1996 - 2021 SILVER JUBILEE YEAR

Masraf Al Rayan Federer reports withdraws QR1,143m from Games net profit for with knee first half setback

Business | 13 Sport | 20

WEDNESDAY 14 JULY 2021 4 DHUL-HIJJAH - 1442 VOLUME 26 NUMBER 8683 www.thepeninsula.qa 2 RIYALS

ICAO Council agrees to Deputy Amir, Saudi Ambassador review relations Qatar's proposal for forming Doha FIR/SRR THE PENINSULA Search and Rescue Region arrangement whereby it has MONTREAL/DOHA (SRR) drawing on Qatar’s delegated to Bahrain the pro- proposal, which would include vision of air navigation services The International Civil Aviation Qatar’s sovereign airspace and, over its sovereign territory fol- Organisation (ICAO) Council to optimize safety and effi- lowing paragraphs 2.1.1 of Annex has agreed, in principle, during ciency of the regional airspace, 11 to the Chicago Convention. the meetings of the Council’s other contiguous airspaces over The Council acknowledged 223rd Session that began on the high seas. during its meeting the right of June 18, 2021, with the estab- The proposal of Qatar also Qatar to request the estab- lishment of a Doha Flight Infor- included its intention to lishment of a Doha FIR/SRR mation Region (FIR) and Doha withdraw from the current over its sovereign territory and contiguous airspace consistent with Article 1 of the Chicago The proposal of Qatar aims to support the Convention and per Assembly development of safe and sustainable air Resolution A40-4, Appendix G. Deputy Amir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani met at the Amiri Diwan office with Ambassador The proposal of Qatar aims transport operations in the region. of the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the State of Qatar, H H Prince Mansour bin Khalid bin Abdullah to support the development of Al Farhan Al Saud. They reviewed cooperation relations between the two brotherly countries and The Council acknowledged the right of Qatar to safe and sustainable air transport operations in the region and aspects of their development in various fields, in addition to a number of issues of common interest. request the establishment of a Doha FIR/SRR reinforces Qatar’s commitments over its sovereign territory and contiguous to the global aviation sector. airspace. The ICAO Council empha- sized that amendments of MME intensifies inspections ahead of Eid ICAO acknowledged that Qatar possesses the regional air navigation plans SIDI MOHAMED capabilities and qualifications necessary to depend upon good relations, col- standards. More inspection Al Daayen Municipality laboration, and mutual respect THE PENINSULA visits will focus on slaughter- carried out inspection cam- manage air traffic safely, effectively and between States and that these houses and butcheries to paigns on food establishments, provide leading services in the field of search elements are fundamental to With Eid Al Adha just around determine if they adhere to the including bakeries and pastries. and rescue. ensuring seamless services with the corner, several municipal- health requirements of Law No. During the campaign, the a high level of safety and quality. ities at the Ministry of Munici- (8) of 1990 on the regulation of Municipality closed one bakery During the ICAO Air Navi- pality and Environment (MME) human food control. shop for violating the provision gation Commission’s review of the have intensified their inspection Inspections will also include of Law No. (8) of 1990 on the technical aspects of the proposal, drives on food establishments. commercial complexes, regulation of human food it was acknowledged that Qatar The campaigns aim to ensure including fish, vegetables, con- control. possesses the capabilities and food safety regulations and to sumer sections, and sweets and Also, Al Wakra Municipality qualifications necessary to manage raise awareness. chocolate shops. During Eid launched an intensive air traffic safely and effectively and The MME is keen to ensure days, special inspection cam- inspection campaign on food provide leading services in the field the safety of food sold at outlets paigns would be carried out on establishments as part of prep- of search and rescue. `P2 and its compliance with health eateries. arations for Eid Al Adha. `P2 2nd edition of World Cup Qatar 2022 stamps features iconic venues Pre-registration on Ehteraz THE PENINSULA — DOHA Eng. Yasir Al Jamal, Chairman of the Operations Office and Vice Chairman of optional: MoPH The second release of the FIFA World the Technical Delivery Office at the Cup Qatar 2022 Philatelic Programme Supreme Committee for Delivery & THE PENINSULA — DOHA brings fans one step closer to the tour- Legacy (SC), said: “It is a source of great nament with stamps depicting the eight pride that our stunning stadiums are fea- Ministry of Public Health spectacular stadiums that will host next tured on this latest set of stamps. Each of (MoPH) has announced that year’s event. our tournament venues has an incredible the pre-registration The stamps feature the dramatic story to tell and we are sure that people requirement on Ehteraz colours and designs of the brand and across the country and beyond will enjoy website will be optional. bring to life Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, collecting these designs.” In a tweet MoPH Lusail Stadium, Ras Abu Aboud Stadium, Faleh Al Naemi Chairman and Man- announced that registration Al Janoub Stadium, Khalifa International aging Director of Qatar Post said: “We are has become optional for cit- Stadium, Al Thumama Stadium, Edu- pleased to present to the world a set of izens and residents on the reg- cation City Stadium, and Al Bayt Stadium. stamps for the FIFA World Cup stadiums. istration platform (Ehteraz) for Qatar Post will sell stamps for These distinctive and uniquely designed those coming to the country, mailing purposes to local fans, with masterpieces are inspired by our while registration and international fans able to get in on the authentic Qatari heritage and rich culture. obtaining prior approval is action with commemorative designs This edition, featuring the eight stadiums mandatory for visitors. from FIFA Branded Licensee MDM that will host the tournament matches, Earlier it was made man- Münzhandelsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG highlight the stadiums’ aesthetics and datory for ever travellers Deutsche Münze. high-end architecture. `P2 Officials during the release of the postage stamps entering Qatar. `P2 Qatar and Turkey have stood by in difficult times, says Ambassador

THE PENINSULA — DOHA concrete when the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim attempt and the unjust blockade. “After five Amir H H Sheikh bin Hamad Al Thani called our President years with many challenges, our bilateral The Ambassador of Turkey to Qatar, H E on the night of July 15 and became the first relations have successfully reached an Tamim bin Hamad Mustafa Goksu has said that Qatar stood by world leader to expressed his support for excellent level,” he said. Al Thani was the and extended its support to Turkish our country. Turkey and the Turkish people With reference to the failed coup government during the 2016 failed coup will never forget Qatar’s strong support,” attempt, Goksu said that Five years have very first leader who attempt. Addressing a press conference said Goksu. passed since the July 15 coup attempt, showed support to yesterday ahead of marking the fifth anni- “Turkey stood by the State of Qatar and which was planned by FETO, carried out versary of the failed coup attempt, the the people of Qatar, during the Gulf Crisis, by members of the organization infiltrated Turkish government Ambassador lauded Qatar’s support to which started on June 5, 2017 and ended on into army, by going beyond the chain of Turkey saying Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin January 5, 2021, about a year after the coup command of the armed forces, which killed during failed coup Hamad Al Thani was the very first leader attempt in our country. These two crises and 251 and injured more than two thousand attempt. who showed support to Turkish government the supportive attitude and position of the of our citizens. `P4 during the failed coup attempt. two countries towards each other, have con- Turkey marks July 15 as country’s tributed to the strengthening of the relations Included with Mustafa Goksu Democracy and National Unity Day after between our countries in every field and

nce again, the no less than (72) hours at the lays the foundation of a prom- This World Cup, a first time in 14th of July time of departure. Moreover, ising future for the two coun- the Arab world, will The Ambassador's comes with a I am also delighted with the tries. I would like in the same undoubtedly be of great specific char- recent resumption of Capago’s context to thank the Qatari success. message acteristic services that welcome Qatari authorities for the confidence The bilateral relationship because of the nationals and residents of they have placed in the indus- between our two countries is today’s edition Ohealth situation that forces us Qatar who wish to travel to trial French engineering which also based on an ongoing cul- to be cautious. However, it is France; on the other hand, and will accompany the devel- tural exchanges. The cross-cul- 2016 failed coup attempt which was made level,” he added. with great pleasure that I note as of July 12th, French opment projects of the Qatari tural year, which has unfortu- Turkey’s Ambassador to that the pandemic that has nationals, wishing to visit economy. Based on this, an nately been hit by the occur- shaken our lives for more than Qatar, can come to Doha pro- important name from the rence of the pandemic in 2020, a year now is French will continue this year with ebbing as a result industry was major events. I am thinking of of the effective selected this the exhibitions “ Paris measures that year to Moderne” and “ Dior” or even have been imple- engineer one the “ Night of the Poetry” that mented in both of the most will be encompassed in Qatar’s our countries, in complex gas cultural agenda next autumn. on the this day. “The State of Qatar According to Goksu, Despite various the hope that the installations, Once again, on behalf of all is a special As we are less than 500 days away ongoing con- which at the the French residents of Qatar, tainment will be from the big sport event which is the same time, is I would like to extend my followed by a FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, France is the most stra- thanks to His Highness the Qatar near victory over tegic for Qatar. Amir of the State as well as the determined to be at the side of Qatar the disease. As we are Qatari authorities for their I am also in organising the global event and less than 500 greatly appreciated hospitality pleased to ensuring its security. Furthermore, I days away notably at the height the health witness the from the big crisis. I wish a happy National opening of the would like to congratulate the Qatari sport event Day to the French citizens in expressed its reaction and condemnation challenges carried out by many external ele- borders between which is the Qatar and to all our Qatari authorities on their preparations our two coun- that have reached now a significantly FIFA World friends . Long live the tries, which Cup Qatar friendship between France and supplement allows us to meet advanced stage. This World Cup, a 2022, France is Qatar. whether in first time in the Arab world, will determined to France or in the be at the side of Page 2 State of Qatar. undoubtedly be of great success. Qatar in organ- Indeed, starting ising the global Qatar-France relations go from June 9, we are event and strength to strength able to welcome ensuring its of the military coup attempt with the ments, Turkey and Qatar have never stopped in France our Qatari friends vided that they abide by the security. Furthermore, I would Page 3 and residents of the State who conditions set by the Qatari like to congratulate the Qatari H E Franck Gellet have completed the full cycle authorities. authorities on their prepara- History of Bastille Day and the Ambassador of France to the State of Qatar of vaccination and who The historically based tions that have reached now a planned celebrations this year clearest words. This support became supporting each other against both the coup produce a negative PCR test of French- Qatari relationship significantly advanced stage . 02 HOME WEDNESDAY 14 JULY 2021

OFFICIAL NEWS Amir sends condolences to President, and Prime Minister of Iraq

PRAYER QNA — DOHA TIMINGS PRAYERPRAYRRAAAY TIMINGSMING Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Deputy Amir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani sent cables of condo- 03.24 am lences to President of the Republic of Iraq H E Dr. Barham FAJR Salih and Prime Minister H E Mustafa Al Kadhimi on the victims SUNRISE 04.52 am of the fire that broke out at Al Hussein Teaching Hospital in DHUHR 11.40 am Dhi Qar governorate, wishing the injured a speedy recovery. ASR 03.04 pm Prime Minister and Minister of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani also sent a cable of condo- MAGHRIB 06.29 pm lences to Prime Minister of the Republic of Iraq H E Mustafa ISHA 07.59 pm Al Kadhimi on the victims of the fire that broke out at Al Hussein Teaching Hospital in Dhi Qar governorate, wishing the injured a speedy recovery. Amir greets President of Montenegro

QNA — DOHA

Amir receives message from Chad President Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Deputy Amir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani sent cables of congrat- WEATHER Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has received a written message from the President ulations to H E President Milo Djukanovic of the Republic of TODAY of Chad’s Transitional Military Council, Lieutenant General Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, pertaining to Montenegro on the occasion of his country’s Statehood Day. relations between the two countries and the means of supporting and strengthening them. Prime Minister and Minister of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin The message was received by Prime Minister and Minister of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani also sent a cable of congratula- Abdulaziz Al Thani, during a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Chad, H E tions to Prime Minister of the Republic of Montenegro H E Dr. Cherif Mahamat Zene yesterday morning. During the meeting, they reviewed cooperation relations Zdravko Krivokapic on the occasion of his country’s Statehood between the two countries and ways to enhance them. Day. 33oC 39oC Minimum Maximum Qatar 2022 emblem launch, stadiums recognised Qatar attends ministerial meeting of Hazy to misty at first, becomes THE PENINSULA — DOHA Janoub and Ahmad Bin Ali sta- excitement on the road to 2022 WHO for Eastern Mediterranean hot daytime with some clouds and diums. This is the 11th year of the and the first FIFA World Cup in humid by night. The Supreme Committee for Eventex Awards, which received the Middle East and the Arab QNA — DOHA W ALRUWAIS : 32o → 37o Delivery & Legacy (SC) and Qatar 561 entries from 37 countries. world. Huge praise must go to the W ALKHOR : 29o → 42o Vision (QVision) were among the Founded in 2009 to celebrate SC’s Marketing division, who Qatar participated in the ministerial briefing meeting of the big winners at the Eventex creativity, innovation and effec- worked closely with QVision to Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean at the World Health W DUKHAN : 28o → 37o Awards 2021, thanks to the tiveness in the industry, the deliver these events Organization (WHO), which was held remotely yesterday. → W WAKRAH : 29o 39o impact of three FIFA World Cup Eventex Awards are considered successfully.” Qatar was represented at the meeting by the Minister of Public W MESAIEED : 29o → 39o Qatar 2022 milestones. esteemed prizes in the world of Sharif Hashisho, QVision Health H E Dr. Hanan Mohammed Al Kuwari. W ABUSAMRA : 29o→ 39o The organisations received events and experiential CEO, said, “We are honoured to During the meeting, the health ministers of the countries of two gold awards, three silver, marketing. support Qatar’s preparations for the region were briefed on the latest developments in the Coro- and two bronze at this year’s cer- Nasser Al Khater, CEO of the the World Cup. It is a real honour navirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the status of COVID-19 vaccination, HIGH TIDE emony, which recognises events FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 LLC, to receive these awards and tes- the update of vaccine production in the Eastern Mediterranean 05:59–19:30 and experience marketing excel- said, “We are very proud to tament to the hard work of the Region, and ways of progress in addition to the establishment of LOW TIDE 02:55 – 13:10 lence. The prizes were given for receive these awards. All three SC and QVision, who collabo- a working group of member states on strengthening preparedness the Qatar 2022 emblem launch milestones were tremendous rated successfully to deliver these and response to WHO Health Emergencies, and task force on sus- and the inauguration of both Al events that helped build major milestones.” tainable financing.

MME intensifies inspections ahead of Eid FROM PAGE 1 The preparations also included the central abattoir of Al Wakra, providing a sufficient number of veterinarians to check the sacrificial animals. The campaign resulted in issuing four violations with a recommendation for the administrative closure of three food stores. Also, eight samples were collected from food outlets and sent to the central labo- ratory to check if they are fit for human consumption. The Municipalities provide Al Sulaiti meets with Italian Minister Tunisia PM visits Qatari Field Hospital a high-quality veterinary service in abattoirs through a Prime Minister and Acting Minister of Interior of the Republic of Tunisia, H E Hichem team of inspectors and veteri- Minister of Transport and Communications H E Jassim Saif Ahmed Al Sulaiti held Mechichi, visited the field hospital dispatched by the State of Qatar to Tunisia, along narians to monitor all meat talks with Italian Minister of Sustainable Infrastructures and Mobility, H E Enrico with Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Tunisia, H E Saad bin Nasser Al Hamidi. shops. The veterinarians also Giovannini. Held at the offices of the Ministry of Sustainable Infrastructures and During the visit, the Prime Minister and the Acting Minister of Interior of Tunisia was check the imported animals and Mobility of Italy, the meeting discussed aspects of cooperation between the two briefed on the components of the field hospital. He thanked the government of the destroy the ones unfit for friendly countries in the fields of transportation, maritime transport, ports and civil State of Qatar and praised the working group that supervised the installation of the human consumption. aviation. The meeting was attended by Ambassador of Qatar to Italy, H E Abdulaziz Qatari field hospital. The Ministry always advised bin Ahmed Al Malki. people to get their animals slaughtered only at abattoirs, not at home, to ensure meat safety as abattoirs have veter- ICAO Council agrees to Qatar’s proposal for forming Doha FIR/SRR Mesaieed inary doctors to check animals. Hospital begins FROM PAGE 1 Pre-registration the presence of the ICAO “The proposal by the State of development of international The ICAO Council acknowl- Council president to discuss the Qatar to establish a Doha FIR/ civil aviation in a safe and regular on Ehteraz edged that the Kingdom of technical aspects of the pro- SRR is of a great importance for orderly manner and such that Bahrain had provided safe and posal of the State of Qatar. This the future of civil aviation, not air transport services would be services optional: MoPH efficient air navigation services was followed by a meeting only in the Middle East region established based on equality QNA — DOHA in the Middle East region over between the technical com- but the entire world and is fully of opportunity, and operated several decades. mittees of both countries on consistent with the objectives soundly and economically.” After providing high-quality FROM PAGE 1 Both Qatar and Bahrain June 14, 2021. of the Chicago Convention.” Al Sulaiti emphasised that medical care to large numbers “To ease the precau- were invited by the ICAO Al Sulaiti appreciated the “The proposal represents since joining ICAO, Qatar has of COVID-19 patients throughout tionary measures previously Council, as well as surrounding stance of the Council Member one of the sovereign rights of been committed to applying the the second wave of the virus in announced for those entering States with interest in this States for continuing the sessions the State of Qatar and demon- principles of the Chicago Con- Qatar, Mesaieed Hospital has Qatar, MOPH announced that matter, to discuss cooperatively amid such extraordinary circum- strates the huge investments vention 1944 with high profes- discharged its final COVID-19 registration on Ehteraz under the auspices of the Pres- stances of the pandemic and for made by Qatar to develop its air sionalism in terms of the patients and commenced normal Platform is now optional for ident of the Council, to agree on considering and approving the navigation system for the peaceful use of airspace, outpatient services. citizens and residents, while appropriate technical arrange- proposal by Qatar to establish a benefit of the region as a whole freedom of navigation, and pro- Mesaieed Hospital was one registration and obtaining ments for the implementation Doha FIR/SRR. He expressed by providing safe, efficient, and tection of the environment. of seven Hamad Medical Corpo- prior approval remains man- of the Doha FIR/SRR, and to Qatar’s thanks and gratitude to seamless air navigation He added that based on the ration facilities dedicated to datory for visitors,” MoPH report the outcome of these dis- the ICAO for its ongoing efforts services. This is thanks to the Council’s decision, coordination caring for patients with tweeted. cussions to the Council at its to serve global civil aviation. He country’s possessing of all the has already begun to hold a COVID-19 since the start of the Separately, Metrash2 now 224th Session for approval of the also thanked the ICAO ANC, factors and capabilities nec- technical meeting with the pandemic. In the last six weeks, accepts family visit visa amendment of the Air Navi- which consists of 19 member essary for managing air traffic, Kingdom of Bahrain to com- four of these facilities Surgical applications from more gation Plan – Middle East countries, and the Air Navigation and the country’s willingness plete what has been reached by Specialty Center, Ras Laffan Hos- countries including India, Region. Bureau of the Organization’s Sec- to provide distinctive and effi- the ICAO Council and prepare pital, Al Wakra Hospital and Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Before that, there was a retariat for the tremendous cient services in the field of an implementation plan for the Hazm Mebaireek General Hos- Bangladesh. Now residents virtual communication on June amount of work that has been search and rescue,” he added. decisions made by the Council. pital have all recommenced can fill in the details and 9, 2021, between Minister of invested in addressing the He noted that “the Chicago He concluded that Qatar is delivery of normal services fol- submit relevant papers Transport and Communications proposal. Convention clearly stated its looking forward to mutual lowing their designation as through Metrash2. H E Jassim Saif Ahmed Al Sulaiti Addressing the 223rd objectives, and set out as its cooperation to implement the COVID-19 facilities. The Philippines and and his Bahraini counterpart in Council Session, Al Sulaiti said, prime objective the decisions on time. With the number of Nepal are also now available COVID-19 cases declining con- in the family visit visa list. sistently over the past few As per the new travel 2nd edition of World Cup Qatar 2022 stamps features iconic venues months there is now significantly policy, people with family less demand for hospital care as visit visa can travel to Qatar, a result of the virus. At the peak FROM PAGE 1 provided they are fully vac- which falls within the Qatar Post football tournament in the world.” first-day-issue envelopes, 3,000 of the second wave there were cinated by a MoPH approved “We are proud to cooperate programme to document all The FIFA World Cup 2022™ postcards and 2,000 folders have more than 2,000 patients vaccine and they are with FIFA and the Supreme Com- events, occasions and prepara- stadium stamp will be sold to the been printed. For more infor- admitted to hospital with mod- exempted from quarantine mittee for Delivery & Legacy to tions related to hosting the most- public for QAR 28. As a first stage, mation about the FIFA World Cup erate or severe COVID-19 requirements. launch this series of editions, anticipated and the biggest 20,000 copies, 2,000 Qatar 2022, visit FIFA.com. symptoms. WEDNESDAY 14 JULY 2021 HOME 03 04 HOME WEDNESDAY 14 JULY 2021

Chief of Staff meets Omani counterpart 142 new virus cases: MoPH

THE PENINSULA — DOHA

The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has reported 142 new cases of COVID-19 yesterday. Among them, 63 were trav- ellers returning from abroad. A total of 149 people recovered from COVID-19 yes- terday, bringing the total number of people recovered in Qatar to 221,549. Menawhile, 20,368 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered in 24 hours, while 3,428,791 COVID-19 Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces H E Lieutenant General (Pilot) Ghanem bin Shaheen vaccine doses have been Al Muraikhi meets Chinese Ambassador Al Ghanem met Chief of Staff of the Sultan’s Armed Forces of Oman, Rear Admiral administered since the start of the National COVID-19 Vacci- Minister of State for Foreign Affairs H E Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi met with Abdullah bin Khamis Al Raisi, who is currently visiting the country. The meeting nation Program. Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the State of Qatar, H E Zhou dealt with reviewing bilateral military relations and the means to enhance them. Also, 78.1% of the eligible Jian. During the meeting, cooperation relations between the two countries The meeting was attended by a number of ranking officers at the Qatari and the Omani armed forces. population has now received were reviewed. at least one dose of the vaccine. Qatar and Turkey have stood by in difficult times, says Ambassador FROM PAGE 1 structure” of the organization was destroyed.In addition, the “July 15 revealed the great front formations of FETO, which threat posed to our state by the are outside the state institutions, FETO terrorist organisation. The extending from education to the greatest share in eliminating this media and the banking sector, threat belongs to the Turkish and spread to all areas of the people, who have shown that they economy, have also been elimi- do not recognize any power over nated,” said Goksu. their own will and that they are ready to give their lives to protect “July 15 revealed the their state and democratic gains,” great threat posed to said Goksu. “In the past five years, one of our state by the FETO the main priorities of our state has terrorist organisation. been the fight against FETO at The greatest share in home and abroad. Bulgaria Prime Minister meets Message from FM to “Messages of support from eliminating this threat friendly countries help us to leave belongs to the Turkish behind the trauma of this attack, Qatar’s Ambassador Italian counterpart which targeted the existence of people, who have Prime Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria, H E Stefan Yanev, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the our beautiful country,” he added. shown that they do not met the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Italian Republic, H E Luigi Di Maio, received a written message The fight against FETO’s Bulgaria, H E Rashid bin Ali Al Khater, on the occasion of the foreign structuring continues to recognise any power from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H end of his tenure. During the meeting, Bulgarian Prime Minister E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, pertaining be one of the top priorities of the over their own will,” expressed his thanks and appreciation to the Ambassador for the Turkish Foreign Ministry, said to bilateral relations and the means to enhance them. The said Goksu. efforts he made in strengthening bilateral relations, and praised message was delivered by Ambassador of the State of Qatar Goksu. the distinguished joint cooperation between the two friendly “Within the scope of the fight to Italy, H E Abdulaziz bin Ahmed Al Malki, during his meeting countries during his tenure, wishing him success in all his future against FETO at home and with Undersecretary for Foreign Affairs and International tasks and the two countries further progress and prosperity. abroad, first domestically, those “Despite the extraordinary Cooperation, Manlio Di Stefano. responsible for July 15 were security challenges we face, our brought to justice on the basis of domestic struggle has been the rule of law; furthermore, the carried out on the basis of the organizational structure of FETO rule of law and the protection of Discover Qatar, Qatar Airways Holidays within state institutions was deci- fundamental rights and phered, administrative and freedoms,” he said. judicial processes were initiated Goksu further said that, in this launch bespoke travel packages against its members, and in the process, FETO has made a new final analysis, the “parallel state strategy change because of the weakening of its THE PENINSULA — DOHA in Qatar for a much-awaited reunion. The ‘Family and Friends’ domestic structure Qatar has mandated that all tourist packages start at QR1,721 per and started to focus With Qatar now open for tourism to fully arrivals must have a confirmed hotel res- on foreign activities. vaccinated travellers, Discover Qatar, the ervation as part of the conditions of entry. person and are available for For this reason, the destination management division of Qatar To help meet this requirement, Discover a five, seven, or a ten-night fight against FETO Airways, has partnered with Qatar Qatar, in partnership with Qatar Airways structures outside of Airways Holidays and launched specially Holidays, is offering exclusive deals with stay at leading luxury hotels Turkey has gained curated packages to welcome interna- significant savings on a range of hotels in Qatar such as the Hilton more importance. tional travellers visiting friends and family that will enhance the customer’s family Doha, Hilton Salwa Beach and friends’ experience, helping them make Resort, the Ritz-Carton Doha, new memories as they Mondrian Doha, the Westin reunite in Qatar. Qatar Airways Doha Hotel & Spa, and Al Group Chief Executive, Messila Resort. H E Akbar Al Baker, said, “We are very proud to be playing our Beach Resort, the Ritz-Carton Doha, part in the reopening of Mondrian Doha, the Westin Doha Hotel our country to visitors & Spa, and Al Messila Resort. in the safest way pos- Each package includes a compli- sible and supporting the mentary daily breakfast, a 20 percent next step in the devel- discount on food and beverages at the opment of Qatar’s hotel, and airport transfers. tourism industry. Sur- A four-hour ‘Discover Doha’ city tour rounded by crystal to the most iconic attractions and land- waters and a unique, marks, and an exciting tour through the biodiverse ecosystem, desert to one of Qatar’s hidden gems — Qatar has so much to the scenic Inland Sea, are also included. offer when it comes to Children under the age of 12 accompa- rediscovering nature, nying their families can stay for free with stellar architecture and their families. Customers can also add offering a world that is exclusive meet and assist offers to their inspired by modernism package to ensure their arrival expe- and traditions alike. rience at Hamad International Airport is “The city and as comfortable and seamless as desert tours will allow possible. our passengers to enjoy Discover Qatar is also offering guests every step of their special offers on its renowned city tours journey with us, and and excursions with incredible savings. we hope many get to Customers can book a tour for two people experience Qatar’s for the price of one on the ‘Discover renowned hospitality, Qatari Culture’, ‘Discover the Mangroves culture and heritage, of Qatar’, ‘Discover Regional Cuisine’, and the vibrant city of ‘Discover Souq Waqif’, and the ‘Discover Doha through Discover Arabic Coffee Traditions’ tours. Qatar’s exclusive Alongside these packages, visitors can packages.” also book either of these tours for three The ‘Family and people for the price of two including, the Friends’ packages start ‘Discover Luxury Shopping’ and the ‘Dis- at QR1,721 per person cover the Icons of Qatar’ tours. and are available for a Customers who wish to take five, seven, or a ten- advantage of Discover Qatar’s ‘Family night stay at leading and Friends’ packages can book directly luxury hotels in Qatar on the Qatar Airways Holidays website: such as the Hilton https://www.qatarairwaysholidays.com/ Doha, Hilton Salwa qa-en/offers/family-and-friends/ WEDNESDAY 14 JULY 2021 HOME 05

Lawyers Admission Committee holds meeting

QNA — DOHA

The Lawyers Admission Committee held a meeting under the chairmanship of Minister of Justice H E Masoud bin Mohammed Al Ameri, at its permanent headquarters at the Ministry of Justice. The Committee considered the topics listed on its agenda, including three new lawyers took the oath before the Committee. The Committee also accepted a number of requests for new lawyers under training, and considered the requests for the registration of new lawyers of similar occupations, and requests for transferring the registration of lawyers in the lists of working Al Hammadi meets Director of UNODC lawyers, and accepted the formation of a sub- committee for complaints, in order to activate the mechanisms for deciding on complaints from Division for Treaty Affairs The Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H E Dr. Ahmed bin Hassan the administration. Al Hammadi, met with Director of the Division of Treaty Affairs for the UN Office on The Committee also reviewed a number of organisational topics, and the files presented for Drugs and Crime (UNODC), H E John Brandolino, who is currently visiting the country. discussion, and took the appropriate decisions During the meeting, they reviewed cooperation relations between the State of Qatar thereon. and the United Nations. Serbia Prime Minister meets Ambassador of Qatar QFFD, ICSS launch project to empower youth THE PENINSULA — DOHA goals,” said Ali Al Dabbagh, Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia, H E Ana Brnabic, met Deputy Director General of with the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Serbia, H E Sheikh Qatar Fund for Development Strategic Planning Mubarak bin Fahad Al Thani, on the occasion of the end of his (QFFD) and the International Massimiliano Montanari, tenure. During the meeting, they reviewed cooperation relations Centre for Sport Security (ICSS)’s Chief Executive Officer of the between the two countries. Save the Dream have signed a ICSS and Save the Dream, said, grant agreement in a virtual “We are both proud and hon- signing ceremony, aimed at oured to have been selected by empowering youth and the Qatar Fund for Devel- promoting peace and devel- opment (QFFD) to initiate a opment in Libya through sport. project which utilises the power The joint project will serve as of sport to bring about positive an in-depth study to assess the sit- changes in the lives of youth uation of the Libyan youth, their and children in Libya, starting aspiration, and their potential role Officials during the signing of an agreement between Qatar Fund with the city of Tripoli. in post-conflict reconstruction as for Development and the International Centre for Sport Security. “Within the framework of agents of positive change. our Save the Dream initiative The project also aims to cap- between QFFD and Save the mented by Qatar Charity. and building on our previous italise on the potential of sport Dream, a global nonprofit The agreement reaffirms experience acquired in the Med- as a tool to facilitate skills devel- Movement of organizations, Qatar’s ongoing efforts in the iterranean basin, we will opment, re-integration in post people and athletes who believe field of conflict resolution and undertake an in-depth needs conflict situations and social in the power of sport to build peacebuilding around the world assessment in the coming cohesion for youth and children. more fair and inclusive and highlights its role to weeks, particularly focusing on Acknowledging that sporting societies. enhance the peacekeeping sports in schools and more in activities can present opportu- The strategic collaboration process. general at the grassroots level. El Salvador Legislative Assembly President nities for promoting social which has started in 2018 “It is a top priority for us to “This will be followed by the cohesion and harmony, Qatar through which a joint initiative create an enabling environment launch of a long-term pro- meets Qatari Chargé d’Affaires Fund is now increasingly advo- on Sport for Development and that supports children’s well- gramme which is aimed at cating for the recognition and Peace in Darfur, Sudan was being and provides opportu- restoring the practice of sports President of Legislative Assembly of the Republic of El Salvador, H use of sports as an effective tool implemented whereby several nities for a better future. and promotion of its societal and E Ernesto Castro, met with Acting Charge d’Affaires at the Embassy in humanitarian, development, activities and workshops were Together, we can build healthy educational values to foster rec- of the State of Qatar in the Republic of El Salvador, Tariq Othman and peace building efforts. held in rural areas to support new generations that can con- onciliation, facilitate inclusion Al Othman. During the meeting, cooperation relations between The new initiative comes Internally Displaced Persons tribute to a large spectrum of and development of soft skills the two countries were reviewed. within the ongoing partnership and host communities, imple- the community’s development fostered through sport in youth.” 06 HOME WEDNESDAY 14 JULY 2021 QEERI achieves ISO accreditation Palestinian physicians on QRCS for calibration, testing labs scholarships save lives in Gaza

THE PENINSULA – DOHA THE PENINSULA – DOHA

Qatar Environment and Energy At the Department of Pediatric Research Institute (QEERI), part Oncology, the Abdel-Aziz Rantisi of Hamad Bin Khalifa Specialist Hospital in Gaza City, University (HBKU), has received Dr. Mo’men Zain Al-Din stood accreditation under ISO watching some lab samples of 17025:2017 on selected methods children with cancer. Then, he for its Corrosion, Energy, and went to the outpatient clinic, Environment and Sustainability where Ahmed (9), a leukemia Centers from International patient, was waiting for him to Accreditation Services (IAS - consult using the right medical USA). protocols that he learned during ISO/IEC 17025 is the highest his specialized studies in Jordan. globally recognized quality Dr. Al-Din said, “I was standard for calibration and QEERI staff in one of their laboratories. granted a three-year scholarship testing laboratories. With the by Qatar Red Crescent Society Dr. Mo’men Zain Al Din attending to a young patient. accreditation, QEERI proves Director at QEERI. “The accreditation, along with (QRCS) to study the specialty of that they produce precise and Dr. Rana also expressed receiving the ISO certification, hematology and oncology at King improve the quality of health Department at the Abdel-Aziz accurate results from their gratitude to Excelledia Quality underpins QEERI’s commitment Hussein Cancer Center in Jordan, services provided for patients in Rantisi Specialist Hospital for research laboratories and can Consulting, who supported to excellence, and to being a under the project of supporting Gaza. Since his return to Gaza Children, considered the return of operate competently in sup- QEERI throughout the imple- leading player when it comes to specialised medical education two months ago, Dr. Al-Din Dr. Al-Din as a significant addition porting the cutting-edge inter- mentation journey. “Their com- research and technology devel- program for physicians in Gaza. started his work at the Abdel- to the department, which now has disciplinary research under- petent consultants worked with opment activities in the region. I learned the methods of diag- Aziz Rantisi Specialist Hospital several medical professionals. taken at QEERI’s centers. our team in advising best prac- We owe these achievements to nosis and treatment for patients for Children, treating the patients, He emphasised the impor- “We are very proud of each tices and training until we the perseverance and com- with inherited blood disorders, alleviating their suffering, and tance of using this exchange of team’s hard work that resulted reached this goal.” mitment of our teams that got us like thalassemia and hemophilia, reducing the need to travel for experience on ways to deal with in this advanced accreditation. This most recent ISO/IEC here, along with the backing of and cancers, like leukemia and treatment abroad. different cases, thus upgrading With existing government-man- 17025 accreditation follows both the Qatar Foundation and solid tumors.” In coordination with the the services received by patients. dated laboratory regulations, QEERI’s certification in 2020 HBKU upper management. Sponsored by QRCS, the medical staff, he works to ensure According to him, the hos- QEERI upholds the highest for its Integrated Management “We look forward to serving $476,000 project is implemented better health services for pital is considering expanding standards of testing and plays a System (IMS) under the ISO Qatar in tackling the grand chal- in partnership with Palestine’s patients, despite the challenges cancer health services to cover pivotal role in contributing to 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and lenges related to energy, water, Ministry of Health (MOH). It faced by cancer patients in Gaza, 650-700 children with blood dis- research and development ISO 45001:2018 standards. and environment. We will con- involves nine scholarships for due to the lack of many medica- orders, cancer in Gaza. This toward national energy, water Congratulating the ISO team tinue to provide world-class Palestinian physicians from Gaza tions and radiotherapy, following would require engaging all expe- security, and climate change,” and QEERI staff on the latest technology and supporting to pursue subspecialties and 15 years of blockade. rienced medical professionals, said Dr. Muhammed Akmal milestone, Dr. Marc Vermeersch, services to our partners and intensive training in Jordan to Consultant Dr. Mahmoud who would make a big difference Rana, Quality Management Executive Director, QEERI, said: stakeholders.” develop their capabilities and Shubair, Head of Cancer in saving the patients’ lives. Wyndham Doha West Bay welcomes Eid with hearty offerings

THE PENINSULA – DOHA

Located at the heart of the city, Wyndham Doha West Bay welcomes Eid Al Adha with hearty offerings. Prepared by Executive Chef Konstantinos Panou, the offers feature an array of traditional favourites and Middle Eastern specialties Lamb Leg on Kabsa Rice Ooredoo launches Aamali plan ready to be shared with your loved ones. more, the luxury hotel launched to boost small businesses Doha residents are invited Pistachio & Kunafa Raspberry to enjoy a delectable selection Ice Cream Cake. THE PENINSULA – DOHA ensure that SIMs are delivered of Family Trays. Priced at QR180 and recom- safely and for free to the cus- Starting from QR260, the mended for 12 guests, the cake Ooredoo Qatar has launched a tomer’s premises. trays choices include authentic is a delicate, light pistachio ice new service to help small busi- Thani Al Malki, Executive regional flavours, including cream cake topped with fresh nesses devise bespoke commu- Director of Business at Ooredoo Chicken Biryani and Stuffed Exterior of the Wyndham Doha West Bay. raspberries and Kunafa. nications plans in line with – said: “Here at Ooredoo, we Dolma with Lamb Shank. For Discover all the Eid-Al-Adha their specific needs. believe that for small and an exceptional evening, the people and must be ordered 24 QR700. flavours and order details from Customers working from medium enterprises, digital hotel offers the signature Lamb hours in advance. Guests can also sweeten up Wyndham Doha West Bay. For a small office or home office, self-service will play a big role Leg on Kabsa Rice priced at They are offered for pick-up their Eid. With a unique and orders and further information, with 20 employees or fewer, in the future. Customers might QR380. Eid Al Adha Family only, and free delivery is delicious treat that will leave please call or WhatsApp 3308 can now subscribe to and set need a generous local calling Trays are recommended for 5-7 available for orders above your friends and family wanting 6128. up a personalised Aamali allowance but no data Small Business plan. This new allowance or a high data service enables customers to allowance with no interna- build their plans using My tional calls; it’s up to them to Fire Station announces annual Youth Summer Programme Ooredoo Business Portal, work out what is the best com- including the structuring and bination and then simply use THE PENINSULA – DOHA artists. Beginning August 2021, present a three-day workshop management of various My Ooredoo Business Portal to Fatma Alnaimi, Nayla Ahmed, during each week of August. The allowances – data, local calls, design the perfect plan.” The Fire Station: Artist in Residence Amna Albaker, and Mariam Al workshops comprise ‘It’s Personal’ international calls – in the To sign up, customers will has announced its annual Youth Shaikh will mentor artists aged 16 by Nayla Ahmed on August 1, 3, way most beneficial to their need to access My Ooredoo Summer Programme for young to 25 who will have the oppor- and 5. This hands-on workshop business needs. Business Portal. More infor- artists in Qatar to explore new tunity to learn from these creatives invites participants to explore what Once each tailored Aamali mation is available by calling mediums and work under the in different areas of art and design. makes them unique using various plan is set up, Ooredoo will 8008000. guidance of local multidisciplinary Each mentoring artist will playful techniques to help create

a personal visual language. Recycle and Repurpose Paper to Create Art by Fatma Alnaimi will be on August 8, 10, 12. In this workshop, participants will learn the basic steps of manual paper- making techniques by using recycled paper. A New Form of Expression by Mariam Al Shaikh (BOTO) will be on August 15, 17,19. In this workshop, participants will learn how to repurpose plain objects into functional art pieces. Digital Illustration and Animation Techniques Using Procreate by Amna AlBaker will be on August 22, 24, and 26. Participants will learn the basics of digital illustration and animation using the Procreate software on iPad during the three sessions. The workshop will introduce them to illustration tech- niques such as composition, light and shadow, background design, and simple colour theory. It will also provide an introduction to the principles of animation. Khalifa Al Obaidly, Director, Fire Station, said, “The Fire Station is a contemporary art space com- mitted to supporting artists through various programmes. Our programme provides a unique opportunity for young and aspiring artists to explore their creative aspirations while working closely under the guidance of established artists. The mentors will each deliver a specific workshop dem- onstrating their creative process while introducing participants to new artistic mediums.” WEDNESDAY 14 JULY 2021 GULF / MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 07

Rioting halts Anger mounts after 92 dead in Iraq hospital fire vaccination in An investigation showed the fire began when sparks key provinces from faulty wiring spread to an oxygen tank that of South Africa then exploded. It was Iraq’s second such tragedy in three months, and the country’s President blamed BLOOMBERG — JOHANNESBURG corruption for both. A statement from the Prime South Africa’s COVID-19 Minister’s Office called for national mourning. vaccination program has been partially halted as violent REUTERS — NASSIRIYA, IRAQ Rescue teams were using a protests following the impris- heavy crane to remove the onment of former President The death toll from a fire that charred and melted remains of Jacob Zuma rage in two key tore through a coronavirus the part of the city’s al-Hussain provinces. hospital in southern Iraq rose hospital where COVID-19 State-administered inoc- to 92, health officials said patients were being treated, as ulations have been suspended yesterday, as authorities faced relatives gathered nearby. in KwaZulu-Natal and parts of accusations of negligence from A medic at the hospital, Gauteng, the economic hub, grieving relatives and a doctor who declined to give his name said Nicholas Crisp, a con- who works there. and whose shift ended a few hours sultant to the National Health More than 100 people — before the fire broke out, said the Department who is helping patients and visitors — were absence of basic safety measures oversee the program. injured in the blaze on Monday meant it was an accident in the “We are clearly not going night in Nassiriya, officials said. making. “The hospital lacks a fire to be putting our staff in An investigation showed the fire sprinkler system or even a simple harm’s way,” Crisp said in an began when sparks from faulty fire alarm,” he said. interview yesterday, adding wiring spread to an oxygen tank “We complained many People gather as they inspect the damage at Al Hussain coronavirus hospital where a fire broke out, that those queuing for vaccines that then exploded, police and times over the past three in Nassiriya, Iraq, yesterday. could also be in danger. “It will civil defence authorities said. months that a tragedy could just have to wait until things It was Iraq’s second such happen any moment from a cig- calm down.” tragedy in three months, and arette stub but every time we killed at least 82 and injured 110. war and sanctions. “To have such had been built with lightweight The disruption is the latest the country’s president yes- get the same answer from The head of Iraq’s semi-official a tragic incident repeated few sandwich panels separating the blow to a rollout that’s been terday blamed corruption for health officials: ‘we don’t have Human Rights Commission said months later means that still no wards had made the fire spread criticized for its late start and both. A statement from the enough money’.” Monday’s blast showed how inef- (sufficient) measures have been faster, local civil defence remains at a nascent stage. prime minister’s office called for In April, a similar explosion fective safety measures still were taken to prevent them,” Ali Bayati authority head Salah Jabbar Earlier issues include a national mourning. at a Baghdad COVID-19 hospital in a health system crippled by said. The fact that the hospital said. decision not to use the Astra- Zeneca Plc vaccine amid fears IN BRIEF of its efficacy against the beta variant of the virus, while the Israel bars jailed Palestinian from daughter’s funeral delivery of Johnson & Johnson Kuwait shuts down vaccines were delayed after a AP — RAMALLAH Western countries, but Jarrar occupied West Bank city of considered a security prisoner. contamination incident at a US children’s activities has not been implicated in Ramallah, the group said. It did The daughter’s funeral was held factory. to combat virus Israel refused to let a prominent attacks. The Israeli military not give a cause of death. without her. South Africa vaccinated jailed Palestinian lawmaker acknowledged in March that Al Haq launched a cam- The New York-based 146,577 people in the 24 hours CAIRO:The Kuwaiti Cabinet attend her daughter’s funeral she “did not deal with organi- paign calling for Jarrar’s “imme- Human Rights Watch said Jar- to 5 p.m. local time on Monday decided to close down all yesterday, despite a campaign sational or military aspects of diate and unconditional release rar’s repeated arrests are part compared with more than activities for children, by activists and human rights the organisation.” on humanitarian grounds,” and of Israel’s wider crackdown on 191,000 late last week. The including summer clubs, from groups for her to be released on Jarrar was sentenced to 15 said it had appealed to other non-violent political opposition health department had July 25 until further notice, as humanitarian grounds. months in 2015 on charges of countries as well as the Inter- to its half-century military expected to inoculate more a precautionary measure to Khalida Jarrar, 58, a leading incitement and membership in national Committee of the Red occupation of lands the Pales- than 200,000 that day, Crisp combat the spread of corona- member of the Popular Front the PFLP. She has also been Cross. tinians want for a future state. said. Fewer than 4,000 doses virus. After a briefing by the for the Liberation of Palestine held for months at a time in Entreaties poured in from “Detaining Khalida over her were administered in health minister, the Cabinet also (PFLP), has been in and out of what’s known as administrative other activists and rights groups political activism violates her KwaZulu-Natal. ordered the ministry of defence Israeli prison in recent years. A detention, under which Israel in an online campaign under freedom of association,” said The setback comes as the and the Kuwait Petroleum military court sentenced her to detains Palestinian suspects for the hashtag #freekhalidajarrar. Omar Shakir, the group’s country is in the grip of a third Corporation (KPC) to put their two years in March for being a lengthy periods without charge. An online petition drew more director for Israel and the Pal- wave of Covid-19 infections hospitals at the service of the member of an outlawed group. Her 30-year-old daughter than 11,500 signatures. estinian territories. “Having that have led to the imposition country’s healthcare system, With time served, she is set to Suha, who worked on issues Natan Dublin, a spokesman repeatedly detained Khalida in of a curfew, a ban on alcohol according to a Cabinet be released in October. related to gender and climate for Israel’s public security min- violation of her rights, Israeli sales and restrictions on statement. Kuwait on Monday The PFLP has an armed change for the Al Haq human ister, said the request could not authorities should at minimum movement. Of the daily infec- reported 1,770 COVID-19 infec- wing and is considered a ter- rights group, was found dead be approved by the prison allow her to say goodbye to her tions recorded in the country, tions, and 19 deaths. -Reuters rorist group by Israel and on Sunday in her home in the service because Jarrar is daughter.” about half are in Gauteng. Israel wants voucher system for foreign Tigray forces push south as aid to Gaza: Minister Amhara militias mobilise JERUSALEM: Israel wants foreign aid to Gaza disbursed through a voucher system, as REUTERS — NAIROBI rapes mounted, raising con- a safeguard against donations cerns over war crimes. being diverted to bolster the Forces in Ethiopia’s Tigray Spokespeople for the prime Palestinian enclave’s Hamas pushed deeper into land minister, Ethiopian military rulers, a government minister claimed by neighbouring and government taskforce on said.Humanitarian agencies Amhara region yesterday, Tigray did not respond to calls put the latest reconstruction prompting its leaders - allies of seeking comment. costs for the impoverished the central government - to Yesterday, Tigrayan forces Gaza Strip at $500m following urge local militia to arm them- crossed the deep gorge of the 11 days of cross-border fighting selves and mobilise. Tekeze River and took control in May. -Reuters The Tigrayan advance and of the southern town of Mai the Amhara response raised the Tsebri, an aid worker told Iran says holding possibility of the widening of a Reuters. The aid worker, citing conflict that has aggravated information received from col- talks on prisoner ethnic and political divisions in leagues there, said locals exchanges with US Africa’s second most populous greeted Tigrayan forces with country. songs, cheers, and celebratory DUBAI: Iran said yesterday it The push sparked calls gunfire. was holding talks on prisoner from Amhara politicians for The fighting started over- exchanges with the United irregular militias to mobilise night, two refugees living in a States aimed at securing the and arm themselves. camp adjacent to the town told release of Iranians held in US “Make quick preparations Reuters, saying gunfire began jails and other countries over to mobilize to the fronts,” said around 1 a.m. and continued violations of US sanctions. “Nego- the statement from the intermittently for about 14 tiations are under way on the National Movement of Amhara, hours. exchange of prisoners between a regional political party. The “We are on our own,” the Iran and America, and we will call was echoed by some local first refugee said, asking for his issue more information if district governments in name to be withheld to prevent Iranian prisoners are released Amhara. reprisals. “We can’t run. Where and the country’s interests are The fresh fighting follows would we go to?” secured and the talks reach a a vow by the region’s ruling Getachew Reda, the conclusion,” government spokesman party - the Tigray People’s Lib- spokesman for Tigray’s ruling Ali Rabiei said. -Reuters eration Front (TPLF) - to retake party, told Reuters that Tig- all territory within Tigray’s rayan forces had also seized Nigeria expects borders it lost in conflict that control of Alamata, the major nearly 8 million more broke out between the TPLF town in the southern part of and Ethiopian federal forces in Tigray, on Monday night. vaccines by August November. Both areas are claimed by The fertile fields of western Amhara, Ethiopia’s second ABUJA:Nigeria expects to and southern Tigray are also most populous region. receive nearly 8 million addi- claimed by the Amhara region, The push south follows tional doses of COVID-19 which has been administering three weeks of rapid territorial vaccines by the end of August, it since hostilities erupted in gains by the TPLF, which seized including from a US government November. control of the regional capital donation, the head of its The war pits Tigrayan Mekelle on June 28 after taking primary care agency said. forces—both formal and control of several nearby Faisal Shuaib, head of the irregular—against the Ethi- towns. National Primary Health Care opian military and its allies Abiy said the military Development Agency from Amhara and the neigh- pulled out of Mekelle to face (NPHCDA), said Nigeria bouring nation of Eritrea. threats elsewhere and the gov- exhausted its initial supply of Thousands have died, more ernment declared a unilateral nearly 4 million shots last week than 4 million people depend ceasefire, which the TPLF and aims to resume vaccinations on emergency food aid, and rejected. Also yesterday, the UN within weeks, when the new nearly 2 million have been dis- rights council approved a res- doses arrive.Nigeria expects placed since the conflict began. olution expressing deep delivery of 3.924 million doses Donors suspended some concern about abuses in Tigray, of Oxford/AstraZeneca shots budget support to the gov- calling for the swift withdrawal from global vaccine-sharing ernment of Prime Minister Abiy of Eritrean troops which it said scheme COVAX by the end of Ahmed as reports of mass were “exacerbating the July or early August.-Reuters killings of civilians and gang conflict”. 08 VIEWS WEDNESDAY 14 JULY 2021 Giant leap for nature? All eyes on Established in 1996 CHAIRMAN China to land new global pact DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI

MICHAEL TAYLOR EDITOR-IN-CHIEF REUTERS DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI [email protected] Securing an ambitious new global pact to protect nature ACTING MANAGING EDITOR at a UN biodiversity summit MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED later this year will require [email protected] stronger political leadership from host nation China, offi- cials and observers have DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR warned. MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI About 195 countries are [email protected] expected to agree the text of a new treaty to safeguard the planet’s plants, animals and ecosystems, similar to the Paris climate accord, at UN EDITORIAL talks scheduled for October in the southern Chinese city of Kunming. Flying in right trajectory But the prospects of sealing a deal at the COP15 QATAR added another feather in its hat yesterday as summit - already postponed Wang Yiguang, 85, and her husband Yang Hou, 86, exercising outdoor at Heyuejia, a care home for the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Council twice due to the COVID-19 the elderly, in Beijing, China, recently. has agreed, in principle, on the establishment of Doha pandemic - are dwindling Flight Information Region and Doha Search and Rescue unless in-person talks can such as parks, oceans, forests - the world’s biggest emitter as deforestation in other Region (FIR/SRR) drawing on Qatar’s proposal. The FIR/ happen, UN officials say. and wildernesses, are seen as of greenhouse gases - has countries linked to high SRR would include Qatar’s sovereign airspace and will As virtual talks between key to protecting the eco- increasingly pushed a green demand for food commod- optimise safety and efficiency of the regional airspace nations continue, China must systems on which humans agenda in recent years, and in ities, she added. Li Shuo, a and the contiguous airspace over the high seas. step up its efforts to help steer depend and for meeting 2020 pledged to achieve policy advisor at Greenpeace The proposal by Qatar also included its intention the process, said Basile van targets to meet international carbon neutrality before China, said China’s rapid eco- to withdraw from the current arrangement whereby it Havre, co-chair of the group climate change goals. 2060. It has also championed nomic and political ascent has delegated to Bahrain the provision of air navigation developing the deal for the But forests are still being the use of “nature-based solu- disguises the fact that it is still services over its sovereign territory in accordance with UN Convention on Biological cut down - often to produce tions”, such as the expansion a beginner when it comes to the Chicago Convention. Diversity (CBD). commodities such as palm oil of forests, grasslands and global diplomacy. The ICAO Council during its 223rd session which “On the political and - destroying biodiversity and wetlands, as well as the use of He urged China to focus began on June 18, acknowledged the right of Qatar negotiation front, there is threatening climate goals, as biomass energy. on strengthening implemen- to request the establishment of Doha FIR/SRR over plenty of room for leadership trees absorb about a third of Three years ago, China tation of new biodiversity its sovereign territory and contiguous airspace con- and we are looking forward to planet-warming emissions pledged to keep a quarter of targets to be agreed at COP15. sistent with the Chicago Convention and in accordance seeing China playing this produced worldwide. its land off-limits for devel- “The Kunming COP will with the Assembly Resolution A40-4, Appendix G. role,” van Havre said, adding Last year, a UN report opment and increase forest not only be evaluated on the Once implemented, the proposal and resultant that the host country had not showed governments had cover, under its “ecological targets we adopt, but most action will improve the safety and convenience of air yet taken a strong position largely failed to achieve red line” scheme. importantly how they are travel over Qatar, which has become a busy region as during negotiations. global targets set in 2010 to Its Belt and Road Initiative, actually delivered - that’s the country’s flag carrier, Qatar Airways, has expanded “I am not sure China protect biodiversity, though a multi-trillion-dollar infra- where China’s legacy lies,” he its destinations and frequency of services with the realise that now the com- conservation cases sug- structure plan to link Asia to said. establishment of the Hamad International Airport, which munity is looking at them as a gested the destruction of Europe and beyond, has been Ahead of November’s has become a regional hub of international air travel. leader and their declarations nature can be slowed and criticised by environmentalists COP26 UN climate talks in The global airspace is divided into nine ICAO air carry significant weight,” he even reversed. for weak green credentials. But Scotland, British officials navigation regions, sometimes called Global Air Nav- said. Hosting a major UN envi- President Xi Jinping said in have launched a big diplo- igation Plan regions, which is further divided into small Better conservation and ronment conference for the 2019 that environmental pro- matic push to clear potential flight information regions (FIRs). Each FIR is managed management of natural areas, first time in China is seen by tection must underpin the roadblocks and win new by a controlling authority that has responsibility for green groups as an important ambitious scheme. commitments to climate ensuring that air traffic services are provided to the About 195 countries step for the country towards This year, China action. aircraft flying within it. are expected to playing a more prominent launched a new five-year US President Joe Biden, During an ICAO Air Navigation Commission’s review role both domestically and development plan looking at meanwhile, has made climate of the technical aspect of Qatar’s proposal, it was acknowl- agree the text of internationally on ways to reduce its action central to policy in his edged that the country possesses the capabilities and qual- a new treaty to biodiversity. dependency on fossil fuels, first six months in office, ifications to manage air traffic safely and effectively and to safeguard the planet’s “China ... (has) the oppor- advance green technologies, while G7 leaders in June made provide leading services in the field of search and rescue. tunity to convince the global and offer more corporate more substantial pledges to In his speech at the 223rd session of the ICAO plants, animals and community of its desire for a income tax credits to tackle climate change and Council, Minister of Transport and Communication H E ecosystems, similar better future,” van Havre said. support environmental pro- biodiversity loss. Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti said: “The proposal by the State “This opportunity is open tection and conservation. The United States is not of Qatar to establish a Doha FIR/SRR is of great impor- to the Paris climate over the next few months and “China has been strength- part of the CBD, although it tance for the future of civil aviation, not only in the Middle accord, at UN talks won’t come back soon,” he ening its environmental has joined a global push to East region, but the entire world and is fully consistent added, noting that Beijing had standards domestically in safeguard nature by pledging with the objective of the Chicago Convention.” scheduled for October volunteered to work on the recent years,” said Morgan to protect at least 30% of the Qatar can be proud of the ICAO Council’s move as the in the southern most “important COP at the Gillespy, a director at the planet’s land and oceans by country’s international airport is handling millions of pas- most difficult time of the Food and Land Use Coalition, 2030 (30x30). sengers from every corner of the world. At present, the HIA Chinese city of decade” but had the resources a global alliance of econo- The 30x30 goal is backed serves 142 destinations and caters to 33 airlines operating Kunming. to meet such a challenge. mists and scientists. by a coalition of more than 60 at the airport. Even during the pandemic, the HIA remained Chinese government offi- But like other major econ- countries and is included in a beehive of activities processing tens of thousands of trav- cials working on COP15 did omies, China generates major the first official draft of the ellers and handling essential cargoes such as medical not respond to requests for “international environmental new Global Biodiversity equipment, vaccines and relief materials. comment. spillovers” that need to be Framework, released on Green ‘Spillovers’ China addressed, such Monday. India wants rich countries to pay more for green energy shift D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR EMAIL: [email protected] VRISHTI BENIWAL & Secretary Rameshwar Prasad target they haven’t even met Modi discussed setting a RAJESH KUMAR SINGH Gupta said in an interview at yet -- is insufficient to make 2050 net-zero emissions EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 BLOOMBERG FAX: +974 4455 7758 his New Delhi office. “We are the shift. goal earlier this year, policy not anti-net-zero. But without “We have our own devel- makers have resisted, citing MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 India can’t prioritize elimi- adequate climate finance opmental imperatives,” Gupta the outsized role fossil fuels nating greenhouse gas emis- being definitively available, said. “If you want that I don’t play in powering its growing DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 sions without sufficient we can’t commit on that part.” emit carbon, then provide population out of poverty, financing from richer nations The stance by India, the finance. It will be much more and the progress it’s made LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 to help offset the high cost of world’s third-biggest emitter, than $100 billion per year for on earlier climate BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 transitioning to clean energy, highlights a top challenge developing nations.” commitments. according to a senior global leaders will face when As well, until negotiations But India risks looking like SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 government official. they meet at the UN Climate are finalized around funding an outlier among other devel- In laying out its position Change Conference, which help, India likely won’t oping economies. While still ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 ahead of key global climate starts in late October in upgrade the emissions targets seeking more funds from email: [email protected] talks later this year, the top Glasgow. While cutting net it committed to in 2015, richer states, more than 100 PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 bureaucrat in India’s envi- global carbon emissions to known as a Nationally Deter- countries including large email: [email protected] ronment ministry also said zero by 2050 is key to meet mined Contribution, which emerging economies like the country doesn’t plan to the goals of the Paris under the Paris Agreement Mexico, as well as neigh- MARKETING: TEL: 4455 7657 tighten its emissions goals Agreement, aimed at avoiding were expected to be revised boring Pakistan and Bang- email: [email protected] unless more money is catastrophic damage from by 2020. ladesh, have publicly com- promised from developed climate change, figuring out “This is not the final mitted to zero carbon by mid- ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 857 economies under the United how to pay for the transition decision, but most probably century. Even China, FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] Nations-sponsored climate toward clean energy has been we won’t file a revised NDC,” previously one of the CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 change agreement. a sticking point. he said. “Let there be a strongest voices calling on email: [email protected] “Every policy decision has Gupta also said the decision on climate finance developed nations to do more, a cost to the economy. Going current $100 billion-a-year first.” has changed its tune, aiming SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 net-zero or using less carbon pledge by richer nations to While the government of to decarbonize the world’s top FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected] also has a cost,” Environment help developing nations -- a Prime Minister Narendra polluter by 2060.

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar

/ThePeninsulaQatar Afghanistan is on the brink of another humanitarian crisis. This can be /Peninsula_Qatar avoided. This should be avoided.

/ThePeninsulaNewspaper Babar Baloch, Spokesman of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees +974 6698 6188 WEDNESDAY 14 JULY 2021 ASIA 09 Avoid overcrowding at tourist spots in India: PM

REUTERS — NEW DELHI Authorities reported Last week, the government administered fewer than four Prime Minister Narendra Modi 32,906 new cases million vaccine doses a day warned yesterday against over- yesterday — the compared with a record 9.17 crowding at tourist sites and million on the day Modi called for faster vaccinations lowest daily tally launched the campaign. against the coronavirus even as since mid-March — While new daily cases are official figures indicated a at a three-month low, deaths slower spread of new infec- compared with some have not fallen at the same tions. 400,000 a day at the pace, leading to concern that The Indian Medical Associ- state governments, which have ation (IMA) said on Monday it height of the second authority over their own feared gathering of tourists and wave. The country restrictions are lifting lockdown pilgrims could become super reported 2,020 new too quickly. spreader events that fuel a India reported 2,020 new deadly third wave of infections COVID-19 deaths but COVID-19 deaths yesterday but and it warned against that tally included a that tally included a backlog of complacency. hundreds of previously unre- “I will say very emphatically backlog of previously ported fatalities in the central Rescue workers search for survivors after a landslide caused by heavy rains at Rulehar village in the that it is not OK to have huge unreported fatalities. state Madhya Pradesh, Kangra district of the northern state of Himachal Pradesh, India, yesterday. crowds in hill stations, markets, according to health ministry without wearing masks,” Modi data. said in comments posted on launched a campaign to inoc- The state’s revision of its Heavy rains trigger landslides, Twitter while acknowledging ulate all adults, with a target of death toll comes less than a the tourism industry has been 950 million people by the end month after Maharashtra and badly hit by lockdowns. of the year, but the pace of the Bihar, India’s two most pop- floods in Indian state, 2 dead India’s coronavirus drive has faltered because of ulous states, revised their death caseload of 30.91 million infec- shortages of vaccines and tolls up sharply, leading to REUTERS — NEW DELHI telephone. “They are clearing Television footage from tions is the world’s second- various logistical hurdles, and concern about under-reporting the muck and the debris.” The Monday’s flooding showed highest behind the United only eight percent of the target and calls for a wide review. At least two people were dead fast-moving flood waters ripped swirling brown waters flowing States. is fully vaccinated. The government has pre- and 10 missing after heavy rains away buildings’ foundations and through narrow streets at a set- Its official tally of deaths is Modi called for vigilance viously dismissed experts who in a hilly northern Indian state threatened to wash away roads. tlement near Dharamshala, 410,784, many of them coming against new variants of the have raised suspicion that triggered landslides and flash Residents gathered outside in sweeping away a large car that in a brutal second wave of virus and a faster campaign official death tolls were not an floods that destroyed homes, the rain, hauling their belongings was caught in the torrent. In infections in April and May to get the population accurate reflection of fatalities damaged roads and swept away away from the flooding. another area, flood waters had when people died outside hos- protected. but some now believe more cars, a senior government With further rains expected, damaged several homes pitals as they waited for beds The Delta variant that is stringent auditing may lead to official said yesterday. Jindal said that district authorities abutting a stream, forcing res- and bodies were washing up on spreading in many countries more revisions of figures About 50 workers from the were on high alert, and that tourists idents out on the streets. the banks of the holy Ganges was first detected in India upwards. National Disaster Response had been told to either postpone In recent weeks, thousands river. where experts have recently “The kind of community Force and local responders have visits or to remain where they are of tourists have thronged to Yesterday, authorities identified what they believe is transmission of this nature and been deployed to look for sur- if already in Kangra. hillside destinations in northern reported 32,906 new cases — a new variant they have called intensity calls for periodic mor- vivors in the hard-hit Boh valley Straddling the Himalayan India, including Dharamshala, the lowest daily tally since mid- Delta plus. tality surveys,” Rajib Dasgupta, in the Kangra district of Himachal foothills, Kangra is home to the prompting warnings from March — compared with some “To combat the third wave, head of the Centre of Social Pradesh, said Nipun Jindal, the Tibetan government in exile authorities to maintain 400,000 a day at the height of we have to keep speeding up Medicine & Community Health district’s deputy commissioner. based in the city of Dharam- COVID-19 precautions after a the second wave. the process of vaccination,” at Jawaharlal Nehru University “Rescue work there is shala and is a popular tourist catastrophic second wave of The government last month Modi said. said. ongoing,” Jindal said via destination. infections in the country. Deuba becomes Nepal PM for the fifth time IN BRIEF Philippines to investigate report of AP — KATHMANDU Nepali Congress party, was of Representatives, which was until parliamentary elections are appointed the new prime min- dissolved by Oli in May, and held by 2022. He is likely to China dumping sewage at sea A veteran politician was ister. Deuba will lead the Hima- said the lawmakers must meet bring Nepal back closer to India appointed Nepal’s prime layan nation as it struggles with within seven days. Deuba will after Oli favoured ties with its MANILA: The Philippines’ defence minister yesterday ordered minister for the fifth time political divisions and the have to prove in a vote that he other giant neighbour, China. the military to investigate a report by a US-based tech firm that yesterday, a day after the coronavirus. has the support of more than Deuba has been active in hundreds of Chinese vessels were dumping sewage into contested Supreme Court reinstated the The court on Monday half the House members to con- politics since he was a college areas of the South China Sea. House of Representatives and ordered that Khadga Prasad Oli, tinue in office. student. He was jailed for nine China maintains a constant presence of coastguard and fishing upheld his claim to be the new who had been running a care- Deuba was previously years for protesting against the boats in the South China Sea to assert its claim of sovereignty, leader. taker government until planned appointed prime minister in now-deposed monarchy’s auto- including hundreds in the Spratly islands, where the Philippines, President Bidhya Devi elections, be replaced by Deuba. 1995, 2001, 2004 and 2017, but cratic rule. He has led Nepali Brunei, Taiwan, Vietnam and Malaysia also have claims. Bhandari’s office said Sher It also ordered the rein- has never served a full term. This Congress, the country’s oldest Simularity, an AI-based satellite image analysis firm, on Bahadur Deuba, who leads the statement of the House time as well, he is to serve only political party, for years. Monday made public satellite images over a five-year period that it said showed damage caused by untreated human waste from Chinese vessels. “While we are confirming and verifying these wastes being Azerbaijan raises alarm at transboundary dumped... we consider such irresponsible acts, if true, to be gravely detrimental to the marine ecology in the area,” Philippine Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said in a statement. - Reuters pollution of Okhchuchay River Australian scientists develop painless BAKU, AZERBAIJAN It is a common fact that blood sugar test for diabetics large amount of salts of the The total length of the heavy metals enter the envi- SYDNEY: Australian scientists say they have developed the “holy Okhchuchay River is up to ronment as a result of the activ- grail” of blood sugar testing for diabetics, a non-invasive strip 83km and it is the left tributary ities of mining and processing that checks glucose levels via saliva. of the Araz River. The river is enterprises. For diabetics, managing their blood sugar levels typically originating from Gapijiq Excessive release of heavy means pricking their fingers multiple times a day with a lancet Mountain (3285M) of the metals into the river by Zangezur and then placing a drop of blood on a testing strip. Understandably, Zangazur range and its bigger Copper Molybdenum Combine some diabetes sufferers avoid the painful process by minimizing part is located within the Syunik and Kapan Mining and their tests. region of Armenia. The lower Processing Plant in Armenia at However, this latest test works by embedding an enzyme that course of the river flows the upper part of the Okhchuchay detects glucose into a transistor that can then transmit the presence through Zangilan region of River, destroys not only the of glucose, according to Paul Dastoor, Professor of Physics at the Azerbaijan – the recently fluvial fauna, but is also University of Newcastle in Australia, who led the team that created liberated territory from the extremely dangerous for the it. Since the electronic materials in the transistor are inks, the test occupation and flows to the human health. Usage of the con- can be made through printing at a low cost, Dastoor said. Araz River. Its flow is formed taminated water can lead to det- - Reuters by snow, rain and groundwater. rimental diseases, such as gas- In the Republic of trointestinal tracts disease, Thai expert backs plan to mix Azerbaijan, about 70% of the destruction of kidneys and bone water resources of the country tissue, as well as disorders of car- A view of dead fish lying in the polluted Okhchuchay River. Sinovac and AstraZeneca vaccines surface are heavily dependent diovascular, nervous and hemat- on the external inflow of waters opoietic systems. This gives a norm. Periodically, the color of Okhchuchay River revealed a BANGKOK: A virologist and advisor to Thailand’s government from neighbouring countries. reason to believe that two com- the Okhchuchay River changes high content of heavy metals, yesterday endorsed a plan to mix doses of the coronavirus vaccines Okhchuchay River water panies do not comply with envi- either to a white or to an acid- specifically, iron, copper, man- of AstraZeneca and Sinovac, amid some public unease about use resources are widely used for ronmental standards by dumping yellow one. A mass trout mor- ganese, molybdenum, zinc, of the largely untested strategy. irrigation purposes. Being a their production wastes directly tality in the river was recorded chromium, nickel and others in There has been no research released specifically about mixing transboundary river the Okh- into the river, without any pre- in March 2021. surface waters of the river, the two types, but a growing number of countries are looking at chuchay has always been liminary treatment. The During visual monitoring on while the excessive concen- mix-and-match approaches to better protect from highly trans- severely polluted with indus- acknowledgement of the fact of 07 March 2021 in the part of tration of hazardous substances missible variants, the latest, Thailand’s neighbour, Vietnam. trial disposals in the territory of ignoring the world eco-standards Shayifli and Jahangirbeyli vil- in sediment sampling shows At a health ministry news conference, Yong Poovorawan, a Armenia, since it was used as a by these two enterprises has been lages of the Zangilan district that contamination level of the virology expert at Chulalongkorn University, said 1,200 people collector for industrial facilities highlighted in the reports by the alongside Okhchuchay river, river is critical. in Thailand had already received the Sinovac-AstraZeneca com- along the river, which made its government agencies of Armenia, 227 Small Trout (Salmon Ministry of Ecology and bination - in different orders - mainly due to allergic reactions to water resources unusable in the as well as the Armenian environ- species) and 330 Perch massive Natural Resources of the their first doses, requiring them to change vaccine. - Reuters territory of Azerbaijan. mental activists. die-off was observed, the Republic of Azerbaijan has Pollution of Okhchuchay Laboratory analysis of species that were included in appealed to the international Russian fund: Serum Institute of India River has a direct impact on the water samples taken during the “Red Book of the Republic organizations on the environ- quality of water resources of the January – March 2021 period of Azerbaijan”. The reason for mental hazards and critical sit- to produce Sputnik V vaccine Araz River which is the second have revealed a high content of the death of fish was the excess uation of Okhchuchay River largest river in the South Cau- heavy metals, specifically, of iron, copper, nickel, molyb- raising public awareness on MOSCOW: Russia’s sovereign fund yesterday announced a deal casus. The Araz River is also a copper, molybdenum, man- denum and other heavy metals environmental risks for the with a top Indian vaccine manufacturer to produce the Russia- shared trans-boundary river ganese, iron, zinc and in the river water (see the river and its ecosystem due to designed Sputnik V vaccine. with Armenia which is the chromium. photos). continuous pollution. The Russian Direct Investment Fund, or RDIF, said its deal with largest right tributary of the According to the report by Latest river water and sed- Along with international the Serum Institute of India (SII), the world’s largest vaccine man- Kura River. It plays a crucial the Ministry of Ecology and imentation sample analysis organizations, MENR also ufacturer by volume, envisions annual production of more than role for irrigation in Azerbaijan. Natural Resources of the were conducted at interna- appealed to the German Bun- 300 million doses of the vaccine in India starting in September. However, given the quality of Republic of Azerbaijan (MENR), tionally accredited and certified destag, its Green Fraction to “This strategic partnership is a major step to substantially the water in the river, its use for the content of copper-molyb- SGS laboratory in Germany draw their attention to this increase our production capabilities demonstrating a perfect domestic and agricultural needs denum compound - 2 times, based on the order by the matter highlighting the serious example of joining forces and expertise to save lives both in India can lead to extremely negative iron - 4 times and nickel - even MENR. The results of tests of threat for the environment and and around the world,” RDIF chief executive Kirill Dmitriev said consequences. 7 times was higher than the water samples taken from the human health. in a statement. - APs 10 ASIA / EUROPE WEDNESDAY 14 JULY 2021 Russia opposed to US troops deployment in Central Asia AP — MOSCOW France urges its citizens to Russia has strongly warned the United States against deploying leave Afghanistan immediately its troops in the former Soviet Central Asian nations following AP — PARIS their withdrawal from Afghan- istan, a senior diplomat said in France yesterday urged all its citizens to leave Afghanistan remarks published yesterday. immediately given growing security risks, and is arranging a Russia’s Deputy Foreign special weekend evacuation flight. Minister Sergei Ryabkov said The French Embassy in Kabul published a message urging that Moscow conveyed the "the entire French community” in Afghanistan to leave, citing message to Washington during "the evolution of the security situation in the country” and the Russian President Vladimir "short-term prospects” for Afghanistan. It didn't elaborate. Putin’s summit with US Pres- The message said that France can no longer guarantee safe ident Joe Biden in Geneva last evacuation after Saturday’s government-chartered flight to month. Paris. The announcement comes as the US is winding up its The warning comes as the US 20-year war in Afghanistan and with other NatO troops having A convoy of Afghan Special Forces is seen during the rescue mission of a police officer besieged at military said last week that 90% already left. Taliban fighters are taking control of large swaths a check post surrounded by Taliban, in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, yesterday. of the withdrawal of US troops of the country, surging through district after district. and equipment from Afghanistan The outgoing U.S. commander warned that increasing vio- is complete. Biden said the US lence is seriously hurting Afghanistan’s chances of finding a Responding to SOS, Afghan commandos military mission in Afghanistan peaceful end to decades of war. will conclude on Aug. 31. “I would emphasize that the caught in fierce Taliban attack redeployment of the American members of the Collective Tajikistan that border Afghan- permanent military presence Security Treaty Organization, istan, as well as Kazakhstan, as REUTERS — KANDAHAR Then came a series of loud relentless demands on Afghan- to the countries neighboring and any presence of foreign possible staging areas for mon- explosions; the first three of eight istan’s military, as Taliban Afghanistan is unacceptable,” troops on their territories must itoring and quickly responding Minutes after returning from a Humvees were struck by rockets fighters seize more territory Ryabkov said. “We told the be endorsed by the security pact. to possible security problems mission yesterday before dawn, and too badly damaged to con- and as foreign troops complete Americans in a direct and He added that none of those that may follow the US mili- a convoy of exhausted Afghan tinue. In the ensuing confusion, their withdrawal after 20 years straightforward way that it countries have raised the issue. tary’s withdrawal from commandos were speeding commandos inside the disabled of inconclusive conflict. would change a lot of things not Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan Afghanistan. back out of their base to try to vehicles rushed to switch trucks. The insurgents’ hit-and-run only in our perceptions of what’s both host Russian military “I don’t think that anyone is extract a wounded policeman Gunfire appeared to be coming tactics make them a tough going on in that important region, bases. Kyrgyzstan, which interested in becoming a trapped by Taliban insurgents from all around; from a cemetery enemy to pin down, and, while but also in our relations with the hosted a US military base that hostage to such US policy and on the outskirts of Kandahar. to the left and the heavy cover of air support from Afghan war- United States.” supported operations in intentions, and in inviting retal- The previous outing had Eucalyptus trees to the right. planes can provide cover where He added that Russia has Afghanistan, closed it in 2014. iation,” Lavrov said. been tense but quiet. This oper- A volley of bullets rico- there are few civilians, doing so also issued the warning to Uzbekistan, which also The Russian foreign min- ation in the southern city, a cheted off the Humvees’ metal in urban areas is risky. Central Asian nations. hosted a US base, ordered it ister questioned what results Taliban stronghold before the armour. Gunners atop the Soon after the commandos’ “We cautioned them against shut in 2005 amid tensions with would be achieved with a small movement was ousted from Humvees swivelled wildly, convoy left the base, it was held such steps, and we also have Washington. Uzbekistan’s US presence outside Afghan- power in 2001, was anything but. aiming fire at suspected Taliban up by traffic streaming into had a frank talk on the subject Defense Ministry reaffirmed in istan when a 100,000-strong As they approached the fighters who were hard to see. Kandahar. And as bullets flew with our Central Asian allies, May that the country’s consti- Nato force inside the country checkpoint where policeman The remaining Humvees during the attack just a few neighbors and friends and also tution and its military doctrine “failed to do anything.” Ahmad Shah had been holed up absorbed several hits from minutes’ drive away, the other countries in the region rule out the presence of any “Most probably, they simply alone for 18 hours, some 30-40 rocket-propelled grenades, Humvees had to weave that would be directly affected,” foreign troops on its territory. want to ensure their military special forces soldiers in a line of blasts echoing loudly inside between civilians’ cars caught Ryabkov said in an interview “I don’t think that the emer- presence in Central Asia and be Humvees came under automatic crammed metal interiors and in the crossfire. There were no published in the Mezhdunar- gence of new American military able to influence the situation weapons fire, according to a shaking the vehicles violently. immediate reports of deaths odnaya Zhizn magazine. facilities in Central Asia would in this region.” As the American reporter travelling with them. The convoy accelerated among the commando unit on On Monday, Russian Foreign promote security in the region,” and Nato troops were swiftly A gun battle erupted as the away. Beside the road, a Tuesday, and Shah, whose leg Minister Sergey Lavrov empha- Lavrov said. The Biden admin- pulling out, the Taliban have convoy forced its way to Shah’s bystander —a young boy - was injured in a grenade sized that Kazakhstan, Kyr- istration has reportedly con- made quick gains across the position, and he was hurriedly ducked for cover. Yesterday's explosion, was successfully gyzstan and Tajikistan are all sidered Uzbekistan and country. loaded into one of the vehicles. mission underlined the rescued. Malaysia shuts IN BRIEF vaccination Japan sees Taiwan tensions center after 204 as regional security risk staff infected TOKYO: Japan believes rising tension surrounding Taiwan requires its attention “with a sense of crisis” as China intensifies military AP — KUALA LUMPUR activities in the area and the United States steps up support for the self-governing island. Malaysia shut down a mass Japan’s concerns about Taiwan, Beijing’s growing rivalry with vaccination center in its worst- the United States and China’s increasingly assertive military actions hit state yesterday after more in the region were added to an annual Defense Ministry paper than 200 medical staff and that was adopted yesterday by Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga’s volunteers tested positive for Cabinet. “Stabilizing the Taiwan situation is important for Japan’s the coronavirus. national security and stability of the international community,” The closure was the first of the paper said. “We need to pay close attention with a sense of a vaccination center and came crisis more than ever before.” as the country’s new con- As China flexes its muscle in the Taiwan Strait and the Asia- firmed infections breached Pacific region, Taiwan has become a regional flashpoint, as Japan, five figures yesterday, hitting the United States and other democracies develop closer ties with a record 11,079. the self-ruled island that Beijing regards as a renegade territory Science Minister Khairy to be united by force if necessary. “As China rapidly enhances its Jamaluddin stressed that swift military power, changes in the military power balance between government action had con- the United states and China may possibly affect the peace and tained the cluster at the Ideal stability of the Indo-Pacific region,” the report said. -AP Convention Center in central Selangor state. Indonesia orders oxygen supplies Khairy, who is in charge of the national immunization Standing up against racism after record rise in new infections program, said he ordered the Demonstration at the Marcus Rashford mural after it was defaced following the Euro 2020 Final testing of all 453 workers at JAKARTA: Indonesia reported yesterday a record increase of coro- the center after two volunteers between Italy and England, in Manchester, Britain, yesterday. Horrific racist abuse was directed towards navirus infections, as authorities unveiled plans to order liquid were confirmed to have the Rashford, Bukayo Saka and Jadon Sancho after the team lost the game against Italy on penalties. oxygen and tens of thousands of concentrators from abroad to virus. Khairy said the 204 treat patients suffering from the respiratory disease. The Southeast whose results were positive Asian nation is fighting a devastating new virus outbreak fueled had low viral loads, meaning by the highly contagious delta variant that has stretched parts of the amount of virus in their Brussels backs Bosnia’s EU the health system to breaking point. The COVID-19 task force bodies was small. announced 47,899 new cases, the sixth daily record in the past 10 This could be because 88% days and up about sevenfold from a month ago, with total infec- or 400 of the workers have tions now topping 2.6 million. It also reported 864 new deaths already been vaccinated, he bid after jitters over strategy yesterday, taking total fatalities to over 68,000. -Reuters said. The center was shut for REUTERS — BRUSSELS of difficult reforms before The note said the unre- Moldova gets 500,000 doses of deep sanitization and all its Bosnia can officially become a solved national issues of Serbs, workers are being isolated. The European Union tried candidate to start EU mem- Croats and Albanians were an J&J vaccine from US Khairy said it will reopen yesterday to reassure Bosnians bership talks, saying the coun- obstacle to integrating the today with a new team of of its readiness to admit their try’s rate of progress was region into the EU and said they WASHINGTON: The United States has sent 500,000 doses of medical workers. country one day, after an unof- slowing. should be settled by creating a Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine to Moldova as part of He urged people who were ficial EU diplomatic note raised “We haven’t invented any Greater Serbia, a Greater Washington’s coronavirus diplomacy to send surplus shots overseas vaccinated at the center since doubts about Brussels’ new conditions,” he said, noting Croatia and a Greater Albania. to help fight the global pandemic, the US Department of State said. Friday to isolate themselves for commitment. the 14 areas of work, including In a further reassurance to “I’m pleased to announce the donation of 500,000 doses of the 10 days and be tested if they That note, circulated among judicial, constitutional and Bosnia, the EU yesterday called Johnson & Johnson vaccine to Moldova. This delivery furthers the US develop symptoms. He declined EU officials in April, proposed electoral reform. “All of them for electoral reform along the commitment to defeating the global COVID-19 pandemic and helping to say how many people had redrawing borders along ethnic have to be fulfilled to become lines of the 1995 Dayton Peace Moldova,” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a post on visited the center since Friday. lines in the Western Balkans in a candidate,” he said. Agreement that ended the Twitter alongside pictures of the shipments. -Reuters It has the capacity to deliver an attempt to unblock stalled The unofficial note was first 1992-1995 war and which sets up to 6,000 shots a day. reforms in the region. It caused leaked to Slovenian media and out equal rights for Bosnia’s Vietnam to mix doses of Pfizer, “This is the first time we anxiety in Bosnia, which aspires ascribed to Slovenian Prime three constituent peoples - Bos- had to shut down a (vacci- to join both the EU and Nato. Minister Janez Jansa, who niaks (Bosnian Muslims), Croats AstraZeneca vaccines nation center) because of pos- “The EU reiterates its une- reportedly had sent it as a pro- and Serbs. itive cases but we acted fast. quivocal commitment to Bosnia posal on how to deal with the Last month Nato also sup- HANOI: Vietnam will offer the coronavirus vaccine jointly By shutting it down today and and Herzegovina’s EU per- region. Slovenia holds the six- ported Bosnia’s “Euro-Atlantic developed by Pfizer and BioNTech as a second dose option for by taking corrective spective as a single, united and month rotating EU presidency aspirations” and urged political, people first inoculated with the AstraZeneca vaccine, the measures... we hope the dis- sovereign country and our from July 1. Jansa denied economic and other reforms government said. Vietnam’s mass inoculation campaign is in its ruption is only one day and commitment to remain firmly sending the document and under the Dayton accord. early stages, with less than 300,000 people fully vaccinated so that this will not hamper the as its side,” EU foreign policy accused “fake media” of trying Tegeltija said he hoped the far. It has so far used AstraZeneca’s viral vector vaccine and last vaccination process,” Khairy chief Josep Borrell told a joint to harm Slovenia’s efforts to next parliamentary elections in week took delivery of 97,000 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA said. He said it would be safe news conference with Bosnian help integrate the Western Bosnia could be held under a shot. “Pfizer vaccines will be prioritised for people who were to visit the center starting Prime Minister Zoran Tegeltija. Balkan states into the EU. The new, reformed electoral given first shot of AstraZeneca 8-12 weeks before,” the government today for vaccinations. Borrell also urged a series EU has not commented. system. said. -Reuters WEDNESDAY 14 JULY 2021 EUROPE 11

UK lawmakers vote IN BRIEF Twitter, Johnson to back contentious discuss approach foreign aid cut to online abuse LONDON: Twitter Inc spoke AP — LONDON The decision came in with British Prime Minister a 333-298 House of Boris Johnson yesterday where British lawmakers voted they discussed the social media yesterday to support a conten- Commons vote that platform’s approach to online tious cut to the UK’s foreign aid saw 24 members abuse, a company spokes- budget, a move that has slashed person said. billions from programs helping of Prime Minister “There is always more to some of the world’s poorest Boris Johnson’s do and we are committed to people. working together with the gov- The decision came in a Conservative ernment, industry partners and 333-298 House of Commons Party join with the civil society in building a safer vote that saw 24 members of opposition against Internet for all”, the spokes- Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s person said in an emailed Conservative Party join with the government. statement. After England’s loss the opposition against the to Italy in the Euro 2020 final German Chancellor Angela Merkel (centre), attending a news conference on coronavirus situation, government. compelled to take wrenching on Sunday, some English in Berlin yesterday. Johnson’s government decisions,” he said. players were the targets of announced in November that He said the reduction, online racial abuse after they it would cut the share of which amounts to about £4bn missed spot-kicks in a penalty national income set aside for ($5.5bn) this year, is temporary Merkel says virus curbs to stay shootout. foreign aid from 0.7% to 0.5%, and aid would be restored to citing the blow to Britain’s 0.7% of national income “as UK reports 50 economy from the coronavirus soon as circumstances allow.” until more Germans get jabs pandemic. Keir Starmer, leader of the COVID-19 deaths, High-profile Conservatives, opposition Labour Party, said REUTERS — BERLIN debate in Germany over risky experiment”. including former Prime Min- Britain is the only member of whether people in some pro- The United Kingdom is highest since April ister Theresa May, joined oppo- the Group of Seven wealthy German Chancellor Angela fessions should be forced to get ahead of most other countries sition politicians, United nations club that is cutting its Merkel warned yesterday that a shot, but Merkel said yes- with its vaccination cam- LONDON: Britain yesterday Nations agencies and aid aid budget. “That is not the more people needed to be terday that would not happen. paign, having now adminis- reported 50 deaths within 28 groups in criticizing the vision of global Britain that we vaccinated against COVID-19 “There will be no com- tered two shots to about two days of a positive COVID-19 test, budget cut. They say it will want to see,” he said. before restrictions could be pulsory vaccination,” she said, thirds of its adult population. the highest level since April as lead to hundreds of thousands Had the government lost lifted, following news that adding that forcing people to Germany has fully vacci- the government prepares to of avoidable deaths in devel- Tuesday’s vote, the 0.7% budget England will scrap nearly all get the shot could undermine nated 43% of its total popu- remove almost all coronavirus oping nations and that it share would have been curbs from next week. public trust in the vaccination lation. However, in Britain restrictions in England from damages Britain’s reputation restored next year. England will lift on July 19 campaign. too, July 19, once billed as next week. An additional 36,660 just as it is trying to bolster its Treasury chief Rishi Sunak the legal requirement to wear Merkel said that the gov- “freedom day”, is now being cases were registered, according international influence in the said the government still masks and for people to socially ernment would seek to avoid treated with wariness by min- to official data. wake of Brexit. planned to reverse the cut - but distance, in what one German another lockdown of the isters after a new surge in cases. Scotland’s first minister Facing growing criticism only when Britain is not bor- official called “a highly risky economy in the autumn but said Dutch Prime Minister Mark Nicola Sturgeon said the over the cut, which took effect rowing to finance day-to-day experiment”. it was important to maintain Rutte conceded on Monday that country was still on track to in January, the government spending and when its debt is Germany reported 646 new social distancing and other coronavirus restrictions had lift almost all COVID-19 announced late Monday that falling. Critics fear the economic cases of coronavirus yesterday, measures to prevent infections been lifted too soon in the Neth- restrictions by August 9, but Parliament would get a vote on damage inflicted by the pan- up from 440 a week ago, with from spreading, even as more erlands, and apologised as that face coverings would be a government motion to demic means those conditions an uptick in the number of people are vaccinated. infections surged to their required for some time after endorse the change. are unlikely to be met for years. cases per 100,000 people over Her comments echoed highest levels of the year. that. “We previously indicated Johnson told lawmakers in Danny Sriskandarajah, seven days to 6.4 from 4.9. Alena Buyx, the head of the Markus Soeder, premier of that we hope to move beyond the House of Commons that chief executive of aid group “The central question is German Ethics Council, who the southern German state of level zero on 9th August, that Britain had experienced “an eco- Oxfam GB, called the result of how many people will seek a said earlier yesterday that Bavaria, called for another vac- remains our expectation,” nomic hurricane” because of the the vote “a disaster for the vaccination,” Merkel told a restrictions should not be eased cination push, especially among Sturgeon told a briefing yes- pandemic, with lockdowns shut- world’s poorest people.” news conference. “The more as long as not even half the younger people aged 12 to 30, terday. Sturgeon said that face tering large tracts of the “These cuts won’t balance people are vaccinated, the more population is fully vaccinated. for instance with “vaccinations coverings would be mandatory economy and the government the books; the government is free we will all be again,” she Buyx told broadcaster ZDF to go” or drive-in vaccination for some time even after most spending billions to support putting politics above the lives said. A move by France to make that England’s move to lift options. “Nothing but vaccina- other restrictions are removed businesses and employees. of world’s most vulnerable vaccinations compulsory for all nearly all remaining corona- tions will help,” he told broad- as part of its cautious “The government has been communities,” he said. healthcare workers spurred virus restrictions was a “highly caster Deutschlandfunk. approach, diverging from rules in England, where masks will no longer be mandatory from July 19. All of Scotland will EU approves pandemic move to “level zero” restric- tions from July 19, but with some modifications to its recovery plans original plan to ensure a more gradual lifting of the rules, she AP — BRUSSELS their economies were mired in added. -Reuters the worst economic downturn European Union nations of the bloc’s existence. Germany launches approved the pandemic Tuesday’s agreement will ‘space command’ to recovery plans of the bloc’s four allow the 12 nations to unlock biggest economies and eight 13% of pre-financing, perhaps protect infrastructure other member countries as soon as the end of the month, yesterday, a move seen as a Dombrovskis said. In the case BERLIN: The German military bellwether for an economic of France, which is to get some yesterday launched a “space revival from the unprecedented ¤40bn $47.3bn from the pan- command” tasked with over- recession caused by the coro- demic recovery fund, that seeing satellites, watching for navirus pandemic. would amount to ¤5.1 bn ($6bn) dangerous space junk and The approval will allow a EU Economy Commissioner analyzing other countries’ dozen of the EU’s 27 members Paolo Gentiloni said the action activities. Defence Minister to start unlocking funds for the “will boost confidence in the Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer pre-financing of projects that markets, in countries, and launched the new operation are intended to put Europe on allow investments and reforms during a visit to its base at more solid economic footing to start.” Uedem in western Germany. Plastic waste dumped outside Downing Street while also making it greener After last year’s economic The military is “responding and more digitally advanced. nosedive, EU economies are set to the increasing significance Workers clean up bags containing plastic waste that were dumped outside Downing Street by The nations include the to rebound by their highest of space for our state’s ability Greenpeace activists in London, Britain, yesterday. Activists have dumped 625kg of plastic waste EU’s economic juggernauts— levels in decades as corona- to function, the prosperity of outside Downing Street – the same amount that the UK sends overseas every 30 seconds. France, Germany, Italy and virus restrictions ease. They our population and the Spain - and Austria, Belgium, remain at risk, however, due to increasing dependency of the Denmark, Greece, Latvia, Lux- virus variants that are causing armed forces on space-sup- embourg, Portugal and infections to spike again in ported data, services and Draghi seeks to fast-track ban on Venice cruise ships Slovakia. several countries.Dombrovskis products,” Kramp-Karren- BLOOMBERG — ROME but opposed by some gov- small tourist boat inside the “EU funding can now start expressed optimism. bauer’s ministry said. The aim ernment ministers, the people lagoon, injuring five people. to flow to finance much- “As business confidence is to bring together existing Italy’s government will move said. A spokesperson for the With Venice set to welcome needed reforms and invest- grows, investments pick up and capabilities in one place, quickly with plans to ban large government declined to back its traditional throngs of ments in each of these coun- people begin to spend more on. where the military’s center for cruise ships in Venice’s historic comment. visitors this summer, the issue tries. But this is only the start,” The economy is forecast to air operations is already based, lagoon to protect the site from Access to the lagoon and its has become a test of strength EU Vice President Valdis Dom- rebound somewhat faster than and add new ones. Kramp- over-tourism, according to iconic St. Mark’s square has for on both sides. brovskis said. previously expected.” Karrenbauer said that “space people familiar with the matter. years been a bone of contention The government said in The green light to prepare Other EU members are command,” might draw far- The restriction will be dis- between environmental cam- March that it would ban cruise for the release of funds is a key expecting approvals of their fetched associations with the cussed at a cabinet meeting on paigners and tourism associa- ships and large commercial step in an 800 billion-euro recovery plans later in the novels of Jules Verne or Tuesday, and the effort to speed tions and cruise operators. Ten- vessels from the lagoon as soon ($950 billion) support program summer although Hungary starship Enterprise, but the up the process is backed by sions heightened in 2019, when as a new docking port further that EU members agreed on in could pose a potentially divisive reality is “far from being so Prime Minister Mario Draghi a cruise ship crashed into a from the city is built. principle last summer when problem. sensational.” -AP Lithuania House passes laws to curb migrant arrivals from Belarus AP — VILNIUS several months to 10 days. leaving for Turkey and Iraq for Bilotaite said the amend- Lukashenko but have been its support to Lithuania to help The amendments, which talks on repatriation. ments had been vetted by jurists widely condemned by the West stem the tide of migrants. Lithuania’s parliament also prevent the free movement Interior minister Agne Bilo- while Laurynas Kasciunas, a as rigged. The vote results trig- Tensions between the EU yesterday passed new legis- of migrants and restrict their taite said ”much larger flows of lawmaker with the government gered months of protests and a and Belarus have escalated lation aimed at curbing an rights were strongly criticized migrants are very likely.” coalition, said they would help harsh crackdown on the oppo- further after Belarus diverted a influx of migrants crossing its by human rights groups. “Our response in dealing dissuade migrants from sition by Lukashenko’s author- passenger jet on May 23 to borders that it accused neigh- Foreign Minister Gabrielius with this crisis must be swift, dis- crossing into Lithuania. itarian regime. arrest an opposition boring Belarus of orchestrating. Landsbergis said these migrants suasive and united,” she told par- “This is not a rose-strewn Lithuania, which has journalist. In an 84-1 vote with 58 aren’t fleeing either “war plague liament. In a joint statement, non- path, and you will have many granted refuge to Belarus oppo- Lukashenko has said his abstentions, the 141-seat Seimas or famine but are students “in governmental organizations obstacles,” Kasciunas said sition figures, has accused Bela- country will halt cooperation passed the amendments that Belarus with long-term visas “in expressed concern that the addressing potential migrants. rusian authorities of organizing with the 27-nation bloc on include a fast-track procedure completely safe conditions.” amendments would violate human Relations between Lithuania border crossings of people stemming migration, in retali- enabling the speedier depor- “They are being sent on a rights, permit detentions for an and Belarus are tense following mainly from Iraq, other Middle ation for bruising economic tation of migrants and slashing compulsory basis as a weapon undetermined period of time the August 2020 elections in Eastern nations, and Africa. The sanctions the EU slapped on the processing time of asylum against us. We must repel the without a court ruling and restrict Belarus, which were won by European Union’s border Belarus over the passenger jet applications from as many as attack,” Landsbergis said before NGO access to detention centers. long-time President Alexander agency has pledged to step up diversion. 12 AMERICAS WEDNESDAY 14 JULY 2021 Texas Democrats defy calls for arrest in voting restrictions fight

REUTERS — WASHINGTON More than 50 Democratic lawmakers left Texas on Monday, denying the state legislature the quorum Texas Democratic lawmakers who fled their state to thwart Repub- required to approve new voting restrictions. lican efforts to pass new voting restrictions defied calls for their arrest yesterday and said they Senate committees passed new where dozens of Texas Democratic would stay in Washington to push versions of the voting measures, lawmakers broke into the civil for federal voting reform. which would prohibit drive- rights anthem, "We Shall More than 50 Democratic law- through and 24-hour voting loca- Overcome." makers left Texas on Monday, tions, add new identification Special legislative sessions can denying the state legislature the requirements to mail-in voting and last up to 30 days in Texas, meaning quorum required to approve the empower partisan poll watchers. the current session must end by measures on Republican Governor The Democratic lawmakers' August 7. There is no limit to how Greg Abbott's special session exodus from the House brought many special sessions a governor agenda. work there to a halt, with the can call. US President Joe Biden gestures as he arrives to board Air Force One to Philadelphia, at The remaining members of the departed Democrats vowing to stay Texas state Representative Alex Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, US, yesterday. Texas House of Representatives in Washington indefinitely. Dominguez said he was prepared voted 76-4 yesterday morning to "Our intent is to stay out and to stay away from Texas even if send for the missing lawmakers kill this bill this session," Texas Abbott continues to call special ses- under a House rule that authorizes House Democratic Caucus sions after the current one ends. Biden visits Philadelphia to push the chamber's sergeant-at-arms Chairman Chris Turner told a news Dominguez said he was not to find and arrest absentee conference outside the US Capitol, deterred by the threat of arrest. members. for stalled voting rights measure "As soon as they come back in the state of Texas, they will be REUTERS — WASHINGTON control of Congress in the 2022 midterm arrested," Abbott said in an elections. interview with local TV station President Joe Biden, under pressure from Senate Republicans blocked the Demo- KVUE ABC. "They will be cabined US civil rights leaders, was travelling to Phil- cratic-backed voting rights bill that would inside the Texas Capitol until they adelphia yesterday to issue a strong appeal expand opportunities to vote before Election get their job done." for congressional passage of sweeping Day, make certain campaign contributions Abbott, who slammed the Dem- Democratic-backed voting rights legislation more transparent and change the process ocratic lawmakers for leaving the stalled amid Republican opposition. for drawing the boundaries of House of Rep- state, vowed to continue calling for Numerous Republican-controlled states resentatives districts. Republicans said the special sessions "all the way up have approved laws that either restrict measure violates the authority of states to until election next year" to get the voting or change election rules following set their own election laws. voting bill passed. Republican former President Donald White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki Texas is one of a number of Trump’s false claims that the 2020 presi- said on Monday that Biden in Philadelphia Republican-led states pursuing new dential election was stolen from him through will call efforts to strip the right to vote from voting restrictions in the name of widespread voter fraud. some Americans “authoritarian and anti- enhancing election security fol- The voting rights legislation sought by American” and “the worst challenge to our lowing former President Donald Biden faces an uphill battle in Congress, democracy since the Civil War.” The pres- Trump's false claims that the pres- where his fellow Democrats have been ident will make a “moral case for why idential election last November was stymied by Senate Republicans. Biden’s focus denying the right to vote is a form of sup- Congressman Lloyd Doggett joins other Democratic members of the Texas stolen from him through wide- on the subject, even if the legislation fails, pression and a form of silencing,” and House of Representatives, who are boycotting a special session of the spread fraud. allows him to rally support among Demo- discuss steps his administration plans to take On Sunday, Texas House and legislature, as they speak in front of the US Capitol in Washington, yesterday. cratic voters as his party works to maintain to shore up voting rights, Psaki said. Cuba curbs access to Facebook, messaging apps: Watchdog Venezuela opposition figure REUTERS — HAVANA media and messaging platforms Thousands of Cubans joined to get out quickly when people Social media platforms are in Cuba were still partially dis- demonstrations in Havana and are on the street. facing increased demands from Guevara arrested Cuba has restricted access to rupted yesterday, which was Santiago on Sunday to protest Reuters witnesses in the governments globally to take social media and messaging “likely to limit the flow of infor- Cuba’s economic crisis and han- capital said yesterday they still down certain content, and in REUTERS — CARACAS platforms including Facebook, mation from Cuba.” The gov- dling of the pandemic, with had no mobile data. some cases are seeing their Instagram, WhatsApp and ernment did not immediately some calling for an end to Mobile Internet outages services restricted or banned Venezuelan prosecutors on Telegram since Monday, global respond to a request for communism. have increased this year. during times of protests. Monday said they had charged Internet monitoring firm comment. Neither did Telegram The introduction of mobile Network monitoring company On June 4, Nigeria opposition politician Freddy NetBlocks said yesterday, amid and Facebook Inc, which owns Internet 2-1/2 years ago is a key Kentik said it observed the announced it had indefinitely Guevara with terrorism and widespread anti-government Instagram and WhatsApp. factor behind protests in Cuba, entire country go offline for less suspended Twitter in the treason, among other allega- protests. Social platform Twitter Inc said giving Cubans more of a than 30 minutes at around 4 pm country, days after the platform tions, after the country’s intel- NetBlocks, based in London, it found no blocking of its platform to express their frus- on Sunday, during the peak of removed a post from President ligence service arrested him said in its website that social service. trations and enabling the word protests in Havana. Muhammadu Buhari. from his car on a Caracas highway. IN BRIEF Guevara is a close ally of opposition leader Juan Guaido, Former DEA informant arrested in who is recognized as the South American country’s legitimate Guatemalan president threatens to president by the United States Haiti assassination identified: Sources and others. Guaido said uni- crack down on protests dentified armed men REUTERS — WASHINGTON termind of the attack. DEA after the assassination and threatened him with arrest GUATEMALA CITY: The president of Guatemala has vowed to One of the US government that it urged him to surrender. earlier on Monday as he left crack down on demonstrators complaining of mismanagement Two US government sources sources said that US prose- “These individuals were not his apartment in an effort to of the coronavirus pandemic and protesting delays in shipments yesterday identified the former cutors were considering mul- acting on behalf of DEA,” the assist Guevara. of Russia’s Sputnik vaccine. Drug Enforcement Adminis- tiple possible federal criminal agency official said. In a statement, the chief A crowd of about 300 protesters gathered Saturday in the tration informant accused of charges against alleged partic- Vincent could not be prosecutor’s office said it had main square of the capital to demand the resignation of President taking part in the assassination ipants in the Moise reached for comment yesterday sought an arrest warrant for Alejandro Giammattei for his failure to obtain enough vaccine. of Haitian President Jovenel assassination. and it was not immediately Guevara due to his alleged On Monday, banners appeared on several streets in Guatemala Moise as Joseph Vincent, 55, of Such charges could include clear if he had retained an “ties with extremist groups and City demanding Giammattei resign. Florida. violations of the Neutrality Acts, attorney. The DEA declined paramilitaries associated with Referring to the protests, Giammattei said: “We are going to Vincent and a second which prohibit US exports of comment. the Colombian government.” limit this type of thing. I think this is enough already.” “These Haitian-American Florida res- weapons and ammunition to Few details have emerged The incidents took place as the people are spreading the virus and causing more problems, that ident, James Solages, 35, have foreign nations at war, the about Vincent’s life in the government and opposition is what they want and they are spreading it through a series of been arrested by Haitian offi- International Traffic in Arms United States. The Miami prepare for negotiations illegal demonstrations,” he added. cials and charged with taking Regulation and a federal law Herald reported that Vincent planned for next month in Giammattei signed a deal for 16 million doses of the two-dose part in last week’s attack. The criminalizing the murder of a became a DEA informant after Mexico with mediation by Russian vaccine, and paid 50%, or almost $80m, up front. But men told investigators they had foreign official, official guest or being arrested more than 20 Norway aimed at resolving the only about 550,000 Sputnik doses have arrived so far. — AP been hired to serve as inter- internationally protected years ago for filing false infor- South American country’s preters on a team dominated person. mation on a US passport deep political crisis, people by 26 Colombians, another On Monday, a DEA official application. familiar with the matter told Several killed in western Canada as source said. said that one of the two Haitian- The United States has sent Reuters last week. A third Haitian-American, American suspects arrested last federal law enforcement offi- In an appearance on state crane collapses: Police Christian Emmanuel Sanon, week was a former informant cials, including from the FBI television on Monday, Maduro was arrested on Sunday by but declined to say which. The and Department of Homeland confirmed the negotiation OTTAWA: A crane attached to a high-rise under construction in Haitian authorities, who DEA official added that the Security, to help in the investi- plans but said the opposition Kelowna, British Columbia, collapsed on Monday causing multiple accused him of being a mas- suspect had reached out to the gation into the attack. should renounce violent fatalities, police said. tactics ahead of the talks. Several workers were near the crane when it collapsed, Royal Without naming Guevara or Canadian Mounted Police Inspector Adam MacIntosh told reporters Guaido, he said he had proof in Kelowna, according to a video of the news conference. some actors were plotting He gave no further details about the victims, saying that “not coups and that prosecutors all persons have been properly identified.” One person was unac- acted on the basis of that proof. counted for, MacIntosh said. “I agree with the Mexico Several adjacent buildings were also damaged and “the area and Norway table, but there remains unstable and unsafe,” and has been evacuated, Mac- must be conditions, there must Intosh said. A structural engineer is studying how to make the be an express renunciation of area safe again, he said. — Reuters violent practices,” Maduro said, adding that the United States and European Union Mexico: 68 activists, 43 journalists should lift sanctions on Vene- zuela before the negotiations killed since late 2018 begin. The US-backed opposition MEXICO CITY: The Mexican government said on Monday that labels President Nicolas 68 human rights and environmental activists have been killed Maduro a dictator, alleging he during the current administration, and 43 journalists have been rigged his 2018 re-election and murdered. The issue came to a head in late May and early June, uses the justice system to stifle when in the space of a month, three activists were gunned down dissent. Maduro, who retains in separate incidents. The Interior Department said Monday that the support of the military, 1,478 activists and journalists are currently receiving government denies that the election was protection, but nine of those killed were in that protection rigged, has labeled Guaido a programme. Many of the killings are believed to have been ordered US puppet and has accused Supporters of former Senator Youri Latortue ride atop his vehicle as he leaves the court house after by drug cartels, people with crooked businesses or corrupt offi- him of conspiring to oust him a hearing following the assassination of President Jovenel Moise, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on Monday. cials, but relatively few of the cases have been solved.— AP in a coup.