FRIDAY MARCH 12, 2021 RAJAB 28, 1442 VOL.14 NO. 5204 QR 2

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World 3 Business 6 Sports 9 More deaths in Myanmar Investor wealth Georgian Basilashvili as army slaps new charges jumps QR14.5 bn saves match point to end against Suu Kyi in one week Federer’s run in Doha

AMIR MEETS FOREIGN MINISTERS OF TURKEY AND RUSSIA

His Highness the Amir of State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani met with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation His Highness the Amir of State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani with Foreign Minister of Sergey Lavrov and his accompanying delegation at the Amiri Diwan on Thursday. During the meeting, they reviewed the relations between Turkey Mevlut Cavusoglu at the Amiri Diwan on Thursday. During the meeting, they reviewed the strate- the two countries and the ways to enhance them, especially in the elds of economy, investment, energy and industry. They also reviewed the gic relations between the two countries and the ways to strengthen and develop them in various elds, most prominent regional and international developments. (QNA) in addition to latest developments at the regional and international levels. (QNA) Qatar will continue efforts to restore peace in Syria: FM Qatar, Turkey and Russia affirm the need to preserve sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria CATHERINE W GICHUKI Syrian crisis in providing effective DOHA assistance to the brotherly Syrian QATAR-TURKEY-RUSSIA JOINT STATEMENT people,” he said, adding that human- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister itarian activities will be supported its agencies, particularly of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mo- while efforts will be taken up for the G Emphasised their hamed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani repatriation of Syrian refugees. commitment to preserving the WHO, to prioritise has affirmed that Qatar will continue The FM said Qatar stresses the sovereignty, independence, vaccination inside Syria its efforts to help in restoring peace importance of voluntary and safe re- unity and territorial integrity G Emphasised the need to in Syria while continuing humani- turn of the internally displaced per- of Syria tarian aid. sons and the refugees to create con- increase humanitarian “Qatar reaffirms this commit- ducive conditions for peace making. G Expressed their conviction assistance to all Syrians ment both as the humanitarian and Talking about the Qatar-Turkey- that there is no military throughout the country political side. We will continue our Russia collaboration to find a solu- solution to the Syrian without discrimination, support for brotherly Syrian peo- tion to the Syrian crisis, Sheikh Mo- conflict, and reaffirming their politicisation and ple,” Sheikh Mohammed said at a hammed said, “We have seen there commitment to advancing a preconditions joint press conference with Turkish is a common ground of agreement.” political process facilitated G Stressed on the need to and Russian counterparts in Doha The FM said special envoys of all by the UN to support the on Thursday. the three countries will hold meet- facilitate the safe and Qatar, Turkey and Russia af- ings to make sure to have the neces- Syrian parties to reach a voluntary return of refugees firmed the need to preserve the sary mechanisms for aid to reach. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affair HE Sheikh Mohammed bin political solution and internally displaced sovereignty and territorial integrity “There will be follow-up ministe- Abdulrahman Al Thani, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (R) and Turkish FM G Called upon the UN and persons of Syria and alleviate the humani- rial meetings and we hope that these Mevlut Cavusoglu (L) address a joint press conference in Doha on Thursday. tarian suffering resulting from the kinds of framework, either trilateral Syrian crisis. or bilateral, will be conducive to help cessitated the suspension of Syria’s between the two countries. aim is to look for concerted efforts to cil Resolution 2254. We worked “We hope that this meeting will the Syrian people to support the po- membership in the Arab League, The FM stressed Qatar’s firm po- reach a political solution in Syria.” with the Russian side to achieve be repeated regularly to achieve the litical track to help. The consultation expressing his hope for the progress sition in support of the political solu- “The lack of fulfillment of the this objective and we continue the aims and objectives,” he said. will continue between Qatar, Russia, of a political solution to this crisis. tion to the Syrian crisis. legitimate demands of the Syrian cooperation with Qatar to alleviate “The Syrian matter is closely Turkey and other countries.” He said Qatar continues to sup- For his part, Foreign Minister of people is the main reason behind human suffering and continue our linked to the hearts and minds of On Qatar’s position on the re- port the Syrian people and reach a Turkey Mevlut Cavusoglu said, “To- the continuation of this conflict, coordination.” the Qatari people. Qatar has spared turn of Syria to the Arab League, the political settlement that paves the day, we started a new consultative which cannot end without the im- no effort since the beginning of the FM said there are reasons that ne- way for the restoration of relations process with Qatar and Russia. Our plementation of UN Security Coun- Continued on page 2

Qatar affirms full Qatar Airways becomes rst Middle support for global efforts to safeguard East airline to trial IATA Travel Pass sports from crime TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Executive Akbar Al Baker said: QATAR has af rmed its support DOHA “As the world’s leading airline for all international efforts to for safety, innovation and cus- confront crimes targeting the QATAR Airways (QA) has be- tomer experience, we are the security and safety of sporting come the first airline in the industry’s firmest advocate for events, given its long history as a Middle East to begin trials of introducing digital solutions host of major international sports the innovative new IATA Travel to help passengers safely and tournaments and its preparations Pass ‘Digital Passport’ mobile seamlessly navigate complex for hosting the FIFA World Cup QFFD signs MoU to support app, in partnership with the and ever-changing entry re- in 2022. In a speech before the International Air Transport As- strictions across the globe.” United Nations Of ce on Drugs EAA in helping educate sociation (IATA), Qatar’s Min- “We have confidence in the and Crime (UNODC), Brigadier istry of Public Health, Primary credibility of the IATA Travel Ibrahim Khalil Al Mohannadi, head 250,000 children in Kenya Health Care Corporation and Pass as the industry’s most re- of legal affairs at the World Cup THE Qatar Fund For Development (QFFD) and the Ministry of Hamad Medical Corporation. liable and innovative solution 2022 security committee, said Education of the Republic of Kenya have signed a Memorandum Starting from March 11 given its strong data privacy there was great urgency to do so. of Understanding (MoU) in support of equitable access to qual- (Thursday), passengers on QA’s compliance, long-standing There were a lot of mechanisms ity primary education for out of school children (OOSC) in Kenya, Doha to Istanbul route became G From March 11, passengers planning to travel on QA’s entry rules engine and ability implemented that limit crimes which will be delivered by UNICEF. Contributions stemming from the first group to experience the Doha-Istanbul route will begin trialling the digital platform to provide an end-to-end so- targeting sporting events, over- the signing of this MoU will support education opportunities for ‘Digital Passport’ app which aims offering a more safe, secure and contactless experience lution. We are proud to be at seen by United Nations agen- 250,000 OOSC, reaching the most marginalised children, including to play an important role in the the forefront of trialling this cies, the Interpol, the Council of those with disabilities in urban informal settlements and arid and airline’s vision to have a more platform, being one of the first Europe and other bodies. He said semi-arid lands. The programme will be implemented by Education contactless, secure and seamless information on COVID-19 able the sharing of COVID-19 globally and the first airline Qatar is cooperating in all these Above All Foundations (EAA) strategic partner, UNICEF, and aims travel experience for its passen- health regulations at their des- test results with airlines to veri- in the Middle East to trial the initiatives. He said Qatar attaches to increase the capacity and accountability of communities to gers. tination country, as well as fy they are eligible to undertake technology.” great importance to protecting enhance the enrolment and retention of OOSC. (TNN) PAGE 12 IATA Travel Pass ensures complying with strict global their journey. sports tournaments from crime passengers receive up-to-date data privacy regulations to en- Qatar Airways Group Chief Continued on page 2 and corruption. (QNA) 02 Friday, March 12, 2021

Contact US: Qatar Tribune I EDITORIAL I Phone: 40002222 I ADMINISTRATION & MARKETING I Phone: 40002155, 40002122, Fax: 40002235 P.O. Box: 23493, Doha.

SHURA SPEAKER MEETS WITH ENVOYS OF SERBIA, GREECE AND PALESTINE

The Speaker of the Shura Council, HE Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud, received a message from the President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia, Ivica Dacic, on bilateral parliamentary ties and the means to strengthen them following a meeting with Serbian Ambassador to Qatar, HE Jasminko Pozderac. The Speaker of the Shura Council also met with Ambassador Eleni Michalopoulou of Greece to Qatar and Ambassador Moneer Abdulla Ghanam of Palestine in two separate meetings. The two meetings dealt with a review of cooperation between Qatar and ways to develop cooperation, in particular in the parliamentary sphere. (QNA)

Quick read Amir sends condolences to President of Equatorial Guinea MoPH takes precautionary measures on THE Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Thursday sent a cable of condolences to President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea HE Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo on the victims of the explosions that took place near some food products imported from India the military barracks in the town of Bata, wishing the wounded a speedy recovery. (QNA) QNA these products and they should not in the country of origin indicating quirements and that these products DOHA be released until proven to be safe, their safety and suitability for human may be banned if such action is re- Amir sends condolences to President of Somalia valid and conforming to the require- consumption. The certificates should quired. THE Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on THE Ministry of Public Health ments of the technical regulations also state that green pepper and car- These actions came into effect af- Thursday sent a cable of condolences to HE President of the Federal (MoPH) has taken a number of pre- and relevant standards, the ministry damom are free from pesticide resi- ter the continuous risk assessment Republic of Somalia Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo on the death of cautionary measures to ensure that said. dues and that the buffalo meat is free by the food safety department at the former Somali President Ali Mahdi Muhammad. (QNA) green pepper, cardamom and a type It is mandatory that all shipments of salmonella. Withdrawal of samples MoPH which monitors food risks and of frozen buffalo meat imported from of green pepper, cardamom and the should be continued from all incom- makes decisions based on the risk level Deputy Amir sends condolences to president of Cote d’Ivoire India are safe for human consump- specific type of the buffalo meat im- ing shipments, the ministry’s circular of each product, in line with the inter- DEPUTY Amir HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani on Thurs- tion and conform to relevant stand- ported from India as of April 1, 2021 said. national approaches. The competent day sent a cable of condolences to HE President of the Republic ards and specifications. must be attached with an analysis The circular indicated that the ap- authorities in the country of origin are of Côte d’Ivoire Alassane Ouattara on the death of Prime Minis- Instructions have been circulat- certificate issued by an accredited plication of these procedures will con- notified of these procedures in accord- ter and Minister of Defense Hamed Bakayoko. (QNA) ed to all ports that samples must be laboratory (ISO 17025) or statements tinue until the imported consignments ance with the applicable regulations in withdrawn from all consignments of issued by the competent authorities are in conformity with the related re- this regard. Deputy Amir sends condolences to President of Somalia DEPUTY Amir HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani on Thurs- day sent a cable of condolences to HE President of the Federal Republic of Somalia Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo on the death CHIEF OF STAFF MEETS MOROCCAN MILITARY OFFICIAL of former Somali President Ali Mahdi Muhammad. (QNA) IATA Travel Pass to reduce Deputy Amir sends condolences to president of current red tape patchwork Equatorial Guinea DEPUTY Amir HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani on Thurs- in the global travel industry day sent a cable of condolences to President of the Republic of Continued from page 1 significant milestone in restart- Equatorial Guinea HE Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo on the ing global connectivity. Govern- victims of the explosions that took place near the military bar- AL Baker added, “With the ments are requiring testing or racks in the town of Bata. (QNA) strictest data privacy regula- vaccination certifications to en- tions, IATA Travel Pass is a able travel and the IATA travel PM sends condolences to Somali counterpart huge step towards proving that app helps travellers to securely PRIME Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Khalid bin ICAO’s global standards for and conveniently manage and Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani sent on Thursday a cable of con- Chief of Staff of the Qatari Armed Forces HE Lieutenant General (Pilot) Ghanem bin Shaheen Al Ghanim met digital passports do work. It will provide their credentials. All dolences to Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Somalia on Thursday with Brigadier General Abdul-Ghani Moheb, the Head of Operations Department at the third Of- also assist in laying the foun- passengers using IATA Travel HE Mohamed Hussein Roble on the death of Somalia’s former ce of General Staff of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces, who is currently visiting the country. (QNA) dation for governments across Pass can be confident that their president Ali Mahdi Muhammad. (QNA) the world to come together in data is protected and govern- the development of standard- ments can trust that the “OK to PM sends condolences to president of Cote d’Ivoire QDF backs Commercial Bank Qatar Masters Golf Tourney at ECGC ised regulations to reduce the travel” means both a genuine PRIME Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Khalid bin current patchwork of red tape credential and a verified iden- Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani on Thursday sent a cable of QATAR Duty Free (QDF) will “Qatar Duty Free is delighted and we are proud once again to across the international travel tity.” condolences to the President of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, continue this year too its spon- to continue its partnership sponsor this year’s tournament industry. In partnership with Qatar Airways has become Alassane Ouattara, on the death of Prime Minister and Minister sorship of the Commercial Bank with the Commercial Bank Qa- despite challenges COVID19 the World Health Organisation, the first global airline in the of Defense Hamed Bakayoko. (QNA) Qatar (CBQ) Masters Golf Tour- tar Golf Masters, as part of our has presented across the last 12 IATA is also engaged in helping world to achieve the prestigious nament as the Official Partner. commitment to the Qatar Na- months. to define a standardised vaccine 5-Star COVID-19 Airline Safety PM sends condolences to PM of Equatorial Guinea The four-day tournament tional 2030 Vision and desire to “Last year, ECGC hosted certificate that will be neces- Rating by international air PRIME Minister and Minister of the Interior HE Sheikh Khalid bin will be held at Education City bring people together through an amazing tournament and we sary for the opening of borders transport rating organisation, Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani on Thursday sent a cable of con- Golf Club (ECGC) from March one of the many prestigious are thrilled to welcome world- and scalable increase of global Skytrax. This follows HIA’s re- dolences to Prime Minister of Equatorial Guinea HE Francisco 11 to 14 against the stunning global sporting events hosted class players to this stunning travel.” cent success as the first and only Pascual Obama Asue on the victims of the explosions that took backdrop of the 2022 Educa- in Qatar. The Commercial Bank golf course and to a new chal- IATA Director General and airport in the Middle East and place near the military barracks in the city of Bata. (QNA) tion City World Cup Stadium. Masters Golf Tournament has lenge this year. We wish all the CEO Alexandre de Juniac said, Asia to be awarded a Skytrax QDF Vice-President Op- been a significant sports event players a very enjoyable and “Qatar Airways’ full deploy- 5-Star COVID-19 Airport Safety erations Thabet Musleh said: in Qatar for more than 20 years, successful tournament.” (TNN) ment of IATA Travel Pass is a Rating. Calls for urgent aid to Syria to help rebuild the country’s infrastructure Continued from page 1 than 2.4 million children are “We also emphasised the im- key, Russia and Iran are doing.” Council Resolution 2254 and The three ministers reaf- ian conditions. In this regard, deprived of learning and educa- portance of urgent assistance to In a joint statement, the Geneva Communique of 2012. firmed their position on con- they called upon the United Na- “WE spoke about the impor- tion. Syria to help mitigate the pan- Ministers of Foreign Affairs of They underscored their de- tributing to the work of the tions and its agencies, particu- tance of pressurising the regime He said they have decided to demic and also to rebuild the Qatar, Turkey and Russia elab- termination to combat terrorism Constitutional Committee by larly the World Health Organi- to gain some distance regard- host the next meeting in Turkey civil infrastructure destroyed as orated the ways of cooperation in all forms and manifestations supporting the efforts of the zation, including through the ing the status quo and the cur- and thereafter in Russia. a result of the war,” he said, add- with the aim of contributing to a and stand against separatist Special Envoy of the Secretary- COVAX initiative, to prioritize rent political situation. We have “Our friends will work in an ing that the next round of the lasting political solution to Syria. agendas undermining the sover- General of the United Nations vaccination inside Syria. also discussed the deteriorat- organised manner to establish constitutional committee meet- The ministers emphasised eignty and territorial integrity of to Syria, Geir Pedersen, through The ministers emphasised ing humanitarian situation and permanent peace in Syria and to ing is expected to be held before their commitment to preserving Syria as well as threatening the continuous interaction with the the need to increase humani- we reaffirmed the necessity to host these meetings in order to Ramadan. the sovereignty, independence, national security of neighboring Syrian parties and delegates of tarian assistance to all Syrians consolidate our humanitarian protect peace in the region,” he “We also confirm our readi- unity and territorial integrity of countries. the Constitutional Committee in throughout the country with- efforts especially when it comes added. ness to take part in any effort the Syrian Arab Republic in ac- The ministers emphasised order to ensure its sustainable out discrimination, politicisa- to tackling and mitigating the For his part, the Russian to make sure that Syrians can cordance with the UN Charter. the important role of the Con- and effective work to achieve a tion and preconditions in order aftermath of the COVID-19 pan- Foreign Minister thanked Qatar return safely to their natural They expressed their convic- stitutional Committee and en- Constitutional reform. to support improving the hu- demic,” he said. for holding the meeting. habitat. We also emphasise our tion that there is no military so- suring respect to its Terms of They expressed their grave manitarian situation in Syria Cavusoglu said there are He said they reiterated the support for the efforts aimed at lution to the Syrian conflict, and Reference and Core Rules of concern in regards to the hu- and achieving progress in the millions of Syrians living in Tur- importance of a political solu- releasing detainees and prison- reaffirming their commitment Procedure by the Syrian parties. manitarian situation in Syria political settlement process, and key and according to the UN tion in accordance with the ers. We have also authorised our to advancing a political process They expressed their sup- and the impact of the COVID-19 called upon the international estimates, there are 13.4 million United Nations Security Council special envoys to coordinate to facilitated by the United Na- port for constructive engage- pandemic, and the profound community, the United Nations Syrians needing aid, more than Resolution 2254 and the Out- work on this track. I think this tions to support the Syrian par- ment without foreign inter- challenge it poses to the health and its humanitarian agencies 5 million need shelter, others comes of the Syrian National kind of trilateral meeting will be ties to reach a political solution ference in the work of the system in Syria, and to the so- to enhance their efforts in this face shortages of food and more Dialogue which was suggested. a useful addition to what Tur- in accordance with UN Security Constitutional Committee. cial, economic and humanitar- regard. World Friday, March 12, 2021 03 China protests passage of US More deaths in Myanmar as army destroyer via Taiwan Strait

DPA slaps new charges against Suu Kyi BEIJING

CHINA has fiercely protested  Photos posted on social media showed bodies covered in blood  Many were gunned down with targeted shots to the head the passage of a US warship through the Taiwan Strait. DPA A spokesman for China’s YANGON Eastern Command accused Washington on Thursday of SECURITY forces in Myanmar “sending the wrong signal” again used live ammunition with the move. against people protesting the Military using He also saw it as an act military coup in the country, of interference, and said the leaving several people dead, lethal weapons crossing endangers peace and according to witness reports stability in the Taiwan Strait. on Thursday. Citing analysis of 50 videos, The People’s Liberation Photos posted on social Amnesty International said on Army has deployed units to media showed bodies covered Thursday that the military observe the USS John Finn in blood. Many were gunned junta in Myanmar is guided missile destroyer. down with targeted shots to deliberately using lethal The US navy’s 7th fleet the head. Local media and ob- weapons against participants said the ship made a routine servers spoke of at least 10 vic- in peaceful protests in what transit on Wednesday “in ac- tims nationwide on Thursday. amounts to ‘extrajudicial cordance with international However, the number executions’ law.” The passage demon- could not be independently strates the US commitment verified. “to a free and open Indo-Pa- In the township of Myaing and the Disaster Management cific,” according to the navy in central Myanmar, a group Act. statement. of people was targeted while The UN Security Council The transit took place protesting in front of a police strongly condemned the mili- while the annual meeting of station against the arrest of tary violence. All those arrested the National People’s Con- several individuals, a witness must be released immediately, gress took place in Beijing. told dpa. the body demanded in a state- President Xi Jinping told the “The police cracked down ment adopted at a last-minute military to be ready for com- on the protesters with tear gas meeting on Wednesday. The bat on Tuesday. and rubber bullets first, then council urged Myanmar’s US navy ships regularly fired shots with live bullets. military “to exercise utmost cross the strategically im- Now six people are dead, in- restraint.” The situation would portant strait. The 180-kil- cluding one of my friends,” the continue to be closely moni- ometre-wide Taiwan Strait man said. tored, the 15 council members between the Chinese province In the township of North announced. of Fujian in the west and the Dagon in the east of Yangon, Meanwhile, the US gov- island of Taiwan in the east the largest city in Myanmar, at Protesters take part in a demonstration against the military coup in Yangon on Thursday. (AFP) ernment imposed sanctions connects the East China Sea least one protester was killed. on two adult children of junta in the north and the South “There were over 100 pro- of the country, with possibly the Assistance Association for erately using lethal weapons tion. leader Min Aung Hlaing and China Sea in the south. testers here ... one was killed more fatalities. Political Prisoners (AAPP), against participants in peace- He spoke at the event, six companies they controlled. Taiwan has its own inde- by gun shots and two were Since a military coup at the a non-profit organization in ful protests in what amounts to broadcast on state television, “The leaders of the coup, pendent and democratically injured,” Kyaw Kyaw Win, a beginning of February, there Myanmar, more than 60 peo- “extrajudicial executions.” In- of 600,000 dolars and gold and their adult family mem- elected government, but Bei- witness, told dpa. “At the front have been daily mass dem- ple have been killed since the ternational appeals and sanc- bars allegedly given to the poli- bers, should not be able to con- jing nonetheless claims sover- line of the protest were stand- onstrations in Myanmar. The beginning of the protests and tions have had no effect so far. tician by a regional minister. tinue to derive benefits from eignty over the island. ing protesters with makeshift protesters demand the release about 1,900 arrested. Junta spokesman Zaw Min The 75-year-old, who is the regime as it resorts to vio- The US is committed to shields. They fired at them di- of de facto leader Aung San Citing analysis of 50 vide- Tun hinted at a press confer- under house arrest, is already lence and tightens its strangle- Taiwan’s defence capability rectly.” Suu Kyi and the reinstatement os, Amnesty International said ence on Thursday that there accused by the judiciary of sev- hold on democracy,” US Sec- and supplies weapons for it. Violent police action was of her civilian government. on Thursday that the military could be new charges against eral offences, including viola- retary of State Antony Blinken Taiwan’s Ministry of Na- also reported in other parts According to estimates by junta in Myanmar is delib- Suu Kyi, possibly for corrup- tions of import-export laws said in a statement. tional Defence on Thursday confirmed that a US destroyer sailed from north to south through the Taiwan Strait News without naming the ship. In Taliban takes over district in northern Afghanistan a statement, it said Taiwan’s in brief armed forces closely moni- DPA Members of the security ago in the district has not 388 districts of the country. in February, all international tored the passage. KABUL forces who had been stuck at been successful as of yet, and Regardless of ongoing forces would gradually leave The passage was the third Major discord in the building fled in a military an aerial operation has been intra-Afghan peace talks, the Afghanistan by May 1. by a US battleship since Presi- Fatah ahead of THE Taliban overran a district vehicle as the Taliban shot at started, the official said. militants keep trying to make In return, the Taliban com- dent Joe Biden’s inauguration Palestinian vote in the northern Afghan prov- them, the officials said. Meanwhile, the Ministry of territorial gains. mitted to renounce violence in January, Taiwan’s state-run ince of Faryab, officials said on A number of police- Defence rejected the idea that At the end of February and enter into peace talks with Central News Agency said. RAMALLAH: About two Thursday. men disappeared during the the district had fallen, saying they had attacked the Nu- the Afghan government. On February 4 and Feb- months before the planned Following a 20-day siege, skirmish, and it is not clear the military conducted an op- sai district in north-eastern Washington recently ruary 24, the USS John S parliamentary elections in the Taliban overtook the whether they were taken by eration and had cleared a vast Badakhshan province but warned “the security situation McCain and the USS Curtis the Palestinian Territories, district building of Almar, the Taliban or killed while area. were pushed back by the secu- will worsen and ... the Taliban Wilbur, both Arleigh Burke- there is trouble within Presi- provincial council members fleeing, a councillor said. According to dpa research rity forces. could make rapid territorial class guided missile destroy- dent Mahmoud Abbas’ Fatah Abdul Manan Qateh and Mo- A ground operation by the in August, the Taliban fully According to an agreement gains” following a US with- ers, sailed through the strait movement. According to a hammad Nadir Saeedi said. military that started 10 days controls 33 out of a total of the US signed with the Taliban drawal. respectively. report by the WAFA news agency on Thursday, Central Committee member Nasser al-Qudwa has been expelled from the organisation. The nephew of former Palestin- Netanyahu postpones rst-ever trip to UAE at last minute ian president Yasser Arafat had insisted on running DPA nevertheless, a statement Jordan confirmed that the Israel and the UAE an- their ties are based on shared with his own list in the vote TEL AVIV said. crown prince cancelled the nounced the establishment enmity towards Iran. scheduled for May 22. He Netanyahu and Emirati visit to Jerusalem planned for of diplomatic ties in August Observers have classified had been given 48 hours to THE planned first visit of Is- Crown Prince Mohammed bin Wednesday evening, but did following mediation by the the move as a foreign policy reconsider his decision. Al- raeli Prime Minister Benjamin Zayed agreed to reschedule not comment on the disagree- United States, and sealed win for Netanyahu, 71, who Qudwa is considered a erce Netanyahu to the United Arab the visit to the UAE on a later ments regarding the airspace. their relations a month later is currently running to be critic of Abbas, who has Emirates was postponed at date, according to the pre- Meanwhile, Sara Netanya- in a move many called his- re-elected as premier in two been Palestinian president the last minute on Thursday mier’s office. hu, the wife of Prime Minister toric. Israel also established weeks. He is Israel’s longest- for more than 16 years. The due to a disagreement with The UAE has not yet com- Netanyahu, was taken to formal ties with Bahrain at serving prime minister, internal strife could cost neighbouring Jordan about mented on the postponement. hospital with appendicitis, a the same time. having been in the role for 14 Fatah votes. (DPA) the flight path, his office said. The airspace “difficulties spokesperson for the family In exchange, Israel prom- years. Although Jordan ulti- apparently stemmed from the Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday. ised to halt the annexation of Arab states have long mately approved Netanyahu’s cancellation of the Jordanian The premier was reported- areas in the occupied West refused to establish ties with Iran accuses US flight passing through its crown prince’s visit to the office said, referring to a trip ly by her side earlier, though Bank. Israel, saying any normaliza- of hypocrisy over airspace around mid-day on Temple Mount due to a disa- by Crown Prince Hussein bin the illness did not seem to Israel and the UAE expect tion must be contingent on a human rights Thursday, the prime minister greement over security proce- Abdullah that was scrapped a play a role in the postpone- their alliance to deliver eco- resolution of the Palestinian decided to postpone the trip dures at the site,” Netanyahu’s day earlier. ment of the his visit to UAE. nomic benefits, but primarily, conflict. TEHRAN: Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khame- nei on Thursday accused the US of hypocrisy regarding human rights questions due Chinese parliament endorses plan to tighten control of HK to Washington’s alliance with Saudi Arabia. “On the one hand Americans always talk DPA against and one abstention on summer of 2019, voters in about human rights, on the BEIJING the last day of the annual par- Key move November that year installed other hand they support a liamentary session. a slate of pro-democracy can- culprit who dismembered CHINA’S ceremonial legisla- The NPC Standing Com- Overhauling Hong Kong’s didates during district council his political opponent with ture on Thursday endorsed mittee will be authorized to electoral system is being elections as a rebuke to Bei- a saw,” Khamenei said on the Communist Party’s plan to iron out the details of the elec- done in order to ‘uphold jing. By overhauling the elec- state television. The 81-year- tighten control of Hong Kong toral reform process. Critics the principle of patriots toral system, the central gov- old was referring to the by overhauling the city’s elec- say the move further reduces administering Hong ernment wants to ensure that murder of Saudi journalist toral system to ensure only the space for civil liberties in Kong,’ Premier Li Keqiang cannot happen again. Jamal Khashoggi, who was “patriots” can rule the city. Hong Kong, a former British said The parliament on Thurs- murdered in the Saudi Ara- The National People’s colony that was guaranteed day also approved the country’s bian embassy in Istanbul in Congress (NPC) endorsed a certain degree of autonomy five-year plan for economic de- 2018. According to US intel- a plan to “improve” Hong from Beijing until 2047. Last year during the par- velopment, which passed with ligence, the murder was or- Kong’s electoral system by Overhauling Hong Kong’s liamentary session, Beijing 2,873 votes for, 11 votes against dered by Saudi Crown Prince giving a pro-Beijing commit- electoral system is being done approved a national security and 12 abstentions. Mohammed bin Salman. tee power to appoint more of in order to “uphold the prin- law that effectively criminal- The plan aims to steer The Saudi leadership says the city’s lawmakers, reducing ciple of patriots administer- ized dissent in the financial China toward achieving Khashoggi’s death happened the public’s role in the govern- ing Hong Kong,” Premier Li hub, leading to dozens of ar- technological self-reliance during a “rogue operation” by ment. Keqiang said during a press rests. while boosting domestic con- Saudi personnel. (DPA) The resolution passed conference after the closing of Following massive pro- sumption and relying less on China’s President Xi Jinping votes on changes to Hong Kong’s election with 2,895 votes for, no votes the NPC. tests in Hong Kong in the exports of lower quality goods. system in Beijing on Thursday. (AFP) 04 Friday, March 12, 2021

ESTABLISHED SEPTEMBER 3, 2006 HAMAD BIN SUHAIM AL THANI CHAIRMAN Opinion ADEL ALI BIN ALI MANAGING DIRECTOR DR HASSAN MOHAMMED AL ANSARI EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Influx Of Migrant Children Across The Border Tests Meghan And Harry Have Biden Administration Spoken. Now What? RESIDENT Biden is facing a harsh Trump policies will take critical test as a surge of mi- more than a few strokes of a pen. Pgrants, emboldened by the The administration reportedly is e allegations of racism are too explosive to be ignored end of the Trump era, is arriving turning a newly reopened chil- at the US-Mexico border in hopes dren’s detention center in Texas of forging better lives here in the into a processing center to help THERESE RAPHAEL US One challenge in particular is border agents meet their legal TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK the sharp increase in unaccompa- obligation to turn over unaccom- nied minors. panied minors within 72 hours ROM the relative obscurity of LA (wrote Federal agents encountered to the Department of Health and no one ever), Meghan Markle and Prince 5,871 unaccompanied minors at Human Services, which then has Harry lobbed a royal grenade back at his the border in January, up from 20 days to place them in safe and home country and his family. Their most 3,076 in January 2020. How secure homes while their cases are explosive allegation during the interview Biden handles this surge could processed — deadlines the govern- withF Oprah Winfrey, which aired in the U.S. become a defining moment in his ment routinely misses. on Sunday and in Britain on Monday, was of administration. We welcome Biden’s more racism within the Royal family. We’ve been here before. In humane approach, but wonder Those few seconds before a grenade ex- fact, the federal government has whether it will succeed in the face plodes can seem like an eternity. The Royals been wrestling with this deeply of the rising tide of juveniles arriv- were left to decide: Do they toss one back over complex problem for years. Dur- ing without parents or guardians. to the other side, run for cover or hope for a ing the Obama administration Once again the nation is watching controlled explosion with limited damage? an influx of unaccompanied mi- its government strain to meet obli- Buckingham palace seems to have opted nors, who under law (and basic gations Congress imposed to treat for the third option. A brief statement released humanity) require different han- unaccompanied minors with the on Tuesday evening said that the “issues dling than work-seeking adults, delicacy they deserve. raised, particularly that of race, are concern- overwhelmed the system, leading Once again we see a growing ing. Whilst some recollections may vary, they the government to hold children crisis spotlight the broad inad- are taken very seriously and will be addressed in border stations and detention equacies of the government’s im- by the family privately.” That is unlikely to be centers as officials struggled to migration enforcement system to the end of the matter. find places for them to live while deal compassionately with hu- Markle’s allegations were both broad and their cases proceeded through the man migration. specific. She suggested racist attitudes were immigration courts. There’s a li- The solutions require broad behind the decision to deny their son, Archie, brary of studies by child psycholo- vision and actions, including ef- the title of prince and a security detail, as well gists about how damaging such forts to reduce the instability in as the palace’s failure to push back against the detentions are to children. Central American countries that relentless barrage of negative stories about Then came the Trump admin- send so many people fleeing in her. istration, whose answers included the first place. Such efforts, of Not all of the accusations stick easily. The the sordid allegations around Prince Andrew’s ple was treated unfairly speaks to a generation claiming a health emergency and course, run into a headwind of title of prince was not one due the Duke and relationship with the convicted sex offender gap the family will be mindful of. directing border agents to turn deep-rooted corruption in some Duchess of Sussex’s child under existing con- Jeffrey Epstein. There are bad apples and then Partly, the popularity of the monarchy re- children and adults around rather of those countries. vention (though Archie would have become a there are root-and-branch problems. flects the high public regard for Queen Eliza- than letting them pursue their le- But the longer the government prince when his grandfather, Prince Charles, The government would like to stay well beth II, who is hurt by the allegations even if gal right to seek permission to en- leaves those broad solutions unful- assumes the throne). Buckingham palace clear of this fight, but that’s awkward too. The she wasn’t implicated. Meghan professed her ter and stay. filled, the more it will be forced to might also have felt a taxpayer-funded secu- George Floyd killing in the US last year made affection for her; Harry his deep respect. Even Biden has pledged a more deal with waves of migration, one rity detail for the couple, once they’d resigned a huge impact in Britain, bringing a much- Prime Minister Boris Johnson, when dodging compassionate approach, but he crisis following another. We need as working royals and were living in Canada, needed debate on conscious and structural a question about the Oprah interview, affirmed has also warned that undoing the a better way of doing this. their initial planned destination, would be biases. Both the government and opposition his own “highest admiration” for Her Majesty. hard to justify. pledged to tackle race-based discrimination. She’ll have latitude to try to handle this within The bombshell, however, was the claim It was glaring that the royal family remained the palace walls, though it will probably be left that a member of the Royal family had ex- silent during the Black Lives Matter protests. to her grandson William, second in line to the pressed concerns about their future baby and It would be much harder to ignore if a work - throne, to find a way to heal the rift with his “about how dark his skin might be.” It feeds ing royal was, as alleged, a walking exemplar brother and sister-in-law. into the broader allegations by the couple of of racial prejudice. Of course, just how much still rests on the racial bias and recent debates about structural A robust monarchy is squarely in the gov- Queen’s long-serving shoulders must be a racism in the UK as well as aspects of Britain’s ernment’s interest, especially as it builds its concern. On Tuesday, her heir, Prince Charles colonial past thrown wide open during last Global Britain brand after Brexit. The Queen was shown at a vaccination center conversing year’s Black Lives Matter protests. is, after all, the most recognizable Briton. The mainly with ethnic minorities. It’s what royals Markle’s allegation has also set off what revelations can’t help but be damaging to the are expected to do, only there were more cam- must be the mother of all whodunits. Winfrey royal family’s standing among the 54-nation eras around this time. relayed the couple’s assurances that the of- Commonwealth, most of whom’s members are That’s to be expected now. Many waves of fending party was not the Queen or her hos- in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean. scandal and division have crested and washed pitalized 99-year-old husband, Prince Philip, This isn’t a constitutional crisis, though. over the royals. History says this too will pass. who is known for his sharp tongue. That leaves Most Britons are supportive of the monarchy, But the monarchy will rightly be scrutinized a finite number of other suspects. The specu- so long as they behave and are nice to look at. for signs that, whatever happens behind pal- lation is already rife and will only grow. It Opinion on the Oprah interview is sharply di- ace gates, it takes racial equality — and racism doesn’t take much imagination to see how it vided. A YouGov Direct poll shows broadly far — seriously. The Queen and her heirs can no could prove damaging to “the Firm” — as the less sympathy toward the Duke and Duchess longer claim silence is apolitical. senior royals is known. of Sussex than opinion in America. But that There is no easy way out of this. The doesn’t mean the Firm is off the hook. The fact (Therese Raphael is a columnist for charges of racism make this different from that more young people tend to think the cou- Bloomberg Opinion)

When Will Disneyland, Magic Mountain And Other Attractions Reopen?

LUKE MONEY, RONG-GONG LIN II work, ready to help stimulate the local Los Angeles and Orange counties are AND HUGO MARTIN economy and ready to welcome guests,” close to entering the red tier. To enter TCA/DPA she said. that tier, generally speaking, a county Disneyland Resort President Ken must hit an adjusted average daily coro- ALIFORNIA’S theme parks and sports Potrock added: “We can’t wait to wel- navirus case rate of no more than 7 new stadiums have been hit particularly come our guests back and look forward cases per day per 100,000 residents. Chard by COVID-19 restrictions. to sharing an opening date soon.” This week, LA County reported an On Friday, officials offered a road Theme parks adjusted daily case rate of 7.2; last week, map that could lead to reopening - with Four weeks from now, amusement it was 12.3, and the week before, 20. The limits - as soon as April. parks will be eligible to reopen, with re- case rate for Orange County was most re- The planned relaxation of COVID-19 strictions, in counties that are in the red cently calculated at 7.6. protocols comes as good news for Disn- tier – the second-strictest of California’s Last week it was 11.9, down from eyland, Universal Studios, Knott’s Berry four-category reopening road map. 20.7 the week before. Farm and Six Flags Magic Mountain, all Capacity: For parks in counties in Under existing rules, L.A. and Or- of which have been closed for almost a the red tier, capacity will be limited to ange counties are at least two weeks year and have pushed Gov. Gavin News- 15%; the cap rises to 25% once a coun- away from entering the red tier. om to allow them to reopen. ty progresses to orange and 35% upon But new rules are set to go in place For Southern California venues, the reaching the most lenient tier, yellow. within two weeks that may accelerate timing remains a question. The counties Restrictions: Officials said attend- that timetable. with big attractions — Los Angeles and ance will be limited to in-state visitors. How soon that happens depends on Orange — have not seen as much im- Other restrictions will include no indoor when California can administer an ad- provement in COVID-19 cases as other dining and limits on indoor rides; details ditional 400,000 vaccinations to people parts of the state and are not yet in the on those were still being worked out. living in the state’s lowest-income areas, red tier, which allows for more business- a move that will trigger a broad relaxa- es to reopen. Local officials are optimis- Outdoor sports/live events tion of the opening criteria. tic that both counties will advance to that Outdoor sports - with fans - and live When that happens, the threshold tier before April 1. performances also will be allowed to re- be no concession or concourse sales. In limited to in-state visitors in the red, or- to enter the red tier will be lowered to Karen Irwin, president and chief op- sume April 1, subject to the restrictions. the red tier, capacity will be limited to ange and yellow tiers. a daily case rate of 10 per 100,000 resi- erating officer of Universal Studios Hol- Capacity: For counties in the strict- 20%, with primarily in-seat concession dents - which LA and Orange counties lywood, called the changes announced est tier, purple, capacity will be limited sales. The capacity limit will rise to 33% Timing have already reached. As a result, there Friday “very exciting news.” to 100 people or fewer, and attendance for counties in the orange tier and 67% Counties that have entered the red is a plausible scenario in which LA and “We are ready to reopen, ready will be regionally limited. Advance res- for those in the yellow. tier include Santa Clara, home to Cali- Orange counties could enter the red tier to bring our team members back to ervations will be required, and there will Restrictions: Attendance will be fornia’s Great America theme park. as soon as mid-March.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THE OPINION AND ANALYSIS PAGES ARE THE AUTHORS’ OWN. QATAR TRIBUNE BEARS NO RESPONSIBILITY. World Friday, March 12, 2021 05 Biden to sign $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill on Friday DPA help with lowering health care WASHINGTON premiums. To give small busi- Biden to mark pandemic anniversary with rst prime-time speech nesses what they need to stay PRESIDENT Joe Biden intends open. To expand unemploy- WASHINGTON: US President Joe Biden delivers The vaccination drive has been swiftly to sign the massive $1.9 trillion ment insurance, provide food his rst prime-time address on Thursday to com- ramping up. As of Wednesday, the Centers for COVID-19 relief bill that was and nutrition assistance. memorate one year since the pandemic began Disease Control and Prevention said about passed by both the houses of To help keep a roof over shutting down much of the nation’s public life. 62.5 million people had received at least one the US Congress on Friday. people’s heads. To cut child He will “discuss the many sacri ces the dose of the three COVID-19 vaccines in use The package, which rep- poverty in half,” he added. American people have made over the last year in the US, a nation of nearly 330 million. Two resents Biden’s ambitious The White House said the and the grave loss communities and families doses, generally given two weeks apart, are attempt to rebuild the US Treasury and IRS are working across the country have suffered,” Press Secre- required to achieve the best protection from economy hit hard by the coro- to ensure that they will be able tary Jen Psaki said this week. COVID-19. navirus, was approved by the to start getting payments out Biden, who has been in of ce nearly two Biden said earlier this month the US should House of Representatives by this month. And the IRS and months, made it his top priority to accelerate have enough coronavirus vaccine doses “for a 220-211 vote along partisan Bureau of the Fiscal Service will the federal response to the nation’s coronavirus every adult American by the end of May.” Mean- lines. The Senate had already increase the number of house- crisis, which has killed almost 530,000 people. while Biden scored a major legislative victory on passed the Bill. holds that will get electronic A homeless person sleeps on the street in Los Angeles, California. Infections have been slowly declining, Wednesday after a 1.9-trillion-dollar relief pack- Biden said in a statement payments, which are substan- (File photo) (AFP) although the average daily new case count age for the pandemic-rocked economy passed that he looks forward to sign- tially faster than checks. remains high at around 60,000. Thousands still the last hurdle in the Democratic-controlled Con- ing the American Rescue Plan For households who have ity and size of payment. That Treasury cannot determine a die every week and there are worries a fresh gress. It also includes a sweeping expansion of into law at the White House already filed their income tax includes those who used the bank account, paper checks or surge could yet be ahead thanks to new, more the country’s social safety net. The president is on Friday. return for 2020, the IRS will use “non-filer portal” for previous debit cards will be sent. transmissible variants in circulation. expected to soon sign it into law. (DPA) “Now we move forward that information to determine rounds of payments. As per the American Res- with the resources needed to eligibility and size of payments. For tax returns with direct cue Plan, a typical family of vaccinate the nation. To get For households that deposit or bank account infor- four - with parents making in direct payments, $1,400 for get 2,600 dollars more in tax schools safely, to speed up vac- $1,400 in direct payments to haven’t yet filed for 2020, the mation, the IRS will be able to $75,000 a year combined, and each parent and child. credits than before. The Stim- cination, and help those who 85 percent of American house- IRS will review records from send money electronically. For with kids in school aged 8 and Because of the expanded ulus package also envisages have lost their jobs through no holds. To expand coverage and 2019 to determine eligibil- those households for which 5 - will soon be getting $5,600 Child Tax Credit, they will also additional funds to reopen fault of their own. EU approves Johnson Denmark, Iceland and Norway & Johnson’s one-shot coronavirus vaccine suspend AstraZeneca’s COVID DPA BRUSSELS

THE European Union added a fourth COVID-19 vaccine to vaccination over ‘blood clot’ fear its arsenal on Thursday, when US manufacturer Johnson & Johnson’s one-shot drug got DPA Tuesday there were “22 cases the all-clear from the bloc’s COPENHAGEN of thromboembolic events medicines regulator and execu- had been reported among the tive arm. DENMARK on Thursday an- 3 million people vaccinated “More safe and effective File photo of a box of Johnson & nounced a 14-day suspension with COVID-19 vaccine Astra- vaccines are coming to the Johnson COVID-19 vaccines. (AFP) of COVID-19 vaccinations Zeneca in the European Eco- market,” European Commision from pharmaceutical compa- nomic Area,” it added. President Ursula von der Leyen stored in a standard fridge, un- ny AstraZeneca after reports AstraZeneca said it was tweeted, as she announced that like the ultra-cold conditions of severe cases of blood clots “aware” of Denmark’s deci- conditional market authorisa- required for some vaccines. in people who have received it, sion following reports of side tion had been granted. It is thought to be effective prompting other countries to effects. “With the number of doses against virus variants as well. follow suit. “Patient Safety is the high- we ordered, we could vaccinate However, according to me- Danish Health Minister est priority for AstraZeneca. up to 200 million people in the dia reports, deliveries of the Magnus Heunicke stressed Royal Navy medics Regulators have clear and EU,” she added. shot to the 27-member bloc that the suspension was “pre- prepare syringes ahead stringent efficacy and safety Shortly before, the Euro- aren’t expected to start for sev- cautionary.” of giving injections of standards for the approval of pean Medicines Agency (EMA) eral weeks due to capacity is- The Danish Public Health the Oxford/AstraZeneca any new medicine, and that recommended authorizing sues. Authority said earlier that COVID-19 vaccine to includes COVID-19 Vaccine Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine Nonetheless, it now joins it is investigating potential members of the public in AstraZeneca,” the British- for use in all adults in the EU. the ranks of green-lighted adverse effects related to Bath, southwest England. Swedish company said in a “Authorities across the EU shots made by suppliers BioN- the jab, noting blood clots in (File photo) (AFP) statement. will have another option to Tech-Pfizer, Moderna and As- some vaccinated patients. “The safety of the vaccine combat the pandemic and pro- traZeneca. A death has been reported She noted that over 1 mil- has been extensively studied tect the lives and health of their Johnson & Johnson’s jab in Denmark - although it was AstraZeneca vaccine’s benefits lion vaccinations have been in Phase III clinical trials and citizens,” EMA director Emer was developed by a company not certain there was a link conducted in Sweden. Peer-reviewed data confirms Cooke said in a statement pub- subsidiary, Janssen in the between the British-Swedish ‘outweigh risks’: EU agency EMA Finnish authorities said the vaccine is generally well lished online. Netherlands. company’s vaccine and the they were also looking at pos- tolerated,” AstraZeneca add- Clinical trials involving The drug already got the formation of blood clots, the DPA had taken similar decisions, sible side effects linked to the ed. more than 44,000 people in green light in the United States. Danish Health Authority said. AMSTERDAM the EMA added. AstraZeneca vaccine but had “We are in the middle of several countries showed the On behalf of its member Iceland and Norway later “There is currently no indica- currently no plans to suspend the largest and most impor- vaccine to have an efficacy rate states, the EU executive branch announced similar suspen- THE European Medicines tion that vaccination has caused vaccinations with the vaccine. tant vaccination rollout in of 67 per cent, the EMA noted, has negotiated six contracts sions. In Norway about Agency (EMA) says it is these conditions, which are not The European Medicines Danish history, and we need adding that the drug met key with pharmaceutical firms sup- 121,000 people have been “aware” of the Danish deci- listed as side effects with this Agency (EMA) has launched all the vaccines we can get. criteria for safety and quality. plying shots against the deadly vaccinated with the Astra- sion to pause its vaccination vaccine,” the agency said. an investigation into the vac- Therefore, putting one of The EU has already pre-or- respiratory disease. Zeneca vaccine, Norwegian programme with the COVID-19 It added that its safety cine, as have national health the vaccines on hold is not dered up to 200 million doses But delivery difficulties authorities said. Vaccine AstraZeneca, but still committee’s position “is that authorities in several Euro- an easy decision,” said Soren for its population of 450 mil- have seen EU states lag behind “We will await informa- recommended the vaccine’s the vaccine’s bene ts continue pean countries. Brostrom, head of the Danish lion, with the option to order front-runners like Israel or tion if there is a connection continued use. Denmark’s to outweigh its risks and the “There is currently no Health Authority. another 200 million. Britain. Just 10 per cent of EU between the vaccine and this move was announced after re- vaccine can continue to be ad- indication that vaccination The suspension could Conditional market au- citizens have had one shot so case of blood clots,” said Geir ports of blood clots in people ministered while investigation has caused these conditions, cause a four-week delay in thorization means the manu- far, compared to 35 per cent in Bukholm with the Norwegian who had received the vaccine. of cases of thromboembolic which are not listed as side the Danish vaccination pro- facturer will have to continue Britain, figures from the Uni- Institute of Public Health. Some other member states events is ongoing.” effects with this vaccine,” the gramme, one projection sug- submitting data about long- versity of Oxford’s Our World Meamwhile, Sweden’s EMA statement said. gested. term effects, even after getting in Data project show. Medical Products Agency The Amsterdam-based Denmark and other Nordic the go-ahead. COVID-19 has claimed said there was insufficient in- Veronica Arthurson of eca vaccine and about 10 EMA noted that “the number countries also use two other In contrast to other EU- 876,000 lives in Europe so formation to suspend vacci- the Swedish agency told cases of thrombosis linked of thromboembolic events vaccines: one developed by authorized jabs, the Johnson & far, according to the European nations with the AstraZeneca a briefing that they have to the vaccine produced by in vaccinated people is no US-German venture Pfizer/Bi- Johnson vaccine only needs to Centre for Disease Prevention vaccine, but it would contin- had two cases of thrombo- US-German venture Pfizer/ higher than that seen in the oNTech and one developed by be administered once. and Control. These figures also ue to monitor developments. sis linked to the AstraZen- BioNTech. general population.” As of US firm Moderna. The doses can also be include Britain and Russia. Brazil’s daily COVID-19 Prince William says UK royal family is ‘very much not racist’ deaths hit record 2,000 DPA speak publicly about Prince reverberations across the Brit- DPA Intensive care beds for LONDON Harry and Meghan’s interview ish media landscape, after the RIO DE JANEIRO COVID-19 patients are full in with Winfrey, which aired in couple revealed their decision Porto Velho, Campo Grande PRINCE William has said the United States on Sunday to step back as senior royals BRAZIL has recorded more and Porto Alegre, according the British royal family is and in Britain on Monday. was also influenced by nega- than 2,000 coronavirus deaths to research institute Fundacao “very much not racist” after In the interview, Meghan, tive and racist press coverage. in a day for the first time. Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz). claims made by Prince Harry who is biracial, told the US British television presenter Health Ministry data re- Fiocruz warns that intense and Meghan, the duchess of television icon that there were Piers Morgan on Monday said leased late on Wednesday movement of people and the Sussex, in an interview with “conversations” by members he did not “believe a word” showed 2,286 deaths in 24 increasing spread of the virus Oprah Winfrey. of the royal family with Prince Meghan said in the interview hours. have favoured the occurrence “We’re very much not a Harry, who is white, about regarding her struggles with Brazil has recorded 270,656 of “worrying variants” of the racist family,” Prince William “how dark [their son] Archie’s mental health. She revealed COVID-19 related deaths since coronavirus in Brazil, specifi- said in a video published on skin might be when he was she had felt suicidal while the pandemic began. cally the P.1 variant that has Thursday by a royal corre- born.” Winfrey has since clari- working as a senior member of The latest daily figures apparently developed in the spondent on Twitter. fied on behalf of the couple the royal family. showed 79,876 new infections, Amazon. The prince - who is the that the discussions about Morgan’s comments led to bringing the total for Latin Local politicians have rec- second in line to the British Archie’s skin colour were not more than 41,000 complaints, America’s largest country to ognized the seriousness of the throne - made the comment had by Queen Elizabeth II or Britain’s Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Britain’s Catherine, prompting him to step down more than 11.2 million. situation and recently tight- while attending an event at a Prince Philip, Prince Harry’s Duchess of Cambridge in east London on Thursday. (AFP) from his position at ITV - the Only the United States and ened the measures against the school on Thursday. grandparents. broadcaster which aired the India have recorded higher rapid spread of the virus. He was also asked if he has The royal family originally “The whole family is sad- may vary, they are taken very Winfrey interview - a day later. case numbers. Meanwhile President Jair spoken to his younger brother stayed silent over the inter- dened to learn the full extent seriously and will be addressed On Wednesday evening, Brazil, which started ad- Bolsonaro, who played down Harry since the interview aired. view. of how challenging the last few by the family privately. Ian Murray, the head of the ministering vaccines in Janu- the virus from the start and “I haven’t spoken to him However, Buckingham years have been for Harry and “Harry, Meghan and Ar- British Society of Editors, also ary, is one of the worst-affected also doubts the usefulness of yet but I will do,” the prince Palace later issued a statement Meghan,” the palace said. chie will always be much loved announced he would leave his countries worldwide. Its health vaccinations, continues to re- responded. from the queen expressing “The issues raised, particu- family members,” the state- post after his statement that system has collapsed in many ject restrictions for economic Prince William is the first concern about the racial issues larly that of race, are concern- ment continued. “the UK media is not bigoted” cities. reasons. member of the royal family to the couple discussed. ing. While some recollections The interview also caused caused a backlash. Markets boom but fears of bust loom PAGE 8

FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021

32,607.61 10,224.92 51279.51 1,721.70 +310.59 PTS -47.19 PTS +254.03 PTS GOLD -0.01 % US jobless claims decrease to DOW QE SENSEX 712K as pace of layoffs eases PAGE 7 PRICE PERCENTAGE PRICE PERCENTAGE 26.19 BRENT 69.53 +2.40% WTI 65.84 +2.17 % SILVER +0.23 % ESG is key to Investor wealth jumps GCC economic QR14.5 bn in one week recovery from Qatari stocks turn bullish as QSE gains 2.21% during a shortened week of four trading sessions COVID-19: OBG SATYENDRA PATHAK TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK to finance and refinance as- DOHA DOHA sets in verified Eligible Green Projects,” the bank said. INVESTORS wealth jumped by almost THE coronavirus pandemic This was only the second QR15 billion in a week as the market has raised awareness among such issuance from a com- capitalisation of all companies listed GCC countries of the impor- mercial bank in the GCC, fol- on the Qatar Stock Exchange increased tance of environmental, so- lowing the green bond of the by 2.5 percent to reach QR594.1 billion cial and corporate governance National Bank of Abu Dhabi, as compared to QR579.6 billion at the (ESG) standards. If current as it was then known, in 2017. end of the previous week. trends continue, then ESG In a further sign of the The QSE general index closed high- could become a valuable ele- growing interest in such in- er for the week, a shortened week of ment of the region’s recovery struments in the region, in four trading sessions, gaining 2.21 per- from COVID-19, Oxford Busi- April last year the Dubai Fi- cent against the week before, closing at ness Group (OBG) has said in nancial Market launched the the 10,224.92 points. its latest report. UAE ESG index, while in Au- Trading value during the week ESG standards are used gust Tadawul , Saudi Arabia’s decreased by 2.7 percent to reach by investors to evaluate po - stock exchange, announced QR2.311 billion against QR2.375 bil- tential investments, as well that it planned to launch its lion in the previous trading week. as enabling business lead- own ESG index in 2021. Investment Holding Group (IGRD) ers to formulate responsible was the top value traded stock during and sustainable corporate the week with a total traded value of strategies. Last year’s slump in oil QR474.3 million. Demand for investments prices has served to Trading volume increased by 27.5 that are ethical and sustaina- percent to reach 1.485 billion shares ble has been increasing in re- underline the importance against 1.165 billion shares in the pre- cent years. Globally, more and of a more broad-based vious trading week. IGRD was also more investors are turning to economy in GCC region the top volume traded stock during businesses that embrace ESG, the week with a total traded volume of and this tendency has been 620.1 million shares. boosted by COVID-19. This was followed in Sep- The number of transactions de- As phrased in a report tember by Saudi Electricity’s creased 16 percent to reach 51,258 Qatari institutions remained positive with net buying of QR19 million during the week. published by S&P Global in $1.3 billion green sukuk is- against 61,007 in the previous week. April last year, “strong ESG suance, which was five times Qatari institutions remained posi- of 5.1 percent. performers with stakeholder- oversubscribed, a result tive with net buying of QR19 million Weekly realty trade exceeds QR450 mn The week saw all the seven sec - focused and adaptive-govern- that was driven by growing against net buying of QR77 million in tor indices close in the positive terri - ance structures are likely to regional demand for ESG- the week before. QNA The types of real estate traded tory. The All Share Insurance Index, remain resilient amid these compliant investments. The Qatari retail investors also turned DOHA included plots of land, houses, apart- which surged 5.25 percent, was the rapidly changing dynamics”. growing focus on ESG stand- bullish with net buying of QR36 mil- ment buildings, residential complex, best performing sector index during In the GCC region, ESG ards dovetails with develop- lion against net selling of QR42 million THE total value of real estate trans- multi-use plots and commercial the week. has likewise become a hot ment priorities shared by the week before. actions in the sales contracts regis- buildings. The transportation sector, indus- topic in recent months. countries in the GCC region. While foreign retail investors re- tered with the Real Estate Regis- Most of the trading took place in trial sector and the consumer goods Significant steps have On the one hand, it ties mained positive with net buying of tration Department of the Ministry the municipalities of Doha, Al Da’ayen, sector also made impressive gains of been taken by major region- in to different diversification QR22 million against net buying of of Justice between February 28 to Al Rayyan, Umm Salal, Al Khor, Al over 3 percent to lift the main index al players towards a more strategies. Last year’s slump QR12 million in the previous week, for- March 4 was QR450.746 million. Dhakira , Al Wakrah, and Al Shamal. higher during the week. ESG-oriented future. in oil prices served to under- eign institutions ended the week with The rest of the sectors also made For example, OBG said, line the importance of a more net selling of QR77 million against good gains. While the banks and fi- Qatar National Bank (QNB) broad-based economy. In- net selling of QR47 million in the weekly index gains. IQ was the biggest Qatar gained 16.041 percent and 11.088 nancial services index increased set up its Green, Social and vestments guided by ESG for previous week. contributor to the index’s weekly in- percent respectively to be among the 2.88 percent, the telecom sector in- Sustainability Bond Frame- example, in renewable energy According to an estimate by QNB crease, adding 56 points to the index. top three gainers for the week. Qatar dex and the real estate sector index work in February last year. offer a way to augment diver- Financial Services, foreigners have QNB pushed the index higher by an- National Cement gained 10.261, Qatar gained 2.27 percent and 1.3 percent In September last year, sification. bought shares worth $242 million other 54.4 points. QIB tacked on 30.9 Navigation surged 9.47 percent during respectively. QNB launched its $600 mil- On a related note, the since the beginning of this year. points to the index. the week. Of the 48 listed companies, 35 lion green bond, for which Gulf is on the front line of Industries Qatar (IQ), QNB Group IGRD was the best performing On the other hand, QLM Life & companies closed the week higher, it received subscriptions climate change, and ESG can (QNB) and Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB) stock for the week, with a gain of 18.9 Medical Insurance (QLM) was the while 13 fell and none remained of more than $1.8 billion. boost resilience as well as re- were the primary contributors to the percent. Zad Holding and Vodafone worst-performing stock with a decline unchanged. “These proceeds will be used ducing emissions. COVID-19, energy transition in spotlight at GECF meet

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK human tragedy that has resulted ternationally in a favourable light, DOHA in a dramatic loss of lives and live- or pushing forward the image of lihoods. It has been a heavy drag natural gas; making new discover- THE Gas Exporting Countries Fo- on our economies, reducing export ies and facts through our forecast- rum (GECF) held its 38th execu- revenues, and scaling back invest- ing work, or unearthing data for tive board meeting via video con- ments. The adverse impact on the deeper understanding; bringing ference. The meeting was attended energy sector is unprecedented.” our more than a dozen members by high-ranking officials of Alge- “The pandemic will have a last- on the same table, or strengthen- ria, Bolivia, Egypt, Iran, Libya, Ni- ing impact. The world will not be as ing the core of the organization geria, Qatar, Russia, Trinidad and before, driven by changes in poli- through internal checks and au- Tobago, and Venezuela. cies, technology, environmental dits, the GECF Secretariat has con- Azerbaijan, Iraq, Malaysia, concerns, consumer preferences, tinued to make progress on many Norway, Peru and the UAE partici- and geopolitics. In this context, the fronts,” Sentryurin said. pated as observers. role of the GECF is even more im- The proceedings were com- During the two-day meet- portant in the forthcoming decade. plemented with discussions on ing, the gathering reviewed 2020 Its advocacy role for natural gas the status reports on the 6th milestones, summed up the main has to be impactful in the energy Summit, research activities, pro- outcomes of the 22nd Ministerial transition journey that the world gramme of work and 2021 budget, Meeting and associated events that has embarked on,” Hamel said. the advancement of the Forum’s were held in November 2020, and An extensive report was sub- Technical and Economic Council forged the way forward for GECF’s mitted for the attention of the performance, and enhancement smooth sailing through the first executive board with a particular pertaining to legal functions. part of 2021. accent on the gradual progress The executive board is a gov- Commencing the event, Mo- of the secretariat’s performance, erning body of the GECF, second hamed Hamel, the executive board along with priority activity areas only to the supreme authority member from Algeria and the and other plans in the run-up to vested in the Ministerial Meeting. chairman of the GECF Executive the marque event, the 6th GECF Experts take part in 38th executive board meeting of Gas Exporting Countries Forum held via video conference. It directs the operational affairs Board in 2021, acknowledged the Summit of Heads of State and of the Forum, implements the efforts of the secretariat on serv- Government to be held in Doha in COVID-19 pandemic. I do believe Global Gas Outlook 2050 was in provements in the Data Exchange decisions of the Ministerial Meet- ing the interests of the member November this year. that the best is yet to come for the focus at the meeting, where the Mechanism were also introduced ings, and considers the yearly countries in the most accomplished “It is paramount to stay united Forum if we continue in the spirit GECF Secretariat briefed the au- in the meeting. Programme of Work of the secre- manner and advancing the indus- with one voice and align all recov- of multilateral beneficial coop- dience on further advancement of “Despite the challenges facing tariat for further approval by the try at a global level. ery efforts to deal with the eco- eration,” GECF Secretary General this signature deliverable. the world due to the COVID-19 Ministerial Meeting, in accord- Hamel said, “For more than a nomic aftermath of the crisis in Yury Sentryurin said. The features of the second edi- pandemic, the GECF Secretariat ance with the GECF statute, the year now, the world has suffered order to accelerate the recovery The status report on the prep- tion of the Annual Short-Term has continued its activities wheth- long-term strategy, and the 5-year from the COVID-19 pandemic, a from the ravages brought on by the aration of 2021’s edition of the Gas Market Report and new im- er it is positioning the Forum in- working plan. Economy & Business Friday, March 12, 2021 07 BMW says it remained pro table in 2020 Digital artwork auctions for $69 million Russia slows down Twitter in clampdown

GERMAN luxury automaker BMW says net prot fell 23% last CHRISTIE’S says it has auctioned off a digital collage by an RUSSIAN authorities said Wednesday they are slowing down the News year to 3.86 billion euros ($4.62 billion) as the pandemic artist named Beeple for nearly $70 million, in an unprece- speed of uploading photos and videos to Twitter over its failure shuttered factories in the rst part of the year. The maker of dented sale of a digital artwork that fetched more money than to remove banned content — part of growing efforts to curb in brief the X5 sport utility and 3-Series sedan said a strong second physical works by many better known artists. The piece, titled social media platforms that facilitated in amplifying dissent. half meant it started 2021 with “a favorable tailwind.” Operat- “Everydays: The First 5,000 Days,” sold for $69.4 million, “po- Watchdog Roskomnadzor said it began the slowdown after Twit- ing prots for the second half of last year were 9.8% higher sitioning him among the top three most valuable living artists,” ter failed to remove content encouraging suicide among children than the second half of 2019. Christie’s said via Twitter on Thursday. and containing information about drugs and child pornography. Lagging US, Europe speeds up help for virus-hit economy

AGENCIES and lower levels of govern- ment relief spending com- THE European Central Bank pared with the U.S. The U.S. said it would step up its bond- Congress on Wednesday ap- purchase stimulus to support proved a wide-ranging $1.9 an economy whose recovery is trillion relief package pushed expected to lag a year behind by new President Joe Biden, the rebound in the U.S., held coming on top of previous re- back by slow vaccine rollouts lief legislation under predeces- and less relief spending by sor Donald Trump. governments. ECB President Christine The central bank for the Lagarde told a news confer- 19 countries that use the euro ence that the rise in market said Thursday that over the borrowing rates, “if left un- next quarter the purchases checked, could translate into a would be conducted “at a sig- premature tightening of finan- nificantly higher pace than cial conditions for all sectors during the first months of the of the economy. This is unde- year.” sirable.” A JetBlue ight arrives at Salt Lake City International Airport in Salt Lake City. US airlines are adding jobs as industry employment extends a rebound from a low in October, when The move is aimed at pre- tens of thousands of airline workers were brie y laid off after federal payroll aid expired. venting a premature rise in borrowing costs while busi- nesses are still struggling with coronavirus restrictions like curfews and shutdowns. Yields on long-term govern- US jobless claims decrease to ment bonds have risen by about 0.3% since the start of the year in the eurozone. That is not much, and rates remain low. But economists say it is 712K as pace of layoffs eases too early for the eurozone to withstand higher rates, usu- ally associated with recovering topped 700,000, even during for months chose to stay home growth and inflation. Applications for unemployment aid the Great Recession. Highlights to avoid the risk of infection. The rise in longer-term Lagarde urged European dropped by 42,000 from 754,000 All told, 4.1 million Ameri- In February, US Now, though, as vaccina- borrowing rates is regarded leaders to promptly imple- cans are receiving traditional employers added a tions are increasingly admin- as a spillover from the U.S., ment the European Union’s state unemployment benefits. istered around the country, where the economic recovery 750 billion-euro recovery fund AGENCIES pressure, and 9.6 million jobs Counting supplemental fed- robust 379,000 jobs, business limitations are gradu- is expected to be faster. The which is aimed at supporting remain lost to the pandemic eral unemployment programs the most since ally eased and consumers grow eurozone is still in a double- government spending over the THE number of Americans that flattened the economy 12 that were established to soften October more comfortable engaging dip recession and is seen by next several years. She said seeking unemployment ben- months ago. the economic damage from the face to face with others, opti- economists as not ready for that the “massive” $1.9 trillion efits fell last week to 712,000, In February, U.S. employ- virus, an estimated 20.1 mil- ● This re ects an economy mism about the economy is rising rates. Output shrank relief package passed Wednes- the lowest total since early No- ers added a robust 379,000 lion people are collecting some in which consumers are rising. Last month, consumers 0.6% in the last three months day in the U.S., a key trade vember, evidence that fewer jobs, the most since Octo- form of jobless aid. spending more and states bounced back from months of of 2020 and probably declined partner, would boost demand employers are cutting jobs ber, reflecting an economy in The continuing job cuts and cities are easing retrenchment to step up their again in the first quarter of this from outside the eurozone. amid a decline in confirmed which consumers are spending reflect the extent to which the business restrictions spending by 2.4% — the sharp- year, say economists. The bond purchases have coronavirus cases and signs of more and states and cities are pandemic disrupted normal est increase in seven months China was the only major the effect of pushing down an improving economy. easing business restrictions. economic activity and kept ● Still, 4.1 million and a sign that the economy economy to grow last year, and bond yields, which are used The Labor Department said Thursday’s figure, though the consumers hunkered down at Americans are receiving may be poised to sustain a re- the U.S. is expected to reach as benchmarks for borrow- Thursday that applications for lowest weekly figure in four home rather than out traveling, traditional state covery. In the meantime, the pre-pandemic levels of output ing across the region. So the unemployment aid dropped by months, showed that weekly shopping, dining out and at- unemployment benets number of confirmed new by the middle of this year. ECB’s move would in theory 42,000 from 754,000 the week applications for jobless ben- tending entertainment venues. COVID-19 cases has dropped By contrast, the eurozone help keep credit cheap for before. Though the job market efits still remain high by his- Cities and states restricted the to an average of around 50,000 economy is not expected to companies who need to invest has been slowly strengthening, torical standards: Before the hours and capacity of restau- nesses. Even where restrictions a day from nearly 250,000 in recover until mid-2022, held or borrow to get through the many businesses remain under viral outbreak, they had never rants, bars and other busi- didn’t exist, many Americans early January. back by a slow vaccine rollout pandemic. Buffett’s fortune tops $100 billion Coupang, the Amazon of S Korea, debuts on NY Stock Exchange AGENCIES Berkshire Hathaway’s Class the time they were given away. The 90-year-old investor INVESTOR Warren Buffett’s A shares climbed to was once the world’s richest AGENCIES Coupang priced 130 mil- share higher, from the initial fortune surged above $100 bil- $407,750 Wednesday before man, but he has fallen back lion shares at $35 each, valu- range of between $27 and $30, lion Wednesday when shares giving up some ground to to No. 5 in Forbes magazine’s THE biggest IPO in years is ing the company at about $60 to between $32 and $34, and of his company hit a record close the day at $398,840 current list of the world’s rich- rolling out Thursday on the billion, according to regula- now $35 each. The company high at over $400,000 apiece. est people. Amazon’s Jeff Be- New York Stock Exchange tory filings. also bumped up the number Berkshire Hathaway’s Buffett’s fortune, which is zos is listed as the world’s rich- where Coupang, the South Ko- That big price tag reflects of shares it is offering because Class A shares climbed to mostly tied to his ownership est man with a $179.6 billion rean equivalent of Amazon in the recognition of how vastly of strong demand by 10 mil- $407,750 Wednesday before of 248,734 Class A shares, fortune. the U.S., or Alibaba in China, the pandemic has accelerated lion, for a total of 130 million giving up some ground to close topped $101 billion at the Buffett’s Berkshire owns will begin trading under the the shift to online shopping. shares. the day at $398,840. The Class stock’s peak Wednesday. But more than 90 companies out- ticker “CPNG.” Amazon’s fourth-quarter Revenue growth at B shares of the Omaha, Ne- he would be worth significant- right, including BNSF rail- It’s actually the largest revenue shattered records, Coupang has been explosive, braska, based conglomerate ly more if he hadn’t been giv- road, Geico insurance and initial public offering from an blowing past the $100 billion jumping from $900 million were selling for a much more ing away large blocks of Berk- several major utilities. The Asian company since Alibaba level for the first time, to reach in the first quarter of 2018, to affordable price of $263.99. Warren Buffett shire Hathaway stock annually conglomerate also owns man- went public about seven years $125.56 billion. Target and $3.8 billion in the fourth quar- Berkshire’s shares have to the Bill and Melinda Gates ufacturing, furniture, shoe, ago. And it’s the biggest in the Walmart have also aggres- ter of 2020. generally been increasing over on many of Berkshire’s busi- Foundation and several other jewelry, chocolate, underwear U.S. since Uber raised more sively pushed into online sales. Coupang says it’s already the past two weeks since Buf- nesses, the company reported charities since 2006. and brick companies. And than $8 billion in 2019. Target said this month that the third-largest employer in fett released his annual let- a $35.8 billion fourth-quarter Buffett estimates that the Berkshire holds major invest- Coupang has raised about online sales soared 118% dur- Korea, adding almost 25,000 ter to shareholders late last profit, largely due to paper shares he has given to char- ments in Apple, Coca-Cola, $4.6 billion, outsizing last ing the critical holiday quarter. new jobs last year. Its goal is month. Even with the coro- gains on the value of its invest- ity over the years were worth Bank of America, American month’s $2 billion capital raise That has helped to push to create 50,000 new jobs in navirus pandemic weighing ments. more than $37 billion total at Express and other stocks. by the dating app Bumble. Coupang’s asking price for a Korea by 2025. Gig economy shifts: Spain makes delivery riders employees

AGENCIES tificial intelligence systems latest affecting companies and by some riders who prefer the employees, not self-employed function in assigning jobs and workers in the gig economy. flexibility of being self-em- workers, in a case brought by a THE Spanish government on assessing performance, among Last month, Britain’s top court ployed. former rider for Glovo. Thursday announced legisla- other aspects. ruled that Uber drivers should The Association of Service London-based Deliveroo tion that classifies food deliv- The Minister for Labor, be classed as “workers” and Platforms said that the rule urged the Spanish government ery riders as employees of the Yolanda Díaz, said the new law not self-employed, in what was on disclosing algorithms is “a to think again, warning in a digital platforms they work is “pioneering” and is part of seen as a major setback for the measure which undoubtedly statement that the measures for, not self-employed, in a “a modernization of the labor ride-hailing giant. will have a very negative effect “will lead to less work for rid- legal change that could have market” in Spain, updating The Spanish government on the development of the digi- ers, will hurt the restaurant far-reaching consequences for regulations in accordance with agreed on the new law with tal economy in Spain.” sector and will restrict the ar- Spanish businesses. technological developments to the country’s main business The rule is “an assault on eas where platforms can oper- The legislation also in- ensure workers’ rights are up- groups and trade union con- the most basic principles of the ate.” cludes a groundbreaking re- held. federations. freedom to do business and in- Uber, which operates the quirement for companies op- She described the rule on But the law, which is ex- tellectual property rights,” the Uber Eats service, said it is erating the platforms, such as disclosing how the digital sys- pected to come into force association said in a statement. “fully committed to raising Glovo and Deliveroo, to hand tems work as “epic,” saying it within months, was quickly The legislation was drawn the standard of work and giv- over to their workers’ legal rep- “neutralizes algorithmic pun- contested by an association up after Spain’s Supreme ing independent workers more Spain-gig-economy resentatives information about ishments.” of digital platforms provid- Court ruled last September benefits while preserving flex- how their algorithms and ar- The legal changes are the ing food delivery services and that food delivery riders are ibility and control.” 08 Friday, March 12, 2021 Economy & Business ECB signals faster A year after crash, markets money-printing to keep lid on yields boom but fears of bust loom AGENCIES down yields close to where they were in December, Analysts say it’s dangerous to think end of health crisis will lead to end of economic crisis THE European Central Bank when Germany’s 10-year said on Thursday it would yield touched -0.64%, while accelerate money-printing another said improved eco- to keep a lid on euro zone nomic prospects meant part borrowing costs, signalling of the recent increase in to sceptical markets that it is yields was justified. determined to lay the foun- The ECB said it would dation for a solid economic continue to purchase flexibly recovery. but reaffirmed that its PEPP Concerned that a rise in quota would not necessarily bond yields could derail a be used in full if market con- recovery across the 19 coun- ditions allow. tries that share the euro, the Including this proviso ECB said it would use its 1.85 was a necessary conces- trillion Pandemic Emer- sion to keep on board policy gency Purchase Programme “hawks” who were sceptical (PEPP) more generously about increasing bond pur- over the coming months to chases, one of the sources stop any unwarranted rise in said. debt financing costs. Investors had started to Sources told Reuters doubt the ECB’s commit- that policymakers had set a ment after purchase volumes monthly target but agreed actually decreased in the last not to disclose it. Purchases two weeks, confounding ex- would not be as high as the pectations it would use its 100 billion euros a month much-emphasised “flexibili- the ECB was buying in the ty” to run up market activity. spring of 2020, they said, The sources said any but would still be well above fresh change in the pace of the 60 billion euros of bonds bond purchases would need it scooped up in February. to be decided by the Govern- “The Governing Council ing Council based upon a set expects purchases under the of indicators of financing PEPP over the next quarter conditions agreed at Thurs- to be conducted at a sig- day’s meeting, combined A year on into the pandemic, markets have more than recouped the lost ground, some of them even driven to record highs by a tidal wave of cheap stimulus money. nificantly higher pace than with the outlook for infla- during the first months of tion. AGENCIES will be tantamount to the end “It was crazy. The market ey, especially since the 2008 investors -- is only further evi- this year,” the ECB said in The ECB’s Executive of the (economic) crisis,” said was falling at a pace (that) we global financial crisis, said dence of the growing risks of a statement after its regular Board would simply pursue A year ago, stock markets went Vincent Mortier at asset man- thought there would be no bot- Eric Bourguignon, investment a very sharp reversal in senti- policy meeting. that target with a small tol- into free-fall as the scale of the ager Amundi. “In fact, it’s the tom,” said Ipek Ozkardeskaya, manager with Swiss Life Am. ment. The widely expected erance band around it. coronavirus crisis became ap- contrary,” he warned. an analyst at Swissquote Bank For JJ Kinahan at TD Underneath it all lies the move comes after a steady Euro zone growth is cur- parent and countries desper- World Health Organiza- in London. Ameritrade, the pandemic risk posed by the mountain rise in yields since the start rently weaker than forecast ately locked down to try to halt tion’s declaration on March 11 In response, central banks was “obviously sort of the ulti- of debt built up to finance the of the year that has mostly as a new wave of the corona- the pandemic. that the coronavirus outbreak and governments acted “very mate Black Swan (exceptional government stimulus pro- mirrored a similar shift in virus pandemic and a pain- A year on, they have more was a pandemic sparked spec- strongly, without having to event)... something we haven’t grams and which will have to U.S. Treasuries rather than fully slow vaccine rollout are than recouped the lost ground, tacular losses the following be accountable” for what they seen for over 100 years in be repaid at some point. reflecting improved eco- requiring longer lockdowns, some of them even driven to day, with New York falling 10 were doing, Mortier said. terms of a pandemic.” The fear is that all these nomic prospects across the challenging expectations record highs by a tidal wave percent while London shed 11 In an effort to keep their “How we’ve come out of trillions floating around will euro zone. for a rapid rebound in the of cheap stimulus money and percent, matching the worst economies afloat until the pan- it is absolutely amazing,” he spark inflation, in turn requir- Germany’s 10-year yield, spring. the hope that vaccination pro- days of the 1987 crash. demic -- or at least the first added. ing governments and central the benchmark for the re- While the overall eco- grams will allow a return to The downturn did not end wave -- was over, governments But there are signs that banks to close the cheap mon- gion, extended its fall after nomic situation is expected normality sooner than anyone on March 12, with further simply resorted, massively, to markets may be nearing their ey taps and hike interest rates the decision and stood at to improve over 2021, there could have expected. heavy losses over the follow- debt, he said. peak, with valuations stretched -- a move that would mark the -0.33% at 1635 GMT. remains uncertainty sur- But now analysts worry ing days as investors tried to Globally, rescue packages by millions of new private in- end of the pandemic markets ECB President Christine rounding the near-term eco- markets may have got too far get a fix on what the pandemic total some $24 trillion, ac- vestors locked down at home party. Lagarde said the council nomic outlook, relating in ahead of themselves and face a would mean for the global cording to Kokou Agbo-Bloua, who have poured into the “The Achille’s heel of this was in “total consensus”, but particular to the dynamics of sharp reverse if and when gov- economy -- a deep but relative- global head of economic re- game. fragile balance is clearly infla- the sources said there were the pandemic and the speed ernments decide to dampen ly short global recession. search at French bank Societe The huge speculative fren- tion,” noted Agbo-Bloua. some disagreements. of vaccination campaigns,” down the party. Factories shut, borders Generale. zy around some stocks -- such For Bourguignon, “it is go- One of the sources said Lagarde told a news confer- “In my opinion, it would be closed, airlines grounded, shops That only served to buoy as GameStop, a traditional re- ing to require lots of finesse to the ECB aimed to push ence. extremely dangerous to think and restaurants shuttered -- the markets that had already be- tailer of video games that pit- keep this system going over the that the end of the health crisis world came to a halt. come addicted to cheap mon- ted Wall Street against small long term”. Japanese company develops life-sized reactionary anime girl

Gatebox has now an- hologram guide to to serve play that gives the impres- Anime hologram will be 65-inch in nounced their anime girl hol- customers in stores and facili- sion that an anime character ogram assistant is about to be ties as a guide or receptionist. brought to life is working in size with a 4K quality OLED display bigger and better than ever, The unit is equipped with the facility. as they will soon be introduc- a depth sensor that detects At the moment, Gatebox ing a much larger version that the distance of the person is looking for potential busi- AGENCIES a live-in anime girl compan- reproduces a life-sized (well, approaching, and when the ness suitors via an applica- ion. human sized) hologram of person approaches the Gate- tion form on the website. If Demand for the anime their helpful AI anime girl. box Grande, the character au- the market proves receptive, MANY anime fans were hologram assistant, who can The new “large-scale char- tomatically greets the person it may not be a far away world thrilled when Japanese com- connect to other household acter summoning device” and introduces the product or where museums, movie theat- pany Gatebox announced the devices and do things such as ups the size of the normally service. It is not only a video ers, reception desks, event ex- development and release of check weather, welcome you miniature anime hologram feed, but also has changing hibitions, live music venues, their “Hologram Communi- home, and even monitor your to a 65-inch 4K quality OLED voice and facial expressions entertainment facilities, etc. cation Robot”, an Alexa-type moods, proved high enough display. The reason for this that can create unique expe- are equipped with lifelike and device that functions as not for a mass release in both Ja- is that the new device is in- riences to each customer, as life-sized anime holograms as Demand for the anime hologram assistant proved high enough for a only a personal assistant, but pan and abroad. tended to be used as a anime well as a high definition dis- our guides. mass release in both Japan and abroad.

LEVY FOR A COLLECTIVE GOOD Japan’s ‘solidarity’ quake tax may be model to foot pandemic bill

AGENCIES that works. for the coming five years. of its economy, talk of a “post- Unlike Japan’s unpopular Revenues from the special tax pandemic solidarity tax” cannot JAPAN is paying for the huge sales tax that was doubled in two paid for about 40% of the cost, be avoided, said Masahiro Kawai, cost of rebuilding areas hit by stages to 10% from 2014 to 2019, around four-fifths of which was a former finance ministry official the March 2011 earthquake and households won’t feel pain each collected from households. and University of Tokyo professor tsunami with a special “solidarity” time they shop. Branding it as The additional tax of 2.1% who is now heading the Economic tax that could become a model to a “solidarity” special tax helps was imposed on the amount of Research Institute for Northeast shoulder the much bigger spend- convince voters the levy is for a tax paid by individuals with the Asia. ing needed to combat the corona- collective good. tax rates running as high as 45%, “Such a tax would gain virus pandemic. Ruling party lawmakers say compared to the effective com- people’s understanding if they Households are bearing the tax hikes would be a last resort pany tax rate of around 30%. perceive it as necessary to pro- brunt of the bill, paying an extra in footing the cost of combating Some lawmakers, such as tect their livelihood and human 2.1% in income tax for 25 years COVID-19 that has so far topped members of the Japanese Com- capital,” he said. through 2037. For those with 70 trillion yen - more than double munist Party, criticize the special Others are skeptical. The pan- annual taxable income of 10 mil- the spending for post-quake and tax as imposing too much of a demic has upended lives for al- lion yen, that equates to an extra tsunami reconstruction. burden on households. But their most the entire population, unlike 37,000 yen a year. But Finance Minister Taro Aso voices are few. March 2011, where people living While companies were sup- flagged the chance of another spe- The biggest opposition party in areas unaffected could rally to posed to pay an extra 10% tax for cial tax once the economy emerges has kept mum as the tax was save those who faced devastation. three years, they were off the hook from the pandemic’s hit. Japanese households are paying an extra 2.1% in income tax for 25 years rolled out under a government led “It might be difficult to ask after two years, which critics say “Whenever a crisis hit, we took through 2037, as a “solidarity” tax to help rebuild after areas hit by the March by some of its current members. households to evenly share the was due in part to pressure from bold fiscal steps and the current 2011 earthquake. The ruling Liberal Democratic burden this time, given a widen- the powerful Keidanren business generation strived to share the Party, known as pro-business, ing disparity between haves and lobby amid global competition to burden,” Aso told the lower house cannot be avoided in the long run. quake and tsunami - roughly the sees no merit in rocking the boat. have-nots since the coronavirus lower corporate tax rates. financial committee last month, Japan spent 31.3 trillion yen size of Egypt’s economy - with With Japan saddled with outbreak,” said Hosei University For politicians, it’s a model suggesting debate over a tax hike on reconstruction from the earth- another 1.6 trillion yen earmarked public debt 2.5 times the size Professor Kazumasa Oguro. QatarTribune Qatar_Tribune QatarTribuneChannel qatar_tribune Scot David Law opens up one shot lead on opening day of CB Qatar Masters FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021 PAGE 10 Georgian Basilashvili saves match point to end Federer’s run in Doha

AGENCIES DOHA

NIKOLOZ Basilashvili re- covered from a set down on Thursday to end Roger Feder- er’s comeback appearance at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open in Doha. The Georgian played with consistent aggression from the baseline to rush Federer and earn a 3-6, 6-1, 7-5 victory at the Khalifa International Ten- nis & Squash Complex. Basilashvili saved seven of 10 break points, including a match point at 4-5 in the de- cider, to clinch victory after one hour and 50 minutes. “It is unbelievable. He is one of the greatest of all time,” Nikoloz Basilashvili of Georgia (left) during his quarter- nal clash of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open against Swiss Roger Federer at the Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex on Thursday. Basilashvili won 3-6, 6-1, 7-5. Basilashvili said in an on-court interview. “To just play him decider. It almost proved to be means so much to me. I am re- Nikoloz Basilashvili To win against him (Federer) is a the crucial moment, but Basi- ally happy that he came back saved seven of 10 break dream come true for me. He was lashvili held his nerve at 4-5, and is playing again. To win points, including a always my idol and I am sure he is to 30/40 to save match point with against him is a dream come match point at 4-5 in a strong forehand approach true for me. He was always many tennis players and fans. He is an shot. The 29-year-old then my idol and I am sure he is to the decider, to clinch unbelievable player, so I am extremely happy.” played with all-out aggression many tennis players and fans. victory after one hour on his backhand to turn the He is an unbelievable player, and 50 minutes. Nikoloz Basilashvili match decisively in his favour. so I am extremely happy.” Basilashvili took the shot up Basilashvili entered the the line on multiple occasions tournament on a five-match tory in his return match on Results; Friday Order of Play to break serve and ripped the losing streak but, with his first Wednesday against Daniel stroke cross-court to convert ATP Head2Head win against Evans. Singles (Quarter-finals) M. Daniell (AUS)/P.Oswald (AUT) bt 1-R. Farah/J. Cabal The 2019 champion Roberto Bautista Agut upstaged Dominic Thiem. his third match point. Federer (tied at 1-1), the “I’m happy (with) how I Taylor Fritz (USA_) bt 4-Denis Shapovalov (CAN) 5-7, (COL) 6-3, 6-4 6-3, 7-5 29-year-old is through to his played today. I’m happy [with] Andrey Rublev (RUS) walked over Martin Fucsovics Friday Order of Play in the fourth game. As he did an early break in the second Bautista Agut sets first semi-final since the 2019 how I did yesterday,” said (HUN) CENTRE COURT start 6pm to close his match with Evans, set. The Georgian then fired up Rublev semis Hamburg European Open. Federer. “I’m happy I [am] Nikoloz Basilashvili (GEO) bt 2-Roger Federer (SUI) 3-6, Singles (Semi-finals) Federer ripped a backhand powerful serves and came to In late night clash, fifth seeded Federer was attempting to back on the Tour. I’m pleased 6-1, 7-5 5-Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP) vs 3-Andrey Rublev down the line to convert his the net to escape a 0/40 posi- and 2019 winner in Doha, Rob- 5-Roberto Bautista Agut bt 1-Dominic Thiem (AUT) 7-6 (RUS) reach his seventh Doha semi- I came here to Doha. So it’s re- (3), 2-6, 6-4 Taylor Fritz (USA) vs Nikoloz Basilashvili (GEO) opportunity. The Swiss main- tion on serve to consolidate his er Bautista Agut defeated the final. The second seed was ally, really a positive return for Doubles (Semis) Doubles Final tained his lead to serve for the advantage. Basilashvili soon top seed Dominic Thiem in a making his first tournament me. I’m really happy.” A. Karatsev/A. Rublev (RUS) bt J. Chardy/ Fabrice Matin M. Daniell (NZL)/P. Oswald (AUT) vs A. Karatsev set at 5-3, and he clinched a added a second break and match which lasted 2 hours and appearance since the 2020 The World No. 42 will face (FRA) 7-6 (5), 7-6 (2) (RUS)/A. Rublev (RUS). love service hold with an ace clinched the set with a cross- 25 minutes. The Spaniard Agut Australian Open this week. Taylor Fritz for a place in the out wide. court backhand winner. won 7-6 (3), 2-6, 6-4 against the Federer, who underwent two championship match. The 6-3, 7-5 to reach his first semi- baseline and struck multiple Basilashvili ripped his re- For the second straight Canadian to set up a semi-final right knee surgeries in 2020, American outlasted fourth final of 2021. forehand winners to earn his turns and guided a backhand match, Federer was forced to clash with defending champion claimed a 7-6(8), 3-6, 7-5 vic- seed Denis Shapovalov 5-7, Federer stood on top of the first break point of the match past Federer at the net to gain save break points at 3-3 in the Russian Andrey Rublev.

4-STAR KATARA CUP BEACH VOLLEYBALL Fritz wins mental battle, Czech sensations make final vs Brazil AGENCIES ghts past Shapovalov DOHA CZECH sensations Ondrej AGENCIES Perusic and David Schweiner DOHA and Brazilian standouts Evan- dro Goncalves and Gustavo TAYLOR Fritz didn’t give up Carvalhaes are the two teams on Thursday, even after Denis to battle it out on Friday for Shapovalov won 24 straight the 4-star Katara Beach Vol- service points in the first set, leyball Cup gold. They took to reach the Qatar ExxonMobil two victories each on Thurs- Open semi-finals. day to make the final of the Fourth seed Shapovalov’s FIVB Beach Volleyball World early dominance turned after Tour event in Doha. costly errors early in the sec- The 17th-seeded Evandro ond set, as Fritz fought hard and Guto managed to come out Czech sensations Ondrej Perusic and David Schweiner. for a 5-7, 6-3, 7-5 victory in on top of a fantastic semifinal two hours and five minutes. clash with USA’s Nick Lucena Americans Nick Lucena and and April Ross of USA will The 23-year-old American and Phil Dalhausser to claim Phil Dalhausser on the way to an play each other in Friday’s recorded his first win in four their spot in the last match of emphatic 2-0 (21-9, 21-17) win women’s final. ATP Head2Head meetings the tournament. The two teams to make it to their first 4-star fi- The two teams successfully against Shapovalov, easing exchanged hard-fought wins in nal outside their home country. pushed through Thursday’s memories of the Canadian’s the first two sets, both extended The 14th-seeded Czechs quarterfinals and semifinals to comeback from two-sets-to- into overtime. In the tie-break- actually a harder time in their cross swords for gold. love down in the 2020 US Open er, the battle continued, but the quarterfinal duel with Qatari In the first semi-final of the third round. Fritz, who saved Brazilians maintained an edge favourites Cherif Younousse day, Alix and April dominated three match points against Da- throughout to a claim 2-1 (26- and Ahmed Tijan. They had to fellow Americans Emily Stock- vid Goffin on Wednesday, will American Taylor Fritz in action against Canadian Denis Shapovalov in Doha on Thursday. 24, 21-23, 15-11) victory. battle it back from a set down man and Kelley Kolinske. After next face Nikoloz Basilashvili “We knew it was going to to claim a 2-1 (17-21, 21-18, 17- a relatively one-sided first set, of Georgia on Friday. “I don’t think I have ever points at 4-3 in the third set, try to come back and break be a really hard battle with 15) victory in the ony three-set the second was more competi- “It was mentally a huge vic- gone a set without winning but paid the price for not con- him.’ I broke him. When I the American team. We know clash for the spots in the semis. tive until 7-7. At that moment, tory,” said Fritz. “Not serving a point on someone’s serve,” verting two match points on went to serve it out, I told my- them, they know us... We are “It’s amazing! We are in Alix and April went on a a sev- out at 5-4, 40/15, really took a said Fritz. “That was kind of serve at 5-4. Importantly, Fritz self, ‘I need to play this game really happy with this result the final and it’s hard to de- en-point run on April’s serve lot out of me, particularly after crazy. He was just playing re- didn’t panic and took away very aggressively’.” and to be in the final. The at- scribe the feeling. I would say and practically pre-decided our last match at the US Open ally, really well in the first set. Shapovalov’s energy by win- mosphere here is empty and that fatigue played its role the outcome of the match. last year. I didn’t want to lose I think I just had to play my- ning eight of the last 10 points. Rublev walks over strange, but we know why. today, because Nick and Phil Stockman and Kolinske again, and so I pushed harder. self into the match. I felt like When asked what he was Andrey Rublev moved into the Still, to be back on Tour after must have been really tired tried fighting back towards the I’ve had a lot of court time and I was holding [serve] pretty thinking after he failed to con- semi-finals without hitting a such a long time feels amaz- after yesterday’s three tough end, but Alix and April held up close wins, coming through easily. He played a pretty in- vert two match points, Fritz ball on Thursday after Hun- ing! We’ve been waiting for matches. But it feels great! We to cruise on to a 2-0 (21-15, 21- under pressure, so I want to sane game when he broke me said, “The last time after it gary’s Marton Fucsovics with- this tournament all year and performed really well in this 16) win and advance to the final. keep it going.” in the first set, so I have to just happened, I was so defeated drew due to a lower back injury. we are so grateful to be here,” tournament, which shows that In the second semi-final, Shapovalov was in total give credit. He played a very by it because I knew I choked. It would have been a Guto said after the match. all our preparation was worth Pavan and Melissa persevered control in the 37-minute open- good game to break me… I was This time, I didn’t make first repeat of last week’s ABN Earlier on Thursday, Evan- it. I hope that we will continue through two nerve-wracking er, but he lost his first point on lucky when the chance came, I serves on either one of the two AMRO World Tennis Tour- dro and Guto produced a 2-0 tomorrow,” Perusic said. extended sets to celebrate a serve at 0-1 in the second set was able to take it.” points. He hit a pretty nice nament final in Rotterdam, (21-11, 21-16) quarterfinal 2-0 (24-22, 26-24) victory when a routine forehand ap- Fritz took a 3-0 lead, then shot at 40/15. Then I made which Rublev won 7-6(4), 6-4. shutout of Latvia’s Aleksandrs Top seeds to meet over third-seeded Agatha Bed- proach flicked up off the net broke in the first game of the some dumb errors to get bro- Rublev now plays top-seed- Samoilovs and Janis Smedins. in women’s final narczuk and Eduarda Santos and landed wide. Two further decider when Shapovalov mis- ken… I blew it, but I just told ed Austrian Dominic Thiem In the second semifinal, Top-seeded Sarah Pavan and Lisboa (Duda) of Brazil. A errors cost the World No. 11 hit a forehand approach long. myself, ‘I can’t let this happen or Roberto Bautista Agut of Perusic and Schweiner totally Melissa Humana-Paredes and very hard-fought first set was and Fritz found his way back. The American saved two break again. I need to be positive and Spain. (atptour.com) dominated over legendary second-seeded Alix Klineman pushed deep into overtime. 10 Friday, March 12, 2021 Sports

QNB Stars League Law opens up one shot Al Duhail down Sailiya 2-0; Al Wakrah lead at CB Qatar Masters hold Al Sadd 1-1

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK with Edmilson scoring off an DOHA assist from Karim Boudiaf. Scores Almoez Ali, who came off ENSURING that they stay the bench in the second half, 64 – David Law (Sco) in the race to finish as sec- initiated the attack. 65 – Richard McEvoy (Eng), Hennie Du Plessis (Rsa), Kalle Samooja (Fin), Nino Bertasio (Ita) ond in the QNB Stars League The Red Knights kept Al 66 – Joachim B Hansen (Den), Thomas Detry (Bel), 2020-21, Al Duhail defeated Sailiya under pressure by cre- Joakim Lagergren (Swe), Garrick Higgo (Rsa) Al Sailiya 2-0 in the Week 19 ating more opportunities. 67 – Jorge Campillo (Esp), George Coetzee (Rsa), Kurt Kitayama (USA), Jeff Winther (Den), Scott clash at the Al Ahli Stadium on Mohammed Muntari, who Jamieson (Sco), Chris Paisley (Eng), Fabrizio Zanotti Thursday. replaced Olunga in the 62nd (Pry), Maximilian Kieffer (Ger), Gaganjeet Bhullar Michael Olunga converted minute, fired an angular shot, (Ind), Pedro Figueiredo (Por), Toby Tree (Eng) a penalty in the 20th minute but Amine did well to punch 68 – Thomas Pieters (Bel), Alexander Bjork (Swe), Shergo Al Kurdi (Jor), Sean Crocker (USA), Lorenzo before Paulo Edmilson Junior the ball away. Almoez’s hit Gagli (Ita), Matthieu Pavon (FRA), Jamie Donaldson added a second goal in the 51st eight minutes before time was (IRL), Francesco Laporta (Ita), Jack Senior (Eng), minute as Al Duhail avenged also well blocked by Al Sailiya Dale Whitnell (Eng), Louis de Jager, Darren Fichardt their 1-2 loss to Al Sailiya in keeper. (RSA). the first leg. Al Duhail goalkeeper Salah Al Duhail, now on 40 Zakaria made flying saves off points, consolidated their sec- two free-kicks deep into the ond position following their match to keep a clean sheet. 13th victory, with Al Sadd al- Meanwhile, Al Wakrah ready sealing the title with 50 held newly-crowned QNB points in Week 18 after taking Stars League champions Al an unassailable lead over oth- Sadd to a 1-1 draw in Week er competitors. 19 at the Al Sadd Stadium on Al Sailiya remained on 23 Thursday. points after suffering their Rodrigo Tabata took Al eighth defeat. Sadd ahead by scoring in the The Red Knights started in a 25th minute. Al Wakrah found dominant fashion, but they were the equaliser through Khalid David Law of Scotland in action on the opening day of the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters 2021 at the Education City Golf Club on Thursday afternoon. unable to pose real threat to Al Muneer in the 83rd minute. Sailiya, who showed solid de- Al Sadd extended their fending in the first 15 minutes. unbeaten run and now have Scot David Law produced a spotless 64 on the opening day at Education City Golf Club Sultan Al Breik then won 51 points, whereas Al Wakrah a penalty when his chip struck moved on to 19 points. AGENCIES ing myself why I’ve been hitting Mustafa Mohammed’s left Al Sadd, who won the Qa- DOHA bad shots, instead of just going hand inside the box. Olunga tar league championship for on to hit the next one. scored the opener with a clean a record-extending 15th time DAVID Law followed up five Finn Samooja enjoys opening 65 “Over the break we had I left-footed strike from the last weekend after beating birdies on the front nine with sat down with my coach Alan penalty spot, with goalkeeper Umm Salal 3-0 in Week 18, two more on his homeward AGENCIES McCloskey and Paul Lawrie, Claude Amine diving in the took the field by resting their nine to equal his lowest Euro- DOHA we discussed it and it’s all opposite direction. mainstays. pean Tour round on the open- about getting the ball in the Two minutes later, the Instead, the Wolves started ing day of the 24th Commercial KALLE Samooja put his ne start to the 2021 hole now, trusting that you’ve Kenyan striker was shown a the game with their second Bank Qatar Masters at the Edu- Commercial Bank Qatar Masters down to done the hard work and the yellow card for his foul against string compared to Al Wakrah’s cation City Golf Club’s course enjoying himself out on the course after an work’s done. the goalkeeper, while attempt- full-strength line-up. Goal- on Thursday. opening 65 earned him a share of second “It’s a nice draw. I’m look- ing to score his second goal. keeper Saad Al Dossari played The Scot, who made an af- place on Thursday. ing forward to getting back After Edmilson missed an his first league game after his ternoon start , jumped to seven The Finn, who nished in a tie for fourth at out there tomorrow. It’ll be opportunity, Al Sailiya created return from injury layoff. under par and leapfrogged January’s Omega Dubai Desert Classic, carded different. a golden chance on the half- In the other match of early clubhouse leaders Kalle seven birdies – including three in a row from the Kalle Samooja of Finland with his caddie at the “Although it was hot and hour mark, but Mohanad Ali the day, bottom-placed Al Samooja and Richard McEvoy second – and a single bogey at Education City Golf Education City Golf Club on Thursday. muggy it was calm, it’s never failed to connect a lob from a Kharaitiyat gave themselves a into top spot. Club to reach six under par. normally like that here. To- good position. lifeline by blanking Umm Salal Finn Samooja and Eng- Only a sparkling 64 from afternoon starter wind picks up. Today it was supposed to blow morrow will be a bit more Five minutes before the 3-0 at the Al Ahli Stadium. land’s McEvoy were then David Law prevented Samooja from going into and there was hardly any wind. like normal, a bit of wind and break, Al Duhail’s Ismail Mo- Rachid Tiberkanine (43rd- joined in a tie for second on Friday’s second round tied for the lead. “Apparently it’ll be blowing harder. The new it’ll be testing. I’m looking hammed had to be treated af- minute penalty and 45+2) six under by Italian Nino Ber- The 33-year-old is a big fan of this week’s host ball I’ve been playing with works well in the wind, forward to it.” ter a collision with Ahmed Al scored a brace for Al Kharaiti- tasio and South African Hen- course, having nished in a tie for third there last so I’m just trusting the ball.” In the morning, Samooja Minhali. yat. Nasser Al Nasr added a nie Du Plessis as the players year, and he was pleased to be back. Early starter Samooja got off to a fast start, had carded seven birdies – Al Sailiya made a couple of third goal for The Thunders in continued to post low scores He said: “It was one of the courses when taking advantage of the long second before pick- including three in a row from attacks before the break, but the 87th minute. in the afternoon. I saw the schedule that I really wanted to play ing up another shot from 15 feet at the third. the second – and a single bo- were unable to find an equaliser. Al Kharaitiyat now have Law had shot just one round again. I enjoyed it out there today and you can The Finn then made it three birdies in a row gey to head into the clubhouse Al Duhail struck the sec- a tally of nine points, while in the 60s in three European see that in the score. after lifting his tee shot at the par three fourth on six under. ond blow on their opponents, Umm Salal stay on 15. Tour events in 2021 coming “I don’t know which of the two nines is to three feet. He was soon joined at that into this week but made a light- tougher. There’s 18 holes where you can make Samooja rolled in his seven foot birdie putt mark by McEvoy, who bounced ning quick start. birdies. That’s how I see it. You just need to at the seventh to get to four under before safely back from an early bogey with After holing a lengthy birdie hit quality shots and then you have a lot of parring his way to the turn. seven birdies. putt at the first, the Scot made it chances. After kicking off his back nine with a close Then in the afternoon, Du three in a row with further gains “You have to play well to get in contention on range birdie at the tenth, Samooja rolled in birdie Plessis made six birdies in a at the second and third. Sunday afternoon. I’ve been close a few times putts from around eight feet at the 13th and 15th flawless opening effort to take Law’s fine form with the and my time will come eventually. before dropping his only shot of the day on the his place in the group on six putter continued as birdies at “A good start was pretty important. If you’re 17th to head into the clubhouse on six under. under, before Bertasio com- the seventh and eighth took him many shots behind it’s hard to catch when the (europeantour.com) pleted his round of 65, which to the turn in 31 blows. contained eight birdies and The 2019 ISPS Handa two bogeys. Vic Open champion joined Law then kept his card clean play and I holed some putts, “I was really happy with Joachim B. Hansen, Thom- Samooja and McEvoy on six with pars at the 16th, 17th and which was nice. how I stuck to my routines, my as Detry, Garrick Higgo and under with a birdie putt from 18th to head into the clubhouse “I’ve been guilty over the processes and I came out of it Joakim Lagergren were another four feet at the 13th, before on seven under. last few weeks when I’ve had with a good score. shot back on five under, one taking the outright lead when He said: “It was a good decent rounds going of not “I’m a lot more focused on stroke ahead of the large group his 14 foot putt for birdie on score. I played really well. finishing them off. I was semi- my targets rather than my golf containing defending champion the short 15th dropped, hav- Conditions were quite easy conscious of sticking with it swings. Over the last couple of Jorge Campillo. Al Duhail players celebrate one of their two goals against Al Sailiya at ing first circled the hole. but I was happy with my iron and trying to go low. seasons I’ve been guilty of ask- (europeantour.com) the Al Ahli Stadium on Thursday. PSG, Liverpool ease into Champions League last eight DPA Borussia Dortmund and throughout the second half Origi’s cross four minutes later BERLIN Porto made it to the last eight but Barcelona could not se- to seal a 4-0 aggregate victory. on Tuesday while holders Bay- cure even a win on the night “We had to switch off the THERE was no repeat of the ern Munich are among those and fell 5-2 on aggregate. Premier League stuff and give miracle comeback of 2017 on who will hope to progress next “We’ve left a good impres- it a proper try tonight,” Liver- Wednesday as Barcelona ex- week when they host Lazio sion here after a terrific per- pool manager Juergen Klopp ited the Champions League in having won 4-1 in Rome. formance,” said Griezmann. told BT Sport. the last 16 after a 1-1 draw at Barcelona arrived in Paris “We had lots of goal chanc- “The boys really enjoyed Paris Saint-Germain. needing a miracle to avoid es, particularly in the first half, themselves, but we had to do PSG led 4-1 from the first their earliest exit in the com- but we just didn’t score them.” the dirty work. leg in Spain and though Lionel petition in 15 years and in- Navas, a three-time Champi- It was a big defensive per- Messi’s superb strike equal- stantly dominated the ball. ons League winner with Real formance tonight and the boys ized Kylian Mbappe’s penalty But Ousmane Dembele Madrid, said PSG now had to did really well.” opener before the break, the missed a number of chances “continue in this state of mind. The nominal hosts did sur- Argentine’s missed spot-kick and Sergino Dest had a shot To win this competition you vive a scare at 0-0 when Leip- meant there was no way back turned onto the bar by Keylor have to be united. zig struck the bar through Al- for Barca. Navas before Clement Len- “The group has clear goals exander Sorloth’s header but Fours years ago PSG saw glet’s accidental foul on Mau- in mind. We hope to see it deserved their win. a 4-0 home lead overturned ro Icardi allowed Mbappe through to the end.” Liver- “We weren’t good enough 6-1 by Barcelona at the Camp – who hit a first leg hat-trick pool showed fewer nerves and today, or over the two legs,” Nou but on this occasion last – to open the scoring on the were perhaps grateful to play Leipzig coach Julian Nagels- season’s beaten finalists pro- half hour. in the Puskas Arena after six mann told Sky. “We didn’t gressed into the quarter-finals Mbappe thus claimed consecutive domestic losses have that punch to get the despite a poor performance. Messi’s record as the youngest at Anfield left them eighth in goals we needed. They are joined by 2019 player to reach 25 goals in the Paris Saint-Germain’s French forward Kylian Mbappe celebrates after scoring a penalty kick during the the Premier League. Leipzig, semi-finalists last winners Liverpool who se- competition at aged 22 years UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg match against Barcelona at the Parc des Princes stadium Diogo Jota was twice de- term remain in domestic con- cured a second 2-0 win over and 80 days. in Paris on Wednesday. (AFP) nied by Leipzig keeper Peter tention as they seek a maiden RB Leipzig in Budapest with Brazilian star Neymar Gulacsi among a string of early title. Mohamed Salah and Sadio failed to recover from a groin corner to equalize in the 37th turned onto the bar by Navas the second half would have Liverpool chances before the “A little disappointment is Mane again scoring. This time injury to play for PSG and his minute. after Antoine Griezmann was been a whole different affair,” Portuguese and Mane com- allowed, but after 20 hours we Liverpool were the hosts in continental rival Messi stole But Messi spurned the fouled by Layvin Kurzawa in said Barcelona coach Ronald bined to set up Salah 20 min- need to shrug it off and focus Hungary due to coronavirus the show with a sensational chance to heap the pressure first half injury-time. Koeman. utes from time. on the league and cup,” said restrictions. long-range drive into the top on PSG when his penalty was “If we’d led at the break, PSG were forced back Mane turned in Divock Nagelsmann. Sports Friday, March 12, 2021 11

AL WAKRAH AND AL GHARAFA MAKE AMIR CUP BASKETBALL FINAL

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA

AL Wakrah and Al Gharafa clubs scored wins in their respective semi-finals in the Amir Cup Bas- ketball at the Al Gharafa courts on Thursday. While Al Gharafa de- feated Al Sadd 91-89 (27-17, 18-24, 21-18, 25-30), Al Wakrah beat Qa- tar Sports Club 90-53 (31-12, 27-9, 18-19, 14-11). B. Spearman scored the most (23) points for Al Wakrah followed by J. Coles Jr (22) and A. Abdelhaleem (16). For Al Gharafa, F. Session Jr. Li scored 21 points while R. Al Ab- dulla and T. Harris scored 20 each. The two sides will clash in the final on Saturday (March 13) at 6pm. FINA/CNSG Marathon Swim World Series 2021 Doha on Saturday

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA

FINA President Julio Magli- one joined athletes to praise the Qatar Swimming Associa- tion (QSA), which is set to host The winning group of Zyzzyva at the Al Uqda Complex on Thursday. the FINA/CNSG Marathon Swim World Series 2021 Doha at the scenic Katara Beach on Al Malki’s Zyzzyva Saturday (March 13). The season-opening meet, which will see the participation of around 100 long distance wins Ain Khaled swimmers from 25 countries marking the return of FINA open water competitions after Cup at Al Uqda over a year with COVID-19 pan- demic forcing cancellation of the TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK fiane Saadi rode the Jassim events throughout last year fol- DOHA Ghazali-trained 5YO mare to lowing the 2020 Doha meet. a 1½-length win in the 6f run The 10km event, being THE Ibrahim Saeed Ibrahim for fillies & mares. held under strict COVID-19 Al Malki-owned & trained Abdulatif Hussain Al Ema- protocols, was launched at a Zyzzyva (FR) (Siyouni x di’s Al Adheed (QA) (Foot- video conference on March Zanatiya) claimed the stepsinthesand)completed a 11 in which QSA President Ain Khaled Cup run- double winning the Local Thor- Khaleel Khaleel Al Jabir wel- ning on turf in Qatar Racing oughbred Conditions. Soufi- comed all the athletes and & Equestrian Club’s (QREC) ane Saadi rode the Bader Al participants. 38th Race Meeting for the Ain Balushi-trained 6YO horse to a FINA Technical Delegate Khaled Cup at the Al Uqda 1¾-length win in the 6f run. Andrea Prayer Galletti, Rio Complex on Thursday. HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Mo- Olympics gold medalist Ferry Jockey Tomas Lukasek hammed bin Khalifa Al Tha- Weertman (NED), last year’s The season-opening meet, which will see the participation of around 100 long distance swimmers from 25 countries marking the return of rode the 6YO gelding to ni’s Aspetar (FR) (Al Kazeem) Doha winner Leonie Beck FINA open water competitions after over a year since the 2020 Doha meet following the global pandemic. ½-length victory in the 6f emerged winner in the Class 2 (GER) and 3-time Olympic me- Class 2 run for Thorough- Thoroughbred Conditions. dalist Oussama Mellouli (TUN) secutive year. ganization of this event. This the Dutchman. sian star added. breds. Tomas Lukasek rode the also spoke to the media. “We are happy to organize meet is very very important “I am always racing to win. Defending champion Sami Jassim Al Boenain, Julian Smart-trained 6YO The home to FINA World the event and it is my pleasure because it’s been a long time I will do my best to race but I Marc-Antoine Olivier (FRA), Adviser to QREC chairman, gelding to a 3½-length win in Aquatics Championships in to welcome all the participants since open water event took don’t have idea in what shape Kristof Rasovszky (HUN) – presented the Ain Khaled Cup the 2100m run. 2023, Doha –has become one to Doha. I shall ensure you place. This is the best leg of the the rest of athletes are as we gold medalist at 2019 World to Ibrahim Saeed Ibrahim Al The Al Shaqab Racing- of the main stops for FINA that we have taken all the nec- marathon series and I am sure have not been racing for such Aquatics Championships Malkifor Zyzzyva, winner of owned & bred Latam (FR) (TM competitions over the years, essary measures for your safe with the support of Organizing a long time but I am feeling (5km) and Gregorio Paltrinieri the feature event. Fred Texas x Ajdabya) won also staging the FINA Swim- participation so that you can Committee and the FINA del- pretty good,” he added. (ITA) are among the leading Earlier, the Umm Qarn- the Purebred Arabian Handi- ming World Cups since 2012 enjoy your performance,” the egates we can have a very nice African record holder Mel- contestants in men’s race. owned & bred Jabir (FR) (Al cap (0-90) on turf at Al Uqda. and FINA World Swimming QSA President said. and safe competition.” louli said Doha will provide a Meanwhile, Beck, who Mamun Monlau x Maleehah) Anas Al Seyabi rode the Ibra- Championships in 2014. “We like challenges. We Meanwhile the competitive perfect stage for athletes as they defeated Ana Marcela Cunha won the Purebred Arabian him Saeed Al Malki-trained In a recorded message, are working very hard with the field is ready for action. Both prepare for Olympics qualifiers. (BRA) to clinch title in Doha Conditions with Carlos Hen- 6YO horse to a 3-length win in FINA President Maglione, government, the Ministry of the men and women’s races “I want to thank FINA and the last year, expected a tough rique riding the Alban de the 2100m run. said: “Everyone is excited for Public Health. I would also like will feature a competitive field QSA for organizing this event. I women’s race on Saturday. Mieulle-trained 5YO horse The Sheikh Abdulla bin the race. I want to thank our to thank the foreign ministry of long distance swimmers. don’t remember the last time I “It’s a first competition for to a 1¼-length win in the Thani Al Thani-owned & host Qatar for their continuous and our colleagues at Hamad Weertman, who won in Doha raced in open water so it’s go- over a year and I am very ex- 2200m run. bred Al Hindi (QA) (Sleeping support and help. This country International Airport for their in 2018, praised QSA’s efforts ing to be cool for me to be in cited to race again. I am very Another of Umm Qarn- Indian) won the Local Thor- is a strong FINA partner and support. We are working very in staging the competition. open water and take a crack in happy about it. There are lots owned & bred – Abida (QA) oughbred Handicap (70-90). we are always happy to be in hard to make this event hap- “It’s very nice to have the another marathon,” he said. of good girls like Ana Marcela (Dahess x Altesse D’aroco) got Marco Casamento rode the Doha. We also enjoy the Qatari pen. We are happy to clear all competition back. With all the “It’s going to be interesting in the race so it’s going to be off the mark in the Local Pure- Jassim Ghazali-trained 4YO hospitality and take memories the obstacles. Most important testing and the quarantine in as a lot of swimmers entered tough. I am doing my best and bred Arabian Handicap (0- colt to a ½-length win in the from this competition. I wish thing for us is that athletes the room it feels pretty safe. I the race. For me it is a step- hoping to defend my title,” the 85). Soufiane Saadi rode the 2200m run. everyone good luck.” find a place to compete in this am very happy to race again. ping stone for my Olympic German star said. Alban de Mieulle-trained 5YO Noora Racing Limited’s Khaleel said his team put Olympic year.” The water is a bit warmer than qualification. I am trying to Athletes will complete the mare to a ½-length win in the Quepos (FR) (Al Tair x Bon- up a tremendous effort for the Galletti said: “I would like the last year so, I think the qualify for my sixth Olympics 10km races in 5 laps (2000m 2100m run. nett) won the Purebred Ara- event, adding that he was con- to thank Qatar Swimming As- water is about 22 degrees so this summer. I can’t imagine a each). The women’s race will Injaaz Stud’s Make A Wish bian Novice Plate. Soufiane fident of organizing another sociation, Doha Municipality for me that was perfect condi- better stage to get me prepare start at 9am followed by men’s (IRE) (No Nay Never x Saturn Saadi rode the Alban de successful competition, which and sponsors for all the big tions. The sun is shining and for Olympics Qualifier, which race, which will kick off at Girl) claimed the Class 2 Thor- Mieulle-trained 4YO colt to a Doha is hosting for fourth con- force they spent in the or- the water is nice and flat,” said will happen in May,” the Tuni- 1:30pm. oughbreds Conditions. Sou- nose win in the 7f run. Qatar MotoGP test: Vinales spearheads Yamaha trio on penultimate day TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK testing, handing riders a fan- suffered a fractured foot after things again during the first push the doctor to [pass me] DOHA tastic opportunity to get some Yamaha’s a crash. Marquez has had a part of the session because fit because I feel good.” crucial laps under their belts Maverick bruising test so far, crashing that part of the day is not for Top 10 on Day 4: YAMAHA’S Maverick Vina- with time running out before Vinales. four times across the first four making laps because condi- 1. Maverick Viñales (Mon- les took top spot at the end of the start of the season. days before having a fifth dur- tions are so different, and we ster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) play on Day four of the Official Vinales made a late time ing yesterday’s running. The will not have those conditions – 1:53.244; 2. Franco Mor- MotoGP Qatar Test, thanks to attack to snatch P1 from new LCR rider highsided at the during any practice in the bidelli (Petronas Yamaha SRT) a late 1:53.244 lap time at the Monster Yamaha team-mate Turn 9 right-hander, which [race] weekend. + 0.079; 3. Fabio Quartararo Losail International Circuit. Quartararo by 0.154s, who had brought out a brief red flag pe- “I was focused on many (Monster Energy Yamaha Mo- It was three Yamahas leading taken the top sport from Duca- riod and resulted in him suf- things, and then I put on new toGP) + 0.154; 4. Francesco the way yesterday as Franco ti’s Francesco Bagnaia earlier fering a small fracture in his tyres to make a time attack be- Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) Morbidelli (Yamaha SRT) and in the final hour. Morbidelli foot which ended his day early. cause it’s something I needed + 0.200; 5. Aleix Espargaro Fabio Quartararo (Yamaha) then made it an all-Yamaha Marquez says he has raced to improve. Making the time (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) both set 1:53.3s to cement their top three by splitting Vinales with a similar injury before attack, I crashed - was a high- + 0.396; 6. Joan Mir (Team good form heading into the fi- and Quartararo in the closing and hopes to be cleared to side in Turn 9, fortunately I’m Suzuki Ecstar) + 0.583; 7. Alex nal day of pre-season testing. minutes. ride, but will only push for it OK. I have a small crack in my Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) + In terms of new tech, noth- Vinales’ 1m 53.244s if weather conditions don’t right foot. At the moment I’ve 0.616; 8. Valentino Rossi (Pet- ing too out of the ordinary didn’t quite beat Jack Miller’s cause unnecessary risk. Ex- [been declared] not fit from ronas Yamaha SRT) + 0.749; 9. was seen yesterday. However, ‘53.183s from Wednesday, plaining his crash after ending the doctor, but tomorrow, if Johann Zarco (Pramac Racing) + track conditions couldn’t have but the Spaniard - like Bag- Honda’s Pol Espargaro - also longer runs. the day 17th, he said: “Well, we have a good weather and 0.812; 10. Pol Espargaro (Rep- been more perfect for Day 4 of naia, Quartararo and Repsol showed impressive pace over Meanwhile, Alex Marquez I was trying some important good conditions, I will try to sol Honda Team) + 0.859. 12 Friday, March 12, 2021 The Last Word Qatar calls for continued documentation of violations, crimes in Syria QNA Ambassador Ali Khalfan said the Syrian people are still struggling to Syrian citizens. GENEVA Syrian people are still struggling to achieve justice, freedom and dignity, Ambassador Ali Khalfan reiterated achieve justice, freedom and dignity, and find nothing but death, destruc- the assertion of the State of Qatar that QATAR has called for the need to and find nothing but death, destruc- tion and displacement under a regime the insistence of the Syrian regime and continue to document violations and that sought to transform the peaceful its allies on obstructing efforts to find a crimes in Syria and welcomed all ef- tion and displacement under a revolution into an armed conflict in political solution based on the Geneva forts at all levels to ensure account- regime that sought to transform the which many gross violations of human 1 Statement and Resolution 2254, on ability for all those responsible for vio- peaceful revolution into an armed rights and the most heinous crimes thwarting the work of the Constitu- lations and crimes committed against conflict in which many gross viola- have been committed. He noted that tional Committee and on pursuing a the Syrian people. tions of human rights and the most the regime attacked the Syrian peo- military solution, has led to a signifi- This is reflected in the State of heinous crimes have been committed ple with internationally prohibited cant deterioration in the human rights Qatar’s statement by its Permanent chemical weapons, targeted hospitals situation. It has also led to an increase Representative to the United Nations and civilian facilities, and deliberately in instability in the region and has Office in Geneva, HE Ambassador Ali tional Commission of Inquiry into the used arbitrary detention and torture contributed to the creation of new hu- Khalfan Al Mansouri, to the Human Syrian Arab Republic. for the sole purpose of staying in manitarian, economic and social chal- Rights Council during an interactive Ambassador Ali Khalfan said that power, even if the price was the lives lenges, especially given the spread of dialog with the Independent Interna- ten years have passed and that the and livelihoods of millions of innocent the Covid-19 pandemic. HE Ambassador Ali Khalfan Al Mansouri QU webinar explores link between gum disease and COVID-19 severity

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA

QATAR University’s (QU) College of Dental Medicine (CDM) hosted a webinar series on ‘The Association between Periodontitis, a serious gum infection, and the severity of COVID-19’. The event aimed to dis- seminate scientific findings to stakeholders and increase global visibility of CDM. It was attended by a number of Qatar Airways Cargo researchers and dentists from Qatar and across the world. The research team spear- headed by Dr Nadia Maarouf, and QDB join forces to associate consultant from Hamad Dental Center (HMC), and led by Dr Faleh Tamimi, professor at CDM, has shown a strong association between support Qatari exports COVID-19 complications and The study revealed that They also found that a signifi- to be statistically significant. periodontitis. patients with periodontitis cant portion of the patients The study revealed that pa- Researchers in Qatar in- were at least three times who suffered severe COVID-19 tients with periodontitis were Exporters will bene t from discounted rates and access to QA network vestigated the records of 568 complications and even death at least three times more like- patients who suffered from more likely to experience had advanced periodontitis. ly to experience COVID-19 TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK COVID-19. Periodontitis caus- COVID-19 complications Upon adjusting for sev- complications regardless of DOHA es a chronic inflammation that regardless of age, gender eral factors such as patient’s age, gender and other condi- makes patients more suscepti- and other conditions. age, gender and existence of tions. Periodontitis is mostly QATAR Airways Cargo and ble to the severe and danger- Periodontitis is mostly chronic diseases, the link be- caused by poor oral hygiene Qatar Development Bank ous inflammation caused by caused by poor oral hygiene tween periodontitis and COV- and lack of maintenance of (QDB) have joined hands to COVID-19, the study revealed. ID-19 complications proved the dental condition. support local manufacturers in Qatar. The cargo carrier is offer- ing discounted rates to local Qatari manufacturers, who are current QDB clients and Renowned US scientist explains COVID-19 hold a certificate of origin for their products, to export to international markets. The vaccine’s development at QU-BRC lecture products under this partner- ship cover all types of general TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK 66 days after the emergence of goods that are manufactured Export Development and Pro- Qatar Airways Cargo flights. DOHA the pandemic. within Qatar, while danger- motion at QDB, said, “We en- Qatari exports are projected Relying on the knowledge ous goods are excluded from joy a strong strategic relation- to grow noticeably over the QATAR University’s (QU) from the MERS vaccine devel- the agreement. ship with Qatar Airways based coming years, as an increas- Biomedical Research Center opment, the Viral Pathogenesis Guillaume Halleux, Qatar on common objectives and ing number of new SMEs are (BRC) organised a lecture on Lab at VRC-NIH demonstrated Airways Chief Officer Cargo, mutual understanding. This trained and developed to ex- ‘SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine the ability of the mRNA vac- said, “Through this agree- is reflected in our many bilat- port their goods. design enabled by prototype cine to induce potent antibody ment, we are pleased to sup- eral initiatives, and this agree- To avail this discount, the pathogen preparedness,’ pre- response in preclinical settings port local Qatari manufactur- ment is a product of such a Qatari exporters can visit Qa- sented by one of the biggest (using mice and monkeys), be- ers and help extend the reach synergistic partnership, which tar Airways Cargo’s Sales office names in COVID-19 research. fore the vaccine was tested in and availability of their prod- we are confident will open up at the cargo terminal between Dr Kissmekia Corbett, phases 1-3 clinical trials. ucts to international markets. new global markets and wider 7 am to 3.30 pm on weekdays a research fellow in the Vi- Answering questions, Dr We have a young and modern horizons for Qatari products or contact them via phone ral Pathogenesis Laboratory Corbett recommended the vac- fleet of freighters, passenger more than ever before. More- on 40183095, 40183093 or at the National Institutes of cination of pregnant and nurs- freighters, mini freighters and over, this will also help reduce 50459468. Health (NIH), National Insti- ing mothers when it is avail- belly-cargo planes to cater to export costs, and complement Qatar Airways Cargo is tute of Allergy and Infectious able, noting that phase three their export requirements. our ongoing efforts in sup- perfectly positioned to sup- Diseases (NIAID), Vaccine Re- and Moderna to develop and During the lecture, Dr clinical trial is still undergoing Additionally, through our be- porting export development port the growth of exports as search Center (VRC) in the US, evaluate the Moderna mRNA Corbett revealed the different for this group. spoke charter solutions, they at the Bank.” the cargo carrier expands its presented the lecture, which vaccine in preclinical and clini- stages of the COVID-19 mRNA Dr Hadi Yassine, section also have the option of utilis- The special discount is fleet and network strategi- aimed to highlight the devel- cal trials. She works under the vaccine development, illustrat- head of research at BRC mod- ing part or full charters.” available to more than 350 cally, enhancing its products opmental stages of the COV- direct supervision of Dr Barney ing the utilised approaches erated the seminar. Dr Yassine Commenting on the oc- Qatari exporters – QDB cli- and investing in digitalisa- ID-19 vaccine. Graham, deputy director of the that made the candidate vac- participated in coronavirus casion, Hamad Salem Me- ents – who wish to export tion to support its custom- Dr Corbett led the col- VRC, and Anthony Fauci, di- cine available for phase one vaccine development at NIH jegheer, executive director of their locally made products on ers’ business. laboration between the NIH rector of the NIAID. clinical trial, which occurred before joining the university. QFFD, Kenyan ministry sign pact to provide education to 250,000 children

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK countability of communities to skills and knowledge in prepara- when the country is seeking to of safety and protection that are DOHA enhance the enrolment and re- tion for the future. rebound from the devastating ef- essential to children’s develop- tention of OOSC. “We are aiming to pro- fects of the COVID-19 pandemic ment.” THE Qatar Fund For Develop- The project also seeks to vide education that engenders on the education sector. To date, EAA’s Educate A ment (QFFD) and the Ministry ensure the provision of quality equality and inclusiveness as “As the government contin- Child (EAC) programme, along- of Education in Kenya on Thurs- teaching and learning by imple- key factors in achieving sus- ues to implement the roll-out side its partners, has secured day signed a memorandum of menting alternative provision of tainable development. Ulti- of the Competency Based Cur- over 791,000 commitments to understanding (MOU) in sup- education, building teachers ca- mately, there is nothing more riculum, this programme will enrol OOSC into quality primary port of equitable access to qual- pacities, renovating classrooms, critical than education and its provide the necessary tools to education in Kenya, with more ity primary education for out- constructing WASH facilities potential to transform societies, equip and nurture learners with than 540,000 OOSC already en- of-school children (OOSC) in and improving access to learn- and appropriately equip future competencies required for them rolled. Kenya, which will be delivered ing for children with disabilities generations.” to achieve their potential.” In order to complement na- by UNICEF. to guarantee equitable access Prof George Magoha, Cabi- UNICEF Representative in tional education strategies and Contributions stemming to education for all children en- net Secretary, Ministry of Edu- Kenya Maniza Zaman said, “We priorities, EAA works to address from the signing of this MoU will rolled in the project. The programme will be implemented by Education Above All Founda- cation in Kenya, said: “Fostering are delighted to be implement- poverty, rehabilitates schools, support education opportunities QFFD Director-General tion’s (EAA) strategic partner, UNICEF. intergenerational equity in ac- ing this important programme provides psychosocial support for 250,000 OOSC, reaching the Khalifa bin Jassim Al Kuwari cess to education is a key pillar in Kenya to bring the life-chang- and sports education, carries out most marginalised children, in- said, “We are proud of this col- country. acquiring skills that are essential that fosters sustainable devel- ing benefits of education to an targeted capacity-building initia- cluding those with disabilities in laboration with EAA, their part- “This programme will not to life in the 21st century.” opment. In this regard, I laud additional 250,000 out of school tives and advocates for the edu- urban informal settlements and ner UNICEF and the Ministry just help ensure education ac- EAA CEO Fahad Al Sulaiti all our partners led by QFFD, children. cation rights of the hardest-to- arid and semi-arid lands. of Education in Kenya, and cess for some of the most vulner- said, “This agreement is another EAA and UNICEF for working “Last year, we saw the dev- reach OOSC. In so doing, EAA The programme will be im- heartened by this potentially able children, including those important step in our efforts to with the Kenyan Government to astating effects of school clo- continues to alleviate barriers to plemented by Education Above life-changing project that will with disabilities, it will also con- ensure that out-of-school chil- ensure that quality education is sures on children. In addition education, such as poverty, refu- All Foundation’s (EAA) strate- provide equitable access to qual- tribute to the realisation of SDG4 dren in Kenya fulfil their right to availed to marginalised children to education, schools provide a gee status, gender discrimina- gic partner, UNICEF, and aims ity education opportunities for and help Kenyan children shape a quality primary education that and communities across the range of services from meals and tion, inadequate infrastructure, to increase the capacity and ac- out-of-school children in the their future and support them in will provide them with tangible country, especially at this time psycho-social support to a sense and challenging geographies.