Shares Langer says surge Warner amid ‘very likely’ healing for the third of GCC rift Test

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WEDNESDAY 6 JANUARY 2021 22 JUMADA I - 1442 VOLUME 25 NUMBER 8494 www.thepeninsula.qa 2 RIYALS Build your own plan! Terms & Conditions Apply Amir: Al-Ula summit outcome will strengthen GCC march

Leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries posing for a group photo during the 41st session of Supreme Council of the GCC in Al-Ula Governorate in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia yesterday.

H H the Amir participates in the 41st Qatar welcomes session of the Supreme Council of Al-Ula Declaration the GCC. announced on Amir and Saudi Crown Prince review the sidelines of bilateral relations and ways of bolstering joint Gulf action. GCC summit

Amir praises fraternal atmosphere QNA — DOHA prevailed at the meeting and efforts The State of Qatar welcomed exerted to make it a success. “Al-Ula Declaration” announced on the sidelines of Amir tours historical sites in Al-Ula the 41st session of the Supreme Governorate and attended luncheon Council of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of banquet hosted by Saudi Crown Prince. the Gulf (GCC), which was held in Al-Ula Governorate in the QNA — AL-ULA the Arab League, H E Ahmed Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Aboul Gheit; and H E Jared yesterday. Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Kushner, Senior Advisor to the The State of Qatar under- Hamad Al Thani participated US President. lined in a statement that this along with the leaders of the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin meeting comes in at this Cooperation Council for the Hamad Al Thani also held a decisive moment as an Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) meeting with HRH Crown extension of the joint work and heads of delegations in the Prince, Deputy Prime Minister process in its Gulf, Arab and 41st session of the GCC Supreme and Minister of Defence of the Islamic framework, and in Council, which was held at Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Prince favour of the supreme Maraya Center in Al-Ula Gover- Mohammed bin Salman bin interest in a way that norate in the sisterly Kingdom Abdulaziz Al Saud, earlier yes- strengthens the bonds of of Saudi Arabia yesterday. terday in Al-Ula Governorate. friendship and brotherhood The session was attended The meeting reviewed the between peoples, anchoring Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani being received by HRH Crown Prince, Deputy Prime by a number of Their Excel- bilateral relations between the the principles of good neigh- Minister and Minister of Defence of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin lencies members of the official two brotherly countries and bourliness and mutual Abdulaziz Al Saud, in Al-Ula Governorate. delegation accompanying H H means of bolstering the joint respect. the Amir, a number of Their Gulf action. The meeting was The State of Qatar said Royal Highnesses the Princes, attended by a number of Their that Al-Ula Declaration com- and Their Excellencies Excellencies members of the Kuwait Amir appreciates efforts plements the sincere and members of the accompanying official delegation accompa- dedicated efforts led by late official delegations. nying H H the Amir. From the Amir of Kuwait, H H Sheikh It was also attended by Sec- Saudi side, the meeting was to support joint Gulf, Arab action Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al retary-General of the Organi- attended by a number of Their Sabah, which were con- sation of Islamic Cooperation, Royal Highnesses and Excel- QNA — AL ULA Two Holy Mosques King Salman Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber tinued by H H the Amir of H E Dr. Yousef Ahmed Al Oth- lencies Princes and high- bin Abdulaziz, the government Al Sabah who hugely con- Kuwait, Sheikh Nawaf Al aimeen; Secretary-General of ranking officials. `P2 Amir of the State of Kuwait, H and people of the Kingdom of tributed to the success of this Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, H Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Saudi Arabia for hosting the GCC agreement. praising at the same time the Jaber Al Sabah, expressed his summit and for the distinguished H H the Amir expressed efforts exerted by the United appreciation for the efforts preparation and organisation of gratitude for Saudi King and his States in convergence of exerted to support the joint Gulf the summit, praising the government for naming the views. and Arab action. keenness of all brothers to hold Summit the summit of “Sultan The State of Qatar under- Sensing the historical responsibility at this decisive This came in a speech the summit so that together we Qaboos and Sheikh Sabah” in lined that the unity of the moment in the journey of the Gulf Cooperation Council before the 41st session of the can support the joint Gulf and appreciation of the two Gulf Gulf ranks and its peoples and in response to the hopes of our people, I participated Supreme Council of the Coop- Arab action, preserve our gains leaders’ service of Arab and has always been on the list with our brothers in Al-Ula Summit to heal the rift. I hope eration Council for the Arab and achieve the hopes and aspi- Islamic causes. of the State’s endeavours a better future for the region. I thank the brothers in the States of the Gulf (GCC) at rations of our peoples. H H the Amir also thanked and a priority for it, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the generous welcome and I Maraya Center in Al-Ula gov- His Highness hailed the his- US President Donald Trump expressing its aspiration to ernorate in the Kingdom of toric achievement, the signing and his adviser Jared Kushner achieve the ambitions of the thank the brotherly State of Kuwait for its valued efforts. Saudi Arabia. of Al-Ula Declaration, remem- for contributing to the “noble GCC peoples for more soli- The Amir of Kuwait also bering the faithful and con- objective” and conclude the darity, growth and thanked the Custodian of the structive role of the late H H agreement. `P2 stability. Saudi Crown Prince: Saudi Arabia prioritises unified and solid GCC

QNA — AL-ULA in a way that serves the year two great leaders who Sheikh Sabah). which affirms the importance bonds of faith, kinship, and our security, stability, and pros- had a significant role in sup- He added: “We express of the solidarity and stability peoples’ common destiny. HRH Crown Prince, Deputy perity of our countries and the porting the joint Gulf action, great thanks and appreciation in the Gulf, Arab and Islamic From this standpoint, we have Prime Minister and Minister of region. H M Sultan Qaboos bin Said for the efforts to bridge the gap, countries and strengthens the to realize the high goals and Defence of the Kingdom of This came in a speech by and H H Sheikh Sabah Al as these efforts were led by H bonds of friendship and broth- foundations on which the Saudi Arabia, Prince His Royal Highness during the Ahmad. In recognition of H Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad and erhood among our countries Council is based to continue Mohammed bin Salman bin 41st session of the GCC their great efforts over continued by H H Sheikh and peoples in order to serve the march and achieve inte- Abdulaziz Al Saud, stressed that Supreme Council at Maraya decades in the support of the Nawaf Al Ahmad.” He also their aspirations. gration in all fields.” the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Center in Al-Ula governorate Gulf Cooperation Council, the hailed endeavours of the “This entity has been In this regard, he referred prioritises a unified and solid in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Custodian of the Two Holy United States of America and established based on the to the vision of the Custodian Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), While welcoming the Mosques directed that this all parties that have con- special relationship among our of the Two Holy Mosques to in addition to strengthening the guests at the outset of his summit shall be named (the tributed, adding these efforts countries and common strengthen integration among Arab and Islamic cooperation speech, he said: “We miss this Summit of Sultan Qaboos and led to Al-Ula Declaration denominators, including the the GCC states. `P2 02 HOME WEDNESDAY 6 JANUARY 2021 Amir: Al-Ula summit outcome will strengthen GCC march

Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani; HRH Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud; and other dignitaries visit historical sites in Al-Ula Governorate of Saudi Arabia, yesterday.

FROM PAGE 1 the Gulf. On leaving Al-Ula in the H H the Amir praised the Amir, Iraq President hold phone talks evening, H H the Amir sent fraternal atmosphere that pre- cables to the Custodian of the vailed in the meeting and the QNA — DOHA Two Holy Mosques King efforts exerted to make it a Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud success, and affirmed that its Today, the page of difference folded with a spirit of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani held a telephone of the Kingdom of Saudi positive outcome will responsibility and the endeavor to unfold a new page that conversation with President of the Republic of Iraq H E Dr. Arabia, and HRH Crown strengthen the march of the consolidates the meanings of solidarity and cooperation Barham Salih yesterday evening. Prince, expressing sincerest Gulf Cooperation Council, for the goodwill of the Gulf peoples and to confront the During the phone call which H H the Amir received from thanks and appreciation for bring prosperity to the Gulf challenges facing the region. All thanks and appreciation the Iraqi President, Dr. Barham Salih congratulated H H the the warm welcome and hos- peoples, and consolidate sol- to the brotherly State of Kuwait for its great efforts to Amir on the occasion of his successful participation in the 41st pitality accorded to him and idarity in facing the challenges bridge the rift and unite the Gulf. GCC Summit and the signing of Al Ula Declaration and the Final the accompanying delegation facing the region, praying to Communique of the GCC Summit, which strengthens the march during his participation in the the Almighty Allah to bless the of the Gulf Cooperation Council and the unity of the Gulf and 41st session of the Supreme Custodian of the Two Holy the Arab ranks in general. Talks over the phone also touched Council of the Cooperation Mosques and HRH Crown and to fulfil the aspirations of H H the Amir also attended on the bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries Council for the Arab States of Prince with the best of health the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi the luncheon banquet hosted and ways of prompting and developing them. Arabia for progress and pros- by HRH Crown Prince, Deputy perity under their wise Prime Minister and Minister of leadership. Defense of the sisterly Kingdom Al-Ula Governorate in the Prince Abdul Majeed bin H H the Amir and HRH of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, H H Abdulaziz Airport, H H the Amir Crown Prince also paid a tour Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud the Amir was welcomed by and the accompanying dele- Praise be to AllahJ for the meeting of the brothers at the to a number of historical sites in honor of leaders of states and HRH Crown Prince, Deputy gation were seen off by HRH Gulf Summit to heal the rift and end years of differences. in Al-Ula Governorate. H H the heads of delegations partici- Prime Minister and Minister of Crown Prince Mohammed bin We pray to Allah, guide to our guardian and leader, Amir Amir was accompanied by a pating in the 41st session of the Defence of the sisterly Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, number of Their Excellencies Supreme Council of the Coop- Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, H H Minister of Foreign Affairs H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to the goodness members of the official accom- eration Council for the Arab Prince Mohammed bin Salman Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin for the country and the people Gulf Cooperation Council. panying delegation, and a States of the Gulf (GCC) at bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Abdullah and H E Minister of number of Their Royal High- Maraya Center in Al-Ula GCC Secretary-General H E Dr. State and Member of the nesses Princes and high- Governorate. Nayef Falah Al Hajraf. Cabinet Dr. Musaed bin ranking officials. Earlier upon arrival in Upon departure from Mohammed Al Aiban. Saudi Crown Prince: Saudi Arabia Kuwait Amir appreciates efforts to prioritises unified and solid GCC support joint Gulf, Arab action FROM PAGE 1 FROM PAGE 1 his speech by saying: “The Kingdom of the region’s security and Following the speech of the It was approved by the Supreme Saudi Arabia’s firm and continuous policy, He appreciated keenness of stability. Amir of the State of Kuwait, GCC Council in the thirty-sixth session, and future plans, and ambitious development the leaders of the GCC and Egypt “Calling our Declaration the Secretary-General H E Dr. Nayef the progress it has witnessed in vision (the Kingdom Vision 2030) to exert further efforts to achieve Solidarity Agreement reflects Falah Mubarak Al Hajraf, wel- implementing its contents over the past prioritizes a unified and solid Gulf aspirations of the people. our keenness and conviction in comed the leaders of the Gulf years, while emphasizing the importance Cooperation Council, in addition to H H the Amir of the State of its importance, and it reflects Cooperation Council countries, of increasing efforts to complete the strengthening the Arab and Islamic Kuwait praised the prominent on the other hand our con- calling on the leaders and heads remaining steps towards achieving that cooperation in a way that serves the role of the Arab Republic of viction that restoring it is a con- of delegations to sign the final vision. security, stability, and prosperity of our Egypt and its positions in tinuation of our desire on unity statement of the summit and the The Saudi Crown Prince concluded countries and the region.” support of issues of concern to of our Arab nation,” he said. Al-Ula Declaration. Warm welcome to Amir trending on social media SIDI MOHAMED welcomed the return of the “The reconciliation between THE PENINSULA brotherly relations. Saudi Arabia and Qatar at the Social media users expressed beginning of this new year holds The reception accorded to Amir their joy at the scene of the up hope, positivity, motivation, H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad brotherly embrace and the words and courage to carry on with Al Thani by HRH Crown Prince, of welcome by HRH the Crown goals and plans for a prosperous Deputy Prime Minister and Prince, considering that this is a and stable community,” tweeted Minister of Defence of the historical moment and that this a social media user. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Prince embrace expresses the depth of Many others also tweeted Mohammed bin Salman bin the relationship between Saudi that they can’t forget the former Abdulaziz Al Saud, was met with Arabia and Qatar. Kuwait Amir H H Sheikh Sabah warm reaction from social media The video showing the Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah’s users. embrace has attracted thousands efforts. “We will never forget you. The Crown Prince’s wel- of reposts. After the embrace, Screenshots of some of the tweets on the visit of H H the Amir to Saudi Arabia for GCC Summit. You passed away, that is true, but coming words for the Amir — they exchanged greetings. The you are living in our hearts, inside “Welcome! Welcome! You’ve illu- HRH Crown Prince then accom- of it. Your wisdom and humanity minated the Kingdom,” — were panied his guest, H H the Amir, long time for this beautiful brotherhood between the two Turki tweeted, “Good start to have already spread,” said trending on Twitter yesterday, to the car that took him to the moment and finally, welcome countries.” 2021, Saudi Arabia and Qatar are another of twitterati. generating more than 43,000 summit venue in Al-Ula back again.” “An embrace that embodies beginning a new relationship Abul Aziz Turki tweeted, tweets. Governorate. Another user Abdullah Al the forms of all the days gone by, after four years.” “Thank you, Kuwait, the Gulf rec- The words of welcome were Under the trend “Nawart_ Al Bander tweeted: “A great a scene whose beauty can’t be Many others also affirmed onciliation summit ended in echoed widely across the Gulf Mamlakah_ Ya Tamim,” Shroq, embrace proves the depth of love described. God that perpetuates their happiness and pride to see peace. Welcome Tamim, and we and Arab region, where they a Twitter user, said: “Waited a and begins a new page full of love,” posted another. Mohamed this reconciliation. wish all countries safety.” WEDNESDAY 6 JANUARY 2021 HOME 03 GCC Summit restores full diplomatic ties between member states: Saudi FM

QNA — AL-ULA countries to work to consolidate these coordination between them, especially relations and give priority to their in the areas of combating terrorism and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the supreme interests, in a way that crimes. “What was achieved today Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, H H Prince strengthens the bonds of friendship and would not have been possible without Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, has brotherhood among their peoples, the wisdom of the leaders of the GCC affirmed that the 41st session of the establishes the principles of good countries and the tireless efforts made Supreme Council of the Gulf Cooper- neighbourliness and mutual respect, by the good means by the sisterly ation Council in Al-Ula Governorate, achieves the highest aspects of coop- country Kuwait, with the support of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, acquired eration between them in various fields, the United States of America.” great importance as it raised the and avoids any obstacles that may He said the Summit’s title was supreme interests of the Gulf Cooper- prevent their solidarity and openness and reconciliation, and it led ation Council (GCC) system and Arab cooperation. to closing the page of the past and national security. He pointed out that the States looking forward to a future dominated He said that the Summit sent a affirmed their solidarity in not by cooperation and respect among all message to the whole world that infringing any member state’s sover- participating countries in a way that regardless of the differences in the eignty or threatening their security, or preserves their security and stability, same house, the leaders of the GCC targeting the national cohesion of their adding that the leaders and heads of Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia, H H Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, countries are able to overcome all of peoples and their social fabric in any the GCC delegations discussed the speaks during a news conference at the 41st Summit of GCC, in Al-Ula yesterday. them. way, and their complete stand in the topics on the agenda. In the joint press conference with face of what violates the national and In response to a question about H E Dr. Nayef bin Falah Al Hajraf, Sec- regional security of any of them, and what was agreed upon in the Summit, the region, and support for solving the leaders to solve this problem and ensure retary-General of the GCC, at the con- their solidarity in the face of any direct the Saudi Foreign Minister said: “What problems that exist in the face of the real cohesion that supports the stability clusion of the GCC Summit, the Saudi or indirect interventions in the internal happened today is a complete folding great challenges that threaten regional of the region, and supports our ability Foreign Minister expressed his appre- affairs of any of them, and strength- of the points of disagreement, a com- security in the Gulf and Arab national to confront the challenges. We are very ciation for what had been achieved ening cooperation to combat terrorist plete return to diplomatic relations, security in general. “We will now work optimistic that this agreement is a very yesterday with the signing of the Al-Ula entities and organisations that and all that serves relations between as one system together to face all these important step towards stability and to statement, a new page in order to undermine their security and target the member states and the Republic of risks facing the region, and we will the success of the Gulf countries, Egypt achieve security and stability in the their stability. Egypt, and it will be a strong and cooperate in solving and dealing with and the region in general. What we have region for its peoples, away from all H H Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin important building block for the future them.” witnessed today through the meeting the past causes and troubles, pointing Abdullah stated that the Al-Ula Decla- and stability of the region.” In response to another question and in the previous days of good inten- out that the Al-Ula statement empha- ration included the commitment of the He added that the agreement will about mechanisms and guarantees for tions, cooperation, consensus and pos- sised the close and established ties and states parties to end all relevant issues, support the unified Arab position, and the implementation of what was agreed itive communication between the lead- relations of the GCC states that are based on their keenness to maintain any agreement that increases the upon at the Summit, H H Prince Faisal erships makes us confident that this based on the Islamic faith and a the continuity of the contents of the power of the countries of the region in bin Farhan bin Abdullah said: “We have agreement will have complete sustain- common destiny. statement, and to strengthen cooper- cooperation, coordination and col- only reached this agreement with the ability and will be a building block in He said that this calls on these ation through bilateral discussions and lective action will support stability in presence of a real will among the strengthening Arab construction. “ Al-Ula Declaration affirms noble objectives of GCC integration QNA — AL-ULA provisions stipulated in the based on the vision G20 and “Riyadh Initiative” statute on coordination, coop- of the Custodian of regarding cooperation in inves- The leaders of the Gulf Cooper- eration and integration among the Two Holy tigating cross-border corruption ation Council (GCC) for Arab the GCC member states shall Mosques, in addition cases and prosecuting their per- States confirmed the noble best serve the noble objectives to enabling the petrators, as corruption con- objectives of the GCC, as stipu- of the Arab nation. Center to coordinate stitute a major impact on eco- lated in its statute to realize The Declaration added that joint Gulf action to nomic growth, sustainable cooperation, interconnection the challenge of the novel coro- confront the development, and mutual trust and integration among the navirus pandemic proved to be COVID-19 pandemic between governments and member states, in all domains, possibly overcome through and other peoples. The Declaration high- for reaching their unity, consol- cooperation among the world epidemics. lights promoting military inte- idating its regional and inter- nations such as the G20 unprec- Completing the gration among the GCC coun- national roles and working as edented achievements reached requirements of the tries under the supervision of one political and economic during the presidency of the Customs Union and the Joint Defense Council, the group to contribute to realising Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in this the Gulf Common Supreme Military Committee security, peace, stability and respect. The Declaration con- Market, in addition and the Unified Military prosperity in the region. tinued, “No doubt that com- to achieving full Command of the Gulf Cooper- This was unfolded in Al-Ula bating the pandemic and economic citi- ation Council, to face the Declaration which was issued tackling its fall outs enhance zenship, including emerging challenges, based on at the conclusion of 41st session corroborating GCC joint action, granting citizens of the joint defence agreement and of the Supreme Council of the especially, as following: the GCC countries the principle of collective GCC member states “Sultan The full and precise carrying freedom to work, GCC Secretary-General H E Nayef Falah Al Hajraf during a news conference at security for the GCC countries. Qaboos and Sheikh Sabah out of the vision of the Cus- travel and invest, as the GCC’s 41st Summit in Al-Ula, Saudi Arabia, yesterday. Al-Ula Declaration stressed Summit” in Al-Ula, the Kingdom todian of the Two Holy Mosques well as equal access importance of enhancing of Saudi Arabia. King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al to education and health care, in encouraging initiatives related strengthening cooperation regional and international role Al-Ula Declaration — read Saud, the King of the Kingdom addition to establishing the Gulf to the digital economy and between the Council’s institu- of the Council by unifying by Secretary-General of GCC of Saudi Arabia, which has been railway network, food and mandating the Council’s tions and the Digital Cooper- political positions and devel- H E Nayef Falah Al Hajraf — endorsed by the Supreme water security system, encour- General Secretariat to follow up ation Organization which was oping strategic partnerships noted that GCC citizens hold Council in its 36th session, in aging joint projects. and develop plans and pro- established in 2020. between the GCC and the states, great hopes that Al-Ula summit December 2015, in accordance The Declaration stressed on grams to implement this in Al-Ula Declaration high- groups and regional and inter- statement would restore the with a fixed time-table and benefiting from advanced tools cooperation with specialised lighted the importance of national organisations in a way joint action to its normal track close following-up, including developed for cooperation expertise houses. enhancing the tools of gov- that serves common interests. and enhance ties of amity and completing the prerequisites of within the framework of the This is a long developing ernance, transparency, The Sultan Qaboos and brotherhood among the peoples the economic unity and the joint G20, during the presidency of technical capability in gov- accountability and integrity, Sheikh Sabah Summit con- of the region. defense as well as security the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, ernment agencies, including and combating corruption firmed the keenness of GCC The Arab Republic of Egypt’s systems and a unified foreign in all fields, including stimu- artificial intelligence, to ensure through the joint Gulf action leaders on consolidating the signing of Al-Ula Declaration policy materialisation. lating the economy, engaging speedy and efficient implemen- and in all bodies of the GCC and council’s gains, achieving the confirms cementing brotherly Activating the role of the the business sector and civil tation of services and proce- its offices and specialised aspirations of citizens of GCC relations that binding the sis- “Gulf Center for Disease Pre- society institutions, empow- dures, in addition to developing organizations; and benefiting countries, and overcoming all terly Egypt to the GCC member vention and Control” which was ering women and youth in eco- educational curricula, health from what was agreed upon obstacles that hinder the joint states, proceeding from established at this summit, nomic development, and care and digital trade within the framework of the work process. Global praise for reopening of Qatar-Saudi borders

QNA — DOHA yesterday, the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs appreciated The US Department of State Any measure that leads to calm l welcome the decision to other steps being taken by the welcomed the decision to open and normalcy among Arab countries of the Gulf Cooperation the airspace and the land and sea reopen the borders between Council (GCC), which will con- borders between the Kingdom of countries will be in the interest Qatar and Saudi Arabia. This is a tribute to resolution of out- Saudi Arabia and the State of of the collective Arab unity, and very important step to achieve standing issues between the GCC Qatar. in turn would strengthens the reconciliation in the Gulf region. countries. “A resolution of the wider Arab League. Pakistan lauds the positive three-year dispute between the role played by the Amir of the Quartet and Qatar is in the Volkan Bozkir State of Kuwait towards the res- interest of all Gulf Cooperation Ahmed Aboul Gheit President of the United Nations olution of the differences Council GCC members as well as Secretary-General of the Arab League General Assembly between the countries of the the interest of the United States,” GCC, the statement said, adding said a State Department spokes- that his persistent and sincere person in a statement to Al Hurra The Ministry praised the Minister of Foreign Affairs and and all the parties to end the League.” efforts, and cooperation of the TV channel. efforts of the international actors Expatriates Ayman Safadi said crisis. “There is no doubt that the GCC countries, led to this Kuwaiti Foreign Minister who contributed to reaching the that the final communique by the Safadi said Jordan will con- huge challenges facing the Arab important and amicable Sheikh Ahmad Nasser Al agreement through their medi- Gulf Arab leaders is a major tinue to work with all the world call for healing the rift as outcome. Pakistan continues to Mohammad Al Sabah announced ation efforts, led by the State of achievement to heal the rift, end brothers to promote solidarity soon as possible and achieving accord high importance to its on Monday that an agreement Kuwait. the Gulf crisis and restore the and joint Arab action to face chal- consensus between Arab relationship with the Gulf Coop- had been reached according to The Ministry expressed the brotherly relations to their lenges and deepen Arab cooper- brothers, as any Arab differences eration Council, as well as its which the airspace and land and hope for a comprehensive and normal course, which will bolster ation in the service of joint Arab should be solved for the sake of bilateral relations with all GCC sea borders would be opened permanent resolution of the Gulf solidarity and stability in the Arab interests and to achieve a better Arab security, which we all need countries, the Ministry said. between the Kingdom of Saudi rift on the basis of mutual respect Gulf region, serve its people’s future for all Arab countries. as soon as possible,” he added. President of the 75th Session Arabia and the State of Qatar, for the sovereignty of the coun- aspirations for development and Secretary-General of the Aboul Gheit stressed on working of the United Nations General starting from Monday night. tries, stressing that Turkey, which prosperity and strengthen pan- Arab League Ahmed Aboul Gheit to reinforce a positive situation Assembly Volkan Bozkir wel- Turkey also welcomed the is a strategic partner of the Gulf Arab solidarity and efforts to face has also welcomed the outcome that emerged from the “Al Ula comed the reopening of borders decision to open the airspace and Cooperation Council and places common challenges. of the Gulf Cooperation Council summit” and build on it to between the State of Qatar and land and sea borders between the great importance on the security Safadi hailed the keenness of (GCC) summit, which was held enhance confidence, appreci- the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. State of Qatar and the Kingdom and stability of the Gulf region, all the brothers to enhance Gulf yesterday in Al Ula governorate ating efforts exerted by involved “l welcome the decision to of Saudi Arabia. will continue to support all efforts and Arab solidarity and stability, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Arab countries to end the Arab reopen the borders between “We welcome the agreement in this direction. which was manifest in the In a statement following his rift, at a difficult time where Qatar and Saudi Arabia. This is a made to open land, sea and air The Hashemite Kingdom of agreement to end the dispute and participation in the GCC summit, Arabs are facing huge very important step to achieve borders between Qatar and Saudi Jordan welcomed yesterday the bring reconciliation. Aboul Gheit, affirmed that “any challenges. reconciliation in the Gulf region,” Arabia as of tonight,” the Turkish outcome of the 41st session of the The minister valued the effective measure that leads to The Islamic Republic of Bozkir said on his Twitter Foreign Ministry said in a Supreme Council of the Cooper- efforts of the late Kuwaiti Amir calm and normalcy among Arab Pakistan also welcomed the account. statement, noting that this devel- ation Council for the Arab States Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber countries will be in the interest decision to reopen the airspace “l strongly support the con- opment is an important step of the Gulf (GCC), hosted by the Al Sabah, which were pursued of the collective Arab unity, and and land and sea borders tributions of Kuwait and towards resolving the Gulf crisis Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In a by H H Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al it for sure it is welcome, and in between the State of Qatar and encourage resolution of the dif- that has been going on since June statement reported by Petra, Jor- Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, as well turns would strengthens the the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In ferences through dialogue and 2017. dan’s Deputy Premier and as the efforts of the United States power and influence of the Arab a statement posted on its website diplomacy,” he added. 04 HOME WEDNESDAY 6 JANUARY 2021

MoPH reports Remarkable achievements in 2020 208 new cases, 131 recoveries by Kahramaa in utility supplies THE PENINSULA – DOHA The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) yesterday announced THE PENINSULA – DOHA the registration of 208 new confirmed COVID-19. Among Qatar General Electricity and them, 25 were travelers Water Corporation (Kahramaa) returning from abroad. in 2020 implemented several Also, 131 people have strategic projects that enabled recovered from the virus, uninterrupted electricity and bringing the total number of water supply to 184,229 recovered cases in Qatar to customers with 817,790 meters 142,056. All new cases are in throughout the year. isolation and are receiving nec- The projects helped increase essary healthcare. water production, which was While the first phase of recorded in 2020 by 690 million COVID-19 vaccinations has cubic meters, while the storage started in Qatar and in the capacity reached 2,204 million coming months it will be gallons, compared to 1,678 available for the public for free, million gallons in 2019, an A Kahramaa project to store power using batteries. A newly built substation of Kahramaa. the Ministry has stressed it is increase of 31%. important for everyone to play This came in the 2020 their role in controlling the virus achievements' report issued by capacity. A lift line at the Rawdat maximum load from last year, by following precautionary Kahramaa recently. Kahramaa Rashid station was also opened with The projects helped thanks to the 65 boosting measures, including adhering in 2020 achieved a new world an estimated pumping capacity of increase water production, projects. to physical distancing; record for Qatar by entering the 62 million gallons per day. which was recorded in It has started installing elec- avoiding close contact with Guinness Book of Records for the Kahramaa said that it tricity meters in all major substa- others, crowded places, and Largest Drinking Water Storage operates the electricity and water 2020 by 690 million cubic tions to record added consump- confined closed spaces where Tank worldwide in the project of networks according to the latest meters, while the storage tions and is installed in 185 sta- other people congregate; the major strategic water storage technology applied globally and capacity reached 2,204 tions with 369 meters. wearing a face mask and tanks. focuses on delivering them with million gallons, compared Kahramaa launched a new washing hands regularly. Kahramaa maintained over high quality to all customers, to 1,678 million gallons in system for monitoring network The Ministry further said that 99% for biological conformity which reached 184,229 by the variables, establishing a tem- measures to tackle COVID-19 in and 95% of WHO standards in end of last year. 2019, an increase of 31%. porary reserve distribution Qatar have succeeded in flat- terms of water quality. In 2020, Last year, the number of control center to use in emer- tening the curve and limiting the samples were collected for water meters reached 817,790, gency conditions, especially spread of the virus. quality tests from 12,720 points, including 432,980 electricity President of Kahramaa, Eng with the spread of COVID-19, The Ministry asked people to including production stations, meters and 384,398 water Essa bin Hilal Al Kuwari. feeding the metro network and and finding appropriate solu- be careful and protect the most reservoirs, and the distribution meters, compared to 773,999 in 20 transmission stations, tions to monitor and control the vulnerable while COVID-19 network. 2019, pushing Kahramaa to including the major Al Suwaidi network. restrictions are being lifted. Last year, Kahramaa dealt implement more projects to meet which reached a maximum load Substation of 400 /132kV. It is working with the strategy “Even though restrictions are with 6,210 complaints, responded current and future needs. of 8,600 megawatts in 2020, com- The total new substations for conserving natural gas con- being lifted, and numbers are to 336 invisible leaks, conducted Kahramaa made remarkable pared to 8,475 megawatts in 2019. reached 856, in addition to 39 sumption, and 1.7 million gas declining, this does not mean that maintenance of 45 water instal- achievements in power gener- Kahramaa launched 28 sub- stations to feed FIFA World Cup units were saved, at a value the COVID-19 pandemic is fin- lations, developed 59 new water ation, thanks to its operations to stations, including 12 for major 2022 stadiums, where the last of QR17.28m. ished in Qatar – people continue harvesting wells, rehabilitated 119 improve stations' efficiency. It clients, 13 for the transmission its station came into operation, The efforts made by Kah- to be admitted with moderate to old wells, and implemented 236 strengthened this sector with a network, in addition to 19 under- instead of operating 1,396 distri- ramaa helped decrease the severe COVID-19 symptoms,” km new water networks. trend to benefit from clean and ground cable circuits, and two bution transformers, extending total number of medium said the Ministry. Transmission lines of various renewable energy. It began pro- suspension lines connected to the 1,818 km of electrical connections voltage faults recorded during “Unless we follow all pre- diameters, including giant tanks ducing electricity using solar control centers, at the cost of over for medium and low voltage, and the year by 1.4%, compared to cautionary measures, we may with a length of 269 km, were panels, taking advantage of QR2.5bn. 225 km for high and the faults in 2019. The failure experience a second wave of the launched to improve the net- Qatar's geographical location. It also launched a project to ultravoltages. response index improved, as virus and see numbers work's performance. Kahramaa recently signed the store power using batteries, Kahramaa succeeded in the average response times by increasing – there are already Besides, Kahramaa inaugu- Great Kharsaah plant's agreements connect it to a local Nuaija sub- reducing the number of main sta- emergency centers reached 55 signs of this happening in other rated a water tank and a lifting to produce electricity using pho- station at the capacity of 11 tions whose loads exceeded the minutes, while the average countries around the world. station in Lusail, with a capacity of tovoltaic panels at the cost of kilovolts. capacity during the summer of maintenance times reached Now more than ever, we must 6.6 million gallons, to improve QR1.7bn, to provide electricity for Kahramaa inaugurated sub- 2020 from 15 to 9, despite the 1.40 hours, registering a sig- be careful and protect the most pumping and increase storage the urban and economic boom, stations and transmission lines increase in the network's 6% nificant improvement in 2020. vulnerable,” it added. Falls Prevention Clinic offers lifeline Papa John’s launches a ‘Slice of to patients with mobility impairment Happiness’ to thank unsung heroes THE PENINSULA – DOHA diagnosing the cause of imbalance and falls, and if The new Falls Prevention Clinic required, arrange for patients’ THE PENINSULA – DOHA located in Qatar Rehabilitation referrals to other specialties, such Institute (QRI) aims to enhance as cardiology or neurology. Med- Papa John's is recognising the patient mobility while preventing ication reconciliation is also unsung heroes who have falls and fractures through important as some medications worked tirelessly to keep the evidence-based practice and can contribute to fall incidences. nation safe by providing a 'Slice research. The clinic also prescribes appro- of Happiness' to say thank you. The clinic is a referral-based priate medication to aid health Papa John's will donate 1,000 clinic that specializes in pre- conditions, such as bone health small pizza vouchers to the venting falls and fractures among support. Hamad Hospital Staff, those adults aged 60 years and older. Dr. Hanadi Al Hamad Consultant Geriatrician and who deserve recognition most: That service provides a weekly falls expert in the Geriatric and nurses, doctors, and all front clinic which receives around 25 this specialised clinic, as many Long-Term Care Department at liners. Those in the commu- patients per month aged over 65 of the multidisciplinary teams Hamad Medical Corporation nities who have helped navigate years of age as well as some cases needed in falls risk assessment (HMC), said, “The seriousness of this enormously challenging under 65 years of age. and care are based here. Our a fall depends on the nature of year. Qatar’s National Health teams use evidence-based best- the accident and how the person Representatives of Papa Representatives of Papa John’s Pizza handing vouchers to Nasser Strategy lead for Healthy Ageing, practice approaches to provide lands when they fall. John's Pizza - Joseph Joseph, Al Naimi. Dr. Hanadi Al Hamad said, comprehensive geriatric "In our clinic we see patients General Manager; Rohit Chavan, “Serious falls are among the assessment that includes spe- who have had falls and require Marketing Manager, and Bjorn major reasons for disability and cialized falls risk assessment in assessment of further medical Lu, Operation Manager handed as a goodwill gesture of giving recognise and reward as many even mortality in people with order to provide appropriate care treatment and physiotherapy to over the vouchers to Nasser Al back to our frontline heroes, on of these unsung heroes as pos- advanced age, especially if they recommendations,” added Dr. Al help strengthen their muscles. Naimi, Deputy Chief of Quality behalf of HMC, I would like to sible. We know people love also have frailty and other pre- Hamad. But we also try and see people for Center for Patient Experience thank Papa John's Pizza for rec- pizza, and we want to share existing medical condition. Our The impetus for the new QRI early on before they have had a and Staff Engagement (CPESE) ognising the heroic efforts of ours to say thank you." mission with this clinic is to based clinic follows the suc- fall. Perhaps they have started to and Director of Hamad our frontlines," said Al Naimi. During the lockdown, Papa identify the reasons why our cessful establishment of a spe- experience increased mobility Healthcare Quality Institute Joseph Joseph, General John's offered 50% off on its patients fall, and to address these cialised falls prevention clinic for problems and we look to assess (HHQI). Manager at Papa John's Pizza menu for all health care risk factors in collaboration with the elderly at Al Rumailah Hos- their risk of falling and provide "Our HMC front liners Qatar, said: "We owe an workers and front liners. To multidisciplinary teams." pital a year ago, in December them with treatment options to bravely fought through the enormous debt of gratitude this appreciate the effort of local “QRI is an ideal location for 2019. A major function is reduce this risk." challenges of the pandemic. year towards those who have police & healthcare, Papa There are countless ways for us gone the extra mile to care for John's and Qatar Charity dis- to show them our appreciation and support vulnerable com- tributed 500 free pizza to for their noble and selfless acts. munities across the globe. With police staff and front-liners As one of the first private estab- the 'Slice of Happiness' cam- who are on duty fighting the lishments in Qatar to tap HMC paign, Papa John's wants to pandemic. TII opens registration for creative writing course THE PENINSULA – DOHA acting Director of Communi- of the new course, the Director cations and Public Relations of the Language Center, Dr. The Language Center at the at Qatar University. Al Maa- Nima Nazari, said, “An Translation and Interpreting deed’s published novels important part of our vision Institute (TII), part of the include The Lost Rose and at the Language Center is to College of Humanities and Calling Magic. serve Qatar’s diverse com- Social Sciences (CHSS) at The course will be munity, and so we are very Hamad bin Khalifa University delivered online from excited to expand our course (HBKU), has opened regis- January 18 to February 3, and offerings. tration for its new creative classes will be held on The creative writing writing course in collabo- Mondays and Wednesdays course is designed to give all ration with Qalam Hebr. This from 4 pm to 6 pm. Each our participants the tools they company provides local session will focus on a dif- need to develop their writing writers with creative writing ferent aspect of honing the projects and hone their craft platforms. writer’s craft. In the course and the opportunity to do so Introduction to Creative of the program, participants under the guidance of one of Writing: Short Fiction will be will understand how each of Qatar’s most talented offered in English by these elements combines to authors.” Kummam Al Maadeed, prom- produce compelling fiction. Due to limited spaces, inent Qatari novelist and Commenting on the launch early registration is advised. WEDNESDAY 6 JANUARY 2021 HOME 05 SC engages communities across QU CETL hosts the 12th Excellence Day

Qatar on the road to 2022 THE PENINSULA — DOHA

THE PENINSULA — DOHA The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL), The Supreme Committee for under the Office of the Vice Delivery & Legacy (SC) has President for Academic Affairs, continued to engage thousands recently conducted its 12th of people in Qatar as the coun- Excellence Day conference try’s FIFA World Cup prepara- with the theme “Professional tions continue. Development: Investment for Despite the ongoing pan- Times of Crises.” demic, various programmes The event, which was held and initiatives run by the SC’s virtually via the WebEx Community Engagement platform, brought together Division thrived in 2020 as faculty members from across Qatar aims to involve everyone Qatar University (QU) to share Dr. Omar Al Ansari, Vice-President on its World Cup journey. their thoughts and perspectives for Academic Affairs at QU. During 2020, the SC as educators about the various increased its number of agree- surprising and, in many cases, the pandemic and to plan for a ments with local community unprecedented events that took “new normal” in teaching and groups to 53. As part of these place at QU in 2020. learning that integrates both agreements, groups are given A major focus was on online and traditional teaching access to the SC’s Community detailing and disseminating the models to create “blended” Grant Scheme. Eight projects various methods that the QU modes of instruction in the A file picture of artistes performing at the Fan Zone before Amir Cup 2020. received funds in the last year faculty developed and imple- post-pandemic era. as SC helps boost local projects mented to ensure that they The event included an and ensure their lucky volunteers got the chance and provide feedback. for Community Engagement could continue to provide high- initial presentation entitled sustainability. to play football on the pitch Community Engagement took place on Qatar National quality educational experiences “Future of Education: The Community Engagement during a four-team has also focused on engaging Day during the inauguration of as QU shifted its entire cur- Pivotal Role of Professional also focused its efforts on vol- tournament. local students through a range Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Al riculum online. Development” by Dr. Husam unteering during 2020. The SC has also continued of workshops and seminars at Rayyan. Dr. Omar Al Ansari, Vice Aldamen, Director of the The Volunteer Programme, to prepare for the most acces- schools and universities in As part of the event, Com- President for Academic Affairs, Center for Excellence in established in 2018, already sible FIFA World Cup in tour- 2020. munity Engagement organised opened the event and wel- Teaching and Learning, and contains a database of more nament history through its Lectures were held on a series of fan activations and comed faculty members back his colleague Dr. Chris Stryker. than 260,000 people inter- Accessibility Forum. several topics, including the cultural experiences to benefit for the spring semester. They highlighted the critical ested in supporting the delivery In 2020, visits to Education Qatar 2022 cultural experience spectators. +Khaled Al Suwaidi, He thanked Dr. Husam importance of proactive pro- of both Qatar 2022 and SC City and Ahmad Bin Ali sta- and Generation Amazing – one Stakeholder Relations Senior Aldamen and the CETL team fessional development for events. diums were organised for of SC’s legacy programmes. Manager, said: “Despite the for organizing the event and educators in the post-pan- Thousands of volunteers forum members to test facilities A key highlight of the year pandemic, it’s been a very busy highlighted that, because of demic world. have supported a vast number year, culminating with the inau- its talented and dedicated They explained how the of SC events in recent months, guration of Ahmad Bin Ali faculty, the university was CETL is poised to revolutionise including the inauguration of Stadium. able to pivot to online and enhance professional Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium and The Fan Zone activations teaching in one week and development at Qatar Uni- Qatar’s hosting of AFC Cham- were very well received, and it continue to educate its versity with the introduction of pions League matches. was incredibly fulfilling to see roughly 20,000 students its new Education Excellence Besides, Community these activities being enjoyed throughout the pandemic. Dr. Program (EEP) and the uni- Engagement held a webinar in by fans of all ages during the Omar was clear to indicate versity-wide rollout of “Digital November to share details event. It was the perfect end to that this success resulted from Badge” micro-credentials for about the Volunteer Pro- what has been a difficult year the cooperation and determi- faculty participating in CETL gramme with community for everyone.” nation of the entire QU faculty professional development leaders. On December 5, Inter- “We will continue to engage community. offerings. national Volunteer Day – an with everyone in Qatar as we During his remarks, Dr. The event also included a event was held at Khalifa Inter- get ever closer to the first World Omar also emphasized QU’s presentation entitled “What national Stadium to pay tribute Cup in our region. We believe primary mission of promoting COVID-19 has done to Profes- to the thousands of people who every resident is an ambassador learning among its many stu- sional Development of have supported SC events in for our tournament and will dents. In this context, he Teachers in Higher Education?” recent years. benefit from Qatar’s hosting of encouraged faculty members by Dr. Samer Gharib, an Edu- During the event, attended the tournament,” Al Suwaidi to think about “what will cation Developer at the Uni- Fans watching a football tournament. by several SC ambassadors, 60 added. happen next” in education after versity of Essex. WCM-Q launches new webinar series on population health THE PENINSULA – DOHA Dean for the Institute for Pop- of upheaval. Dr. Mamtani pre- ulation Health, Dr. Sohaila sented research which showed The Institute for Population Cheema and Assistant Director that the interruption of healthy Health (IPH) at Weill Cornell for the Institute for Population habits caused by pandemics can Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) has Health, Dr. Sathyanarayanan lead to reduced physical launched a new series of Doraiswamy. activity, poor food choices and webinars to explore how The series began with a indulgence in substance abuse, evidence-based integrative and live webinar delivered by all of which make non-commu- preventive approaches can Dean of WCM-Q and Professor nicable diseases such diabetes, promote health and help tackle of Psychiatry and Population hypertension, heart disease, major global health challenges Health Sciences, Dr. Javaid I. cancer, obesity and depression The Population Health and Sheikh entitled ‘Life in Tran- more likely. Well-being webinar series fea- sition: Thriving During the That webinar was followed tures a different expert speaker Pandemic and Beyond’. In the by the next in the series, given each month discussing the webinar, Dr. Sheikh empha- by Founder and President of the major health challenges facing sized the importance of True Health Initiative and Past populations across the world, building resilience, social con- President of the American such as the obesity and type 2 nectedness, self-care (both College of Lifestyle Medicine, diabetes epidemic, infectious emotional and physical), and Dr. David L. Katz who spoke disease pandemics, the rising maintaining a sense of about using harm minimization rate of mental illness, health purpose during the unprece- strategies to protect the most inequity, healthcare system dented circumstances pre- vulnerable from both the direct design, and gaps in healthcare sented by the pandemic. He harms of COVID-19 and indirect professionals’ education and also gave practical examples harms presented by social and training, among many others. of ways to learn and enhance economic disruption. Underlying the series is a personal resilience, deal with Dr. Cheema said, “This new guiding theme that a wide stress and take care of one’s series of webinars presents us range of behavioral, societal emotional and physical well- with a very exciting new forum and environmental factors neg- being through regular within which to conceptualize atively impact the health of exercise, sufficient sleep, fol- new approaches to protecting populations, and that inte- lowing a healthy diet and and enhancing the health of all grating lifestyle-based, pre- using meditation, prayer and people. ventive approaches into con- relaxation techniques. We firmly believe that to ventional healthcare systems The next webinar in the truly address the gravest health is key to improving health and series was presented by Dr. challenges facing us today we well-being for all. Mamtani and was entitled need to move beyond the tra- The webinar series is the Energizing lifestyle medicine in ditional curative paradigm and creation of the IPH, led by Vice challenging times. Dr. Mamtani embrace preventive Dean for Student Affairs- explained how lifestyle med- approaches to healthcare, Admissions, Population Health, icine approaches can continue understood within the context and Lifestyle Medicine, Dr. to be effective at preventing and of the wider society and our Ravinder Mamtani; Assistant treating disease even in times environment.”

FROM LEFT: Dr. Javaid Sheikh, Dr. Ravinder Mamtani and Dr. David L Katz 06 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA WEDNESDAY 6 JANUARY 2021 Iran denies seizing Korean ship and holding crew hostage

REUTERS — SEOUL Responding to South Iran’s ambassador in Seoul, Korean allegations Saeed Badamchi Shabestari, Iran denied yesterday it was asked about the status of the using a South Korean ship and Iranian government ship’s crew before his meeting its crew as hostages, a day after at the foreign ministry, told it seized the tanker in the Gulf spokesman Ali reporters “all of them are safe”. while pressing a demand for Rabiei told a news In addition to a South Seoul to release $7bn in funds Korean delegation expected to frozen under US sanctions. conference: “We’ve go to Iran as soon as possible to The seizure of the MT become used to such try to free the ship, South Hankuk Chemi and its Korea’s Vice-Foreign Minister, 20-member crew near the stra- allegations. But if Choi Jong-kun, is scheduled to tegic Strait of Hormuz has been there is any hostage- visit Iran on Sunday. Iranian seen as an attempt by Tehran state TV cited a Tehran gov- to assert its demands, just two taking, it is Korea’s ernment official as saying the weeks before President-elect government that is visit had been scheduled Joe Biden takes office in the earlier, to discuss the frozen United States. holding $7bn, which funds. Iran wants Biden to lift belongs to us, hostage The ship’s Busan-based sanctions imposed by outgoing operator, Taikun Shipping Co Drones are seen during a large-scale drone combat exercise of Army of the Islamic Republic of Iran, President Donald Trump. on baseless grounds.” Ltd, said there had been nothing in Semnan, Iran, yesterday. Tehran’s critics have long to indicate before the vessel accused it of capturing ships was seized that Iranian author- and foreign prisoners as a system under the US sanctions, ities were probing possible vio- Iran tests drones in military exercise method of gaining leverage in which were imposed by Trump lations of environmental rules. negotiations. after he abandoned a nuclear “If it really was marine pol- REUTERS — DUBAI fiercely,” said Mohammad on Tehran in the final weeks of “We’ve become used to agreement reached with Iran lution, as they say, the coast- Baqeri, chief of staff of the Donald Trump's presidency. such allegations,” Iranian gov- under his predecessor Barack guard was supposed to Iran launched exercises armed forces, quoted by state Washington blacklisted ernment spokesman Ali Rabiei Obama. approach the ship first,” featuring a wide array of media. more than a dozen entities and told a news conference. “But if Iran says the sanctions are Taikun’s management director, domestically produced drones Foreign Minister one person, according to the there is any hostage-taking, it illegal and have hurt its Lee Chun-hee, said by tele- yesterday, Iranian media Mohammad Javad Zarif has said website. is Korea’s government that is economy, including its ability phone. “But instead, armed sol- reported, days after the anni- US President Donald Trump Biden aims to revive a holding $7bn, which belongs to to respond to the worst out- diers approached the crew and versary of the US killing of a top may be trying to find an excuse nuclear agreement with Iran us, hostage on baseless break of COVID-19 in the said they needed to be Iranian general by a drone to attack Iran in his last days in abandoned by Trump, though grounds.” Middle East. investigated.” strike in Iraq. office, or Israel might try to diplomacy is expected to be South Korea summoned Biden aims to revive the Last Sunday, the Tehran Iran and the regional forces provoke a war. Israel rejected tricky. the Iranian ambassador, called nuclear agreement, but any Times newspaper reported Iran it backs have increasingly relied the allegation. Beyond surveillance, Iranian for the ship to be released and thaw is likely to pose a diplo- was hoping to negotiate an in recent years on drones in The exercises coincided drones can drop munitions and said it was dispatching a dele- matic challenge. Since Trump agreement to use the frozen Yemen, Syria, Iraq and the with increased tensions also carry out a “kamikaze” flight gation to Iran to discuss it. Iran abandoned the deal, Iran has funds to trade for commodities, Strait of Hormuz at the mouth between Iran and the United when loaded with explosives and says the ship was held over taken steps that violate it; Biden including coronavirus vaccine of the Gulf. States, two days after the first flown into a target, according to environmental violations. says Iran must be fully com- doses. Iran’s armed forces are to anniversary of the killing of a US official. Iran’s ability to challenge pliant before the deal can be According to South Korean test combat drones used as Iranian general Qassem Sole- Iran has developed a large shipping in the Gulf is one of its restored, while Iran says Wash- news agency Yonhap, a foreign bombers, interceptors and in imani in a US drone strike at domestic arms industry in the main points of leverage in what ington must first lift the ministry official said the Iranian reconnaissance missions in the Baghdad airport, and two face of international sanctions is expected to be a difficult sanctions. government had tried to secure two-day exercises in central weeks before President-elect and embargoes barring it from negotiation when the Biden South Korea’s Foreign Min- vaccines through the global Semnan province, the semi- Joe Biden takes office. importing many weapons. administration takes office on ister, Kang Kyung-wha said COVAX initiative, backed by the official Fars news agency said. Yesterday, the United States Western military analysts say January 20. In 2019, Iran held yeserday she was making dip- World Health Organisation. “The fingers of our heroic imposed fresh Iran-related Iran sometimes exaggerates its a British tanker for two months. lomatic efforts to secure the Tehran had been in talks with armed forces are on the trigger, sanctions targeting the steel weapons capabilities, though South Korea, like other release of the tanker and had the ministry and the US and if enemies commit the sector, according to the concerns about its ballistic mis- countries, is required to limit made contact with her coun- Treasury to pay for the doses slightest mistake, the armed Treasury Department's website, siles contributed to Washington Iran’s access to its financial terpart in Tehran. with South Korean won. forces will surely respond continuing to increase pressure leaving the nuclear pact.

Tunisia PM sacks interior minister, Iran rebukes European criticism of uranium enrichment AL JAZEERA — TEHRAN about Iran using its rights, the from taking actions that might near Tehran in late November, IR-2M centrifuges, two cascades baring tensions European Union should think escalate tensions” in an effort parliament passed a bill that of which consisting of 320 centri- with President Iran has rejected European crit- something about its own com- to let diplomatic efforts prevail. obligates the government to fuges have already been installed. icism of the country’s mitments left on the ground.” Under the nuclear deal, Iran increase enrichment and Iran’s nuclear chief added enrichment of uranium to 20 Shortly after Iran announced committed to capping uranium uranium stockpiles. efforts are under way to secure REUTERS — TUNIS percent as China urged restraint it had resumed enriching 20 enrichment at 3.67 percent The government of mod- funding to install the 1,000 and the United States slammed percent uranium at the Fordow while also limiting its uranium erate President Hassan Rouhani next-generation IR-6 centri- Tunisian Prime Minister the move defying the nuclear nuclear plant and would have the stockpiles and advanced has said it opposes the legis- fuges demanded by law without Hichem Mechichi yesterday accord. first batch of end product UF6 centrifuges. lation but has no choice but to saying where the funds will be sacked his interior Minister, During his weekly press within hours, the EU warned the As verified by the Interna- obey the law. provided from. who is close to President Kais conference in Tehran, gov- move was a “considerable tional Atomic Energy Agency On Monday, the outgoing Shortly after the law was Saied, a move underscoring ernment spokesman Ali Rabiei departure” from Tehran’s com- (IAEA) in 12 reports, Iran Donald Trump administration approved by the parliament and tensions between the country’s said Iran’s announcement on mitments under the nuclear deal. remained fully committed to the said the move by Iran is “a clear the powerful constitutional two most powerful leaders. Monday that it started enriching The European Commission nuclear deal until May 2019, attempt to increase its cam- vetting body Guardian Council, Saied and Mechichi are at uranium to a purity of 20 said yesterday it regretted Iran’s when it announced it would paign of nuclear extortion”. Salehi harshly criticised it. odds over their respective percent is fully in line with leg- decision. gradually scale down its com- Ali Akbar Salehi, head of “Where should the money powers and political alliances. islation mandated by par- “We are highly concerned mitments in response to short- Iran’s Atomic Energy Agency, come from? If it’s local With the dismissal of Interior liament and article 36 of the by the measures taken by Iran. comings by other parties. yesterday said the organisation resources, then they either don’t Minister Taoufik Charfeddine, nuclear deal it reached with This action is in breach of Iran’s A year earlier, the US uni- can produce between 17 to 20 know how much local resources the tensions could mushroom world powers in 2015. nuclear commitments and will laterally exited the deal and grams of 20 percent enriched we have or they don’t know into a crisis threatening a col- “So long as all parties [to the have serious implications,” a imposed harsh economic sanc- uranium per hour. “So we can how much IR-6 centrifuges lapse of the technocratic nuclear deal] do not stand by spokesman for the Commission tions on Iran while Europe produce about eight or nine kil- cost,” he said. government. their commitments, Iran deems told a regular briefing. shunned business dealings with ograms per month and reach In a late-night interview on A cabinet statement said its right to react appropriately,” “It is regrettable but it is also Iran for fear of US reprisals. the 120 kilograms per year state television on Monday, Mechichi would supervise the Rabiei said, adding Iran can highly important … that we Iran was only enriching demanded of us by law,” he said Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister interior ministry on an interim quickly reverse the decision as maintain the agreement.” China uranium up to 4.5 percent after following a ceremony to name Abbas Araghchi said the 20 basis pending the appointment soon as others implement their on Tuesday urged “all sides” to scaling down its commitments. a building in the organisation percent enriched uranium will of Charfeddine’s successor. No pledges. exercise calm and restraint and After top Iranian nuclear in honour of Fakhrizadeh. be used to fuel the Tehran reasons were given for his “Instead of issuing state- “to stick to the commitments of and military scientist Mohsen Salehi also said the organi- Research Reactor located in removal. ments and expressing concern the agreement and to refrain Fakhrizadeh was assassinated sation plans on installing 1,000 Tehran University. Mechichi is expected in coming weeks to reshuffle his cabinet amid demands from Oman registers pro-government parties in Israeli officer shoots dead Palestinian in West Bank parliament to include party first case of new figures in the government. AGENCIES — JERUSALEM Opposition parties and the virus variant in presidency want a continued An Israeli security officer shot technocratic cabinet. a Palestinian who allegedly traveller from UK Parliament approved a threw a knife towards him in technocratic government in a the occupied West Bank REUTERS — DUBAI confidence vote four months yesterday, Israel’s military said, ago, hoping to end months of and Palestinian officials said the Oman has registered its first political instability and focus man had been killed. case of a highly contagious on tackling worsening eco- The incident occurred at a coronavirus variant that nomic and social problems. road junction situated near a emerged in Britain, in a resident Though Saied proposed cluster of Israeli settlements who arrived from the UK, the Mechichi as premier in the southwest of the Palestinian health ministry said yesterday. new government, Tunisian town of Bethlehem, the military The resident developed respi- politicians said he subse- said in a statement. ratory symptoms in quarantine, quently withdrew his support, “(A) community security despite testing negative before underlining brewing tensions officer spotted a suspect travelling, the ministry said in between the presidency and approaching the junction. Fol- a statement carried on Oman’s government. lowing the suspicion, the state news agency. While previous bouts of security officer and an IDF Oman reopened its land, political discord in Tunisia (Israeli military) soldier air and sea borders on focused on the split between operated to stop the suspect by December 29, after a one- secularists and Islamists, or firing into the air,” the week shutdown over the new over economic reforms, more statement said. variant. recent tensions seem rooted “The suspect threw a knife Meanwhile, Iran has reg- in the division of powers at the officer, who responded istered its first case of a highly between president and with fire and neutralised the Israeli police members secure the scene of a shooting, near the Palestinian town of Bethlehem in the contagious coronavirus variant parliament. suspect,” the statement added. Israeli-occupied West Bank, yesterday. after an Iranian arrived from Tunisia is the only Arab The Palestinian health min- the UK, Health Minister Saeed country to have managed a istry confirmed the man’s death, throughout 2020, shooting “Over the course of 2020, inside Israel,” B’Tselem said on Namaki said yesterday. At the peaceful transition to but said it did not have details dead at least 27 Palestinians Israeli security forces killed 27 Monday. same time the health ministry democracy after the “Arab of his identity. across occupied Palestinian ter- Palestinians, seven of them Israel captured and reported that Iran had Spring” uprisings that swept Israeli security forces com- ritories and in Israel, according minors: one in the Gaza Strip, occupied the West Bank in the recorded its lowest daily death through the region in 2011. mitted “heinous killings” to Israeli rights group B’Tselem. 23 in the West Bank and three 1967 Middle East War. toll in nearly seven months. WEDNESDAY 6 JANUARY 2021 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 07 UN chief recommends Libya truce monitors based in Sirte

AP — UNITED NATIONS Antonio Guterres said in an interim report to unarmed, non-uniformed indi- team of impartial international sides, as well as military cargo the Security Council on proposed cease fire vidual international monitors to monitors to carry out monitoring” flights, impeding the agree- United Nations Secretary- be deployed under the auspices in the Sirte area, Guterres said. ment’s implementation. General Antonio Guterres is monitoring arrangements that an advance of the United Nations.” They In they commission’s view, “A lasting cease-fire in Libya recommending that interna- team should be sent to Libya’s capital Tripoli would work alongside joint he said, they would “initially needs above all else the buy-in tional monitors be deployed to monitoring teams from the rival provide oversight and report of the parties and of ordinary Libya under a UN. umbrella to as a first step to “provide the foundations for a Tripoli and eastern governments compliance along the coastal Libyans,” the secretary-general observe the October cease-fire scalable United Nations cease fire monitoring “for specific monitoring and ver- road on the removal of military said., and it also requires agreement from a base in the ification tasks,” he said. forces and mercenaries, the support from regional and strategic city of Sirte, the mechanism based in Sirte.” “The Libyan parties have also deployment of the joint police international parties. He urged gateway to the country’s major conveyed their firm position that force, the clearance of explosive implementation of the widely oil fields and export terminals. no deployment of foreign forces remnants of war, booby traps broken UN arms embargo. The UN chief said in an Gadhafi and split the country UN-supported government with of any kind, including United and mines.” “As soon as condi- Guterres said the interim report to the Security between a UN-supported gov- hundreds of troops and thou- Nations uniformed personnel, tions permit, they would expand deployment of monitors under Council on proposed cease fire ernment in Tripoli and rival sands of Syrian mercenaries. should occur on Libyan territory,” their monitoring work to the Abu the umbrella of the UN political monitoring arrangements cir- authorities based in country’s The October cease-fire the secretary-general said. But Grein-Bin Jawad-Sawknah tri- mission in Libya known as culated on Monday that an east, each side backed by an agreement called for the with- the commission welcomed offers angle, and possibly beyond,” UNSMIL to the area around Sirte advance team should be sent to array of local militias as well as drawal of all armed forces from of potential support to the mon- Guterres said. would require funding and per- Libya’s capital Tripoli as a first regional and foreign powers. conflict lines and the departure itoring mechanism from regional Guterres reiterated the UN’s sonnel from UN member states. step to “provide the foundations In April 2019, east-based of all mercenaries and foreign organizations including the commitment to assist and Tunisia’s UN Ambassador for a scalable United Nations commander Khalifa Haftar and fighters within three months. African Union, European Union support the Joint Military Com- Tarek Ladeb, the current cease-fire monitoring mech- his forces, backed by Egypt and Guterres gave few details of and Arab League under UN mission in operationalising the council president, said on anism based in Sirte.” the United Arab Emirates, the monitoring mechanism but auspices. cease-fire agreement, warning Monday he hopes a resolution Oil-rich Libya was plunged launched an offensive to try and said the Joint Military Com- According to the military that the current delays risk on a cease-fire monitoring into chaos after a 2011 Nato- capture Tripoli. His campaign mission, with five representa- commission’s concept, “the United failure to meet the timeline. mechanism will be adopted backed uprising toppled collapsed after Turkey stepped tives from each of the rival sides, Nations would be expected to He pointed to military activ- before council members discuss longtime dictator Moammar up its military support of the “has requested provide a nimble and scalable ities by forces backing both UNSMIL on January 28. President of Central African Republic wins re-election

AP — BANGUI officially validated by the Con- the operation was a warning to stitutional Court, which will the government that the rebel Central African Republic Pres- field appeals. coalition is capable of attacking ident Faustin-Archange The announcement of pro- Bangui, if Touadera doesn’t Touadera has won a second visional results comes as armed open up consultation and dia- term in office, according to violence mounts outside the logue with the coalition. provisional results announced capital, including an attack by Sabone has said if Touadera by the Electoral Commission rebels Saturday on Touadera’s “insists on favouring the path yesterday. second home in Damara, a of war we will put ourselves on Touadera was reelected in locality more than 75km from all our fronts and concentrate the first round of the December Bangui. our forces on Bangui to free him 27 presidential vote with 53.9 The attack was repulsed by from power to set up a transi- percent of the votes, the the Central African Armed tional regime managed by a National Election Authority said. Forces with the support of Rus- neutral personality so that a In second place was Anicet- sians, Rwandans and Congolese sovereign national conference Georges Dologuele with 21.1 soldiers who came to the can be organized.” percent of the vote, and Martin Central African Republic as part After the announcement of Ziguele came in third with 7.4 of military cooperation with the the results, he said: “There is no percent, according to the results nation. difference in clinging to power Central African Republic’s Electoral Commission President Mathias Morouba announces the election announced. Touadera has blamed as Touadera does and taking results in Bangui, Central African Republic, yesterday. The vote, and its aftermath, former president Francois power by arms.” The rebel coa- have been marked by violence Bozize for the electoral unrest. lition has taken control of the mission, said “there is no doubt when predominantly Muslim human rights abuses have and the formation of a rebel “At the head of this associ- another front in Bangassou, that these attacks are taking place Seleka rebels seized power from continued. coalition, amid calls from the ation of criminals is former about 750km from Bangui in a context of disruption of the Bozize after long claiming mar- The most recent insecurity opposition to delay the vote. President François Bozize sup- forcing civilians to flee to neigh- elections - before, during and after ginalization. Resistance to began after the Constitutional International observers noted ported by his political allies,” he boring Congo. the polls.” On Monday, the Seleka rule eventually led to Court rejected the candidacy of the vote in the capital went well, said. “The attacks were aimed “The civilian population fled Attorney General at the Bangui Muslims being targeted en Bozize, on the grounds that he but violence prevented many at overthrowing the institutions hostilities, many drowned in the Court of Appeal said it has opened masse, with some beaten to did not satisfy the “good from going to vote in other parts of the Republic and putting an river,” said Pierrette Benguere, a judicial investigation into Bozizé, death, mosques destroyed and morality” requirement. of the country, despite the end to the democratic process the prefect of Mbomou. who has said he is working with tens of thousands forced from Bozize, who took power in presence of peacekeeping sol- and finally to establish a first The UN mission in Central the rebel coalition. the capital in 2014. a coup in 2003 and ruled until diers and reinforcements sent transition.” African Republic, known as The mineral-rich Central Despite a 2019 peace 2013, faces an international in by Russia and Rwanda after Abacar Sabone, who runs MINUSCA, has spoken out African Republic has faced agreement between the gov- arrest warrant for “crimes a pre-election attack. military operations for the rebel against the attacks. deadly inter-religious and inter- ernment and 14 rebel groups, against humanity and The results must now be coalition known as the CPC, said Mankeur Ndiaye, the head of communal fighting since 2013, intermittent violence and incitement of genocide. Vaccine rollout plan in SA draws criticism Ethiopia: Detained BLOOMBERG — PRETORIA the government plans to vac- cinate more than 40 million of Reuters cameraman South Africa’s government has the population — about two drawn criticism over its thirds — against COVID-19 in COVID-19 vaccine rollout plan, an urgent and phased approach freed without charge with unions and medical groups to ultimately eliminate infec- among those to have expressed tions. Funding assistance is REUTERS — NAIROBI celebrate on Thursday. concern about the sluggishness being sought from business and “We are so relieved that of the state’s response amid a medical-insurance companies, Ethiopian police released Kumerra has been released and resurgence in cases, hospitali- he said in an online briefing. Reuters cameraman Kumerra would like to thank everyone sations and deaths. “The vaccines will need to Gemechu yesterday after who has supported us during While at least 29 countries, be made available quickly” so detaining him without charge this difficult time,” the family from Mexico to Germany, have that most citizens are covered for 12 days. said in a statement. begun inoculating their popu- by the end of the year, he said. Police had told his lawyer “Kumerra is a dedicated lations against the virus, South Discussions with manufactures Melkamu Ogo that their lines of and professional journalist who Africa has yet to conclude any are still under way, with an aim inquiry included accusations of has done nothing wrong. He supply agreements with phar- to obtain the first inoculations disseminating false information, simply wants to report on maceutical companies. With next month. communicating with groups Ethiopia in an independent more than 1.1 million confirmed The deliberations come as fighting the government, and way. His family missed him coronavirus infections and South Africa experiences a disturbing the public’s peace every day he was detained, and approaching 30,000 deaths, debilitating resurgence of the and security. However, Ogo said we are delighted that Kumerra South Africa is the worst-hit virus, driven by a new strain he had seen no evidence. will be home for Christmas.” country on the African that emerged in the country late “We are delighted that Prime Minister Abiy continent. last year. Hospitals are under Kumerra has been released and Ahmed, who was awarded a The government’s failure to pressure, and the government reunited with his family. His Nobel Peace Prize in 2019, has conclude talks with manufac- last week toughened restric- A security guard redirects traffic in front of a sign at a drive-through release today affirms he has overseen sweeping reforms turers of the shots has left the tions to include a third alcohol COVID-19 testing centre which was closed after reaching capacity done nothing wrong,” Reuters since taking office in 2018, country “bearing the brunt of ban and a 9pm curfew. Those in Johannesburg’s Northcliff suburb, South Africa, yesterday. Editor-in-Chief Stephen J Adler including the unbanning of the scarcity of vaccines,” the measures are set to be reviewed said in a statement. more than 250 media outlets National Education, Health and in mid-month, though a would support a plan that is vaccine trials are being con- “Kumerra is a journalist and the release of dozens of Allied Workers’ Union said in lockdown of the severity seen “transparent, credible, with ducted in the country. who has consistently demon- journalists. an emailed statement. The gov- in March and April would have integrity and clearly defined.” Pfizer, whose shot strated his professionalism and However, rights groups say ernment has been “caught a devastating impact on an The state is holding direct developed alongside BioNTech commitment to accuracy, as press freedom has eroded as napping,” the labour group said, already struggling economy. talks with vaccine suppliers SE has been approved in some part of a Reuters team that the government faced out- while the existing program is South Africa’s biggest including Johnson & Johnson, countries, has offered to supply reports from Ethiopia in a fair, breaks of deadly violence “scant on details and very business group said it is “seri- AstraZeneca Plc and Pfizer Inc. South Africa at $10 a dose —half independent and unbiased including fighting between the ambiguous on the timelines.” ously considering” a request by over supplies for the country, what it charges in the US — way. Journalists like Kumerra military and rebellious leaders South African Health Minister the government to help fund the the presidency said in a according to a person familiar must be allowed to report the in the northern region of Zweli Mkhize said on Sunday acquisition of vaccines, and statement on Sunday. Four with that matter. news in the public interest Tigray. without fear of harassment or Media watchdog groups harm, wherever they are.” reported the arrests of at least The Ethiopian police and 12 other journalists in Ethiopia Al Qaeda branch claims killing of 2 French soldiers in Mali prosecutor’s office did not last year, seven of them in respond to questions from November when the Tigray AL JAZEERA — BAMAKO reconnaissance and intelli- “detonated an explosive device” western Niger over the Reuters on the reasons for conflict broke out. gence-gathering mission in the as the vehicle was passing, weekend, the Site Intelligence Kumerra’s arrest and subse- Only one journalist was Al Qaeda’s branch in North eastern region of Menaka when “bringing the toll to five in less Group also reported. quent release. charged, for social media posts Africa has claimed responsi- the blast occurred. The attack than a week”, in a statement “This attack, whoever Kumerra, 38, has worked about COVID-19 that were bility for killing two French came just days after three other released by its propaganda carried it out, is not different for Reuters for a decade. denounced by the health min- soldiers who died when their troops from France were killed platform Al Zallaqa late on from the massacres of the His family said they were istry as false, according to the armoured vehicle was hit by an in a similar fashion. Monday. French occupiers and criminal preparing a special meal and New York-based Committee to improvised explosive device in The branch, known as the The GSIM condemned the militias,” GSIM said, adding its looking forward to having him Protect Journalists and Paris- eastern Mali. Group to Support Islam and “indiscriminate” killing of 100 “jihad” has not turned against home for Christmas, which based Reporters Without The soldiers were on a Muslims (GSIM), said it civilians in two villages in the people and vowing reprisals. many Ethiopian Christians will Borders. 08 VIEWS WEDNESDAY 6 JANUARY 2021 The politics of COVID-19 Established in 1996

CHAIRMAN DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI just got even more worse EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI [email protected]

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected] TYLER COWEN BLOOMBERG DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI [email protected] A new strain of COVID-19, more contagious than previous strains, is now circu- lating in dozens of countries. Other new strains, such as EDITORIAL one first detected in South Africa, will almost certainly emerge. Aside from the chal- Wise labour market reforms lenges these mutations pose to public health, they will also QATAR’S sweeping labour law reforms in the recent be a test of our moral and past has drawn applause from several international political principles. As labour organisations and countries across the world. exhausted as we all are from Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson speaks during a news conference in response to the ongoing The amendments to certain sections of the labour law making stressful judgments situation with the coronavirus disease pandemic, inside 10 Downing Street in London, Britain, yesterday. made the workers’ environment more comfortable with throughout this pandemic, we flexibility in changing jobs and the facility to exit the are about to face some of the sufficiently slow that a full well-geared to evaluate and throughout Asia and the country without getting a prior approval from the most difficult trade-offs yet. lockdown would have to last present them to the public. Pacific. employer, which were praised as the first of its kind in Preliminary data indicate for many months, and that The common mentality and But how will those coun- the region and beyond. that the new strain in the UK probably isn’t feasible or message in public health is tries deal with the new strain? Speaking to the Shura Council on labour laws, Min- allows the virus to spread desirable. Yet not having “safety first.” Yet none of the It has already appeared in both ister of Administrative Development, Labour and Social from one person to another lockdowns would lead to a available approaches Taiwan and China. So far it has Affairs H E Yousuf bin Mohammed Al Othman Fakroo more easily. The practical much more rapid spread of increases the level of safety not taken over, but the pre- said that the clause for transferring sponsorship has upshot is that even the strict the virus, overloading hos- or avoids major additional vious tactics of quarantine and rules, controls and procedures that will preserve the lockdowns of early 2020, pitals and public health risks. tracing may no longer suffice, rights of all parties. He added that the Ministry is seeking such as the one just ordered in facilities. One option would be for should the new strain become to develop legislations based on the Qatar National the UK by Prime Minister It’s hard to come up with public health experts to more active. It is already Vision 2030 and within the framework of implementing Boris Johnson, may not be the moral language to speak explicitly in terms of spreading in Denmark, which the national strategy projects, so that the labour market enough to reverse the spread compare those outcomes “expected value” and medical did a good job against is modern, dynamic and enhances the state’s economic of the virus. when all of them are unac- triage, and to be upfront COVID-19 early on. level to attract foreign investment and compete in global It is far from obvious that ceptably bad. Trust in elites is about how many lives are Imagine being a leader of markets, achieve balance in the demographics of the politicians will be able to sell already weak in the US, and it being sacrificed and a country that has success- state in terms of the quality and size of the resident voters on strict lockdowns if is likely to wane further. according to which fully contained COVID-19, population, reduce the number of unskilled and illegal they still allow the virus to Whatever one might think is standards. An alternative and now realizing that a workers, rotate and retain skilled labour, while achieving spread. Furthermore, vaccine the correct course of action, would be to retreat into a single mistake could undo legal guarantees for all parties that are compatible with distribution has been how exactly would or should defense of status-quo vaccine almost a year of very hard international standards. a President Joe Biden present allocation procedures, work. You also know that, These words sums up the ultimate aim of the labour The biggest moral and defend it to the public? insisting that major changes precisely because your law reformation that Qatar has been experiencing in dilemmas might come A further set of moral would involve risks, and country has been so effective the recent past. The country is keen on diversifying its dilemmas comes from the maximizing blame avoidance at fighting the virus, it is not economy and weaning away from the dependence on in those countries interaction of viral spread and rather than seeking the best on the verge of vaccinating hydrocarbon resources. Qatar has enacted several that to date have been the vaccine process. If the outcome. your entire population. What groundbreaking laws to attract foreign investments by virus is spreading more Either way, the public if you let a single returning allowing hundred percent ownership of business and fairly successful at quickly, then so should vacci- health bureaucracy doesn’t citizen pass through customs property for foreigners. For a state like Qatar, which is containing the spread nations. The UK will be vacci- appear to have much ability taking one COVID-19 test developing and progressing in the fastest phase, a of the virus. Apart nating a greater number of to negotiate such treacherous rather than three? What if vibrant and versatile workforce is very essential to keep people with a single dose, and shoals. Perhaps more conde- you then cannot control the up with the momentum of development. from restrictions on giving them the second dose scension is what should be subsequent spread of the The idea of rotating the skilled workforce is a well foreign travel, life somewhat later, rather than expected. strain that person is thought after one as the workers who are already acclim- reserving second doses for a The biggest moral carrying? itised to the local environment and with local experience in Taiwan has been rapid follow-up within two to dilemmas might come in When was the last time will serve as an invaluable asset for the current and normal for some time three weeks. The Brits also those countries that to date that stakes for such appar- future developments. might experiment with giving have been fairly successful at ently minor decisions were so The sponsorship transfer facility will definitely prompt now, and COVID-19- a first dose of one vaccine, and containing the spread of the high? How will leaders deal competition in the labour market which will eventually related casualties a second dose of a different virus. Apart from restrictions with the extreme moral lead to the availability of a crop of highly skilled, sea- vaccine, to stretch the on foreign travel, life in anxiety that their decisions soned and competitive workforce. It will be a win-win have been miniscule. available supply. That might Taiwan has been normal for will likely induce? situation for all as both employer and employee are work, but it is also untested some time now, and COVID- It is like we are living in a bound by stringent rules for facilitating the transfer or and thus it involves some risk. 19-related casualties have horror movie, and just when change. While the sponsor has the right to ensure his Whatever you think of been miniscule. Other suc- we think it’s over, the monster investment in a worker is not lost in case of sponsorship those approaches, the public cessful examples of virus con- comes back, stronger than change and the employee has the right to ensure he health establishment is not tainment can be found ever. gets all the benefits and dues as he leaves the employer. Climate action is embedding into how the world works

AKSHAT RATHI As the world drastically University of Cambridge, told sums towards initiatives that BLOOMBERG D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR cuts emissions over the next the Independent. “The EU has will cut emissions and EMAIL: [email protected] few decades, it will face many a history of including refer- lower unemployment. As Like the start of every year in crises. Some may even be as ences to the Paris Agreement, clean technologies get recent history, the planet is serious as the current pan- but this deal takes it one step cheaper, you can expect EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 getting warmer, climate dis- demic. But all through them, further and makes it a make- future economic recessions to FAX: +974 4455 7758 asters continue to strike, and the race to zero emissions will or-break issue.” be met with a bigger share of emissions aren’t falling fast have to continue. What hap- Another example is green stimulus money going toward MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 enough. Unlike other years, pened in 2020 is then perhaps stimulus. Economic theory green initiatives. however, some positive a strong sign that climate suggests that one way to get Lots of countries are also DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 developments in recent action is starting to be “insti- out of a recession is for gov- adopting climate laws. The months set us up for a tutionalized”- that is, getting ernments to spend money to most significant one last year LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 stronger 2021. deeply embedded into how create jobs as quickly as was the EU setting a legally “The last few months of the world works. possible. The goal is to gen- binding target to reach net- BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 2020 were genuinely encour- The evidence shows up erate many times the return zero emissions by 2050. And aging,” says Joss Garman, UK every where you look. on every $1 of public money though laws can always be SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 director of the European Take the Brexit deal, which spent, and fast. In 2020, reversed, they have a sticking Climate Foundation. “You saw the UK and EU approved in economists, central bankers power when combined with ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 significant climate commit- the nick of time before their and finance ministers widely public opinion, says Garman. email: [email protected] ments, despite there not being Jan. 1 deadline. The word agreed that many green The UK, for instance, was much spotlight or political “climate” gets 51 mentions in activities, such as clean- the first large economy to set PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 pressure and despite the eco- the 1,256-page agreement, energy infrastructure, zero- a legally binding goal under email: [email protected] nomic carnage caused by the including three mentions in carbon transport and dis- the Climate Change Act in pandemic.” These the preamble, but it goes aster preparedness, will 2008. Since then, public ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 included net-zero announce- further than that. create jobs quickly enough support for climate action has FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] ments from China, Japan and “This trade deal contains to facilitate economic grown and thus its legal South Korea, the European the most ambitious climate recoveries. targets have only gotten more CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 Union’s Green Deal, the UK’s language I’ve seen in any That’s why we’ve seen ambitious. That’s helped email: [email protected] climate-disclosures mandate, trade deal,” Markus Ghering, many countries, including the make the country cut the and the election of Joe Biden an expert at the Centre for U.S. in its most recent most emissions among the SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 as the next U.S. president. European Legal Studies at the stimulus, allocating large G-20. FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

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/ThePeninsulaQatar Over the past two weeks, we watched with growing concern the dire humanitarian situation /Peninsula_Qatar facing many migrants in Bosnia.

/ThePeninsulaNewspaper Paul Dillon, International Organization for Migration spokes- man +974 6698 6188 WEDNESDAY 6 JANUARY 2021 OPINION 09 Messing around with vaccine doses is a gamble approved - developed by paying the price for bad policy exploratory analyses and carries a higher risk given that AstraZeneca-University of decisions in recent months, cross-trial comparisons, even the virus is still spreading Oxford and Pfizer Inc.- such as allowing indoor using data from trials of the quickly. Indeed, one way used BioNTech SE - to 12 weeks dining, leaving gyms open and Moderna vaccine, which has in the laboratory to force virus from as few as three. The UK generally not enforcing mask not yet been approved in the evolution is to expose it to low is not alone in considering wearing and limits on public country. The use of data from antibody pressure. On top of changes to vaccination gatherings. While the UK has the Moderna trial is flawed, all this, the AstraZeneca SAM FAZELI schedules, with Denmark and finally admitted that it needs a though, because it is based on vaccine had lower efficacy BLOOMBERG Germany also mulling the severe lockdown similar to the short-term analysis and pro- than Pfizer-BioNTech’s and same. There is also discussion one in spring of 2020, the US is duced from a small non-ran- Moderna’s, potentially in the US about taking a unlikely to take a similar step, domized subgroup, with no because of the design of the Every country that is similar approach or changing leaving it vulnerable as it rolls information on how long vaccine itself. It also appeared Companies and imposing varying degrees of dosage levels to allow the out vaccines. immunity lasts. A parallel dis- to induce lower antibody regulators have lockdowns because of rising current vaccine stockpiles to Companies and regulators cussion in the US levels in early trials, though coronavirus infection rates get to more people faster. have worked hard to make around using just one dose of methodological differences worked hard to make - such as the UK did These decisions are being sure the clinical trials of vac- the Moderna vaccine - half for make it difficult to draw firm sure the clinical on Monday - is trying to made or discussed by highly cines are large and conducted the first shot and half for the conclusions. It’s impossible to reduce the burden of the respected experts who have with utmost care. They have second - is based on antibody know whether a 12-week trials of vaccines are disease on its population, reason to believe the tweaks worked on protocols to test analysis that has yet to be interval is enough to give the large and conducted health-care systems and may help in the inoculation the efficacy of the shots as proven to be a good surrogate virus the opportunity to with utmost care. economy. The best solution, effort without unduly quickly as possible without for protection and disease develop some resistance to of course, is vaccines, and increasing risks. I am not sure compromising safety. The 21- prevention in the case of the the vaccine in individuals who They have worked three shots have proved in there is sufficient data to back and 28-day inoculation SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes do not develop a strong on protocols to test trials to offer protection these decisions. intervals used in the Pfizer- COVID-19.Beyond the risks immune response to it, but it’s against disease. That’s The reason tinkering with BioNTech and Moderna Inc. involved in tinkering with the likely that viral evolution is the efficacy of the assuming they are adminis- dosage regimens has even vaccine trials, respectively, dosage regimen, there is the more probable than it would shots as quickly as tered based on data generated come up is because some are shorter than those gen- question of how much faster be under a shorter two-shot from clinical trials. But what countries have put themselves erally used against other dis- the UK can actually vaccinate schedule. possible without happens when the protocols into a tight corner in this latest eases, with the majority at its population using a 12-week The UK’s decision to compromising aren’t followed? dire stage of the pandemic. two months. The com- schedule compared with a impose a severe lockdown The UK, in its desire to The UK is grappling with a panies did not have the luxury shorter one of, say, four should help to reduce viral safety. The 21- and vaccinate as many people as rapid rise in infection rates as of testing longer dosing weeks. transmission and the asso- 28-day inoculation possible as fast as possible, well as a new, potentially more schedules, and while it’s pos- Let’s take the AstraZeneca ciated increased risk of the intervals used in the has taken the unprecedented transmissible variant that is sible that, like other vaccines, vaccine as an example: It is virus’s evolution, but it won’t step of implementing a fast taking over as the dom- a longer interval can work aiming to supply 2 million eliminate that risk entirely. Pfizer-BioNTech and vaccine regimen that hasn’t inant version of the virus. The just as well as - or even better doses a week. This means that Let’s hope that infection rates Moderna Inc. been tested in rigorous US, meanwhile, continues to than - the short ones tested, by June, 26 million individuals fall quickly enough for this clinical trials and doesn’t have set records in cases, hospitali- there is no data to back this could have two jabs of the not be an issue. My sincere solid efficacy data backing zations and deaths and, like view. vaccine using either dosing hope is that the tweaked it: It’s stretching the other countries, has found evi- The UK’s Joint Committee schedule. But with the dosage timing, combined with period between the first and dence of the same variant as in on Vaccination and Immuni- 12-week interval, about 26 the new restrictions on second “booster” shot for the the UK now spreading within zation based its decision for million people could have had activity, will have proved to two vaccines it has so far its own borders. Both are the 12-week schedule on a single jab by the end of be a stroke of genius leading March, compared with the UK out of the pandemic roughly 18 million with a faster than most other coun- four-week interval. It would tries. But we should also take just two more months to watch out for the nightmare get to 26 million with the scenario in which the UK ends shorter regimen. Every single up being the source of the first day of reduced infections may virus variant that escapes the mean many lives saved, vaccine. It’s little consolation assuming one dose has a big that it has one of the best, if enough impact. But does this not the best, genomic warrant the risk of potentially sequencing efforts, which giving a meaningful per- should allow it to detect any centage of vaccinated people such variant quickly. a lower level of immunity, As for the US, any increasing the odds of future decision to change the way variants with global vaccines are delivered in such implications?This risk of a way that increases the developing new variants is chances of inadequate the biggest worry. It is theo- immune protection - such as retically possible that giving a cutting doses in half or just suboptimal dose of vaccine using a single dose of vaccine or a long interval before the - would leave the population booster shot increases the vulnerable, given the rapid chances that the virus finds a rise in infections. Without the way to mutate away from the science to back it up, or other potentially less mature precautions put in place, it’s antibody and cellular not worth the risk. immunity induced in some Sam Fazeli is senior phar- people. While this may not be maceuticals analyst for A member of medical staff receives the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine as the city at the centre of Italy’s coronavirus diseasetragedy an issue if we were dealing Bloomberg Intelligence and vaccinates thousands of health workers, at a hospital in Bergamo, Italy, yesterday. with low levels of infections, it director of research for EMEA. Misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines is spreading. It’ll only get worse.

millions of people around the dose. Even the more common varying levels of effectiveness, vaccine. On the other hand, world get immunized, it’s but temporary mild head- will need clear and accessible there may also be adverse inevitable that some will aches and fatigue that trial communication starting now, events that are actually found experience adverse reactions participants reported could not waiting until there is a to be caused by the vaccine - - and some may still get make people hesitate to go confusing mix of vaccines such as the small number of COVID-19. Public health offi- back for another dose, leaving becoming available. We are people who experienced a cials need to prepare now for them with only partial already in a time of hyper- severe adverse reaction called HEIDI J LARSON how to answer good-faith protection. uncertainty - fertile ground anaphylaxis following vacci- THE WASHINGTON POST questions and fend off delib- Another challenge ahead for rumors to evolve and nation, due to underlying erate lies. will be convincing people to spread. Adding these multiple allergies specific to ingre- Even with the two vac- continue to wear masks and vaccines without a coherent dients in the vaccine. Those As COVID-19 cases surge and cines approved and others in keep distance even after they story as to who gets what and with other underlying lockdowns, distancing and the pipeline, the reality is that are vaccinated. What is the why will only exacerbate the allergies can still take the mask use continue, the early we may not have enough for point of vaccinating if you still already patchwork landscape vaccine. stages of distribution of two everyone who wants them - need to keep wearing mask? of information, leaving the Officials will have to look We have already highly effective vaccines - or at least not for a while. It Well, for one thing, the public to create their own into any such episodes care- seen a proliferation now authorized for emer- will be important to share as vaccine does not work imme- interpretation or fully and quickly so that the gency use - are a glimpse of much information as possible diately. It takes awhile for the misinterpretation. public can be either reassured of misinformation light at the end of the tunnel. up front, so the people who first dose’s protection to kick Another potential chal- that the adverse events were and disinformation But this is just the very want the vaccine will know in, and then you still need to lenge of having multiple coro- coincidental or alerted to beginning of what will be when and where they can get get your second dose to be navirus vaccines is that indi- underlying conditions in surrounding the another long journey, in many one. Local communities will fully immunized. Even then, viduals may start with one which the vaccine is not SARS-CoV-2 virus, ways even more complex want to establish vaccine in principle, we need to get vaccine and want to switch to recommended. its origins and the than the age-old disease information centers or online enough people vaccinated for another, thinking it may have We have already seen a control measures that we resources where updated wider protection before less-severe side effects or be proliferation of misinfor- various measures have all been learning to nav- information is made available shedding other precautions. more effective. Careful moni- mation and disinformation to contain its igate over the past year. and questions can be But the reality is that while we toring of who is taking which surrounding the SARS-CoV-2 We have barely begun the answered. It is totally rea- know that these vaccines can vaccines will be especially virus, its origins and the spread, including real task of coronavirus sonable that people will have prevent serious disease and important for longer term various measures to contain vaccination. vaccine rollout. 2021 will be questions and concerns about death, we won’t yet know safety monitoring. its spread, including vacci- one of the most critical years these new vaccines. If officials whether they prevent trans- With so many people nation. Some of this misinfor- Some of this of our collective lives. Will we are dismissive of the concerns mission to others until enough getting vaccinated, there will mation is due to uncertainties, misinformation is be able to slow the swell of or fail to give honest answers people get vaccinated. be adverse events. One type even in the scientific com- cases? Are we prepared for about what we know - as well As additional vaccines will be coincidental events munity, surrounding the new due to uncertainties, the challenges ahead and as what we don’t know - then wrap up their clinical trials that seem to be related to the virus as well as the treatments even in the scientific ready to manage the inevi- we risk losing public trust not and win approval, new issues vaccine because they happen and vaccines that are under community, table risks? only in the vaccines, but in the will come up. Who decides around the same time as development or newly It is good news that Con- system. Once people do get who gets which vaccines? people get the injection, but approved. People are strug- surrounding the gress included $28bn to pur- their first vaccine, the next What will be the criteria? that aren’t actually caused by gling to make sense of the new virus as well as chase and deliver vaccines to challenge will be to ensure Some of the answers will the vaccine. In this case, older state of things, relying on Americans in the nearly $900 they come back for the come down to logistical populations are being priori- news headlines, news the treatments and billion stimulus bill, but second dose for those vac- requirements - the vaccines tized, along with health-care releases, heard and socially vaccines that are funding alone will not change cines which require it, as both that need less-extreme refrig- workers. This is an age group shared news - and they some- the minds and emotions of the the Pfizer and Moderna eration than the mRNA vac- that normally has a higher times wind up spreading mis- under development public. products do. For some people, cines Pfizer and Moderna frequency of illness and information inadvertently. or newly approved. The first year of the pan- the challenge may not be hes- make may be prioritized for death, so sooner or later, Larson is a professor of demic was riddled with mis- itancy, but more practical poorer countries with less someone will get sick or die anthropology and risk and information and disinfor- concerns: Maybe they can’t cold-storage capacity. But the soon after vaccination. Even if the director of the Vaccine mation, and the vaccines will take more time off from work differences across the various it’s completely unrelated, Confidence Project at the bring more rumors and false- to get the second dose, or they vaccines, including different there’s a danger that people London School of Hygiene hoods. As hundreds of didn’t feel well after the first numbers of doses needed and will think it was caused by the and Tropical Medicine. 10 ASIA WEDNESDAY 6 JANUARY 2021 India: Vaccine makers pledge ‘smooth rollout’

REUTERS — NEW DELHI In a joint statement, government had not banned the export of any vaccines for Serum Institute of India (SII) and Serum Institute of COVID-19, the health ministry Bharat Biotech said yesterday India and Bharat said yesterday, days after the they would end a public spat head of the world’s largest and focus on rolling out Biotech said they vaccine manufacturer said it got COVID-19 shots after executives were fully aware of emergency authorization to of both Indian vaccine makers produce the shots as long as it clashed over the approval of the importance of didn’t send them overseas. their rival shots. vaccines for people Adar Poonawalla, chief “Both companies respect the executive of Serum Institute of great work being carried out by and countries and India, said in an interview each other and put behind us they jointly pledged Sunday that the company got the miscommunication and to provide global the green light for its version of misunderstanding caused the AstraZeneca/Oxford Uni- during the past week,” SII’s access to their versity vaccine on the condition Chief Executive Officer Adar COVID-19 vaccines. that it not export shots to ensure Snowfall in Srinagar Poonawalla and Bharat Bio- that vulnerable populations in tech’s Chairman Krishna Ella India are protected. People commute on a snow-covered road during a snowfall in Srinagar, India, yesterday. said in a joint statement. India’s both his firm and the approval AstraZeneca contracted drugs regulator on Sunday for the vaccine in an online Serum Institute of India to approved for emergency use a press conference on Monday. manufacture 1 billion doses for vaccine developed by Astra- “I want to say that it hurts developing nations. That Zeneca and Oxford University, as scientists. We work 24 hours. vaccine and another developed Indonesia governor believes drone behind which will be manufactured by Do we deserve that type of by Indian company Bharat SII, and another developed bashing from the people?” Ella Biotech were granted licenses security scare ‘was made in China’ domestically by Bharat Biotech. said, adding his firm was being for emergency use by Indian But the approval for Bharat picked on because it was Indian. regulators Sunday. REUTERS — JAKARTA navy, was found late last month The Indonesian archipelago Biotech’s COVAXIN, developed Ella also took a swipe at India’s health ministry said by fishermen off Sulawesi straddles strategically with a government research AstraZeneca, which said in at a news briefing yesterday The governor of Indonesia’s island and brought to Jakarta important sea lanes used for body, faced criticism from November a dosing error had that no agency of the federal South Sulawesi said yesterday this week. trade, with its waters also home industry experts and others as led to promising results in a government had banned an autonomous underwater Governor Nurdin Abdullah to rich fishing grounds and the company has yet to release subset of its trial volunteers. In exports. vehicle (AUV) found in the said “based on findings, it seems important energy reserves. efficacy and safety data, and it yesterday’s joint statement, the “The Union government waters off his province that has like it was made in China.” Indonesian security officials still has a Phase III trial companies said they were hasn’t banned the export of any sparked concern about a “Whether it was put there or who have previously voiced sus- underway. “Until we get the aware of the importance of vac- one of the COVID vaccines. That potential security breach or put it there is unknown to us,” he picion about Chinese maritime efficacy result, how do we know cines for people and they jointly is something that should be espionage attempt appeared to said by telephone. activities, amid increased mil- that anything works?” Poona- pledged to provide global access absolutely clear,” said Rajesh be made in China. The Chinese embassy in itarization by Beijing in waters walla told Reuters on Sunday. to their COVID-19 vaccines. Bhushan, the ministry’s top The vehicle, described as a Jakarta did not immediately around Southeast Asia that have Ella, however, defended Meanwhile, India’s official. “seaglider” by the Indonesian respond to requests for comment. raised regional tensions. Thailand orders additional 35 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine Vietnam jails journalists for REUTERS — BANGKOK in over half of Thailand’s prov- doses of the AstraZeneca and month. The first delivery of the million doses will be delivered inces and a new round of Oxford University vaccine, Sinovac vaccine will be admin- by April. Sino Biopharmaceu- ‘propaganda’ Thailand’s prime minister said restrictions. The Southeast which would be produced by istered among field workers in tical Ltd., a unit of Thai con- yesterday his country had Asian country, which has Thai firm, Siam Bioscience, for highly controlled areas like glomerate Charoen Pokphand critical of state ordered an additional 35 million reported a total of 8,966 local use and export. Samut Sakhon and Rayong, and Group, invested $515 million in doses of the AstraZeneca Plc COVID-19 cases and 65 deaths, The country will receive vulnerable groups, government Sinovac in December. COVID-19 vaccine, bringing its aims to inoculate at least half of delivery from AstraZeneca spokesman Anucha Burapach- Thailand’s locally developed REUTERS — HANOI total vaccine pipeline to 63 its 70 million population. ahead of schedule before the aisri said, indicating the main vaccine is set to enter the first million doses. “Today, we made an addi- second quarter, Kiattaphum areas where there have been phase of human trials in May, A court in Vietnam yesterday After managing to largely tional order with AstraZenca for Wongrachit, permanent health clusters in the recent said Kiat Ruxrungtham, director sentenced three freelance jour- contain community spread of 35 million doses,” Prime Min- secretary, said in a statement. outbreak. of the Chulalongkorn University nalists known for their criticism the virus for months, a cluster ister Prayuth Chan-ocha told a Thailand has also ordered 2 “There is a budget of 1.22 vaccine development pro- of government to between 11 of cases in December linked to briefing. million doses from China’s billion baht ($40.7 million) for gramme, adding that he expects and 15 years in prison, after migrant workers and a gam- In November, the gov- Sinovac Biotech and expects the procurement of the 2 million results for phase two in finding them guilty of spreading bling den has led to infections ernment reserved 26 million delivery of 200,000 doses next doses,” he said, adding 1.8 September. anti-state propaganda. Pham Chi Dung, Nguyen Tuong Thuy and Le Huu Minh Lawyers involved Tuan were convicted of Vietnam suspends flights “making, storing, spreading with HK activists information, materials, items for from UK, South Africa the purpose of opposing the say they may state” at a one-day trial in Ho Chi Minh City, the Ministry of lose licences REUTERS — HANOI statement. Prime Minister Public Security said. Nguyen Xuan Phuc has told Dung established the Inde- REUTERS — HONG KONG Vietnam has suspended authorities to work on a list of pendent Journalists Association inbound flights from countries other countries that should be of Vietnam in 2014, which police China has said it would revoke with new COVID-19 variants, covered by the suspension, the said had sought regime change. the licences of two human-rights initially Britain and South ministry said, adding that he has Despite sweeping economic lawyers who tried to help with Africa, the health ministry said ordered them to tighten control reform and increasing openness the case of 12 Hong Kong people yesterday. of quarantine facilities. to social change, Vietnam’s convicted last month on border A new variant first found in Vietnam has suspended all ruling Communist Party retains violation charges after trying to Britain includes a genetic inbound international com- tight media censorship and tol- flee to Taiwan by boat, the mutation that could result in the mercial flights since late March, erates little criticism. lawyers said yesterday. virus spreading more easily but the government has been Labourers work at garment export factory amid the spread of The party, under the lead- The case of the 12, who had between people. operating repatriation flights to coronavirus disease, in Hung Yen province, Vietnam. ership of 76-year-old Nguyen all been involved in pro- “The risk for the disease to bring home Vietnamese citizens Phu Trong, has intensified a democracy protests in Hong penetrate and spread in Vietnam stuck abroad amid the pandemic. Vietnam. All people entering the seven imported COVID-19 cases, crackdown on dissent ahead of Kong before they tried to leave is very high, especially from Some special flights carrying country have to spend 14 days in raising the total number of infec- its five-yearly congress due to for democratic Taiwan, is the people entering from infected foreign experts and investors quarantine. tions in the country to 1,504, with be held later this month. latest issue to raise concern in the countries,” the ministry said in a have been allowed to fly into Vietnam yesterday reported 35 deaths. Dung was jailed for 15 years former British colony about the and Thuy and Tuan 11 years preservation of its freedoms. each. Reuters could not imme- The two mainland-based diately reach their lawyers for lawyers said they had received HK top judge cautious on calls for judicial reform comment. They wrote stories to letters on Monday from author- “distort and defame the people’s ities about the loss of their AP — HONG KONG Lai, an outspoken pro- administration, infringe the licences and they had three days democracy activist and media interests of the Communist Party to appeal. Both said they Hong Kong’s outgoing top judge tycoon who founded the Apple of Vietnam and state,” the min- intended to do so. said yesterday that calls for Daily newspaper. In November, istry said in a statement. “I have no regrets,” one of reform of the city’s judiciary Zhang Xiaoming, deputy director “These are especially dan- the lawyers, Lu Siwei, said. cannot be based on dissatis- of the State Council’s Hong Kong gerous activities that if not China’s Ministry of Justice faction with court rulings, as pro- and Macao Affairs Office, called stopped could hurt national did not immediately respond to Beijing figures and state-owned for judicial reform in Hong Kong, security,” it said. a request for comment. media step up criticism of the citing a retired judge who has Amnesty International said Families of two of the 12 city’s legal system. been highly critical of a court the verdict underscored the gov- Hong Kong defendants “(The) judiciary’s position has ruling that a ban on face masks ernment’s contempt for free appointed Lu and Ren Quanniu all along been the same. If there’s during last year’s protests was media, particularly ahead of the to represent them but the any room for improvement, we unconstitutional. congress. lawyers were denied access to will pursue it. We will consider Ma also said the judiciary is “Even by its own deeply their clients. The 12 were repre- it,” Chief Justice Geoffrey Ma said not pressured by the Hong Kong repressive standards, the sented in court by lawyers at a news conference ahead of government or by Beijing to severity of the sentences show appointed by mainland his retirement on Sunday. decide cases in a certain way. the depths being reached by Hong Kong’s outgoing Chief Justice Geoffrey Ma holds a news authorities. “But it’s not particularly sat- “I would urge anybody who Vietnam’s censors,” said its conference ahead of his retirement, in Hong Kong, yesterday. Ten of the 12 were sentenced isfactory if there’s a call for writes about the work of the judi- deputy regional director, Emer- last week by a court in the city reforms simply on the basis of a ciary to … come to views objec- lynne Gil. Ahead of the trial, Phil of Shenzhen to between seven result one doesn’t like,” he said. Hong Kong, which was criticised for being frequently tively, based on objective facts,” Robertson, deputy Asia director months and three years in prison “It is certainly not a good handed back to mainland China abusive. Ma said, adding that people at Human Rights Watch, called for illegal border crossing, while starting point or acceptable to say by the British in 1997, operates Hong Kong’s freedoms have should look at the rulings issued the charges “bogus”. the two youngest were returned ‘I want reforms to ensure that I under a “one country, two come under pressure as Beijing by the judiciary because they “If the ruling party is so to Hong Kong for trial on charges will always get the result which systems” framework that allows has asserted more control over show the reasoning employed to assured in its leadership, it related to anti-government pro- I want.’” it to have its own local gov- the city in the past year - arrive at a result. should demonstrate its confi- tests last year. Both lawyers have In recent weeks, Chinese offi- ernment, judiciary and laws that including implementing a Ma was among a panel of dence by respecting civil and been critical of China’s legal cials and state-owned media are separate from those on the sweeping national security law judges who last week revoked political rights, ending its tight process and said they believed have accused the semi-auton- mainland. Hong Kong employs - following months of anti-gov- bail for Lai, who is facing charges control of the press, and the licence threat was linked to omous city’s courts of misinter- a common law legal system, and ernment protests. related to national security. The allowing independent jour- the case of the Hong Kong preting Hong Kong’s mini-con- its judiciary often makes judg- Last month, the state-owned panel found it was “reasonably nalists to freely voice their people, which drew criticism stitution, the Basic Law, in rulings ments public in efforts to be newspaper People’s Daily lashed arguable” that the previous opinions instead of silencing from international rights groups relating to last year’s pro- transparent. In contrast, China’s out at a Hong Kong judge’s judge’s decision to grant bail them with arrest and long prison and foreign governments. democracy protests. opaque justice system has been decision to grant bail to Jimmy could have been erroneous. sentences,” he said. WEDNESDAY 6 JANUARY 2021 ASIA 11

Pakistan: SC Virus death toll in tells govt to make South Korea rises; 30 accountability courts in 30 days gyms protest rules INTERNEWS — ISLAMABAD

In order to accelerate the REUTERS — SEOUL ongoing accountability process and clear the backlog of cases, The number of deaths linked After using aggressive the Supreme Court (SC) has to the coronavirus in South testing and tracing to directed the federal Korea passed 1,000 yesterday, blunt several earlier government to make 30 new while an increasing number waves of the coronavirus accountability courts func- of gym owners said they tional within a month, local would reopen in protest without widespread media reported yesterday. against strict social distancing lockdowns, South Korea During the hearing, Chief rules. has imposed increasingly Justice Gulzar Ahmed said that After using aggressive strident social distancing the Ministry of Law could not testing and tracing to blunt rules as it struggles to be run on ad-hoc basis. He several earlier waves of the directed the federal gov- coronavirus without wide- stop its largest wave yet. ernment to make 30 new A gym seen open in protest against heightened social distancing rules, which will last until January spread lockdowns, South accountability court functional 17, amid the coronavirus disease pandemic, in Seoul, South Korea, yesterday. Korea has imposed increas- in a month. ingly strident social distancing The CJP also asked the rules as it struggles to stop its overcome the COVID-19 fitness and pilates centre in their health, so they never take Officials have blamed reason for delaying the estab- largest wave yet. quickly to recover the eve- Seoul. Operators and patrons their masks off,” said Oh, who businesses that flout social lishment of the accountability The Korea Disease Control ryday lives the people have who flout the rules can face estimated that his was among distancing rules for helping to court in the country. and Prevention Agency lost,” he said. up to 3 million won ($2,760) as many as 300 gyms that fuel the wave. Additional Attorney (KDCA) reported 28 new For weeks, gyms have in fines. have or planned to reopen, KDCA director Jeong Eun- General told the court that an deaths and 715 new cases, for been among the venues forced “For the fitness industry, with many others holding kyeong said on Monday that approval has been given by the a total of 1,007 deaths and to close under the rules, January is the peak season to secret training for authorities are aware of the finance ministry and estab- 64,979 cases overall. although Taekwondo and draw gym members, who customers. issue of fairness in the case of lishment division, whereas, President Moon Jae-in told ballet classes have been decide to start working out The government has said gyms but said the ban had recruitment process for the a cabinet meeting that the allowed to continue under from the new year,” Kim said. it is avoiding imposing the been based on the difficulty of staff will commence from country’s top goal was to make certain limits. Social distancing works highest level of lockdown, wearing masks during January 11. it out of the “long tunnel of That is an unfair double better in gyms than in restau- which would impose a blanket workouts. The top court directed the coronavirus” and said the standard, and is hitting gyms rants, said Oh Sung-young, ban on restaurants and other She said the authorities accountability court in Karachi daily numbers appeared to right when they usually sign head of South Korea’s gym businesses that can currently were in talks to revise the to give its verdict within one have peaked thanks to up the most new customers, owners association. still operate with some restric- guidelines and make the social month in Lakhra power plant residents. said Kim Jae-kang, who said “Those who come to work tions, in order to avoid eco- distancing rules more corruption case. The top judge “This year, we will surely he planned to soon reopen his out actually do care about nomic damage. sustainable. has also sought progress reports from the federal gov- ernment and the anti-cor- ruption watchdog. Pakistan extends travel curbs on UK passengers till January 31 Moreover, while hearing a INTERNEWS — RAWALPINDI case regarding establishment restrict the spread of the coronavirus Diplomats and their families may also health authorities. of new accountability courts, Pakistan extended travel restrictions on variant in Pakistan. travel to Pakistan from the UK and South The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority Supreme court took notice of UK passengers till January 31 to prevent The restrictions became effective from Africa after a negative PCR test result con- (PCAA) said that exemptions provided to not appointing Secretary Law the spread of a new strain of COVID-19 yesterday for all Pakistani nationals with ducted within 72 hours prior to their travel diplomats and Overseas Pakistanis holding on permanent basis and virus in the country. short-term UK and South African visit visas to Pakistan. valid NICOP or Pakistan Origin Card for remarked that Law Ministry On Monday last, travel restrictions and Pakistanis holding work permits. However, they and their families will having stayed in the UK or South Africa cannot function on adhocism. were imposed on UK passengers till Under the curbs, these Pakistani nationals be subjected to PCR test upon arrival and for over the last 10 days prior to travel, Later, the top court January 4 after the emergence of the new would have to follow SOPs and produce quarantine/isolation within their would continue and new restrictions for adjourned the hearing till the strain that was spreading rapidly in a negative PCR test result conducted within respective embassies/high commissions them would be effective from January 9 second week of February. England. The measure was intended to 72 hours prior to their travel to Pakistan. for a time period as specified by relevant to January 31. Earlier, pursuant to SC orders, Prime Minister Imran Khan approved to set up 120 new accountability courts in Hebei province in China the country. The PM said owing to financial issues, new enters ‘wartime mode’ accountability courts will be established in phases. He, REUTERS — BEIJING provincial, city and district however, issued orders to set levels to trace the close contacts up 30 courts immediately. The fight to contain the coro- of those who have tested navirus in northern China’s positive. Hebei has entered “wartime In turn, the close contacts of Hazaras refuse to mode”, official media reported those people would also be yesterday, after the province located, the newspaper said, end Quetta sit-in surrounding capital Beijing saw adding that isolation measures its first locally transmitted would be put in place and without justice COVID-19 cases in more than testing carried out. six months. The Gaocheng district of for slain miners Hebei reported 19 local provincial capital Shijiazhuang infections and 40 asymptomatic would organise testing for all REUTERS — QUETTA cases between January 2 and its permanent residents and has January 4, according to data put one village under Members of the Shia Hazara from the Chinese health author- lockdown, the Hebei Daily minority in Pakistan who have A public health warning message is posted amid the tightening of regulations to curb the spread of ities. The last time the province report said, adding that a blockaded a highway in Quetta the coronavirus disease in Sydney, Australia recorded locally transmitted working group had been sent with the bodies of slain coal infections was in June 2020. to the city of Xingtai to guide miners said yesterday they will Nationally, mainland China handling of the epidemic. not withdraw until Prime Three Australian cities told to get reported 33 new COVID-19 Hebei would resolutely act Minister Imran Khan meets cases on January 4, the National as the “political moat” around them and the killers are brought Health Commission said yes- Beijing and strictly prevent the to justice. COVID-19 tests and isolate terday, with 14 of the 17 local virus from spreading outside Islamic State militants slit cases recorded in Hebei and 16 the province, the report said. the throats of 11 miners in a res- REUTERS — SYDNEY New South Wales (NSW) infections since Dec 15. cases imported from overseas. Beijing is scheduled to host idential compound near a mine state, the epicentre of Australia’s NSW has recorded nearly The provincial government- China’s annual parliamentary site in Pakistan’s Balochistan Australia’s most populous state latest outbreak, yesterday said 200 cases in the recent Sydney run Hebei Daily said the meeting in March. Last year’s province on Sunday, filming the New South Wales yesterday it had detected four new local outbreaks, though infections province had entered “wartime gathering was postponed by entire incident and later posting called on residents in three cities cases of COVID-19 in the past have largely been confined to just mode”, meaning investigation more than two months because it online. to be tested for COVID-19 and 24 hours, one in a man who a few suburbs. The state has teams would be set up at of the coronavirus outbreak. Thousands of Hazaras have isolate, as concerns grew that a travelled from Sydney to the imposed new social distancing since staged a protest, arranging Sydney cluster may have spread outback town of Broken Hill. restrictions and mandated the the coffins across a highway in to regional areas after a visitor “This is a reminder of what wearing of masks in shopping the provincial capital Quetta. from the city tested positive. can occur for people who are centres and on public transport “We have become tired of Concerns over the extent of moving out of Sydney. We said or face a A$200 ($154) fine. picking up the bodies of our the Sydney cluster saw author- clearly in the past, if you have NSW has been effectively people,” Syed Agha Raza, a ities ban residents from several any symptoms, if you are con- isolated from the rest of Australia Hazara Shia political leader, suburbs from attending a cerned, you should limit your after other states and territories said. Masooma Yaqoob Ali said January 7 Australia-India cricket mobility,” acting NSW Premier closed borders or imposed her elder brother along with test in Sydney, and again called John Barilaro told reporters in 14-day mandatory quarantine four other relatives were among for widespread testing for even Sydney. rules. those killed. the mildest of symptoms. Barilaro urged people in Australia shut its interna- “Now we have no male Sydney is battling a number three regional NSW cities, which tional borders in March to all member [of our family] to take of clusters, the most concerning the infected man visited, to get a non-citizens and permanent res- coffins of our brother and other in its western suburbs which has COVID-19 test and isolate while idents. Those allowed to enter relatives to the graveyard for been linked to a liquor outlet awaiting a test. must enter a 14-day hotel quar- burial,” she said, shedding tears frequented by possibly thou- NSW on Monday reported antine. Australia has reported just as she spoke. People arrive at a vaccination site following the outbreak of the sands of people over the zero new local infections, the first over 28,500 coronavirus cases The protesters are refusing coronavirus disease in Beijing, China, yesterday. Christmas period. time the state reported no new and 909 deaths. to bury the victims of the attack until demands, which include the resignation of the provincial government, are met. Protests Japan weighs state of emergency in Tokyo area as infections surge also took place yesterday in Karachi, Pakistan’s large REUTERS — TOKYO Secretary Katsunobu Kato said a as soon as possible. daily tally reaching a record 4,670, they were during last year’s southern city. decision would likely come “There is a risk of nationwide public broadcaster NHK reported. roughly month-long state of Balochistan Home Secretary Japan will decide this week tomorrow, after local media said and rapid spread of infections Tokyo and the three sur- emergency, during which schools Hafiz Basid said at least nine of whether to impose a state of a state of emergency, the second taking place if the infection situ- rounding prefectures, which have and none-essential businesses the victims were from neigh- emergency in the Tokyo area, a since the pandemic began, would ation in Tokyo and surrounding requested an emergency decla- shut down, as the government bouring Afghanistan, and two top official said yesterday as daily take effect by Friday and last regions does not subside,” Shigeru ration, asked residents to refrain seeks to keep economic damage bodies had thus far been taken COVID-19 infections hit a record, about a month. Omi, head of the panel, told a from non-essential, non-urgent to a minimum. there for burial. Afghanistan’s a move some derided as too little, A panel of experts advising news conference. outings after 8pm from Friday Education Minister Koichi Foreign Office said in a too late in a nation set to host the Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga New cases in Tokyo surged to until at least the end of the month, Hagiuda said the government statement that seven of the dead Olympics. later recommended that 1,278 yesterday, the second and said restaurants must close wouldn’t seek to close all schools, were Afghan, and both sides The government’s top restriction to curb a surge in highest daily total since the pan- by that time. But measures are leaving that decision to local were investigating the incident spokesman, Chief Cabinet coronavirus cases be imposed demic began, with the national likely to be far less sweeping than authorities. together. 12 EUROPE WEDNESDAY 6 JANUARY 2021 Britain enters third lockdown in bleak start to a new year

REUTERS — LONDON Health Service risked being overwhelmed within 21 days. More than a million Britain began its third COVID-19 In England alone, some lockdown yesterday with 27,000 people are in hospital people in Britain have citizens under orders to stay at with COVID, 40% more than already received their home and the government during the first peak in April, first dose of a COVID-19 calling for one last major with infection numbers jab, but this is not national effort to stem the virus expected to rise further after enough to have an before mass vaccinations turn increased socialising during the the tide. Christmas period. impact on transmission Britain has been among the Since the start of the pan- yet. countries worst-hit by demic, more than 75,000 COVID-19, with the second people have died in the United highest death toll in Europe and Kingdom within 28 days of to the virus, and Buckingham an economy that suffered the testing positive for coronavirus, Palace called off its traditional sharpest contraction of any in according to official figures. summer garden parties this the Group of Seven during the A Savanta-ComRes poll year. Under the new rules in An empty street is pictured in Edinburgh, Scotland, Britain, yesterday. first wave of infections last taken just after Johnson’s England, schools are closed to spring. More than a million address suggested four in five most pupils, people should people in Britain have already adults in England supported the work from home if possible, and to shrink again, though not as It aims to vaccinate all elderly an easing of restrictions. received their first dose of a lockdown. all hospitality and non-essential much as during the first care home residents and their “We’ll be able to review the COVID-19 jab, but this is not “I definitely think it was the shops are closed. Semi-auton- lockdown last spring. JP Morgan carers, everyone over the age progress that we’ve made on the enough to have an impact on right decision to make,” said omous executives in Scotland, economist Allan Monks said he of 70, all frontline health and 15th of February... and we hope transmission yet. Prime Minister Londoner Kaitlin Colucci, 28. “I Wales and Northern Ireland expected the economy to shrink social care workers, and eve- that we’ll be able to progres- Boris Johnson announced the just hope that everyone doesn’t have imposed similar measures. by 2.5% in the first quarter of ryone who is clinically sively lift restrictions after that, new lockdown late on Monday, struggle too much with having As infection rates soar 2021 — compared with almost extremely vulnerable, by but what I can’t do is predict, saying the highly contagious to be indoors again.” Downing across Europe, other countries 20% in the second quarter of mid-February. nobody can predict with new coronavirus variant first Street said Johnson had can- are also clamping down on 2020. To end the cycle of lock- But senior minister Michael accuracy what we will be able identified in Britain was celled a visit to India later this public life. The new lockdown downs, the government is Gove urged caution in terms of to relax and when,” he said on spreading so fast the National month to focus on the response is likely to cause the economy pinning its hopes on vaccines. when that might translate into Sky News. Italy imposes France steps up vaccine rollout to deliver shots faster curbs to keep REUTERS — PARIS neighbours like Britain and Over the weekend, the first 500,000 per week. It will also on high alert for signs of the Germany, and the president is hospital staff began receiving get 500,000 doses per month British variant of the corona- lid on infections France is stepping up its now demanding the vaccination the vaccine. The government of Moderna’s vaccine once it virus taking root. COVID-19 vaccine rollout by programme be expedited. has now added paramedics and obtains regulatory approval in Veran said about 10 to 15 REUTERS — ROME widening further its first target Veran told RTL radio that health workers are being added Europe and France. cases of the variant had been group to include more health the government was going to to the first target group. Rules demanding that only detected in France. Its furious Italian ministers decided to workers and simplifying a “accelerate and simplify our By the end of January, a doctor or a nurse under the spread through southern keep nationwide restrictions cumbersome process to deliver vaccination strategy.” Some France will have begun vacci- direct supervision of a doctor England compelled Prime Min- in place this weekend to slow jabs more quickly, Health 300 vaccination centres would nating people aged 75 and inject the vaccine will be eased. ister Boris Johnson to announce coronavirus infections, but Minister Olivier Veran said be operational from next week, above who are living at home, Veran said a doctor would be a third nationwide lockdown on agreed to relax curbs on yesterday. the minister said. Veran said. allowed to supervise multiple Monday. weekdays. France’s inoculation cam- The plan initially had been The coronavirus has nurses at any one time in a vac- France remains under Italians spent much of paign got off to a slow start, for the first phase of the vaccine claimed the lives of 65,415 cination centre. nightly curfew. Restaurants, Christmas and New Year at hampered in part by red tape rollout, which began in France people in France, the seventh- Similarly, rules requiring museums and cinemas are still home, with people allowed to and President Emmanuel on December 27, to focus on highest death toll in the world. that any person wanting a closed. Veran said he hoped leave their houses only for Macron’s decision to tread nursing home residents and France received an initial COVID-19 vaccine must hold a France would be able to open work, health and emergencies, warily in one of the most their carers. But by the end of 500,000 doses of the vaccine consultation with a doctor first its ski resorts for the February or for brief trips to see a vaccine-sceptical countries in the first week, France had developed by Pfizer and Ger- would also be made simpler. holidays but that such a move limited number of friends or the world. delivered just over 500 many’s BioNTech and was due As it stepped up its vacci- will depend on how active the relatives. But France has fallen behind COVID-19 shots. to receive an additional nation campaign, France was virus is. These rules are set to expire tomorrow (Thursday) and ministers agreed at a late Monday night Cabinet meeting Germany restricts movement as to return to the old, three-tier system, which allows for dif- ferent measures to be applied pressure mounts to contain virus to different regions. But all restaurants across BLOOMBERG federal states. Officials are still leader was behind the strategy the country will have to close debating what to do with to hand off vaccine pro- this weekend, with travel Germany extended its lockdown schools and daycare facilities. curement to the European between towns and cities kept and tightened restrictions on With a national election Commission. to a minimum. The gov- movement as pressure mounts looming in September, party German’s new restrictions ernment has also decided to on Chancellor Angela Merkel’s politics is intruding on Ger- on movement, which were postpone the Thursday reo- government to contain the many’s efforts to stem the pan- opposed by some state leaders, pening of high schools to 50% coronavirus spread and speed demic. Top officials from the will affect many of Germany’s of their capacity until Monday. up vaccinations. Social Democrats — the junior major cities, particularly in the Some regions, including With hundreds dying each partner in the ruling coalition hard-hit states of Bavaria and northern Veneto around day, political tensions have — attacked Health Minister Jens Saxony. Nuremberg, Dresden, Venice, have decided to delay been high and threaten to Spahn, a leading figure in Mer- Potsdam and dozens of others the reopening until January 31. Patients wait at the Metropolis-Halle vaccination centre for their escalate further amid a rising kel’s Christian Democrats, over have incidence rates above the The number of daily cases turn to receive COVID-19 vaccine, in Potsdam, Germany, yesterday. tide of criticism over the gov- apparent delays. 200 threshold. Berlin, Frankfurt has fallen from a high of ernment’s strategy to distribute Finance Minister Olaf Scholz and Munich are below that around 40,000 in mid- a COVID-19 shot. — the SPD’s chancellor can- level, according to the RKI quantity of jabs available. and about 0.2% in Italy and November to well under At an ill-tempered meeting didate — on Monday presented public health institute. Officials in Merkel’s admin- Spain. 20,000 at present, but the with state leaders yesterday, Spahn with a lengthy list of Europe has become an epi- istration have said they are After initially supporting an infection rate has vacillated, Merkel pushed through contro- questions about why vaccina- center of the pandemic since seeking to accelerate the pro- alliance with France, Italy and with many hundreds dying versial limits on movement, tions aren’t happening faster, cases began ticking up again in duction and distribution of vac- the Netherlands, Spahn has each day. sharpened restrictions on Bild newspaper reported. The October, with more than cines. In addition to the shot defended Germany’s decision The government decree private gatherings and pro- crisis is set to be discussed at a 400,000 coronavirus-related jointly developed by Germany’s to buy and distribute vaccines also extended to Jan. 15 a ban longed hard lockdown cabinet meeting on Wednesday. deaths and 17.3 million infec- BioNTech SE, the approval of simultaneously among EU already in place on movement measures until at least January "The behaviour of the SPD tions. Growing concern around others by European health members. He said it was fairer between Italy’s 20 regions, 31, according a person familiar chancellor candidate shows that Europe over diminishing hos- authorities should help accel- for the smaller countries that with travel permitted only for with the discussions. our coalition partners are pital capacity and rapidly rising erate the rollout. wouldn’t have been able to work, health or emergencies. Weeks into a hard already in campaign mode,” death rates has already According to the latest data negotiate on equal terms with Italy, the first Western shutdown, contagion rates are said Georg Nuesslein, a member prompted sharper measures in from the RKI public health manufacturers. country to be hit by COVID-19, still more than double the level of Merkel’s parliamentary bloc. several countries in the region. institute, about 317,000 people Spahn told ARD television has reported nearly 76,000 the government has determined "Considering the government’s Merkel is coming under had been immunised in yesterday that there wouldn’t deaths since February, the fifth to be manageable, and there current to-do list, that is of great increasing scrutiny over her Germany through midday yes- be any magical solutions over- highest world tally. was broad consensus that concern.” decision in the summer to task terday, just under 0.4% of the night. "We have to be realistic,” On Saturday, the Health action was needed. Merkel has been drawn into the European Union with nego- population. That compares with he said. "This won’t be done Ministry pushed back the re- Merkel was set to announce the controversy after Bild pub- tiating with drug companies, a around 1.4% in the US and quicker than around the sum- opening of the ski resorts to the new rules after a video con- lished a June letter from Spahn move critics say slowed down Britain, which both began vac- mertime in many countries in January 18 from a previously ference with the heads of the 16 that indicated the German the process and reduced the cinating several weeks earlier, the world.” planned January 8. Italy to invest in biotech firm ReiThera to support development of vaccine

REUTERS — ROME ReiThera to support the research and eventually provide Italy with some independence in vaccine procurement. Italy will invest in local biotech company ReiThera to His office did not say how much money would be support the development of its COVID-19 vaccine, a invested. “If the data obtained so far are confirmed, in senior official said yesterday after the government the coming months we will have an effective and safe called results of a Phase 1 trial encouraging. vaccine with a single dose,” Health Minister Roberto ReiThera is developing the vaccine with Germany’s Speranza said in a statement. Leukocare and Belgium’s Univercells and started talks The ReiThera vaccine is based on a so-called non- with the European Union in September about supplying replicating adenoviral vector, the same technology that the bloc with doses. AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson have used in their An initial trial involved 45 volunteers aged between vaccines. 18 and 55. None of them showed serious side effects in ReiThera’s Chairman Antonella Folgori said the the 28 days after the vaccination, said Giuseppe Ippolito, company aimed to produce some 100 million doses scientific director of Rome’s Lazzaro Spallanzani per year, which can be stored at between 2 and 8 institute which conducted the tests. degrees Celsius. Italy is relying entirely on a European Activists defend house against demolition “Some 92.5% of volunteers had detectable levels of Union joint procurement initiative for COVID-19 vac- neutralizing antibodies,” he said, adding that trials were cines, which is so far just using the vaccine developed Activists sit on the roof of a building to protest against the demolition of a house near the scheduled to conclude by the summer. by Pfizer and BioNTech as the bloc awaits for other Garzweiler open cast brown coal mine in Luetzerath, Germany, yesterday. Domenico Arcuri, Italy’s COVID-19 emergency com- vaccines to be approved by the European Medicines missioner, said the government would invest in Agency. WEDNESDAY 6 JANUARY 2021 EUROPE 13 EU seeks up to 300 million more Pfizer-BioNTech doses

BLOOMBERG — BRUSSELS The attempt to secure Pfizer whether there is a way to more of the Pfizer- increase supply beyond the ini- The European Union is negoti- tially contracted 300 million ating with Pfizer Inc. and BioNTech vaccine doses, Stefan De Keersmaecker, BioNTech SE on a deal that comes less than a health-policy spokesman, said could double their supply of Monday. He declined to COVID-19 vaccine to the region, a week after the comment Tuesday about the according to people familiar 27-member bloc details of the extra shots being with the talks. boosted its original sought. The new contract would Pfizer and BioNTech are include 100 million doses, as 200 million-dose pursuing all their options to well as an option for as many order to 300 million. boost production capacity for as 200 million more, said the the vaccine beyond the 1.3 people, who asked not to be If the option in the billion doses originally planned identified because the talks are new agreement were for this year, Sahin said in an private. interview last month. The CEO Governments across the EU exercised, it would said he was confident that face growing questions over the lift the total doses to would be possible, saying the slow pace of their vaccine partners would probably know rollouts, and shots from other 600 million, enough by January or February whether drugmakers such as Astra- to vaccinate two- and how many additional doses Zeneca Plc won’t be available thirds of the bloc’s they would be able to offer. for weeks at the earliest. European leaders have also The attempt to secure more population based on a come under fire for how the Syringes are prepared for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at the University Hospital in Bialystok, of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine two-dose regimen. existing doses have been comes less than a week after the Poland, yesterday. distributed. 27-member bloc boosted its In France, administrative original 200 million-dose order BioNTech American depositary that has emerged in the U.K. Wednesday. However, the EU e-mailed statement. red tape and a lack of nursing to 300 million. receipts rose 2%, with Pfizer While the EU has signed has locked up less of that shot, No agreement has been home staff hobbled the early If the option in the new showing little change. deals with a range of com- with a contract for as many as reached and the numbers could days of the vaccine campaign. agreement were exercised, it Member countries have panies for access to almost 2 160 million doses. still change. A Pfizer spokesman Meanwhile, German Chancellor would lift the total doses to 600 pressured the EU to secure billion doses, only the Pfizer- “We are in talks about declined to comment. A Angela Merkel is being criticized million, enough to vaccinate more doses as the pandemic’s BioNTech shot has thus far whether and how we can BioNTech spokeswoman for tasking the EU with cen- two-thirds of the bloc’s popu- death toll rises, lockdowns won approval from its regu- provide further vaccine doses declined to comment on the tralized negotiations instead of lation based on a two-dose lengthen and leaders worry lator. A decision on a similar from Europe for Europe this number of doses involved. striking out on her own sooner regimen. about containing a new, more vaccine from U.S. biotech year,” BioNTech Chief Executive The European Commission to get more of the vaccine for In premarket trading, contagious strain of the virus Moderna Inc. could come on Officer Ugur Sahin said in an is examining with BioNTech and Germany itself. Four die as Netherlands govt criticised for late start to vaccinations migrant boat AP — THE HAGUE Wilders, leader of the largest vaccination plans, despite Dutch vaccinations begin testing. The Dutch government reaches Spain’s Dutch opposition party, said having months to work out how today, with staff at nursing is not the only body being crit- The Dutch government came during a debate that was and where to administer the homes, people with handicaps icised amid Europe’s vacci- Canary Islands under heavy criticism from arranged during Parliament’s shots. and hospital frontline workers nation rollout. lawmakers yesterday over a winter recess. “It is not a “What a failure by this first in line. The government The EU’s executive com- COVID-19 vaccination plan that strategy, but chaos — total Cabinet, that they are still in the moved the vaccinations forward mission has faced criticism for AP — MADRID has the first shots set to be chaos — and the preparations freezer!” said Lodewijk Asscher by two days amid growing anger the slowness of the vaccine’s administered today, making the were poor and too late.” of the Labor Party. over its policies and COVID-19- rollout across the region that is Three men died in a boat Netherlands the last European Last month, the Netherlands Health Minister Hugo de related staff shortages at home to some 450 million carrying more than 40 Union nation to begin vaccina- watched from the sidelines as Jonge said in a letter to law- hospitals. people. The bloc’s drug regulator, migrants and another died tions. other EU nations began vaccina- makers ahead of the debate that The Netherlands went into the European Medicines Agency, upon reaching shore on Prime Minister Mark Rutte tions on December 27 in what the government had “proved a tough coronavirus lockdown has been criticised for not Tenerife in Spain’s Canary conceded that his government European Commission President insufficiently agile to accom- in mid-December, with restric- approving vaccines quickly Islands yesterday, authorities had focused in its preparations Ursula von der Leyen called a “ modate quickly enough the tions that closed all schools, enough. French authorities also said. on the easy-to-handle Astra- a touching moment of unity.” changes that have occurred. bars, restaurants, theaters and came under fire for inoculating They were the first deaths Zeneca vaccine, which has not Wilders called the Nether- Perhaps that could and should other public places and placed barely 500 people in the first of migrants arriving on the yet been cleared for use in the lands “the village idiot of have been done differently.” strict limits on gatherings. week of its vaccination islands in 2021, a spokes- EU, and not the vaccine pro- Europe.” The Netherlands took During the debate, Rutte Infection rates have slowed in programme. woman for the emergency duced by US drugmaker Pfizer delivery of thousands of doses lamented his government’s lack recent days, but remain among And even though Germany services said. and Germany’s BioNTech, of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine of agility in adapting its the highest in Europe. The con- inoculated over 200,000 There were three bodies which is the only shot so far late last year. But they have preparations. firmed Dutch death toll in the people in its first week, its heath and 44 survivors in the boat given the green light by the EU’s remained in freezers in a “I’m very disappointed that pandemic is more than 11,000, authorities are being criticized when it arrived before dawn medicines agency. central storage location while we are two weeks behind other though the actual number is for not ramping up vaccinations at a beach on the southern “This is outrageous,” Geert the government finalized its countries,” he said. higher because of limited fast enough. side of Tenerife, she said. The fourth person died from heart failure while being treated by emergency service Denmark imposes new curbs to Switzerland says residents who want a workers on shore. contain spread of virus variant Three others were taken COVID-19 shot should get one by summer to hospital for minor REUTERS — COPENHAGEN injuries. REUTERS — ZURICH maximum protection shown in Federal Health Ministry’s inter- The migrants, which Denmark imposed new lockdown measures yesterday aimed at clinical trials to be around 95%. national division that is leading included one woman and 17 curbing the rapid spread of a new coronavirus variant that is Everyone in Switzerland who Switzerland is concentrating talks with companies, during a minors, were from sub- believed to be more transmissible, the country’s prime minister wants to be vaccinated against initial shots on older people, press conference in Bern. Saharan African countries, said. Denmark imposed a hard lockdown in December, including COVID-19 should be able to including in nursing homes, and Kronig declined to say if the spokeswoman said on closing restaurants and other non-essential shops, to curb a get a shot by summer, a Swiss those with chronic diseases. talks extend to companies condition anonymity in worrying spike in new infections, which has pushed the coun- health official said yesterday, Switzerland has ordered a including Johnson & Johnson, keeping with service try’s hospitals to the brim of their capacity. as the nation anticipates total of about 15 million doses, which is due shortly to release regulations. In recent days, some lawmakers have called for a tightening imminent approval of a including from other manufac- results of clinical trials of its Spain’s Interior Ministry of restrictions over fears of a new variant of the coronavirus, first second vaccine, this one from turers whose products have yet one-dose vaccine in tens of says 23,000 migrants arrived detected in Britain, which is thought to be more transmissible Moderna. to be approved, after setting thousands of volunteers. in the Canary Islands in 2020, than others. “The mutation is already so widespread that it cannot With 233,000 doses aside 400m Swiss francs Switzerland has, so far, up from some 3,000 in 2019. be stopped.” Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said at a news delivered by Pfizer and ($455m) to buy shots. recorded 28 documented cases More than 500 died in the conference. “But we can delay it and drag out the time so we can BioNTech, so far, the country is High global demand from of COVID-19 infections caused attempt. vaccinate more people.” expecting vaccine deliveries to virtually everywhere, combined by an especially infectious The people taking the Health authorities said they expect the new virus variant to hit at least 1.5 million doses by with limited production, means variant of the new coronavirus boats are understood to be be the dominating one in Denmark by mid-February. the end of February, provided there is too little to go around. that has been circulating fleeing poverty, violence or The new restrictions include lowering the limit on public Moderna’s shot wins the regu- “We continue to be in rapidly in Britain. other circumstances, including gatherings to five from earlier 10 people, while a two-metre dis- lator’s blessing. negotiations, to see how we can That’s up from just a the COVID-19 pandemic, in tancing rule will be introduced in public areas, including in retail The shots require two doses boost volumes,” said Nora handful reported late last their countries. shops. several weeks apart, to confer Kronig, head of the Swiss month. Sweden Premier faces flak after flouting COVID-19 guidelines

BLOOMBERG — BRUSSELS Tuesday. The reading repre- “We have a lot of patients sents the biggest single-month being admitted to intensive care Sweden’s Prime Minister Stefan slump in Lofven’s popularity units, and there is no sign of Lofven is facing an historic since the pandemic started, that decreasing,” he said. slump in voter confidence after Demoskop says. “Unfortunately, the same goes he was caught flouting his own The development follows a for fatalities.” government’s Covid guidelines. growing chorus of criticism of While the government had The prime minister, along Sweden’s Covid strategy, with already seen confidence in its with a number of senior gov- even King Carl XVI Gustaf Covid strategy sink, Lofven’s ernment officials, has been crit- taking the unusual step of airing shopping tour appears to have icised harshly in Swedish media his disapproval. The country dealt a particularly deep blow in recent days after appearing has so far avoided a lockdown, to his credibility. It came not to ignore social distancing rec- coinciding with a much higher long after he personally urged ommendations amid a dan- death rate than elsewhere in Swedes to avoid shopping gerous spike in coronavirus the Nordic region. malls, and said he hoped “eve- cases. Lofven went on a pre- Lofven has acknowledged ryone in Sweden understands Christmas shopping tour, while that a change of course is needed, the seriousness” of the his finance minister, Magdalena and his government is waiting situation. Andersson, was photographed for parliament to approve a bill “Many people seem to think renting skis in a popular resort submitted on Monday that would that there is a double standard,” singled out by health author- give him he power to shutter Karin Nelsson, CEO of Dem- ities as a place to avoid. shops and restaurants to fight the oskop, told Aftonbladet. EU expresses concern over migrant camp Following those revelations, pandemic. Adding to the government’s support for Lofven has slumped Anders Tegnell, Sweden’s embarrassment, a top official A drone picture shows the general view of the migrant camp “Lipa” in Bihac, Bosnia and Herzegovina, 7 points to just 31% of Swedish state epidemiologist, said at a on Sweden’s corona-virus yesterday. The European Union criticised Bosnia's handling of the issue of displaced migrants who voters, according to a web- briefing on Tuesday that the sit- response team went on a were stranded on its territory on the borders with the EU, considering that their lives are in danger based poll by Demoskop pub- uation shows no signs of Christmas holiday to the Canary and their conditions are completely unacceptable. lished in Aftonbladet on improving. Islands. 14 AMERICAS WEDNESDAY 6 JANUARY 2021 Maduro retakes control of Venezuela Congress

BLOOMBERG & AP — CARACAS Tuesday that President Mario Carrying pictures of the late Abdo Benitez has rejected an Venezuelan President Nicolas Venezuela leader Hugo offer made by a Guaido envoy Maduro installed a new National Chavez, lawmakers to settle debt with oil producer Assembly filled with regime PDVSA at a deep discount loyalists, consolidating his yesterday elected former because the country can’t be power over key institutions in Information Minister Jorge sure it would be paying the the crisis-torn nation despite Rodriguez as the new "legitimate creditor.” mounting US sanctions. president of the legislative Maduro’s allies swept legis- Carrying pictures of the late body. Maduro’s son Nicolas lative elections last month boy- Venezuelan leader Hugo cotted by the opposition and Chavez, lawmakers yesterday Maduro Guerra and his wife denounced as a sham by the US, elected former Information Cilia Flores were among the the European Union and several Minister Jorge Rodriguez as the 277 representatives who other foreign governments. new president of the legislative took their seats — in their While the vote was marred by body. Maduro’s son Nicolas vast majority supporters of anemically low turnout, it none- Maduro Guerra and his wife theless seemed to relegate into Cilia Flores were among the 277 the ruling socialist party, irrelevancy the US-backed representatives who took their following December opposition led by 37-year-old seats — in their vast majority elections the opposition has lawmaker Juan Guaidó. Diosdado Cabello, elected candidate of Venezuela’s United Socialist Party (PSUV), holding a picture supporters of the ruling socialist Exactly a year ago, Guaidó, denounced as fraudulent. of the late president Hugo Chavez before the swearing-in ceremony of National Assembly’s new party, following December elec- in a blue suit and tie, tried to tions the opposition has scale a spiked iron fence to get term, in Caracas yesterday. denounced as fraudulent. past a group of riot police "Sanctions are useless, Juan Guaido as interim leader blocking him from attending the months, operating through an change have collapsed. Recent by hyperinflation, miles-long because the people have shown in early 2019, when he took the parliament’s inaugural session, adjunct committee normally opinion polls show support for lines for gasoline and pul- that not even the worst sanc- helm of the previous National which according to the consti- reserved for legislative recesses. Guaidó having fallen by more verized wages measured adding tions will be able to break Assembly controlled by Maduro tution must be held every year Supreme Court justices loyal than half since he first rose to up to a few pennies per month. them,” Rodriguez said after opponents. His claim was based on January 5. to Maduro immediately struck challenge Maduro two years But he’s managed to out- being sworn in, assuring that on alleged vacancy in the pres- A far cry from that electric down the law as invalid. But ago. maneuver his foes through a the Assembly will promote dia- idency due to elections deemed display of defiance, Guaidó was that hasn’t stopped the Trump Meanwhile, Maduro has mix of repression and co- logue with all political groups, fraudulent in 2018. expected to meet via Zoom with administration from doubling managed to retain a solid grip optation exacerbated by the including those that boycotted While Guaido retains inter- a cohort of opposition leaders down in its support of Guaidó. on power and the military, the opposition’s own missteps, the election. national support publicly, his for their own virtual parlia- “The national parliament traditional arbiter of political Arellano said. She expects a new Since taking over for Chavez stance has gradually weakened mentary session. will not be detained until there disputes. round of repression now that in 2013, Maduro has resisted as the showdown with Maduro Last month, anti-Maduro are free elections in Venezuela,” Gaby Arellano, a lawmaker Maduro has seized congress. efforts to force him out, pre- drags on and as more oppo- lawmakers, several dozen of Guaidó said on Twitter recently. exiled in Colombia, said that Yesterday, Guaidó blasted on siding over a precipitous dete- sition politicians are forced into them from exile, also gathered While Guaido’s bravery many in the opposition under- Twitter photos of what he said rioration of the oil-rich country. exile, jailed or legally sidelined. online to extend their mandate hasn’t wavered, the opposition’s estimated Maduro, thinking he were security forces sur- The US and more than 50 coun- In a sign of just how limited his stemming from a landslide political fortunes have tanked stood no chance in a doomsday rounding his apartment building tries recognised the opposition’s powers are, Paraguay said on victory in 2015 for another 12 as Venezuelans own hopes for economic environment marked in Caracas. Illegal armed Mexico to give jabs to groups in elderly in rural areas; Colombia lost 5,120 members awaits vaccine nod last year AP — MEXICO CITY of his political base. The president said teachers REUTERS — BOGOTA Once Mexico has vaccinated its in states where it could be pos- frontline medical workers sible to return to in-person Colombian illegal armed against COVID-19, the classes would also be vacci- groups lost roughly 5,120 government will turn its nated at that time. Much will members in 2020 as the coun- attention to the elderly living in depend, though, on the availa- try’s armed forces continued its most remote places, Pres- bility of the vaccines. CanSino operations amidst the corona- ident Andrés Manuel López has not yet presented the results virus pandemic to weaken Obrador said yesterday. of its final stage trials, which them and stop them from Ten thousand brigades would be needed for emergency growing in size and territory, made up of medical personnel approval. said General Luis Fernando and health promoters with Meanwhile, the Brazilian Navarro. security provided by the government, under pressure to The figure includes combat National Guard will target 3 begin an immunization cam- deaths, captures, and deser- million senior citizens in rural paign, expects to receive 2 tions affecting the National areas. The brigades will work million of the AstraZeneca vac- Liberation Army (ELN), dissi- back from isolated areas to cines this month. Another batch of doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is transported at Benito Juarez dents of the demobilized Rev- towns and cities. However, Brazil’s health International Airport, as the coronavirus disease outbreak continues, in Mexico City yesterday. olutionary Armed Forces of The plan will hinge on Mex- regulator Anvisa has yet to Colombia (FARC) who rejected ico’s approval of the Chinese approve any vaccine, and the many hotels and restaurants against the coronavirus camped will be administered by Volusia a 2016 peace deal, and other CanSino vaccine, which only health ministry hasn’t provided full. Brazil’s President Jair Bol- out overnight in frigid temper- County’s office of the Florida armed groups including Clan requires a single dose. So far, a definitive rollout date for the sonaro, who previously had the atures to secure spots in morn- Department of Health. del Golfo, Los Caparros, and Mexico has approved only vac- nation’s first shots. coronavirus, swam just offshore ing’s line in Daytona Beach. The state has received more Los Pelusos, Navarro said. cines from Pfizer and As of Monday, 5,126 on Jan. 1, to the delight of a large City officials tried to avoid than 960,000 doses of the All five armed groups are AstraZeneca. COVID-19 patients were in group standing close together. a repeat of Monday’s traffic Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. linked to drug trafficking and Mexico started deploying intensive care in Sao Paulo’s Seniors citizens in Florida jams by opening a stadium’s By Monday, about 260,000 illegal mining, he added. those vaccines in December in hospitals, the highest since Aug. camped overnight in vehicles parking lot to overnight Floridians had been vaccinated, “The remnants (FARC dis- Mexico City and the northern 22. Meanwhile, stores, bars, to get in line for vaccinations in camping for people 65 and mostly health care workers and sidents) have lost some 1,100 state of Coahuila. The gov- offices and other non-essential Daytona Beach. Distribution older. By 7:30 p.m. Monday, first responders, followed men. The ELN lost more than ernment hopes to have 750,000 activities resumed in the state hiccups and logistical chal- senior citizens in some 200 recently by the elderly. 700 men due to legitimate health workers vaccinated by following suspension during lenges have slowed the initial vehicles were on the property. About 83% of coronavirus state action in targeted the end of January. year-end celebrations. coronavirus vaccine rollout in The Daytona Beach News deaths in Florida have been strikes,” Navarro, com- “We’re going to start at the Despite several pleas from California. The vaccination Journal reported officials older than 65. Florida has one mander of Colombia’s armed bottom, where the most mar- Gov. João Doria, no mayors in drive enters new phase in US as planned to close the gates once of the nation’s oldest popula- forces, said in an interview. ginalized people live,” López Sao Paulo’s beachside cities some start receiving final dose. 1,000 people entered, matching tions, with 4.4 million of the Colombia’s military is Obrador said of a population limited circulation of tourists Hundreds of senior citizens the number of vaccines state’s 21 million people 65 authorized to bomb the that makes up an important part during the holiday season, with determined to get vaccinated available for Tuesday. The shots years or older. groups, which hold strategic areas in the country’s jungles and mountains for producing cocaine and illegally mining Illinois teen pleads not guilty metals, mainly gold. “They don’t have the in Kenosha protest slayings capacity to recover from the damage done by Colombian AP — MADISON, WISCONSIN authorities, which is why we believe their plans are An Illinois teenager who fatally shot two people and wounded a focused on containment and third amidst sometimes violent summer protests on the streets our objective is to take them of Kenosha, Wisconsin, pleaded not guilty yesterday to charges to a turning point,” Navarro including intentional homicide. said. Kyle Rittenhouse, 18, entered his plea in a brief hearing con- Excluding the members ducted by teleconference that came just as Kenosha was bracing lost, the five groups finished for a charging decision in the event that brought Rittenhouse to 2020 with around 6,800 com- the city in August — the police shooting of Jacob Blake. batants, according to an intel- Prosecutors say Rittenhouse, who is white, left his home in ligence report seen by Reuters. Antioch, Illinois, and travelled to Kenosha after learning of a call Armed groups’ year-end mem- to protect businesses after Blake, a Black man, was shot seven bership last year was similar times in the back August 23 and left paralysed. Rittenhouse opened to that at the end of 2019 partly fire with an assault-style rifle during protests two nights later, due to the number of members killing Joseph Rosenbaum and Anthony Huber and wounding lost and despite the groups’ Gaige Grosskreutz. Rittenhouse has argued he fired in self-defense. recruitment efforts, Navarro Conservatives have rallied around Rittenhouse, describing him said. as a patriot who took up arms to protect people and property, and FARC dissidents and the raised enough money to make his $2m cash bail. ELN accounted for 2,500 com- The Blake shooting happened three months after George Floyd batants and 2,450 combatants Three dead in flooding in southern Bolivia died while being restrained by police officers in Minneapolis, respectively. which also was captured on bystander video and which sparked The result came during a People stand on benches and higher grounds during flooding caused by heavy rains in Sucre, Bolivia, outrage and protests that spread across the United States and year when the armed forces yesterday. A heavy downpour in southern Bolivia caused floods that killed three people and washed beyond. The galvanized Black Lives Matter movement put a spot- undertook operations to rein- away vehicles and street kiosks, police said. About 10 people were treated for hypothermia after light on inequitable policing and became a fault line in politics, force border security and the deluge on Monday night in part of Sucre city. Hail blocked storm drains during the downpour, with President Donald Trump criticizing protesters and aggres- deliver food and aid to people Osvaldo Rojas, the city’s emergency response director, told local media. sively pressing a law-and-order message that he sought to cap- in need amid the coronavirus italize on in Wisconsin and other swing states. pandemic, Navarro added. WEDNESDAY 6 JANUARY 2021 AMERICAS 15 With Senate control at stake, Georgians vote in runoffs

REUTERS — ATLANTA Democrats must win pressured Georgia Secretary of both Georgia races to State Brad Raffensperger, a Voters streamed to polling sites fellow Republican, to “find” in Georgia yesterday in a pair seize Senate control enough votes to reverse Biden’s of runoff elections to determine from the Republicans. victory, again falsely claiming control of the US Senate, a massive fraud. showdown crucial to the Failure to do so would Trump’s efforts to undo his success of Democratic Pres- make it much more loss — with some Republicans ident-elect Joe Biden’s ambi- planning to object to the certi- tious legislative agenda. difficult for Biden to fication of Biden’s win when Republican senators David enact new legislation Congress meets on Wednesday Perdue and Kelly Loeffler faced to formally count the presi- Democratic challengers Jon in a bitterly divided dential vote - have caused a Ossoff, a documentary film- Congress. Results are split in his party and condem- maker, and the Reverend expected to be known nation from critics who accuse Raphael Warnock, a pastor at a him of undermining democracy. Black church in Atlanta in a state by this morning. Biden, due to take office on Biden narrowly carried against January 20, was the first Dem- President Donald Trump, a ocratic presidential candidate Republican, in the November 3 Republicans. to win in Georgia since 1992. presidential election. “If we lose, we’ll get higher Trump and Biden cam- Democrats must win both taxes for sure - you can bet on paigned in Georgia on Monday. Georgia races to seize Senate it,” Temple said. “We’ll have a It remains to be seen whether control from the Republicans. runaway liberal agenda, Trump’s claims about election Failure to do so would make it runaway spending. That’s not fraud will dissuade Republicans much more difficult for Biden good for America.” from voting in Georgia, as some Voters line up early in the morning to cast their ballots in the US Senate runoff election, at a polling to enact new legislation in a bit- Voting in Cobb County in the party have feared. station in Marietta, Georgia, US, yesterday. terly divided Congress. Results outside Atlanta, Roshard A double Democratic victory are expected to be known by Tamplin, 42, said he supported would split the Senate 50-50, this morning. the two Democrats, citing civil with Vice President-elect pandemic, climate change “I believe the two of them Senate term. Loeffler, one of the No Democrat has won a rights and voting rights as Kamala Harris’s tie-breaking policy, healthcare and policing are consistent with my values,” wealthiest members of Con- Senate race in Georgia in two important issues. vote giving Democrats control. reform. Sweeney said in Cobb County. gress, was appointed a year ago decades. Opinion surveys show “They’re trying to make it Each of the 50 states is repre- Voting in Marietta, voter “Taxes for one, and traditional to fill the seat of a retiring both races as exceedingly close. harder to vote, especially for sented by two senators in the LaVonte Jackson, 42, sup- values.” senator. The runoff elections, a quirk of Black people,” Tamplin, who is 100-seat chamber. ported the Democrats, saying, Wall Street’s main indexes Raffensperger told Fox state law, became necessary Black, said of Republicans. Democrats control the “Kamala and Biden have a lot rose after a weak start on News the election results will when no candidate in either The final days of the tense House of Representatives, with of work to do, especially after Tuesday as investors awaited likely be known on Wednesday senatorial race exceeded 50% contests, which set records for the number of seats allotted to four years of Trump. I don’t the outcome in Georgia. morning. Raffensperger said of the vote in November. campaign spending and early states determined by their pop- know if there’s been a more If elected, Warnock would Trump’s false claims on voter Voters endured long lines at turnout in Georgia, were dom- ulation. Democratic control of important vote.” become Georgia’s first Black US fraud hurt voter confidence in some polling sites and had no inated by Trump’s continued both chambers could boost Scott Sweeney, 63, backed senator and Ossoff, at 33, the the runoffs, adding, “I can lines at others. efforts to subvert the presi- Biden’s legislative agenda in Perdue and Loeffler to block the Senate’s youngest member. assure you that it will be a fair In Atlanta, Jonathan Temple, dential election results. areas such as economic relief Democrats from capturing the Perdue is a former Fortune 500 and honest election, that it’ll be 57, said he backed the two On Saturday, Trump amid the coronavirus Senate. executive who has served one safe and it’ll be dependable.” Trudeau: Whole nation frustrated by slow pace of vaccine shots Missouri patrol shoots man who REUTERS — OTTAWA spreading second wave Around a third of cases threatens to overwhelm some have been found in Ontario, had gun at troop Canadian Prime Minister healthcare services. the most populous province, Justin Trudeau yesterday said Trudeau said the cam- where Premier Doug Ford headquarters the whole nation was frustrated paign had to be carried out as said doses were running out. by how slowly provinces are quickly as possible. “All Cana- “Our message to the AP — LEE'S SUMMIT, MISSOURI vaccinating people against the dians, including me, are frus- federal government (is) - just coronavirus and promised trated to see vaccines in keep these vaccines coming,” Missouri State Highway Patrol Ottawa would help speed the freezers and not in people’s he told Toronto reporters. troopers shot and wounded a pace of inoculations. arms,” he told reporters. Theresa Tam, Canada’s man who came to a troop Although Ottawa has pur- “That’s why we’re going chief public health officer, headquarters in suburban chased almost half a million to continue working closely told Ottawa media that “the Kansas City armed with a rifle, doses of vaccines from Pfizer with the provinces... to next months are going to be authorities said. Inc and Moderna Inc and support them as they need it really difficult” and said The man was shot Monday expects another 1.2 million by in terms of getting more vac- Canada had detected nine night at Troop A headquarters in the end of January, the 10 cines out to vulnerable pop- cases of a new variant of the Lee’s Summit, patrol spokesman provinces are responsible for ulations and front line virus first found in Britain. Bill Lowe said at a news con- administering them. workers as quickly as pos- Discovery of the variant ference. The man “wanted to do Domestic media, citing sible,” he added. prompted Canada to slap a some harm,” but investigators official data, note Israel has Canada has recorded a ban on flights from Britain. were trying to determine his reached 15.83 doses per 100 total of 16,074 deaths and The measure expires on motives, Lowe said. Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau arrives to a news conference people compared with 1.38 in 611,242 cases of coronavirus January 6, and Trudeau said A trooper who was outside at Rideau Cottage, as efforts continue to help slow the spread of the the United States and just 0.38 and the new number of daily Ottawa had not yet decided saw the man get out of his coronavirus disease, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, yesterday. in Canada, where a rapidly cases continues to set records. whether to extend it. vehicle armed with an assault- type weapon, Lowe said. The trooper “gave several com- mands to the suspect” and Judge denies Trump bid to radioed personnel inside the building. Two other troopers invalidate Georgia result came outside and fired at the man, Lowe said. He was taken BLOOMBERG — BEIJING with Georgia Secretary of State to a hospital, but Lowe did not Brad Raffensperger, a defendant know his condition. No patrol President Donald Trump failed in the case, asking him to “find” personnel were injured. again to invalidate his election just enough votes to overturn Lowe said he was thankful loss in Georgia and allow the Biden’s win. the trooper was outside and state’s Republican-led legis- The hearing was held via saw the man and that other lature to declare him the winner videoconference for the lawyers troopers were available to help —his latest courtroom defeat in and parties, but the public or the situation “could have a quixotic effort to remain in wasn’t permitted to call in after been a lot worse.” office despite losing the Trump’s lawyer declined to allow “There’s nothing that the November 3 vote. such access. The person familiar troopers could have done dif- US District Judge Mark H. with the hearing, who asked not ferently,” Lowe said. Cohen in Atlanta yesterday to be identified, provided details ruled that Georgia’s certification of the proceeding. Cohen’s clerk American Airlines of President-elect Joe Biden’s confirmed Trump’s motion was victory was carried out validly denied and said a written order is grounding under state law, and that the would be issued later. emotional-support court can’t tell Congress which Georgia Governor Brian Electoral College votes it can Kemp and Raffensperger, both animals count, a person familiar with the Republicans, told the judge in a Supporters of US President Donald Trump rally in front of the Supreme Court ahead of the Congress matter said. court filing Monday evening that AP — DALLAS certification of the November 2020 election results during protests in Washington, yesterday. The ruling came in a Dec. 31 Trump’s demands were lawsuit filed by Trump that “absurd,” and that his lawsuit American Airlines is banning rehashed claims of voter fraud was the result of a “manufac- said in the filing. March, and that the president’s agreement with Democrats emotional-support animals in previously made by his cam- tured crisis.” During the hearing, the claims of rampant voter fraud over how the state would a move that will force most paign and allies in dozens of Granting Trump’s request person said, Cohen said Trump should have been made earlier. manage mail-in ballots during owners to pay extra if they other cases that were univer- would “disenfranchise millions waited too long to challenge Trump’s lawyer, Kurt the pandemic because Trump want their pets to travel with sally rejected by courts. The of Georgia voters” and “thrust Georgia’s rules for mail-in Hilbert, said in court that the didn’t know how the election them. latest suit came just days before the State of Georgia into con- voting during the pandemic, president failed to challenge would play out, according to the The airline said that it will Trump held a controversial call stitutional chaos,” the officials which were established in Georgia’s March settlement person. allow animals in the cabin free of charge only if they are trained service dogs. The change takes effect from Trump blasts niece’s ‘conspiracy theories’ as he seeks lawsuit’s dismissal Monday, although passengers REUTERS — WASHINGTON who already bought tickets father Fred Trump Sr, who died with conspiracy theories more psychologist, made some of her Republican, was defeated in the can fly with a companion US President Donald Trump is in 1999. befitting a Hollywood allegations in her best-selling tell- Nov. 3 election by Democrat Joe animal until February. 1. seeking the dismissal of a They also said Mary Trump screenplay than a pleading in a all: “Too Much and Never Biden and his term ends Jan. 20. The move follows a similar lawsuit claiming he defrauded waited to long to accuse Donald legal action,” the lawyers, who Enough: How My Family Created Trump faces several other decision by Alaska Airlines and his niece out of an inheritance Trump, his sister Maryanne also represent Robert Trump’s the World’s Most Dangerous legal actions. These include a is likely to be copied by other worth tens of millions of dollars, Trump Barry and his late estate, said in a filing on Man.” The president’s sister, a criminal probe by Manhattan carriers. The US Transpor- accusing her of embracing brother Robert Trump of trying Monday in a New York state retired federal judge, also wants District Attorney Cyrus Vance, tation Department cleared the “conspiracy theories” in her to “squeeze” her out of her court in Manhattan. the lawsuit dismissed. a civil probe by New York way for the crackdown against quest to consume him with inheritance, relying instead on They said the lawsuit’s “true Roberta Kaplan, a lawyer Attorney General Letitia James companion animals last lawsuits after he leaves the a 2018 New York Times report purpose” was “to weaken the for Mary Trump, said that while into whether he inflated asset month. White House. on tax matters involving the President’s political influence her client “is surely no fan of values to obtain loans and tax American said passengers The president’s lawyers said family. during his post-presidency by Donald Trump or his adminis- benefits, and a defamation with a service dog will need to Mary Trump gave up her claims “Plaintiff makes outlandish preoccupying him with the tration’s policies, intra-family lawsuit by the writer E. Jean complete a government form in a 2001 settlement with family and incredulous accusations in defense of innumerable law- fraud is what this case is about.” Carroll, whose allegation of vouching for the dog’s health, members over the estate of his her complaint, which is laden suits.” Mary Trump, 55, a Donald Trump, a rape he has denied. training and temperament. WEDNESDAY 6 JANUARY 2021 16

Qatari Diar announces official opening of St. Regis Cairo

QNA — CAIRO dential to mixed-use projects. The St. Regis Cairo Hotel is Qatari Diar Real Estate Company located on the banks of Nile River PRAYER announced the official opening in the heart of Cairo. With a total TIMINGS of the wholly owned St. Regis investment of more than $1 PRAYERPRAYRRAAAY TIMINGSMING Cairo Hotel in Cairo in the billion, the hotel is considered presence of Minister of Finance one of the companys most prom- H E Ali Shareef Al Emadi, US inent projects in Egypt. With a FAJR 04.58 am Secretary of the Treasury Steven building area exceeding 197,000 SUNRISE 06.21 am Mnuchin, and Minister of square meters, the hotel includes Finance of Egypt Dr. Mohamed two 135 meters high towers, in DHUHR 11.40 am Moait. addition to a seven-story service ASR 02.39 pm The opening ceremony was building, encompassing lounges, MAGHRIB 05.01 pm also attended by Chairman of restaurants, ballroom, meeting ISHA 06.31 pm Qatari Diar Sheikh Khalid bin rooms, swimming pools, health Khalifa Al Thani, CEO of Qatari center, sauna and service rooms. Diar Eng. Abdullah bin Hamad The hotel consists of 286 Al Attiyah, and Marriott interna- hotel units, including luxurious tional President for Europe, rooms and suites and 80 hotel Middle East and Africa Satya apartments of different sizes. It Anand, alongside a number of also enjoys 2,339 square meters eminent individuals from both of meeting spaces, including a Qatar and Egypt. main hall covering an area of 963 Commenting on the square meters, indoor and occasion, Minister of Finance H outdoor swimming pools and a WEATHER E Ali Shareef Al Emadi said: “By health center. TODAY investing through Qatari Diar in The St. Regis Hotel marks the this distinguished project, the ultimate expression of contem- Minister of Finance H E Ali Shareef Al Emadi, US Secretary of the Treasury, Steven Mnuchin; Minister State of Qatar practically affirms porary luxury in Egypt's thriving of Finance of Egypt, Dr. Mohamed Moait; Chairman of Qatari Diar, Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa Al Thani; its commitment to contribute to capital city and is set to be a supporting the tourism sector for and CEO of Qatari Diar, Eng. Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah, at the opening ceremony. tourist attraction with the highest its vital role in economic devel- standards of luxury and its o o opment and creating job oppor- unique design inspired by Arabic 18 C 24 C tunities. This project represents The St. Regis Hotel marks heritage. Minimum Maximum a new addition to the Qatari the ultimate expression CEO of Qatari Diar Eng. Misty to foggy at places at first investments in Egypt, exceeding Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah, becomes moderate temperature $5bn in various fields.” of contemporary luxury in said: “Since we entered the daytime with scattered clouds, Egypt's thriving capital relatively cold by night. US Secretary of the Treasury Egyptian market in 2006, the Steven Mnuchin, said: “This strategic objectives of Qatari Diar W ALRUWAIS : 20o → 23o city and is set to be a project would not have been pos- tourist attraction with the included diversifying its W ALKHOR : 16o → 24o sible without the Qatari Diar. The highest standards of investment in the real estate and W DUKHAN : 17o → 21o Qatari Diars investment in this tourism sectors, in addition to luxury and its unique W WAKRAH : 14o → 24o project illustrates the potential contributing to advancing the for economic ties to help create design inspired by Arabic national economy by harnessing W MESAIEED : 14o → 24o jobs and bring people together heritage. our capabilities to enrich the W ABUSAMRA : 14o → 21o through shared investment social and cultural scenes, create opportunities.” more job opportunities and max- HIGH TIDE For his part, Minister of imize the local offering.” Finance of Egypt Dr. Mohamed in Egypt, the interest in expanding “To realize this commitment, 09:17 – 00:00 An exterior view of St. Regis Cairo Hotel. Moait said: “We congratulate investment creates economic the St. Regis Cairo project pro- LOW TIDE 03:27 – 17:28 Qatari Diar for the inauguration opportunities through macroeco- vided more than 5,000 direct job of this pioneering hotel, which is nomic support, increasing jobs its investments, whether in marks the start of the com- opportunities for the Egyptians, a result of the company’s decision and localizing technology. terms of the nature of projects pletion of many projects in the including around 1,000 engi- to invest in the tourism sector, Therefore, the Egyptian gov- or in terms of investment desti- Arab Republic of Egypt in the neers from various disciplines one of the most important sectors ernment always welcomes nations that are more distinctive coming period.” during the construction phase. for Egyptian economy.” foreign investments and provides in terms of returns on invest- He added that the current The project also directly sup- UK broadcaster “Increasing foreign invest- the appropriate environment for ments. St. Regis Cairo project is investments of Qatari Diar in the ported local industries as we ments in Egypt is one of the most investment,” the Minister added. considered a landmark given its Egyptian market exceeds $3bn, relied on the local market to talkRADIO important goals of the Egyptian Meanwhile, Chairman of nature as it will be a unique spread over a number of provide construction materials government, and the private Qatari Diar Sheikh Khalid bin tourist attraction in the heart of projects, comprising more than and components, which removed from sector is one of the most Khalifa Al-Thani, said: “Qatari Cairo. We are excited about the 40 million square meters and exceeded 70 per cent of the YouTube important sectors of investment Diar always seeks to diversify opening of the hotel today, as it ranging from tourist, to resi- project needs,” he added. REUTERS — LONDON Malaysian team turns pineapple Siegfried, meet Ahmet: German British national radio station talkRADIO yesterday said that weather systems get makeover YouTube had removed its waste into disposable drone parts channel from the video-sharing AP — BERLIN Media Makers, an association platform and had given no REUTERS — BANGI representing journalists with detailed reason for doing so. Move over, Siegfried. Ahmet is diverse backgrounds, bought a TalkRADIO has more than Malaysian researchers on the way. bunch of lows and a few highs 400,000 listeners and is reg- have developed a A journalists’ group named for the beginning of the new ulated by Britain’s main method to transform a low pressure system bringing year, Ferda Ataman, the head broadcast watchdog, Ofcom. the fibre found in frigid temperatures, dark clouds of the group said. “We urgently await a normally discarded and snow to Germany yesterday “So far, our weather had detailed response from Google/ pineapple leaves to the boy’s name of Turkish origin mostly typical German names YouTube about the nature of make a strong material in an effort to increase the vis- only, even though some 26 the breach that has led to our that can be used to ibility of the country’s increas- percent of people in Germany channel being removed from build the frames for ingly diverse population. have migrant roots,” Ataman, its platform,” talkRADIO said unmanned aircraft, or A drone, partially made with pineapple stems, flies at a pineapple plantation Ahmet will be followed by whose parents immigrated from in a statement. drones. in Jenjarom, Malaysia. low pressure systems with Turkey, said. YouTube did not immedi- The project, headed Arabic, Kurdish and Greek The weather-naming ately respond to a request for by Professor Mohamed Thariq those made from synthetic “Our role here is to help the names such as Cemal, Goran, project, which the group dubbed comment. Hameed Sultan at Malaysia’s fibres, and were also cheaper, industry, the farmers, to increase Hakim and Dimitrios. The high #WeatherCorrection, is a sym- TalkRADIO is one of Brit- Putra University, has been trying lighter and easier to dispose of. their yield and make their jobs pressure systems reaching bolic initiative demanding that ain’s main news and speech to find sustainable uses for pine- If the drone was damaged, much easier,” said William Germany early this year will be Germany’s diversity is better radio stations and regularly apple waste generated by the frame could be buried in the Robert Alvisse of the Malaysian called Bozena, Chana or reflected across society. hosts government ministers. farmers in Hulu Langat, an area ground and would degrade Unmanned Drones Activist Dragica, names with Polish, The group is lobbying The station broadcasts via about 65km from Kuala within two weeks, he said. Society, a non-governmental Hebrew and South Slavic roots. German media outlets to digital radio as well as online Lumpur. The prototype drones have group helping to design the In Germany, naming the establish hiring quotas for jour- and used YouTube to host a “We are transforming the been able to fly to a height of drone and advising on the systems that affect day-to-day nalists of colour and journalists video feed of live broadcasts leaf of the pineapple into a fibre about 1,000 metres and stay in project. weather changes isn’t the sole from migrant families. The and an archive of past shows. that can be used for aerospace the air for about 20 minutes, he Before the project launched province of meteorologists. group estimates that journalists Some of its presenters have application, basically inventing added. in 2017, pineapple stems were Anyone can participate for a of colour are vastly underrep- criticised government a drone,” he told Reuters at a Ultimately, the research discarded after the once-in-a- price: Naming a sunny high resented in the media in measures to slow the spread of workshop. team hopes to create a larger year harvest period, but farmers costs 360 euros ($442), while Germany. coronavirus as excessive or Mohamed Thariq said drone to accommodate bigger hope the drones project will rainy lows cost only 240 euros They say only between 5 to ill-targeted. drones made out of the bio- payloads, including imagery encourage more innovation to ($295). 10 percent of reporters and Senior minister Michael composite material had a higher sensors, for agricultural pur- find uses for the waste and boost To make the weather more editors in Germany have Gove, speaking to talkRADIO strength-to-weight ratio than poses and aerial inspections. incomes. cross-cultural, the New German migrant roots. yesterday, said the broadcaster should be free to question COVID policy without inter- ference from large technology Pandemic empties blue-hued Moroccan tourist town companies. “I don’t believe in cen- AP — CHEFCHAOUEN lifeblood. Despite the spectre season, restaurants in the and China, whose citizens enjoy sorship,” Gove said. “I think it’s In the narrow streets, idle usually bustling main plaza by visa-free travel to Morocco. absolutely right that people When COVID-19 hit Morocco, youth light cannabis joints and of the pandemic, the historic Kasbah had to turn Despite the spectre of the should ask questions.” Under the mountainous town of chat, pausing to offer to sell the shutdown of away clientele to close up early. pandemic, which has killed Ofcom rules, all British broad- Chefchaouen was one of the some to passers-by. Fishermen Chefchaouen has In the Middle Ages, the town more than 7,000 people in casters are required to ensure few that registered no cases. bring their catch of the day from was populated by Moriscos, or Morocco and depressed the that news is reported accu- The picturesque town, its nearby rivers, selling sardines brought a bit of Moors, fleeing the Spanish economy, the shutdown of rately and impartially. facades painted in distinctive on street corners, as cats linger, unexpected respite. Inquisition. Today, it’s known Chefchaouen has brought a bit In February Ofcom fined hues of blue, shut its small waiting to be rewarded with the as the “Blue Pearl of Morocco,” of unexpected respite. talkRADIO 75,000 pounds population off from the world, leftovers. Kids carry trays of and is one of the top destina- The absence of tourists ($101,737), relating to broad- and kept the virus out for pastries made by their families streets. Shop owners who typ- tions in the kingdom, often posing for photos beside its casts in 2018 by former law- months. to sell. ically sell rugs, woolen coats overcrowded, with hotels iconic carved doors and dis- maker George Galloway, which Now, as the North African During the Christmas and and souvenirs struggled to find booked to capacity. tinctive stairs seemed to liberate it ruled lacked impartiality. nation cautiously reopens and New Year’s holidays, the clients. Its laid-back vibe, brilliant one of the most photographed TalkRADIO said on yesterday tries to resuscitate its struggling majority of the city’s visitors As a night curfew came into blue alleyways, sweeping spots in Morocco, giving its res- that it had robust editorial con- economy, Chefchaouen stands were local tourists instead of the effect, established across the mountainous landscape and idents a chance to slow down trols and took care to balance subdued, deserted by the European and Chinese visitors country to prevent large gath- hiking trails have long attracted and absorb the quiet beauty of debate. tourists that have long been its who usually throng the narrow erings during the holiday tourists, especially from Spain their own town.