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Volume No. 4502 Sunday December 20, 2020 Qaws 30, 1399 www.outlookafghanistan.net Price: 20/-Afs Ghani Meets Afghan Parliamentary, Provincial Polls in Negotiators, Seeks KABUL - Long-delayed parliamen- Ghazni Next Year More Consolations tary and provincial council elec- tions in southern Ghazni province would be held in October 2021, the poll panel chief said on Saturday. The elections in Ghazni, a province where the Taliban control several districts, had to be postponed in 2018 for security reasons and other issues. Addressing a news conference in Kabul on Saturday, the Independ- ent Election Commission chairper- son said the problems that led to the delay would be addressed. Hawa Alam Nuristani said the elec- tion was estimated to cost $19 mil- KABUL - President Ashraf Ghani on Saturday met with the negotiat- lion. The provincial council polls, ing team of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan who returned to the costing $80 million, would also be country this week after three months of talks with the Taliban in Doha conducted in 2921, she promised. where they agreed on procedural rules for the negotiations. (Pajhwok) The negotiators paused the talks for 23 days on December 14 and vowed to resume it on ...( More on P4)...(1)

Request for Bids Goods Taliban Attacks Kill 487 (One-Envelope Bidding Process) Civilians in 3 Months: MoI

ing the period, killing 487 civilians Publish Date: 20 Dec, 2020 and wounding another 1,049. Islamic Republic of Afghanistan The interior ministry said the Tali- ban were targeting civilians and Ministry of Finance public facilities against all values Fiscal Performance Improvement Support System (FSP) and that the killing of civilians Project ID: P159655 amounted to a war crime and had Grand No: D2630-AF no justification. The statement said that the Afghan Procurement of IT Equipment for ARD and Insurance National Security Forces (ANSF) AF-MOF-FSP-185739-GO-RFB ARD had thwarted a number of major Taliban attacks in Kandahar and The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Fiscal Helmand provinces during the past Performance Improvement Support System (FSP), and intends to apply part of the proceeds toward payments under KABUL - At least 487civilians have month. the contract “Procurement of IT Equipment for ARD and Insurance been killed and 1,049 wounded in The Taliban have not yet comment- Taliban attacks during the past ed about the MoI claims, but their Ref No: AF-MOF-FSP-185739-GO-RFB ARD three months, said the Ministry of spokesman, ZabihullahMujahid, Interior on Saturday. claimed in a statement three days 1. The Ministry of Finance now invites sealed Bids from eligible Bidders for “Procurement of IT Equipment for ARD The ministry in a statement said ago that government forces killed and Insurance. the Taliban carried out 35 suicide and wounded 65 civilians in three 2. Bidding will be conducted through International approach using a Request for Bids (RFB) as specified in the World attacks and 507 bomb blasts dur- attacks in the past week. (Pajhwok) Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” July 2016 edition (“Procurement Regulations”), and is open to all eligible Bidders as defined in the Procurement Regulations. 3. Interested eligible Bidders may obtain further information from Ministry of Finance Procurement Directorate, Mr. Artists Call for Thorough Probe Naseer Waheed, [email protected] and inspect the bidding document during office hours 8:00 to 16:00 Into Attack on Yama Siawash Kabul Time at the address given below. are trying to support those who 4. Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before 01/Feb/2021 at 10:00 A.M Kabul Time. Electronic Bidding seek justice for the people. will not be permitted. Late Bids will be rejected. Bids will be publicly opened in the presence of the Bidders’ The artists said that the attack on designated representatives and anyone who chooses to attend at the address below on 01/Feb/2021 at 10:00 A.M Yama Siawash is attack on the Kabul Time and the pre-bid meeting will be held on 17 Jan 2021 at 10:00 AM at FSP Procurement Office in Ministry freedom of expression and that it of Finance. should be investigated thoroughly. 5. All Bids must be accompanied by a Bid Security of: USD 10,000 (Ten Thousand US Dollar) The deadline given by Yama Sia- wash’s family ended on Thursday. 6. Financial Capability: The Bidder shall furnish documentary evidence that it meets the following financial There has been less progress in the requirement(s): investigation into the incident that killed three employees of the Cen- 7. The Bidder shall furnish documentary evidence in any year of the last five years, that reflects their Verifiable tral Bank, including Siawash. Annual Turnover with the minimum value of USD 450,000 (Four Hundred and Fifty Thousand US Dollar) KABUL - A group of artists in Ka- “The government has the respon- bul painted a mural of Yama Sia- sibility to find the perpetrators and  Chartered Accountant/Auditor’s Certificate, Audit Report, Balance sheet shall be submitted wash, former TOLOnews anchor stay responsive to the people,” said  Statement/ Liquid Asset: Not Applicable who died in an attack on Nov. 7, Farhad Ahmad, member of Hunar and said that by this move, they Sarai ...( More on P4)...(2)  Experience: The Bidder shall furnish documentary evidence to demonstrate that it has executed and meets the following experience requirement(s):  The Bidder should provide proven experience for a minimum of at least one verifiable prime contract of Afghan Female Health Workers equal to USD 360,000 (Three Hundred and Sixty Thousand US Dollar) having executed during any of Nominated in ‘Top 100 Midwives the last five years of similar nature indicating the duration, value, years of the performance. For Joint Venture of consortium, the lead member shall meet at least 60% of that required, and each member and Nurses Leader’ Program shall meet at least 40% of the requirements, in which all partners combined must meet with 100% of the and ranked by a steering committee with representatives from Women requirement. in WGH and partner organizations 8. A complete set of Bidding Documents in English may be obtained by interested bidders on the submission of a such as WHO, UNFPA, Internation- written Application to the address below: 2nd Floor, Procurement Directorate, Ministry of Finance, Pashtoonistan al Confederation of Midwives, and Nursing Now. Watt, Kabul, Afghanistan. KABUL - The World Health Or- YONM in their website said, ganization (WHO) has designated “amidst global pandemic, the cou- The address (es) referred to above is (are): 2020 as the “International Year of rageous work of nurses and mid- Procurement Directorate of Ministry of Finance the Nurse and the Midwife,” in wives deserves, more than ever to Contact Name: Mr. Naseer Waheed, Procurement Officer honor of the 200th anniversary be honored, not just by applause” Address: Procurement Unit, Second Floor, DM Admin Building, Ministry of Finance, of Florence Nightingale’s birth, but to call on countries to invest in Pashtoonistan Watt, Kabul, Afghanistan Nightingale was a visionary nurse decent work and the social contract Telephone Number: 0202924031 and leader. for nurses and midwives as part of Email Address: [email protected] International Year of the Nurse their commitment to health. Website: www.mof.gov.af and Midwife organization The selection process included +300 (YONM) and Women in Global nominees and +100 final nominees Zalmai “Hassin” Health (WGH) nominated 100 were selected to be featured. Acting Procurement Director outstanding nurse and midwife Fortunately, 4 Afghan female Ministry of Finance leaders across the world. health workers are also among the These nominees were selected ...( More on P4)...(3) 2 December 20, 2020 Main Page Pak-Afghan Youth Forum Held a Afghanistan, Czech & Slovakia Establish a Joint Conclave Media Conference Chamber of Commerce KABUL - Pak-Afghan Youth Forum is a youth-focused think tank that looks forward to hold- ing more webinars and events addressing areas of mutual im- portance and cooperation to facilitate stronger relations be- tween both countries. Pak-Afghan Youth Forum held a cross-border media session through a video conference be- tween notable media profes- sionals from Afghanistan and Pakistan, at around 10 am Af- ghanistan time. KABUL - Afghan Ambassador to “Our aim is to bolster ties with The session stressed the role Czech Republic Shahzad Aryubi these two countries. The Czech of media in the Afghan peace said a join chamber of commerce Republic government has warm- process and future regional de- the panel had Khalida Rasheed, ullah Orokzai and Ejaz Ahmed happy with the peace process in has been established with Czech ly welcomed this effort and is velopment, Key guests were Khalid Olfat, Mujtaba Qasim, were representing Pakistani Me- Afghanistan and stressed that the and Slovakia republics. willing to bring relations with Mahmood Jan, Deputy Speaker and Nargis representing Afghan dia. two countries should expand ties This is part of the Afghan gov- Afghanistan to the level it ex- KP assembly of Pakistan and media and Sumaira Khan, Rifat- Pakistani journalists were mostly with ...( More on P4)...(7) ernment’s efforts to strengthen isted in the past,” Radio Liberty economic ties with other coun- quotes Aryubi. tries, said Aryubi in phone inter- According to Aryubi, Czech and Imam Busted Over Spreading Covid-19 Role in Miscarriage view with Radio Liberty. Slovakia are interested in find- He added that the Chamber of ing markets for Afghan carpets, Propaganda Against Security Forces Not Approved Scientifically Commerce will help remove bar- dry and fresh fruits, minerals Saleh added, that the man was Rahima, another woman, said, riers to trade with the two East- and other Afghan products. being instructed from far dis- “I was pregnant for five months ern European countries. (Wadsam) tances, and was being sum- when the disease surfaced in the moned today under a security province, I heard a lot of rumors pact to end his misdeeds and and people would say the disease Flour, Sugar, Ghee misleads. kills anyone who contracts it, so Saleh said the insults and humili- I was very worried and finally I Prices Soar in Kabul ation of the security and defense lost my baby.” Hamid Sufizada, a retailer in forces were intolerable and that Gulsum, 22, another woman said, Dahn-i-Bagh locality, said that they needed all our political, cul- “I was pregnant when Covid-19 the price of 49kg of Kazakh flour tural, religious, and social sup- emerged in Daikundi. I was wor- was 1,800afs, 50kg of Indian port. ried a lot that the virus may infect sugar 2,400afs, 24kg of Pakistani KABUL - Amrullah Saleh, the According to Saleh, wrong con- NEILI - Miscarriage cases have me, but I do not know how my rice 2,400afs, 16 liters of Malay- first vice president, said that in a spiracies against the country’s increased in central Daikundi headache and body aches got se- sian ghee 1,500afs, a kilogramo mosque in the fourth district, the security forces is a crime under province where women think rious, later I went to hospital and f Indonesian green tea 320afs imam was spreading propagan- the law and will be investigated. Covid-19 infection causesthe my test result was positive for the and the same quantity of Afri- da against the security forces in According to the Ministry of Hajj pregnancy loss while health ex- virus.” can black tea 350afs, higher than imitation of ISIS and the Taliban. and ...( More on P4)...(8) perts say no scientific research is “After my infection, I started eat- wholesale rates. done to approve this belief. ing a lot of vegetables, fruits and Qudratullah, a firewood seller Concerns about the virus be- other things to strengthen my KABUL - The prices of flour, in Charahi Shahid area of Ka- Three Civilians Including a ing behind miscarriages have immune system and the disease sugar, ghee and firewood have bul said that the price of 560kg increased fourfold in Daikundi passed well, but after a few days, increased during the outgoing of cedar was increased from Child, Found Dead: Herat this year, according to the public I started bleeding and lost my week in the capital Kabul, mar- 7,800afs to 8,000afs. However, for the governor of Herat, told health department. five-month fetus,” she said. ket sources said Saturday. he said that the price of the same Khaama Press, that the bodies Daikundi public health officials Unclear what is causing miscar- Mohammad Omaid Husain, a quantity of oak decreased from of the three bodies, including say more than 143 cases of mis- riages: Public health officials wholesaler in Kabul Mandavi 8,800afs to 8,500afs. a child, were found in the Kah- carriage were registered in the Public health officials in Daikundi Market, told Pajhwok Afghan He added that the price of a ton dastan area of the Injil district of province this ongoing solar year, province acknowledge increased News that the price of 49 kilo- of coal stayed at 6,500afs. the province. compared to only 32 cases last cases of miscarriages this year, grams of Kazakh flour increased Fuel prices remain unchanged Farhad added that police were in year. but they do not know the main from 1,720 Afghanis to 1,740 Af- A worker of Hashemi Fuel Sta- control of the area, and investi- Mothers say Covid-19 infection is reason behind it. ghanis, 49 kilograms of Indian tion in Charahi Taimani area of gations are ongoing to arrest the the cause of miscarriage Dr. Ali Khan Aram, deputy pub- sugar from 2,270afs to 2,280afs Kabul said that one liter of diesel perpetrators of the incident. Masuma, 19, who miscarried in lic health director, said that more and 16 liters of Malaysian ghee cost 38afs and the same quantity No individual or group has her first trimester, told Pajhwok than 143 cases of miscarriages from 1,450afs to 1,480afs this of petrol 37afs. claimed responsibility for the Afghan News, “When coronavi- were registered in the province week. Mohammad Sharif, a gas seller HERAT - Herat police report the crime, and the motive behind the rus came, I was worrying a lot. this year, compared to 32 cases However, he said that the 24kg in Kolola Pushta area of Kabul, mysterious murder of three peo- murders is still unknown. All people were saying that the last year. of Pakistani rice cost 2,300afs, said that the price of one kilo- ple, including a man, a woman, Previously, local officials in Her- disease is dangerous. I think I lost He said the cause of more miscar- a kilogram of African black tea gram of gas was 55afs. and a child, in the Injil district of at province say the bodies of two my baby due to my fears, because riage cases was not known yet 330afs and the same quantity of Mohammad Javid, a jweller in Herat province. women have been found in ...( I was suffering from a lot of men- and there was need for a research Indonesian green tea 320afs, the Lycee Maryam area of Kabul, Jilani Farhad, the spokesman More on P4)...(9) tal stress.” to ...( More on P4)...(10) same rates of last week’s. said ...( More on P4)...(11) Outlook Horoscope Aries (Mar. 22-Apr.20) Cancer (June 21-July 20) Libra (Sep 23-Oct. 22) Capricorn (Dec.21-Jan19) Dec 20, 2020 - Aries, you shouldn’t even try to find a reasonable explanation for Dec 20, 2020 - You like to give people ad- Dec 20, 2020 - Certain very narrow- Dec 20, 2020 - The atmosphere may what goes on around you today. There vice and help them find direction in their minded people may get on your nerves. seem a bit oppressive today, Capricorn. isn’t one. Be carried by the tides of emo- lives - sometimes when they haven’t even You’re lucky enough to be an open, You like to be free to do what you want tions from the past that run through your asked. But now it’s your turn to feel a little tolerant person, Libra. You take people to do, and it may bother you that the body and soul. There’s no use trying to lost. You may need to get away from it all and situations just as they come. Today people around you don’t make themselves available control them - they need to come out. Instead, take to get some perspective on your life. What about taking you may find yourself in the middle of negotiations to you. They seem preoccupied by their own busi- the time to revitalize yourself in the intimacy of your a trip to some faraway land? Today is a good day to between two people with opposite views. Help them ness. This could bring out some old wounds that home or at a friend’s, if possible. make your future vacation plans. open their eyes to each other’s point of view. haven’t completely healed.

Leo (July 21-Aug. 21) Scorpio (Oct.23-Nov.22) Taurus (Apr.21-May 20) Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb.18) Dec 20, 2020 - Leo, you may put your in- Dec 20, 2020 - Today you will be able Dec 20, 2020 - You may feel a bit tied Dec 20, 2020 - Today you may ask tegrity under the microscope today. We all to explore the power of your emotions. yourself if you’re satisfied. How is have deep convictions that we would nev- down today. It won’t necessarily be a Don’t try and fight what you call your bad day, but you may wonder about cer- your personal life? Do people live up er let go of. But society pressures us, and it “oversensitivity.” A force from child- to your standards or are you always isn’t always easy to live in perfect harmony tain aspects of your family life. Don’t try hood will permeate you and help you to and kid yourself. You should think hard left feeling dissatisfied? It may be time with our ideals. The question to ask your- find out what your real needs are. Shouldn’t you think to make some important decisions in self today is just how willing are you to change your about what you want for your family for the next few about staying away from people who influence you a years and how you intend to go about getting it. your life. What do you really want out of life? You most heartfelt beliefs in order to live in society? Do you little too much? Think about it and go with your emo- might find some of the answers today. have the courage of your convictions? tions.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Virgo (Aug. 22-Sep 22 ) Sagittarius (Nov.23-Dec.20) Pisces (Feb.19-Mar.20) Dec 20, 2020 - Nothing is simple where Dec 20, 2020 - Your freedom is more im- Dec 20, 2020 - Sagittarius, you feel secure Dec 20, 2020 - There are days when you your family is concerned. If you’ve forgot- portant to you than anything else in your in the warmth and depth of your emo- should take everything with a grain of ten that, don’t worry. Today will remind life. It’s often very difficult for you to get tions. Today you will have the opportuni- salt. Today you may realize how impor- you. You may have to deal with some of involved, whether personally or profession- ty to reenergize and regenerate yourself from the inside tant it is to gain the appreciation and re- your lingering problems with certain fam- ally. Nevertheless, today you may have to think about out. Take advantage of the energies at play to deepen spect of a certain person. It isn’t worth getting worked ily members. You will find you have all the it. Could it be that your thirst for freedom is just an your relationships with the people you love. Get to up about. You will only make things worse. You may energy you need in order to find the solutions to the con- escape? You may need to ponder this question. Who know them even better. Your powers of seduction will just need to do something that puts the fire back into flicts that have been eating at you for a while. knows? You could decide to take the leap! mesmerize them. your emotions.

Across Yesterday’s Solution 1. Gulp, 5. Between, 9. No, 13. Diminish, 14. Shoestrings, 16. Alright, 17. Helps, 18. A hard kind of stone, 19. Murres, 20. Surpluses, 22. Distances between things, 24. Cook- ing fat, 26. Wish granter, 27. Implore, 30. Give, 33. Arousal, 35. Exotic jelly flavor, 37. A law enforcement agency, 38. Belief system, 41. Pen part, 42. Dishes of shredded cab- bage, 45. Strenuous effort, 48. Chooses by voting, 51. Least difficult, 52. Vibes, 54. Small slender gull, 55. Gowns, 59. Filled to excess, 62. Nursemaid, 63. Femme fatale, 65. Half of ten, 66. Rubber wheel, 67. Attendance counter, 68. Gladly (archaic), 69. Blend, 70. Harvard rival, 71. L L L L advice amuse bleach Down chap closure colt 1. Booty, 2. Cry out, 3. Manufacturing, 4. Motion of hands, 5. Alien Life Form, 6. Timbuktu degree everyday fashion country, 7. Cake frosting, 8. Deformed, 9. French for “New”, 10. Gumbo, 11. Bucket, 12. Nest- final glide heavy hive ling hawk, 15. Shorthand, 21. Dribble, 23. Jewelry, 25. After-bath powder, 27. F F F F, 28. hunt juice leer lonely Chivalrous, 29. Black gunk, 31. Of superficial relevance, 32. Iniquities, 34. Aye, 36. Incite, 39. lurch marble music French for “Summer”, 40. “Darn!”, 43. Atmospheric conditions, 44. Pond gunk, 46. Applica- paddle patch pier range tions, 47. Long-necked animal, 49. Amount of hair, 50. Rationality, 53. Stripes, 55. Tanks, 56. repair series shadow Send forth, 57. Indian dress, 58. Peddle, 60. Anagram of “Live”, 61. Lairs, 64. Born as spoil spontaneous total 3 Editorial and Opinions

In the Name of God, the Most Merciful, the Most Kind Afghanistan: On the Verge of Downfall of Media Freedom

expression in the country and so, we need to call for practical measures for By: Mohammad Zahir Akbari protections of media in the country. The government should do its utmost to bring perpetrators of threats, attacks and killing of journalists to justice. December 20, 2020 iven the recent methodic reports, it seems that Afghanistan is on the The international community is also expected to show a serious reaction Gverge of downfall of media freedom due to various reasons such to increase of violence against journalists putting pressure on terrorists to as journalist serial killings, gender discrimination and low wages. In stop targeting journalists and intellectuals. Targeting media staff is a war general, a new climate of fears and worries are overtly felt amongst media crime. The media staffs are expected to be more united continuing their community in the country. The media supporting organizations have responsibility with full impartiality. Opposing Reduction in frequently expressed their concerns and anxieties about intensification The people of Afghanistan seriously expect all parts of peace talks not of intentional violence and threats into lives of media workers. NAI, an to undermine the past achievements and not confine the freedom of Violence Likely to Push Organization Supporting Open Media in Afghanistan, just released a expression in Afghanistan. In fact, freedom of expression is freedom of report disclosing that over 1,000 female Afghan journalists have left jobs in thoughts, creativities, reforms and transparency. If any groups are in the Talks to Stalemate the industry for various reasons since 2014. According to NAI, the number favor of these values, they should prove that they are not the enemy of of female journalists has now dropped from 2,500 to 1,500 saying targeted media workers or journalists anymore. Taliban should note that the new aliban’s refusal to reduce violence and the escalated mil- killings, gender discrimination and low wages are among the key factors generation of Afghanistan do not want to go back to the era when there Titancy, which inflicted heavy casualties on Afghan civil- that have led to the reduction in the number of female journalists in the was only one radio station called Vice of Sharia just broadcasting the voice ians, have been serious concerns for the public. All segments country. The successive concerns about security of journalists has not only of only ruling group in the country. of the society and global stakeholders urge reduction in caused the reduction of female journalist in the country, but also caused Now, there are hundreds of media in the country. They important role violence, which was one of the conditions in the agreement many journalist students to change their career pathway from journalists in good governance, transparency and production of news thoughts signed by the United States and the Taliban in late February to other fields as daily news indicates. and ideas in the country. According to Afghan Constitution Article 34, in Qatar. In addition to NAI research report, there are other daily evidences “Freedom of expression shall be inviolable. Every Afghan shall have the Recently, as the government and the Taliban negotiators are and methodic reports showing the downfall of media freedom in the right to express thoughts through speech, writing, illustrations as well taking a break, all calls are for reduction in violence, leading country. Recently, the Reporters of Without Borders released a report as other means in accordance with provisions of this constitution. Every to a nationwide ceasefire. But “the Taliban use violence as that Afghanistan dropped from 121st to 122nd place in its newly-released Afghan shall have the right, according to provisions of law, to print and leverage,” said the top US Army Gen. Mark A. Milley, who 2020 Press Freedom Index, calling Afghanistan Pakistan, Philippines and publish on subjects without prior submission of state authorities. Indeed, held an unannounced meeting with the Taliban negotiat- Bangladesh the «world’s deadliest countries for journalists and bloggers.» these achievements are the biggest gains of Afghanistan in the history and ing team in Doha, Qatar. Calling for reduction in violence, However, considering the recent serial killings, it seems that Afghanistan so must be protected. Milley said, “Military commanders on the ground are now farther dropped from its global position because many of Afghan By and large, the rise of violence journalists will not only impose a starting to do things that are not conducive to peace talks journalists left their jobs or continued their work under extremely difficult quantitative impact on the number journalists in Afghanistan, but also and reconstruction and stability.” circumstances and routinely face violence, threats, and intimidation that qualitative impact on journalist’s work in the country. Hereafter, the Meanwhile, Deborah Lyons, UN Secretary-General’s Special prevent them from carrying out their work freely. Actually, the rise of Afghan journalists would increasingly resort to self-censorship due to Representative for Afghanistan said to the Security Council violence against journalists has turned the country into the most dangerous fear that their reporting could be punished by the violence of armed and that she expects “violence will be a top priority when the country for journalists in the world. unarmed groups. Therefore, if we believe in democracy and democratic peace talks resume in early January”. She also called on all According to experts, the awareness role of journalist and intellectuals in values, it is high time to take serious measures for protection of media countries to put pressure on warring sides that reduction in the eve of new chapter in Afghanistan or in the eve of new progress of journalists in the country noting that media considered as the fourth violence be their top priority at the negotiating table. peace process is the main factor behind violence against journalists. It is pillar of a government; According to international conventions to which With the start of the talks between the Donald Trump ad- not important for the enemies of democracy and transparency that what Afghanistan is a signatory and according to Article 50 of the Afghan ministration and the Taliban, the people of Afghanistan for group, the media worker belong to as long as they play awakening role Constitution, “Right to know” or “Right of Access to Information” is a peace on multiple occasions and urged the Taliban not to in the country. They understand the power of freedom of expression and fundamental human right for every Afghan citizen. So, it is expected that shed their blood. However, the Taliban have so far held out public awareness while they have no plan for governance in the country. human right orgs and local citizens strongly support media and journalist against the public call and continue spilling the blood of sol- Therefore, the freedom of expression is barrier against their political to monitor social, political or administrative issues or else we should diers and civilians despite the agreement signed with Wash- domination in the country while having no attractive programs. So, anticipate the Downfall of Media Freedom in Afghanistan. ington and sitting around the table with the government’s they need to target the brave activist journalist and impendent scholars interlocutors. in the country but the republican supporters must note that democracy Mohammad Zahir Akbari is the permanent writer of the Daily Outlook Af- In the upcoming round of talks, if the Taliban do not agree is equivalent to tyranny if we lose the freedom of media or freedom of ghanistan. He can be reached at [email protected] over reduction in violence, talks are likely to reach deadlock and Afghans will lose their trust and hope in the peace pro- cess. It is important to note that killing civilians as a bargaining chip will be counterproductive. It is self-explanatory that the Taliban are viewed as a national pariah since they are large- ly involved in killing non-combatants, including women and children. The Taliban minimize their acts of killings and magnify civilian casualties caused by Afghan or coalition forces, which happen as a result of the Taliban’s activities. Concerns About Human Rights Violations The Taliban’s practices are contrary to peace talks. In other words, the Taliban’s military commanders and rank and in Afghanistan file are engaged in escalated insurgency, which shows their lukewarm response to peace. Talks-and-talks and fights- port for human rights in Afghanistan, she also highlighted the major issues and-fights strategy are unlikely to move the peace process By: Sajjad Aasim being faced by the suffering Afghan civilians. HRW also emphasized that forward. It also indicates that the Taliban are not genuine in donors should press the Afghan government and Taliban to end abuses the talks. With this in mind, the Taliban either have to hold n the Geneva Conference on Afghanistan last month, the eradication by their security forces, including deliberate or indiscriminate attacks on talks with goodwill or stop talking and continue their fights Iof corruption and the safeguarding of human rights were two essential schools that violate the laws of war. Military use of schools by both sides so that the government side and Afghan ordinary people be guarantees which the international community sought before confirming contravenes the Safe Schools Declaration, which Afghanistan endorsed in clear. In short, holding talks on the one hand and intensify- their financial assistance to Afghanistan. Sadly, Afghanistan has not per- May 2015. Such actions have contributed to insecurity and civilian loss of ing attacks on the other hand create confusion for Afghan formed very well on both the matters and there are no clear indications on life, driving countless children – mostly girls – out of school. state and nation. how the authorities in the country plan to tackle these important matters. Having such a prevalent scenario of human rights violation, it is unfor- Reduction in violence and nationwide ceasefire will be the Though on many occasions, the governments in Afghanistan have prom- tunate to find an insufficient justice system in the country. Amnesty In- top priority for the government’s negotiating team in the ised to consider the issues, no tangible measures have been observed as ternational also highlighted the drawbacks in Afghanistan’s justice system upcoming round of talks, as head of High Council for Na- millions of people suffer because of them. Human rights, in particular, re- that has not been able to protect the rights of Afghan civilians properly: tional Reconciliation Abdullah Abdullah also maintained. main vulnerable in the country, with the most vulnerable people being the “Despite the millions spent on improving access to justice for people in Af- If the Taliban oppose public demand for reduction in vio- softest targets of severe violations. ghanistan, the judiciary and legal system remains weak and unresponsive. lence, there will be two possibilities. First, the talks will Almost every other day, there are pieces of news from different parts of Afghans face delays, intimidation and corruption when accessing formal reach stalemate and the government’s negotiating team will the country that show vehement human rights abuses; they are in addition justice mechanisms while the implementation of the law is patchy at best, leave the Taliban with two options: either stoppage of talks to many other cases that are never reported. As a response to such a tragic with perpetrators frequently going unpunished and their crimes uninves- or acceptance of demand. Second, the US and its interna- situation, the Afghan authorities have been able to offer only a lip service. tigated.” Thus, there is a crying need to improve the justice system so that tional allies will press the Taliban to agree on reduction in Even before the Geneva Conference, the international organizations re- the people do not remain deprived of their basic needs which the state and government have promised to provide them. violence. If talks reach stalemate, Afghan state and nation quested the donor countries to set tough conditions for the Afghan govern- The best way for Afghanistan to ensure the fundamental human rights of expect regional and global stakeholders to broke it and per- ment so that it can ensure better measures. its people is through the United Nations Charter and Universal Declaration suade the Taliban to reduce violence. In short, some regional Head of South Asia at Amnesty International, Omar Waraich, in one of of Human Rights (UDHR). Article 1 of the UDHR states that with respect actors, including Pakistan that hosted the Taliban high-level such requests said, “Afghanistan is at a critical moment. Even as there is to dignity and rights all human beings are born free and equal. Meanwhile, negotiators few days back, have constantly said that they talk of peace, violence continues to surge, claiming hundreds of civilian the UN Charter provides very strong commitments to the preservation would support the intra-Afghan dialogue. If so, they have lives, the protection of human rights is nowhere on the political agenda, of human rights and emphasizes that the member countries must follow to persuade the Taliban to stop killing people so as to prove and COVID-19 continues to run rampant in a country with one of the them. The preamble of the charter reaffirms faith in fundamental human their goodwill, if they really have, at the table. Supporting weakest health systems in the world. Now is not the time for international rights, in the equal rights of men and women, while the Article 1(3) of the the process means that not letting the cycle of talks stop un- donors to be scaling down or stepping back.” It clearly alarmed the donor charter says that one of the basic purposes of UN is “to achieve interna- less it leads to sustainable peace and stability in the country. regarding the incidents of human rights violation in Afghanistan and the tional cooperation in solving international problems of economic, social, Talks are not for talks but achieving peace. The dialogue unpreparedness of the political leadership to take decisive steps against cultural or humanitarian character, and in promoting and encouraging has to put tangible effect on the society through bringing them. It also urged the Afghan government to respect for human rights and for fundamental freedoms for all without in peace. I believe that the peace process is a highly rocky ‘demonstrate its ongoing commitment to defending human rights, safe- distinction of race, sex, language or religion.” Most importantly, Article road, but reduction in violence and declaration of perma- guarding freedom of expression, and protecting minority groups’. 56 of the charter says, “All members pledge themselves to take joint and nent ceasefire will not be that complicated. In short, the Tali- Human Rights Watch (HRW) also expressed concerns about the situation separate action in cooperation with the Organization for the achievement ban should not kill people as a bargaining chip at the table. of human rights in Afghanistan before the Geneva Conference, emphasiz- of the purposes set forth in Article 55, which suggests for ‘(a) higher stan- Regional and global states, mainly the US, have to pressure ing that the foreign donors should prioritize funding for education and health, especially for girls and women, and for independent media. Patri- dards of living, full employment, and conditions of economic and social the Taliban to show goodwill for peace through stopping es- cia Gossman, the associate Asia director at HRW, emphasized: “The Gene- progress and development; b) solutions of international economic, social, calated bloodshed. Or else military firepower should be the va Conference is a crucial opportunity to protect gains in human rights that health, and related problems; c) international cultural and educational co- next option. have allowed ordinary Afghans, in particular women and girls, to enjoy operation; d) universal respect for, and observance of, human rights and greater freedoms and better education and health … Talks toward ending fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language, the conflict don’t make this the time for donors to reduce funding for Af- or religion’.” ghanistan’s most vulnerable communities. Afghanistan’s future – hopeful- ly a peaceful and rights-respecting one – depends on having an educated Sajjad Aasim is a PhD scholar in International Relations. He can be and healthy population.” Though the director hinted to continue the sup- reached at [email protected].

Chairman / Editor-in-Chief: Moh. Reza Huwaida

Email: [email protected] Phone: 0093 (799) 005019/777-005019 www.outlookafghanistan.net

The views and opinions expressed in the articles are those of the authers and do not reflect the views or opinions of the Daily Outlook Afghanistan. December 19, 2019 4 December 20, 2020

(1) Ghani Meets… According to YONM As 28% are glob- exchange of sports commentators, (11) Flour, Sugar… has come under international scrutiny for the country’s abuse of human rights ally facing a gender pay gap, this or- “as well as players for each other’s that the price of one gram of Arabian January 5 and added that during this defenders after three activists from the ganization calls on paying nurses and leagues”. 3,800afs and the same quantity of Rus- time, they will hold talks with their Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights midwives fairly. (Khaama Press) Besides collaboration in the broadcast sian variety 3,100afs. leaders on the demands that have been (EIPR) were imprisoned by security of dramas without focusing on profit, Haji Hussain, owner of Sadaqat mon- shared between both sides as part of (4) Rockets Fired… forces on charges of “joining a terror the media authorities should facilitate ey exchange service, said the value of the agenda of the negotiations. area. He added that four of the rockets group” and “spreading false news”. on-ground reporters across the Af- one US dollar was 77.10afs and 1,000 The Afghan Republic negotiators were fired and six others were foiled by The EIPR members were arrested after ghan-Pak border. Pakistani rupee exchanged for 482afs, briefed President Ghani on the first police. meeting foreign diplomats on Novem- During the session Journalists of both against last week’s 77afs and 479afs. round of the talks in Doha, the Presi- According to him, they have no de- ber 3. As international pressure mount- nations emphasized on honest, and (Pajhwok) dential Palace said. tails about possible damage inflicted true representation of conditions rath- ed, the three activists were released Both sides have verbally shared their to the base by the rocket attack. (TOLO er than political entanglements, or be (12) India’s virus… but their assets remain frozen, pending demands with each other. Main parts NEWS) involved in constant patriotic values, provide vaccines to 250 million people investigations. The EU document has of their demands are about the future balanced values should be considered by July 2021. The government is plan- called for the release of a fourth EIPR government, women’s rights, freedom (5) UNSC Extends… more than fueling mistrust. ning to receive 450 million to 500 mil- staff member, Patrick Zaki, who is still of expression and ceasefire. Permanent Representative to the UN It is discussed that both sides should lion doses, the Health Ministry said. in jail after being arrested in February President Ghani asked the negotiators Ambassador Adela Raz addressed the not publish anything that would harm The first group will include health care on charges of disseminating subversive to share with the people their findings Security Council briefing on the situa- peace or relations between the two na- and front-line workers. The second propaganda, among other accusations. and perceptions from the first round of tion in Afghanistan on Thursday and tions. group to receive the COVID 19 vaccine According to his lawyer, Zaki was in- the talks, the Palace said in a statement. said the work of the Monitoring Team Threats to Afghan women journalists will be people over 50 years of age and terrogated for 17 hours by Egypt’s se- The statement added that hold consul- assisting the 1988 Afghanistan Sanc- were also discussed in the session and those under 50 with comorbid condi- curity forces before being beaten and tations with various layers of society tions Committee is invaluable in track- solutions were discussed, that female tions, it said. tortured using electric shocks. ahead of starting the second round of ing the Taliban’s activities, especially journalist must be accepted and valued The pace of new cases has slowed Egyptian authorities were also accused the negotiations. in overseeing the fulfillment of their as they can cover some issues better. down. It took India 12 days to get from of having “constantly hindered prog- Abdullah Abdullah, head of the High commitments for peace, including their There was a mutual tendency for col- 5 million to 6 million cases, but 22 days ress in investigating and revealing the Council for National Reconciliation, pledge to end all relations with al-Qae- laboration during the dialogues, as the to go from 8 million to 9 million, and 29 truth” over the case of murdered Ital- was also present at the meeting. The da and other terrorist groups. event allowed panelists to openly dis- days to hit 10 million. ian student Giulio Regeni. negotiators met with Abdullah this “We need to make sure that these com- cuss their grievances and interact with India’s economy contracted by 7.5% in The 28-year-old’s body was found on week. mitments are reflected in the Taliban’s one another. the July-September quarter following a the outskirts of the capital, Cairo, in The Afghan president has called on the actions and that the Taliban are not en- The conference comes as peace talks record slump of 23.9% in the previous 2016, bearing extensive signs of torture. Taliban to hold the second round of gaged in any terrorist activity and are between the Afghan government and three months, pushing the country into Last week, prosecutors in Rome con- the negotiations in Kandahar. Howev- not working with or supporting any the Taliban in Qatar have been delayed a recession for the first time in its his- cluded a four-year investigation and er, a Taliban spokesman Mohammad international terrorist group,” she said. for 20 days, with both delegations leav- tory. With millions becoming jobless, officially requested the trial of four Naeem told TOLOnews this week that Raz stated however that reports from ing Qatar. the Indian government is continuing to members of Egypt’s National Security the talks will resume in Doha. Afghan security and intelligence agen- The Afghan delegation went to Kabul relax harsh lockdown restrictions that Agency for kidnapping and murdering The first round of the negotiations cies, and the Monitoring Team state and the Taliban to Pakistan. (Khaama were imposed in late March. Regeni. started on September 12. Both sides otherwise. Press) A large number of offices, shops, busi- The EU resolution also appeared to discussed the procedural rules for sev- “The Taliban have increased their lev- nesses, liquor stores, bars and restau- reprimand EU states for failing to pri- eral weeks and achieved an agreement els of violence and continued their (8) Imam Busted… rants have reopened. Restricted do- oritise human rights over economic on it earlier this month. (TOLO NEWS) relationship with international terror- Religious Affairs, most of the mosques mestic and international evacuation interests, urging the bloc’s members to ist groups. As such, any leniency and (2) Artists Call… in the country are outside the minis- flights are being operated along with halt all exports of military equipment. flexibility on the sanctions against the try’s administration, so people do not train services. Schools remain closed. France and Italy enjoy solid economic Milad Mohammadi, an artists’ group Taliban, without real progress and reci- know how much propaganda is being (AP) ties with Egypt, a top arms buyer from in Kabul. procity from them, will be counterpro- spread in these mosques against the both countries. “I see a grim picture for the future of ductive and detrimental to the peace government and security forces. (13) Russia to… Last week, French President Emmanu- media outlets in Afghanistan and those negotiations,” she said. He also said that two terrorists who of Serbs have fought alongside the el Macron handed el-Sisi the Legion of who are working in this field. We lost Raz noted that as clearly outlined in the had come to Kabul to plant magnetic pro-Russia rebels in the conflict, which Honour, the highest French distinction. Yama and the next day we might lose Secretary-General’s report, the security mines and were previously involved started in 2014. At least five prominent Italians, another person; therefore, the govern- situation in Afghanistan remains high- in such acts had been detained by se- On Saturday, Russia’s Foreign Min- among intellectuals and politicians, ment should take measures as soon as ly volatile for civilians. Despite prog- curity forces. istry said the icon would be returned announced they were going to return possible,” said Faisal, a Kabul resident. ress towards peace, the situation is in- According to the first vice president, to Bosnia pending an Interpol probe to their awards to France in a sign of pro- Meanwhile, a group of poets remem- deed “worsening”. one of these individuals claims that his clarify its origins. (AP) test. (Aljazeera) bered Yama Siawash at a poetry ses- The Report of the Secretary-General family has been taken hostage by the (14) Iran, despite… (18) Freed Nigerian… sion in Kabul and called the attack on notes 10,439 security-related incidents Taliban and forced him to carry out him a crime against humanity. during the reporting period, represent- such acts. (Khaama Press) however, would not stop Iran from fly- the bush and different forests, stopping “Martyrs’ families are mocked in some ing an 18 percent increase against the ing a load of cash to Geneva to pay for during the days and walking at night way and they are somehow threatened same period in 2019. (9) Three Civilians… its participation in COVAX. Gavi de- without shoes, stepping over thorns not to follow such incidents,” said Ha- Raz said it must further be stressed downtown Herat. clined to offer any information about and stones. sib Mutarif, a writer. that “anti-government” elements con- Abdul Ahad Walizdah, a spokesman Iranian payments or orders, though Nigeria’s Boko Haram jihadist rebels This comes as Deborah Lyons, UN Sec- ducted 92 percent of all security-relat- for the Herat Police HQ, told media on Iran under its rules at a maximum claimed responsibility for the abduc- retary-General’s Special Representa- ed incidents and 95 percent of armed Sunday, that the bodies of two women could order vaccines for 50% of its 82 tion, saying they attacked the school tive for Afghanistan on Thursday said clashes. were found last night in downtown million people. because they believe Western educa- that Afghanistan remains one of the “The Taliban are engaging in targeted Herat. Alireza Miryousefi, a spokesman at tion is un-Islamic. most dangerous places in the world for killings, attacks against public infra- According to Walizadah, one of the Iran’s mission to the United Nations, As the boys’ parents anxiously awaited journalists. structure such as schools, hospitals and women is 50 years old and the other is criticized the U.S. for its sanctions and any news, many in Nigeria and around “Six have lost their lives, this year bridges and have deliberately used 25 years old, whose bodies were found banking restrictions, which he said the world were bracing for a long, alone – six journalists – with scant ac- people as human shields – actions that in the seventh security district of Herat “cruelly put many obstacles in the way drawn-out hostage situation. Many countability for perpetrators. Eleven are in clear violation of international city. (Khaama Press) of Iran receiving the COVID-19 vac- feared the boys would be forced to be- human rights defenders have also lost humanitarian and human rights law. (10) Covid-19… cine. come child soldiers for Boko Haram. their lives, and many more have been This is unacceptable and reinforces the “Nonetheless, along with our own in- But the kidnapping reached an un- injured or continue to be threatened,” urgency of the government’s call and find out the reason. digenous vaccine trials, we fully expect expectedly satisfactory climax when she said. “Such attacks are completely Secretary General’s call, for a compre- Meanwhile, Ali Akbar Qasemi, head the international community and the Katsina Governor Aminu Bella Masari unjustifiable. They risk chilling the hensive and immediate ceasefire,” she of Daikundi Provincial Civil Hospital, relevant international drug compa- announced the release of 344 boys late public discourse, just when dialogue is said. (ATN) said that subjected pregnant women to nies to fulfill their humanitarian ob- Thursday night. hard labor could be a cause of increas- most needed. So, I call upon the Gov- (6) Taliban Face… ligation and expedite all our orders,” “I think we can say ... we have re- ernment to take effective measures to ing number of miscarriage cases. Miryousefi said. covered most of the boys, if not all of protect the media, and to investigate of Defense stated. To a question if Covid-19 is a risk fac- Local efforts to produce a vaccine have them,” he said. and prosecute violent crimes against Earlier, 85 Afghan commandos had re- tor, he said no such case was registered not begun in earnest, meaning the Is- Masari told The Associated Press that journalists.” ceived certificates of accomplishing af- in the hospital. lamic Republic may need to rely on no ransom was paid to secure the boys’ She said that the Taliban, too, must ter training under the Afghan National Miscarriage caused by Covid-19 has no those abroad. (AP) freedom. It’s not known if other conces- refrain from attacking civilian targets Army Commando Corps. (Khaama scientific approval: Experts (15) Venezuela to… sions were made. Masari said the gov- and that they must recognize the criti- Press) Dr. Nabil Paktin, a health expert, told ernment will work with the police to cal role that the media and civil society (7) Pak-Afghan… Pajhwok Afghan News there no re- sacking public officials who challenged increase security at the Kankara school fulfils in a modern-day Afghanistan, as search had been done to prove that the government. and other schools. Only one policeman each other, adding that from now on, a vital member of global community. coronavirus could be a cause of miscar- “The main objective of this National was working at the school when it was the representatives of the two countries (TOLO NEWS) riage. Constituent Assembly was to restore attacked, according to the students. should meet each other in every field He said mothers who think they mis- the peace of the republic, internal se- The schoolboys’ abduction was a chill- (3) Afghan Female… through idea exchange. carried due to coronavirus was only a curity, national union and the stability ing reminder of Boko Haram’s previ- final nominees. Pakistani panel advised both countries belief and it was not confirmed by any of the country,” Maduro said in a cer- ous attacks on schools, especially the Shabana Halyen – Nurse should impart and exhibit knowledge scientific methods. emonial session on Friday. “And today April 2014 mass kidnapping by Boko Shukriya Musafirzada- Midwife on mutual traditions, adding that MasumaJafari, deputy spokesman of I can say, National Constituent Assem- Haram of more than 270 schoolgirls Marufa Muradi – Nurse the dramas that are aired in Pakistan the Ministry of Public Health, said that bly, mission accomplished.” from a government boarding school Zahra Mirzaei- Midwife should be aired in Afghanistan at a no such case was registered in Afghan- The opposition boycotted the election in Chibok in northeastern Borno State. The organization shared afghan nurs- lower price, and the Afghan programs istan and in the world to show corona- that created the ANC. The United States About 100 of those girls are still miss- es’ and midwives’ featured stories and should be broadcasted in Pakistan. virus caused miscarriage. and Europe called it the consolidation ing. work conditions to celebrate and be Afghan Journalists stressed, that Paki- She said researches conducted about of a dictatorship and a disavowal of the “The difference, we know in this case, recognized. stani journalists should support peace pregnancy showed mothers who were democratically elected legislature. is that the government moved faster,” The aim of this program is to call on and ask their government to do their infected with the virus could become Despite being in existence for three said Bulama Bukarti, an analyst on nations to authorize midwife leader- utmost in bring peace to Afghanistan, weak and they needed to take serious years, the ANC did not reform the con- sub-Saharan Africa at the Tony Blair ship in their countries, as YONM rec- and demanded that both sides should care of their health. stitution. Instead, it legislated a raft of Institute. ognized on 71% of governments in the meet and exchange views on trade, Jafari asked pregnant women to avoid measures including an anti-hate law In Chibok, it took weeks of advocacy world announced chief nursery or mid- politics, civil society, youth, women, joining gatherings, keep distance from widely used to jail government critics, and outcry from Nigerians, celebri- wife officer. and other relevant issues. others, wash their hands and use masks stripped a group of opposition legisla- ties and the international community The first call of this organization is to Afternoon dialogues included Paki- when going out. tors of parliamentary immunity and before the government acknowledged stani Senator, Faisal Javed, and rep- include nurses and midwives in stra- According to the World Health Orga- sacked former Chief Prosecutor Luisa that the girls had been kidnapped and resentatives of Pakistani media were nization (WHO), pregnant women can tegic decision makings, women make Ortega, who had fallen out with Madu- took action. During that time, Boko Tahir Khan, Farzana Ali, Munzae Jah- also be infected by Covid-19 like other 70% of the global workforce, 80% are ro. (Aljazeera) Haram had the opportunity to put the either nurses or midwives, but only angir, and Naeemullah Yousufzai, the people, but the women with respirato- girls into smaller groups and move 25% of them holds senior or leadership afghan side consisted of Mir Aqa Po- ry issues likely show more vulnerabil- (16) Covid: Italy… them far away so it would be difficult positions, the organization also calls on pal, Shazia Haya, Munizah Abbasi, and ity to the disease due to changes occur remains in self-isolation in the official to find them. (AP) giving nurses and midwives more role. Asad Daudzai. in the body and immune system dur- presidential residence at La Lanterne at (19) Pakistan seeks… As 20% of men work as nurses global- The second session focused on media ing pregnancy. Versailles after testing positive for Co- ly, healthcare around the world should and bilateral relations, in which the “We still do not know whether Cov- vid-19. Mr Macron said he was suffer- warrants for him. support diversity in nursing and mid- journalists emphasized over sports and id-19 can be transmitted to fetus from ing from fatigue, headaches and a dry In 2018, Sharif was sentenced to sev- wifery, the YONM organization stated. games to facilitate peace and develop- an infected pregnant woman or not. cough. (BBC) en years in prison for corruption and As 35% of the world reports having ment between the two countries, add- There are no cases to prove the virus money laundering. That case was measures to prevent attacks on health ing the importance of sports games to can be transmitted from mother to her (17) EU Parliament… separate from the one pending against workers, YONM indicated all nurses be held between the two countries for baby through breastfeeding. Transmis- by Egypt’s House of Representatives, Sharif. He has also appealed against and midwives should have decent paving the way for the stability of bi- sion of the virus through breathing cited by pro-government news website his conviction and the Islamabad High work free from all types of violence, lateral relations. from mother to child is a concern,” the Ahram. Court is now to decide how to handle harassment, and bullying. Journalists discussed the increased organization said. (Pajhwok) Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi the appeal in Sharif’s absence. (News) 5 December 20, 2020 International

NEW DELHI- India’s confirmed increase in winter months. coronavirus cases have crossed India’s virus cases cross 10 “If we can sustain our declining Freed Nigerian schoolboys 10 million with new infections trend for the next two to three welcomed; calls for more dipping to their lowest levels months, we should be able to in three months, as the country million as new infections dip start the vaccination program security prepares for a massive COVID19- and start moving away from vaccination in the new year. the pandemic,” Guleria told The KATSINA- Bleary, bare- the government, which Additional cases in the past 24 Associated Press. foot, apparently numbed appears to have learned hours dropped to 25,152 from a India is home to some of the by a week of captivity, from earlier mass school peak of nearly 100,000 in mid- world’s biggest vaccine-makers more than 300 Nigerian abductions, especially of September. The epidemic has and there are five vaccine schoolboys, freed after the Chibok schoolgirls, infected nearly %1 of India’s candidates under different being kidnapped in an that did not have such a more than 1.3 billion people, phases of trial in the country. attack on their school, happy result. second to the worst-hit United The Serum Institute of India, the were welcomed by the The students’ nightmare States. world’s largest vaccine-maker, is governor of Katsina state began on the night of The Health Ministry on Saturday licensed to produce the Oxford and Nigeria’s president Dec. 11 when they were also reported 347 deaths in University-AstraZeneca shots. on Friday. seized by men armed the past 24 hours, taking total India’s Bharat Biotech vaccine Reunions with their par- with AK-47 rifles from fatalities to 145,136. also is a front-runner, and the ents began late in the the all-boys Govern- Dr. Randeep Guleria, a two vaccines are expected to get day. ment Science Secondary government health expert, authorization for emergency use “Since this incident hap- School in Kankara village said India is keeping its fingers within weeks, said Guleria. India pened I have not been in Katsina state in north- crossed as the cases tend to aims to ...(More on P4)...(12) able to sleep, but now I western Nigeria. They can sleep,” said Salisu were marched through a Kankara, a parent of one forest and forced to lie in Qatar will receive its first of the schoolboys who the dirt amid gun battles Russia to give icon that sparked batch of the coronavirus was released. between their captors controversy back to Bosnia vaccine on Monday, Prime The relatively quick re- and the troops pursu- Minister Sheikh Khalid bin lease of the more than ing them. The boys de- MOSCOW- Russia believed to originate Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al 330 boys took place after scribed walking through said Saturday it will from eastern Ukraine, Thani has announced on a prompt response by ...(More on P4)...(18) return an Orthodox where Russia-backed Twitter. icon presented to rebels have fought “Under the directives of the Russian foreign Ukrainian troops in a His Highness the Emir, minister in Bosnia, a six-year conflict. the first shipment of Nine people killed in hospital fire gift that has triggered a The Ukrainian Embassy the COVID19- vaccine in southeast Turkey protest from Ukraine. in Sarajevo has will arrive the day after The presiding Serb requested information tomorrow, and I have Qatar to receive first batch of ISTANBUL- Nine peo- the local governorship member of Bosnia’s on how the Bosnian directed the health sector ple were killed in a fire said in a statement, add- three-member Serb leader came to to provide it to everyone in COVID-19 vaccine on Monday which broke out in a ing that other patients presidency, Milorad possess the icon, noting accordance with our health private hospital’s CO- receiving treatment Dodik, gave the icon that the failure to standards,” the prime vaccination campaign the Minister of Public of cases to 141,858 with VID-19 intensive care were transferred to near- to Russia’s Foreign provide the information minister said on Saturday. will begin. Health Abdul Wahab 243 deaths. unit in the southeastern by hospitals. Minister Sergey would mean Bosnia “This is an important step But the elderly and al-Musleh told local A total of 139,521 Turkish province of Ga- Two prosecutors in the Lavrov when he is supporting Russia’s on the road to containing those with chronic media last week. people living in Qatar ziantep, Health Minister province were commis- visited Sarajevo earlier “aggressive policy and the pandemic and illnesses would be the On Saturday, Qatar have recovered from Fahrettin Koca said on sioned to investigate the this week. The icon, military actions” in gradually returning to first recipients of the reported 142 new cases the virus since the Saturday. The fire was cause of the explosion, which was said to eastern Ukraine. Dozens normal life.” Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, of the coronavirus, start of the pandemic. caused by the explosion the local prosecutor’s of- be 300 years old, is ...(More on P4)...(13) It is unclear when the Advisor Consultant to taking the total number (Aljazeera) of an oxygen ventilator, fice said. (Reuters)

Iran, despite sanctions, has routes to vaccines Venezuela to shut all-powerful Myanmar gang-rape victim National Constituent Assembly wins legal battle with military DUBAI- Although Iran fac- Iran to take part. The Trea- Venezuela’s National The current parlia- es crushing U.S. sanctions, sury declined to comment. After being gang-raped Rakhine state – the site of Constituent Assembly, a ment’s term ends on there are still ways for Teh- For its part, Iran has alleged by soldiers, steely a nearly two-year battle pro-government legisla- January 5. ran to obtain coronavirus U.S. sanctions have affect- eyed Thein Nu went between the military and ture created in 2017 that Maduro in 2017 called vaccines as the country ed its ability to purchase up against Myanmar’s the Arakan Army, which was widely criticised for for the creation of the suffers the Mideast’s worst medicine and vaccines. powerful military in a is fighting for more au- undermining democra- ANC following months outbreak of the pandemic. President Hassan Rouhani months-long fight for tonomy for the ethnic cy, will cease operations of opposition protests After earlier downplaying has said Iranians “should justice – a fight that paid Rakhine population. by the end of the year. that left more than 100 the virus, Iran has since curse Trump a hundred off with a rare legal vic- “Many women like me President Nicolas Mad- people dead. acknowledged the scope of times” over the difficulties. tory. have already endured uro said the assembly, The all-powerful in- the disaster it faces after 1.1 U.S. sanctions do have spe- Her three rapists were the same thing,” Thein known as the ANC, is no stitution was officially million reported cases and cific carve-outs for medi- jailed for 20 years with Nu – who has been given longer necessary follow- designated to reform over 52,000 deaths. Getting cine and humanitarian aid hard labour, a sentence a pseudonym to protect ing December 6 elections the constitution, but in vaccines into the arms of its to Iran. However, interna- she hopes will give other her identity – told the that will usher in a new practice ended up sup- people would be a major logistics of making mass around the world. That tional banks and financial survivors the courage to AFP news agency. parliament dominated planting the opposition- step in stemming the crisis. vaccinations happen. program is run in part institutions hesitate in deal- speak up and challenge “If I didn’t reveal this, by ruling Socialist Party controlled legislature But while Iran is able to Iran has signed up for CO- by Gavi, The Vaccine Al- ing with Iran transactions the military’s impunity. it could lead to many legislators. and obtain vaccines, challenges VAX, an international pro- liance. Gavi says the U.S. for fear of being fined or ...(More on P4)...(15) Lodging a legal com- more in Rakhine [being remain ranging from sanc- gram designed to distrib- Treasury’s Office of For- locked out of the American plaint pitted the 36-year- abused].” tions imposed under Presi- ute coronavirus vaccines eign Asset Control has al- market. Those sanctions, old mother of four Her victory came after dent Donald Trump to the to participating countries ready issued a license for ...(More on P4)...(14) Covid: Italy latest European against Myanmar’s most an initial denial from powerful institution, the military, which said country to order Christmas whose soldiers have long she made up the allega- lockdown been accused by rights tions, and she still faces BERLIN- Switzerland Switzerland OKs groups of using rape as the glare of widespread has approved the CO- Italy has ordered a na- said in a news confer- a weapon of war in the social stigma, including VID-19 vaccine from Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine tionwide lockdown over ence. country’s conflict zones. from her husband who Pfizer and German phar- much of the Christmas Italy has recorded the The crime was commit- refuses to speak to her. Canada, the United maceutical company Bi- and New Year period in highest Covid death toll ted in June in northern (Aljazeera) States and other coun- oNTech. an effort to combat a rise in Europe, with close to tries allowed the use of The country’s health in coronavirus cases. 68,000 fatalities. the vaccine in their re- agency Swissmedic said The country will be un- Mr Conte said the spective countries. in a written statement der “red-zone” restric- launch of the vaccina- Pakistan seeks to extradite ex-PM The director of Swiss- Saturday that the vaccine tions over the public hol- tion drive later this medic said “Thanks to Sharif from UK had been approved for idays, with non-essential month would mark the the rolling process and the small Alpine country shops, restaurants and beginning of “the end of ISLAM ABAD- Pakistan’s said in the interview. our flexible teams we after a careful examina- bars closed, and Italians this nightmare.” information minister said Pakistan currently has could quickly decide tion by expert teams. The only allowed to travel for The announcement of Friday that Islamabad has no extradition treaty and fully accommodate agency did not say when work, health and emer- the Christmas restric- started the legal process to with Britain. There was the three most impor- vaccinations in Switzer- gency reasons. tions on Friday followed reach an extradition treaty no immediate comment tant requirements secu- Raimund Bruhin added condition especially re- land would begin. Limited home visits will days of wrangling in the with Britain that would from the UK on the de- rity, efficacy and qual- that, “The safety of the garding the approval of The approval comes be allowed. governing coalition be- pave the way for the velopment. The process ity.” patients is a required vaccines.” (AP) shortly after Britain, Italian Prime Minister tween those wanting a UK to hand over former will likely take years and Giuseppe Conte said it complete lockdown and Prime Minister Nawaz could face stiff resistance was “not an easy deci- others seeking limited Sharif, The Associated in parliament. The European Parliament has EU Parliament calls for action over sion”. action to help struggling Press reported. The 70-year-old Sharif, passed a resolution urging mem- “Our experts were seri- businesses and allow The development comes who ruled the country ber states to consider imposing Egypt’s human rights abuses ously worried that there families to meet. Mean- after a top Pakistani court three times as prime targeted restrictions against Egypt would be a jump in cases while in France, Presi- earlier this month de- minister, fell from grace for its crackdown on human rights over Christmas... We dent Emmanuel Macron clared Sharif, who lives after the country’s Su- activists. therefore had to act,” he ...(More on P4)...(16) in self-imposed exile in preme Court ousted him The EU politicians stressed a London, a fugitive from from office over corrup- “unified and resolute” response justice for failing to return tion allegations in 2017. against Egypt’s actions to silence home to face additional Pakistani authorities in activists, while using “all tools at French President Macron’s corruption charges. November 2019 tempo- their disposal” to secure concrete condition is ‘stable’, presi- Information Minister rarily released him on bail progress in the country’s human dency says Shibli Faraz told The As- amid deteriorating health rights record. sociated Press that it’s the so that he could travel “Parliament deplores, once again PARIS- French President COVID-19 symptoms responsibility of British and seek medical treat- and in the strongest possible Emmanuel Macron’s which do not prevent authorities not to allow ment abroad. At the time, terms, the continued and intensi- condition is stable and him from fulfilling his “convicted criminals like another court permitted fying crackdown on fundamen- the results of a medical obligations,” the presi- Sharif” to remain there. Sharif to leave the country tal rights and, among others, the examination reassuring, dency said in a state- Sharif was sentenced to for four weeks, with the persecution of human rights de- prehensive” review of the EU’s policy”. the French presidency ment. seven years in prison in a option to extend the time fenders, lawyers and civil society - relations with Egypt, including a “The resolution is also unacceptable said on Saturday in an Macron said on Friday separate case, for corrup abroad if he was not able in Egypt,” read the resolution ad- tion and money launder- revision of the commission’s bud- because it includes many misguided update on his bout of he was doing fine a to travel afterward. opted on Friday. ing in 2018. get support operations. statements about the situation of hu- coronavirus. day after testing posi- Sharif’s bail later expired The document – approved with “We are trying, we have Egypt rejected the resolution later man rights in Egypt, not to mention “The medical condition tive for COVID-19, but and authorities subse- 434 votes in favour, 49 against and tried and we will try” to on Friday, accusing the EU Par- that it is not in harmony with the of the president is stable was working at a slower quently issued arrest 202 abstentions – also stressed the bring back Sharif, Faraz liament of pursuing “politicised Egyptian-European partnership,” compared with ... Fri- pace than usual outside ...(More on P4)...(19) necessity of a “profound and com- objectives and an unbalanced read a statement ...(More on P4)...(17) day. He presents similar Paris. (Reuters) www.outlookafghanistan.net www.thedailyafghanistan.com facebook.com/The.Daily.Outlook.Afghanistan facebook.com/The.Daily.Afghanistan Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Phone: 0093 (799) 005019/777-005019 Phone: 0093 (799) 005019/777-005019 Add: In front of Habibia High School, Add: In front of Habibia High School, District 3, Kabul, Afghanistan District 3, Kabul, Afghanistan Back Page Sunday December 20, 2020

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UNSC Extends Mandate Taliban Face UNICEF Strikes Deal with of Team Monitoring Heavy Taliban to Set Up Informal Schools Taliban-Related Sanctions Retaliation, KABUL - UNICEF has struck an MoD The 15-member Council unani- agreement with the Taliban to mously adopted Resolution 2557 establish thousands of informal Operations (2020) and directed the Monitor- schools in areas controlled by the ing Team to gather information insurgent group – schools that on instances of non-compliance will reach up to 140,000 children. with the measures and to facili- According to Sam Mort, the tate, upon request by Member agency’s chief of communica- States, capacity-building assis- tions, advocacy and civic engage- tance. ment in Afghanistan, UNICEF In a statement issued by the will support the establishment UNSC, the Council welcomed re- of 4,000 community-based edu- cent efforts by the Afghan gov- cation classes across Helmand, ernment and the Taliban in facili- Kandahar, Uruzgan and Faryab NEW YORK -The United Na- tating intra-Afghan negotiations provinces. tions Security Council (UNSC) and highlighted the importance Mort said currently there are 680 on Friday took the decision to ex- of ensuring that the Monitor- KABUL - Ministry of Defense such informal classes already tend for 12 months the mandate ing Team receives the necessary tweeted, that 10 Taliban were taking place across these prov- of the team monitoring sanctions administrative and substantive killed in Nazian district of Nan- inces. against individuals and entities support to effectively fulfill its garhar province on Friday. She said that each class could ac- associated with the Taliban and mandate in a safe and timely According to the ministry, these commodate up to 35 students, emphasized its serious concerns manner. insurgents were equipped with and classes are expected to start about ongoing violence in Af- This comes after Afghanistan’s a large amount of ammunition in March, when the new school ghanistan. ...( More on P4)...(5) and weapons, which were later year begins in Afghanistan. years of negotiations with local drops, to help their children destroyed by the security force Mort said the plan aims to en- Taliban leaders and those based survive and thrive, is a break- members. sure that every child, especially in Doha. through moment,” she said. In a similar tweet, MoD reports 12 girls, in remote areas, can go to She told VOA news that ongoing Taliban spokesperson Zabihul- Afghanistan Reports Taliban fighters were killed in the school safely and securely. UN-led polio vaccination drives lah Mujahid confirmed the in- Qarabagh district of Ghazni prov- “Currently, 60 percent of the had prompted the discussions surgent group’s agreement with 80 New COVID-19 Cases ince, on Friday night. children that are out of school about what other services the UNICEF. They were fully prepared to at- are girls and that increases to 80 Taliban and their community “We believe it is a good step in 24 Hours tack the Afghan National Army, percent in some hard-to-reach wanted. and we will prepare the ground 9,046 known active cases in the during the clashes ANA de- areas,” Mort said. “The fact that the Taliban asked for the establishment of these country. stroyed a huge amount of their According to Mort, the agree- UNICEF to support them with schools in areas under our con- According to the ministry, within weapons and ammunition. ment is the result of about two other services, beyond polio trol,” Mujahid told VOA. (ATN) 24 hours, 75 individuals have Re- This comes as 31 affiliated mem- covered from COVID-19, and 17 bers of Taliban were killed in individuals are reported dead. Zherai district of Kandahar prov- Rockets Fired at US Air Base in The new cases recorded in Kabul ince, on Friday, MoD stated. are 35, Kandahar Four, Baghlan These militants were planning to Afghanistan: Officials 19, Parwan Six, Ghazni Five, attack Afghan National Defense KABUL - Four rockets hit the Bagram Airfield, a ma- Panjsher Seven, Uruzgan One, and Security Forces’ positions but jor US air base in Afghanistan, early Saturday morn- and Jawzjan Three. were battered before targeting ing but so far officials have not given details on pos- The total number of cases in Af- ANA. sible casualties in the incident. ghanistan is 50,536, Total deaths MoD also indicates, that at least The rockets were fired at Bagram Airfield from Qa- KABUL - Ministry of Public are 2,054 and the total recoveries 300 newly trained soldiers were landarkhil area in Parwan province, said Wahida Health reported Saturday, that are recorded 38,799. sworn in Herat province. Shahkar, spokesperson for Parwan governor. out of 1,123 samples, 232 cases COVID-19 global toll has in- These soldiers pledged to protect Bagram district governor Abdul Shakoor Qudosi have turned positive in the last creased to 75,747,188 and the people with all their powers, they said that the incident happened at around 6:30am on 24 hours. dead are reported to more than are fully prepared to battle terror- Saturday morning. At least 178,954 people have so 1,676,241 according to Johns ists on the field to defend the lives He said that 10 BM-12 rockets were placed on a small far been tested in the govern- Hopkins’ global dashboard. and properties of Afghans, the truck in Qalandarkhil ...( More on P4)...(4) mental labs, and there still are (Khaama Press) Ministry ...( More on P4)...(6)