, met with Rola dust at times and humid by night. showing their Ehteraz and vac- Mogadishu, leading to deaths the families of the victims, and Dashti, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive cination status. This has helped and injuries. the government and people of W ALRUWAIS : 30o → 36o Secretary of ESCWA and discussed areas of collaboration to in limiting the spread of In a statement, the Ministry Somalia, wishing the injured a advance climate action and engagement in Qatar and the region. W ALKHOR : 32o → 44o coronavirus. of Foreign Affairs reiterated the speedy recovery. W DUKHAN : 28o → 40o W WAKRAH : 29o → 46o W MESAIEED : 29o → 46o Initiative encouraging students to enrol in STEM education launched W ABUSAMRA : 26o→ 40o FROM PAGE 1 science, technology, engineering medicine and engineering. a professional academic raising the efficiency of outputs. The updated education plan and mathematics (STEM) in public Dhaher Al Askar, an academic guidance system for the prepar- For the success of the initi- HIGH TIDE includes three tracks for students or private schools that follow the guidance specialist in the atory stage, to help the students ative, the academic and vocational 15:08–0:00 at the secondary level that meet national curriculum. guidance section, confirmed that discover their abilities, academic guidance section will develop a LOW TIDE 07:26 – 19:38 the economic, social and cultural Fadi Al Laham, the educa- an integrated plan has been pre- capabilities, preparations and policy for academic and voca- aspirations of the State of Qatar, tional advisor at the academic and pared for all middle school stu- professional tendencies, plan tional guidance in the preparatory as mentioned in QNV2030 and vocational guidance section, dents included in the initiative, their educational path and pro- stage to increase the number of the National Development Plan. pointed out that the general implemented by specialists from fessional future to achieve aca- students enrolled in the STEM Fawzia Al Malki, vice director objective of the initiative is to the academic and vocational demic, personal and social com- disciplines. of the academic and vocational educate students about the impor- guidance section and academic patibility, and raise awareness of A coordinator responsible for guidance section, underlined the tance of the scientific and tech- advisors in secondary and middle scientific disciplines and techno- each school has been assigned to importance of the initiative in nological tracks to meet the needs schools, to educate students and logical professions, which act as an academic advisor and a developing a professional aca- of the Qatari labor market and the their parents about the impor- increases employment and local- link between the section, partners demic guidance system for the country’s need for the various tance of enrolling in scientific and ization rates in the work sectors and the school to fully coordinate preparatory stage to increase the branches of the scientific and technological tracks. as a result of activating principles the performance of this initiative number of students enrolled in technological disciplines, not only The initiative aims to develop of professional guidance and and ensure its success. SUNDAY 4 JULY 2021 HOME 03 Qatari Forum for Authors QatarDebate Council inaugurated in US QNA — DOHA reflects the permanent friendship Centre's delegation visited the practicing the most important launches publications on between the university and university in late 2018, when its customs and the Qatari traditions, QatarDebate Centre, a member QatarDebate. management suggested allo- which were on the schedule of of Qatar Foundation, has opened Sunnygard added that the cating a Qatari council inside the opening ceremony of the culture and knowledge the QatarDebate Council in university looks forward to the university campus in order Council. Western Kentucky University in exploring new opportunities in to enhance communication Qatar’s Ambassador to the US THE PENINSULA — DOHA The new publications the US in the presence of a the future for further cooperation between those interested in H E Mohammed Al Lukhan Al were launched at number of officials from both with the Centre because both feel learning the Arabic language Marri, explained that the State of The Qatari Forum for Authors sides. have launched a set of publi- Bait Al Hikma of the The Executive Director of cations covering various Ministry of Culture QatarDebate, Dr. Hayat Abdullah aspects of culture and Marafi, said that the Council is a knowledge. and Sports. new platform that overlooks the The new publications were world from the United States of launched at Bait Al Hikma ethical theory that falls on all America with a traditional Qatari (House of Wisdom) of the Min- individuals and institutions imprint that emphasises its role istry of Culture and Sports. This that must be adhered to in spreading dialogue and con- year’s editions exceed 160 maintain a balance between vergence of ideas between diversified publications, cov- the economy and environ- generations. ering various fields. mental systems. On this occasion, she stressed Among the launched books The book deals with social that the Council is a cultural was Social Responsibility and responsibility to spread venue to deepen the skills of its its Role in the Development and awareness among members of visitors who are interested in the Stability of Societies by Dr. Hala society and discusses its dialogue and linguistic aspects, Al Saeed, an autism consultant nature, objectives, types and and to discuss controversial and director of the Doha Inter- how to apply them, and the topics that involve different national Center for Special obstacles to its application. It opinions. needs, QNA reported. highlights Qatar’s role in car- She noted that the council During the inauguration rying out social responsibility also constitutes a free space for Officials from the QatarDebate Centre and Western Kentucky University during the opening of session moderated by Maryam at the local and international Arab-American students and QatarDebate Council. Yassin Al Hammadi, Director levels and Qatari women’s professors to gather after being General of the Forum, Dr. Hala role, besides shedding light on separated by distances. proud of the common past, and debates. Qatar and the United States of Al Saeed said, “I designed a work ethics, Al Saeed added. In this context, she added that expressing his happiness for Al Subaie reviewed the stages America signed in 2020 a set of special curriculum for special “The book also deals with the Centre will document launching this council in the of the project starting from its agreements on the sidelines of needs entitled (Social Respon- women and their role in social through the Council the efforts United States, saying that it is a study and its future goals, the strategic dialogue between sibility), along with many ini- responsibility in raising of the Qatar Foundation globally valuable gift that helps strengthen whether at the university level or the two sides, including the dec- tiatives in social responsibility, children. It sheds light on the and the US in particular, and spe- deep ties between peoples. the level of the United States of laration of 2021 as a Year of where I was selected among role of Qatari women, espe- cifically this year as it is the Year The Head of Programs and America as a meeting place Culture Qatar USA. the 100 most influential Arab cially in times of crisis, and the of Culture Qatar USA. Marketing at QatarDebate, between students and officials at He pointed out that the personalities in this field for interest of Qatari leaders in Dean of Western Kentucky Abdulrahman Al Subaie, praised the university and the debate QatarDebate Center began its two years in a row supporting women in Qatar, University Dr. John Sunnygard, the initiative to open community and the Arabic lan- tour this year in the US with the 2019-2020.” and motivating them to carry congratulated the university QatarDebate in the US. guage community in America, as aim of spreading debates around She presented a summary out their social burdens and administration, QatarDebate and Al Subaie said that the idea well as offering various programs the world in Arabic, and its first of the book, stressing that participate in public life,” she the students on the opening of the of this council at Western Ken- in partnership with QatarDebate, starting point was from Western social responsibility is an added. QatarDebate Council, which tucky University came after the preserving cultural identity and Kentucky University. 103 new virus cases and 160 more recoveries, reports MoPH THE PENINSULA — DOHA The Ministry announced one nation Program. and increasing vaccination community,” said the Ministry. epidemic indicators, which death, aged 52, who had a Also, 74.7% of the eligible rates, and the overwhelming The phase two of the gradual depend to a great extent on the The Ministry of Public Health history of chronic disease and population has now received at support of the community, has lifting of restrictions began on degree of compliance of the com- (MoPH) has reported 103 new was receiving the necessary least one dose of the vaccine, resulted in a consistent June 18 and is part of a four- munity members with the cases of COVID-19 yesterday. medical care. while 97.5% of over 60s (the reduction in the number of new phase plan to be delivered over current measures, restrictions Among them, 40 were travellers Meanwhile, 15,071 most vulnerable population daily infections in the country. the coming months. The plan to and guidance by the gov- returning from abroad. COVID-19 vaccine doses have group) have been vaccinated “However, it is still important gradually lift restrictions will be ernment,” said the Ministry. A total of 160 people been administered in 24 hours with at least one dose; while to be cautious as the second wave delivered over four phases with “ For now, it is important that recovered from COVID-19, and 3,226,308 COVID-19 92.4% have received both doses. is not yet over and there are still each phase lasting three weeks. people, including those who are bringing the total number of vaccine doses have been The Ministry also said that, two highly contagious and highly “The date of implementation vaccinated, continue to wear a people recovered in Qatar to administered since the start of in recent weeks the combined virulent strains of the virus that and the duration of each next mask as advised and maintain 220,260. the National COVID-19 Vacci- impact of COVID-19 restrictions are actively circulating in the phase will depend on the social distancing,” it added. 04 HOME SUNDAY 4 JULY 2021 Second phase of survey to monitor fish Qatar stresses its efforts in deaths in Khor Al Adaid area begins addressing climate change QNA — DOHA framework of its National Vision 2030, which made the QNA — DOHA The State of Qatar affirmed preservation and devel- that it will spare no effort in opment of the environment The Ministry of Municipality playing its role in combating one of the four main pillars of and Environment (MME), repre- climate change, in line with this vision, Al Hashemi added. sented by the Monitoring and its national requirements and He pointed out that the Environmental Laboratory international obligations. State of Qatar has adopted Department, launched the This came in the speech of many projects and initiatives second phase of a compre- the State of Qatar during the that contribute to reducing hensive study to monitor and panel discussion on the carbon dioxide emissions and control the case of fish deaths human rights of older persons relying on renewable energy in Khor Al Adaid area, which is in the context of climate sources, which the State of supervised by a specialised change Human Rights Council Qatar views as a strategic team affiliated with the 47th Session, which was opportunity to break hydro- Department, whose work will delivered by Second Secretary carbon dependence, diversify continue until December, with of the Permanent Delegation the economy and create more the aim of studying this case of the State of Qatar to the job opportunities. and preparing an integrated United Nations office in He added that the State of report on its causes. Geneva Ibrahim Sultan Al Qatar will also host the first During this phase, the Hashemi, recently. carbon-neutral World Cup in research team will conduct a Al Hashemi said that in 2022, in which the application comprehensive monitoring view of the significant impact of sustainable and environ- study of the fish deaths in Khor that can fall on all segments mentally green technology A research team conducting a study on fish deaths in Khor Al Adaid area. Al Adaid area, noting that the of society, including the was taken into account. first phase focused on moni- elderly, as a result of climate Al Hashemi referred to toring field readings only, while chemical, physical and bio- heavy metals are monitored in where samples will be collected change and its negative Qatar’s pledge to provide in the second phase, a compre- logical point of view, and all the the water, in addition to meas- from major sites in Khor Al effects, the State of Qatar has $100 million to support small hensive monitoring process will variables present at the bottom uring field readings of dissolved Adaid area to carry out the nec- been keen to adopt an inte- island developing states and be conducted for all fish deaths of the water from bacteria and oxygen, underwater temper- essary study on the results of grated approach at the least developed countries to in the area, based on the reports other marine plankton (plant, ature, salinity and water fish deaths in this area, espe- national level to preserve the build and support their capa- received by the animal) that directly affect the turbidity. cially the sites where the phe- environment and address bilities to confront this phe- administration. mortality of fish are monitored, The second phase is a con- nomenon of fish deaths climate change. nomenon and its challenges, This stage includes five dif- in order to study whether it tinuation of the first phase, fol- appears, with intensification of Qatar has paid great especially among the most ferent sites in which the quality contains species that are lowed by the third and fourth work to discover the real attention to the phenomenon affected groups, including the of sea water is studied from a harmful to fish, as various phases until the end of this year, reasons for this phenomenon. of climate change within the elderly. VOX Cinemas opens luxurious outlet at Doha Oasis SIF-Q announces winners

THE PENINSULA — DOHA commitment to innovate and of Shastra Pratibha contest introduce world-class enter- VOX Cinemas, the Middle East’s tainment options that go beyond THE PENINSULA — DOHA two levels before the selected fastest-growing cinema guests’ expectations. We are very students were nominated to exhibitor, recently opened excited to welcome new guests Science India Forum -Qatar participate in the National Qatar’s most luxurious cinema and create great moments (SIF-Q) has announced Level Camp. SPC level 1 saw at Doha Oasis. The state-of-the- together at our latest offering in “Shastra Pratibhas” (Genius in participation of over 1,500 stu- art multiplex is integrated with Qatar.” Science) selected through level dents from Indian schools all Yalla! Bowling and underpins VOX Cinemas Doha Oasis has 2 of Shastra Pratibha Contest over Qatar. SPC level 1 was the VOX Cinemas’ commitment to implemented an all-encom- at Qatar State Level camp and first online open book contest providing families with unri- passing sanitisation and physical National Toppers from level 3 held on December 30, 2020. valled and customer-focused distancing plan to ensure that of Shastra Pratibha Contest A total of 120 students were entertainment concepts. guests can have an exceptional held at National Level Camp selected to participate in the VOX Cinemas Doha Oasis is experience with added comfort held in India. Shastra Pratibha level 2 —State redefining luxury with four VIP multi-sensory cinematic expe- score keeping computers and and peace of mind. VOX Cinemas Due to the pandemic this Level Camp. auditoriums and one VVIP rience, and KID dedicated audi- video simulations. Doha Oasis operates at 30% year, SIF-Q conducted Shastra As a part of Qatar State cinema, which allow discerning torium for young movie lovers. Fadi Kahal, Regional capacity in compliance with gov- Pratibha Contest (SPC- Level Camp, a special orien- cinemagoers to sit back and relax Guests can also enjoy gourmet Manager, VOX Cinemas, said, ernment guidelines, and 75% of 2020-21) online. tation program was conducted on reclining leather seats and cuisine in the private dining room “VOX Cinemas Doha Oasis is guests must be vaccinated. Only The contest was held in by subject experts from and enjoy in-seat dining while or indulge in their favourite taking the luxury cinematic expe- guests who are 12 years or older watching their favourite movies. cinema snacks at Candy Bar. rience to the next level with the are allowed to enter. VOX The 19-screen cinema also boasts Families and fun-seekers of ultimate VIP concept and an Cinemas is the fastest-growing cutting-edge audio-visual tech- all ages can also look forward to exceptional offering that caters cinema business in the Mena nology and VOX Cinemas’ sig- great moments at Yalla! Bowling, for the whole family. The all- region and now has 58 cinemas nature concepts, including 4DX, which will have eight lanes and encompassing entertainment and 615 screens across eight which delivers an immersive feature the most advanced digital destination is in line with our markets. Shafallah Center’s summer programme starts QNA — DOHA Persons with Disabilities, said that this The Shafallah Center for Persons with year’s summer activity aims to provide the Disabilities, one of the centers under the best educational, training and rehabili- umbrella of the Qatar Foundation for tation services for its affiliates. Social Work, will launch its fifth edition of She also said all activities are designed its summer programme today. to suit the abilities and capabilities of The virtual event will be held through Center's inmates and enhance their skills. Microsoft Teams program. The summer activities will be held until Laa’a Muhammad Abu Alfain, Exec- August 4, four days a week from Sunday utive Director of the Shafallah Center for to Wednesday in the morning hours.

outside Qatar on the topics like Atomic Energy, Agriculture, Oceanography and Science- Behind-Toys. The main objec- tives of SPC are to create interest among students in pure sciences, to educate them about India’s contributions in science and technology from traditional to modern age, conduct extensive interactive sessions with scientists, identify and nurture students with scientific temperament. Online app-based final eval- uation of SPC Level-2 was held for junior category and senior category students. Twelve stu- dents qualified as the Shastra Pratibhas from Qatar. These Shastra Pratibhas then participated in National Level Mamp and 2 Genius in Science each for junior cat- egory (Grade 6 to Grade 8) and Senior Category (Grade 9 to Grade 11) were selected. National Level Camp winners from Qatar include Ashley Hemanth (Junior category) and Teertha Aravind (Senior category). SIF-Q thanked all Indian schools management, teachers and parents for encouraging students in SPC participation. Due to the pandemic this year, SIF-Q conducted Shastra Pratibha Contest (SPC-2020-21) online. SUNDAY 4 JULY 2021 HOME 05 QF entity’s Arabic comic strip on genomics spurs young minds

– DOHA THE PENINSULA preparing the next generation A key objective of Genome frequently, and due to their specialist, who analyses it on a of precision medicine exposure to digital media, they computer before a report on the One day as she returned from professionals. Heroes is to prepare the are downloading and using genome is made and explained work, Dima Darwish, Head of “Qatar Foundation is next generation of complicated software applica- to students. We also make the Scientific Education at Qatar leading the charge to develop tions which have become part principles of genetics more Foundation’s Qatar Genome Qatar Genome Program (QGP), professionals in genomics. In of their daily lives,” Darwish accessible to children through Programme, was caught the largest genome project in the future, there will be local says. animated cartoons inspired by without an answer when one of the Middle East, with real ben- and global demand for She also noted that children their environment. These activ- her children asked about the efits for the local and regional prefer to learn by doing rather ities help extend children’s nature of her work. Always the population,” Darwish says. precision medicine than passive learning. “This knowledge and increase their expert, she struggled for words “A key objective of specialists, geneticists, hands-on learning approach passion for genetics.” to describe her job to her four- Genome Heroes is to prepare genetic counsellors, enhances their understanding Darwish hopes that one day year-old. the next generation of profes- and rewards their curiosity.” children can choose genetics as “It was this simple question sionals in genomics. In the bioinformaticians. Darwish dedicates some of a career path. “We explain to that helped me realize how dif- future, there will be local and Dima Darwish her free time to educating high- children how a strawberry, for ficult it is for younger children to global demand for precision school students on genetics, example, contains DNA just as Dima Darwish Head of Scientific Education understand genomics. As experts, medicine specialists, geneti- opening their eyes to the field’s human cells do, and how DNA we have been working with the cists, genetic counsellors, bio- at QF QGP potential. determines our characteristics, community to map the Qatari informaticians, and more such topics such as genetics aren’t “As a part of QGP and QF’s like the colour of our hair, eyes, genome – a top priority for Qatar specialists.” covered in Arabic,” Darwish Qatar Biobank training pro- and even our talents. Such and the region – and yet here we Introducing this knowledge says. “At the start of the grams, we offer tour experi- activities help spark their are, still unable to effectively to younger children raises their COVID-19 outbreak, we in Jassim Kids Magazine, and ences to students of different curiosity.” communicate basic information awareness and passion for couldn’t find any Arabic content the siblings– Dana and Khalid age groups, including ‘DNA: Darwish hopes children about genomics to children,” genetics, leading them to pursue for children about the pan- – the illustrated stories provide Journey to the Heart of Life’, an reach a stage where they can Darwish says. This inspired her academic and professional demic. Hence, we produced a simple facts about genomics in exhibition in Bin Julmood dream of becoming a doctor or to create and develop Genome paths in this field eventually. story on the pandemic, with a fun way. Genome Heroes is Museum, located within researcher in genomics, a Heroes – an Arabic comic strip And the lack of Arabic science Dana and Khalid being its main available on the QGP website, Msheireb Museums. In this tour, genetic counsellor, or a bioin- that aims at making the science content is another reason why characters. It was Qatar Foundation (QF) schools, we organize a workshop in formatician, instead of limiting of genomics understandable to Darwish created Genome well-received.” the Qatar National Library, which each child plays the role their choices to fields such as younger children. Heroes. This project aims to Darwish added that as part among others. of a genome specialist, such as engineering, business, and Qatar is among the leading enrich children’s vocabulary in of the cooperation between “Children and parents are a genomic researcher, genetic teaching. countries worldwide in pre- Qatar and the Arab world while Genomics England and QGP, the excited about these stories. It’s counsellor, or doctor. She says: “We want them to cision medicine. The country is also increasing their passion for center has asked to allow its not true that children, as we “Dressed as real characters, know that there are wonderful building a dynamic research the Arabic language. doctors to use the comic strip have always believed, can’t each child does a specific job. For and interesting sciences like sector around it, which has trig- “There is an urgent need to to educate Arab children about process the sophisticated lan- example, the researcher takes a precision medicine and gered genuine interest in develop Arabic science content this pandemic. guage of science. Nowadays, sample of fake blood. Then the genetics, and to consider them designing, planning, and for children. Many scientific Genome Heroes is published children use technology terms sample goes to the bioinformatics when they plan for their future.” Banyan Tree Doha at La Cigale Mushaireb introduces new culinary experiences

THE PENINSULA – DOHA

Banyan Tree Doha At La Cigale Mushaireb has unveiled an exciting array of gastronomic and gourmet concepts with the Ooredoo, QM to hold second launch of its luxurious restau- rants. The hotel is one of the most- round of art initiative with PSG anticipated epicurean dining destinations with distinctive THE PENINSULA – DOHA good causes. venues, signature restaurants, Moza Al-Muhannadi, and lavish lounges, all within Ooredoo has announced it Director CSR, Sponsorship, and the glamorous interiors created would hold a second round of Media at Ooredoo, said: “We’re by acclaimed designer Jacques The Art and The Mobile initiative delighted to be working with Garcia. With curated signature in collaboration with Qatar Qatar Museums again, and our touches to evoke a poetic sense Museums, in partnership with partners Paris Saint-Germain, to of place, each restaurant is Chef Emmanouil Adam Banyan Tree Doha Qalamkarri dining. French football club Paris Saint- raise even more funds for char- complemented by the mesmer- Germain. itable causes. We saw a phe- ising views of Doha. Organisers selected 11 artists nomenal response to the last The Nestled in the heart of bring new additions to the crafting and artistic presentation a unique gastronomic to take part in this round and Art and The Mobile initiative, Mushaireb, within the Doha Oasis incredible gastronomic scene of historic and modern India. The experience. paired with a PSG player. Each raising a great deal for charity, project, the property offers of Doha. Our guests can expect restaurant brings together the In addition to the restau- artist will be given a smartphone, and we’re sure this next auction unique dining experiences and extraordinary experiences latest cooking techniques with rants, the hotel will be intro- with which they will create their will feature some equally delectable European and Asian delivered in an inviting India’s multi-faceted cuisine, ducing Vertigo later in the year, masterpiece, signed by the player. incredible artworks that will cuisines with its Thai, Indian and ambience. The culinary offering a familiar yet innovative a panoramic rooftop lounge The 11 smartphone master- fetch just as impressive amounts Italian kitchens. journey promises to be interpretation of one of the overlooking the entire city. Its pieces will then be auctioned via to help the less fortunate. We’re Guests can rediscover the intimate, engaging, and deeply world’s great culinary mesmerising views will offer an Ooredoo’s social media account looking forward to seeing what true meaning of warm hospi- personalised,” says Chef experiences. experience like no other with a on Instagram, starting on July 5, our artists create this time tality while enjoying authentic Emmanouil. Panya Lounge at Banyan creative beverages menu, mix- 2021, with proceeds going to around!” and memorable experiences. Saffron, Banyan Tree’s Tree Doha is a patisserie with an ology inventions, and a Medi- Signature favourites and new award-winning signature res- Asian flair. terranean take on Pan-Asian dining concepts introduced by taurant, stays true to classic From exotic Thai flavours, cuisine - all in a lively setting Tulukoota Qatar honoured by ICC the hotel’s creative chefs are set techniques used in the Kingdom authentic taste of Italy to desti- with upbeat music. to elevate Doha’s culinary of Thailand. nation dining at Banyan Tree For further information, please scene. Each restaurant features Inspired by the authenticity Doha At La Cigale Mushaireb, call +974 4410 3333 or email: info. a dining concept that will tan- of the Il Cuoco Galante guests are invited to embark on [email protected]. talise the senses and cater to cookbook, the local food aficionados and dis- IL Galante fea- cerning travellers. tures tradi- Chef Emmanouil Adam, tional Italian Executive Chef at Banyan Tree cuisine using Doha At La Cigale Mushaireb, the finest is the lynchpin of this distinctive ingredients in and ambitious destination along an elegant with his talented team. With setting. extensive global experience in Qalamkarri Tulukoota Qatar (TKQ) was awarded the first place among the Indian some of the world’s leading is inspired by five-star hotels, Chef Kalamkari art Cultural Centre (ICC) Associated Organizations in the Environment Emmanouil is a culinary and the word Day Close Out Ceremony. TKQ was honoured for the creative and veteran who specialises in ‘Qalam,’ which outstanding design and execution of the Joy Of Giving Week European, Asian, and interna- means pen - conducted recently. TKQ distributed and planted more than 90 tional gourmet cuisines. combined to new saplings in different locations. “We’re very excited to symbolise the

HEC Paris announces early application discount for Specialized Master’s Degree

THE PENINSULA – DOHA entrepreneurial and innovative interest and value, they will critically methods,” said Joshua Kobb, Director review insights that already exist, gather HEC Paris has launched early appli- of Partnerships & Growth, HEC Paris in empirical evidence, and then propose cation discounts for the October 2021 Qatar. “The early application discount recommendations,” explained Kobb. intake of its highly respected Specialized encourages individuals who are serious The HEC Paris Specialized Master’s Master’s Degree in Strategic Business about investing in their professional is now one of the most respected Unit Management (SBUM) programme development to manage their candidacy business education programs for exec- in Qatar. The early application offer will efficiently. Our application process is utives and entrepreneurs in Qatar, run until August 21, encouraging indi- rigorous, reflecting our commitment to according to Hamad Al Thani, class of viduals to plan their studies and prepare excellence, and should be undertaken 2019. The HEC Paris Specialized Mas- their applications before final deadlines. several months before the program ter’s program reflects HEC Paris’ com- The Specialized Master’s program start.” mitment to contributing to Qatar’s helps professionals and entrepreneurs Specialized Master’s participants evolving knowledge-based economy develop the wide, multidisciplinary have the opportunity to learn interna- and strengthening corporate competi- range of skills they will need to success- tional best practices and focus on areas tiveness in the region. Qatari nationals fully run business units and manage of key importance for their personal and may be eligible for scholarships through teams effectively. professional development. Program the Ministry of Education and Higher “The Specialized Master’s Degree is participants will be mentored through Education and can find more details on an essential building block in helping a journey that fosters their self-driven, the Ministry’s website. entrepreneurs, and business profes- problem-based learning and critical HEC Paris in Qatar offers its insti- sionals support post-Covid rebuilding. thinking. tutional merit-based scholarships, The program ensures participants are “Through the thesis activity, partic- including awards for exceptional ready for business challenges in a trans- ipants have the opportunity to apply nationals, entrepreneurs, and female formed, next to a normal landscape their learnings to address a crucial issue leaders. All of them play an essential role where management will be expected in their organization or community. in the development of Qatar’s diversified to quickly pivot into genuinely After identifying a topic of personal economy. 06 MIDDLE EAST SUNDAY 4 JULY 2021 Rouhani warns of possible new wave of virus cases

AP — TEHRAN Rouhani, speaking at 3.24 million. Reports said 3,207 of the patients are in serious President Hassan Rouhani said a national coronavirus condition, and that 2.91 million yeserday that Iran may face task force meeting, have recovered so far. another wave of coronavirus In April, Iran experienced infections, as health officials urged people to its fourth wave of the disease, warned of the spread of the postpone their with officials reporting the more infectious delta variant of summer travels and highest new coronavirus case the virus. numbers — more than 25,000 Rouhani, speaking at a gatherings to prevent a day. Its daily death toll surged national coronavirus task force the “spread of the to around 400, below the grim meeting, urged people to record of 486 it reached in postpone their summer travels virus, particularly the November. and gatherings to prevent the Delta variant”. Meanwhile, Iran suffers “spread of the virus, particu- from a slow vaccine rollout larly the Delta variant”. Iran has despite the production of three reported cases of the delta gatherings ahead of June vaccines. These include the variant in a number of cities municipal elections, the 2.7 domestic COVIran Barekat and Cooling off and towns. million-plus province has seen Cuban-made Soberana, which “There are concerns that we a daily death toll of about 15. is produced in Iran as the People dive into the Tigris river to cool down in the summer heat, in Baghdad, Iraq, on Friday. go into the direction of a fifth On Thursday, provincial Pasteur vaccine. There is also wave,” he said. “In southern Gov. Ahmad Ali Mouhebati said the domestic production of provinces we should apply some patients need to travel Russia’s Sputnik V, which Iran more treatment since the delta nearly 100km to reach a health also continues to import. Iran restarts Bushehr nuclear power plant variant has infiltrated there.” care facility. “Now, ten towns So far, less than 7 million Rouhani’s website reported his in the province lack hospitals,” doses of vaccine, mainly AP — TEHRAN Head of the Department of America from the landmark remarks. he said. imported ones, have been Safeguards of the IAEA, accord. Iran remains among the Mouhebati predicted an administered across the Iran’s sole nuclear power plant Massimo Aparo, will visit Iran Authorities earlier this year countries hardest hit by the increase in new cases because country, including nearly 2 is back online following an in coming days, the official Irna had warned of Bushehr’s pos- virus in the world and the worst of ceremonies and travels million who have had a second emergency shutdown two news agency reported. sible closure because of hit in the Middle East. related to the Muslim Eid hol- dose. Only 300,000 of the 7 weeks ago, state TV reported Gharibabadi said Aparo’s American sanctions barring The capital Tehran and idays later this month. million were Iran-made. yesterday. visit to Tehran is “in direction Iran from procuring equipment more than 90 other cities and Authorities have promised The government has The report quoted Mostafa of routine safeguards,” and for repairs. towns have been declared red to prepare field hospitals and promised to begin mass vacci- Rajabi Mashhadi, spokesperson added that “No talks have been Bushehr is fuelled by zones that require up to 70% of more medical and emergency nations in September. Iran’s for the country’s energy min- planned for him in Tehran.” He uranium produced in Russia, office staff to work from their equipment and closed three local vaccine research has istry, as saying the Bushehr said Iran is in regular contact not Iran, and is monitored by homes. It also requires the border points with Pakistan in picked up steam even as offi- plant “returned to the pro- with the IAEA. the United Nations’ Interna- closure of public places like the province, too. cials allege that heavy American duction of energy” after the The visit comes nearly 10 tional Atomic Energy Agency. movie theatres, gyms and Iranian officials said yes- sanctions will hamper the completion of needed days after the expiration of a The IAEA acknowledged being restaurants. terday the death toll from efforts. maintenance. deal between Tehran and inter- aware of reports about the A recent spike in cases has COVID-19 rose by 111 over the Iran participates in Mashhadi did not elaborate national nuclear inspectors to plant, but declined to comment. pushed some hospitals to the previous 24 hours, putting the COVAX, an international ini- but last week, Iran’s nuclear preserve video data at the Construction on Bushehr, limit in southeastern Sistan and country’s total at 84,627 since tiative designed to distribute department said engineers country’s atomic installations. on the coast of the northern Baluchistan province, which the pandemic broke out last vaccines to countries were working to repair the Tehran is trying to push reaches of the Persian Gulf, neighbors Pakistan, It already year. regardless of their wealth. But plant’s broken generator. European powers to provide began under Iran’s shah in the suffered from poor health care Authorities said 8,341 new international banks and Also yesterday, Kazem relief from oil and banking mid-1970s. After the 1979 facilities. confirmed cases were regis- financial institutions are Gharibabadi, Iran’s represent- sanctions imposed three years Islamic Revolution, the plant Fuelled by tribal cere- tered over the same period, reluctant to deal with Iran for ative to the IAEA said that ago when then-President was repeatedly targeted in the monies and campaign bringing the total to more than fear of American penalties. Deputy Director General and Donald Trump withdrew Iran-Iraq war. Syria govt shelling kills eight, Turkey flays US report on Trafficking in Persons mostly children, in Idlib ANADOLU — ANKARA individual freedoms and security, judicial children’s rights, including those independence, personal privacy, trans- adopted by the UN, and its track record AP — BEIRUT his children in their sleep, Turkey strongly criticised on Friday parency and property rights as well as on the matter is spotless,” said the according to the rescue service “unfounded” assumptions in the US State protect vulnerable groups and enhance ministry. Artillery fire from government- known as the White Helmets and Department’s recently published 2021 administrative and social awareness of Referring to the US report as “the controlled territory and airs trikes Idlib’s Health Directorate. Al Assi Trafficking in Persons report. human rights. most striking example of hypocrisy, yesterday killed at least eight was an administrator in a local A Foreign Ministry statement said the Regarding US claims of using child double standards,” the Foreign Ministry civilians in Syria’s last rebel enclave, health center. document confirms Turkey’s increased soldiers in armed conflicts, “we com- cited the US’ “open support, weapons most of them children, and Shelling also struck the home battle against human trafficking. pletely reject the allegations that ascribe aid to the PKK-PYD-YPG terrorist organ- destroyed a civil defense center and of a volunteer for the White The ministry criticised “allegations responsibility to Turkey,” it said. isation, which forcibly recruits children a water station, rescue workers and Helmets, also known as the Syria made by some NGO reports, which are Washington on Wednesday added in terror acts in Syria and Iraq.” a war monitor said. Civil Defense, killing his two of dubious reliability” and based on Turkey and 15 other countries to the It also referred to UN Special Rep- The shelling in Ibleen, a children. “unfounded assumptions.” “Turkey Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) list -- resentative for Children and Armed village in southern Idlib province, The volunteer, Omar Al Omar, makes every effort to prevent human a designation included in the State Conflict Virginia Gamba’s report on June hit the home of Subhi Al Assi, and his wife were wounded, trafficking, punish criminals and protect Department’s annual Trafficking in 21, saying it underlines the “so-called killing him, his wife and three of according to the White Helmets. victims of crime,” said the statement, Person (TIP) report that ranks countries ‘Syrian Democratic Forces’, under the while citing the country’s Human Rights in various tiers in accordance with their directives of the terrorist PKK/YPG, Action Plan. efforts to eliminate trafficking. committing many violations and serious Turkish President Recep Tayyip The list includes Afghanistan, Burma, crimes such as forcibly recruiting Erdogan announced March 2 the human Democratic Republic of Congo, Iran, Iraq, children, kidnapping, deprivation of rights plan, unveiling 11 principles set to Libya, Mali, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, liberty, and use of schools for military be carried out during the course of two South Sudan, Syria, Turkey, Venezuela purposes.” “Despite this, the fact that years. and Yemen. no reference is made to this organi- It is designed as a “broad-based” plan “Turkey is a party to major interna- sation (SDF) in the (US) report is another to strengthen rights protections, tional resolutions on the protection of oddity,” it said. State of emergency reinstated in Palestine over virus

QNA — RAMALLAH

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas yesterday reinstated the state of emergency in Palestine to combat the coronavirus pandemic for 30 days. The state of emergency was first declared in March 2020 after the discovery of the first cases of coro- navirus in the Palestinian territories and has been extended or re- instated every 30 days since then, according to the Palestinian news agency (WAFA). Fugitive gamer extradited to Turkey

BLOOMBERG — ANKARA

The fugitive developer of a Farm- Ville-inspired online game is set to face fraud charges in Turkey after being extradited by authorities in Brazil, where he was on the run over allegations of running a $130- million Ponzi scheme. Mehmet Aydin, the 29-year-old founder of the once-popular Farm Bank game that shut in early 2018, was being returned to Turkey yes- terday, Deputy Interior Minister Ismail Catakli said. One of Aydin’s defense attorneys, Fatih Kus, said his client turned himself in to the Turkish consulate in Sao Paulo earlier this week. SUNDAY 4 JULY 2021 AFRICA 07 Delegates fail to agree on legal basis for Libya polls

AP — CAIRO The UN mission said members criticised the UN mission for its proposal that the Libyan delegates failed to agree the LPDF members forum vote on suggestions that on a legal framework to hold have created a included keeping the current presidential and parliamentary committee tasked government in power, and only elections later this year, the UN holding legislative elections. said yesterday, putting an with bridging the gap Richard Norland, the US agreed-upon roadmap to end among the proposals special envoy for Libya, accused the conflict there in jeopardy. “several members” of the forum The Libyan Political Dia- put before the forum. of apparently trying to insert logue Forum, a 75-member But the deadlock “poison pills” to ensure elec- body from all walks of life in tions will not happen “either by Libya, concluded its five days remained. “It is prolonging the constitutional of talks in a hotel outside regrettable,” said process or by creating new con- Geneva on Friday, the UN ditions that must be met for support mission in Libya said. Raisedon Zenenga, the elections to occur.” Participants in the UN-bro- mission’s coordinator. “We hope the 75 Libyans in kered talks discussed several the LPDF will re-dedicate them- proposals for a constitutional selves to allowing the 7 million basis for the elections, including dential and parliamentary elec- Libyans throughout the country some that were not consistent tions on December 24.” to have a voice in shaping with the roadmap that set the The mission urged forum Libya’s future,” he said. vote on December 24. Others members to continue consulta- Christian Buck, director of German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas and Libyan Foreign Minister Najla Mangoush attend a joint press sought to establish precondi- tions to agree on “a workable Middle East and North Africa at conference as part of the ‘Second Berlin Conference on Libya’ at the foreign office in Berlin, Germany, tions to hold elections as compromise and cement what the German Foreign Ministry, in this June 23 file photo. planned, the mission said. unites them.” It warned that pro- urged the LPDF members to The UN mission said the posals which “do not make the stick to the roadmap to elec- Libya has been plagued by December there were at least the UN-backed government with LPDF members have created a elections feasible and possible to tions in December. “Any post- corruption and turmoil since a 20,000 foreign fighters and hundreds of troops and thou- committee tasked with bridging hold elections on 24 December ponement would open doors to Nato-backed uprising toppled mercenaries in Libya, including sands of Syrian mercenaries. the gap among the proposals will not be entertained.” dangerous scenarios,” he and killed longtime dictator Turkish troops, Syrians, Rus- An October cease-fire put before the forum. But the “This is not the outcome that tweeted, without elaborating. Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. In sians, Sudanese and Chadians. agreement led to a deal on the deadlock remained. many of us had hoped for, but The government, led by Prime recent years, the country was In April 2019, east-based December elections and a tran- “It is regrettable,” said it is the better outcome given Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, split between a UN-supported commander Khalifa Hifter and sitional government that took Raisedon Zenenga, the mission’s the options that were on the was appointed by the forum government in the capital, his forces, backed by Egypt and office in February. The deal coordinator. “The people of table,” Elham Saudi, a forum earlier this year in a vote mired in Tripoli, and rival authorities the United Arab Emirates, included a demand that all Libya will certainly feel let member, wrote on Twitter. corruption allegations. Its main based in the country’s east. launched an offensive to try to foreign fighters and merce- down as they still aspire to the “This only delays the battle, but mandate is to prepare the country Each side was backed by capture Tripoli. Hifter’s 14-month naries leave Libya within 90 opportunity to exercise their does not resolve the issues.” for December elections in hopes armed groups and foreign gov- campaign collapsed after Turkey days, but that demand has yet democratic rights in presi- Over two dozen LPDF of stabilizing the divided nation. ernments. The UN estimated in stepped up its military support of to be met.

Thousands protest in Burkina Faso South Africa okays Sinovac vaccine as cases rise over attacks REUTERS — JOHANNESBURG vaccine,” Mamoloko Kubayi rural areas mean the real figure destroy 2 million contaminated The Marxist opposition Eco- said in a statement. is probably higher, health Johnson & Johnson vaccines - nomic Freedom Fighters (EFF) by militants South Africa has approved The surge in infections in experts say. slow bureaucracy, and richer last month defied COVID-19 China’s Sinovac vaccine against Africa’s most industrialised After initial doubts owing to countries immunising their own regulations to organise a march REUTERS — OUAGADOUGOU COVID-19, the acting health nation has overwhelmed hos- a lack of transparency in clinical citizens first while the devel- in the capital Pretoria, calling minister said yesterday, as the pitals, especially in the main city trial data, Sinovac Biotech’s oping world waits for its doses. for the government to seek vac- Thousands took to the streets country faces a crippling third of Johannesburg, and left over- COVID-19 vaccine is emerging President Cyril Ramaphosa cines from Russia and China, of Burkina Faso’s capital wave of infections that has worked healthcare personnel as a powerful tool against the has appealed to Western drug not just the West. yesterday to call for a tougher paralysed hospitals and brought struggling to find enough beds virus. Data from Uruguay companies and their allied gov- The EFF yesterday said the government response to a its death toll to 60,000. for critically ill patients. released last month showed it ernments to temporarily waive approval of the Sinovac vaccine wave of militant attacks that “I would like to express Just over 5% of South was over 90% effective in vaccine patents so other coun- was “long overdue.” has destabilised the West gratitude to our regulatory Africans have been vaccinated reducing both intensive care tries can manufacture them — China, where the corona- African country in recent authority for their sense of — or 3.3 million people out of a admissions and deaths. without success. virus first surfaced in the years. urgency, which included population of just less than 60 South Africa’s low vacci- Opposition parties have central city of Wuhan in late Some had travelled hun- reducing turnaround time to million. It has recorded nation rate is due to a combi- heaped pressure on Ramaphosa 2019, has supplied more than dreds of kilometres to attend process applications for regis- twomillion cases so far, nation factors including bad to come up with another 480 million vaccine doses to the opposition-led demon- tration of... (the) COVID-19 although low testing rates in luck - the government had to solution to the vaccine shortage. other nations. stration in Ouagadougou, where protesters waved the IN BRIEF red and green Burkinabe flag and blew whistles. Zuma marches with supporters opposed to his jailing “We had to show our dis- At least 43 migrants satisfaction, show the distress REUTERS — NKANDLA of citizens who are crying out drown in shipwreck for security and peace,” said Hundreds of supporters of Jacob opposition supporter Alpha Zuma marched alongside the off Tunisia Yago on the sidelines of the South Africa’s former president protest. in his hometown of Nkandla TUNIS: At least 43 migrants Groups linked to Al Qaeda yesterday, a show of force drowned in a shipwreck off and Islamic State originally against a court decision to jail Tunisia as they tried to cross based in neighbouring Mali him for 15 months for failing to the Mediterranean from Libya have embedded themselves appear at a corruption inquiry. to Italy, while another 84 were across the north and east of the The constitutional court on rescued, the Tunisian Red country, launching regular Tuesday gave Zuma 15 months Crescent said yesterday. attacks on civilians, including in jail for absconding in February The boat had set off from one in June that killed more from the inquiry led by Deputy Zuwara, on Libya’s northwest than 130 people, the worst in Chief Justice Raymond Zondo. coast, carrying migrants from years. Zuma has until today to hand Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea and One protester held a himself in, after which police are Bangladesh, the humanitarian placard with a photo of flag- obliged to arrest him. organisation said. draped coffins and the slogan: “They can give Zuma 15 In recent months, several “Mr President, have the months... or 100 months. He’s not drowning incidents have courage to decide. We are fed going to serve even one day or one occurred off the Tunisian coast, up!” minute of that,” his son Edward with an increase in the fre- Pressure has increased on Zuma said at the gathering. “They quency of attempted crossings President Roch Kabore to take would have to kill me before they to Europe from Tunisia and control and end a humani- put their hands on him.” Libya towards Italy as the tarian crisis in which more The jail sentence was seen weather has improved. Supporters of South Africa’s former President Jacob Zuma, who was sentenced to a 15-month than a million people have as sign of just how far Zuma, “The navy rescued 84 imprisonment by the Constitutional Court, walk to his home in Nkandla, yesterday. been displaced by the once a revered veteran of the migrants and 43 others violence. struggle against white minority drowned in a boat that set off Last Wednesday Kabore rule, has fallen since embarking grounds that it is excessive and the decision submitted on quit and yield to his successor, from Libya’s Zuwara towards took the role of defence min- on a presidency beset by mul- could expose him to COVID-19. Friday, Zuma said going to jail Cyril Ramaphosa, in 2018, and Europe,” Red Crescent official ister in a cabinet reshuffle tiple sleaze and graft scandals Zuma, who did not speak to “would put him at the highest since then has faced several Mongi Slim said. aimed at appeasing opposition between 2009 and 2018. his supporters but is expected to risk of death” from the pan- attempts to bring him to book for Hundreds of thousands of leaders, who have demanded His downfall has divided address them today, wore a black demic because he was nearly 80 alleged corruption during and people have made the perilous the resignation of the the ruling African National Con- and gold tropical shirt as he and has a medical condition. before his time as president. Mediterranean crossing in government. gress, which cancelled an exec- walked through the crowd, but Zuma also called the sen- The Zondo Commission is recent years. - Reuters One group of protesters utive committee meeting over no mask. He was guarded by men tence a “political statement of examining allegations that he had travelled nearly 400km the weekend in order to focus dressed as traditional warriors exemplary punishment”. He has allowed three Indian-born Egypt opens naval from the eastern town of Mad- on the ensuing crisis. from his Zulu nation, wearing maintained he is the victim of businessmen, the brothers Atul, joari, which has seen thou- The former leader has leopard skins and holding spears a political witch hunt and that Ajay and Rajesh Gupta, to base near border sands of residents flee the mil- applied to the court for the sen- with oval ox-hide shields. Zondo is biased against him. plunder state resources and itant threat. tence to be annulled on the In an application to annul Zuma gave in to pressure to influence policy. with Libya

ISTANBUL: Egypt yesterday opened a new naval base, Nigerian secessionist leader illegally repatriated, lobbyists say called “Third of July,” in the northwest region bordering BLOOMBERG — ABUJA advocate for his secessionist General Abubakar Malami said by email on Thursday. by phone on Friday. Libya. group within the US said on June 29 without pro- The High Commission said The arrest warrant for Kanu According to the Egyptian Nigeria’s government illegally Department of State and viding any further infor- Kanu wasn’t arrested in or was “lawfully and judiciously official TV, President Abdel- detained and repatriated Congress. mation about how or where extradited from the UK and it procured” from the court after Fattah Al Sisi inaugurated the Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of a Kanu, who fled Nigeria in he was seized. was seeking clarification about he breached its bail conditions biggest Egyptian naval base separatist movement active in 2017 while on trial for treason, BW Global, which didn’t the circumstances of his “with impunity,” Umar Gwandu, that spreads over 10 million the country’s southeastern resurfaced in the country on specify where they understand detention from the Nigerian the attorney general’s square meters (107.6 million region, according to his US June 27 and appeared before a Nigerian forces caught Kanu, government. The UK would spokesman, said by text square meters) in the north- lobbyists. federal court in the capital, said his unlawful rendition expect any trial or legal pro- message. western Jarjoub region. BW Global Group LLC said Abuja, two days later where his “would violate international ceedings to follow due process, He declined to respond to In his speech at the it’s confident that Kanu, who court case was adjourned for a law.” it said. questions about the circum- opening ceremony, Egyptian heads the Indigenous People of month. A complaint about the Kanu has been denied stances of the IPOB leader’s Navy Commander-in-chief Biafra, or IPOB, was captured The IPOB leader was treatment of Kanu, a dual access to legal representation return to Nigeria. Ahmed Khaled said the base in another county “via an “intercepted through the col- Nigerian-British citizen, has and is currently in the custody Kanu has been repre- will provide security to the unlawful rendition by the laborative efforts of the been made to the UK High of Nigeria’s secret police, the sented by a lawyer throughout Suez Canal, achieve maritime Nigerian security forces.” Kanu Nigerian intelligence and Commission in Abuja, the Department of State Services, the judicial process, Gwandu security and address illegal hired the firm in March to security services,” Attorney Washington-based company his lawyer Ifeanyi Ejiofor said said. immigration. —Anadolu 08 VIEWS SUNDAY 4 JULY 2021 The climate crisis is a crime story Established in 1996

CHAIRMAN DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR This crime has been going on MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED for decades. We see its effects [email protected] in the horrific heat and wild- fires unfolding this summer in the American West; in the DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR megastorms that were so MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI numerous in 2020 that scien- [email protected] tists ran out of names for them; in the global projec- tions that sea levels are set to rise by at least 20 feet (6 metres). Our only hope is to EDITORIAL slow this inexorable ascent so Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg holding her “School Strike for Climate” sign with others our children may figure out protesting against climate change in front of the parliament building in Stockholm, on Friday. some way to cope. Global leader in aviation This crime has displaced action against what scientists swallowed and regurgitated business press and inde- or killed untold numbers of say is now a full-fledged those lies to an unsuspecting pendent media, especially QATAR Airways, the flag carrier of the State of Qatar, people around the world, climate emergency. As a can- public. years later when New York represents one of the big success stories in the avi- caused billions of dollars in didate in the 2020 US presi- Humanity ultimately state and other local govern- ation industry with its glorious two decades of journey. economic damage and dential elections, Joe Biden wasted precious decades ments began suing oil com- Since its re-launch in 1997, the flag carrier has ravaged vital ecosystems and said he would support efforts arguing about whether global panies for damages. But the become one of the fastest growing airlines with unprec- wildlife. It has disproportion- to prosecute the oil giants for warming was real rather than media as a whole seems to edented expansion covering over 150 destinations. ately affected already mar- their lies. It remains to be defusing the threat. Instead of have forgotten that Big Oil’s Qatar Airways has been acknowledged for its per- ginalised communities seen whether he will keep launching a transition to climate lies ever happened. formance, quality of services and connectivity as a mul- around the world, from that promise. renewable energy, the con- It is long past time to right tiple award-winning best airline, and the airline’s home farmers in coastal Bang- Journalists have dedicated sumption of fossil fuels these wrongs. To date, the oil and hub, Hamad International Airport (HIA), was also ladesh, where the fast-rising years to documenting the increased. More than half of companies, the executives in ranked the best airport in the world. The story of Qatar seas are salting the soil and crime scene evidence. In the total greenhouse gases charge of them, the propa- Airways performance during the global pandemic of slashing rice yields, to low- 2015, an investigation by the now overheating the planet gandists they have employed COVID-19 is also a story of outstanding achievements income residents of Houston, Columbia Journalism School were emitted after 1990 – and the politicians they have and excellence that helped it to be in the forefront of Chicago and other cities, and the Los Angeles Times after Exxon and other fossil funded have largely escaped initiatives leading recovery of the industry. whose neighbourhoods suffer blew the case open by tracing fuel giants privately knew blame, much less had to pay – Qatar Airways continued flying across the conti- higher temperatures than the crime link to ExxonMobil, what havoc they were whether through financial nents and managed to repatriate over 3.1 million pas- prosperous areas across town. then the world’s largest oil seeding. penalties or prison time – for sengers stranded in the world’s airports to their coun- This crime threatens company. Exxon “could have ended the immense damage they tries when most of the airline companies were forced today’s young people most of Internal records showed the pretend debate over have done. News outlets also to keep their aircraft on the ground amid the impact of all and calls into question the that by the late 1970s, Exxon’s climate change as early as the owe the public an apology for the global health crisis. very survival of the human own scientists were briefing 1980s”, author and activist mishandling this story, along Qatar Airways adopted a number of industry-leading civilisation. And yet, the crim- its top executives that man- Bill McKibben later wrote. with a commitment to doing initiatives from introducing contactless solutions, a digital inals responsible for this dev- made global warming was “When scientists like NASA’s much sharper coverage in the health passport and UV cabin cleaning tech to oper- astation are still at large. real, potentially catastrophic, Jim Hansen first raised public future. ating the world’s first fully COVID-19 vaccinated flight. Indeed, they continue to per- and caused mainly by burning awareness of climate change Humanity cannot get back Continuing to set the benchmark for innovation, petrate their crime, and even fossil fuels. Climate activists [in 1988], think of what would the 40 years lost to Big Oil’s Qatar Airways, on Friday, announced that it would be make money from it, not least seized on the revelations, have happened if Exxon’s climate lies. It is now beyond the first airline to trial COVID-19 vaccine authentication because their crime remains launching the hashtag chief executive had gone to urgent that rich and poor through the IATA Travel Pass ‘Digital Passport’ Mobile unknown to most of the #ExxonKnew. Congress, too, and said that countries alike quit fossil fuels App. Thus, the company reaffirms its commitment to public. Further investigations their internal scientific efforts in favour of renewable energy its passengers, their safety by reducing paperwork and This is enough to make found that Chevron, Shell, and show[ed] precisely the same and other climate-smart providing them with a more contactless, secure and your blood boil, especially if other oil giants likewise knew thing.” While pockets of the practices. Equally crucial is seamless travel experience. you are a parent. My daughter that their products threatened American public may already that we fortify our commu- Commenting on the initiative, Qatar Airways Group just turned 16, and I have been to render the earth’s climate know about big oil’s crime, nities against the fearsome Chief Executive H E Akbar Al Baker, said: “Despite the thinking about the safest place uninhabitable. In short, it was the vast majority of its victims climate impacts that, because significant challenges the pandemic has caused inter- she can spend her adult life not just Exxon that knew. almost certainly do not. How of our decades of delay, can national aviation, Qatar Airways is proud to lead the since she was a baby and I first They all knew. could they? Big Oil’s record of no longer be avoided. way by becoming the first airline to trial COVID-19 started writing about adapting And they all chose to lie lying never became part of All this will cost money – vaccine authentication through the IATA Travel Pass to climate change. The orange about it. the public narrative about lots of it. The world’s govern- ‘Digital Passport’ Mobile App”. skies blanketing her hometown Beginning in the 1990s, oil climate change, largely ments will be arguing from According to the company the trial will be rolled out of San Francisco after last sum- companies spent millions because most news outlets now through the make-or- in phases from July, beginning initially with cabin crew mer’s record wildfires were a upon millions of dollars on did not incorporate it into break UN climate summit in returning to Doha travelling from Kuwait, London, Los heartbreaking, infuriating sign public relations campaigns to their continuing coverage of November about who pays Angeles, New York, Paris and Sydney. Cabin crew will be that California will not be that confuse the press, the public, climate change. how much. Restoring Big Oil’s able to upload their Qatar issued COVID-19 vaccination safe haven. and policymakers about the The initial “Exxon knew” lies to their rightful place at credentials along with their COVID-19 test results to the The crime in question is dangers posed by burning revelations in 2015 received the heart of the climate story IATA Travel Pass Mobile App and verify they are eligible the fossil fuel industry’s 40 fossil fuels. Their aim was “to relatively little follow-up cov- would offer an answer to that to travel. On arrival in Doha, crew will then be able to safely years of lying about climate reposition global warming as erage beyond the outlets that riddle, one that Biden should and securely share their vaccination certificate and proceed change. Arguably the most theory, not fact”, one planning published them. Television, be pressed on: Big Oil knew – through immigration at the airport, said Qatar Airways. consequential corporate document stated. Front which even in the internet era shouldn’t Big Oil pay? This latest initiative has proven that when it comes deception in history, the groups and friendly politi- remains the primary source of The writer is a co-founder to innovation, Qatar Airways is leading from the front industry’s lies have had the cians spread the companies’ news for most people, ignored of Covering Climate Now and in the global aviation industry. effect of blunting public lies. News outlets, especially the revelations entirely. There environment correspondent awareness and governmental in the United States, were a few stories in the of The Nation Eastern Europe is racing to use vaccine jabs before they expire D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR EMAIL: [email protected] ANDRA TIMU, SLAV OKOV Romania has dropped to such The low vaccination rates with our taxes, we suggest BLOOMBERG an extent that members of are a risk for the EU’s efforts to they’re used to stimulate EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 FAX: +974 4455 7758 Argentina’s national rugby get past the pandemic. The bloc vaccine tourism instead of In the eastern corner of the team were able to get their is already contending with the throwing them in the bin,” MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 European Union, two coun- shots in Bucharest this month threat of the virus’s delta strain, Polina Karastoyanova, man- tries are desperately trying to ahead of a match. which is spreading from the aging director of the National DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 avoid wasting a precious Hesitancy in the two coun- U.K as public-health restric- Board of Tourism, said last commodity: COVID-19 tries stems from a long- tions are loosened and people week. In Romania, the gov- LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 vaccines. standing distrust in the author- embark on summer holidays. ernment is shifting its focus BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 Demand for inoculations ities, as well as skepticism “The recent sales or donations from cities to rural areas in a has plunged in Romania and about some vaccines, particu- won’t impact the availability of bid to rescue its faltering inoc- SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 Bulgaria, leaving stockpiles of larly after the AstraZeneca the vaccine for our citizens,” ulation campaign. It’s counting shots that officials need to use safety concerns. In Romania, Andrei Baciu, Romania’s on local doctors who have ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 fast before their expiration just 24% of the population is deputy health minister, said in close ties with local commu- email: [email protected] dates. The alternative would fully vaccinated, and Bul- a phone interview. “But we nities to help convince people PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 be to destroy them, which garia’s figure is half that. need to find a balance for the of the benefits. But it’s facing email: [email protected] would be a depressing Romania’s situation is vaccine flows so that we max- an uphill battle to shift outcome given the shortage of more pressing, with 35,000 of imize the benefits for eve- attitudes. MARKETING: TEL: 4455 7657 shots elsewhere, such as in its Astra doses expired as of ryone.” With demand dropping “I’m still skeptical about email: [email protected] poorer African nations. Wednesday. Bulgaria has in Bulgaria, the government vaccines because I have doubts With spares doses piling about 20,000 with an end- plans to donate 150,000 doses about their safety and long- ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 857 up, shots are being sold or July deadline, though it hopes -mostly Astra - to neighboring term side effects,” said 37-year- FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] donated to other countries, to use many as second doses countries in the Balkans. The old Cristina Florescu from the CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 governments want deliveries before then. But both want to country’s tourism lobby wants north-eastern town of Suceava. email: [email protected] delayed, and Bulgaria’s hotel delay more deliveries to avoid foreign visitors to get jabs for “I already have side effects industry is pushing to have oversupply; in Romania’s case, free. from having had COVID and I SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 free vaccinations given to 4.4 million due in the next two “Since Bulgaria and all of don’t want to expose myself to FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected] foreign visitors. Demand in months. us have paid for those doses other substances.”

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar

/ThePeninsulaQatar The people of Libya will certainly feel let down as they still aspire to the opportunity to exercise /Peninsula_Qatar their democratic rights in presidential and /ThePeninsulaNewspaper parliamentary elections on 24 December.

+974 6698 6188 Raisedon Zenenga, Assistant Secretary-General and mission coordinator of the UN Support Mission in Libya SUNDAY 4 JULY 2021 ASIA 09 At least 19 missing in mud slide near Tokyo

AP — TOKYO As many as 80 showed a powerful, black mud- homes in Atami slide slither down a mountain, A powerful mud slide carrying knocking over and crushing a deluge of black water and were completely houses and sweeping away cars debris crashed into rows of buried, according to in its path. Helpless neighbours houses in a town west of Tokyo watched in horror, some following heavy rains yesterday, an official with the recording on their phones. leaving at least 19 people Fire and Disaster NHK TV footage showed a missing, officials said. Management Agency. part of a bridge had collapsed. As many as 80 homes in Shizuoka Gov. Heita Atami were completely buried, The official said more Kawakatsu told reporters that the according to an official with the people, possibly 100, Coast Guard had discovered two Fire and Disaster Management people who had been washed into Agency. could still be missing the sea by a mudslide. Their hearts The official said more under the mud slides. had stopped, but their deaths were people, possibly 100, could still not yet officially declared, he said. be missing under the mud slides Other details of their identity were but warned that details were prefecture confirmed at least 19, not released. not immediately clear. The although he said the number “I offer my deepest condo- official, who spoke on condition may grow. lences to everyone who has suf- of anonymity as is often policy Torrential rains have fered,” he said, adding that Houses and cars damaged by a mudslide following heavy rain are seen at Izusan district in Atami, at Japanese bureaucracies, slammed parts of Japan starting utmost efforts will be made to Japan, yesterday. stressed that aggressive rescue earlier this week. Experts said rescue lives. operations were underway to dirt had been loosened, Kawakatsu and other offi- have also arrived, they said. more such disasters. resort area in Shizuoka pre- find survivors. increasing landslide risks in a cials said it had been raining Prime Minister Yoshihide Evacuation warnings were fecture, about 100km southwest Public broadcaster NHK country filled with valleys and hard in the area all morning. Suga called an emergency issued for a wide area, including of Tokyo. The area that was hit earlier gave the number of mountains. Self-defence forces have joined meeting for his Cabinet, and the so-called “Level 5,” which is by the mudslide, Izusan, missing people at 20, but Shi- The landslides appeared to firefighters and police in the instructed the task force to the highest possible alert, affecting includes hot springs, residential zuoka prefecture spokesman have struck multiple times, rescue operation, and officials push ahead with rescue oper- more than 35,000 people. areas, shopping streets and a Takamichi Sugiyama said the about as fast as a car. Footage from the national government ations while guarding against Atami is a quaint seaside famous shrine. IN BRIEF Concerns mount over vaccine shortages in Thailand Afghanistan finds AP — BANGKOK The number of patients in failed to secure timely and ade- Around 10% of elderly and Prayuth has targeted mid- ICUs and on ventilators has quate vaccine supplies, and infirm patients die, while the October for opening up the fungal infection Health authorities in Thailand risen nationwide over the past efforts to obtain more have pro- rate for those age 20-40 is less country to vaccinated visitors reported over 6,200 new two weeks. ceeded slowly. than 0.1%, he said. from abroad without in COVID-19 COVID-19 cases yesterday, The government’s Center Experts at a Health Ministry But at the same time, signif- quarantines. setting a record for a third for COVID-19 Situation Admin- briefing on Friday painted a icant outbreaks are occurring Sopon Mekthon, chairman patients straight day, as concerns istration said 39% of the new grim picture of how to prioritize among other groups, including of the government’s subcom- mounted over shortages of cases reported were in who gets vaccinated. people in construction worker mittee on COVID-19 vaccine KABUL: A deadly fungal treatment facilities and vaccine Bangkok, 25% in neighboring Epidemiologist Kamnuan camps and restaurant workers, management, said only 2 infection known as “black supplies. provinces and 36% in the other Ungchoosak said the arrival of who also need to be vaccinated, million of about 16 million old fungus’ that first surfaced in Officials also reported 41 71 provinces. Centre deputy the delta variant of the virus, he said. and infirm people have received COVID-19 patients in India has deaths, bringing the total to spokesperson Apisamai believed to be more contagious, “We currently have closed vaccines. been detected in Afghanistan, 2,181. Srirangsan said Bangkok could push the number of the camps and businesses, but Nakorn Premsri, director which is in the middle of a Around 90% of Thailand’s authorities must urgently set up deaths up to 1,400 in July and the number of cases is not of the National Vaccine brutal third wave of the coro- over 271,000 reported corona- isolation stations to separate more in coming months. declining and the economy is Institute, said a Thai navirus, Health Minister virus cases and 95% of the infected people in their local He said 80% of the deaths bad. But if we focus on old company, Siam BioScience, Wahid Majroh said yesterday. deaths have been recorded communities and add beds for are among the elderly and people and those who have was supposed to provide the Afghanistan has recorded during a surge that began in treatment of serious cases. people with chronic diseases, chronic diseases, we might not country with 10 million doses one death from the fungus, early April. There were 992 Critics since the beginning and if they are vaccinated it have to shut down the busi- a month of the locally pro- which has been detected in deaths in June, more than 15 of the year have charged that could significantly reduce the nesses and the bed demands duced AstraZeneca vaccine, two other patients, he said. times Thailand’s total for all of the government of Prime Min- death rate while also lowering from these two groups will also but that has been cut to 5-6 In Afghanistan, where 2020. ister Prayuth Chan-ocha has the demand for ICU beds. decline,” Kamnuan said. million doses. people rarely wear masks and there is no social distancing, the numbers of new cases have Protesters burn been steadily rising, with 1,272 Indonesia expects cases to rise despite stricter curbs new cases in the past 24 hours Myanmar army and 92 deaths. The testing rate REUTERS — JAKARTA in Afghanistan is barely 4,000 leader’s images a day. Since the pandemic The next two weeks are critical began last year, Afghanistan on his birthday for the success of Indonesia’s has recorded 124,757 cases and efforts to rein in the corona- 5,199 deaths though the figures REUTERS — YANGON virus, as infections could rise are believed to be wildly until yesterday’s tougher curbs, underreported. - AP Protesters burned mock affecting more than 100 million coffins and pictures of Myan- people, begin to show results, Bharat Biotech mar’s army ruler Min Aung a minister said. Hlaing yesterday in the latest As it battles one of Asia’s says vaccine demonstrations against the worst virus outbreaks, the coup over five months ago that world’s fourth-most populous 93.4% effective has plunged the Southeast nation reported 27,913 new Asian country into chaos. infections in the latest of many NEW DELHI: Phase-III trials “May you not rest in peace” peaks over the past two weeks. of a vaccine made by India’s and “may your birthday and “In the next 10 days, maybe Bharat Biotech showed it was deathday be the same,” read two weeks, cases can continue 93.4% effective against severe the messages on funeral to rise,” despite tougher curbs on symptomatic COVID-19, the wreaths in Theinzayet the islands of Java and Bali, as firm said yesterday, a finding township in eastern Mon state. some infections could now be in that could boost people’s Similar protests took place in the incubation period, said Luhut acceptance of Covaxin. many parts of Myanmar. Pandjaitan, the minister over- The data demonstrated “We are burning this as a seeing the COVID-19 response. 65.2% protection against the curse,” said one protester in “This two weeks is a critical Staff stand guard at the closed Monkey Forest as Indonesia imposes emergency measures, tightening Delta variant, first identified the second city of Mandalay, time for us.” restrictions in Java and Bali, in Ubud, Gianyar, Bali, yesterday. in India, that led to a surge in setting ablaze a small pile of The new curbs, such as infections in April and May, picture of the general, 65. tighter travel checks, a ban on most populous island, and the roads were blocked. antigen (test result),” he said. and the world’s highest daily A spokesman for the mil- restaurant dining and outdoor resort island of Bali, with more One stroller, Clement, 45, In Bali’s Ubud art market, death tolls. itary authorities did not sports and the closure of non- than 21,000 officers enforcing who was accompanied by his saleswoman Ketut Suwarni India’s homegrown respond to requests for essential workplaces, run until curbs and helping in random wife, said he disagreed with the lamented the curbs and a delay vaccine also showed effec- comment. July 20, but could be extended, testing. curbs, despite having lost a in reopening for foreign tiveness of 77.8% against Min Aung Hlaing took if necessary, to bring daily cases Traffic in the capital, Jakarta, friend to the respiratory disease. tourists, which had been symptomatic COVID-19 in the power on February 1, over- below 10,000. in western Java, was much lighter “We know it’s dangerous, planned for this month. trial. - Reuters throwing elected leader Aung To keep people home, than usual, with trains and buses but at least if we want to go to “We’ve been closed for 15 San Suu Kyi and cutting short police threw up road blocks and nearly empty, but some people the mall, or somewhere, we months and have been making Malaysia to ease a decade of democratic more than 400 checkpoints still flouted the curbs to jog and should just show our vaccine preparations, but suddenly reforms that had brought across Java, the archipelago’s ride bicycles, even though main (certificate) and maybe an these restrictions,” she said. curbs in five Myanmar out of isolation under previous juntas. states next week Min Aung Hlaing had been due to retire after his 65th Two Taiwan firms reach agreements for BioNTech vaccines KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will birthday, but the compulsory relax coronavirus lockdowns retirement age was scrapped REUTERS — TAIPEI pressure about the slow pace documents” needed to finalise TSMC said in a brief emailed next week in five states that after the coup. of Taiwan’s inoculation pro- the deal but does not specify a statement it was still a work in have met the government’s The army says its Terry Gou, the billionaire gramme, the government delivery date, as global demand progress and “no further infor- indicators for lifting curbs, the assumption of powers was in founder of Taiwan’s Foxconn, agreed to allow Gou and Taiwan for vaccines continues to outstrip mation is available at this time”. security minister said yesterday. line with the constitution. It along with TSMC reached initial Semiconductor Manufacturing supply, this person said. The vac- BioNTech declined to The Southeast Asian alleged fraud in November agreements to each buy 5 Co to negotiate on its behalf for cines will be shipped directly to comment. country has been under a elections swept by Suu Kyi’s million doses each of BioNTech the vaccines, which would be Taiwan from the German man- Taiwan Health Minister nationwide lockdown since party, although the accusa- SE’s COVID-19 vaccine on donated to Taiwan’s gov- ufacturer, the person added. Chen Shih-chung said yesterday June 1 to rein in a surge of tions were dismissed by the Friday, three sources with ernment for distribution. Taiwan’s government has the government was very COVID-19 infections. former electoral body. knowledge of the situation said. Gou and TSMC reached the said any BioNTech vaccines thankful for the hard work Prime Minister Muhyiddin The military has struggled Taiwan’s government has agreements with a subsidiary of should be “produced in the Foxconn and TSMC were Yassin has said the gov- to impose its authority. tried for months to buy the shots Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical original factory with the putting into getting the shots but ernment will gradually open Protests take place in directly from Germany’s Group Co Ltd, which has a con- original packaging” and be that buying vaccines was “quite up the economy and social many parts of Myanmar BioNTech and has blamed tract with BioNTech to sell the directly delivered to Taiwan. difficult” and the process activities in four phases. almost daily, strikes have hurt China, which claims the self- COVID-19 vaccines in China, Fosun did not respond to a challenging. Curbs are to be partially official and private business ruled island as its own territory, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, request for comment. Foxconn, Another source said the lifted in the states of Kelantan, and fighting has flared in the for nixing a deal the two sides the sources said. The deal is not a major Apple Inc supplier, said German government, which has Pahang, Perak, Perlis, and Ter- borderlands, sending some were due to sign earlier this year. final and will still take some time it was continuing to “work said it was trying to help Taiwan engganu on Monday Minister, 200,000 people fleeing from China denies the accusations. to close the deal, one source said. hard” on the vaccine purchase obtain the BioNTech vaccines, had Ismail Sabri Yaakob, told their homes. Last month, facing public It includes “related legal plan. It did not elaborate. been trying to speed up the talks. reporters. -Reuters 10 EUROPE SUNDAY 4 JULY 2021 Europe in vaccination race against Delta variant AP — LISBON Incentives for people Still, “no one wants any lock- to get shots include downs,” said Kremlin spokesman Countries across Europe are Dmitry Peskov at a briefing, scrambling to accelerate coro- free groceries, travel although he admitted that the navirus vaccinations and outpace and entertainment virus situation in a number of the spread of the more infectious Russian regions is “tense”. In Delta variant, in a high-stakes vouchers, and prize some countries, the virus is race to prevent hospital wards drawings. The spreading much faster among from filling up again with patients President of Cyprus younger people. In Spain, the fighting for their lives. national 14-day case notification The urgency coincides with even appealed to a rate per 100,000 people rose to Europe’s summer holiday sense of patriotism. 152 on Friday. But for the 20-29 months, with fair weather age group, it shot up to 449. bringing more social gatherings Those numbers have trig- and governments reluctant to growth “exponential,” according gered alarm across the clamp down on them. Social dis- to Maria Van Kerkhove, its tech- continent. tancing is commonly neglected, nical lead on COVID-19. The Netherlands government especially among the young, and Daily new case numbers are is extending its vaccination some countries are scrapping the already climbing sharply in coun- program to those aged 12-17 to requirement to wear masks tries like the United Kingdom, help head off a feared new surge. outdoors. Portugal and Russia. Greece is offering young adults Incentives for people to get In the UK, cases of the Delta €150 ($177) in credit after their shots include free groceries, variant have increased four-fold first jab. Rome authorities are travel and entertainment in less than a month, with con- mulling the use of vans to vac- vouchers, and prize drawings. firmed cases on Friday up 46% cinate people at the beach. And The President of Cyprus even on the previous week. Poland last week launched a A file photo of people arriving at Faro Airport from Manchester on the first day that Britons were appealed to a sense of Portuguese health authorities lottery open only to adults who allowed to enter Portugal without needing to quarantine in Faro, Portugal. patriotism. this week reported a “vertig- are fully vaccinated, with new The risk of infection from the inous” rise in the prevalence of cars among the prizes. delta variant is “high to very high” the delta variant, which Portuguese authorities have effective the shots are. GUM department store just off 72 hours. France lifted the last for partially or unvaccinated accounted for only 4% of cases extended the hours of vacci- In Madrid this week, Claudia Red Square after the gov- of its major restrictions on communities, according to the in May but almost 56% in June. nation centers, created new Aguilar, a 58-year-old archae- ernment required vaccinations Wednesday, allowing unlimited European Centre for Disease The country is reporting its walk-in clinics, called up armed ologist, got her second Pfizer- for workers in some sectors. crowds in restaurants, at wed- Control, which monitors 30 highest number of daily cases forces personnel to help run BioNTech jab at an auditorium “Now, it’s becoming man- dings and most cultural events countries on the continent. It esti- since February, and the number operations, and reduced the that is expanding its working datory and we all understand despite fast-rising cases of the mates that by the end of August, of COVID-19 patients in hospitals period between taking the two hours overnight. why — because the third wave Delta variant. the variant will account for 90% has surpassed 500 for the first doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine Nevertheless, she said she is of the pandemic has started Dr. Hans Kluge, the head of of cases in the European Union. time since early April. from 12 weeks to eight weeks. “not sure I’ll really be immune” here,” she said. the WHO’s Europe office, cau- “It is very important to Reports of new infections in “We’re in a race against the against future variants. In Moscow, however, restau- tioned this week that the Delta progress with the vaccine rollout Russia more than doubled in clock,” Cabinet Minister Mariana “I mean, I’m a bit sceptical rants and cafes on Monday variant is poised to become at a very high pace,” the ECDC June, topping 20,000 per day this Vieira da Silva said. that this is going to do any good,” began admitting only customers dominant by August in the warned. week, and deaths hit 679 on In the fight against vaccine Aguilar said. who have been vaccinated, have 53-country region his office The World Health Organi- Friday, the fourth day in a row hesitancy across Europe, the Bartender Yevgeniya recovered from COVID-19 in the covers. And he notes that some zation is also concerned. The that the death toll set a daily appearance of variants has fed Chernyshkova was lined up on past six months or can provide 63% of people in that region variant makes transmission record. public uncertainty about how Thursday for a shot at Moscow’s a negative test in the previous haven’t had a first jab.

Italy breaks up IN BRIEF fake EU digital Ireland to speed up vaccinating pass schemes younger people in Delta battle REUTERS — MILAN DUBLIN: Ireland will give 18- to 34-year-olds the option of Italian police said yesterday receiving a COVID-19 vaccine one to two months earlier than they had broken up a number scheduled in a bid to slow the spread of the Delta variant of the of online schemes offering to disease and resume a delayed reopening of the economy. sell fake European Union digital Ireland had planned to resume eating restaurants from COVID-19 status certificates or tomorrow but announced a slowdown of the easing of restric- purported coronavirus vaccines. tions this week due to concerns about the Delta variant, which The investigation, coordi- now accounts for around 70% of new cases. nated by the cybercrime pros- Almost 45% of Ireland’s 3.7 million adult population have been ecutor’s office in Milan, showed fully vaccinated and 65% have received their first of two doses. that thousands of people were The health service has been working its way down the age ready to pay for false certifi- groups and began to vaccinate 35- to 39-year-olds in the last cates, a police statement said. week. The EU on Thursday Ireland’s lifting of restrictions on giving the AstraZeneca (AZN.L) launched a digital COVID-19 and Johnson & Johnson (JNJ.N) vaccines to younger people means certificate designed to help cit- those aged 18 to 34 can choose to receive one of those shots from izens travel across the 27-nation tomorrow, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said. bloc and open up summer “We now have a significant acceleration of the vaccine pro- European Council’s former President Donald Tusk shakes hands with the head of Civic Platform, tourism. gramme,” Donnelly told parliament, adding that Ireland should Borys Budka, during a party convention, in Warsaw yesterday. The certificate features a receive 205,000 to 210,000 Johnson & Johnson shots and at least “QR” code, which indicates if a 100,000 AstraZeneca vaccines that can be given to that age group traveller has been fully vacci- this month. -Reuters nated or has recently recovered Poland’s Tusk returns to frontline, from a COVID-19 infection or tested negative. UK doctors want some COVID-19 The police said they had vowing to lead opposition to victory seized control of 10 channels on measure retained after July 19 the encrypted messaging REUTERS — WARSAW as a memory, to win the fight for crisis, Poland avoided a service Telegram linked to the future against PiS,” Tusk told recession under Tusk’s lead- anonymous accounts on mar- Former European Council Pres- a PO congress in Warsaw. ership, but the government LONDON: England should retain some coronavirus measures ketplaces in the so-called dark ident Donald Tusk returned to “There is no chance of came to be viewed as increas- beyond July 19, when most remaining restrictions are due to be web, through which it was pos- the fore of Polish politics victory without Civic Platform, ingly out of touch with the lifted, to help limit the spread of the disease, a doctors’ union sible to contact the sellers, who yesterday, becoming leader of and our history tells us that.” The problems of younger and less warned yesterday. required payment in the main opposition party in a announcement of Tusk’s return affluent Poles. Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed last Monday that most cryptocurrency. move that many members hope came after talks held behind On his return to Polish pol- restrictions in England will end on July 19, on what has been dubbed Prices ranged from 110 to can revive its sagging fortunes. closed doors between the new itics, Tusk will still have to con- “Freedom Day”. 130 euros ($130-155) for an “all For many in the liberal Civic leader, his predecessor Borys front this problem, as the party, However, on Thursday he said British people may have to con- inclusive” package of fake pass Platform (PO) party that Tusk Budka and Warsaw Mayor Rafal which some analysts say has tinue taking some precautions, without giving details. and purported vial of vaccine. helped to found, the stakes are Trzaskowski, who had also been struggled to define its agenda The British Medical Association wants people to continue using Some buyers came from outside nothing less than Poland’s future tipped for the leadership. and connect with voters beyond face masks and called for a renewed focus on ventilating prop- the EU. in the European Union. European Council President its core middle-class, urban erties after a sharp recent rise in COVID-19 cases, with 27,125 “About 250,000 users had Elections scheduled for 2023 from 2014 to 2019, Tusk helped electorate, languishes around reported on Friday. registered, and a hundred tried will determine if the governing steer the European Union record lows in the polls. “This data coupled with some increases in hospitalisation sug- to interact with the sellers,” said nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) through a tumultuous period “The biggest opposition gests that it would be quite wrong from a public health interest to Gian Luca Berruti, head of the party will continue its rows with marked by Brexit and the party is living through the on July 19 remove all restrictions... or to give the public the expec- Milan tax police’s cyber-fraud Brussels over issues including migration crisis. The first prime biggest crisis in its history... tation that we will have a pre-COVID society where no one has unit. It is unclear whether any judicial reforms that the EU says minister in Poland’s post-com- Many voters who don’t like PiS to take any measures to prevent spread,” Dr Chaand Nagpaul, actual vaccine was handed over, undermine the independence of munist history to win two terms also don’t want to vote for PO,” BMA council chair, told Sky News yesterday. Fully vaccinated but police said they had found judges. in office, he led PO in gov- said Rafal Chwedoruk, a people who have been in contact with a coronavirus sufferer will several counterfeit COVID-19 “Civic Platform is indispen- ernment from 2007 to 2014. political scientist at Warsaw be free within weeks to carry on life as normal with no need to certificates. sable, it is needed as a force, not During the global financial University. quarantine, The Times reported yesterday. -Reuters French far-right leader under fire for her mainstream turn

AP — PARIS anti-immigration party’s the mainstream right. As part into an electoral failure, and Macron. National Rally candi- unquestioned boss, and her of the strategy, she softened perhaps electoral failures,” he dates — including several who French far-right leader Marine fortunes aren’t expected to the edges and strove to added, referring to the originally hailed from the Le Pen is facing stinging crit- change at the two-day event remove the stigma of racism regional election result and mainstream right — failed in icism for making her party too in the southwestern town of and antisemitism that clung the 2022 presidential vote. all 12 French regions during mainstream, dulling its Perpignan, hosted by local to the party after decades The defiant patriarch, now elections last Sunday marked extremist edge, and ignoring Mayor Louis Aliot-Le Pen’s under her now-ostracized 93, was expelled in the effort by record-high abstention grassroots members, with former companion and, above father, Jean-Marie Le Pen. She to boost the party’s respecta- with only one in three voters voices from inside and outside all, the party’s top performer even changed the name from bility, but his criticism reflects casting ballots. warning this could cost her in last year’s municipal elec- National Front, as it was called that of more moderate Polls had suggested the votes in next year’s presi- tions. But there could be an under her father, who co- members who say his party, which has never headed dential race. uncomfortable reckoning, just founded the party in 1972 and daughter has muddled the a region, would be victorious The rumblings grew as Le Pen is trying to inject led it for four decades. message. in at least one. Instead, it lost louder after the National new dynamism into the “The policy of adapting, of Her goal is to reach the nearly a third of its regional Rally’s failure a week ago in National Rally. rapprochement with power, runoff in the presidential race councillors, in voting regarded regional elections, and come Critics say Le Pen has even with the ordinary right, in 10 months with greater as critical to planting local just ahead of this weekend’s erased her party’s anti-estab- was severely sanctioned,” said success than in 2017, when she roots needed for the presi- party congress. lishment signature by trying Jean-Marie Le Pen. “(That) was reached the final round but dential race — a task that Marine Le Pen Le Pen is the to make it more palatable to a political error and translates lost to centrist Emmanuel some say has been neglected. SUNDAY 4 JULY 2021 EUROPE / AMERICAS 11

11 held in armed Putin okays revised group stand off Russian national with police near Boston security strategy REUTERS — BOSTON

AP — MOSCOW Russia remains Eleven heavily armed, self- committed to professed militia members Russian President Vladimir Putin were arrested near Boston has approved a revised version using political yesterday, ending an overnight of Russia’s national security and diplomatic stand off that shut down a strategy that envisages “symmet- means to resolve major US Interstate at the start rical and asymmetrical of the Independence holiday. measures” in response to foreign international and The group, identified by states’ “unfriendly actions that national conflicts, the multiple media outlets threaten the sovereignty and document read. including WBZ Boston, a CBS territorial integrity” of Russia. affiliate, are members of the Putin signed a decree “Rise of the Moors”, a group approving the strategy on Friday, June 23 incident in the Black that does not recognize according to the Kremlin Sea in which Russia said one of American laws, but professes website. The 44-page document its warships fired warning shots to be peaceful. was published yesterday on a and a warplane dropped bombs Two of the men were government website and out- in the path of Britain’s HMS Protest to free Assange taken into custody early in the lined Russia’s national interests Defender to force it from an morning, as officers negotiated Stella Morris, partner of Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, joins a picnic protest with her children, and priorities. area near Crimea that Moscow with the leaders, seeking their Max and Gabriel, to mark Assange’s 50th Birthday, on Parliament Square in London, Britain, yesterday. It stated that “actions of claims as its territorial waters. peaceful surrender. Another 7 some countries are aimed at Britain, which like most were apprehended after 10am, instigating disintegration proc- other nations does not recognize police said in a statement. esses in the Commonwealth of Russia’s 2014 annexation of Police remained on the Independent States in order to Crimea, insisted the Defender Lithuania declares emergency scene and found two addi- destroy Russia’s ties with its wasn’t fired upon and said it was tional people, bringing the traditional allies,” and claimed sailing in Ukrainian waters. arrest total to 11. No other that “a number of states call “It was clearly a provocation, information was immediately Russia a threat and even a mil- a complex one involving not only due to migration from Belarus available on the arrests. itary adversary”. the British but also the Amer- No shots have been Russia remains committed icans,” Putin said on Wednesday AP — HELSINKI said during a government with whom Lithuania shares a reported fired, and no injuries to using political and diplo- during his annual televised meeting, according to the Baltic 679km border. were reported during the matic means to resolve inter- call-in show, charging that a US Lithuania has declared a state News Service. That number of detained encounter, which started national and national conflicts, reconnaissance aircraft that took of emergency due to an influx Belarus President Alex- migrants at the Belarus border about 1am when a state the document read. At the same off from the Greek island of Crete of migrants in the last few days ander Lukashenko has warned is three times higher than the trooper saw two cars stopped time, Moscow “considers it was operating in concert with from neighbouring Belarus, as that his country would retaliate previous daily record, in a breakdown lane with legitimate to take symmetrical the British ship to monitor the tensions between the European against the latest EU sanctions Lithuanian officials said. groups of men armed with and asymmetric measures” to Russian military’s response to Union and Belarus escalate. on his regime by loosening CCTV footage released by rifles and pistols standing thwart and prevent “unfriendly the British destroyer. Lithuania’s Interior Minister border controls for undocu- the Lithuanian border guard around, police said. actions” by foreign states that The Russian leader Agle Bilotaite said late on Friday mented migrants. The bloc showed migrants jumping over The group, whose self-pro- “threaten the sovereignty and lamented that the incident that the decision, proposed by tightened sanctions against a fence separating Belarus and fessed leader told police that the territorial integrity of the closely followed his summit the State Border Guard Service, Belarus after Lukashenko’s Lithuania and either crawling, men were travelling from Russian Federation”. with US President Joe Biden in was necessary not because of government forced a passenger walking or running to the Rhode Island to Maine for some Russia’s relations with the Geneva. “The world is under- an increased threat to the plane to divert and land and Lithuanian side. “training”, scattered into the US and its allies have been at going a radical change,” he said. country of 2.8 million people arrested a prominent journalist According to the Baltic nearby woods off Interstate 95 post-Cold War lows over Mos- “Our US partners realize that, but to put a more robust system on the flight. News Service, the most of the after police asked for their iden- cow’s 2014 annexation of and that’s why the Geneva into place to handle migrants Prime Minister Ingrida migrants have already sought tification and gun permits. Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula, meeting took place. But on the coming in. Simonyte’s Cabinet declared asylum in Lithuania and include Police closed the highway accusations of Russian inter- other hand, they are trying to “It’s very important to have the emergency after border citizens of Afghanistan, Cam- near Wakefield, about 14 miles ference in US elections, hacking secure their monopolist stance, a legal system and instru- officials reported that they had eroon, Iraq and Syria. Lithuania north of Boston, and asked attacks and other events. resulting in threats and ments... to be able to swiftly detained about 150 illegal has set up tent camps to accom- local residents to “shelter in Earlier this week Putin destructive action such as drills, make decisions in response to migrants in the last day who modate the growing number of place”. The Interstate has since described as a “provocation” a provocations and sanctions.” arising challenges,” Bilotaite had crossed over from Belarus, migrants. reopened.

COVID-19 death IN BRIEF toll in Russia hits record high for Ukraine investigates cause of the fifth day man’s death after vaccine dose REUTERS — MOSCOW KIEV: Ukraine’s health ministry is investigating why a 47-year-old man died four hours after he received a shot of the Pfizer coro- Russia yesterday reported 697 navirus vaccine, the ministry said late on Friday. It said the death coronavirus-related deaths, may have no connection to the shot and that another five people the most confirmed in a single who were vaccinated from the same vial as the man who died day since the pandemic began were in a satisfactory condition. The ministry said that under and the fifth day in a row it has Ukrainian law and international standards for the organisation set that record. of pharmacovigilance for adverse events after immunisation, The government corona- every death that occurs within 30 days of immunisation must be virus taskforce confirmed investigated. “Our immediate thoughts are with the bereaved 24,439 new coronavirus cases family. We take adverse events that are potentially associated nationwide, the most it has with our COVID-19 vaccine, BNT162b2, very seriously. We note reported since January. Officials at this time that no causal link has been established in this case,” blame the surge on the infec- Pfizer said. “To date, more than 400 million people around the tious Delta variant and tepid A man views damage to a home after strong winds of Hurricane Elsa passed St. Michael, Barbados. world have been vaccinated with our vaccine. It is important to demand for vaccinations. note that serious adverse events that are unrelated to the vaccine Moscow, the worst-hit are unfortunately likely to occur at a similar rate as they would region, accounted for 7,446 of Dominican Republic evacuates its in the general population,” Pfizer said. About 2 million people in yesterday's new cases. But its Ukraine have received their first shot since February, but no deaths mayor told residents the rate caused by vaccination have been reported. — Reuters of vaccinations was picking up residents as storm Elsa takes aim and that more than 2.7 million Firefighters make progress against people had received at least REUTERS — SANTO DOMINGO Beata at 11am EST, according to under a hurricane warning, the one vaccine dose. the NHC. In the Dominican NHC said. A hurricane watch California forest blazes Spooked by a new wave of Elsa’s winds weakened slightly Republic, officials evacuated covered Cuba’s eastern prov- infections that began last month, yesterday as the Caribbean people living near rivers and inces. Jamaica was under a REDDING, California: Firefighters were making progress against officials imposed an array of storm churned towards Haiti creeks in coastal Barahona tropical storm warning. Northern California forest fires that burned several homes and measures to compel or and the Dominican Republic, province as severe flooding was Conditions were likely to forced thousands to flee communities even as authorities prepared encourage people to get vacci- where residents threatened by forecast. deteriorate in the coming hours, for a hot, crowded Fourth of July weekend that could bring the nated. Vaccines are widely severe floods were being evac- The capital Santo Domingo the NHC said. Elsa’s forward threat of new blazes. Three wildfires near the towering Mount available in Russia, but polls uated. was under an extreme flooding speed was expected to decrease Shasta volcano an hour’s drive from the Oregon border have show many people don’t want The US National Hurricane alert too. Emergency groups later while maximum wind burned around 60 square miles of brush and timber. Property to have them. Center (NHC) said an aircraft said they had 2,500 centers speeds would stay about the damage was evident at the Salt Fire, which broke out on In Moscow, which has not measured maximum sustained ready for evacuated people. same until today or tomorrow, Wednesday near Interstate 5 and prompted evacuations for some had a strict lockdown since winds at 70 miles per hour (110 Haiti, which saw 31 deaths when Elsa was expected to be roads in Lakehead, an unincorporated community of around 700 last summer, officials have kph). This downgraded Elsa to in Hurricane Laura in August, near or over Cuba. people north of the city of Redding. About a dozen destroyed now banned people from a tropical storm from a hur- had not ordered evacuations. Millions of Cubans tried to buildings could be seen in just one area of the community. The going to cafes, clubs and res- ricane, which is defined as The southern coast of the prepare for heavy rainfall and Salt Fire covered nearly 8 square miles and was 5% contained. taurants unless they can show having winds of at least 75 mph. island of Hispaniola, which is flooding amid a surge in virus To the northeast, the Tennant Fire in the Klamath National Forest proof of vaccination, immunity Elsa was about 70km south home to the Dominican infections, with cases reaching a had burned five buildings, including two homes, and threatened or a negative test. of the Dominican island of Isla Republic and Haiti, remained record 3,500 on Friday. several hundred more. Evacuation orders and warnings continued in nearby areas. To the north, the Lava Fire burning partly on the flanks of Mount Shasta was 27% contained. — AP Trudeau denounces vandalism in Canada Vatican indicts 10 people over UK deal AP — VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA Saskatchewan that generations the shameful history we are all paint and its base had red hand- ROME: A Vatican judge yesterday indicted 10 people, including of Indigenous children had been become more aware of,” he told prints on it. a once-powerful cardinal, on charges including embezzlement, Canada's Prime Minister Justin forced to attend. The nation also a news conference. Earlier this week, a First abuse of office, extortion and fraud in connection with the Secre- Trudeau denounced the saw a series of attacks on Canada “I can’t help but think that Nations group in British tariat of State’s €350m investment in a London real estate venture. burning and vandalism of Day on statues of Queen Victoria, burning down churches is Columbia said it had used The president of the Vatican’s criminal tribunal, Giuseppe Catholic churches that has Queen Elizabeth and other his- actually depriving people who ground-penetrating radar to Pignatone, set July 27 as the trial date, according to a Vatican press followed discovery of torical figures. are in need of grieving and find 182 human remains in statement. The indictments were handed down following a unmarked graves and former Trudeau, himself a Catholic, healing and mourning from unmarked graves at a site close sprawling, two-year investigation into how the Secretariat of schools for Indigenous children. said he understands the anger places where they can grieve and to a former residential near State managed its vast asset portfolio, much of which is funded Several Catholic churches many people feel toward the reflect and look for support.” Cranbrook, 845km east of Van- by the Peter’s Pence donations from the faithful. Five former have recently been vandalized federal government and On Thursday, statues of couver. That followed reports Vatican officials, including Cardinal Angelo Becciu and two offi- or damaged in fires following Catholic church. The gov- Queen Victoria and Queen Eliz- of similar massive findings at cials from the Secretariat of State, were indicted, as well as Italian the discovery of more than ernment has apologized for the abeth on the grounds of the two other such church-run businessmen who handled the London investment. Also indicted on 1,100 unmarked graves at the schools and Trudeau has called Manitoba legislature were tied schools, one of more than 600 alleged embezzlement charges was an Italian intelligence expert. sites of three former residential on Pope Francis, too, to make with ropes and pulled down by unmarked graves in southern One of the main suspects in the case, Italian broker Gianluigi Torzi, schools run by the church in a formal apology. “It’s real and a crowd. The statue of Queen Saskatchewan and another of is accused of having extorted the Vatican out of €15m to turn over British Columbia and it is fully understandable given Victoria was covered in red 215 bodies in British Columbia. ownership of the London building in late 2018. — AP 12 AMERICAS SUNDAY 4 JULY 2021 Biden says teachers deserve ‘a raise, not just praise’

In remarks at the National Education Biden for nominating Miguel Association’s annual meeting in Washington, Cardona, a former teacher and principal, to lead Education Biden said: “Every parent in this country who Department. spent the last year educating their children at Some Republicans have home understands that you deserve a raise.” accused Biden of being too close to the powerful unions, saying he should have taken stronger AP — WASHINGTON unions, the President went on action to press teachers to return to describe educators as “the to in-person instruction. And US President Joe Biden, single most important com- some said his goal to have most speaking to the nation’s largest ponent of America’s future”. elementary and middle schools teachers union, said late on Biden and First Lady Jill reopened within 100 days — a Friday that the pandemic has Biden gave remarks at a mostly goal he achieved in May — was given America’s parents the empty Washington Convention not ambitious enough. “ultimate education” on the Center while union members Biden addressed the union challenges of the teaching watched virtually. Biden is the days before a July Fourth profession. But even more, he first President in recent history holiday that he said should be said, the last year has proved to address the labor group, celebrated as a “summer of that teachers across the US whose 3 million members freedom” as the nation recovers deserve higher pay. include his wife, a longtime from the coronavirus. “You deserve a raise, not community college professor. He drew attention to a just praise,” Biden said in After a year in which some recent survey by the teachers remarks at the National Edu- teachers unions were villainized US President Joe Biden delivers remarks to the National Education Association’s Annual Meeting and union finding that 84% of its cation Association’s annual for slowing the return to the Representative Assembly in Washington, DC, on Friday. First lady Jill Biden is also seen. members had been vaccinated. meeting in Washington. “Every classroom, the President and his But he also looked forward to parent in this country who spent wife had nothing but praise. Jill it all while you worried about access remote classes offered the amount of a federal grant challenges as schools work to the last year educating their Biden called teachers heroes your own families’ health and by their schools. for aspiring teachers and to recover from the pandemic. children at home understands who adapted overnight to education and safety.” He promoted his American boost career training for current “On Sunday we’ll celebrate that you deserve a raise.” support students and families. The President mostly used Families Plan, which would teachers. our independence as a nation, Biden made the case while “You spoke out for safely the speech to push his pro- offer two years of free com- Both of the nation’s major as well as our progress against selling his proposed legislative reopening schools and more posals. He made the case for the munity college to all Americans, teachers unions endorsed Biden the virus,” he said. “In the days priorities and budget for next student support,” she said. bipartisan infrastructure deal, along with two years of pre- as a presidential candidate, and ahead, we have a chance to year, which includes $20bn in “You carried families through including its plan to improve school for all 3- and 4-year-old he has kept close ties with make another beginning, the new funding that aims to spur the darkest year in modern broadband access. He said the children. And he pitched further them since his election. While beginning of a stronger, fairer states to increase teacher pay. history with patience, com- problem was laid bare last year investments for teachers, introducing Biden, NEA Pres- education system. But it can’t A close ally of teachers passion and care. And you did as many children struggled to including a proposal to double ident Becky Pringle applauded be done without you.” Another Florida building evacuated Brazil top court greenlights investigation of Bolsonaro AP — NORTH MIAMI BEACH AP — RIO DE JANEIRO recently was allied with Bol- Residents of a Miami-area high- sonaro. The Mirandas said they rise loaded clothes and valuables A Brazilian Supreme Court brought their concerns directly into suitcases, laundry baskets justice has authorized a to Bolsonaro, who assured and wagons and wheeled them criminal investigation into them he would report the irreg- to waiting cars after they were President Jair Bolsonaro’s ularities to the Federal Police. forced to evacuate the building response to allegations of However, the Federal when it was found to be unsafe potential corruption within his Police never received any in a review prompted by the Health Ministry involving a request to investigate, a Federal deadly collapse of a building just vaccine deal. Police source with knowledge a few miles away. In Friday’s decision, of investigations told The Asso- An audit prompted by the Supreme Court Justice Rosa ciated Press. He spoke anony- collapse of Champlain Towers Weber said the investigation mously for lack of autorization South in nearby Surfside found is supported by recent tes- to speak publicly. The sec- that the 156-unit Crestview timony in a Senate committee retary-general of the presi- Towers in North Miami Beach, investigating the govern- dency, Onyx Lorenzoni, con- about 8km away, had been ment’s handling of the firmed Bolsonaro met with the deemed structurally and elec- COVID-19 pandemic. Mirandas, but claimed they trically unsafe in January, the Prosecutors will investigate presented fraudulent docu- city said in a news release. whether Bolsonaro committed ments. Bolsonaro ordered the Law enforcement author- A general view of the Crestview Towers condominium after the city of North Miami Beach ordered the crime of “prevarication,” brothers investigated, he said. ities cordoned off the area on the evacuation of the building, deeming it unsafe, in North Miami Beach, Florida, US, on Friday. which entails delaying or Bharat has denied any Friday and went door-to-door refraining from action required wrongdoing with respect to in the apartment building, on the second floor. He said he that substantial structural The mayor also said she as part of a public official’s duty vaccine supply. Bolsonaro has telling residents they had to hadn’t previously heard any- problems are not being ignored. signed an emergency order to for reasons of personal interest. denied any wrongdoing or leave the 49-year-old structure. thing about the problems that Authorities in Surfside said demolish the remaining part of Weber didn’t rule out the pos- knowledge of corruption, and Harold Dauphin was on his the city mentioned in their news four more bodies had been the building once engineers sibility other potential wrong- told reporters on June 28 he way home from picking up his release. He grabbed what he found in the rubble, including have signed off on it. Miami- doing could be investigated. can’t know what transpires son at camp when he noticed a could — clothes, his work the 7-year-old daughter of a Dade Fire Rescue Assistant Fire The inquiry comes after within his ministries. helicopter buzzing around his uniform and some electronic Miami firefighter, bringing the Chief Ray Jadallah told family Luis Ricardo Miranda, the chief The Supreme Court apartment and a heightened devices — and the two left. “It’s confirmed death toll to 22. members during a briefing that of the Health Ministry’s import decision greenlighting an police presence. He wondered unfortunate, but I understand. But there was also relief. demolition could begin as soon division, said he faced undue investigation came in response whether there had been a Knowing what happened in Closer inspection of the missing as today of the remaining pressure to sign off on the to a request filed by three sen- shooting nearby but then came Surfside, you know, it’s under- persons list reduced the number portion of the condo complex. import of 20 million vaccines ators. A majority of senators on home to find out that his standable,” he said. from 145 to 126 after duplicate Worries have intensified from Indian pharmaceutical the investigating committee building was being evacuated. It is the first building to be names were eliminated and over the past week that the Bharat Biotech. He said there previously told the AP that, “They said the building is evacuated since municipal offi- some residents reported missing damaged structure could come were irregularities in the once their inquest concludes, unsafe to live and it’s an imme- cials in South Florida, and turned up safe, officials said. “So tumbling down on its own, invoices — particularly a $45m they would vote to recommend diate evacuation,” Dauphin statewide, began scrutinizing this is very, very good news,” causing a danger for the crews upfront payment to a Sin- Bolsonaro be indicted for said, speaking outside after he’d older high-rises in the wake of Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella below and complicating the gapore-based company. prevarication. cleared out. He and his son live the Surfside collapse to ensure Levine Cava said. search for victims. Miranda testified before the The crime carries with it a Senate committee on June 25 prison term of between three along with his brother, Luis months and a year, plus Brooklyn Museum Western Canada lightning strikes up 10-fold Miranda, a lawmaker who until payment of a fine. returns 1,305 artifacts to REUTERS — VANCOUVER said Chris Vagasky, a meteorol- Wednesday razed Lytton to the ogist with Vaisala, a global envi- ground, and caused two deaths. Costa Rica Lightning strikes in Western ronmental measurements The cause of the fire was under Canada over the past two days company which collects the data. investigation. British Columbia REUTERS — SAN JOSE soared nearly 10-fold from the The Pacific province of usually accounts for about 5% same time a year ago, triggered British Columbia has been of Canada’s total lighting strikes An unfinished tombstone, a large in part by a record-breaking heat recovering from the grip of an each year, but it has reported ceramic vase painted with wave, meteorologists said, unprecedented heat wave, its annual number in less than beeswax, human representations warning of more strikes over the which has so far caused 719 48 hours, Vagasky said. and ancient tools to process corn weekend that could further stoke confirmed deaths, triple what The high number of are artifacts of a collection of forest fires fanned by high winds. would normally occur in the lightning strikes was caused in 1,305 pieces that have been Over 710,000 lightning same time period, the prov- part by the heat wave, which returned to Costa Rica. strikes were recorded in British ince’s chief coroner said. created high levels of moisture It is the second time the Columbia and western Alberta During the heat wave, the in the atmosphere in the form Brooklyn Museum in New between 3pm on Wednesday and town of Lytton broke Canada’s of melting snow and evapo- People take part in a protest calling for the impeachment of Brazil York City has returned pieces, 6am on Thursday, up from an 80-plus year old heat record ration of water from vegetation. President Jair Bolsonaro and against his handling of the COVID- some older than 2,000 years, average 8,300 from the same with a 49.6°C temperature. A The moisture fueled the unu- to the central American period over the past five years, forest fire that started on sually fierce thunderstorms. 19 pandemic, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, yesterday. country. Tycoon Minor Keith brought the artifacts, looted during the construction of a railway, to the United States Despite donations, few Venezuelans get COVID-19 vaccine in the 19th or early 20th century, along with shipments AP — CARACAS and Cuban authorities reached and the numbers, and then the Sputnik V vaccine have arrived population are fully vaccinated, of bananas. an agreement under which delivery of those vaccines and in Venezuela, representing 3.8% according to data gathered by Archaeologists in Costa Rica Some Venezuelans got a Havana is expected to deliver who gets what in Venezuela of the 10 million initially agreed Johns Hopkins University. have been in awe since the arti- COVID-19 shot this week thanks 12 million doses in the fol- becomes much more myste- to in December. Venezuela in Maduro has said he is facts arrived at the end of last to a donation of Cuban- lowing months. rious,” said Jacqueline Mazza, March also received a batch of aiming to vaccinate “at least year. “The tombstone is a piece developed vaccines, bringing That deal follows vaccine- senior adjunct professor of 500,000 doses of the Vero Cell 70% of the population” by Sep- we have only seen as illustra- relief to some residents donation agreements with other Latin American studies at Johns vaccine donated by the Chinese tember. But health care workers tions in study books here,” desperate to protect themselves allies, but it remains unclear Hopkins University. state company Sinopharm. and teachers are still waiting for Daniela Meneses, a researcher while simultaneously deep- what the terms of the arrange- Venezuela began the first Two months later, Maduro their shots, and some Vene- at the National Museum of Costa ening the mystery around the ments are, how many people phase of its vaccination campaign announced the arrival of 1.3 zuelans have expressed reser- Rica, said at a viewing. “It’s country’s donation-dependent have received a shot and how in February by focusing on the million vaccines from China. vations about the lack of infor- amazing to see that piece now. vaccination campaign. well priority groups are being health, law enforcement and Those shipments plus the one mation on the Abdala vaccine It’s very emotional.” Nearly 30,000 shots of the respected. education sectors. It expanded that arrived from Cuba mean and the campaign. There are still more arti- three-dose Abdala vaccine “If we look at the promises the effort in late May to anyone the country has received at least Venezuela has recorded facts from Costa Rica in entered Venezuela’s inocu- with the Russian and Chinese 60 years of age and older. 2,210,000 vaccines. It has only more than 274,000 cases and Brooklyn and in other lation effort just days after vaccines, there’s a lot of Since February 13, at least administered 1,466,988 of them over 3,100 deaths of COVID-19, museums in the United States. Nicolás Maduro’s government emphasis on the agreements 380,000 doses of the Russian and only 223,858 people of the according to Johns Hopkins. 20 HOME SUNDAY 4 JULY 2021