www.thepeninsula.qa Sunday 14 June 2020 Volume 25 | Number 8288 22 Shawwal - 1441 2 Riyals

BUSINESS | 01 PENMAG | 03 SPORT | 08

UDC awards Classifieds Goretzka QR1.5bn and Services keeps Bayern contracts for section on track Gewan Island included for title

Malls, shopping centres to open from 8am to 8pm

THE PENINSULA — DOHA Malls and shopping centres shall adhere to the The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) announced yesterday precautionary and preventive measures. guidelines regarding the first phase Number of parking spaces available to visitors should of lifting of restrictions on malls and shopping centres. The guidelines, only be 50 percent and operate at less than 30 percent which will come into effect from of the mall’s regular capacity. tomorrow, outline conditions for work timings, operating capacity and Shopping centres shall encourage customers to pay measures relating to safety of using credit cards rather than using cash. customers of malls, shops and retail outlets operating inside them. The first Shops selling sweets, ice cream, cakes, pastries, honey phase of lifting of restrictions will Minister congratulates begin on Monday. and dates are allowed to resume their operation. The Ministry has allowed malls and shopping centres to operate Gaming centres, amusement parks, skateboard arenas, during weekdays from 8am to 8pm prayer rooms and cinemas will remain closed. students, school while remaining closed on Fridays and Saturdays. As per the decision, the partial leaders and teachers opening of some shops in the com- mercial centres is allowed, provided that QNA — DOHA without their full commitment to their the outlet’s floor space is not less than duties towards students and the edu- 300 square metres, said the Ministry on Minister of Education and Higher cational process. its official twitter account yesterday. Education, H E Dr. Mohammad bin A total of 11,500 students have com- The restaurants that do home Abdulwahed Al Hammadi (pictured) pleted the final examination of the sec- delivery or hand over orders at the congratulated yesterday the students of ondary certificate for the academic year restaurant (take away) are also the secondary certificate on finishing 2019/2020, which lasted for two weeks allowed to resume their businesses, their exams for the academic year since June 1. Male and female students while prohibiting customers from 2019/2020 amid unprecedented health appeared for the tests at 149 centers, and dining in. condition that affected the entire world. were observed by about 6,100 employees, Shops selling sweets, ice cream, His Excellency addressed the stu- including committees employees. cakes, pastries, honey and dates are dents on this occasion, stressing that It is worth noting that the sec- allowed to resume their operation. they have given an example in resil- ondary school certificate control Malls and shopping centres shall ience and responsibility. centers are at Sumaya and Hafsa adhere to the precautionary and pre- “By taking the exams amid the schools for girls, where marking works ventive measures outlined by the Min- spread of COVID-19 pandemic, you are being carried out, besides moni- istry of Public Health and the Ministry have demonstrated your firm belief in toring, estimating grades and Malls have taken necessary measures to ensure customers’ safety. of Administrative Development, PIC: ABDUL BASIT/THE PENINSULA the importance of learning and steadily reviewing them to ensure that each Labour and Social Affairs. moving forward towards building your student gets the accurate degree. After They are required to reduce the closed. This decision also prohibits any code holders will be allowed to enter. future,” H E the Minister said adding the completion of all these works, the number of parking spaces available artistic, cultural or recreational activ- They are also required to bar people that they have gone through difficulties results will be announced through the to visitors to 50 percent and operate ities at malls and commercial centres. for not wearing a medical mask and with their heads held high. Ministry’s website after the approval at less than 30 percent of the mall’s Malls and shopping centres can compelling visitors to wear one His Excellency the Minister of H E the Minister of Education and regular capacity. allow shoppers in the premises only throughout their time at the mall. extended thanks to the school leaders, Higher Education. Certificates will also Gaming centres, amusement after checking the colour code iden- Individuals under the age of 12 and teachers and administrative officials at be received in schools, and students parks, skateboard arenas, prayer tifying the individual’s health con- over 60 years will not be allowed to the Ministry, noting that these exams will be informed of the date by a text rooms and cinemas will remain dition in the Ehteraz app. Only green enter. `P2 would not have been given successfully message. Qatar Rail receives new batch of trains, to raise network capacity THE PENINSULA — DOHA rail system. All the necessary The additional trains will FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, expansion of the Doha Metro The Doha metro design tests will be conducted to contribute to increasing the which is expected to attract over lines that Qatar Rail company embodies the Qatari heritage Qatar Railways Company (Qatar ensure the highest standards of capacity of the metro network, a 1.5 million visitors. The trains intends to implement. and culture combined with the Rail) announced that it received safety are met. as the country gears towards the will also serve the future H E Eng. Abdullah Abdulaziz state-of-the-art technology. It is the new batch of trainsets at Al Subaie, Managing Director designed and manufactured by Hamad Port yesterday and CEO of Qatar Rail stated: Kinki Shario Co., Ltd. at its fac- according to an agreement “The Doha Metro network pro- tories located in Osaka, Japan. signed earlier with manufac- The new batch consists of The last batch will arrive by vides a reliable and comfortable The Doha metro is con- turer The Kinki Sharyo Co, Ltd. two trains and comes the end of the second quarter mean of transportation within sidered one of the fastest driv- The batch consists of two the city as it extensively covers erless trains in the world and trains and comes alongside 35 alongside 35 additional next year, increasing the and connects the key destina- the fastest ever in the region, additional trains set to arrive in trains set to arrive in the total number of trains tions in Doha. The additional with a speed that reaches 100 the country over the coming coming months. from 75 to 110. trainsets will undoubtedly boost km/h. Each train consists of months. According to the the network’s capacity and three metro cars; one for the delivery schedule, the last batch decrease the headways on all Gold and Family Class and two will arrive by the end of the the lines. Moreover, providing for the Standard Class. The gold second quarter next year, a comprehensive and seamless class has 16 seats while the increasing the total number of transport experience for visitors family car has 26 seats, and the Doha metro trains serving the and crowds during the FIFA two standard class cars have 88 network from 75 trains to 110. World Cup 2022. In addition, seats, in total. The Doha Metro The new trains will be this strategic move will con- is distinguishable by its modern moved to the Qatar Rail Depot tribute to the achievement of design that reflects the unique in Al Wakra for assembly and the project’s long-term goals identity of Qatari heritage testing purposes to be inte- represented in the expansion of which is embodied through the A view of the new batch of trainsets at Hamad Port yesterday. grated later on into the existing the current network.” exterior and interior designs.

MoPH: 55,252 total recoveries; 1,828 new cases QATAR UPDATES C VID-19 ON 13 JUNE 2020 QNA — DOHA The Ministry also said that previously infected, in addition country, where they receive the there has been a small decrease to recording new cases of necessary healthcare according Ministry of Public Health in the number of acute COVID-19 infection among groups of to the health status of each case. NEWNEW TOTALTOTAL NEWNEW CASESCASES ACTIVEACTIVE (MoPH) yesterday announced positive patients being admitted workers in different regions. The The Ministry confirmed that RECOVERIESRECOVERIES RECOVERIES ANNOUNCED CASES 1,828 confirmed new cases of to intensive care thanks to the new cases have been identified efforts to tackle the COVID-19 1,956 55,252 1,828 23,094 coronavirus (COVID-19), with measures taken by the Ministry through track and trace team at virus in the State of Qatar have 1,956 people recovered from the of Public Health and the con- the MoPH. succeeded in flattening the disease in the last 24 hours, cerned authorities to limit the Cases of infection have also curve and reducing the impact bringing the total number of spread of the virus, the most increased significantly among of the virus by a large per- people recovered in the State of important of which is the early citizens and residents as a result centage thanks to the decisions Qatar to 55,252 cases. detection of the virus which can of contact with infected family of the ban, the preventive The Ministry stated that in the contribute significantly to members who had been infected measures taken and the NEW C VID-19 DEATHS GLOBALLY last 24 hours, 13 new cases have reducing the severity of infection. in the workplace or through awareness and cooperation of been admitted to intensive care due The Ministry stated that the visits and family gatherings. all members of society, and that 0 7,719,770 427,798 3,663,251 to health complications resulting new cases are due to expatriate The new confirms cases of there are relatively low average TOTAL DEATHS from infection with the virus, workers who were infected with infection have been introduced numbers in relation to the TOTAL TOTALTOTAL TOTTOTALAL bringing the total number of cases the virus as a result of contact to complete isolation in the recorded cases of new hospital 70 POSITIVE DEADEATHSTHS RECOVEREDRECOVERED currently in intensive care to 232. with individuals who were various medical facilities in the admissions. `P2 02 HOME SUNDAY 14 JUNE 2020

PRAYER TIMINGS WEATHER TODAY

FAJR03.14 am SUNRISE 04.43 am o o Hot daytime with slight dust to blowing dust at some places 34 C 42 C and relatively hot by night. ZUHR 11.34 am ASR 02.57 pm Minimum Maximum HIGH TIDE 22:56 – 00:00 LOW TIDE 07:17 – 00:00 MAGHRIB 06.27 pm ISHA 07.57 pm W ALRUWAIS: 32o↗34o W ALKHOR: 31o↗41o W DUKHAN: 31o↗36o W WAKRAH: 27o↗43o W MESAIEED 27o↗43o W ABUSAMRA 30o↗36o

Ministry of Justice sets up three administrative units OFFICIAL NEWS QNA — DOHA conjunction directly with its The new administrative units include the Real conditions and controls for the Amir holds telephone competencies to regulate the registration of experts and their conversation with The Ministry of Justice has profession of real estate bro- Estate Brokerage Department, the Experts guarantees and obligations established three administrative kerage after Amir H H Sheikh Administration, and the Anti-Money Laundering during practicing their work, President of Angola units, after the Cabinet’s Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani whether before the judicial approval, and within the approving the Cabinet decision and Terrorist Financing Unit. authorities or other relevant DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin framework of the Ministry’s No. (29) of 2019 to form the authorities, and the rules of Hamad Al Thani held via telephone commitment to national plans committee and its work system. their disciplinary a conversation with President of and strategies in support of the The Ministry has called on in the main building of the These efforts will be accountability. the Republic of Angola H E Joao national development process, the real estate brokers and the Ministry. strengthened by starting The Anti-Money Laundering Manuel Lourenco, during which the goals of the Qatar National offices of the real estate The official website page for meetings of the Committee for and Terrorist Financing Unit in they discussed bilateral relations Vision 2030 and the require- brokers involved in the real registering real estate brokers Regulating Non-Qatari Own- the Ministry of Justice reflects and means to bolster them. Dur- ments of a comprehensive estate sector to accelerate the allows the registration of ership of Real Estate and Uti- the Qatari pioneering in this ing the call, developments of the economic and social progress. registration to complete the brokers in all their categories. lizing it, which will encourage field, and achieving the goals COVID-19 pandemic were also This also comes in the licensing and accreditation The page also includes an the investment climate in the and strategies of national coop- discussed. In this regard, H E the context of providing the nec- procedures for practicing the explanatory presentation of all country and boost the real eration and coordination Angolan President extended thanks essary means to upgrade the real estate brokerage pro- the required data in a way that estate sector in general. between the supervisory and appreciation to H H the Amir for legal, judicial and legislative fession, according to the law, allows the broker to register all The Experts Administration authorities and the competent the Qatari support and assistance system in the State, developing and that registration is open to his data without the need to Affairs of the Ministry of Justice authorities in the area of com- to the Republic of Angola during legal professions and working all companies and individuals come to the administration, organises the work and pro- bating money laundering and the pandemic. — QNA to issue the necessary legis- who want to practice the real unless he wants to register in vides technical expertise in the terrorist financing. lation to encourage and protect estate brokerage profession as personally . fields of engineering, The new Unit keeps pace national and foreign per criteria followed in In developing the profession accounting and any other fields with the continuous updating investment. accordance with the provisions of real estate brokerage, the or specialisations to achieve the of the international standards The new administrative of the law. Ministry seeks to activate the goals that the law seeks to adopted by the major interna- units include the Real Estate The Ministry said that in controls mentioned in the law, achieve. tional organizations. Brokerage Department, the order to facilitate the citizens including the obligations of the The new administration’s The Unit also highlights the Experts Administration, and who wish to practice the pro- real estate broker, which stip- vision focuses on highlighting advanced position of the State the Anti-Money Laundering fession, brokers and offices ulates that a broker must be of the Qatari expertise and quali- of Qatar regionally and globally and Terrorist Financing Unit. currently operating, a regis- Qatari nationality, that he must fying national experts to benefit in terms of setting standards The Real Estate Brokerage tration page has been launched be fully qualified and of good from them in the various spe- and legal systems for combating Department has started to through the official website of conduct and behaviour, and cialisations that the judiciary money laundering and terrorist perform its duties within the the Ministry, and the Real that he performs a legal oath, needs. financing based on the provi- framework of the Ministry of Estate Mediation Affairs and that he will pass training The department relies in its sions of Law No. (20) of 2019, Justice’s activation of Law No. Department wishing to register courses and tests that will be procedures on Law No. 16 of issuing the Anti-Money Laun- HBKU Professor (22) of 2017 regulating real is received at the adminis- developed for the profession for 2017 regulating the work of dering Law Financing terrorism estate brokerage works, and in tration headquarters located public interest. experts, which specifies the and its executive regulations. wins Jean-Claude Laprie Award Malls, shopping Yunus Emre Turkish Cultural THE PENINSULA — DOHA centres to open Center hosts talks, programs Dr. Roberto Di Pietro (pictured from 8am to 8pm above), a professor at Hamad THE PENINSULA — DOHA The live seminars also dis- Bin Khalifa University’s FROM PAGE 1 cussed the role of art in the time (HBKU) College of Science and The Yunus Emre Turkish of the pandemic, the COVID-19 Engineering (CSE), has They will have to measure Cultural Center in Doha Scope project, and the risks and received the Jean-Claude the body temperature of recently launched a program opportunities brought by the Laprie Award. workers and visitors at all called “Rethinking, Reinter- epidemic, interspersed with the Introduced in 2012, the entrances and preventing preting” on social media and institute’s revival of musical award recognizes outstanding those with temperatures held interactive meetings with evenings such as a concert “The papers that have significantly above 38° C from entering the well known Turkish thinkers, Voice of Divine Love “ show- influenced the theory and/or mall. authors, artists and specialists cased by the center. practice of dependable com- The speakers included Dr. Ibrahim Kalin (centre), spokesman for Malls and shopping centres in Turkish culture. A group of personalities puting. The award honors Jean- the Presidency of the Republic of Turkey, and other renowned shall provide hand sanitisers The event was held as part from the media, literature, art, Claude Laprie (1944-2010) who across mall facilities and of the center’s mission to culture and cinema participated authors and artists. devoted his entire career to educate visitors to maintain a introduce the Turkish culture in these seminars. They research on the dependability safe distance of no less than and arts and was moderated by included Dr. Kemal Sayar; Istanbul Foundation for Culture Reinterpreting” on April 30 this of computing systems. Dr. Di two meters from other indi- Professor Dr. Sharaf Hash, head author Elif Al Atli; Dr. Ibrahim and Arts. year, and hosted in its first epi- Pietro joined HBKU's College of viduals at all times. of the centre. Kalin, spokesman for the Pres- Famous Turkish actor Engin sodes Professor Dr. Kemal Science and Engineering in 2017 The measures also include The event attracted fol- idency of the Republic of Altan Duziatan, who is known Sayar in a live broadcast via as a professor of cybersecurity, barring smoking at mall lowers and tens of thousands Turkey; Junaid Ozdemir; Dr. worldwide, for his role in the social media including leading the college’s efforts to entrances and removing all of fans of Turkish culture Sinan Janan; Dr. Deniz Olky famous series “The Resur- YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, establish a world-class cyber- containers designated for cig- around the world using several Arbogan, who specializes in rection of Artgrel” also partici- and Twitter. The episode was security laboratory addressing arette waste (ashtrays), pre- languages. A series of topics political science and interna- pated in the program. produced in various major lan- both fundamental and applied venting the gathering of vis- were covered during the dis- tional relations; artist Derya Yunus Emre Turkish Cul- guages including English, challenges in the field, to have itors and limousine or taxi cussions including arts, culture, Turkan; writer Sa`dat Oz; and tural Center launched the French, Arabic as well as an impact and to drive drivers at the entrance to drama, diplomacy and health. Gurgun Taner, head of the program “Rethinking, Turkish. innovation. malls. Shops and retail outlets operating inside the malls and shopping centres shall abide Eight parks reopen tomorrow by the decision to allow employees aged 60 and above, THE PENINSULA — DOHA Park and Al Rayan Park. in addition to pregnant women The Ministry urged the vis- and staff with chronic dis- The Ministry of Municipality and itors of parks to comply fully eases, to work remotely, place Environment (MME) yesterday with preventive measures and safe distancing stickers on the announced the procedures and precautionary measures. store’s floor and allow cus- requirements for visiting eight The visitors should show tomers to enter retail outlets public parks for physical green colour in Ehteraz app only according to the store’s exercise only during specific when entering the park. They capacity. Only one individual times from tomorrow (Monday) will undergo temperature check is allowed per nine square in the first stage. before entering the park. metres. This is part of state’s plan to They should follow the The outlets in the malls gradually lift restrictions which instructions and cooperate with will encourage customers to were in place to curb the spread park security personnel in pay using credit cards rather of COVID-19, said the Ministry maintaining safety and social than using cash, continuously in a statement. The ministry distance. disinfect all of the outlet’s explained that the public access The visitors will not be facilities, including adminis- to parks will be from 4am till allowed to sit in the park. They trative offices, warehouses, 9am and from 4pm till 10pm should maintain public and per- employee housing, and affil- and only for exercise. sonal hygiene inside and outside iated transportation The parks, which will open the parks and safe disposal of facilities. in the first stage are Al Wakra waste. The Ministry asked the Any violation of the Public Park, Al Khor Park, Park visitors to adhere to the pre- decision will subject perpe- New coaches for Doha Metro 66 - Al Qatifia, Al Shamal City ventive and precautionary trators to legal accountability Park, Al Sailiya Park - Abu measures strictly for their safety First batch of additional coaches for Doha Metro are seen after their arrival at Hamad Port. and procedures. Nakhleh, Al Dafna Park, MIA and others. MoPH: 55,252 total recoveries; 1,828 new cases FROM PAGE 1 include Muaither Health Centre, restrictions imposed to combat the to controlling the extent of its MoPH added that Qatar has now Rawdat Al Khail Health Centre, epidemic gradually in four stages spread. This also helped in started to overcome the stage of the Umm Slal Health Centre and Al that will last until September 1. expanding the capacity of the health peak of the virus outbreak, thanks Gharafa Health Centre. In this context, it is stressed that system to deal with all cases. to the measures taken by the state The Ministry reaffirms the the application of preventive The Ministry of Public Health to address it, in addition to the com- necessity for the elderly or those measures and measures must con- stresses that the gradual lifting of mitment of the community suffering from chronic diseases and tinue to be implemented in the restrictions came after a thorough members to the recommendations their family members to follow strict stages of gradually lifting the study of the reality in Qatar and and preventive instructions. methods and precautions to reduce imposed restrictions that were from similar experiences in many Anyone who has symptoms of the risk of infection with them and applied in the country as a result of countries of the world that have suc- COVID-19 should either quickly work to protect them from infection the spread of the COVID-19, as ceeded in limiting the spread of the contact the 16000 helpline or go by refraining from social visits, failure to adhere to precautionary virus after lifting the restrictions directly to one of the designated wearing the mask and cleansing the measures during the next stage will imposed in a gradual and gradual health centers for testing. hands when near them. lead to the return of the virus to the way. The Ministry warns that lifting This is important as the earlier The Ministry states that, based country. the restrictions gradually does not the disease is detected the easier it on the extensive data and studies The Ministry also pointed out mean the disappearance of the will be to receive the right treatment conducted by the concerned author- that the measures applied by the COVID-19. Each reopening stage and recover from it. ities in the country, Qatar will begin, state in the early stages, in February, will be subject to evaluation and The main screening centers starting Monday, to lift the contributed greatly and effectively review. SUNDAY 14 JUNE 2020 HOME 03

Stronger immune South Korea awards Gwanghwa Medal to system vital for protection from Qatar’s envoy for Excellent Diplomatic Service diseases: Expert

H E Ambassador Al Dehaimi says the Medal not only THE PENINSULA — DOHA reflects the appreciation of the government of the Clinical Dietitian Specialist at Republic of Korea for the efforts made to enhance Hamad Medical Corporation, cooperation between the two countries, but also reflects Zohair Ali Al Arabi has said that immunity is the ability of its appreciation for all the contributions made by his the body to resist various colleagues, the ambassadors of the State of Qatar, to boost diseases, even chronic the Qatari-Korean friendship over long decades. diseases, viruses, and cancers. The immune system has a vital role in protecting the body from disease, he said. QNA — BEIJING Talking to Qatar TV about to travel to Seoul due to the coronavirus the importance of strength- Ambassador of the State of Qatar to pandemic. ening the immune system in China, H E Mohammed bin Abdullah Al This Medal is one of five first-class light of coronavirus, Al Arabi Dehaimi, has been awarded the medals awarded to civilians who con- said, “There are many things Gwanghwa Medal for Excellent Diplo- tribute to developing their countries’ that control the immune matic Service in appreciation of his great relations with Korea. system of the body, the most role in promoting cooperation between H E Al Dehaimi said in a speech on important of which is proper the State of Qatar and the Republic of this occasion that the Medal not only nutrition. Proper nutrition is Korea during his tenure as Ambassador reflects the appreciation of the gov- not only important for the of the State in Seoul from 2014 to 2019. ernment of the Republic of Korea for immune system but for all the The Medal was awarded to H E Al the efforts made to enhance cooperation organs in the body.” Dehaimi by Ambassador of the between the two countries, but also “Good nutrition means the Republic of Korea to China, Jang reflects its appreciation for all the con- body is obtaining important Ha-sung, on behalf of H E the President tributions made by his colleagues, the and complete nutrients of the Republic, at a ceremony held at ambassadors of the State of Qatar, to Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to China, H E Jang Ha-sung, awarding the medal through which a person can the premises of the Korean Embassy in boost the Qatari-Korean friendship over on behalf of H E The President of the Republic of Korea, to Ambassador of the State build his body, his brain and Beijing, as H E Al Dehaimi was unable long decades. of Qatar to China H E Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Dehaimi, at a ceremony in Beijing. his ability to defend in case body is infected by any disease,” he said Al Arabi further said that QU extends QRCS volunteers dedicated to protecting Qatar good nutrition includes the daily foods that exist in our admission THE PENINSULA — DOHA COVID-19 Crisis Management and vice-chairman of the ad hoc committee, lives, and it includes six Committee. commended the results of the 'Help Me to important elements, including deadline to Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has Also, the adhoc committee undertakes Help You' initiative, launched by QRCS two drinking enough water, rice created an adhoc committee to supervise short-term and medium-term strategies, months ago. and its derivatives and vege- and regulate the work of volunteers in the outlining of volunteer management con- “Now, you can see QRCS volunteers sta- tables. A person must obtain Tuesday fight against the coronavirus (COVID-19). tingency plans, budgeting, and resource tioned around shopping centres, to help in them to strength his immune It is a sub-committee of the larger COVID-19 mobilization. It coordinates with both the the organisation of consumers, take tem- system. The interest in QNA — DOHA Crisis Management Committee, created government and the private sector to on peratures, distribute masks and gloves, and strengthening the immune earlier in the crisis to respond to the any community-oriented initiatives where advise social distancing,” he said. system has increased in light Qatar University (QU) pandemic. QRCS’s volunteers can make significant He believes that this mechanism helped of the spread of the corona- yesterday announced it has Chaired by Muna Fadel Al Sulaiti, Exec- contributions. to avoid crowds and made shopping easier virus, where specialists believe extended the admission utive Director of QRCS’s Volunteering and “Our responsibilities include directly and safer. “In this initiative, diversity of vol- that proper food does not timeline for the Fall 2020 Local Development Division, the new administering the approved contingency unteers is considered, in order to cater for prevent infection with coro- undergraduate class until 12-member committee is closely watching plans and procedures; identifying risks and visitors of different backgrounds and walks navirus, but it strengthens the Tuesday (June 16). The final the work done by QRCS’s dedicated volun- challenges; finding out solutions; and of life,” immune system so that it admission results will teers to protect the country against the virus. making the necessary amendments based Dr. Al Kazim commented. “Our vol- becomes more able to deal announced on July 26, the It is assigned to plan and manage all on the situation on the ground, priorities of unteers are trained in how to deal with with viruses and overcome university said. volunteer-related programmes and activ- work, safety of our volunteers, and optimal and guide the public. As per the gov- them. The Admission ities, keeping an eye on local and interna- effectiveness of intervention,” said Al ernment instructions, everyone who The specialist from Department of QU pointed out tional updates, recommendations of rel- Sulaiti. wants to enter a shopping centre has to Hamad Medical Corporation that undergraduate applicants evant organizations, government decisions Dr. Youssef Ali Al Kazim, Director of the show up their green status on the Ehteraz advised people for proper to Qatar University are and schemes, and decisions of QRCS’s Arab Federation for Voluntary Activities application”. nutrition and hydration that required to apply to their Ahmed Ali Al Khulaifi, Head of QRCS are vital in ensuring people intended college of study using Volunteers Section and member of the com- stay healthy, adding that the QU online admission appli- mittee, highlighted the exceptional success paying extra attention to what cation, stressing that required of the 'Volunteer for Qatar' campaign, with you eat and drink is particu- documents need to be over 18,000 male and female volunteers larly important for people uploaded through the online registered within just a few weeks. who have chronic health con- application without physical Among the areas in which the volun- ditions and anyone who has presence, in implementation teers actively engage are providing services a history of an eating disorder of the precautionary measures at quarantine facilities (mainly the Mekaines or disordered eating. taken to limit the spread of the Workers Quarantine Centre), working with People who eat a balanced COVID-19. teams of the Ministry of Municipality and diet, which includes a variety The Department stressed Environment (MME) in street sanitisation of fresh food items with a that the required documents and hygiene inspection, offering health mixture of colourful fruits and need to be uploaded through information and masks to the public, and vegetable that provide the the online application by the conducting field health screening in the required quantities of admission deadline. most prone districts. vitamins, minerals, omega 3 Ahmed Ismael Al Zyarah, the Head of fatty acids, and other antioxi- 9th Disaster Management Camp and dants, tend to be physically member of the committee, noted that spe- and emotionally healthier, SIFQ holds cialised training was crucial for those have stronger immune responding to such an unusual situation. systems, she added. workshop on “QRCS adopts an annual training pro- People need to follow the gramme to build the capacity of its volun- guidelines or recommenda- annular solar QRCS top management officials visiting volunteers at a mall. teers in many fields, particularly disaster tions of credible organizations eclipse preparedness and response." such as the WHO.

THE PENINSULA — DOHA Georgetown Student Club hosts talk on Black Lives Matter Science India Forum-Qatar THE PENINSULA — DOHA intersecting factors. These values of diversity and social (SIFQ) held an online hands- include the ongoing pandemic justice, Georgetown is com- on-astronomy workshop on The Black Student Association which has decreased public mitted to ensuring a safe Friday for teachers on the (BSA) at QF partner Geor- trust in institutions and high- campus environment where Activities of Annular Solar getown University in Qatar lighted the racial inequalities students, faculty, and staff can Eclipse. This workshop was hosted a webinar titled “Black in healthcare. come together for critical conducted with the aim to use Lives Matter: Police Brutality Dr. Jackson, a prolific conversations on issues of the knowledge of astronomy and Racial Injustice in author on African-American race and inequality. This to understand the upcoming America.” The online event history and culture and an moment in our history repre- solar eclipse on June 21. Resi- was moderated by the BSA’s inductee to the Washington, sents a turning point, and dents of Qatar would be able student co-founders and DC, Hall of Fame for his social demands that we not only to witness this celestial event. featured GU-Q faculty — activism, described the events bear witness to the systemic Dr. Arvind Ranade, the key African American Studies as unprecedented in his violence and inequality faced speaker for the occasion, is a expert, Professor Maurice lifetime. He highlighted by Black community scientist with the Department Jackson and American; and pivotal moments in US civil members, but requires us to of Science and Technology, Comparative Politics rights history, noting that step up and live up to the Faculty and students during the panel discussion. India. He explained with an specialist, Professor Clyde each successive effort builds responsibilities afforded us as informative presentation the Wilcox. on the previous generation’s institutions of scholarship and science behind the occurrence Attended by an audience struggle. Attended by an audience of students, faculty, service.” of a solar eclipse. He went on of students, faculty, staff, and The BSA student club was staff, and members of the QF community, the Noting that conversations to elucidate the various types members of the QF com- launched in the fall of 2019 about race and inequality are of solar eclipses such as total, munity, the panel took an by third year students panel took an unflinching look at the wave of often difficult for students to annular, partial and hybrid. He unflinching look at the wave Tsedenya Girmay, an Inter- protests that have swept across the US and have, Tsedenya hopes insti- informed the attendees that of protests that have swept national Politics major, and tutions of higher learning Qatar residents were to expe- across the US and around the Lina Hajo, a Culture and Pol- around the world, and answered audience expand and increase oppor- rience a partial solar eclipse world, and answered itics major. The club aims to questions about race, police reform, and the tunities for positive and con- on June 21 starting around audience questions about encourage Black student divisive politics that surround issues of social structive engagement on 7:15am that will end around race, police reform, and the unity, support, and cultural these issues. 10am with a maximum eclipse divisive politics that surround exchange in Doha, and to justice. The panel discussion is available for She says the panel is the of about 85 percent around issues of social justice. create awareness on issues viewing on the GU-Q BSA’s instagram page. first of many discussions the 8.30am. Dr. Wilcox, whose faced by communities club hopes to host, in a com- The workshop covered dem- research interest includes worldwide. munity where “the nature of onstration for making of various religion and politics, public “It’s very important that Georgetown’s liberal arts edu- types of pinhole cameras, magic opinion, and electoral we recognise that the Black already attracted over 60 aims to enrich the local art cation attracts students who mirror, ball mirror and explained behaviour, noted that the Lives Matter movement may members in its first year, has scene. care about social awareness simple calculations for distance broad public reaction to the have started in the US, but hosted several events, The dean of GU-Q, Dr. and community engagement.” between sun and earth, magic latest of many cases of these are global issues,” said including a collaboration with Ahmad Dallal, said: “As a uni- The panel discussion is number, and earth revolution racialised police brutality has Tsedenya. Words and Strings, a Black- versity with longstanding available for viewing on the time. been driven by many The club, which has led initiative in Doha that commitment to foundational GU-Q BSA’s instagram page. 04 HOME SUNDAY 14 JUNE 2020 ANNHRI, APT hold online seminar on coronavirus challenges QNA — DOHA Participants discussed a number demonstrated the ability of national of topics, such as oversight of places institutions to work with innovative The Doha-based Arab Network for of detention amid the (COVID-19) out- mechanisms to accomplish their work, National Human Rights Institutions break, evaluations, accountability and especially monitoring the places of (ANNHRI) in partnership with the Asso- promising practices, as well as ques- detention, including places of ciation for the Prevention of Torture tions and guidelines on the special quarantine. (APT) — based in Geneva — organised challenges facing the implementation For his part, Sultan bin Hassan Al an online seminar on “Control of places of the oversight task in the context of Jamali, Executive Director of the Arab of deprivation of the principle of the national institutions carrying out Network and Assistant Secretary non-harm ... in theory to implemen- their tasks in the process of promoting General of the National Human Rights tation”, with the participation of 33 human rights In correctional and penal Committee (NHRC), stressed in a representatives of the national human institutions, and in places of depri- press statement following the rights institutions, members of the vation of other freedom in light of the seminar the importance of network. spread of the pandemic, in addition to exchanging experiences between The seminar aimed to identify the exchanging best practices through national human rights institutions in main challenges and good practices alternative methods of conducting the event of health crises because of related to preventing and countering remote monitoring activities without their prominent role in the process the spread of the coronavirus the need to visit places of detention. of protecting and promoting the right (COVID-19) in places of deprivation of Issam Younis, Head of the Arab to Health and follow-up of precau- liberty, and to provide practical Network for National Human Rights tionary measures and the resulting guidance to detention monitors on Institutions and Commissioner- exceptions in restricting some effective precautionary measures and General of the Independent Com- freedoms, within the framework of Experts during the online seminar. health considerations that NHRIs and mission for Human Rights in Palestine, curbing the spread of pandemic. national preventive mechanisms said that the exceptional circumstances A number of participants should take during visiting places of the world is witnessing due to the reviewed the experiences of their competent authorities on solving the do not pose a danger to society, and detention. The seminar also explored spread of the corona pandemic, dictate national institutions in the area of problem of overcrowding in prioritise health and safety consid- how precautionary measures and that the national human rights institu- supervision of places of detention and detention centres, as well as the erations according to legal standards health considerations for monitors tions should work hard to ensure and quarantine, the mechanisms used in success stories about persuading the and procedures aimed at safe- affect the purpose and methodology protect these rights. achieving this and best practices authorities to temporarily and excep- guarding the dignity and life of the of monitoring. He noted that the coronavirus crisis during their cooperation with the tionally release some detainees who persons. Mall of Qatar delivers QF alumni help students learn while watching TV THE PENINSULA — DOHA in the education sector by prizes to winners of Eid blending traditional methods of Osaama Shehzad and Haroon learning with technology. social media competitions Yasin both work in the field of According to Shehzad, prior education in Pakistan, and, over to the pandemic, many schools the course of the last year, in Pakistan still used conven- THE PENINSULA — DOHA attempted new things in their tional methods of teaching respective occupations with the focusing on routine learning, Mall of Qatar aim of benefiting a larger number instead of using visuals and tech- delivered more than of people. nology to explain the concept. 100 prizes to the Shehzad quit his job as a uni- However, that might be changing winners of Eid and versity instructor to join an as schools push their teachers to Ramadan competi- edtech company, hoping to reach rethink their teaching methods tions that received out beyond the 20 students that Knowledge Platform It’s very different to using technology, something positive engagement were in his classroom. Yasin, who Shehzad had been advocating for and interaction from runs a digital learning mobile app has created online engage a broadcast before the crisis began. followers on Mall of called Taleemabad, tried to tel- assessments which audience, compared “Many communities were not Qatar’s social media evise the app’s content on local they encourage to a digital or in-app open to technology. They thought platforms. television, but faced delays due of technology as something that The daily and to red tape and censorship Teleschool audience audience. The viewers is disrespectful and can bring weekly competitions guidelines. to take after tuning can switch the channel at shame — that it might take their were part of compre- Then came the COVID-19 into lessons, although children out of their hands hensive campaign pandemic, changing educational any moment, so you don’t because of what they see over the competitions, and landscapes across the globe. As there is no way to want to be too obvious Internet,” said Shehzad. reflected the mall’s schools were shut and students enforce this. while you are teaching. “But now, schools are forced ongoing commitment asked to start learning from to make PowerPoint presenta- towards the local com- competition which included home, the government of Osaama Shehzad Haroon Yasin tions, join Zoom, create cloud munity, which is a top pri- questions related to the Mall's Pakistan launched Teleschool, an files, or set up email accounts. All ority for the Nation’s Mall at different brands. More than initiative that broadcasts educa- these things are breaking mental all times. 15 lucky winners received tional content for K-12 students However, both Shehzad and has created online assessments barriers to technologies, so half Catered to all age several valuable gifts from on national television daily. Yasin agree that broadcasting which they encourage Teleschool of my job is done. The circum- groups, the competitions different stores ranging from For Shehzad and Yasin — lessons on TV is not without its audience to take after tuning into stances are already doing it for were part of Mall of Qatar’s perfume sets, gift sets, and both of whom are Qatar Foun- challenges. lessons, although there is no way me, so I don’t have to break the campaign to engage with outdoor BBQ grilling sets. dation alumni, having graduated “It’s very different to engage to enforce this. mindsets.” Yasin and his co- the community and is in line Emile Sarkis, General from Carnegie Mellon University a broadcast audience, compared Talking about virtual class- founder Ahwaz Akhtar created with Mall’s strategy to Manager, Mall of Qatar, said: in Qatar (CMU-Q) and Geor- to a digital or in-app audience,” rooms in general, Yasin also Taleemabad in 2015 while they enhance relations with cus- “These competitions come getown University in Qatar explained Yasin. “The viewers warned against overusing the were still students at GU-Q. They tomers especially during as part of our commitment (GU-Q) respectively — this was can switch the channel at any “golden word — e-learning” to were driven by a passion to COVID-19, with the aim of to our community in sharing a unique opportunity to directly moment, so you don’t want to be ensure the boundaries between improve the state of education in educating them about their happiness during Eid reach students without any too obvious while you are technology, fun, and learning are Pakistan by using interactive, Ramadan and Islam and and engaging with our com- middlemen. teaching.” Since television is pri- not so blurred that students either play-based learning methods, and entertaining them while at munity of followers. We are The launch of the initiative marily used for entertainment, start resenting them collectively incubated their project through home. thrilled to have received a allowed Taleemabad to fast- putting educational content on it or not doing anything else, such the World Innovation Summit for The Eid campaign great response and would track its partnership with Paki- pushes the content creators to as playing outdoors and spending Education, a global initiative of QF included a week-long com- like to thank all our fol- stan’s federal education ministry make it more fun and engaging quality time with the family. aimed at transforming education petition on Mall of Qatar’s lowers for their participation and screen its cartoon-style ani- than they would for other “Edtech companies can be through innovation. social media platforms, and congratulate all the mated videos on television. platforms. overbearing and we don’t want As the coronavirus pandemic where followers shared winners.” Knowledge Platform, the edtech “If you (as a child on the to develop an allergic reaction to has disrupted traditional teaching their Eid moments while Additionally, the Mall of company where Shehzad creates receiving end) don’t like it, you e-learning that will be hard to methods, the engaging content of staying at home. Qatar launched a CSR initi- science content for students from get to walk out. That’s a dream recover from,” he said. “Let’s take Taleemabad has come into the Appreciating their ative during Ramadan, dis- Grade 6-12, was also onboarded come true for children because our foot off the accelerator for limelight. The app has witnessed reaction and admiring their tributing iftar meals to as one of the several organiza- they get to pick what they want. some time, as too much learning an unprecedented surge in users lovely pictures and videos, labourers in collaboration tions feeding content into the Tel- And it puts the educators in their is also something that can be a over the past few months, with all participants received a with Wahab. eschool channel. Content worked place,” said Yasin. “For far too trap for children.” While Pakistan over 2,000 new users joining every variety of prizes ranging Besides, the nation’s on by Yasin and Shehzad is now long, we have built classrooms has some well-reputed private day. The team expect to have about from iPhone 11, Apple Mall also supported its broadcast every day from 8am in which students have to stick educational institutes, its public 1.3 million users on the platform watch series 5, Samsung tenants with the “Stay Safe to 6pm, reaching an audience of to ‘dead’ sessions even if they education system struggles due by the end of 2020, exceeding their watches and gift vouchers & Shop from home” cam- 50 million on Pakistan’s national don’t enjoy the lesson.” The to the country’s overpopulated target of one million. worth QR500 valid for two paign, allowing customers television. one-way communication of tel- nature and large number of out- The app is now used not only years. to shop for their favourite The Teleschool initiative is evision is also a challenge, as it of-school children. by underserved or out-of-school In addition, several fol- brands and products from effective in reaching out to com- doesn’t allow educators to test Shehzad’s employer children — Taleemabad’s initial lowers participated in the comfort of their own munities that have a television the skills and knowledge of its Knowledge Platform has been target audience — but across the another Eid daily homes. but cannot afford an internet recipients, Shehzad points out, working on designing new socio-economic spectrum in connection or a computer. adding that Knowledge Platform learning solutions for its clients Pakistan. beIN Sports launches dedicated LaLiga filter in collaboration with Instagram

THE PENINSULA — DOHA Mohamed Aboutrika and Wael Gomaa; Algerian expert beIN Sports, the global sports Lakhdar Berriche; Tunisian channel, celebrates the return football legend Tariq Dhiab; of the Spanish football league former Moroccan football star “LaLiga” with a dedicated filter and Diego Costa’s Atletico East and North Africa (MENA) Yousef Chippo; and many in collaboration with Instagram. Madrid. last Thursday — with world others. The filter has been launched To find the LaLiga filter, class players such as Barce- beIN Sports’ official Twitter across beIN Sports’ worldwide fans can visit beIN Sports’ lona’s Lionel Messi and Real and Instagram accounts also locations including the Middle Instagram account (@beIN- Madrid’s Eden Hazard ready to showcases live coverage of the East and North Africa (MENA), SPORTS) and press on the filter compete for the coveted LaLiga much-anticipated LaLiga Asia Pacific (APAC), and the tab. The filter name is “beIN title. games with reactions and com- United States of America. LaLiga”. beIN Sports’ main studio ments from legends such as The fun filter, which beIN analysts and pre- coverage for LaLiga is on beIN Mohamed Aboutrika. includes the famous purple senters will also join in with Sports HD1 and HD3 for Arabic; beIN entertains and beIN Sports branding, is very fans and post Instagram stories beIN Sports HD11 for English; operates in 43 countries glo- popular on Instagram as it using the fun filter with the and beIN Sports HD14 for bally, including 24 countries asks fans what team they hashtags #beINTERACT and French; as well as beIN Sports’ across the MENA region. With dream to play for — allowing #beINLaLiga. 4K channel — providing broadcast on satellite in 4K and true LaLiga enthusiasts to LaLiga made its return with viewers with exhilarating tri- full HD, the beIN experience is showcase their passion and As Barcelona fans across other fans will want to play a host of much-anticipated live lingual coverage. also available on mobile, tablet, share posts with their friends MENA dream of playing with with Eden Hazard and Toni games for viewers to enjoy beIN guests and talent computer and other home and followers. Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, Kroos’ Real Madrid or Joao Felix exclusively across the Middle includes Egyptian legends devices through beIN Connect. SUNDAY 14 JUNE 2020 GULF / MIDDLE EAST 05 Iran dismisses UN report on ‘arms’ used in Saudi attacks ANATOLIA, AP — ANKARA “The Islamic Republic report concerning the Iranian of Iran categorically connection to the export of Iran rejected a UN report on weapons or their components Friday that claimed cruise rejects the that are used in attacks on missiles used in last year’s allegations of the UN Saudi Arabia and the Iranian attacks on Saudi Arabia’s oil origin of alleged US seizures of facilities and international Secretariat, which is armaments.” airport were of “Iranian origin.” clearly under political Its statement said the UN “The Islamic Republic of “lacks the capacity, expertise, Iran categorically rejects the pressure from the US and knowledge to conduct such allegations of the UN Secre- and Saudi regimes, a sophisticated and sensitive tariat, which is clearly under investigation,” adding that the political pressure from the US and expresses its report reproduces exact claims and Saudi regimes, and deep concern over by the United States. “In expresses its deep concern over the abuse of the essence, the US is sitting in the the abuse of the UN Secretariat driver’s seat to shape the so- Iran President Hassan Rouhani makes statements on recent developments regarding the pandemic for political purposes,” Iranian UN Secretariat for called ‘assessment’ regarding process at National Combat Board Meeting with Coronavirus, in Tehran yesterday. Foreign Ministry said in a political purposes,” the Iranian connection to the written statement. attacks,” Iran said. Last year’s strikes targeted Iranian Foreign Relations between the US a Saudi oil facility in Afif in May, Ministry said. and Iran have been at a fever Rouhani hints at reimposing virus curbs the international airport at pitch over the sanctions, a Abha in June and August, and series of mysterious attacks in if health regulations not observed state oil giant Aramco’s the content of this report is used the region US President Donald processing facilities in Khurais by the US two weeks prior to its Trump blames on Iran, as well and Abqaiq in September. official release.” It went on to as his decision to kill the AGENCIES — TEHRAN coronavirus to previously low order to keep businesses open”. “The secretariat assesses say that the report was “pre- former architect of Iran’s risk provinces. Despite the rising number that the cruise missiles and/or pared under direction” of the regional military activities Iran will reimpose restrictions With 2,410 new cases yes- of infections, government parts thereof used in the four US and will be used in its efforts earlier this year. to stem a surge in coronavirus terday, the total has reached employees have resumed work, attacks are of Iranian origin,” in the Security Council against Tensions have escalated cases if health regulations are 184,955. With the death of 71 and mosques reopened across said the report by UN Sec- Iran. between the US and Iran since not observed, President Hassan people in the past 24 hours, the Middle Eastern country. retary-General Antonio It “strongly” urged the UN May 2018, when Trump Rouhani said yesterday. total fatalities stand at 8,730, Tehran faced stiff resistance Guterres submitted on chief “not to move in the pre- withdrew from a nuclear pact After gradually relaxing its the health ministry said. from hard line clerics before it Thursday to the Security planned US scenario” to avert world powers struck with lockdown since mid-April, Iran Rouhani expressed concern succeeded in closing holy Council. lifting of Iranian arms restric- Tehran to curb its nuclear has seen a sharp rise of new about mass prayers at the shrines in mid-March. The The Iranian ministry also tions, and not to assist a “vio- program in exchange for bil- daily infections in recent weeks. recently opened Imam Reza closure sparked demonstra- added: “The Secretariat’s report lating State in this illegal lions of dollars in relief from While compliance with shrine, Iran’s largest Shia tions with angry crowds coincides with the US process” by circulation of the economic sanctions. health protocols was as high as Muslim religious complex in the storming the shrines of Imam destructive plan which is imposed reports. Trump has since embarked 80 percent a month ago, it is northeast of the country. Reza in Mashhad and Fatemeh reflected within the dangerous Iran’s UN Mission on a campaign to scuttle the now down to 20 percent, “If there is no cooperation, Massoumeh in Qom. draft resolution that paves the responded to the report on agreement, including the reim- Rouhani said in a televised we will have to reimpose the Shia pilgrims from all over way for extension of arms Friday saying: “Iran categori- position of sanctions on Iranian speech. restrictions,” Rouhani said, the world visit the shrines, restrictions on Iran in an illegal cally rejects the observations crude oil that were lifted as part He blamed the surge on adding that adherence to the which may have contributed to way; and yet more surprisingly, contained in the of the agreement. travellers spreading the health protocols were needed “in the initial spread of the virus. Russian foreign Protests rage in Lebanon over spiralling economic crisis and defence AFP — BEIRUT The stand-off began after including a rapid devaluation central Beirut on Friday night. Interior minister ministers to young men blocked a highway of the Lebanese pound, which Some of them defaced shop Mohammed Fahmi said security Dozens of demonstrators to prevent a number of trucks has triggered a fresh wave of fronts and set fire to stores, forces would find those respon- arrive in Turkey angered by a deepening carrying produce destined for demonstrations since Thursday. causing serious damage. sible for damaging property in economic crisis rallied for a Syria from passing through, Lebanese media reported Security forces fired tear gas the capital. QNA — ANKARA third consecutive day yesterday according to the official that the exchange rate had to disperse them and some of Lebanon — one of the most after a night of violent riots National News Agency. tumbled to 6,000 per dollar the young men threw stones indebted countries in the world Russia’s Minister of Foreign sparked condemnation from the The Lebanese Red Cross on the black market early on and fire crackers back. Tension with a sovereign debt of more Affairs, Sergei Lavrov, and political elite. said it treated nine people Friday, compared to the petered out after midnight. than 170 percent of GDP — went Minister of Defence, Sergei Rallying against the surging wounded in Tripoli. official peg of 1,507 in place In Tripoli, demonstrators into default in March. Shoigu, will arrive in Turkey cost of living and the govern- The rallies came ahead of a since 1997. threw stones and Molotov cock- It started talks with the for talks today, Turkey’s ment’s apparent impotence in speech by Prime Minister After a crisis meeting on tails towards soldiers late on International Monetary Fund Foreign Ministry said the face of the worst economic Hassan Diab at 1500 GMT. Friday, President Michel Aoun Friday and damaged the last month in a bid to unlock bil- yesterday. turmoil since the 1975-1990 “We are here to demand the announced that the central facades of several banks and lions of dollars in financial aid. In a statement yesterday, civil war, protesters gathered formation of a new transitional bank would implement shops. Soldiers responded with Dialogue is ongoing. the Ministry said: “A delegation in central Beirut, brandishing government” and early parlia- measures from Monday tear gas. Unemployment has soared from the Russian Federation flags and chanting slogans. mentary elections, Nehmat including “feeding dollars into The next day, Diab called on to 35 percent nationwide. consisting of Minister of Foreign In the northern city of Badreddine, an activist and the market”, in a bid to support officials to assess damage in The country enforced a Affairs Sergei Lavrov, Minister Tripoli, young men scuffled demonstrator said in central the Lebanese pound. central Beirut. lockdown in mid-March to stem of Defence Sergei Shoigu and with security forces who fired Beirut. Despite the government’s Former premier Saad Hariri the spread of the novel corona- Russian military and security rubber bullets to disperse Lebanon is caught in a spi- pledges, roughly 200 young toured the area, condemning virus, dealing a further blow to authorities will pay a visit to crowds. ralling economic crisis, men gathered on mopeds in vandalism and riots. businesses. Turkey on 14 June 2020.” The delegations are expected to “have consultations and discuss coordination on regional Iraq reports rise in deaths issues”, the statement added. The Russian Foreign Min- and infections from virus istry also confirmed the visit, saying the ministers will lead ANATOLIA — BAGHDAD “an interdepartmental Russian delegation” and that the visit is Iraq yesterday confirmed 53 fatalities from the novel coronavirus “in accordance with the agree- pandemic, bringing the death toll to 549, which is the highest daily ments” between the Russian fatalities in the country since February. and Turkish presidents. The Health Ministry said 1,180 more cases have been recorded, taking the total infections to 18,950, while the number of recov- Yemen rebels eries reached 7,515. Also, the ministry announced that a new curfew will be ready for 'public imposed from 6pm to 5am (1500-0200GMT) for a week starting from Sunday. dialogue' In May, the Iraqi government reimposed a nationwide curfew ANATOLIA — SANAA to be valid until June 14 due to the recent spike in the infection rate. Houthi rebels say they are Iraq imposed a curfew for the first time on March 17, before ready to engage in a “public easing its restrictions on April 21, when it permitted the popu- dialogue” with the Saudi-led lation to roam around during daylight hours, except for nationwide coalition to end the 5-year curfews on Fridays and Saturdays. conflict in Yemen. The pandemic has claimed more than 427,400 lives in 188 “We are ready for public countries and regions since originating in China last December. dialogue with the aggression The US, Brazil and Russia are currently the worst-hit countries to reach a cease-fire countries. and lift the 5-year siege on For a living Over 7.7 million cases have been reported worldwide, while Yemen,” Mohammed Ali al- more than 3.66 million people have recovered so far, according Houthi, head of the group’s A fisherman casts his net at sunset in the Shatt Al Arab river, in the southern Iraqi city of Basra. to figures compiled by the US’ Johns Hopkins University. Supreme Revolutionary Com- mittee, said in an interview with the BBC to be published today. He said current contacts Kuwait reports 514 new cases of coronavirus, four deaths with the coalition did not yet mount to the level of negotia- AGENCIES — KUWAIT Abdullah Al Sanad said in a Earlier yesterday, the Min- from COVID-19, while 1,006 Libya’s National Center for tions. “We are ready to go to statement to Kuwait news istry of Health confirmed the new cases were reported over Disease Control said one patient Riyadh provided that a public The Kuwaiti Ministry of Health agency (KUNA). recovery of 834 additional the past 24 hours. had died and 16 others tested dialogue is held that will result yesterday reported 514 more The latest cases include 281 COVID-19 patients, bringing the The country’s confirmed positive for the virus over the past in a comprehensive cease-fire infections with the novel coro- Kuwaiti citizens, 63 residents overall count of recoveries to cases now stand at 22,077, 24 hours. Libya’s confirmed cases in the country,” Al Houthi said. navirus, taking the country’s while the remaining patients 25,882 so far. including 99 deaths, and 7,530 now stand at 409, including 6 There was no comment count of confirmed cases to belong to several other nation- Meanwhile, health author- recoveries. deaths, and 59 recoveries. from the Saudi-led coalition 35,466. alities, Al Sanad elaborated. ities in Oman, Bahrain and In Bahrain, the Health Min- Morocco’s Health Ministry on the statements. Four more people also died In addition, a total of 9,295 Libya confirmed new fatalities istry said the country’s death said the country’s total infec- Yemen has been beset by from the infectious respiratory patients are still receiving med- due to the novel coronavirus, toll rose to 37 after two people tions rose to 8,683 after 73 new violence and chaos since 2014, illness over the past 24 hours, ication at hospitals, while 176 while Morocco reported fresh had died from the disease, while cases were recorded. when Houthi rebels overran raising Kuwait’s death toll due others are languishing in infections. a further 444 new cases were Morocco has so far con- much of the country, including to the virus to 289 so far, the intensive care units, the The Omani Health Ministry registered, taking the figure to firmed 212 fatalities from the the capital Sana'a. ministry’s spokesman Dr. spokesman added. said three patients had died 17,713. illness. 06 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA SUNDAY 14 JUNE 2020 UN chief shocked at Libya mass graves in recently freed town AP — UNITED NATIONS “We want to be able geting of dissenters, had con- trolled the town. UN Secretary-General Antonio to go in, or have the US Assistant Secretary of Guterres expressed deep shock UN go in, and collect State for Near Eastern Affairs late on Friday at the discovery evidence of potential David Schenker told reporters of mass graves in Libyan on Thursday he was “troubled” territory recently recaptured war crimes and by reports that Tripoli forces from forces commanded by other atrocities... had discovered bodies of Khalifa Haftar, and called for a civilians, in addition to land transparent investigation. so eventually a mines and other explosive The UN chief also called on process takes place devices in territory retaken Libya’s UN-supported gov- from Haftar’s forces. ernment to secure the mass where justice can Libya has been in turmoil graves, identify the victims, be served,” Amnesty since 2011 when a civil war Burundi President-elect condoles Nkurunziza's death establish the causes of death toppled long-time dictator and return the bodies to next of International said. Muammar Gaddafi, who was Evariste Ndayishimiye (centre), Burundi’s elected President from the ruling party, the National Council kin. He offered UN support in later killed. The country has since for the Defence of Democracy - Forces for the Defence of Democracy, signs the book of condolences carrying it out, UN spokesman split between rival administra- with his wife Angelique Ndayubaha (front,right) at the state house in Bujumbura, yesterday. Burundi’s Stephane Dujarric said. takes place where justice can tions in the east and the west, constitutional court ruled that the country’s newly elected leader Evariste Ndayishimiye be rapidly “The secretary-general be served,” he said. each backed by armed groups sworn in following the sudden death of President Pierre Nkurunziza earlier this week. once again reminds all parties Last week, militias allied and foreign governments. to the conflict in Libya of their with the UN-supported gov- Forces under Haftar obligations under international ernment in Tripoli recaptured launched an offensive trying to humanitarian law and interna- Tarhuna, some 65km southeast take Tripoli in April 2019, and Zimbabwe opposition trio deny tional human rights law,” of the Libyan capital, their latest the crisis in the oil-rich country Dujarric said. in a string of battlefield suc- had steadily worsened as foreign The United Nations said cesses that reversed most of backers increasingly intervened lying over abduction and torture earlier Friday that at least eight Haftar’s gains. Earlier, the gov- despite pledges to the contrary mass graves have been dis- ernment said it regained control at a high-profile peace summit covered, mostly in the town of of all of Tripoli’s entrance and in Berlin earlier this year. AFP — HARARE injuries after they were arrested they had injuries to show for the Tarhuna, a key western town exit points and Tripoli airport. Haftar’s offensive is sup- in that case and said they had assaults. On arrival at the court that served as a main stronghold Fathi Bashagha, the interior ported by France, Russia, Jordan, A Zimbabwean opposition been taken to a place out of town Marova was seen limping and for Khalifa’s east-based forces minister in the UN-supported the United Arab Emirates and lawmaker and two activists by unidentified men who using a crutch, and was helped in their 14-month campaign to government, said earlier this other key Arab countries. have denied charges they lied allegedly assaulted one of them. by Mamombe. capture the capital Tripoli. week that authorities were doc- The UN political mission in to police about being abducted Their lawyer, Alec Mucha- The three were remanded in The discoveries have raised umenting evidence of alleged Libya said it convened a and tortured last month, their dehama, said the three were custody until the magistrate rules fears about the extent of human war crimes in Tarhuna, noting meeting with a delegation from lawyer said, as the women were charged with “making false on a bail application on Monday. rights violations in territories that preliminary reports indi- Hifter’s forces on June 3 and remanded in custody. statements prejudicial to the On Wednesday, nine UN controlled by Haftar’s forces, cated dozens of victims found another meeting Tuesday with Movement for Democratic state.” “When they reported special rapporteurs called on given the difficulties of docu- in the city’s mass graves had a delegation from the UN-sup- Change Alliance MP Joana their abduction to the police, Zimbabwe to drop the earlier mentation in an active war zone. been buried alive. ported government. Guterres Mamombe and party youth the police are now saying they charges against the women and Philippe Nassif, Amnesty Bashagha also said that hopes that a cease-fire will be assembly activists Cecilia were not telling the truth,” stop the reported pattern of dis- International’s director for the special investigative teams agreed soon, Dujarric said. Chimbiri and Netsai Marova were Muchadehama told journalists appearances and torture. Middle East and North Africa, uncovered a shipping container Schenker said he sees the arrested at their lawyer’s offices. outside the Harare magistrate’s “Targeting peaceful dissi- said the group was working to in Tarhuna full of charred escalating proxy war between They had visited the lawyer court on Friday. dents, including youth leaders, verify the mass killings. bodies, presumably of Russia and Turkey in Libya as to discuss another case in which He said they “are denying in direct retaliation for the “We want to be able to go detainees, and blamed pow- a challenge to regional stability, they were charged over their the charges.” MDC-Alliance exercise of their freedom of in, or have the UN go in, and erful militias loyal to Hifter for as well as a “tragedy for the participation in a protest last spokeswoman Fadzai Mahere association, peaceful assembly collect evidence of potential “heinous crimes.” A feared Libyan people looking for peace month. queried how the women could and freedom of expression, is a war crimes and other atroc- Hifter-allied militia called Al and end to foreign The three women were be said to have lied about their serious violation of human ities... so eventually a process Kaniyat, notorious for its tar- intervention.” admitted to hospital with various abduction and torture when rights law,” they said. Four die in attack on central Mali Darfur: Spike in deaths points to invisible spread of virus AP — CAIRO their untimely deaths remain pandemic, public health offi- what happened,” he said. drastic undersupply of drugs village: Mayor “unknown.” Humanitarian cials have sounded the alarm Authorities are scrambling and hard currency forces the In the sprawling refugee camps workers and medical personnel that the coronavirus will take a to curb the spread of contagion sick to purchase essential med- AFP — BAMAKO of Darfur, the war-scarred believe the coronavirus is disastrous toll on the world’s amid a fragile democratic tran- icine out of pocket. A lack of fuel western region of Sudan, offi- spreading unchecked and most vulnerable regions, par- sition after massive protests last has made it increasingly dif- Four people were killed cials say the elderly are falling untracked through Sudan’s ticularly refugee camps, where year toppled longtime autocrat ficult for doctors and patients yesterday in an attack on a sick and dying at astonishing most marginalized territory, social distancing, even hand- Omar Al Bashir. to reach hospitals. village in central Mali, an area rates. where medical facilities are few washing, prove impossible. “We are in the eye of the “These are the problems that riven with intercommunal and In North Darfur’s provincial and far between and where “People in the camps are storm,” said Ashraf Issa, Sudan faces everywhere, but in terrorist violence, the mayor capital of El Fasher, some say years of conflict have left some suffocating, they can’t breathe,” spokesman for the UN-African Darfur it is more severe,” said Dr. said. they scroll through a dozen 1.6 million people crammed into said Mohamed Hassan Adam, Union peacekeeping force in Babikir El Magboul, director of The attackers arrived in death announcements each day: refugee camps. director of Abushouk dis- Darfur, referring to the coun- the Health Ministry’s Emergency the morning on about 100 Another old friend, relative, Nationwide, Sudan has placement camp in North try’s exponential surge in and Epidemiology Department. motorcycles, said Ali Dolo, the community leader lost with diz- reported 6,879 coronavirus Darfur. Just a corner of the infections. “It’s like a separate continent.” mayor of the Sangha rural zying speed. infections and 433 deaths, camp saw 64 unexplained Sudan’s health care system Many in Darfur’s camps are community of Dogons. Doctors in the region’s few according to the Health Min- deaths in one month, he said. is in disarray after years of war undernourished and weakened He said the attackers functioning hospitals report an istry. Of those, 193 cases and 54 His four neighbors, all in their and sanctions. Dire shortages by infectious diseases like “spoke Fulani”. influx of patients with fatalities have been confirmed sixties, grew feeble and van- of protective equipment and malaria and acute watery Two other inhabitants symptoms like a lost sense of across Darfur — a figure experts ished one by one. staff nationwide prompted diarrhea. At Abushouk camp, were wounded in the attack taste, breathing troubles and believe is a vast undercount. “They get exhausted then strikes by medical workers as each bathroom is shared by and cattle was stolen. fevers. The official causes of Since the beginning of the they die. There is no way to tell infections rise in their ranks. A dozens of people. “A person who was hit by a bullet has just arrived (at the health post) from Sangha,” a resident of the village said. ‘Turkey leads innovative At least 12 people were killed and several head of thinking for post-virus era’ cattle were stolen in April in an attack on several villages in the area 30km from Bandi- ANATOLIA — NEW YORK Stressing the conflict in the agara, one of the main towns West between those seeking to in the area. The international community maintain the global liberal Central Mali has been the will need to be able to adjust order and far-right elements scene of a large amount of vio- themselves and think outside balking at this, she said Turkey lence since the Islamic the box in the post-coronavirus used an alternative model. preacher Amadou Koufa, who era, and Turkey set a good She said Turkey is working has recruited widely from the example for this, said a top to be a self-sufficient country Fulani community, founded Turkish presidential advisor acting independently in line the Katiba Macina militia in yesterday. with a “win-win” perspective, 2015. Speaking at an online adding that the country is Koufa helped set up the program organised by the active in global trade but is less Group to Support Islam and Education in times of coronavirus Turkish American National dependent on it. Muslims (GSIM), the main ret- Steering Committee (TASC), Calling the pandemic torist alliance in the Sahel A parent is handed over educational aids and a Term 1 report for his child during a drive-through, Gulnur Aybet said the bipolar period “challenging,” Aybet said affiliated with Al Qaeda, in amid the spread of the coronavirus disease at Mondeor High School, south of Johannesburg, South world following the Second there would be many opportu- 2017. Africa, yesterday. World War had been trans- nities for countries that think formed into a Transatlantic- outside the box and the concept centred system. of power would change once She said the West took the the pandemic ends. In Zimbabwe, people with albinism struggle against prejudice leading role worldwide, Turkey quickly adapted to thinking it could fix problems, the Syrian refugee crisis and AP — HARARE “Who else can make the picture States, Zimbabwe’s young deep-rooted. which laid the foundations for gained significant experience, more beautiful?” It’s the people with albinism are Some people stare, whistle its actions in the Balkans and learning many lessons that later Each time Yvonne Gumbo, who 22-year old’s way of fighting fighting prejudices against the or verbally abuse those with Gulf war. helped it overcome the pan- has albinism, and her friends back against the deeply rooted color of their skin. albinism when they walk along But this order began to look demic crisis, she said. get together for a picture, she myths and prejudices faced by In nearby Malawi and Tan- the streets. Some believe like a failure as the West was Turkey hosts some 4 million insists on being in the center. people with albinism in Zim- zania, many people with sleeping with them can cure not able to fix problems else- Syria refugees, more than any “I tell them I make the babwe, where they are often albinism are killed because HIV. Many others treat albinism where, she said, as its work in other country in the world. picture beautiful because I am ostracized, laughed at and pejo- their body parts are thought to as a curse. both Syria and Libya fell short. The rapid building of field hos- special,” she told The Associated ratively referred to as “white bring good luck. No such But for Gumbo, none of that The COVID-19 pandemic is pitals near the Syrian border, for Press at her home in Zimba- people” among other names. killings have been reported in bothers her anymore. These likely to accelerate the shift in instance, was a valuable lesson for bwe’s capital, Harare, recently. While much of the world is Zimbabwe, which has about days she carries an aura of con- globalization trends, she said, Turkey where virus-related death “I have two different colors engrossed in the race-related 70,000 people with albinism fidence she admits was absent calling it a unique incident per million have been low com- while they have one. I am black. outrage over the death of out of a population of about 15 during the first two decades of which made states think outside pared to the countries with the I am white,” she said, smiling. George Floyd in the United million. But prejudices remain her life. the box to be successful. most cases, Aybet said. SUNDAY 14 JUNE 2020 ASIA 07 Nepal approves new map as land row with India escalates

AP — KATHMANDU Representatives Speaker Agni The latest border dispute between the countries lies at a strategic three-way claimed the areas of Limpiya- Kharel said all 258 members began over India’s inauguration last month of a junction with Tibet and China. dhura, Kalapani and Lipu Lekh Nepal’s Parliament yesterday who were present voted in The 80km road, inaugu- in accordance with the 1816 overwhelmingly approved a favour of the proposal. To pass, Himalayan link road built in a disputed region rated by Indian Defence Min- Sugauli treaty with the British constitutional amendment to it needed approval from two- that lies at a strategic three-way junction with ister Rajnath Singh, cuts Raj, although these areas have change the nation’s political thirds of the 275 lawmakers. through the Lipu Lekh Hima- remained in control of Indian map to include territory claimed “This is in favour of the Tibet and China. The 80km road cuts through layan pass, considered one of troops since India fought a war by both India and Nepal. people and national interest. the Lipu Lekh Himalayan pass, considered one the shortest and most feasible with China in 1962. The voting follows the gov- This was unanimous agreement trade routes between India and The dispute over the ter- ernment’s issuing of a new map with no opposition,” Prime Min- of the shortest and most feasible trade routes China. ritory brought a new wedge in last month that showed the dis- ister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli between India and China. Nepal fiercely contested the relations between the two puted territory within its told reporters. “It is not just the inauguration of the road and nations, leading to an exchange borders. Parliament, but the entire viewed the alleged incursion of strong-worded statements That move was strongly nation is behind this.” “This artificial enlargement outstanding boundary issues.” as a stark example of bullying and remarks from both sides. criticised by India and soured Indian Ministry of External of claims is not based on his- The latest border dispute by its much larger neighbour, Nepal has proposed relations between the South Affairs spokesperson Anurag torical fact or evidence and is between the countries began triggering a new dispute over resolving the border dispute Asian neighbours. The consti- Srivastava said yesterday that not tenable,” he said. “It is also over India’s inauguration last the strategically important ter- through dialogue, but officials tutional amendment is likely to India had already made its in violation of our current month of a Himalayan link road ritory. Nepal, which was never say they have not received any further strain ties. House of position clear on the matter. understanding to hold talks on built in a disputed region that under colonial rule, has long response from India. Protests rage in Kathmandu, Former health minister of 7 foreigners among 10 held Bangladesh dies REUTERS — KATHMANDU police official Basant Lama said. after getting virus Police in Nepal arrested 10 people, Earlier this week, police used baton including seven foreigners, yesterday charges, water cannons and tear gas ANATOLIA — DHAKA as demonstrations against the govern- to break up protests near the prime ment’s handling of the coronavirus minister’s residence. No such clashes Bangladesh’s former Health crisis continued with hundreds of took place yesterday. Minister Mohammed Nasim protesters gathering in the capital city Protesters are demanding better died yesterday of massive Kathmandu. quarantine facilities, more tests and cardiac arrest in the capital The Himalayan nation imposed a transparency in the purchase of Dhaka, where he had tested complete lockdown in March after medical supplies to fight the crisis. positive for coronavirus. reporting its second confirmed coro- Nepal’s government says it has Nasim, 72, and still a ruling navirus case. But the number of infec- spent about $89m to fight the pan- party lawmaker, suffered a tions have since increased to 5,062, demic, has conducted around 310,000 massive cardiac arrest and with 16 deaths, and the government tests and quarantined some 158,000 breathed his last yesterday, the has come under fire for not doing people. But activists insist this is not hospital which treated him enough to contain the outbreak. enough in a country of 30 million told the media. Police officials said an estimated people. The veteran politician 1,000 people had gathered on a major “The government is committed to tested positive for the virus thoroughfare in Kathmandu for the increase tests, boost medical services and went into a deep coma third day, where seven foreign and improve the quarantine facilities,” after brain surgery and fought nationals were arrested. Deputy Prime Minister Ishwor Pokhrel, for his life for some two weeks Protesters maintaining social distancing hold placards during a demonstration against the “The foreigners were arrested for who is leading the country’s corona- in intensive care, the team that government’s handling of the fight against COVID-19 outbreak, in Kathmandu, yesterday. interfering in Nepal’s internal affairs,” virus response, said yesterday. treated him said earlier. He later tested negative during his treatment, it added. Australia’s NSW A Foreign Ministry Thousands march for racial justice in Australia statement expressed deep state reports first mourning and condolences, AFP — PERTH, AUSTRALIA indigenous deaths in custody in and the President and Prime local coronavirus the last three decades. Minister also expressed grief Thousands of protesters rallied No prosecutions have been at Nasim’s death. case in weeks for racial equality in cities brought over the deaths, despite He served as health min- across Australia yesterday dozens of investigations, ister for five years until 2019. AGENCIES — SYDNEY despite official warnings the inquests and in some cases Total fatalities from the demonstrations could video evidence of abuse. virus now stand at 1,095, while Australia’s largest state of New undermine the country’s Many protesters carried infections have topped 81,523. South Wales yesterday success in suppressing the coro- signs reflecting the Aboriginal reported its first locally trans- navirus. experience, including “Stop mitted COVID-19 case since The biggest demonstration deaths in custody” and “White 49 new cases late May, a sign the threat from took place in the Western Aus- Australia stop lying to the pandemic is far from over tralian capital Perth where yourselves”. in South Korea as social distancing restrictions several thousand people In parallel with the Black continue to be eased. gathered in a park waving Lives Matter rallies, dozens of AP SEOUL — SOUTH KOREA The state recorded four “Black Lives Matter” signs and people protested in Brisbane, Protesters participate in a Black Lives Matter rally to raise awareness new coronavirus cases over- Aboriginal flags. Sydney and Melbourne against South Korea reported 49 new of Aboriginal deaths in custody, in solidarity with those in the night, taking the total number Smaller protests for Abo- the prolonged detention of coronavirus cases yesterday. in Australia to nearly 7,300. riginal rights were held in United States protesting the death in Minneapolis police custody asylum-seekers under the gov- Most most of them are in The local case was a man Darwin, capital of the Northern of George Floyd, in Perth, Australia, yesterday. ernment’s tough refugee the densely populated Seoul in his 20s, and according to Territory, and towns in neigh- policies. metropolitan area, where health authorities he did not bouring Queensland — both coronavirus. But organisers down on one knee to mourn Police had banned all those health authorities have been attend any of the recent Black regions with numerous indig- made efforts to keep the pro- black people killed by police in protests for violating corona- struggling to slow transmis- Lives Matter protests in enous communities. testers spread out and mostly the United States and held eight virus health regulations, but sions linked to entertainment Sydney. “We are here to support our wearing face masks, and police minutes of silence to remember they took place largely without and leisure activities, church “The virus is likely still cir- future as indigenous people and did not intervene. Floyd. incident. gatherings and low-income culating in the community. to walk against the injustices It was the second straight Dozens also marched in Australia has been one of workers who can’t afford to People with mild symptoms or of... what happens to our weekend of large protests in Tokyo in the rain to raise the most successful countries stay home. The figures no obvious symptoms can people, with over 400 black Australia, initially organised in awareness about racial in containing the epidemic, with released yesterday brought unknowingly pass the deaths in custody,” one uniden- solidarity with the Black Lives discrimination. over 7,000 cases and 102 national totals to 12,051 cases infection on to other people,” tified protester told public Matter movement in the United The movement has reso- deaths for a population of 25 and 277 deaths. The Korea NSW Health said. broadcaster ABC at the Darwin States following the killing by a nated particularly strongly with million. Centers for Disease Control Two of the four new cases march. white policeman of African- many in Australia, a country Health officials said this and Prevention says 44 of the were travellers who are With the exception of the American George Floyd. also wrestling with the legacy week that the virus had been new cases are in greater already in hotel quarantine, Darwin demonstration, which Elsewhere in Asia, hundreds of racial injustice towards the virtually eliminated in many capital area, which is home to while one was linked to a pre- had authorisation, the other gathered in a Taipei park with country’s indigenous peoples. regions of the country, though half the country’s 51 million viously reported infection at a protests violated official injunc- some holding signs with slogans Aboriginal Australians are there continue to be a handful people. Agency director Jung public school. tions against mass gatherings such as “This is a movement, vastly over-represented in the of new cases daily in the most Eun-kyeong urged residents Australia has so far been instituted three months ago to not a moment”. prison population, and there populous states of New South in the capital area to stay home successful in curbing the curb the spread of the At one point the crowd went have been more than 400 Wales and Victoria. over the weekend. spread of the coronavirus, with many parts of the country claiming to have eliminated the disease already. The India records over 11,400 new infections Indian Army says standoff country has reported 102 deaths and is on track to fully ANATOLIA — NEW DELHI with China easing after talks re-open its economy by next month. India yesterday crossed the BLOOMBERG — NEW DELHI Troops, tanks and A man in his 30s who 300,000 mark by registering armoured personnel carriers attended the rally in Mel- the highest single-day spike of India and China have started were on either side at multiple bourne last weekend later 11,458 new coronavirus cases, to pull back their forces along locations after the armies tested positive for the corona- while the death toll climbed to the border in the Himalyan clashed several times in dis- virus, heightening concerns 8,884 with 386 new fatalities, region after talks between puted areas. about a potential second wave according to the Health senior military officials, The Asian countries have in Australia just as the federal Ministry. according to India’s Army Chief taken steps to de-escalate the and state governments are The total COVID-19 tally Manoj Mukund Naravane. six-week standoff after the easing restrictions. now stands at 308,993. “Our borders along with countries’ senior army com- Western Australia However, the government China are under control,” Nar- manders held talks this month. COVID-19 regulations prohibit on Friday said the doubling avane told reporters in the “We are hopeful that crowds of more than 300 from time of coronavirus cases has northern Indian city of through this continued dia- gathering. improved from 15.4 days to 17.4 Dehradun yesterday. logue” all perceived differences On Friday local media days. “We have had a series” of will be set to rest,” Naravane reported that thousands of The western state of Mahar- meetings with Chinese com- said. “We are disengaging in a Police personnel check travel passes of commuters after stricter people will soon be able to ashtra is the first to record over manders and “as a result of this phased manner, we have attend sports and enter- 100,000 cases. lockdown for weekends and public holidays were imposed as a a lot of disengagement has started from the north from the tainment events across Aus- It took just 10 days for India preventive measure against COVID-19, in Amritsar, yesterday. taken place.” Galwan river valley where a lot tralia, as the government to reach the 300,000 mark Indian Prime Minister of disengagement has moves to further relax coro- from 200,000. Meanwhile, the daily count make a decision on closing Narendra Modi is keen to avoid happened.” navirus restrictions. Mumbai, the country’s com- of COVID-19 in the capital New Delhi markets. a confrontation with China at The army chief did not Prime Minister Scott Mor- mercial capital, has crossed the Delhi reached 36,824 cases on According to the Indian a time when his handling of the comment on the standoff at rison said new rules would 55,000 mark and the death toll Saturday. The number of deaths Council of Medical Research COVID-19 pandemic has come Pangong Tso, a glacial lake in allow stadiums with capacity has reached 2,044. According due to coronavirus has climbed (ICMR), out of a population of under criticism at home. The south-western Ladakh. The two of 40,000 or over to host to official data, the COVID-19 to 1,214. 1.35 billion, some 5.58 million nuclear-armed neighbours armies clashed at Pangong Tso crowds of up to 10,000 people, tally in Mumbai showed 55,451 The Confederation of All samples in the country have share a 3,488 kilometer (2,167 on May 5, leaving scores ABC News reported. cases and 2,044 deaths. India Traders (CAIT) will today been tested for COVID-19 so far. mile) unmarked border. injured. 08 VIEWS SUNDAY 14 JUNE 2020

Established in 1996

CHAIRMAN DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI [email protected]

A file picture of people standing outside a school in Conakry, Sierra Leone, as students resume classes after four months because of Ebola. EDITORIAL Kids around the world are out of school. Threat to fragile peace process Millions of girls might not go back THE occupation authority of Israel has set up a plan for annexation of Palestinian lands which are part of the West Bank in July, despite strong rejection of the boys older than 15 can read, com- and down the street.” Palestinians and vast majority of the international pared with 60% of girls in the Grief clouded everything. community. same age group. Then she found a charity that The Israeli plan is to annex 132 settlements illegally So when families lose helped her enroll again. This built undermining international law, UN decisions, Arab income, they’re more likely to lockdown, she’s learning English Peace Initiative of 2002, and agreements made with stretch the budget on schooling with the help of radio classes. the Palestinians as part of the peace on the basis of for boys, said Laila Gad, Kalokoh aims to graduate in four two-state solution. DANIELLE PAQUETTE UNICEF’s representative in years and eventually study law. The League of Arab States warned that the Israeli THE WASHINGTON POST Liberia, a former Ebola hotspot. “I want to help other girls,” annexation of any parts of the occupied Palestinian ter- Remote learning, she added, she said. Eric Tahé, a grade ritories would represent a new brutal aggression against She was 13 when the Ebola virus is especially burdensome for school teacher in northern Ivory the Palestinian people and their sovereignty over their struck her country, shuttering girls, who are frequently Coast, shares that mission. lands. A similar warning was also issued by EU schools across Sierra Leone. The expected to shoulder more When his classroom reo- members, and ignorance to these warnings may result closures lasted nine months, but cooking, cleaning and pened last month, one of his stu- in possible European sanctions on Israel. Mari Kalokoh could not return to babysitting. They’re also more dents, a 14-year-old girl, The State of Qatar has repeatedly affirmed its com- the classroom for years. vulnerable to sexual abuse, preg- returned pregnant. He visited her pliance with the Arab Peace Initiative of 2002, as a stra- “I felt like nobody,” she nancy and child marriage during parents at home, urging them: tegic option that grants settlement of the Palestinian recalled of her time on the street, unsupervised downtime. Keep her in school. issue on the basis of a two-state solution that leads to begging for food. Now, a radio “Schools are much more than “Most of the time with the the establishment of a Palestinian State on the borders has replaced her teacher in the a learning environment,” Gad girls, their parents think their of June 4, 1967. The Deputy Prime Minister and Min- era of coronavirus. said. “They provide a protective place is at home - doing chores, ister of Foreign Affairs, H E Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdul- So when The previous epidemic in environment for girls.” getting ready for a family,” Tahé rahman Al Thani also reiterated the position of the State families lose West Africa forced more girls Before the Ebola outbreak in said. “We worried they’d use the of Qatar that rejects the Israeli annexation plan, warning income, they’re than boys to halt their studies in Liberia, 8% of girls did not attend pandemic as an excuse not to that it would end all efforts for establishing sustainable the ensuing years, from 2014 to grade school, according to the send girls back to school.” peace between the two parties and will destabilize the more likely 2016, researchers say, dimming Malala Fund report. That share During two months of region. to stretch the economic prospects for a gener- nearly tripled in the aftermath. lockdown this spring, the “The annexation of these territories will bury any budget on ation of young women. Edu- In Guinea, another hotspot, teachers met with moms and possibility of settling the conflict in the future.” cators fear the coronavirus pan- girls were 25% less likely than dads, explaining the importance For her part, H E Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al schooling for demic could trigger another boys to re-enroll when life of remote homework. Too many Thani, Qatar’s Permanent Representative to the United boys, said Laila wave of dropouts. settled back to normal. chores could throw their Nations, stressed recently that the Palestinian issue lies Gad, UNICEF’s Global shutdowns have And in Sierra Leone, teen daughters off the academic track. at the core of the Security Council’s mandate to maintain pushed approximately 1.5 billion pregnancy jumped as much as The campaign seemed to international peace and security under the Charter of representative students out of school since 65% in some areas. School work. “Seventy of seventy-four the United Nations, and it is necessary to implement in Liberia, a March, according to the United attendance fell by 16% among kids came back,” he said. Two the numerous Council resolutions related to the former Ebola Nations Children’s Fund, 4,800 teenage girls tracked in boys and two girls are missing, Palestinian issue. As most of Arab and Muslim officials including 111 million girls in the another study. Kalokoh, who is he said, but only because their have said the Israeli move would be hostile against the hotspot. world’s least developed countries. now 18, didn’t plan to drop out families moved to bigger cities. Arab and Islamic nations and will end all endeavours The disruptions are projected to during the Ebola crisis, but the Class has yet to resume in to find solutions to the conflict and undermine the end or seriously delay the edu- closures removed a crucial northeast Nigeria, where chances of establishing peace in the region for decades cation of 10 million secondary- structure from her days. 14-year-old Halima Lado must to come. school age girls, according to an She passed the afternoons sweep between lessons. It’s hard, It is also a blatant aggression on the international law April report from the Malala with her boyfriend and got she said, to juggle the and United Nations resolutions related to the Fund, which analyzed data from pregnant. Her parents kicked her responsibilities. decades-aged conflict. Therefore the international Sierra Leone’s Ebola crisis. out of the house. “They said, That vision collapsed when community should stand united against the intended Girls in Nigeria and Liberia ‘You’re a big girl. Go find money social distancing became law, the Israeli aggression plan. Relying on the good intentions said in phone interviews that they for yourself,’ “ she said. already struggling economy took of Netanyahu not to go ahead with his annexation plan are worried about falling behind At the time, Sierra Leone another hit, and even her most will be another disaster that would be a threat to the or having to quit altogether, citing banned expectant mothers from loyal buyers ran out of cash. fragile peace of the region and total erosion of the national distractions at home and financial school. Kalokoh survived on School is supposed to reopen aspiration of the Palestinian people. hits from the lockdowns. Parents scraps from strangers. She lost next week, she said, but it doesn’t in more traditionally conservative her baby in childbirth. seem like an option anymore. nations tend to prioritize the edu- “Four years like that - I Danielle Paquette is The cation of their sons, experts say. wasn’t doing anything,” she said. Washington Post’s West Africa In West and Central Africa, 73% of “Just walking up and down, up bureau chief. D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR EMAIL: [email protected] Urgent measures needed to deal with critical issue of declining birth rate EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 JAPAN NEWS-YOMIURI generations, who support the to get married later, or not The outline includes the FAX: +974 4455 7758 elderly, will also increase. The marry at all. The average age expansion of child allowances The decline of Japan’s birth vitality of society will be of mothers who gave birth to for households with three or MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 rate is further accelerating. damaged. their first child in 2019 was more children, and the pro- The government must analyze Last year, 865,000 babies 30.7, or four years older than vision of subsidies for fertility DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 the factors causing the decline were born. The figure was the average about 30 years treatments, among other and take effective measures. down by 50,000 from the ago. Even if they want to have things. Temporary benefits LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 The Health, Labor and previous year and the lowest a second or third child, the alone are not enough to raise Welfare Ministry has released since statistics began in 1899. reality may be that it is dif- the fertility rate. Why do young BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 demographic statistics for As the number of women in ficult to have one. people hesitate to have 2019. The natural population their 20s to 30s, the leading In its outline for measures children? It is necessary to SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 decrease, calculated by sub- generation for childbirth, has to deal with the declining clarify the challenges and come tracting the number of births decreased, the decline in the birth rate, which was decided up with policies that reflect the ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 from that of deaths, stood at number of births is expected in May, the government set a realities of the situation. email: [email protected] 515,000, the largest decrease to continue. goal of raising the fertility rate It is hoped that measures ever. This is about the same The serious problem is that to 1.8, helping people achieve will be taken steadily in a PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 size as the population of the total fertility rate, which is their hopes for marriage and comprehensive manner. The email: [email protected] Tottori Prefecture. the average number of childbearing. It aims to realize measures include securing The rate of population children a woman gives birth the goal by 2025. employment for young people ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 decline is increasing year by to in her lifetime, has declined It is a matter of personal and stabilizing the working FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] year. If the situation remains for four consecutive years to choice whether to have a child. conditions for non-regular unchanged, there will be a 1.36. The index recovered to With that in mind, the gov- workers even amid the coro- CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 shortage of workers and 1.45 in 2015, but fell into a ernment should take bold sup- navirus disaster, increasing email: [email protected] downward pressure will be downward trend again. portive steps to help those who the number of childcare facil- put on economic growth. The In the background is the want to get married or have ities and providing high- SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 burden on the working growing tendency for people children to fulfill their wishes. quality housing. FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

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/ThePeninsulaQatar It is a great pleasure to be here in Santorini... to send a message: Greece is ready to welcome /Peninsula_Qatar tourists this summer by putting their safety and /ThePeninsulaNewspaper their health as a number one priority. Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Greece Prime Minister +974 6698 6188 SUNDAY 14 JUNE 2020 ASIA 09 Parts of Beijing locked down due to fresh virus cluster AFP — BEIJING People were ordered to stay home at 11 Dozens of people tested residential estates in south Beijing’s Fengtai positive for the coronavirus in district and the nearby Xinfadi market was Beijing as parts of the city were locked down yesterday closed as authorities raced to contain the after the emergence of a new outbreak that has fuelled fears of a resurgence cluster linked to a wholesale food market. in local transmission. People were ordered to stay home at 11 residential outside the city. driving in yesterday afternoon. estates in south Beijing’s China’s domestic outbreak Officials in Fengtai — Fengtai district and the nearby had been brought largely which has more than two Xinfadi market was closed as under control through strict million residents — announced authorities raced to contain lockdowns that were imposed yesterday that the district has the outbreak that has fuelled after the disease was first established a “wartime mech- fears of a resurgence in local detected late last year. anism” to deal with the fresh transmission. These measures had wave. Most of the six new mostly been lifted as the Police cars were patrolling domestic infections reported infection rate dropped, and the the streets outside blocked-off yesterday were linked to the majority of recent cases were neighbourhoods and witnesses meat and vegetable market, citizens living abroad who saw one bus carrying workers health officials said, which were tested as they returned in hazmat suits. provides much of the capital’s home during the pandemic. “Everyone’s very stressed food supply. Among the six new right now,” an elderly driver Official news agency domestic cases announced said outside a fenced-off Xinhua reported at least one yesterday were three Xinfadi neighbourhood, refusing to Police prepare to guard entrances to the closed Xinfadi market, in Beijing, yesterday. of the cases was “severe”. market workers, one market give his name because of the But another 45 asympto- visitor and two employees at heavy police presence. matic cases — which China the China Meat Research “There are cases living in sporting events and group fish in supermarkets, ware- visited Xinfadi market. counts separately — were Centre, 7km away. One of the there, it’s real.” With many dining. houses and catering services. Beijing authorities also detected after mass testing of employees had visited the shops in the affected areas Cross-provincial tour In central Chaoyang dis- announced a mass COVID-19 nearly 2,000 workers at the market last week. closed, residents worried how groups have also been trict, officials said they would testing campaign of anyone market on Friday, city health Authorities closed the they would stock up on stopped. carry out screenings at all wet who has had “close contact” official Pang Xinghuo later told market, along with another essentials. The chairman of the markets. with Xinfadi since May 30, reporters. seafood market visited by one “What do you want us to Xinfadi market told state-run Major supermarket chains after they tested more than Another worker tested of the patients, for disinfection eat and drink?” a woman sur- Beijing News that the virus including Carrefour removed 5,000 environmental samples positive at a farmers’ market and sample collection on named Wang said. was detected on chopping all stocks of salmon overnight from farmers’ markets and in the city’s northwestern dis- Friday. “I hope we can get suffi- boards used to handle in the capital, but said supplies large supermarkets across the trict of Haidian — a close Witnesses saw hundreds of cient supplies as soon as imported salmon, stoking fears of other products would not city on Friday. contact of one of the con- police officers, many wearing possible”. over the hygiene of the city’s be affected, Beijing Daily Of those, all 40 positive firmed cases linked to Xinfadi. masks and gloves, and dozens Nine nearby schools and food supply. reported yesterday. samples came from Xinfadi Beijing’s first COVID-19 of paramilitary police kindergartens have been Beijing’s market super- Community volunteers — market. case in two months, deployed at the two markets, closed. On Friday, Beijing vision authorities ordered a who became a common sight Around 10,000 people announced on Thursday, had with no one allowed to leave delayed the return of students city-wide food safety during the outbreak — were working at the Xinfadi market visited Xinfadi market and had Xinfadi. to primary schools across the inspection focusing on fresh knocking on residents doors will be tested, the market no recent travel history An ambulance was seen city, and suspended all and frozen meat, poultry and to ask if they had recently chairman told local media. Pakistan reports over 6,000 new cases for second day 10 dead, 117 injured in China ANATOLIA — KARACHI 29,465, when Prime Minister Former PM Gilani tests positive for coronavirus Imran Khan announced an oil tanker blast Amid a record-breaking surge easing of the lockdown in in the coronavirus pandemic, ANATOLAI — KARACHI parliamentarians infected by Minister] Imran Khan’s govt phases, but just one month AFP — BEIJING Pakistan yesterday reported the coronavirus. and National Accountibilty later it had reached nearly 6,472 new virus cases in the Pakistan’s former Prime His son, Ali Kasim Gilani, [sic] Burearu [sic]! You have 126,000. The World Health At least 10 people were killed previous 24 hours, the highest Minister Syed Yousuf Raza told reporters that his father successfully put my father’s Organisation has declared and more than a hundred single-day tally ever, the Health Gilani has tested positive for had to appear before anti-cor- life in danger. His COVID-19 Pakistan the second-riskiest injured after an oil tanker Ministry said. COVID-19, his son confirmed ruption authorities a few days result came postive [sic],” he country after Afghanistan in truck exploded on a highway With another single-day yesterday. ago, despite the ongoing surge said in a tweet. terms of vulnerability to the in China yesterday, state media tally of over 6,000 — the second Gilani, the country’s in COVID-19 cases in the Gilani, a senior member pandemic. said. in the last two days — the coun- second ex-premier after country. of the centre-left Pakistan In a letter to the gov- The force of the blast try’s total coronavirus cases Shahid Khaqan Abbasi to test He said the former Peoples Party, served as prime ernment on Tuesday, the UN caused nearby homes and fac- have reached 132,399, of which positive in less than a week, premier was now in minister from 2008 to 2012, health agency suggested a two- tories to collapse, the gov- nearly 50,000 were reported joins a long and growing list self-isolation. when he was disqualified from week strict lockdown to contain ernment said on social media, this month alone. of Pakistani politicians and “Thank you [Prime office by the Supreme Court. the surging outbreak. and sent huge clouds of black Another 88 patients lost Responding to the suggestion, smoke billowing into the air as their lives due to COVID-19 Zafar Mirza, the prime minis- flames engulfed several cars. across the country, bringing the so far been tested in the country recoveries also climbed from 20 lifting of a prolonged lockdown ter’s health advisor, said the Dramatic video footage of death toll from the deadly virus of over 200 million people, with percent to 32 percent. late last month, warning that country took the decisions in the accident near Wenling city to 2,551, while 40,247 patients nearly 30,000 tests conducted The data show that most the country’s already weak the best interests of the people. in the eastern province of Zhe- have successfully recovered and over the past 24 hours. deaths occurred in patients healthcare system could crash Even Khan has ruled out a jiang published by state media been discharged from hospitals, The report showed that between the age of 60 and 69, soon if the tally continues to strict shutdown, saying a showed a huge ball of fire according to the Health death ratio in confirmed cases at a rate of nearly 30 percent. surge at the current pace. “smart lockdown” is the only shooting into the air as people Ministry. also rose to 2 percent, from 1.7 Health experts see the ever- On May 9, the country’s solution for developing screamed. Some 839,019 people have percent earlier, while rising caseload as a result of the total confirmed cases were economies. In one clip, a large piece of debris is seen flying into the air before crashing onto some nearby buildings. North Korea warns South Another video shows the remains of the tanker and to drop ‘nonsensical’ several truck tyres smashed into a building which had been reduced to rubble. denuclearisation talk The death toll had reached 10 by yesterday evening with AFP — SEOUL discuss, or... poke their noses another 117 injured taken to into the matters between” hospital, state broadcaster North Korea yesterday issued Pyongyang and Washington, CCTV said. another angry statement against Kwon Jong Gun, the North’s Emergency responders Seoul, this time excoriating it for foreign affairs official in charge were still battling to free “nonsensical” statements on the of negotiating with the US, said trapped victims, it added. stalled dialogue about in a statement. Multiple highway exits Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons. Kwon denounced Seoul for were closed, according to local South Korea has been the trying to “meddle” in the process police statements. target of a wave of angry state- in the statement, which was Deadly road accidents are ments recently from the North, carried by North Korea’s official common in China, where which has accused Seoul of KCNA news agency and con- traffic regulations are often allowing defectors to launch cluded with the warning: “It is flouted or not enforced. leaflets critical of leader Kim better to stop a nonsensical According to authorities Jong Un into its territory. talking about 58,000 people were killed in The latest statement was in denuclearisation.” accidents across the country response to a South Korean The broadside came a day in 2015 alone, the last available A file photo of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his sister Kim Yo Jong attending a meeting with foreign ministry official after Pyongyang issued a stinging figures. South Korean President Moon Jae-in (not seen in the picture) at the Peace House of Panmunjom reportedly saying Seoul would denunciation of the United States Violations of traffic laws continue “efforts for denuclear- on the second anniversary of a inside the demilitarised zone separating the two Koreas. were blamed for nearly 90 isation”, referring to the long- landmark summit in Singapore percent of accidents that stalled nuclear talks between the where US President Donald recent months and cast doubts “will continue to build up our of the second US-North summit caused deaths or injuries that United States and North Korea. Trump shook hands with North over the future of the long-dead- force in order to overpower the in Hanoi in February last year, year. Last year at least 36 “It is really preposterous to Korean leader Kim Jong Un. locked nuclear talks process. persistent threats from the with a deadlock over the con- people died and 36 others hear the balderdash of south It contained some of the Kwon doubled down on that United States”. cessions Washington was willing were injured in eastern China Korean authorities... who do not harshest criticism Pyongyang position in yesterday’s Inter-Korean ties have been to offer in return for Pyongyang’s when a packed coach with a have either any qualification to has sent Washington’s way in statement, saying North Korea at a standstill since the collapse denuclearisation measures. flat tyre collided with a truck. Philippines must pass anti-terrorism bill to stay off international ‘grey list’

REUTERS — MANILA yesterday. The bill, opposed by improved, the Anti-Money Laun- lead to the Philippines being regulators and financial institu- for prioritising the passage of the The Philippines risks being human rights activists who fear dering Council said, it must pass included in the global watch- tions,” the council said in a anti-terrorism bill over an eco- included in an international it could be used to suppress free and show it could implement dog’s grey list, which could hurt statement, adding it will also put nomic stimulus package to “grey list” of nations falling short speech and harass those who tougher measures to combat ter- the economy, already reeling at risk the country’s goal of counter the impact of the of global money-laundering challenge the government, is rorism before the observation from the impact of the COVID-19 getting an “A” credit rating. pandemic. rules if it fails to enact and effec- awaiting Philippine President period set by the intergovern- pandemic. Duterte, who has drawn But the council said, tively implement a new anti- Rodrigo Duterte’s signature. mental Financial Action Task “The Philippines’ inclusion international criticism for his “Fighting terrorism is just as terrorism bill, its anti-money Though the country’s com- Force expires in February. in the grey list will result in an war on drugs and his human urgent because it also concerns laundering body warned pliance with global rules had Failure to do so, it said, could additional layer of scrutiny from rights record, had been criticised protecting life”. 10 EUROPE SUNDAY 14 JUNE 2020 Queen Elizabeth II Anti-racism protesters marks official birthday clash with police in Paris with subdued parade AFP — LONDON dubbed “mini-Trooping”. REUTERS — PARIS The annual “Trooping” Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II cele- event, which normally features Riot police fired tear gas to brated her official birthday hundreds of servicemen and prevent thousands of anti- yesterday in subdued style, with women from Britain’s most pres- racism protesters marching a scaled down version of the tigious regiments for a centuries- through central Paris traditional “Trooping the Colour” old spectacle of military pomp yesterday, as a wave of anger ceremony due to the coronavirus and pageantry in front of thou- continued to sweep the world pandemic. sands of spectators, was can- following the death of African The 94-year-old monarch celled because of the health American George Floyd. watched a smaller military crisis. Britain has been among The protesters gathered in parade in the grounds of the worst-hit countries in the Place de la Republique, where Windsor Castle, where she has world by COVID-19, with the the crowd chanted “No justice, been staying during the number of suspected and con- no peace” and some climbed COVID-19 outbreak, in her first firmed deaths passing the grim the statue of Marianne, who official public appearance since milestone of 50,000 this week. personifies the French the country’s virus lockdown The Queen observed yester- Republic. Police refused organ- began in late March. day’s pared back ceremony in isers permission to proceed to It was the first time the the quadrangle of Windsor the Opera House. castle, west of London, has Castle from a dais and was given The protest was generally staged an event to mark a sov- the royal salute by the troops. peaceful but after three hours ereign’s official birthday since Despite isolating at the castle skirmishes broke out. Organ- 1895, when a ceremony was held for the last three months, the isers urged protesters with in honour of Queen Victoria. elderly monarch has tried to children to leave as riot police Protesters raise their fists during a rally as part of the ‘Black Lives Matter’ worldwide protests against The parade featured soldiers remain visible, making a rare tel- charged pockets of protesters racism and police brutality, in Paris, yesterday. from the Welsh Guards, who evised address to the nation in and projectiles were thrown at observed government virus April and her debut on a digital police lines. guidelines to keep at least two platform this week in a video The outrage generated by The protest was generally peaceful but of Belleville, one man of metres apart, in a ceremony conference call. Floyd’s death in Minneapolis after three hours skirmishes broke out. Algerian descent said he had last month has resonated in been the victim of police vio- France, in particular in Organisers urged protesters with children lence but he doubted institu- deprived city suburbs where to leave as riot police charged pockets of tional racism ran through the rights groups say that accusa- force. tions of brutal treatment by protesters and projectiles were thrown at “I’ve been insulted, hit French police of residents of police lines. even. But the police aren’t all often immigrant background the same,” he said, identifying remain largely unaddressed. himself as Karim. Assa Traore, sister of officers held him down with Castaner acknowledged there “Unfortunately, this 24-year-old Adama Traore, the weight of their bodies. were “proven suspicions of minority is hurting the police.” who died near Paris in 2016 Authorities say the cause of his racism” within French law Far-right activists unfurled a after police detained him, death is unclear. enforcement agencies. banner with the words “anti- addressed yesterday’s protest. One banner carried by the His remarks drew condem- white racism” from the rooftop “The death of George Floyd crowd in the Place de la nation from police unions, of a building overlooking the has a strong echo in the death Republique read: “I hope I which said officers were being protest. Residents emerged in France of my little brother,” don’t get killed for being black scapegoated for deep-rooted onto their balconies and ripped she said. today”. social ills. it up using with knives and “What’s happening in the Another carried a message Police have held their own scissors, to cheers from below. United States is happening in for the government: “If you protests in cities across France Protests took place in other France. Our brothers are sow injustice, you reap a this week. countries yesterday, including Members of the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards take part in a ceremony dying.” Traore’s family say he revolt.” Earlier this week, Ahead of the protest, in the in several Australian cities, to mark Queen Elizabeth's official birthday at Windsor Castle, in was asphyxiated when three Interior Minister Christophe ethnically diverse Paris suburb Taipei, Zurich and London. Windsor, southeast England, yesterday. No nuclear Italy PM ‘totally calm’ after questioning over virus response accident during AFP — ROME the nation’s north. Chief prose- “In light of the epidemio- submarine fire, cutor Maria Cristina Rota and logical framework available to Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte her team are trying to find out us during the first week of says France said he gave prosecutors a full why a lockdown was not March, it would have made no account of how he handled the enforced early in the health sense to close only the towns of AFP — TOULON coronavirus pandemic that emergency around the towns of Alzano and Nembro,” he said. devastated Italy, adding he did Nembro and Alzano in the “Our problem at that A fire that raged for 14 hours not fear a judicial probe would northern province of Bergamo. moment already was to study on one of France’s nuclear- be opened. Health experts say had the drastic and immediate solutions powered attack submarines “I explained everything to area been quarantined, many for all of Italy. And that’s what did not lead to an atomic prosecutors. I am totally calm,” lives would have been saved. we did.” accident as steps were taken Conte said in an interview pub- The team has already met The first town in Italy to be to protect its reactor, the lished yesterday after he was with senior officials in Lom- quarantined was Codogno, defence minister said grilled for about three hours on bardy, who say it was up to about an hour south of Nembro yesterday. Friday over his handling of the Rome to decide whether certain and Alzano, on February 21. The submarine was under emergency. areas should be shut. Another nine towns around renovation in the southern “I detailed all the stages in Conte has countered that Codogno were subsequently base of Toulon when the blaze these terrible days during which Italy’s Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte regions had full discretion to locked down before the entire broke out at about 10.30am on we fought an invisible enemy. close certain areas where the region of Lombardy and 14 Friday in a hard-to-access part I have nothing to fear,” the serenity of one who always of a judicial investigation. I have virus had begun to flare in late provinces in neighbouring of the lower bow section, the premier told La Stampa carried out each step with the never feared one,” he added. February and early March. regions of Veneto, Piedmont navy said. newspaper. scientific technical committee” The epidemic has killed “As I have already told inves- and Emilia Romagna were It then took around 100 Conte said he believes he offering advice. more than 34,000 people in tigating magistrates, the chro- quarantined on March 8. firefighters and 150 support “acted based on science and “I am not expecting to Italy, one of the hardest-hit nology of events is very clear,” Conte imposed a nationwide crew to put out the blaze by conscience,” adding: “I have the receive a notice of an opening countries in the world, mostly in the premier told La Stampa. quarantine on March 10. around midnight, the navy said in a statement. “There was a fire, but no, there was not a nuclear Uncertainty as Spain puts accident,” Defence Minister Florence Parly said. virus death toll ‘on hold’ Parly added that during the fire “measures were taken AFP — MADRID warned Salvador Macip, an in the rear area to protect the expert in health sciences at Cata- nuclear reactor For days now, Spain’s daily lonia’s Open University. compartment”. coronavirus death toll has been Simon has said the new The navy said earlier there on hold, generating widespread system was set up to facilitate the were no casualties and no risk uncertainty about the real state rapid detection and isolation of of radiation because the of the epidemic that has any new outbreak and that the nuclear fuel had been claimed more than 27,000 lives. regions must provide a detailed removed during the reno- The health ministry’s emer- breakdown of cases, rather than vation of La Perle (The Pearl), gencies coordinator Fernando lumping all figures together. one of France’s six nuclear Simon, who for months has given But last week he acknowl- attack submarines. a daily briefing on the pandemic’s edged that the overall number of The extent of the damage evolution, acknowledged the deaths had remained “frozen” as — and what started the fire — “astonishment” and “confusion” a result of discrepancies in the were not immediately clear generated by the figures. figures, which he put down to People line up in front of a shop after the Spanish government relaxed the novel coronavirus pandemic but an official with the Naval On May 25, the ministry delays in submitting data in restrictions, in Madrid, on Friday. Group repair centre called the changed its method of collecting certain regional areas. incident “serious.” The data on confirmed cases and Since June 7, the number of region itself. Spain’s death toll has been “It is normal that the death regional authorities said that fatalities, initially giving a daily dead has stuck at 27,136 while the One problem with the new between 43,000 and 44,000 toll does not coincide with the pollution and radioactivity death toll of between 50 and 100. regional authorities “review the system is that it puts “excessive higher than it has been on excess mortality figures,” tests carried out by inde- But the figure then fell to information on deaths.. (until) emphasis on reporting the pre- average in recent years. explained Ildefonso Hernández, pendent experts had not found fewer than five per day and on they can give a precise death date vious day’s figures” because if the And this “excess mortality” spokesman for the Spanish anything out of the ordinary. some days there were no deaths which will give a clearer data arrive after the deadline, has further inflamed the oppo- Society of Public Health, saying But French nuclear at all. Prime Minister Pedro sequence,” Simon said. they’re not added to the daily sition who point to it as proof the similar situations occur during watchdog association Sanchez even told parliament But some regions have hit total, explained Kiko Llaneras, a government is playing down the flu season and heatwaves. CRIIRAD said that a nearby there had been “no deaths” for back, insisting they have sub- data analyst with El Pais death toll. But the government “Is the government hiding measurement found that radi- several days, prompting a mitted all the required data yet newspaper. has rejected such claims, saying deaths under the carpet? No it’s oactivity levels had oscillated backlash from the right and the saying it wasn’t reflected in the It has turned into “a source such figures include those who not. Is the government commu- at low levels for a few hours far-right who have since accused overall balance. of huge disinformation” and in died of other causes or had nicating clearly? No, it’s not doing in the days leading up to the him of hiding the real number of Such was the case with terms of communication it has COVID symptoms and never had that either,” he complained. fire. fatalities. Andalusia whose health minister “tainted the entire debate”, he a PCR test. Such testing kits, “One of the fundamental The NGO said the “trou- “(The) biggest danger is com- Jesus Aguirre recently lashed out said. The situation became even which were very scarce at the issues is that the management of bling” phenomenon “could municating this idea that the epi- at the central government’s “total more chaotic this week after the start of the outbreak, have since information and communicating have several explanations,” demic is over because the virus lack of respect for the dead” in National Statistics Institute (INE) become essential for confirming figures in the epidemic has not but that it did “raise is still present in our country publishing lower figures than and the Carlos III Health Institute a new case and adding it to the been clear enough,” agreed questions”. although at much lower levels,” those submitted by the southern published figures showing that overall figures. Llaneras. SUNDAY 14 JUNE 2020 EUROPE / AMERICAS 11 Brazil now second in virus deaths after US AFP — RIO DE JANEIRO Brazil’s health flu,” and berated state officials for imposing lockdowns. Brazil on Friday claimed the ministry recorded Latin America is the latest unenviable position of having 909 deaths in the epicenter in the world’s battle the second-highest corona- with the novel coronavirus, virus death toll worldwide past 24 hours, which emerged in China late behind the United States, putting the total at last year. The region has where several states have recorded more than 1.5 million posted record daily case totals, 41,828 — meaning infections and 76,000 deaths, signaling the crisis is far from the country of 212 with no signs the virus is over. million people has slowing. In the US, which has Brazil’s health ministry confirmed the most COVID-19 recorded 909 deaths in the now surpassed deaths — over 114,000 — more past 24 hours, putting the total Britain’s death toll. than a dozen states, including at 41,828 — meaning the two of the most populous, Texas country of 212 million people and Florida, reported their has now surpassed Britain’s care unit occupancy levels of highest-ever daily case totals death toll. more than 90 percent, World this week. Experts warn the actual Health Organisation emer- “It’s important that we People wait in line to enter Cidade Sao Paulo Shopping Mall, as malls reopen amid the coronavirus number of cases in Latin gencies director Mike Ryan told remember that this situation disease outbreak, in Sao Paulo, Brazil. America’s biggest economy journalists in Geneva. is unprecedented. And that the could be many times higher Brazilian President Jair pandemic has not ended,” Nevertheless, US President The virus and resulting since mid-March. than the confirmed figure of Bolsonaro, who threatened Robert Redfield, director of the Donald Trump and many local lockdowns have caused a Worldwide, the pandemic 828,810. last week to quit the WHO Centers for Disease Control officials remain determined to spike in US unemployment -- has killed more than 425,000 “Some areas are at a critical over “ideological bias,” has and Prevention, told a media get the world’s biggest 44.2 million people have filed people and infected more than stage” in Brazil, with intensive dismissed the virus as a “little briefing on Friday. economy back on track. claims for jobless benefits 7.6 million. Coronavirus cases hover over 8,000 daily in Russia Chile President replaces health ANATOLIA — MOSCOW of people who contracted the She said at the beginning of the dominance of mild cases, Sergey Sobyanin lifted the virus rose to 520,129. the pandemic, Moscow, which revealed during proactive lockdown on the capital. minister amid With yesterday’s new figures, Over the same period, the first faced the virus outbreak, testing, deployed throughout Since originating in China the daily growth in coronavirus infection claimed the lives of accounted for 67 percent of new Russia to find people at early last December, the pandemic COVID-19 toll cases in Russia continues to 114, raising the death toll to daily cases versus 33 percent in stages of the disease. has claimed over 426,000 lives hover over 8,000 daily. 6,829, it said in a daily report. the rest of Russia. In late May, the Russian in 188 countries and regions. controversy Starting on May 18, the Recoveries reached 274,641 Today only 23 percent of government started to lift The US, Brazil and Russia are country has reported about after 5,271 more people were new cases are seen in the restrictions inside the country, currently the world’s worst-hit REUTERS — SANTIAGO 8,000-plus new cases daily successfully treated for the virus Moscow region, which has saying the situation had stabi- countries. with periodic spikes to since yesterday, it added. passed the peak of morbidity, lized and proceeded to eco- Some 7.66 million cases Chile President Sebastian 9,000-10,000. Russia’s chief sanitary while the other regions, where nomic recovery measures. have been reported worldwide, Pinera yesterday replaced Yesterday, Russia’s emer- officer Anna Popova explained the outbreak came much later, On Monday, Russian Prime while some 3.63 million patients Health Minister Jaime gency task force confirmed the situation by saying there are reporting 77 percent of new Minister Mikhail Mishustin have recovered so far, Manalich amid controversy another 8,706 new COVID-19 have been “two different epi- daily cases. announced a partial opening of according to figures compiled over the country’s figures for cases registered over the last 24 demiological processes” inside As for the relatively low the borders for international by the US’ Johns Hopkins deaths from the coronavirus hours, saying the total number the country. death rate, she explained it by travel, while Moscow Mayor University. outbreak. Pinera said Manalich had spared “no effort” in carrying out his “difficult and noble Coal mine closures stir duty” to protect Chileans` health. He replaced him with unease in Poland’s rust belt Oscar Enrique Paris, an aca- demic and medical doctor. AFP — JASTRZEBIE ZDRÓJ but the closures are not The sudden reshuffle expected to affect energy pro- comes as Chile faces its A spike in reported coronavirus duction as it has ample toughest month in the pan- cases in Poland’s coal mines has stockpiles. demic so far, with spiraling put the country on edge but Its reliance on the dirty active cases and deaths rates. residents worried about jobs are fossil fuel is a thorny issue The country now has the playing down the health crisis. within the European Union, highest number of confirmed The issue is particularly with Warsaw refusing to cases per million people in sensitive ahead of a hard-fought implement the bloc’s target of Latin America, reporting presidential election on June 28 going carbon neutral by 2050. 167,355 cases on Saturday and in Poland, where miners are still It has demanded more time 3,101 deaths. Manalich, a a powerful voting bloc. to switch to green energy -- tough-talking kidney specialist Dominik Kolorz, head of the perhaps up to 2070 according who once ran one of Chile´s top Solidarity trade union for the to some sources. hospitals, has won praise for an Silesian coal basin, said he was At JSW’s Knurow-Szczy- aggressive campaign to keep concerned the increase in virus glowice mine, workers arriving hospitals supplied with venti- cases could serve as a pretext for their shifts just before the lators and protective for the definitive closure of suspension could be seen equipment and leading detailed some mines. undergoing temperature checks daily press conferences. “We hope the government and using hand sanitiser. But there have been fre- will go on to restore the mining A large orange emergency quent reports of spats among sector,” Kolorz said, speaking tent stood nearby and signs Mine workers are seen at the Ruch Zofiowka coal mine, in Jastrzebie Zdroj, southern Poland. health ministry officials, and in Katowice in southern Poland, instructed employees to wear Manalich has been criticised by the regional capital of Silesia. masks at all times in a region “Of the 3,000-some Friday. The government began But Health Minister Lukasz opposition politicians, mayors, Miners and their families that has become the epicentre employees from our mines who easing restrictions last month, Szumowski has warned that the medical experts and social accounted for a high proportion of the coronavirus crisis in tested positive for coronavirus, reopening restaurants, upping sharp rise in cases could mean groups for refusing to release of recent cases of coronavirus Poland. only three or four had to be hos- the public gathering limit to 150 restrictions being re-introduced more detailed contagion data diagnosed in Poland, prompting The virus is “attacking in the pitalised,” he said. people and scrapping the face nationwide to stop the spread. or apply lockdowns sooner and the government to suspend mines” where cramped working Poland introduced anti- mask requirement for those But in Silesia, the prevailing for successive changes in cri- work at 12 mines until the end conditions mean it can spread virus lockdown measures rel- abiding by social distancing concern among miners was the teria for recording deaths and of June. quickly, Prime Minister Mateusz atively early in March, which rules. future of their jobs. cases. All of them belong to the Morawiecki said on Tuesday. could account for its lower Campaigning ahead of the As he arrived for his shift at Yesterday, a Chilean inves- JSW mining group and the PGG But Slawomir Starzynski, a death toll from the disease than rescheduled presidential the Knurow mine, Krzysztof, 40, tigative website, Ciper, reported conglomerate — Europe’s two spokesman for the JSW mining those of some western election is also in full swing. said: “I don’t know what to that the health ministry had told biggest coal companies — and group, emphasised that the European countries. The ballot was originally think. the World Health Organisation employ thousands of people. cases detected at his company It recorded 28,577 con- scheduled for May 10 but was “The mine is working fine. that as many as 5,000 deaths in Poland depends on coal for have mostly been mild or firmed coronavirus cases, postponed at the last minute I don’t know why they’re the country were linked to 80 percent of its power needs asymptomatic. including 1,222 deaths as of because of the pandemic. closing it.” coronavirus. Trudeau: Video of indigenous chief’s arrest ‘shocking’ Mexico City to begin AFP — OTTAWA said. “Far too many black Cana- dians and indigenous people do gradual exit from Canadian Prime Minister Justin not feel safe around police. It’s Trudeau on Friday called for an unacceptable. And as govern- independent investigation after ments, we have to change that.” lockdown tomorrow a “shocking” video showing the Thousands of Canadians arrest of an indigenous chief by have marched in solidarity with REUTERS — MEXICO CITY federal police. US protesters against racism The video, filmed and and police brutality, following The mayor of Mexico City said on Friday the Mexican capital will released by the Royal Canadian the death of George Floyd, an next week lift restrictions on car traffic and public transport, and Mounted Police, show an officer unarmed black man, during an allow 340,000 factory works to get back to work, even though rushing at Chief Allan Adam on arrest by Minneapolis police. new cases of coronavirus are still rising. March 10 during an encounter Trudeau himself took a Mexico City and the adjacent urban sprawl are home to more over an expired license plate. knee, a popular protest gesture, than 21 million people, and the region accounts for more than 40 The officer tackles Adam and last Friday at a demonstration percent of some 139,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the punches him in the face. outside his office in Ottawa. country. On Friday Mexico reported a record of more than 5,000 “We’ve all now seen the On Thursday, the prime new cases. shocking video of Chief Adam’s minister said systemic racism “We think next week the city can begin a process of very arrest and we must get to the Security forces take measures during a march against police exists in all Canadian institu- orderly transition,” said Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum, noting there bottom of this,” Trudeau told a brutality and racism, in Montreal, Canada. tions including the RCMP, after had been a slight drop in hospital occupancy rates and that the daily briefing. the nation’s top cop balked at city’s contagion alert level was close to coming down a notch. “Like many people I have media, Adam has a heated tackling Adam to the ground the notion. Curbs on vehicle traffic and public transport are due to be serious questions about what exchange with a police officer and punching him in the face. After a week of denying it, eased on Monday and factories will start opening on Tuesday happened,” he said. “The inde- outside a casino in the province Adam last weekend circu- RCMP Commissioner Brenda under strict sanitary protections, the city government said. pendent investigation must be of Alberta. lated images of his bruised and Lucki on Friday reversed her On Thursday, small shops will have permission to reopen, transparent and be carried out The tense situation degen- battered face following the position and acknowledged in while professional services and scientific workers linked to so that we get answers.” erates quickly when the officer arrest. a statement that “systemic “industry” can go back as of Friday, it added. In the dashcam video, tries to handcuff Adam’s wife, “We know that this is not racism is part of every insti- If conditions are deemed suitable, street markets and the his- broadcast by several Canadian and a second officer is seen an isolated incident,” Trudeau tution, the RCMP included.” toric center of the city will reopen the week of June 22-28. 12 AMERICAS SUNDAY 14 JUNE 2020

Pompeo to Trump to West Point graduates: ‘We meet China’s top diplomat are ending the era of endless wars’ in Hawaii In his commencement address to the US REUTERS — WASHINGTON Military Academy at West Point, Trump told US Secretary of State Mike more than 1,000 graduating cadets, arrayed Pompeo will meet China’s top in a social-distancing pattern, that the job of diplomat Yang Jiechi in Hawaii, trying to ease tensions the American soldier is not to rebuild foreign between the world’s two nations but ‘defend, and defend strongly, our largest economies over various issues, according to nation from foreign enemies’. media reports. Pompeo was planning the REUTERS — WEST POINT trip “quietly” and the arrange- our nation from foreign ments were not yet finalised, enemies.” Politico said. President Donald Trump, facing “We are ending the era of Pompeo has been vocal in criticism in recent days for endless wars,” Trump said. It is criticising China on a range of plans to withdraw thousands of not the job of American forces issues from the origins of the US troops from Germany, told “to solve ancient conflicts in coronavirus pandemic to its West Point’s graduating class faraway lands that many people Hong Kong policy to the yesterday that their job will be have not even heard of,” he said. treatment of its ethnic and to defend “America’s vital As president, Trump has religious minorities, The US interests” and not fight “endless pulled troops from Syria and State Department and the wars” in faraway lands. pushed U.S. allies worldwide to Chinese embassy in Wash- Trump’s reported plans to pay more for the commitment ington did not immediately withdraw 9,500 troops from of American forces to defend respond to requests for Germany, one of America’s them. comment. strongest allies, and relocate In relatively rare criticism President Donald Trump is presented with the cadet saber of the US Military Academy Class of 2020 Hong Kong’s South China them to Poland and elsewhere from his own party, 22 Repub- at the West Point commencement ceremony, in West Point, New York, yesterday. Morning Post newspaper cited has drawn the ire of German licans on the US House of Rep- an unidentified source as officials and raised concerns in resentatives Armed Services man, by police on May 25. Esper also split with Trump over injustice in the United States, saying that Yang, a state coun- the US Congress about a retreat Committee wrote to Trump US Joint Chiefs of Staff whether active duty troops saying the cadets were cilor and member of the Com- from the world stage. saying a troop cut in Germany Chairman Mark Milley said on should be deployed to gain examples of America’s diversity. munist Party Politburo, will In his commencement would hurt national security Thursday he should not have control of cities convulsed by “You have come from the represent the Chinese side for address to the US Military and could encourage Russian joined Trump as he walked protests. farms and the cities, from states the meeting. Academy at West Point, Trump aggression. from the White House to a Trump has since expressed big and small, and from every Relations between the told more than 1,000 gradu- Trump came to West Point nearby church for a photo confidence in Esper and race, religion, colour, and creed. countries have deteriorated in ating cadets, arrayed in a social- at a time of tension with US mil- opportunity after authorities brushed off Milley’s But when you entered these recent months, and US Pres- distancing pattern, that the job itary leaders over whether the cleared the way of protesters comments. grounds, you became part of ident Donald Trump has said of the American soldier is not military should be used to quell using tear gas and rubber In his remarks yesterday, one team and one family, he could even sever to rebuild foreign nations but nationwide protests over the bullets. Trump only touched obliquely proudly serving one American relations. “defend, and defend strongly, killing of George Floyd, a black Defence Secretary Mark on the debate over racial nation,” he said. Pompeo said last month that China could have pre- vented the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people around Biden’s V-P list narrows to six serious contenders the world by being more transparent about the coro- AP — WASHINGTON asked to submit to the extensive death of George Floyd. The black Biden’s vetting committee extensive foreign policy expe- navirus and accused it of document review process now Minneapolis man died after a had conversations with a larger rience, including as US ambas- refusing to share Joe Biden’s search for a running underway for some top con- white police officer pressed his group of women earlier this sador to the United Nations. information. mate is entering a second round tenders. Those familiar with knee on his neck for several spring; those continuing on in She’s also been an outspoken He also said Chinese plans of vetting for a dwindling list of Biden’s search spoke on con- minutes, an episode that was the process have been asked to critic of the Trump adminis- to impose national security potential vice presidential dition of anonymity because captured on video. turn over financial records, past tration since leaving the White laws on Hong Kong would be nominees, with several black they were not authorized to pub- Terry McAuliffe, the former writings and other documen- House and considered running the “death knell” for the women in strong contention. licly discuss the process. Virginia governor and former tation. Biden has had various for US Senate in Maine. former British colony’s Democrats with knowledge The campaign dismissed the Democratic National Committee public and private interactions Rice has long been a target autonomy. of the process said Biden’s idea of a shortened list as early chairman, said that while Biden’s with many of the women his of Republicans, including for search committee has narrowed speculation. “Those who talk choice was likely to be “all about vetting committee has con- statements she made after the the choices to as few as six don’t know and those who know personal chemistry,” it would be sidered thus far, but has not yet deadly 2012 attacks on Amer- NY Governor serious contenders after initial don’t talk,” said Andrew Bates, “exciting for the party” to have had any formal one-on-one icans in Benghazi, Libya. Repub- interviews. Among the group still a Biden spokesperson. a black woman on a major party interviews expressly to discuss licans have also accused her of signs police in contention: Senators Elizabeth Biden, who has already said presidential ticket for the first the No. 2 spot on the ticket. spying on Michael Flynn, Warren of Massachusetts and he will pick a woman as his time. Those aren’t expected for several Trump’s first national security accountability Kamala Harris of California, as running mate, is facing increased The campaign’s list includes weeks. adviser, though records declas- well as Susan Rice, who served calls from Democrats to put a several black women, including Rice, who worked closely sified by the Trump adminis- legislation as President Barack Obama’s woman of color on the ticket — Harris and Rice. Advisers have with Biden during his time as tration show no evidence of Rice national security adviser. both because of the outsize role also looked closely at Florida vice president, has emerged as improperly accessing any AP — ALBANY Those with knowledge that black voters played in Rep. Val Demings and Atlanta a favourite among some former information. declined to name other con- Biden’s road to the nomination Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, Obama administration officials Harris and Warren have New York Governor Andrew tenders and said the process and because of the reckoning both of whom are black, and and is personally close to the been seen as top contenders for Cuomo signed into law on remains somewhat fluid. Addi- over racism and inequality New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan former president. She has never the No. 2 spot since ending their Friday a sweeping package of tional candidates may still be roiling the nation following the Grisham, a Latina. held elected office but has own presidential campaigns. police accountability measures that received new backing following protests over George Floyd’s killing, including one Fauci: Slight virus spikes allowing the release of officers’ long-withheld disciplinary may get out of control records. The measures were approved earlier this week by amid US reopening the state’s Democratic-led Legislature. Some of the bills REUTER S — WASHINGTON sobering, moving ahead with had been proposed in years more reopenings was not off the past and failed to win The top US infectious disease table. approval, but lawmakers official on Friday cautioned that Texas has been at the fore- moved with new urgency in the “blips” of rising coronavirus front of states’ efforts to reopen the wake of massive, hospitalisations being reported their economies and Governor nationwide demonstrations by some states could get out of Greg Abbott on Friday said in an over Floyd’s death at the hands control if robust contact tracing interview with KYTX TV it would of police in Minneapolis. regimes are not put in place. remain that way “because we “Police reform is long As restrictions on economic have so many hospital beds overdue, and Mr Floyd’s murder activity are lifted, the United available to anybody who gets is only the most recent murder,” States was bound to see ill.” Cuomo, a Democrat, said. increased infections, Anthony “For every person in a hos- Cuomo was joined at the Fauci told CNN. pital bed, there are 10 open, signing ceremony by the Rev. “But when you start seeing available hospital beds available Al Sharpton, Valerie Bell, the more hospitalisations, that’s a for them,” Abbott said. mother of Sean Bell, who was sure fire sign that you’re in a sit- “So there’s plenty of hospital killed by an officer in 2006, uation where you’re going in the capacity to be able to deal with and Gwen Carr, the mother of wrong direction,” Fauci said. COVID-19.” He added that there Eric Garner, who was killed by Peru’s rapid virus reponse teams So far, more than 114,000 is “no real need to ratchet back police in New York in 2014. people have died from COVID-19 the opening of businesses in the “It was a long time coming, Doctors visit a patient with COVID-19 in Comas, northern outskirts of Lima, in Peru. The Rapid in the United States, according state.” A handful of states and but it came,” Carr said. Response Teams of the Ministry of Health are made up of Peruvian and Venezuelan doctors, who to a Reuters tally. About half a cities have paused or slowed Senate Majority Leader visit potential and recovering virus patients at their homes to take quick tests, make diagnoses and dozen US states are grappling reopenings. Andrea Stewart-Cousins distribute medicines. with a rising number of corona- Oregon Governor Kate thanks Carr and Bell “for being virus patients filling hospital Brown said she would put county brave and strong.” beds. applications to reopen on hold “We are at a moment of Venezuela’s opposition rejects new elections board Texas and North Carolina on after the state reported a record reckoning. There is no doubt Friday reported their highest daily rise in new coronavirus about it,” she said. AP — CARACAS burdened with a shattered National Assembly’s first vice hospitalisation rates since the cases on Thursday. Meanwhile, members of economy despite holding with president, said on Twitter. pandemic began. But officials in “This is essentially a the New York City Council said Venezuela’s high court loyal to the world’s largest oil reserves. “As Venezuelans we make both states point out they also statewide ‘yellow light,’ it’s time they would work to cut $1bn President Nicolás Maduro It comes ahead of a key our demand to the world for a have among the lowest rates of to press pause for one week in New York Police seated a new elections election this year when Vene- free vote!” Guanipa added, deaths from COVID-19. before any further reopening,” Department spending for the commission on Friday night in zuelans will be asked to elect a calling Maduro’s government a Fauci underscored that Brown, a Democrat, said in a next fiscal year. The cuts a move that was quickly called new congress, a now oppo- dictatorship. increased hospitalisations was a statement. Utah’s Republican would include overtime, head- unconstitutional by political sition-dominated body that is The unilateral appoint- worrying trend, however, and a Governor Gary Herbert on count through attrition and leaders opposed to the socialist led by US-backed Juan Guaidó. ments proved especially dis- sign that “maybe we need to Friday ordered most of the state shifting the department’s government. It is the only branch of gov- heartening to some moderate slow down a little” on to halt reopening while it inves- responsibilities, according to The swearing-in of the ernment out of Maduro’s control. opponents of Maduro who had reopenings. tigated a ju mp in cases. a joint council statement. National Electoral Council by “If we don’t recognise this been working in the past week North Carolina Governor “I don’t want to go forward The proposed cut to the the Supreme Court promises to farce of a Supreme Court, we to try to reach an accord on Roy Cooper said on Friday that and then take a step backward,” NYPD is about 15 percent of deepen the bitter political don’t recognise anything it pro- providing minimal guarantees while his state’s rise in hospital- Herbert said of the order that the $6bn annual budget for divide in Venezuela, which is duces,” Juan Pablo Guanipa, the for a free and fair vote. izations and new cases was remains in effect until June 26. department.