www.thepeninsula.qa Thursday 3 September 2020 Volume 25 | Number 8369 15 Muharram - 1442 2 Riyals

BUSINESS | 13 PENMAG | 15 SPORT | 19

MADLSA briefs Classifieds Kvitova, Kerber Chamber and Services advance to on new expat section third round at laws included US Open

Choose the network of heroes Enjoy the Internet QA returns to over 50% of Amir reiterates two-state its pre-COVID-19 network solution for Palestine issue

THE PENINSULA — pandemic, Qatar Airways will have three weekly flights network has never fallen starting September 6. Qatar Airways continues to below 30 destinations with Philadelphia will have three lead the industry in providing continuous services to five weekly flights starting Sep- global connectivity by continents. tember 16 while flights to resuming flights to just over This month, the airline will Sialkot have resumed from half the destinations it resume flights to Houston, September 1 with three weekly operated pre-COVID-19. By Kathmandu, Mogadishu, Phil- flights. mid-September, the national adelphia and Sialkot. Qatar Airways Group Chief carrier of Qatar will operate Houston will have three Executive, H E Akbar Al Baker, over 650 weekly flights to weekly flights, which started said: “We are proud to be the more than 85 destinations, yesterday, with frequency leading global airline con- providing more flexible travel increasing to four weekly from necting passengers with the options to more global desti- September 15. Kathmandu will world, operating one of the nations than any other airline. have one weekly flight starting youngest, most fuel-efficient Since the onset of the September 5 while Mogadishu and sustainable fleets to take people safely to where they need to be. The gradual By mid-September, Qatar Airways will operate over rebuilding of our network has 650 weekly flights to more than 85 destinations. been focused on strengthening connections between our hub in Doha and key gateways Flights are resuming this month to Houston, around the world as well as major business and leisure Kathmandu, Mogadishu, Philadelphia and Sialkot. destinations.” The airline’s variety of fuel- Frequency to be increased to Ankara, Baghdad, Basra, efficient aircraft and strategic network management has also , Erbil, Ho Chi Minh City, London Heathrow, enabled it to increase fre- New York JFK and Sulaymaniyah. quencies in the following des- tinations, providing more Amir H H Sheikh met at his office in Al Bahr Palace yesterday with H E flexible travel options to Jared Kushner, Senior Advisor to the US President, on the occasion of his visit to the country. They passengers. The airline has decided to reviewed the close strategic relations between the State of Qatar and the United States of America, increase frequency to Ankara, in addition to discussing a number of issues of common concern, especially the peace process in the Baghdad, Basra, Djibouti, Erbil, Middle East region. H H the Amir affirmed, during the meeting, the State of Qatar’s position that calls Ho Chi Minh City, London Hea- for a just settlement of the Palestinian cause on the basis of international legitimacy resolutions and throw, New York JFK and the Arab Peace Initiative and on the basis of the two-state solution in a way that achieves security Sulaymaniyah. `P2 and stability in the region. QFC set to achieve targets despite QU listed among top 350 challenges posed by COVID-19 universities in THE World University Rankings SACHIN KUMAR achieve almost 1,000 active companies, so EXCLUSIVE THE PENINSULA we are well on the way to achieving our THE PENINSULA 2020 targets for the financial sector,” he said. — DOHA The Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) has regis- “2016 onwards has been our greatest growth stories in the QFC because we have tered 1,000 companies on its platform, taken a more aggressive approach when it Qatar University reflecting the trust of companies and comes to attracting foreign direct investment. (QU) has jumped investors on Qatar remains intact. Despite So our growth rate has been maintaining at 90 places and challenges posed by COVID-19 pandemic, around 10 to 15 percent since 2015. We are still entered the club of the QFC is on way to achieve this year’s achieving that target despite the COVID-19 the best 350 Inter- target of registering 250 companies in 2020. situation in 2020,” explained Al Jaida. national Univer- “We announced in 2018 that Qatar Talking about country’s economy, the sities according to Financial Centre is working towards QFC chief said that Qatar’s economy has Times Higher achieving the 1,000 mark. We are in 2020 shown resilience and performed positively, Education (THE) and to date we have registered more than helped by supporting measures announced World University 1,000 companies,” Yousuf Mohamed Al by the government. Rankings 2021. Jaida, Chief Executive Officer, Qatar “Qatar’s economy has been positive The results Financial Centre told The Peninsula. “But despite COVID-19. Very aggressive showed that QU our target has to do with attracting and measures were taken so that businesses has jumped up to achieving 1,000 active companies. So we We announced in 2018 and small and medium businesses in the the 301-350 band. are still on the right track. We are on the that Qatar Financial economy can sustain their business. Lot of The THE World way to achieve our targets,” he added. that helped alleviate, the business envi- University QFC had set a target of registering 1,000 Centre is working ronment. But if we look at the fiscal Rankings 2021 This is a prestigious moment firms in its 2017-22 strategy. The QFC ended towards achieving the 1,000 numbers, Qatar is probably the only country includes 1,527 uni- for QU to be ranked among top the year 2019 on a positive note registering mark. We are in 2020 and to date in the GCC which will have a fiscal surplus,” versities across 93 350 Universities globally. This a growth of 35 percent, reaching 71 percent we have registered more than he added. “All in all I think we are still on countries and of its strategic 2022 target of 1,000 firms track in terms of achieving $234bn of GDP regions, standing jump signifies the commitment being registered on its platform. The growth 1,000 companies.” (Gross Domestic Product) in 2021,” as the largest and of QU towards its five-year story of QFC will continue this year also. The rating agencies S&P and Moody’s most diverse uni- strategy." “2020 has been also a positive year. We Yousuf Mohamed Al Jaida have come out with a stable outlook for versity rankings are targeting 250 companies as of 2020. CEO of QFC Qatar’s economy, which is not the case for ever to date. The Dr. Hassan Al Derham `P4 Hopefully by the end of the year, we will other GCC and regional countries. table is based on 13 QU President carefully calibrated performance indi- cators that Awqaf Ministry presents strategy before Cabinet measure an institution’s performance across teaching, research, knowledge transfer and international outlook. QNA — DOHA Ministries and other gov- Islamic values and those methodologies to motivate This achievement consolidates QU’s recent results in ernment agencies, public bodies common in Qatari society, and those who must pay zakat on rankings as the institution moved from 276 in the QS World Minister of Awqaf and Islamic and institutions. promoting the Islamic model time, and collecting the University Ranking in 2020 to 245 in the 2021 ranking, effec- Affairs gave a presentation to The plan presented by the among the youth for a mean- maximum Zakat due from indi- tively jumping 31 places, and becoming one of the most the Cabinet on detailed plan of Minister of Awqaf and Islamic ingful life full of contentment viduals and companies. improved universities. the strategy of the Ministry Affairs included a compre- and tranquillity. Following the meeting, Min- Commenting on this accomplishment, QU President Dr. which is based on Islamic prin- hensive and integrated system It also includes developing ister of Justice and Acting Min- Hassan Al Derham, said: “This is a prestigious moment for ciples. Prime Minister and for religious call and guidance a comprehensive strategy to ister of State for Cabinet Affairs, QU to be ranked among top 350 Universities globally. This Minister of Interior H E Sheikh and Islamic affairs that consol- attract, manage and invest H E Dr. Issa bin Saad Al Jafali Al jump signifies the commitment of QU towards its five-year Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz idates the noble Islamic prin- endowment assets in Nuaimi said that at the strategy (2018-2022) which maps out the routes to achieving Al Thani chaired the regular ciples and values as a way of accordance with best practices beginning of the meeting, the continuing performance excellence.” meeting of Cabinet held at the life in the Qatari society, and in this field in order to achieve Cabinet was briefed by Minister “The participation in worldwide rankings brings a pos- Amiri Diwan, yesterday. supports the system of social the highest returns possible of Public Health on the latest itive competition; it raises participants’ international standing The presentation was given protection and human building within the acceptable limits of developments in efforts to curb and improves job market for graduates of those universities. following the directives of H E in accordance with the process risk, and disbursing those COVID-19. The Cabinet For QU, international ranking is a result and not a goal. Our the Prime Minister and Minister of sustainable development. returns in a manner that ensures affirmed the continuation of main goal is to prepare national leaders and develop the of Interior on providing the Strategic goals of the plan the highest social return. work with the precautionary national human capital towards building a knowledge-based Council of Ministers with plans includes monitoring social chal- The plan also focused on measures taken to combat the economy,” said Al Derham. `P4 related to the competencies of lenges and the contrast between adopting the best social media pandemic. `P4 02 HOME THURSDAY 3 SEPTEMBER 2020

PRAYER TIMINGS WEATHER TODAY 03.56 am 05.15 am o o Hazy to misty at some places at first becomes hot daytime FAJR SUNRISE 30 C 39 C with local clouds. ZUHR 11.34 am ASR 03.03 pm Minimum Maximum HIGH TIDE 04:29 – 17:20 LOW TIDE 00:44 – 11:48 MAGHRIB 05.51 pm ISHA 07.21 pm W ALRUWAIS: 31o↗36o W ALKHOR: 29o↗40o W DUKHAN: 30o↗38o W WAKRAH: 30o↗39o W MESAIEED 30o↗39o W ABUSAMRA 27o↗41o Qatar Airways returns 8 arrested for Prime Minister holds phone call violating home with Sudanese counterpart to over 50% of its quarantine QNA — DOHA agreement between the expressed thanks and appreci- QNA — DOHA Sudanese transitional gov- ation to the leadership, gov- pre-COVID-19 network Prime Minister and Minister of ernment and a number of armed ernment and people of the State The competent authorities Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin movements, stressing that the of Qatar for their strong and firm FROM PAGE 1 arrested eight people who Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani agreement constitutes an support for the Sudanese people, loved ones. With a young fleet violated the requirements of the held a telephone conversation important step for achieving the mainly their continued support “The resumption of flights of fuel efficient aircraft such home quarantine, they with Prime Minister of the unity, security and stability of to establish peace in . to Philadelphia will provide as the Airbus A350 and Boeing committed to following, which Republic of the Sudan H E Dr. Sudan. The phone call also seamless connections via our 787 operating the majority of they are legally accountable for, Abdalla Hamdok yesterday H E the Prime Minister and reviewed the cooperation ties US partners to several key the current network, Qatar in accordance with the proce- evening. Interior Minister expressed the between the two brotherly domestic points such as Atlanta, Airways continues to offer dures of the health authorities At the outset of the phone hope that the Sudanese people countries and ways of pro- Detroit and Miami. Similarly, passengers a sustainable in the country. call, H E the Prime Minister and fulfil their aspirations to devel- moting and developing them to the increase in frequencies to solution for their travel plans,” It is in implementation of Interior Minister congratulated opment, progress and wider horizons in various area, Djibouti, Ho Chi Minh City, said H E Al Baker. the precautionary measures in H E Dr. Hamdok and the prosperity. as well as key regional and London and New York will “We also remain in close force in the country, approved brotherly Sudanese people on the For his part, H E the international developments of provide further air freight contact with Australian by health authorities repre- occasion of signing the peace Sudanese Prime Minister mutual concern. capacity to these important authorities regarding flight sented in the Ministry of Public trade and economic centres,” restrictions as ensuring the Health (MoPH) to ensure the said H E Al Baker. ongoing repatriation of pas- achievement of public safety “The recovery of interna- sengers to the country is and to curb the spread of the FM meets Senior Advisor to US President tional travel will take time but becoming increasingly chal- novel coronavirus. returning to over 50 percent of lenging. Despite the restric- The eight persons, who are our pre-COVID-19 network is tions on passengers allowed currently being referred to pros- a significant milestone. to be carried into the country, ecution, are Mansour Hadi Hajaj Restoring passenger confidence we continue to fulfil our Al Shahwani Al Hajri, Ahmed is key, and we are proud to lead mission to facilitate ongoing Abdulaziz Muhammad Abdullah the industry by offering one of repatriation for as many Marafieh, Munger Mannan, the most flexible and generous people as possible by oper- Bleech Flee, Jamblely Juba, booking policies that enable ating a robust Australian Faleh Hadi Fahad Al Shahwani customers to plan their travel network to five cities, Al Hajri, Muhammad Mubarak with confidence. By continuing Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne Muhammad Al Rakhila Al Marri, to fly during the pandemic (currently no inbound pas- and Abdul-Rahman Saleh Ali while others stopped, we have sengers permitted), Perth and Abbad Al Ajji. gained the trust of passengers Sydney, offering more flights The concerned authorities as an airline they can rely on,” than any other international in the state call on citizens and he added. airline,” he added. residents who are subject to “We have taken more While other airlines quarantine to fully adhere to the international passengers home grounded operations, we requirements set by the Ministry than any other airline during maintained our flights, car- of Public Health to ensure their this pandemic and as entry rying almost 40 percent of all safety and the safety of others. restrictions ease and we international travellers to and The concerned authorities resume more of our pre- from Australia between April warned that anyone who vio- COVID-19 network, we remain and June 2020, helping to take lates these conditions will focused on our fundamental over 180,000 Australian and expose himself to the penalties mission of carrying passengers international travellers home stipulated in accordance with across the globe safely and since the start of the crisis. the provisions of Article (253) of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani met reliably. There are still millions These flights have also helped the Penal Code No. (11) of 2004, yesterday with H E Jared Kushner, Senior Advisor to the US President, who is visiting the country. During of people who have not seen maintain vital supply chains and the provisions of Law No. the meeting, they reviewed cooperation between the two countries, in addition to issues of common their friends and families for for Australian businesses with (17) of 1990 regarding the pre- concern. His Excellency affirmed Qatar’s position that calls for a just settlement of the Palestinian cause months and our growing our airline carrying over vention of infectious diseases, on the basis of international legitimacy resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative and on the basis of the network allows them to travel 15,000 tonnes of Australian and Law No. (17) of 2002 on the two-state solution in a way that achieves security and stability in the region. home or take a trip to see goods since 1 March 2020.” protection of society. THURSDAY 3 SEPTEMBER 2020 HOME 03

QSRSN applies all necessary health WHO official urges OFFICIAL NEWS Amir congratulates precautionary measures at its centers people to stay safe President of Vietnam THE PENINSULA — DOHA DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim FAZEENA SALEEM include staying home when sick, bin Hamad Al Thani and Deputy With the beginning of the new THE PENINSULA use tissue when coughing or Amir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin academic year, the Qatar sneezing, covering face, main- Hamad Al Thani sent yesterday Society for Rehabilitation of As educational institutions reopen taining social distance and having cables of congratulations to H E Special Needs (QSRSN) has over the weeks across the region, good hand hygiene. She also President of the Socialist Repub- applied all the necessary health including in Qatar, World Health stressed that people should avoid lic of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong precautionary measures to Organisation’s Regional Office for stigmatizing anyone exposed to on the anniversary of his coun- prevent infection of the coro- the Eastern Mediterranean (WHO COVID-19. try’s Independence Day. Prime navirus at its centers. EMRO) has urged people to “These actions are essential Minister and Minister of Interior The QSRSN education adhere all precautionary to prevent the potential spread of H E Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin centers include the Educational measures against the spread of COVID-19 inside and outside Abdulaziz Al Thani also sent a Center, the Rehabilitation COVID-19, yesterday. educational settings,” said Dr. cable of congratulations to Prime Center for Girls, and the Reha- Dr. Rana Hajjeh, Director of Hajjeh. Minister of the Socialist Republic bilitation Center for Boys. Programme Management “The new upsurge in cases in of Vietnam H E Nguyen Xuan Phuc It stressed on the impor- addressing a virtual press con- a number of countries is a matter on the anniversary of his coun- tance of medical tests for all ference said that WHOEMRO of great concern as it highlights try’s Independence Day. workers in its centres in Sheikh Thani bin Abdullah Al Thani, Chairman of QSRSN developed guidelines on safe the negative consequences of lack addition to applying temper- return to schools with recom- of adherence to public health ature measurement and Public Health, the Ministry of workers to enter without mended actions that engage stu- measures,” said Dr .Hajjeh. PM congratulates Ehteraz application. Also all the Education and Higher Edu- showing Ehteraz status. dents, teachers, parents, and “As the search for safe and counterpart classrooms have been cation and the Supreme Com- “Also we are obligating community members in pro- effective vaccine for COVID-19 equipped with all necessary mittee for Crisis Management everyone to wear face masks moting safety in schools. continues, we must also DOHA: Prime Minister and Min- health equipment, following regarding combating the and continuous sterilization of “The risk of increased trans- remember that there are other ister of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid social distancing and all extra- spread of the virus. hands, surfaces, facilities, edu- mission of COVID-19 has risen tools and weapons we have help bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani curricular activities have been He mentioned that all cational and training tools, and with opening of educational insti- to fight the pandemic and reduce sent a cable of congratulations to cancelled. employees of the QSRSN’s spe- taking into account the social tutions, and it is important to number of cases and save lives. Prime Minister of the Republic of Chairman of QSRSN, cialized centers conduct coro- distance and not gathering.” engage, students, teachers, other “I like to call upon everyone Tunisia H E Hichem Mechichi on Sheikh Thani bin Abdullah Al navirus tests for the its Parents of the students staff, parents, guardian and com- everywhere in our region the occasion of forming the gov- Thani, affirmed that the employees examine, also con- have expressed their satis- munity members to promote including parents, teachers, stu- ernment and swearing-in, wishing QSRSN’s various centers are ducting measure of the tem- faction and confidence with healthy and safe school envi- dents, caregivers, healthcare them good luck and the brotherly applying all precautionary and perature of all workers in the the precautionary and pre- ronment,” she said. workers and many others to be Tunisian people further progress preventive measures and centers and students of persons ventive measures taken by the According to Dr. Hajjeh, vigilant. Please stay safe,” urged and prosperity. -QNA directives of the Ministry of with disabilities and not allow QSRSN. WHOEMRO’s recommendations Dr. Hajjeh. Education Ministry launches 14th edition of Scientific Excellence Award

SANAULLAH ATAULLAH Education, Culture and Science She said that the conference THE PENINSULA was speaking at the press con- of award’s ambassadors will be ference through announced later, and the The Ministry of Education and videoconferencing. upcoming period will include a Higher Education has launched The press conference was number of introductory 14th edition of the Scientific attended by Chairman of Sci- meetings for school principals Excellence Award for which the entific Excellence Award Ali Al and coordinators in schools, entries will be submitted only Buainayn who is also Acting ministries and institutions. online because of the excep- Assistant Undersecretary for “Training workshops will be tional situation due to COVID- Joint Services at the Ministry of held for award categories. The 19. Education and Higher Edu- arbitration process of the The award was launched at cation and other officials from entries will begin in November. a press conference organised the Ministry. The results will be announced by the Organising Committee Dr. Hamda said that award in January 2021, and the annual of the Scientific Excellence includes nine categories — documentary exhibition for the Award yesterday to introduce excellent student (primary, pre- award will be held in February,” the 14th edition of the award, paratory and secondary school said Dr. Hamda. main objectives and partici- separately), excellent university She said that schools will pation categories. graduate, master degree holder, receive applications from stu- “The award aims at deep- PhD degree holder, excellent dents and teachers who are ening the concepts of excellence teacher, excellent school and interested in participating in the and creativity by adopting excellent scientific research. award. However, she said that Governor, Mayor of Beirut meet Ambassador of Qatar international standards, imple- Speaking about the upgra- remaining candidates will menting specific programmes dation of the award, she said: submit the entries individually Governor of Beirut H E Judge Marwan Abboud and Mayor of Beirut Municipality H E Eng. Jamal Itani and integrating individual and “The electronic system for the directly to the Organising have separately met with Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Lebanese Republic H E Mohammed institutional efforts to improve Scientific Excellence Award in Committee. Hassan Jaber Al Jaber. During the meetings, they reviewed the losses and damages to the buildings, the educational process out- all its categories has been “The entries will be sub- institutions and homes of citizens in Beirut, the mechanism of damage surveying and reconstruction comes in Qatar,” said Dr. implemented for this year, and mitted through online link. The following the port explosion disaster, and the aid that arrived in from friendly countries. Hamda Hasan Al Sulaiti, CEO the link will be announced honouring ceremony of Scien- of Scientific Excellence Award. soon, due to the pandemic of tific Excellence Award will be Dr. Hamda who is also the COVID-19, Organizing Com- held on March 1, 2021,” said Dr. Secretary-General of Qatar mittee will receive entries Hamda. National Commission for electronically.” She said that winners of the Scientific Excellence Award will Chronic condition certificate will be get cash prize. In the primary school category, the winner of issued upon assessment : HMC Official gold medal will get QR10,000 and winner of platinum medal FAZEENA SALEEM “Under the guidance “It is still extremely will get QR15,000 THE PENINSULA important for children to “In the category of prepar- of the Ministry follow preventive measures to atory school, the winner of Students who suffer from of Public Health protect themselves from gold medal will get QR15,000 chronic diseases and those COVID-19. These include and winner of platinum medal who have a first degree relative and the Ministry regular hand washing, not will receive QR20,000. In the with a chronic disease living of Education and touching their eyes, nose, and category of secondary school in the same house will be Higher Education, mouth and adhering to the cash prize is QR35,000. assessed by the physician and physical distancing guide- The winner of university decided if the child could go to all measures are lines,” added Dr. Al Amri. student category will get school, said Dr. Mohammed Al being put in place by He also stressed that while QR45,000. However, the Amri, Acting Chairman of Pedi- children are at low risk of winners of excellent teacher atrics and Director of Paedi- schools to ensure the experiencing severe and excellent school cate- atric Emergency Centres at safety of children and symptoms from the virus, they gories will get QR60,000 and Hamad Medical Corporation are just as likely as anyone Dr. Hamda Hasan Al Sulaiti, CEO of Scientific Excellence Award, QR100,000 respectively,” said (HMC). reduce the risk of else to pass the virus on to addressing launch ceremony of the 14th Scientific Excellence Award. Dr. Hamda. As a precautionary COVID-19 infection,” other family members. measure to keep children safe “Children can act as car- from exposing to the risk of Dr. Al Amri said. riers of COVID-19 and COVID-19, students who suffer transmit the virus to parents Ashghal starts developing road network from chronic diseases and who and others will be less severe, or elderly relatives who may have a first degree relative therefore assessment is very have chronic medical condi- linking Road with a length of 28km with a chronic disease living important,” he added. tions and be more vulnerable in the same house are eligible Dr. Al Amri emphasised to severe symptoms. Children THE PENINSULA — DOHA to infrastructure networks will temporarily close a part of the to apply for an approved that schools have re-opened may be asymptomatic, services such as drainage net- road linking Street and medical certificate and submit after considering all the risk meaning they have the virus The Public Works Authority works, rainwater drainage net- area for a this to their school along with factors and putting precau- but display no symptoms. (Ashghal) has announced the works, and potable water net- distance of 3 km, where the road their national address tionary measures in place. Because of this it is important commencement of developing works, in addition to telecom- will be closed to traffic coming certificate. “Under the guidance of the that all children stay at home Al Khor link roads network with munication networks, electricity from Street and Al Ebb “Some children might have Ministry of Public Health and as much as possible, even if a length of 28km and converting and street lighting. The new road Street in the direction of Rawdat a chronic disease but their the Ministry of Education and they appear healthy, and seven temporary roads into new design also includes green spaces Al Hamama and vice versa, as of condition will be less severe. Higher Education, all adhere to social and physical permanent roads that provide and extended afforestation on Sunday September 6, 2020, for a It is the same with elders measures are being put in distancing recommendations,” greater capacity and traffic flow most parts of the road. period of eight months. living with the child, though place by schools to ensure the said Dr. Al Amri. in all directions. Upon its completion in 2022, During the closure period, they have a chronic condition, safety of children and reduce “If children present any The seven roads are located the development works will those coming from Al Tarfa Street it may not be severe. the risk of COVID-19 symptoms of COVID-19, they in , Rawdat Al achieve a great flow in the area, in the direction of Rawdat Al Therefore, the attending phy- infection,” he said. should be immediately taken Hamama, Tenbek, and Umm as these roads will connect Al Hamama can turn right to Al Ebb sician will assess the patient Dr. Al Amri also cautioned to the healthcare facility for Garn, in addition to developing Khor Road to the adjacent resi- Street and use Wadi AlBanat and provide the medical cer- that the risk of COVID-19 assessment,” he added. three roads in . The dential areas, such as Rawdat Al intersection on Al Khor Road, or tificate to be exempted from spreading has not reduced and Dr. Al Amri also said that new roads will be expanded to Hamama, Wadi Al Banat, Al turn left and use Street 245, attending school in person,” it is very essential to follow all for many children it can be two and three lanes in each Kheesa, Al Daayen, Umm Garn known as Arab League Street, to Dr. Al Amri told The Peninsula. precautionary measures. difficult to fully understand direction instead of one, which and Tenbek, as well as facilitating reach their destination. “We cannot generalize “The risk of COVID-19 how their lives have been will increase the roads capacity access to sports facilities and rec- Road users coming from Al chronic diseases, the con- remains same. Because schools changed due to COVID-19 and to 8,000 vehicles per hour and reational facilities in the area. Majd Road in the direction of dition will differ from one case have reopened and children it is important that parents contribute to reducing the travel To allow the implementation Rawdat Al Hamama area can use to another. Even with a are allowed to go to malls do and caregivers take time to time between these areas. of the road development work Rawdat Al Hamama intersection chronic disease, some children not mean the risk of COVID-19 explain what is happening to In addition to the expansion between Al Khor Road and on Al Khor Road to reach their will be able to attend school. spreading has reduced,” he children and answer any works, the roads will be linked Rawdat Al Hamama area, Ashghal destination. Some will be really chronic said. questions they may have. 04 HOME THURSDAY 3 SEPTEMBER 2020 Mada FabLab launched to achieve comprehensive digital access QNA — DOHA inclusion approach and encour- and environment of the laboratory aging the use of technology for not only for people with disabil- Assistive Technology Center more innovation and creativity. ities, but to open the field for all (Mada) of the Ministry of The significance of Mada FabLab and make Mada FabLab a center Transport and Communications, lies in its interactive and acces- designated for the creators and the in cooperation with ibTechar sible work environment, as it building of a generation of makers company, launched Mada encourages everyone, including and innovators in the fields of FabLab, which has been those with disabilities, to innovate, assistive technology as well as approved by the Fab Foundation manufacture and transform cre- information and communication to be part of the international ative ideas into inventions, and technology. The center believes network of Fab Labs that develop and exchange knowledge in the importance of adopting includes more than 1,900 labo- and experiences, which will con- innovation and keeping pace with ratories around the world. tribute to achieving economically the new industrial revolution Mada FabLab is an innovation and socially sustainable based on artificial intelligence. and learning center, as it is a digital development. The comprehensive design of manufacturing laboratory Mada FabLab will also have Mada FabLab represents a dis- equipped with devices and a major role in unleashing the tinct and unique step in keeping equipment that allow inventors, potential and attracting distin- with the technological revolution entrepreneurs, students and artists guished innovators and inventors that the world is currently wit- to transform their ideas and cre- as well as bringing about revo- nessing, and a milestone in the Cadets during a training session at Miqdam Camp. ativity into actual and practical lutionary change in line with the field of innovation and theoretical reality, by designing prototypes for rapid technological progress, and applied technological their innovations, as well as man- considering it is a link and a advancement that will lead ufacturing them and sharing them turning point between infor- towards a societal transformation Miqdam Camp receives 14th batch of with an interactive community of mation and communication to digital comprehensiveness. technologists, researchers, makers technology and digital manufac- The term FabLab is an abbre- National Service Academy cadets and innovators. turing. This greatly contributes viation of Fabrication Laboratory The launching of Mada to using accessibility to infor- (FAB LAB), which expresses a QNA — DOHA As for the second phase, it and precautionary measures FabLab came in line with the mation and communication new concept different from the includes specialised training on taken by a medical team from Mada strategy aimed at sup- technology in the field of digital traditional laboratories, launched Miqdam Camp received the type of the Qatar Armed the armed forces medical porting inclusiveness and manufacturing and technological by Massachusetts Institute of yesterday the 14th batch of the Forces. services, to conduct a PCR enhancing innovation in techno- innovation that drives the devel- Technology (MIT) in 2005 to National Service Academy The third phase enhances examination, to make sure the logical solutions, as the lab is a opment of society and which in promote innovation and entre- cadets. military skills and academic recruits are free from corona- qualitative achievement at the turn constitutes an indicator of preneurship by providing the The training period lasts for education in coordination with virus, in addition to sterili- regional and global level because the progress of societies. appropriate environment and the a year divided into three Qatar University and a number sation measures and a com- of its pivotal role in achieving By launching the Mada necessary tools through work- training phases. The first of educational institutions in mitment to wearing masks and more comprehensiveness in the FabLab as the first laboratory of shops or a manufacturing labo- includes basic training, physical the country. ensuring a safe distance field of digital access by adopting its kind designed to be inclusive ratory supervised by a specialised fitness, infantry military It is noteworthy that the between them, in order to a comprehensive design. of all, Mada Center seeks to bring team that provides support for training, disassembly and National Service Academy complement the efforts and Mada Center aims to make about a comprehensive positive innovators and people with cre- installation of weapons, receives every year a batch of precautionary measures taken Mada FabLab a global reference change and further enhance ative ideas to develop them into shooting, self-defence skills, high school graduates, and this by the State of Qatar to prevent that contributes to bridging the innovation and production. prototypes of electronic products swimming, battle and field year it received a large number and limit the spread of the digital gap by adopting the It also aims to design the space and devices that benefit society. skills. of cadets, with all preventive coronavirus. SundanceTV Shorts competition to organise virtual event

THE PENINSULA — DOHA Palestinian filmmaker Anne- The session will be mod- in November during the 8th should be no longer than 15 marie Jacir, who has written, erated by filmmaker and pro- Ajyal Film Festival. Their films minutes and must be delivered Organisers of the SundanceTV directed and produced over 16 fessor in residence at North- will be screened during the fes- with English subtitles if English Shorts competition have films, two of which premiered western University in Qatar, tival and broadcast exclusively is not the spoken language. announced it will organise a as Official Selections in Cannes. Dana Atrache. Audiences can on SundanceTV on beIN SundanceTV Shorts com- virtual event offering audiences In addition to tips on cre- register for the session online. channel 75 in MENA, later in the petition is open for all who a chance to meet members of ating winning submissions, Launched by SundanceTV year. have a story to share, irre- the jury. industry experts Fatma Alre- in collaboration with beIN Submissions to the 2020 spective of whether the short The event will take place on maihi, CEO of Doha Film Media Group and the DFI, the SundanceTV Shorts competition film has been produced with Tuesday from 2pm to 3pm (GMT Institute (DFI) and Mohamed MENA edition of the Sun- can be made until October 18 at sophisticated equipment or +3). Al-Subaie, Acting CEO of beIN danceTV Shorts Competition is https://www.sundance- with a mobile phone. Entries The panel will include jury Media Group-MENA will shed a platform for independent sto- shortsmena.com/submission- must meet SundanceTV’s members Harold Gronenthal, light on the growing appetite for rytellers and emerging talent to form/. Entries can be submitted official rules and technical Executive Vice President, Pro- short films in the region and share their stories. by the producer or director, requirements, available on the gramming and Marketing, AMC how aspiring filmmakers can The winner and three who must provide proof of res- website beIN.com/ Fatma Alremaihi, CEO of DFI Networks International and make their stories stand out. runners-up will be announced idence in the MENA. Films Sundancetvshorts. QU listed among top 350 universities 212 new cases, 216 recoveries: MoPH in THE World University Rankings THE PENINSULA — DOHA FROM PAGE 1 analysis of more than 80 million to delivery and collaboration The Ministry of Public Health On this achievement, Phil Baty, citations across more than 13 models. Travel has been restricted (MoPH) yesterday announced the Chief Knowledge Officer at THE million research publications.” and this might mean a potential for registration of 212 new confirmed said: “Qatar University has always On this occasion, Roland increased numbers of domestic cases of COVID-19 in the country. been one of the most interna- Hancock, Partner at PwC Middle students (albeit with a possible Among them six were travelers tionally connected universities in East said, “Qatar continues to invest reduction of international returning from abroad. the world – leading the world for in its education system, its research enrolments).” Another 216 people have our ‘international outlook’ category strength and the caliber of its higher The performance in the THE Landmark Group brands partner recovered from the virus, bringing in the World University Rankings, education institutions, capabilities World University Rankings 2021 is the total number of recovered with strong international connec- and partnerships, reflected in Qatar a great achievement for QU and is with EAA to support access to cases in Qatar to 116,111. The Min- tions and a diverse campus com- University being recognized for its a testament to the efforts QU has learning during pandemic istry has also reported 1 new death munity. So it is great to see the uni- ongoing contribution in education undertaken to gain international due to COVID-19 of a person aged versity rise significantly up the and research and its increasing rel- recognition. The University stands THE PENINSULA — DOHA From August 16 to October 84 and was receiving medical care. rankings for 2021. This is driven by evance and impact. This strong today as a beacon of academic and 30, corresponding with the Back- an excellent score for research achievement has been made during research excellence, and embraces Landmark Group brands to-School season, customers vis- impact – a sign of how influential a period when the rules of higher a student body of around 20,000 Centrepoint, Max and Home iting the Centrepoint, Max and Awqaf Ministry the university’s research is among education are being re-written by female and male students enrolled Centre yesterday announced Home Centre stores across Qatar scholars globally, based on our Covid-19 and the resultant changes in its various academic programs. their partnership with can donate any amount of their presents strategy Education Above All Foun- choice, with all proceeds going dation (EAA), in support of the to Education Above All Foun- before Cabinet QFC set to achieve targets despite challenges posed by COVID-19 foundation’s continued efforts dation. Speaking about the initi- FROM PAGE 1 to provide access to quality ative, Clive Freeman, Chief Oper- Cabinet gave approval to the FROM PAGE 1 markets or companies who are established in the education to impoverished ating Officer of Landmark Group draft decision of the Minister of Also, Qatar is the least impacted, according to Qatar financial sector,” said Al Jaida. children amid the ongoing Qatar, said, “We are extremely Interior amending some provi- IMF and World Bank reports. “However, in terms of the attraction for foreign crisis. This year on the 9th of pleased to partner with Edu- sions of Minister of Interior Going forward the QFC will continue attract direct investment, again, the globe was our market. September, the world will cation Above All Foundation and decision No. 105 of 2019 to form companies from across the world. We’ve seen it pick up in Asian companies recently, come together to mark the first support their ongoing mission of the permanent committee for “In terms of target markets for the Qatar but if you look at the portfolio, we can see it still International Day to Protect supporting children’s births and deaths, defining its financial sector, we have announced for us, the New consists of mostly European and American com- Education from Attack. This education. functions, working mechanism, Emerging Belt Initiative (NEBI), these are the coun- panies,” he added. International Day comes at a “As a Group, we truly rec- procedures to be followed before tries that Qatar is closely strategic with Turkey, He added that the recent interest from Asia is time where the world is ognise the role of Education it and its remuneration. Pakistan, and . These are target in line with Qatar’s strategic partnerships when it confronted with an unprece- and its power to transform lives The draft resolution stipulates comes to the energy global markets. dented global health crisis. of the younger generation. Now that the committee will consist of The year 2019 was a momentous Additionally, armed con- more than ever, we are com- three representatives from the Min- A reputed media organization one for QFC. It started the year with the flicts, forced displacement, mitted to ensure that the istry of Interior, including the pres- in Qatar is looking for Reporter unveiling of its 2022 strategy. climate change induced dis- impoverished children who are ident of the committee. Cabinet The year also saw the launch of the asters and protracted crises at a higher risk of not having approved the draft decision of the [ .Q%CR .:0V : CV: 7V:` V6]V`1VJHV8 Investment Promotion Agency of Qatar have disrupted education of 75 access to learning opportunities Minister of Finance regarding tax (IPAQ), which is registered on the QFC million children and youth glo- during this challenging time directives. The draft decision falls [ :H.VCQ`; RV$`VV 1J =Q%`J:C1I5 I: HQII%J1H:QJ Q` : platform and aims to be a single and bally, and that number is will not be left behind. By within the automatic exchange of `VC: VR VCR8 complete source for investment solu- growing, accelerating existing working together with EAA information based on the provi- [ $ :JRLQ` &'() V6]V`1VJHV 1Q%CR GV :J :R0:J :$V8 tions in Qatar by attracting FDI in all of inequalities due to COVID-19. Foundation, we hope to bridge sions of the Convention on Mutual [ 1C1J$%:C ^)`:G1HL'J$C1._ 1 :J :R0:J :$V8 the country’s priority sectors. Landmark Group brands that gap and do our part to Administrative Assistance in Tax [ (. 8 The key highlights of the strategy in Qatar will commemorate facilitate equal opportunities Matters, which was ratified by include creation of four strategic this day and in partnership with for all children,” said Freeman. Decree No. 14 of 2019. Cabinet gave clusters namely Sports, Digital, EAA Foundation will raise Mubarak Al Thani, Commu- approval to a draft memorandum [ Q0V`1J$ :1$JIVJ  :JR RV0VCQ]1J$ Q1J 1RV: 1J Q Financial and Media; and a New awareness and support for nication Manager and Head of of understanding between the `VCV0:J JV1 HQJ VJ 8 Emerging Belt Initiative. children deprived from pur- Advocacy at EAA Foundation, United Nations and the State of [ /QCCQ11J$ ]`VH`1GVR VR1 Q`1:C  7CV :JR `Q`I: 8 Major achievements of the year suing their education. said: “In these challenging times, Qatar regarding the provision of [  :7 :%JVR Q CQH:C5 `V$1QJ:C :JR  : V 1%V :JR .V1` included obtaining the Council of Min- As a part of this part- the quality education is one of junior technical staff. 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QFC Home Centre have joined development of societies and memorandum of understanding IVVJ$ : :1$JVR8 also developed an Asset Management forces to launch a region-wide nations, we need to ensure that comes within the framework of the Sector focus with a strong network of in-store donation drive, all the children have equal State’s keenness to develop Qatari %:C1VR H:JR1R: V :`V 1J01 VR Q VJR .V1`  Q7 Qatari investment managers and tax offering their customers the access to quality education and cadres, considering that the human [email protected] benefits to attract new asset managers opportunity to make monetary guarantee every child’s right to element is the primary engine for and funds. donations towards the cause. education.” development and its ultimate goal. THURSDAY 3 SEPTEMBER 2020 HOME 05 NMoQ unveils two Largest first-year class begins studies at CMU-Q More than 270 people logged crowdsourced in from around the world to celebrate the formal introduction of the first-year virtual exhibitions class to the CMU-Q community. THE PENINSULA — DOHA THE PENINSULA — DOHA As part of a series of crowdsourced virtual Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar, a Qatar exhibitions launched Foundation partner university, welcomed earlier this year, the the new cohort of students in a virtual convo- National Museum of cation ceremony. There are more than 120 Qatar (NMoQ) unveiled students in the Class of 2024, the largest two exhibitions on enrolment in the campus history. Tuesday. Michael Trick, Dean of CMU-Q, high- The exhibitions, lighted the many traditions of Carnegie Mellon hosted in partnership and the Qatar campus during the ceremony. with Google Arts & “Class of 2024, there is no need to tell you Culture, feature content that a virtual convocation is a first for us, but curated by members of I believe it is important to carry on our tra- the community. ditions.” Trick shared some of the traditions Students being welcomed at a virtual convocation ceremony. For the exhibitions, of a typical convocation ceremony at CMU-Q, NMoQ invited its digital including the significance of academic dress, CMU-Q’s Summer Edge Programme is dents to the community and one another. audience to contribute bagpipe music and the Carnegie Mellon tartan available each year to prime students for the Trick spoke to the students about their to developing the weave. “Traditions are the touchstone for a coursework in their first term as university virtual introduction to the community: “Class content based on themes community, and they represent our values students. The virtual Summer Edge saw four of 2024, I have been following your class featured in the museum’s per- Director of the NMoQ, said: and our priorities.” times the attendance of past in-person ses- closely, and I think this experience is already manent collection. “The series of exhibitions was More than 270 people logged in from sions as students from fifteen countries logged bringing you together. I predict that these The Habitats & Shelters Exhi- launched as a response to the around the world to celebrate the formal in for the two-week programme. challenges will shape you, bring out the best bition, inspired by NMoQ’s ‘Qatar COVID-19 pandemic to provide introduction of the first-year class to the The first-year orientation took place as in you, and make you stronger, more empa- Natural Environment’ and ‘Life a creative outlet for our digital CMU-Q community. While the COVID-19 a series of virtual workshops, panels and thetic and thoughtful students and young pro- in Al Barr (Desert)’ galleries, audience during these chal- pandemic precluded a traditional in-person social events over the two weeks before fessionals.” CMU-Q students will begin the explores how, in times of uncer- lenging times. We invite orientation and welcome, the move to virtual classes. CMU-Q recruited more than 70 year in remote mode, and the university will tainty, humans and animals take members of the community to activities has resulted in some surprising, and current students to organise and run the incrementally move to a hybrid mode as it is shelter to survive. The exhibition explore these unique collec- positive outcomes. welcome event that introduces the new stu- safe to do so. includes photographs, illustra- tions that provide fascinating tions and sketches submitted by insights into how we have all the community depicting how adapted to and endured the they adapted to their habitat and current pandemic.” HMC online workshop for children with intellectual disabilities living space during The exhibition is being self-isolation. hosted on the Google Arts & QNA — DOHA the supervisors of the work- With intangible heritage Culture platform, which fea- shops are strengthening the abil- being a central theme explored tures content from over 2,000 Hamad Medical Corporation ities of the participating children across NMoQ’s story, the leading museums and archives (HMC), represented by the to communicate with those Qatar’s Culinary Journey Exhi- who have partnered with the Child and Adolescent Mental around them, critical thinking, bition highlights traditional and Google Cultural Institute to pre- Health Services Department, reading and writing, speaking, personal interpretations of serve and bring the world’s art organised an online summer sharpening memory and writing Qatari food. For the exhibition, and culture online. The exhibi- camp in which 30 children workshop organisers decided them form their independent notes. He said that through these members of the community tions can be accessed through between the age of 8 and 15 to go online this year with the personalities and build self- workshops skills and sensory were called on to submit pho- the following links: participated. aim of benefit children from this confidence so that they can abilities are also developed tographs of traditional Qatari Habitats and Shelters: The workshop, held online initiative, while preserving their continue living their lives through play therapy. cuisine – from karak to gahwa https://artsandculture.google. for the first time since its health and protecting them naturally. She pointed to the increasing to mathrooba, harees and other com/story/tQXx1DPbuKCX5A inception in 2016, was aimed from the COVID-19. The annual summer demand for specialised dishes — as well as a short Qatar’s Culinary Journey: at children with intellectual dis- She said that this year’s workshop is supervised by a treatment for children with statement explaining how the https://artsandculture.google. abilities and offered training workshop aimed to support group of multidisciplinary sup- intellectual disabilities, stressing participant learned to make the com/story/NwWhFcVjBLsFEg workshops that included many children who suffer from low portive health service cadres the great impact that treatment dish. The exhibition also Qatar’s Culinary Journey: entertainment and educational cognitive abilities and construc- with expertise in therapeutic has on the lives of these children includes Qatar’s culinary Special Invitation to Qatari Cel- aspects. tively address the challenges education and training methods and their family members. journey, special invitation to ebrations: https://artsand- Executive Director of related to the crisis caused by based on scientific evidence, She indicated that over the Qatari celebrations and Qatar’s culture.google.com/story/ Clinical and Service Devel- the coronavirus pandemic. which include occupational past few years, HMC has Culinary Journey: How to YAURWCUbsDmNgA opment with HMC’s Child and Dr. Al Muraisi added that therapists, speech therapists, doubled the number of func- Prepare Gahwa. Qatar’s Culinary Journey: Adolescent Mental Health the summer workshop initiative play therapists and tional physiotherapists to meet Commenting on the virtual How to Prepare Gahwa: https:// Service Dr. May Jassim Al seeks to support children and psychoanalysts. the increasing needs of these exhibitions, Sheikha Amna bint artsandculture.google.com/ Muraisi confirmed that the teach them skills that will help Dr. Al Muraisi explained that patients’ treatment services. Abdulaziz bin Jassim Al Thani, story/FAWBqF3aWg79TA Ooredoo holds second beach clean-up event MADLSA attends high-level THE PENINSULA — DOHA conference of International

Qatar’s leading telecommunica- tions operator has completed the Organisation of Employers second Beach Clean-up QNA — DOHA Campaign in its new campaign aimed at promoting protection The Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social of the environment in collabo- Affairs (MADLSA) participated in a high-level virtual conference ration with Friends of The Envi- organised by the International Organisation of Employers on Tuesday. ronment Centre. In his speech during the opening conference, the Ministry’s rep- Dozens of Ooredoo volun- resentative Mahmoud Abdullah Al Siddiqi expressed the State of teers gathered at Zekreet Beach Qatar’s welcome to participate in this important event, believing that on September 1 to clean up assessing skills today and preparing future skills required by the rubbish for the benefit of the labour market will be an essential factor in achieving sustainable marine life to which the beach is development goals to which the State of Qatar is committed. home and for the many visitors Ooredoo volunteers during a clean-up drive at Zekreet Beach. Al Siddiqi praised the efforts of the International Organisation who come to enjoy its natural of Employers and its pioneering role in preparing the important beauty. proud to see a large crowd of thank them for their hard work campaigns to clean beaches with report on assessing future skills, in cooperation with the Geneva Ooredoo’s Beach Clean-up dedicated volunteers join us in and look forward to many more partners, in the framework of Research Center, DELOITTE. He praised the report which provides Campaign, with the social media our new sustainability initiative. such events in the near future.” social responsibility we apply at a proactive vision for the future in terms of identifying the skills hashtag #LeaveOnlySandcastles, Our corporate responsibility Farhood Hadi Al Hajri, Exec- the Centre. We focus on pro- required to help avoid any potential gaps between supply and demand is intended to encourage beach- strategy includes a firm com- utive Director of the Friends of tecting and rehabilitating for skills in the labour market, thus contributing to enhancing the goers to take responsibility for mitment to promoting protection the Environment Centre, said: beaches, and this campaign helps productivity of private sector companies and helping them to success. cleaning up their own rubbish of our environment for the “We are very pleased to see spread environmental awareness The symposium was opened by President of the International when they visit one of Qatar’s benefit of future generations, and Ooredoo, the Ministry of Munic- of the importance of volunteer Organisation of Employers Erol Kiresepi, and a number of person- many beautiful beaches, and we’re delighted so many of our ipality and Environment, Al Sha- work in serving the environment alities representing the relevant international organisations, including ensuring the sand is pristine Ooredoo family members share haniya Municipality and the among members of society. We the Director-General of the International Labour Organisation, the when they leave. our commitment. Despite the Public Cleaning Department thank everyone who made this Assistant Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Sci- Sabah Rabiah Al Kuwari, heat, our teams worked to clean coming together to execute this happen and promise you more entific and Cultural Organization, Unesco, the President of the United Director PR at Ooredoo, said: up the beach and make sure only campaign. This is not the first campaigns to keep our beaches Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), and the Pres- “Once again, we were incredibly sandcastles were left behind. We time that we have launched spotless.” ident of the Portuguese Business Federation. WCM-Q participates in nationwide study to examine possibility of COVID-19 reinfection THE PENINSULA — DOHA for the medical research com- that some of those infected persons it is not at all unusual for antibody better and faster response. munity to draw definitive conclu- may not have completely elimi- levels to drop following an “What we know so far is that Is COVID-19 reinfection a possi- sions about reinfections. nated the first infection, or one of infection. The drop in antibodies people do develop an immune bility? Is the infection milder the Led by Prof. Abu-Raddad their tests could have been a false is not necessarily an indication of response – quite a strong one in the second time around? And how (pictured), a team at WCM-Q, in positive. We plan to shortly start the inability of the body to fight vast majority of cases. What is not long does immunity from the first collaboration with the Ministry of genetic sequencing of these rein- the virus, rather it shows that the completely clear yet is how long the infection last? Can reinfected Public Health and Hamad Medical fections to compare genetic code immune system works efficiently. immune response lasts. One thing people still transmit the virus to Corporation, conducted a of the virus in the first infection and Once it has tackled an infection of concern here is that some of the others? Too many questions and nationwide study to examine the the reinfection for final verification and it is convinced that there is no reinfected persons were recorded only one answer: maybe. possibility of COVID-19 rein- on each identified reinfection.” need for high levels of antibodies, to have high viral loads and thus “Although cases of reinfec- fection. The study was conducted There has been a lot of dis- it goes into ‘rest mode’, wherein can still spread the virus to others. tions have been recorded on a large cohort of over 100,000 cussion surrounding immunity as antibodies levels can drop. If and “While our findings are encour- worldwide, due to their low people, all of whom had con- well – some reports mention how when the immune system does aging, they do not mean COVID-19 numbers and several other factors tracted and recovered from in 10,000 cases. All cases of rein- a drop in antibodies has been seen detect another threat, it quickly recovered patients should assume involved, we cannot rule out the COVID-19. For the purpose of this fections recorded so far have been two to three months after starts producing antibodies again.” that they have developed long-term possibility that some of them study, all cases were tested again mild, with only one case needing infection, spreading concern that This supports what has been immunity. It is important to exercise could be false positives,” said Prof. after 45 days of the first positive hospitalization for a short period surviving COVID-19 would offer observed in Qatar so far and may caution, and everyone should con- Laith Abu-Raddad, Professor of result. Those that tested positive of time. Not a single death in rein- little protection against future explain why all the cases of rein- tinue to comply with the control Infectious Disease Epidemiology for the second time were assessed fected cases has been recorded so coronavirus infections, some fection have been mild. There is measures of masking and social at Qatar Foundation partner uni- to see whether their new positive far,” said Prof. Abu-Raddad. going as far as saying a vaccine growing evidence that the body distancing. Until a vaccine is versity Weill Cornell Medicine- test reflected a true reinfection. There is a possibility that some might not be effective. is able to rapidly respond to the developed, these preventive Qatar (WCM-Q). He also high- “The study concluded that of the reinfections detected were “It is premature, if not dan- virus the second time around, and measures are our best bet to lighted that not enough time has reinfections in Qatar are rare, not true reinfections. Prof. Abu- gerous, to draw such conclusions that is because there are immune prevent infection as well as rein- passed since the virus first struck occurring at a rate of less than 4 Raddad explained, “It is possible without solid evidence. In reality, memory cells that can mount a fection,” Prof. Abu-Raddad said. 06 GULF / MIDDLE EAST THURSDAY 3 SEPTEMBER 2020 Lebanon: Adib begins Macron backs ‘sovereignty’ on first visit talks to form crisis AFP — BAGHDAD French President Emmanuel Macron met his Iraqi coun- Cabinet in 2 weeks terpart yesterday on his first official visit to Baghdad, where he insisted the war-scarred AFP — BEIRUT The consultations by country should reassert its the Prime Minister- “sovereignty” despite Lebanon’s prime minister designate Mustapha simmering US-Iran tensions. designate Mustapha Adib Coming straight from a started talks on forming a crisis Adib came after a two-day trip to crisis-hit government yesterday, under high-profile visit by Lebanon, Macron is the most French pressure to complete French President prominent world leader to visit the task within two weeks to Emmanuel Macron Iraq since Prime Minister move forward with desperately Mustafa al-Kadhemi came to needed reforms. during which he said power in May. The consultations came political leaders had The trip aims to “launch an after a high-profile visit by agreed a road map initiative alongside the United French President Emmanuel for reform after last Nations to support a process of Macron during which he said sovereignty,” Macron political leaders had agreed a month’s devastating announced on his final night in road map for reform after last blast in the port of Beirut. month’s devastating blast in the Beirut. In Baghdad, he voiced his French President Emmanuel Macron (right), and Iraq’s President Barham Saleh inspecting a guard port of Beirut. support for his Iraqi coun- of honour upon the former’s reception in Baghdad, yesterday. “As I leave Beirut, I want to terpart Barham Saleh to help say again and with conviction: “efficient, productive and Iraq fight Islamic State group Saleh thanked Macron for Iraq has been caught for France has doubled down I will not abandon you,” cohesive government”. sleeper cells and resist foreign France’s support in the anti-IS years between its two main on its signs of support in recent Macron said in a statement as Lebanon’s worst economic interference. fight and said he hoped Macron allies Iran and the US, a bal- tumultuous months. he flew out yesterday. crisis since the 1975-1990 civil “Iraq has been going would pay a longer visit to Iraq ancing act that has become Top diplomat Jean-Yves Le The last government war has seen poverty rates through a challenging time for in 2021. After dictator Saddam increasingly tortured since Drian, who was the only min- resigned in the face of public double to more than half the several years, with war and ter- Hussein was toppled by a 2003 Washington’s withdrawal in ister to accompany Macron anger over the August 4 population, sent prices soaring rorism,” Macron said. US-led invasion — in which 2018 from a multilateral from Lebanon, visited Iraq in explosion that killed at least and trapped people’s savings “You have a transition to France did not take part — Iraq nuclear deal with Tehran. July and urged Baghdad to “dis- 188, wounded thousands and in the banks. lead. France will be by your side was ravaged by waves of sec- France, one of the key sociate itself from regional ten- laid waste to entire districts of Visiting to mark the cen- so the international community tarian conflict. remaining backers of the 2015 sions”. Macron last week the capital. tenary of the former French can help,” he added. That culminated in IS cap- agreement, called for de-esca- insisted that “the fight for Iraq’s Government formation is protectorate, Macron strove to But there were few details turing swathes of the country lation after a US strike on sovereignty is essential.” usually a drawn-out process in push for political change on the much-vaunted “sover- six years ago, before the mili- Baghdad in January killed top He said Iraqis, who had multi-confessional Lebanon without being perceived as eignty” initiative, and Iraqi offi- tants were beaten back with Iranian general Qasem Sole- “suffered so much”, deserved where a complex political meddling in the country’s cials said they were not international support including imani and prompted Iran to options besides domination by system seeks to share power affairs. expecting announcements of a US-led coalition that did launch missiles against US regional powers or Islamist between different religious But Lebanese newspaper new financial or military aid. include French forces. troops in Iraq. extremists. groups. But the country’s dead- Al Akhbar complained the liest peacetime disaster has French president had behaved created intense pressure for like the “supreme leader of the Kuwait reports swift reforms to lift the country Lebanese republic” on his visit. out of its worst economic crisis Macron promised to host 667 new COVID-19 in decades. two conferences in Paris in the cases, one death Lebanese lawmakers second half of October -- one rushed to approve the nomi- to help drum up aid and the QNA — KUWAIT CITY nation of the little-known other to discuss progress on 48-year-old diplomat on political reforms. The Kuwaiti Ministry of Health Monday just hours before the He said he would be back announced yesterday that it French president landed. in Lebanon in December for reported 667 new cases of Under Lebanon’s power- another follow-up. coronavirus (COVID-19) in the sharing system, the country’s International donors last twenty-four hours, main religious communities already pledged more than 250 bringing the total of confirmed usually agree on a new gov- million euros (around $300 cases in the country to 86,478. ernment lineup before its million) in emergency aid, Ministry’s spokesman said announcement. Lawmaker during a video conference that one death was recorded, Bahia Hariri, of the Future jointly organised by France and bringing the total number of Movement, a party repre- the United Nations. deaths recorded in Kuwait so far senting Sunni Muslims, Macron said on Tuesday to 535 cases. The new cases requested a “government of that Adib could only “obtain Hamas Chief in Lebanon included contacts with previ- experts”. legitimacy by quickly forming ously confirmed cases, and Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri (right), meets with Hamas Chief Ismail Haniyah at the Ain The parliamentary leader a mission government made up others under investigation for the Al Tineh Palace in Beirut , yesterday. The Hamas chief, who landed in Lebanon late on Tuesday, is on of Shia movement Hezbollah, of professionals, the strongest source of infection and exam- a one-week visit to the crisis-hit country for talks with officials. Mohammad Raad, called for an possible team.” ining those in contact with them.

Palestinian shot Rights abuses at in alleged Iran hails support for nuclear deal against US against protesters in Iran alleged vehicular attack AFP — TEHRAN Washington’s pullout from the European Union senior to the current Security Council deal, officially known as the official Helga Schmid, who president, Abdou Abarry of in West Bank Iran’s President Hassan Joint Comprehensive Plan of chaired the talks in Vienna, Niger, who he said “shared our REUTERS — DUBAI Rouhani yesterday hailed the Action, or JCPOA. said the participants were views” that the US cannot ANATOLIA — NABLUS show of unity by parties to a “Fortunately, yesterday in “united in resolve to pre- reimpose international Amnesty International accused 2015 nuclear deal, after they Vienna, the 4+1 clearly stated serve” the nuclear sanctions. Iran’s establishment yesterday Israeli forces shot and injured defeated US efforts to restore that they stand by the JCPOA agreement. The Security Council last of presiding over widespread a Palestinian driver in an international sanctions. and that America does not have Schmid said that the US week blocked the US bid to abuses of human rights in a alleged car-ramming attack in Britain, China, France, the right to misuse it,” Rouhani cannot launch the process to reimpose sanctions. security crackdown on the West Bank city of Nablus Germany, and Russia — said in remarks to the weekly reimpose UN sanctions on Iran Washington also failed to nationwide protests last year yesterday, according to the dubbed the “4+1” — are strug- cabinet meeting broadcast on using a Security Council reso- rally enough support to touched off by fuel price rises. military and local residents. gling to save the accord after state television. lution enshrining a deal they extend an arms embargo on The London-based human The Israeli army said a the United States withdrew “They have not only pulled have abandoned. Iran, that is scheduled to rights group issued a report soldier and officer were lightly from it in 2018. out of the JCPOA but also pun- In a boost to Tuesday’s talks, begin being rolled back from including allegations of injured when the driver Washington unilaterally ished whoever has abided by Iran last week agreed to let UN October. “enforced disappearance, attempted to run his car over reimposed sanctions on the it.” nuclear inspectors visit two Rouhani hailed the push- torture and other ill- them at a junction south of Islamic republic. Rouhani called Washing- sites suspected of having hosted backs against the US as a treatment” of those detained Nablus. Iran has stepped up its ton’s drive to reimpose UN undeclared activity in the early “victory” for Tehran and a “dis- for involvement in the It said Israeli soldiers shot nuclear activities in the past sanctions against Iran “futile 2000s. graceful failure” for November 2019 unrest that and arrested the suspect when year in retaliation for and childish.” Rouhani said he had spoken Washington. buffeted the Islamic Republic. he drew a knife at the forces. Eyewitnesses said Israeli soldiers opened fire on the driver at Zaatara checkpoint Israel to withhold bodies south of Nablus. According to the witnesses, the Palestinian driver was seen of all Palestinian fighters lying on the ground, without giving further details. AFP — OCCUPIED JERUSALEM held by Hamas in Gaza since a The Palestinian Red 2014 war. Hamas is also Crescent Society confirmed Israel decided yesterday to believed to be holding two that a driver was injured, but withhold the bodies of all slain Israeli citizens who entered said its medics were prevented Palestinian militants in a bid to Gaza alone and whose families from providing medical deter attacks, a move slammed say have mental health issues. treatment to the man, who was by rights groups as “barbaric”. The decision came two days left to bleed. Prior to the decision, after the latest deal between Meanwhile, the Israeli approved by the government’s Israel and Hamas to end more army yesterday demolished security cabinet, Israel retained than three weeks of cross- two homes and two agricul- the bodies of fighters only from border attacks. tural facilities south of the Hamas, the Islamist rulers of Rights group Adalah called occupied West Bank, citing a Gaza. Israel’s decision “extreme, bar- lack of building permits. The new policy would see baric” and “illegal”. Eyewitnesses told Anadolu Israel not return the bodies of “The policy of using Agency that an Israeli military any Palestinian martyred human bodies as bargaining force razed two homes in the during or as a result of an anti- chips violates the most basic village of Al Janab in the Israeli attack. universal values and inter- Hebron province. Defence Minister Benny national law which prohibit The Israeli army also Gantz welcomed the cabinet’s cruel and inhuman A group of activists stage a protest for autistic Palestinian man Iyad Hallak who was killed by Israeli brought down a room used as decision, which he said was part treatment,” they said. police on May 30, 2020, in West Jerusalem, yesterday. a store for agricultural tools of a broader campaign of Meanwhile, Hamas Chief and animal feed, and a pool for “deterrence”. Ismail Haniyah was in Beirut in 27 years, comes after an factions in rare talks on how to The meeting at the Pales- collecting rain in the Wadi “Not returning bodies is for a week-long visit that will August 13 announcement that respond to such accords and to tinian embassy in Beirut will al-Awar area in southern part of our commitment to the see him meet with Palestinian the Jewish state and the United a Middle East peace plan coincide with talks in Ramallah Hebron. safety of Israeli citizens, and of factions over growing coop- Arab Emirates have agreed to announced by Washington this between Palestinian president Israel blocks Palestinians course to returning the boys eration between their enemy normalise ties. year, said the Islamist move- and represent- from building in Area C, which home,” he said, referring to the Israel and Arab states.Hani- Today, he will meet repre- ment's representative in atives of Palestinian factions it seeks to annex. remains of two Israeli soldiers yah's visit, his first to Lebanon sentatives of other Palestinian Lebanon, Ali Baraka. there. THURSDAY 3 SEPTEMBER 2020 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 07

Sudan govt and Tunisia PM wins rebels meet to implement trust vote, takes peace deal oath of office AFP — KHARTOUM Sudan said yesterday that ANATOLIA/AP — TUNIS Prime Minister government and rebel leaders had met to begin implementing The new government of Hichem Mechichi a deal that aims to end a war Tunisian Prime Minister and his proposed in which hundreds of thou- Hichem Mechichi was sworn in government won a sands of people were killed. yesterday before President Kais Rebel commanders from Saied. Mechichi’s Cabinet won confidence vote early the Sudan Revolutionary Front a vote of confidence earlier in yesterday after an (SRF) and the transitional gov- the day. ernment met face-to-face on A total of 134 parliamentary all-day debate, with Tuesday, one day after striking deputies voted in favour and 67 134 votes in favour the deal, state news agency against forming the government Suna said. “This was the first in a vote that lasted more than and 67 against. No joint meeting after the inking 14 hours. one abstained. The of the accord,” said Alhadi On July 26, Saied assigned Idris, the head of the SRF rebel Mechichi — then the interior 46-year-old former coalition, Suna reported. minister— to form a new gov- interior minister Tunisia’s Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi taking the oath of office during the new government “We discussed in this ernment for the North African called on the new swearing-in ceremony at Carthage Palace on the eastern outskirts of the capital Tunis, yesterday. meeting what will happen country of 12 million. going forward,” Idris said, Mechichi formed a techno- Cabinet to get to work adding that there were “still cratic government on Aug. 25 immediately to “save government won a confidence uprisings across the region. aimed at shoring up public issues related to the timeline with 25 ministers and three vote early yesterday after an “Ten years after the revo- finances, fighting tax evasion, to implement the deal”. state clerks. the country”. all-day debate. lution, the dream of a new and investing in impoverished The SRF, founded in 2011, Mechichi, who is not affil- The 46-year-old former Tunisia that assures liberty, regions. Lack of opportunity in is an alliance of five armed iated with any political party, interior minister called on the dignity and equity has trans- those regions helped spark the rebel groups and four political was not nominated by any party the country’s new prime min- new Cabinet to get to work formed into disillusion, disap- 2010-2011 revolt, and has movements from the vast for the post of premier. ister after pressing him for 11 immediately to “save the pointment and despair, which pushed many young Tunisians western region of Darfur, and But Saied appointed him hours over how he will bring the country”. has pushed a large number of to migrate and some to join the southern states of South premier last month after Elyes country out of an economic and His government is Tuni- Tunisians to take boats of extremist groups. Kordofan and Blue Nile. Fakhfakh resigned from the social crisis that has driven a sia’s third since October and death,” he said, referring to the Tunisia’s economy was “Our priorities now are post over allegations of a con- rise in migration to Europe and the ninth since the revolution dangerous migrant trips across already struggling when the economic progress and flict of interest. been worsened by the virus that brought down an auto- the Mediterranean Sea to virus hit, hurting the country’s humanitarian issues related to Tunisian lawmakers pandemic. cratic regime in 2011 and trig- Europe important tourism sector people displaced by the con- approved Hichem Mechichi as Mechichi and his proposed gered the Arab Spring He presented a reform plan among others. flicts,” said Minni Minawi, who leads a faction of the Darfur- based Sudan Liberation Movement. Monday’s peace deal finds new mass grave by Haftar militia in Tarhuna covers issues around security, land ownership, transitional ANATOLIA — TRIPOLI justice, power sharing and the of Haftar’s defeat in his recent “The grave contains the remains of an unidentified spokesman, Col Mohammad return of people who fled their A new mass grave was found offensive on Tripoli. The Libyan number of bodies,” Abdul Aziz Al Jaafari, a spokesman Qanunu, said in a statement. He homes because of fighting. in the southwestern city of authorities say that Haftar’s for General Authority for Research and Identification said the militia fired six Grad It also provides for the dis- Tarhuna that was recently militia and allied mercenaries rockets at the positions of the mantling of rebel forces and liberated from warlord Khalifa have committed several war of Missing Persons, said. Meanwhile, the Libyan army Libyan army west of Sirte. the integration of the fighters Haftar’s militia, the Libyan crimes and crimes against yesterday accused warlord Khalifa Haftar of violating Qanunu explained that the into the national army. government said yesterday. humanity in the period between Libya’s ceasefire for the second time in three days. Libyan army is “ready and Sudan’s transitional gov- “The grave contains the April 2019 and June 2020. awaiting instructions from the ernment, which took power remains of an unidentified On June 16, the Libyan gov- supreme commander [Fayez Al- after the April 2019 ouster of number of bodies,” Abdul Aziz ernment found 226 dead bodies for a long-term political set- Meanwhile, the Libyan Sarraj] to deal with and respond hardline leader Omar al- Al Jaafari, a spokesman for in mass graves in Tarhuna and tlement failed because of army yesterday accused to the source of fire at the Bashir, has made forging peace General Authority for Research south of Tripoli. Haftar’s military offensive. warlord Khalifa Haftar of vio- appropriate place and time”. with rebel groups a priority. and Identification of Missing Libya has been torn by civil The UN recognises the gov- lating Libya’s ceasefire for the On August 27, the Libyan Bashir is wanted by the Persons, said. war since the ouster of late ernment headed by Fayez Al second time in three days. army announced the first International Criminal Court He said two bodies had been ruler Muammar Gaddafi in Sarraj as the country’s legit- “Our forces detected a breach breach of the ceasefire by (ICC) on crimes against dug up from the grave so far. 2011. The Government of imate authority as Tripoli has of the ceasefire declaration at Haftar’s militia, which fired humanity in the Darfur conflict, The Libyan government has dis- National Accord (GNA) was battled Haftar’s militias since 00:06 (22:06 GMT) on Tuesday more than a dozen Grad rockets where fighting killed 300,000 covered several mass graves in founded in 2015 under a April 2019 in a conflict that has evening], the second of its kind at the army positions west of people and displaced 2.5 million Tripoli and Tarhuna in the wake UN-led agreement, but efforts claimed thousands of lives. in less than 72 hours,” military Sirte. others, according to the UN. Bail granted to Zimbabwean UN says new polio outbreak in journalist jailed for a month Sudan caused by oral vaccine AP — LONDON/KHARTOUM In rare instances, the live polio virus in the AP — HARARE oral vaccine can mutate into a form capable of The World Health Organization says a new polio sparking new outbreaks. Zimbabwe’s High Court has outbreak in Sudan is linked to an ongoing Last week, WHO and partners declared that granted bail to investigative vaccine-sparked epidemic in Chad — a week the African continent was free of the wild polio journalist Hopewell Chin’ono after the UN health agency declared the African virus, calling it “an incredible and emotional day.” who has spent more than a continent free of the wild polio virus. On Monday, WHO warned that the risk of month in detention, but the In a statement this week, WHO said two further spread of the vaccine-derived polio across reporter won’t be allowed to children in Sudan — one from South Darfur state central Africa and the Horn of Africa was “high,” post on Twitter before his trial and the other from Gedarif state, close to the noting the large-scale population movements in on charges of inciting public border with Ethiopia and Eritrea — were para- the region. More than a dozen African countries violence. lyzed in March and April. Both had been recently are currently battling outbreaks of polio caused The judge told Chin’ono vaccinated against polio. WHO said initial out- by the virus, including Angola, Congo, Nigeria “not to post on his Twitter break investigations show the cases are linked and Zambia. Amid the coronavirus pandemic, account or to create any other to an ongoing vaccine-derived outbreak in Chad many of the large-scale vaccination campaigns Twitter account to be used to that was first detected last year and is now needed to stamp out polio have been disrupted incite the holding of mass dem- spreading in Chad and Cameroon. across Africa and elsewhere, leaving millions of onstrations for whatever pur- “There is local circulation in Sudan and con- children vulnerable to infection. poses until the end of his tinued sharing of transmission with Chad,” the In April, WHO and its partners reluctantly matter,” one of his lawyers, UN agency said, adding that genetic sequencing recommended a temporary halt to mass polio Doug Coltart, told reporters confirmed numerous introductions of the virus immunization campaigns, recognizing the move outside the court. Chin’ono is into Sudan from Chad. could lead to a resurgence of the disease. In May, facing charges for expressing WHO said it had found 11 additional vaccine- they reported that 46 campaigns to vaccinate support on his Twitter account derived polio cases in Sudan and that the virus children against polio had been suspended in 38 for an anti-government dem- had also been identified in environmental countries, mostly in Africa, because of the coro- High demand for face masks onstration. That protest was samples. There are typically many more unre- navirus pandemic. thwarted by police and the mil- ported cases for every confirmed polio patient. Some of the campaigns have recently been A Palestinian street vendor selling face masks in Gaza City, itary on July 31. The highly infectious disease can spread quickly re-started, but health workers need to vaccinate yesterday, amid a lockdown in the enclave due to increasing Opposition politician Jacob in contaminated water and most often strikes more than 90% of children in their efforts to erad- COVID-19 infections. Ngarivhume, who was behind children under 5. icate the paralytic disease. the foiled protest, and charged together with Chin’ono, was also granted bail on Wednesday. He has also been barred from France to rule on Rwanda genocide suspect’s fate on Sept 30 posting on his Twitter until his case is decided. AFP — PARIS/KIGALI Criminal Tribunals (MICT) based which took over the duties of Senegalese prison, where he who was acquitted by the inter- Earlier, scores of lawyers in Arusha, Tanzania. But his the UN’s International Criminal was serving a life sentence for national tribunal told AFP that in their robes protested outside A top French appeals court said lawyers appealed, citing frail Tribunal for Rwanda when it his role in the slaughter, a court Karemera had been “sick for the High Court demanding that yesterday it would rule on health and fears the UN tribunal formally closed in 2015. official said yesterday. several days” and died on the government and the courts September 30 whether in Africa would be biased against Kabuga, once one of Edouard Karemera, the Tuesday morning aged 69. should respect Zimbabwe’s Rwandan genocide suspect him. Rwanda’s richest men, was deputy of Rwanda’s then-ruling He was transferred from constitution. The lawyers, in Felicien Kabuga is to stand trial During a hearing yesterday indicted by the tribunal in 1997 National Revolutionary Arusha, Tanzania, where the their coutroom robes and car- in France or face a UN tribunal at the Cour de Cassation, on seven counts, including gen- Movement for Development, court was based, to Senegal in rying white roses, were silent in Tanzania. France’s supreme court for ocide. He denies all the charges. was jailed by a UN-backed 2017, where he was held in the in their protest. They charged Kabuga, who is 84 criminal cases, Kabuga’s lawyer He is alleged to have fun- special tribunal in 2011 for gen- Sebikotane prison outside that the courts have unfairly according to officals, but claims Louis Bore also argued that his nelled money to militia groups ocide and crimes against Dakar. Karemera was also denied bail to some prisoners to be 87, was arrested in May at client could not be properly as chairman of the national humanity. Rwanda’s interior minister in and have interfered with his home outside Paris after 25 treated medically in Tanzania. defence fund. Kabuga is also “I confirm the death of 1994. He was convicted lawyers working to defend years on the run. He is accused Kabuga has diabetes, high accused of setting up the Intera- Edouard Karemera in Senegal. alongside former ruling party prisoners, such as Chin’ono. of being a leading financier of blood pressure and leukoa- hamwe militia that carried out The cause is as yet unknown,” chief Matthieu Ngirumpatse. Chin’ono had previously the 1994 Rwanda genocide of raiosis, an incurable illness that massacres and the Radio-Tele- said Ousman Njikam, After decades of tensions been denied bail three times some 800,000 people by Hutu erodes physical and cognitive vision Libre des Mille Collines, spokesman for the Mechanism between Rwanda’s Hutu ethnic and his lawyers say prison extremists targeting rival Tutsis abilities, Bore said. which incited people to murder. for International Criminal Tri- majority and the minority Tutsi, authorities forced him to but also moderate Hutus. If France’s highest appeal Meanwhile, the former bunals (MICT), which took over a killing spree erupted in April mingle with other prisoners A French court ruled in June court endorses his transfer, deputy chairman of Rwanda’s from the special tribunal when 1994 after a plane carrying Hutu despite showing symptoms that Kabuga should stand trial at Kabuga would have one month ruling party during the 1994 it formally closed in 2015. President Juvenal Habyarimana “consistent” with COVID-19. the Mechanism for International to appear before the MICT, genocide has died in a A former Rwandan minister was shot down. 08 VIEWS THURSDAY 3 SEPTEMBER 2020

Established in 1996

CHAIRMAN DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI [email protected]

A man visits his wife at a care facility for elderly people with dementia, in a glass house that is made especially against loneliness caused EDITORIAL by the visit ban due to the coronavirus disease outbreak in Wassenaar, Netherlands. Significant milestone Loneliness can be a risk! QATAR Airways continues to reach new milestones ties. On the other hand, people and isolation which need the despite challenges created by COVID-19 pandemic. who fall into the category of public and government The award-winning airline yesterday announced that it loneliness, may seem to have awareness! has restored its network to pre-COVID situation. It is a healthy social contact, but they Not only this, while poor significant milestone for the airline because it comes at do not really have emotional or health may be associated with a time when other airlines are struggling to continue practical support. They feel iso- increased feelings of loneliness, their operations. lated even though they are not there is now considerable evi- By mid-September, the national carrier of Qatar will literally alone. dence on the role of loneliness as operate over 650 weekly flights to more than 85 desti- Moreover tracing different a risk factor for poor mental and nations, providing more flexible travel options to more studies, which explained that physical health. Studies show global destinations than any other airline. DR YOUSUF ALI AL MULLA loneliness can affect people at that loneliness is associated with Qatar Airways is one of the few global airlines to any point, but is more common an increased risk of developing have never stopped flying throughout this crisis. The among two groups: older indi- dementia and chronic diseases. airline’s mix of modern fuel-efficient aircraft helped it We usually hear about lonely viduals aged 75 and above and, I do encourage engagement to develop a sustainable and adapted solution, allowing individuals and effects of lone- perhaps surprisingly, among in some form of therapy, it to continue flying routes with less overall demand as liness, but do we know about it young people aged 15–25. whether group or individual it has a variety of aircraft it can select from to offer the and are there signs of solidarity On other way, when I looked therapy, to address the under- right capacity in each market. with people who feel lonely or to our self or our people, With lying issues leading to loneliness, Qatar Airways continues to set new benchmark in isolated especially nowadays due great new technologies and in addition to cognitive behav- air travel safety. While poor to coronavirus pandemic? extensive use of social media, ioral therapy which might be The airline has further enhanced safety measures. health may Hence, the importance of the we are more connected than helpful. Nevertheless, we need to It introduced additional safety measures onboard on subject and the development in ever before. But as a folk, we are look at how we could approach flights to ensure the continued health and wellbeing of be associated our contemporary generation lonelier. Here ,I looked to one of the issue of loneliness for the passengers and cabin crew, and to limit the spread of with increased was important to shed light on it, the studies that really show the most disadvantaged in the com- coronavirus. The airline’s additional robust measures even in a short form. risk of being lonely or such indi- munity first. And here I put include offering face shields and protective kits to all feelings of The evidence is striking. vidual who isolate himself from emphasis on critical point and passengers, in addition to a new protective gown for loneliness, Feeling lonely can pose a bigger surrounding , has been esti- loudly I say it, as we need to cabin crew. there is now risk for premature death than mated to shorten a person’s life realize it , as that most effective Qatar Airways’ home and hub, Hamad International smoking or obesity, not only that by 15 years, equivalent in impact way to reduce loneliness is to Airport, has implemented stringent cleaning procedures considerable but studies have suggested that to being obese or smoking 15 make people feel connected to and applied social distancing measures throughout its evidence on depression linked to seclusion, in cigarettes per day. It is logical their community. terminals. Passenger touchpoints are sanitized every addition to associated poorer car- that social isolation may impose Of course, not everyone who 10-15 minutes and boarding gates and bus gate the role of diovascular health and, in old age, stress on our minds and bodies lives alone are lonely and not counters are cleaned after each flight. In addition, hand loneliness as a a faster rate of cognitive decline that has a significant impact on everyone live alone can we say sanitizers are provided at immigration and security and dementia is repositioning health with time. that he has developed common screening points. risk factor for loneliness as a public health issue. On other hand, we need to mental disorder! To ensure travellers can plan their travel with peace poor mental Just looking at the real tackle our social problem, oth- At last, we need to increase of mind, the airline has extended its booking policies concept from psychological point erwise we’ll wind up failing to awareness; a more robust public to offer even more choice to its passengers. The airline and physical of view, there are two distinct target the people who are most discussion and local efforts can will not charge any fare differences for travel completed health. types of loneliness, known as in need of help. We do observe have a huge impact on pre- before 31 December 2020, after which fare rules will social isolation and loneliness. and hear that the poor, unem- vention especially nowadays and apply. All tickets booked for travel up to December 31, Social isolation is just as it seems, ployed, displaced and for after COVID-19 pandemic. It is 2020 will be valid for two years from the date of issuance. people in this category lack a instance migrant populations in up to us to make that happen! According to the latest IATA data, Qatar Airways has strong network of support, other part of world, that stand to The writer is a physician, become the largest international carrier between April to including friends, family, or close suffer the most from loneliness medical innovator and writer. June by fulfilling its mission of taking people home. This enabled the airline to accumulate unmatched experience in carrying passengers safely and reliably and uniquely positioned the airline to effectively rebuild its network. Vaccine trials’ lack of diversity threatens their validity The airlines’s achievements demonstrate that Qatar Airways would always provide its passengers with the KAREN BASS pharmaceutical executives color without their consent. the experimental EZ measles very best onboard experience every time they travel THE WASHINGTON POST appear to be scrambling to The four-decade Tuskegee vaccine between 1989 and with it. assure the public that people of experiment misled poor Black 1991 - even though the color will be well represented men in Alabama into vaccine had been linked to Six months into our battle in vaccine trials. Too much is at believing they were being hundreds of deaths in devel- against COVID-19, the disease stake to not get this right. treated for syphilis while oping countries. Parents were has killed more than 180,000 The National Institutes of researchers were merely not told that the vaccine was D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR Americans, and the pandemic Health (NIH) and the com- keeping tabs on them until experimental or that their continues to disproportion- panies working on Stage 3 they died, so their bodies children were intentionally EMAIL: [email protected] ately affect communities of vaccine trials must urgently could be autopsied. Even after being given overdoses. color. Black Americans, recruit Black, Latino, Native the discovery of penicillin, US The only way to overcome EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 Latinos, Asian Pacific Islanders American and Asian Pacific Public Health Service doctors this history is for medical FAX: +974 4455 7758 and Native Americans are Islander participants, using and nurses administered only researchers to meaningfully significantly more likely than strategies endorsed and sup- aspirin and placebos. involve communities of color MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 White Americans to be diag- ported by the communities There are other, less at every stage of the process. nosed with COVID-19, be they are targeting. Pharma- infamous examples of racist Black Americans and Latinos DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 hospitalized over it and die of ceutical companies must not medical experimentation. As are still significantly less likely the disease caused by the be allowed to hide data by many as 1 in 4 Native than non-Hispanic Whites to LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 novel coronavirus. lumping racial and ethnic American women and girls be enrolled in clinical trials. Despite these appalling groups together: Disaggre- were sterilized without their Those running the COVID-19 BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 trends, the most promising gated data on enrollments by consent by the Indian Health vaccine trials must break COVID-19 vaccine trials are age, gender, race and eth- Service in the 1960s and down the social and economic SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 reportedly failing to recruit nicity should regularly be 1970s - going under the knife barriers that can keep people participants of color. This made available to Congress to have their tonsils removed of color from taking part. ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 threatens the trials’ validity, and the public before the and emerging without their The NIH and pharmaceu- email: [email protected] since vaccine candidates can trials begin. And vaccines reproductive organs. tical companies must partner vary in effectiveness across dif- should only be made available Unknown thousands of Black with trusted community PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 ferent racial and ethnic groups. to the public if they have been women and girls suffered organizations; those mes- email: [email protected] It is also potentially cata- proved effective for everyone, involuntary hysterectomies sengers can take the lead on strophic for people of color, in trials that represent the during the 20th century, recruiting and enrolling more ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 who are disproportionately true diversity of our nation. including civil rights icon Black, Latino and Native FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] represented among front-line Americans of color have Fannie Lou Hamer. American trial participants. and essential workers - and reason to be wary of partici- More recently, in my Targeted outreach includes CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 who are suffering the worst pating in medical research. hometown of Los Angeles, providing meaningful funding email: [email protected] health and economic effects of For centuries, medical researchers gave Black and for the community organiza- this pandemic. researchers and practitioners Latino babies as much as 500 tions to hold information ses- SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 Facing criticism, experimented on patients of times the approved dosage of sions and answer questions. FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar

/ThePeninsulaQatar Ten years after the revolution, the dream of a new Tunisia that assures liberty, dignity and equity /Peninsula_Qatar has transformed into disillusion, disappointment and despair, which has pushed a large number of /ThePeninsulaNewspaper Tunisians to take boats of death. +974 6698 6188 Hichem Mechichi, PM-designate of Tunisia THURSDAY 3 SEPTEMBER 2020 ASIA 09 India bans 118 more Chinese apps amid tension AFP — NEW DELHI The government said moving it abroad. The “mining and profiling by India yesterday banned 118 the apps, including elements hostile to national more Chinese apps as the the popular video security and defence of India, backlash intensified against game PUBG, promoted which ultimately impinges upon Beijing over an increasingly the sovereignty and integrity of bitter border showdown activities “prejudicial India, is a matter of very deep between the giant neighbours. to sovereignty and and immediate concern which The government said the requires emergency measures”, apps — including the popular integrity of India, it said. video game PUBG and other defence of India, India has increasingly used services provided by Chinese economic weapons against its Internet giant Tencent — pro- security of state and neighbour in the dispute. moted activities “prejudicial to public order”. The IT On top of banning the apps, sovereignty and integrity of ministry accused the India has frozen Chinese com- India, defence of India, security panies out of contracts of state and public order”. apps of stealing user including for its 5G mobile India and China, which data and moving it phone infrastructure and fought a border war in 1962, blocked Chinese goods at ports have been embroiled in a series abroad. and customs posts. of deadly clashes and show- India has warned that rela- downs on their disputed Hima- 47 were added in July. tions risk permanent damage layan frontier in recent weeks. The PUBG mobile app has unless China pulls its troops In June, 20 Indian soldiers millions of young users in India. back to positions they held were killed in hand-to-hand The company said it had been before May. combat in the Ladakh region. made aware of the government Tensions at the border are An Indian Central Reserve Police Force personnel standing guard at a checkpoint along a highway An Indian special forces action but had no comment. now at some of the highest leading to Ladakh, at Gagangeer in Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, yesterday. member was killed in one of PUBG was developed by a levels since the 1962 war. two incidents at the weekend. South Korean company, but the Both sides have sent tens of China has also suffered cas- mobile version that has taken off thousands of troops to the easing tensions has been China reacted with anger “It has tried to unilaterally ualties in the high-altitude around the world was developed region with India dispatching reported. again yesterday. “Since the start change the status quo by force, battle at more than 4,200 by Tencent. Other apps targeted more since the weekend, India accused Chinese of this year, India has repeatedly undermined the peace and sta- metres but has not given figures. by India include games, online according to sources in Ladakh. forces of seeking to take more violated bilateral agreements bility of the border area, and India had already banned payment services, dating sites Indian and Chinese military territory at the weekend, but its and important consensus” on caused tension in the border 59 Chinese apps — including the and even software to edit selfies. officers held a third day of troops, including special forces, the frontier, foreign ministry area. The responsibility is video-sharing platform TikTok The IT ministry accused the emergency talks at the border seized a number of hills that spokesperson Hua Chunying undoubtedly solely on the — after the June battle. Another apps of stealing user data and yesterday but no progress in dominate a strategic valley. said in Beijing. Indian side.” Singapore PM touts city-state as ‘safe harbour’ New Zealand enduring AFP — SINGAPORE controversial security law, has safe harbour, where the politics countries that stand out.” prompted speculation firms is stable, there is rule of law, the He also insisted Singapore wave of cyberattacks, Singapore’s leader yesterday may shift to Singapore. people are hardworking and was still welcoming of expa- touted the city-state as a “safe Singapore’s Prime Minister united”, he added. triates, even as officials harbour” from political insta- Lee Hsien Loong has, however, Singapore is, however, bat- tightened policies on hiring says Justice Minister bility elsewhere, and said it said previously he is not trying tling the economic devastation foreigners. remained an attractive desti- to woo businesses from Hong unleashed worldwide by the Some 40 percent of Singa- AP — WELLINGTON found vulnerabilities in the nation for companies even Kong. coronavirus, with its economy pore’s 5.7 million inhabitants stock market’s operations. during the coronavirus-induced Addressing parliament on shrinking 42.9 percent in the are from overseas but concerns New Zealand’s Justice Minister “That motivated them to global economic downturn. Wednesday, Lee said that “all second quarter. about the number of foreigners, says the nation is confronting continue the attack, and they The affluent financial hub over Asia and in the world, soci- But despite the poor eco- particularly in white-collar jobs, cyberattacks on an unprece- picked on other organisations has long been a popular desti- eties are under stress, and pol- nomic climate, Lee claimed has increased during the dented scale, targeting every- as well,” he said. nation for international busi- itics is in flux”. many investment projects were pandemic. thing from the stock market to One of those was the bank nesses to base their Asian head- “In places where investors interested in coming to But Lee said: “Even as we the weather service. TSB, which was hit Tuesday. quarters, and is home to a large already have regional head- Singapore. adjust our work pass policies, Andrew Little said in an Chief Executive Donna Cooper foreign population. quarters and projects, they are While Singapore takes “no we must be careful not to give interview yesterday that said the attack disrupted some Political instability in rival rethinking the merits of their joy” in other countries’ the wrong impression that we tracking down the perpetrators of its services but it had a plan financial hub Hong Kong, locations, and looking for problems, he added, “it is a fact are now closing up, and no of the attacks in recent weeks in place and the bank remained including massive protests and alternatives.” that in a troubled world, Sin- longer welcoming would be extremely difficult, sound. China’s imposition of a “Companies are seeking a gapore is one of the few trusted foreigners.” as the distributed denial of Another bank, Westpac, service attacks are being routed said it successfully repelled an through thousands of attack two weeks ago and Maldives tightens computers. hadn’t been hit again since. One line of investigation is News organizations Stuff and tourist entry rules the emails sent to people in RNZ reported they had repelled some of the targeted organisa- attacks over the weekend. as virus cases rise tions demanding a ransom in The weather organization exchange for stopping the MetService was also hit this AFP — MALÉ attacks, Little said. The official week, switching its website to advice is to never, ever pay a a stripped down version in The Maldives has tightened ransom. order to stay online. entry requirements for tourists Little said he’s been told NZX said that, despite more after a spike in coronavirus that the sheer volume of data attacks on its website, so far infections at more than a used by the attackers is unprec- this week it has been able to dozen resorts, the foreign edented. New Zealand’s foreign trade uninterrupted. ministry said yesterday. spy agency, the Government “NZX has been advised by The Indian Ocean archi- Communications Security independent cyber specialists pelago re-opened its luxury Bureau, is helping with the that the attacks last week are resort islets in mid-July after investigation and working to among the largest, most well- a months-long lockdown, and protect companies targeted in resourced and sophisticated did not require visitors to be what it says appears to be part they have ever seen in New tested or carry virus-free cer- of a global campaign. Zealand,” chief executive Mark tificates when entering the The attacks stopped share Peterson said in a statement. country. trading for up to several hours Little said the attacks were Since then, 29 local staff at a time over four days last a wake-up call to all organiza- and 16 foreigners have tested week. Private company NZX, tions with customer-facing positive at the resorts, officials which hosts the market, said it websites. Only a few organiza- said, where they were also halted trading to maintain tions seem to have been tar- being isolated. market integrity because the geted at any one time and most Under the new guidelines, Myanmar in election mode attacks prevented it from pub- have been able to repel the all tourists will be required to lishing market attacks, giving him confidence present a negative COVID-19 A worker looks at T-shirts printed with Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD) party announcements. the country can move past test result on arrival. logo at a print house in Yangon, yesterday. Myanmar will hold its general election on November 8. Little said the attackers had them. Tourism is the major eco- nomic driver for the Maldives, a tropical island paradise popular with honeymooners Australian state reports Facebook India staff questioned and celebrities. Authorities had hoped jump in virus cases tourists would flock back to over hate speech, alleged bias the archipelago of 1,190 tiny coral islets after international REUTERS — SYDNEY authorities scheduled to detail flights restarted. on Sunday a timetable for AP — NEW DELHI As usage has spread across allegations against its opera- But only 5,200 tourists Australia’s most-populous state easing curbs. India, Facebook and WhatsApp tions in India after a Wall Street visited the country in the reported the biggest daily jump Though strict restrictions Facebook India executives were have become fierce battle- Journal report said Facebook month since July 15 — a in coronavirus infections in two have helped to contain the grilled yesterday by members grounds for India’s political India’s head of public policy, fraction of the pre-pandemic weeks yesterday but said there spread of the virus, they have of a parliamentary committee parties. Leaders of Modi’s Hindu Anhki Das, “opposed applying 141,000 monthly average. were no plans to cancel the wreaked havoc on the on information technology over nationalist party have come hate-speech rules” on members Meanwhile, the Maldives New Year fireworks show over economy with official data yes- the company’s alleged political under scrutiny for running of Modi’s party even after the recorded more than 1,000 new Sydney Harbour, as new cases terday showing Australia had bias and role in spreading hate online campaigns laced with issue was flagged internally. infections in just the past week nationally also ticked up. entered its first recession in speech in India. false claims and attacks on the In the second letter, the to take the total number of New South Wales (NSW) three decades. The closed-door hearing fol- minority Muslim population. party said it was considering cases to 8,003. state reported 17 new cases, the Australia has detected lowed accusations in newspaper Modi’s party and its leaders “legislative and judicial action” Most of the infections since biggest one-day jump since nearly 26,000 infections since reports that Facebook was have repeatedly denied the to make sure “a foreign the start of the pandemic have August 12, while nationally the the pandemic began. The allowing anti-Muslim hate speech allegations and instead accuse company cannot continue to been among poor migrant count rose to 109 cases from national death tally rose to 663 on the platform and that its top Facebook of censoring pro- cause social disharmony.” labourers and locals in the 85 a day earlier. after Victoria reported six policy official in India had shown India content. Two Facebook spokeswomen densely populated capital Victoria state remained the deaths in the last 24 hours. favouritism toward Prime Min- On Tuesday, Technology did not immediately comment. Male. hardest-hit region with 90 NSW Premier Gladys Bere- ister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad On August 21, the company The government had cases, although this was well jiklian said the state was Janata Party. The social media wrote to Facebook CEO Mark denied any bias toward Modi’s imposed a night curfew in down from its daily peak of pushing ahead with plans to giant has denied the allegations. Zuckerberg and said the party and said it was “open, trans- Male and neighbouring more than 700 in early August host large events such as the The outcome of the hearing platform was censoring content parent and non-partisan.” inhabited islands from early at the height of a second wave New Years Eve fireworks over was unclear. posted by right-wing users. The company said recently August to contain the sharp of infections. Sydney Harbour. India is Facebook’s largest In August, the main oppo- that it enforces content mod- rise in cases there. Victoria’s capital Mel- “We should be hosting market with nearly 328 million sition Congress party wrote two eration policies globally Some 29 people have so far bourne, Australia’s second- events we’ve hosted before but users. Facebook also owns letters to Zuckerberg asking “without regard to anyone’s died from COVID-19 in the largest city, is in its fifth week it will be different,” Berejiklian WhatsApp, which has more him to specify steps being taken political position or party nation of 340,000 people. of a six-week lockdown with told reporters. than 400 million users in India. by his company to investigate affiliation.” 10 ASIA THURSDAY 3 SEPTEMBER 2020

Khmer Rouge Beijing rejects US executioner dead report on Chinese REUTERS — PHNOM PENH The Khmer Rouge commander known as ‘Comrade Duch’, Pol Pot’s premier executioner and military ambition security chief who oversaw the mass murder of at least 14,000 AFP — BEIJING Beijing said that Cambodians at the notorious the report was the Tuol Sleng prison, died China yesterday condemned a yesterday. He was 77. Pentagon report for claiming latest example of US Kaing Guek Eav or Beijing wants to double its scaremongering to ‘Comrade Duch’ was the first stockpile of nuclear warheads member of the Khmer Rouge within a decade as it seeks to justify its own military leadership to face trial for his deter the United States from spending — the role within a regime blamed any intervention linked to highest in the world. for at least 1.7 million deaths Taiwan. in the “killing fields” of Cam- The Pentagon’s annual bodia from 1975 to 1979. study on China’s military power Duch died at 00:52am at issued on Tuesday said it has China is a builder of world the Khmer Soviet Friendship already matched or outstripped peace,” foreign ministry Hospital in Phnom Penh, the US military in several areas spokeswoman Hua Chunying Khmer Rouge tribunal of defence. told reporters yesterday. Busan braces for typhoon spokesman Neth Pheaktra It added that the People’s The Pentagon report said said. District council members fill sand bags as part of preparations ahead of the arrival of typhoon Maysak, Liberation Army aims to be China is determined to project He gave no details of the at Gwangalli beach in Busan, yesterday. Flights were grounded in South Korea and storm warnings ready to win any conflict with its power eastward into the cause, but Duch had been ill the US over self-ruled Taiwan, Pacific beyond Taiwan and to issued as a typhoon, forecast to be one of the most powerful in years, made its approach. in recent years. which Beijing considers part of squeeze the United States out its territory. of the region. China’s defence ministry China has in turn blamed called the report “utterly Washington, which has military Afghanistan frees more Taliban prisoners wrong” and a misinterpretation bases across the Pacific, for of Beijing’s “defence policy and rising tensions in Asia. REUTERS — KABUL process forward,” Sediq possible,” said a senior gov- for the start of talks between the military strategy”. Tensions between the two Sediqqi, a spokesman for Pres- ernment official, who sought Taliban and the government, The report “defamed superpowers have simmered Afghanistan has freed nearly ident Ashraf Ghani, said in a anonymity because the issue is which also wants the militants China’s military modernisation, over the South China Sea in 200 Taliban prisoners to spur statement. sensitive. to free 24 members of the defence expenditure, nuclear recent weeks, where China long-delayed peace talks, as a He did not give the exact A government-mandated Afghan special forces and pilots. policy and other issues”, the asserts territorial claims dis- team of negotiators readies to number, however. Two officials negotiation team is likely to fly The government was ministry said in a statement. puted by neighbours including fly this week to Qatar’s capital, said the releases from the main on Thursday (today) to Doha, reluctant to release the last 400 The two superpowers are Vietnam, the Philippines, Afghan officials said yesterday. jail in the capital Kabul took the initial venue for negotia- prisoners, whom it blamed for locked in a broad power Malaysia, and Taiwan. The prisoners formed part of place on Monday and Tuesday, tions, said Fraidoon Kwazoon, involvement in some of the struggle sweeping in trade, The Pentagon said last a group of 400 jailed “hardcore” at the same time that the Taliban the spokesman for Abdullah worst violence. technology, defence and month that Chinese drills separatists whose stalled release freed six Afghan special forces. Abdullah, the head of the High Yesterday’s release came political influence. involving ballistic missile had appeared set to delay talks About 120 prisoners remain Council for National amid a surge in Taliban violence Beijing said the report was launches in the sea threatened between the government and the to be freed in line with Taliban Reconciliation. and clashes with Afghan troops. the latest example of US scare- regional security. insurgent group to end nearly demands, including six whose The 400 prisoners were the In eastern Paktia province, a mongering to justify its own Beijing, meanwhile, has two decades of war. release some Western govern- last of 5,000 whose release was Taliban car bomb killed three military spending — the highest blasted the “tyrannical” black- “The Afghan government ments, including Australia, have agreed in a February pact Afghan security forces, a in the world. listing by Washington of two has released another batch of objected to. between the United States and regional official said, while “China has always pursued dozen state-owned Chinese the remaining Taliban prisoners “We want to finish the the Taliban allowing for the elsewhere, the defence ministry a defensive national defence companies involved in building and the work is still underway prisoner swap so we could start withdrawal of US troops. said, 24 Taliban were killed in policy and everyone knows that China’s regional bases. to move the prisoner exchange the peace process as soon as The release was a condition the last 24 hours. Flash floods in Philippines orders release of US Marine convicted of slaying woman Pakistan leave AP — MANILA jail term, mostly in a compound the death of Philippine Corrections jail personnel were on leave after the exer- 24 people dead jointly guarded by Philippine sovereignty.” release Pemberton once it cises and met Laude and her A Philippine court has ordered and American security per- “The light penalty imposed receives the court order. friends at a club in Olongapo, a ANATOLIA — KARACHI the early release for good sonnel at the main military on Pemberton proves that In December 2015, a judge city known for its nightlife conduct of a US Marine camp in metropolitan Manila. despite the president’s inde- convicted Pemberton of hom- outside Subic Bay, a former US At least 24 people were killed, convicted in the 2014 killing of The place of detention was pendent foreign policy, Amer- icide, not the more serious Navy base. while more than 30 others a transgender Filipino which agreed to under the terms of the icans continue to have the charge of murder as prose- Laude was later found dead, injured in flash floods and sparked anger in the former treaty allies’ Visiting Forces status of conquering colonials cutors sought. her head slumped in a toilet landslides in northern and American colony. Agreement, although Laude’s in our country,” Roque said. The Olongapo court judge bowl in a hotel room, where northwest Pakistan over the The Regional Trial Court family had demanded that Pemberton’s lawyer, said at the time that she down- witnesses said she and Pem- last 24 hours, officials and Branch 74’s order on Tuesday Pemberton be held in an Rowena Garcia Flores, said his graded the charge because berton had checked in. local media reported for the release of Lance Cpl. ordinary jail. detention was shortened by factors such as cruelty and The killing reignited calls yesterday. Joseph Scott Pemberton drew “I deplore the short period authorities under a Philippine treachery had not been proven. from left-wing groups and Massive rains and flash protests from the family and of imprisonment meted on law that also applies to Fili- Pemberton, an anti-tank nationalists for an end to Amer- floods hit several districts of lawyers of Jennifer Laude, who Pemberton, who killed a Fil- pinos. If all of Pemberton’s missile operator from New ica’s military presence in the northwestern Khyber was found dead in a hotel room ipino under the most gruesome good-conduct merits in jail Bedford, Massachusetts, was Philippines at a time when the Pakhtunkhwa province that in Olongapo City, northwest of manner,” said presidential were applied, “he’s already one of thousands of American US was reasserting its role in borders neighbouring Afghan- Manila, after they met at a club spokesman Harry Roque, who overstaying,” she said by phone. and Philippine military per- Asia, and Manila had turned to istan, killing at least 20 people in October 2014. once served as the Laude fam- Military spokesman Maj sonnel who participated in joint Washington for support amid and injuring 31, local broad- Pemberton has been held ily’s lawyer. Gen Edgard Arevalo said the exercises in the country in 2014. an escalating territorial dispute caster Geo New reported. six years of a maximum 10-year “Laude’s death personifies military will help Bureau of He and a group of other Marines with China. However, Taimur Ali, a spokesman of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority, put the death toll at Taiwan redesigns passport 16, admitting that unconfirmed reports of more casualties to end China confusion were coming from different districts of the province. AP — TAIPEI Taiwan has since shrugged The death toll, he added, off political connections with might shoot up once the Taiwan plans to issue new China as part of its transition reports are confirmed. passports emphasising its inde- to full democracy. However, it Landslides caused by pendent identity and down- has retained Republic of China heavy rains, and flash floods grading connections with as its official name, along with have also disconnected several China. the constitution, flag and state parts of these districts from The foreign ministry yes- institutions brought from rest of the country. terday released images of the China. new document that features Despite the political divide, “Taiwan” in large capital letters China continues to claim Philippines sees on its cover and minimises the Taiwan as its own territory and English wording “Republic of has required foreign countries fewer new virus China,” the island’s official and multinational companies name according to its to refer to the island as a part infections constitution. of China. Taiwan was handed over Asked about the passport BLOOMBERG — MANILA from Japanese to Chinese rule change at a daily briefing, in 1945. Four years later, Chiang Chinese foreign ministry The Philippines reported 2,218 Kai-shek relocated the spokesperson Hua Chunying new COVID-19 cases Republic of China and its insti- said “the fact that Taiwan is an Students have their temperatures checked and receive hand sanitiser to disinfect their hands as yesterday, the fewest in more tutions to the island as Mao inalienable part of China will they arrive at the Makkasan Phitthaya government secondary school in Bangkok, on July 1, 2020, as than a month, after briefly Zedong’s Communist Party never change” regardless of schools reopened after being temporarily closed due to the threat of the COVID-19. reimposing a stricter lockdown swept to power on the what “tricks” are played by the over the capital region and its mainland in the Chinese Civil governing pro-independence surrounding areas in early Thailand hits 100 days with no local virus transmissions War. Democratic Progressive Party. August. The recent decline has AP — BANGKOK used the occasion to urge the are banned from entry. helped increase the time it government and people to work Thai health authorities takes for cases to double, from Thailand’s prime minister together to bring the country reported eight new virus cases 6 days in June to 10 days in yesterday congratulated the out of the COVID-19 crisis. yesterday, all in people arriving August, indicating slowing nation for having achieved 100 “If we don’t help each other, from abroad, bringing the virus transmission, said Health days without a confirmed none of us can move forward country’s total to 3,425, Undersecretary Maria Rosario locally transmitted case of the and the country can’t move including 58 deaths. Vergeire. coronavirus (COVID-19), even forward, and the people will The country’s last locally Still, despite implementing as security along the border suffer more than they already transmitted case was confirmed one of the region’s earliest and with Myanmar is being stepped have,” he said. on May 24 and announced on longest quarantines, the Phil- up as a measure against the Thailand has sustained rel- May 25. ippines is battling Southeast disease. atively light health damage According to the Asia’s largest outbreak with Health officials did not from the pandemic, even Department of Disease Control, more than 226,000 infections, highlight the achievement, but though in January it was the it involved a 56-year-old Thai hampering the government’s Prime Minister Prayuth Chan- first country outside China to woman who had end-stage efforts to lift the economy from ocha described it as a “good confirm a case. But its economy kidney disease, diabetes and its deepest slump in more than accomplishment” toward has been devastated by the hypertension as underlying Members of the media taking photos of a paper cut out of the three decades. making the country safe. He absence of foreign tourists, who conditions. new Taiwan passport displayed in Taipei, yesterday THURSDAY 3 SEPTEMBER 2020 EUROPE 11 Navalny was poisoned with Novichok nerve agent: Germany AP — BERLIN Navalny’s allies in Russia Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, he War. Western weapons experts say it added. was only ever manufactured in Russia. Russian opposition leader Alexei have insisted he was "Russia itself should have a serious After the Skripals were poisoned, Navalny was poisoned with the same deliberately poisoned by interest in good relations with its Russia said the US, Britain and other type of Soviet-era nerve agent that neighbours in Europe," said Maas, the Western countries acquired the British authorities identified in a 2018 the country’s authorities, foreign minister. "Now at the very expertise to make the nerve agent after attack on a former Russian spy, the accusations that the latest, it is the time to make a decisive the Soviet Union collapsed, and that German government said yesterday, contribution toward this.” the Novichok used in the attack could citing new test results. Kremlin rejected as “empty In Charite’s latest update, the hos- have come from them. Chancellor Angela Merkel’s noise”. pital said Navalny was still in an According to the Organization for spokesman, Steffen Seibert, said that induced coma but in stable condition. the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, testing by a special German military Navalny’s allies in Russia have insisted there is no record of Novichok having laboratory at the request of the Berlin to Berlin’s Charité hospital, where he was deliberately poisoned by the been declared by any nation that A file photo of Russian opposition leader hospital where Navalny remains in a doctors last week said initial tests indi- country’s authorities, accusations that signed the chemical weapons Alexei Navalny. coma showed "proof without doubt of cated Navalny had been poisoned. the Kremlin rejected as "empty noise.” convention. a chemical nerve agent from the Nov- British authorities identified Nov- "To poison Navalny with Novichok "Unless you are working for the ichok group.” ichok as the poison used in 2018 on Mass said. "That makes it even more in 2020 would be exactly the same as military, it is impossible to be acciden- "It is a dismaying event that Alexei former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and urgent to determine who was respon- leaving an autograph at a crime scene, tally exposed," Richard Parsons, a Navalny was the victim of an attack his daughter in England. The nerve sible in Russia and to hold them to like this one,” Navalny’s longtime ally senior lecturer in biochemical toxi- with a chemical nerve agent in Russia,” agent is a cholinesterase inhibitor, part account.” and strategist Leonid Volkov said in a cology at King's College London, said. Seibert said in a statement. "The of the class of substances that doctors The Kremlin remained tight-lipped tweet that featured a photo of Putin's "It is only dangerous when it is about German government condemns this at Charite said last week had shown and said it hadn’t been informed, even name and a signature next to it. to be used, i.e. mixed together. It is una- attack in the strongest terms.” up in Navalny's system. though its ambassador in Berlin had The Russian doctors who treated vailable from anywhere except the Navalny, a politician and cor- German Foreign Minister Heiko been summoned. Navalny in Siberia repeatedly con- Russian military as far as I am aware.” ruption investigator who is one of Maas said the Russian ambassador was Seibert said the German gov- tested the German hospital’s poisoning Britain charged two Russians — Russian President Vladimir Putin’s summoned to his ministry yesterday ernment would inform its partners in conclusion, saying they had ruled out alleged to be agents of the Russian fiercest critics, fell ill on a flight back and told in "unmistakable" terms of the European Union and NATO about poisoning as a diagnosis and that their military intelligence service GRU — to Moscow from Siberia on August 20 Germany's call for the Navalny case to the test results. He said it wants to tests for cholinesterase inhibitors came in absentia with the 2018 attack that and was taken to a hospital in the be investigated "in full and with full consult with them in light of the back negative. left the Skripals in critical condition Siberian city of Omsk after the plane transparency.” Russian response "on an appropriate Novichok is a class of military- and killed a local woman. Russia has made an emergency landing. "We now know that there was an joint response.” Germany also will grade nerve agents developed by the refused to extradite the men to the He was transferred two days later attack with a chemical nerve agent," contact the Organization for the Soviet Union at the end of the Cold UK. Belarus to hit Baltics Spain court orders Franco family to with sanctions; Russia return mansion steps up support AFP — MADRID A Spanish court yesterday REUTERS — MOSCOW vote-rigging and in a ordered Francisco Franco’s crackdown against protesters. family to hand over the keys Belarus will impose travel bans Makei declined to say who to a mansion it says was ille- on senior officials in Latvia, was on the sanctions list, but gally bought by the late Lithuania and Estonia in retal- said it targeted individuals who dictator decades ago. iation for measures targeting its had tried to interfere in his The Pazo de Meiras estate own officials, the foreign country’s internal affairs, made in the northwestern Galicia minister said yesterday, as what he called unacceptable region, which was used by Russia stepped up support for political statements, and spoken Franco as a summer residence, the Belarusian government. of funding the opposition. currently belongs to six of his More than three weeks after “For us this is absolutely grandchildren. a political crisis erupted in unacceptable,” he said, warning But a court in the Galician Belarus over allegations of vote Minsk would impose sanctions city of Coruna ordered them rigging in a presidential election on any other countries who put to turn it over to state own- which incumbent Alexander sanctions on Belarus. ership, upholding a Spanish Lukashenko said he had won, The European Union has government complaint filed Minsk and close ally Moscow been working on a list of indi- last year claiming the 1941 sale Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his Belarusian counterpart Vladimir Makei hold a joint are pushing back hard against viduals to target with sanctions of the property was press conference following their talks in Moscow, yesterday. Lukashenko’s domestic and but is expected to exclude “fraudulent”. foreign critics. Lukashenko. The family has always In Moscow for talks with his Standing alongside Makei, by outside forces, alleging that Complaining about what he Russian and Belarusian armies claimed the historic mansion, Russian counterpart, Belarusian Russian Foreign Minister Sergei 200 trained Ukrainian described as an initial anti- discussed preparations for a which was built between 1893 Foreign Minister Vladimir Lavrov offered Lukashenko extremists were inside Belarus Russian statement from the joint military drill in Belarus this and 1907, was private Makei said his country had strong support and said Prime trying to destabilise it, an accu- council, he accused it of year ahead of a visit by the property. agreed to impose retaliatory Minister Mikhail Mishustin sation Kyiv said was fictitious. breaking the law by calling on Belarusian defence minister to The estate was acquired by sanctions on a list of individuals would visit Belarus for talks Lavrov also accused NATO law enforcement forces to Moscow tomorrow (Friday). a Francoist organisation in Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. today (Thursday). and the European Union of switch sides. Lukashenko has also during the civil war (1936- The move was pay back, he Moscow would respond making “destructive” state- The council’s leaders have thanked Russian state-backed 1939) and later signed over to said, after the three Baltic coun- “firmly and with dignity” to any ments about Belarus. He said said repeatedly that they are television channel RT for the victorious dictator. tries on Monday said they were attempts to destabilise Belarus Moscow saw no point in only interested in trying to bring sending journalists to help prop But the court took issue imposing travel bans on or loosen its strong ties to engaging with the Belarusian about a peaceful transition of up Belarusian state media after with the donation in 1938 and Lukashenko and 29 other Bela- Russia, he said. opposition council that has power. some staff members went on subsequent sale in 1941, ruling rusian officials to punish them Lavrov condemned what he emerged amid nationwide anti- In another sign of Russian strike in protest against his it “null and “void”, since it was for their role in the alleged said was meddling in Belarus government protests. support, the chiefs of staff of the rule. transferred to “the head of state and not to Francisco Franco personally”. Trial opens over Virus curbs extended in parts of northern England It also found that the sale was little more than a “pre- Charlie Hebdo AFP — GLASGOW tence” given that “Franco did “We continually monitor government in Scotland said cases of COVID-19. not pay anything” for it. terror attacks The British government outbreaks across the country, people living in Glasgow and Since then more than As a result, it ordered extended coronavirus restric- and have seen infection rates two surrounding areas should 41,500 people confirmed to Franco’s family “to immedi- AFP — PARIS tions in parts of northern increase more than three times not visit other people’s houses, have the virus have died, the ately hand over the property England yesterday following a in Bolton in under a week, and after 66 new cases were worst death toll in Europe. without being compensated Fourteen suspected accom- surge in infection rates, while double in Trafford since the recorded in the area on The lockdown has since for the expenses they claim to plices of the gunmen who fresh measures were also last review,” Health Secretary Tuesday. been largely lifted but localised have incurred for its attacked the satirical weekly imposed on Glasgow. Matt Hancock said. The newly imposed restrictions have been intro- maintenance”. Charlie Hebdo and a Jewish A ban on people meeting “We have always been measures will last two weeks. duced to deal with flare-ups. “On accepting that the supermarket appeared in a others from outside their clear we will take swift and “I know how difficult this Scotland also announced country estate belongs to the Paris court yesterday, five households in homes and decisive action where needed will be — I am a Glasgow res- that anyone arriving from state, the judge also declared years after the three days of private gardens had been due to contain outbreaks.” Restric- ident so these rules apply to me Greece from this morning null and void the transfer of terror that rocked France. to be lifted in Bolton and tions were lifted as planned in too. But they are essential to, I (Thursday) would have to self- the property to Franco’s heirs” The killings, which began Trafford, towns in Greater other areas of north and hope, nip this in bud and avoid isolate for two weeks, after a following his death in 1975, a on January 7, 2015, sparked a Manchester, along with other northwest England tougher restrictions,” First “significant rise” in imported court statement said. series of attacks on French soil, areas in the region. Wednesday, including Burnley, Minister Nicola Sturgeon cases. The family now has 20 including “lone wolf” attacks But local politicians called Hyndburn, Stockport and parts tweeted. Greece is currently on a days to appeal. by people said to be inspired for the restrictions to be kept of Calderdale, Kirklees and Nationwide restrictions safe list for travellers entering Franco ruled Spain with an by the Islamic State group that in place following the increase Bradford. were imposed in Britain in late England, but the policy is iron fist from 1939 until his have since claimed more than in cases of COVID-19. Elsewhere, the devolved March following a surge in reviewed every week. death in 1975. 250 lives. Hearings began under heavy security as eleven of the suspects faced the court on Anti-government protesters, charges of conspiracy in a ter- rorist act or association with police clash in Bulgaria a terror group. Three others, including the AFP — SOFIA new constitution, but the pro- wife of one of the gunmen, are testers have dismissed these being tried in absentia because Bulgarian police and protesters moves. they fled to IS-held territory clashed yesterday as parliament Thousands of demonstrators in days before the met to begin discussion on a new took to the streets of central attacks. Survivors and family constitution aimed at appeasing Sofia yesterday, shouting members of victims attended weeks of anti-government “Resign” and “Mafia”, and the trial’s opening, seated rallies. throwing rocks, eggs and opposite the bench of the Demonstrators have been tomatoes. Police used pepper accused, visibly emotional and blocking roads and staging daily spray and tear gas and said they wearing face masks. rallies in the capital Sofia and arrested eight protesters, while Some 150 experts and wit- other cities for almost two 20 officers were injured in nesses will be heard over the months. clashes outside parliament. next two and a half months in They are pressing for the Sixteen people, including the trial. The three assailants resignation of Prime Minister protesters, were admitted to were killed by police. Given Boyko Borisov and chief prose- hospital, according to emer- its historical importance, the cutor Ivan Geshev over their gency services. trial at the Paris courthouse perceived links with behind- The clashes came as par- will be filmed for France’s the-scenes oligarchs. liament began its autumn official archives, a first for a Borisov has already sacked session, which is expected to terror trial. It is scheduled to Protesters shout slogans during an anti-government demonstration in Sofia, yesterday. several key ministers and discuss the government’s pro- run until November 10. recently proposed adopting a posal for a new constitution. 12 AMERICAS THURSDAY 3 SEPTEMBER 2020 Trump brands Kenosha protests as ‘domestic terror’ Trump to host summit between AFP — KENOSHA, UNITED STATES Biden has accused Trump of deliberately bitter enemies President Donald Trump on Tuesday took his tough law- fomenting violence for Kosovo and Serbia and-order message to Kenosha, political gain. the latest US city roiled by the AFP — WASHINGTON police shooting of a black man, as he branded recent anti- Trump supporter, as The United States hopes to racism protests acts of emblematic of right-wing foster a breakthrough in talks “domestic terror” by violent militias that are increasingly between Balkan war foes mobs. brazen about brandishing Kosovo and Serbia as leaders Trump has been hoping for weaponry in political settings. of the two countries meet at months to shift the election Trump, however, came with the White House today and battle against Democrat Joe a different priority: countering tomorrow. Biden from a referendum on his what he has repeatedly More than two decades widely panned coronavirus described as the “anarchy” in after their bloody ethnic con- pandemic response, to what he Democratic-led cities. flict, Serbia refuses to rec- sees as far more comfortable Trump has refused to ognize the independence that territory of law and order. condemn the growing presence its former province Kosovo And in the Wisconsin city of of armed vigilantes on the declared in 2008. Kenosha, in upheaval since a streets, calling the alleged US officials hope that white police officer shot killings by Rittenhouse “an bringing Kosovo Prime Min- 29-year-old African American interesting situation.” “We have ister Avdullah Hoti and Jacob Blake in front of his three to condemn the dangerous anti- Serbian President Aleksandar young sons, the Republican police rhetoric,” he said at a Vucic together for discussions found his mark. command center set up in a on economic cooperation “These are not acts of Kenosha high school. could help set them on the peaceful protest but really Wisconsin’s governor and road for improved relations. US President Donald Trump touring an area affected by civil unrest in Kenosha, Wisconsin, on Tuesday. domestic terror,” Trump said Kenosha’s mayor, both Demo- “We’re kind of stuck on after touring damaged areas of crats, had urged Trump not to political discussions and we the city, describing multiple town,” read the sign of one sup- that his administration was Trump era, Kenosha has seen visit but he ignored their pleas keep pounding the same issues nights of angry demonstrations porter along the road. “Not my committing at least $47m to Black Lives Matter protests, -- and Biden has accused him over and over without much last week that left two people President,” read another. Wisconsin law enforcement, riots, and the arrival of armed, of deliberately fomenting vio- progress,” said an advisor to dead. Under heavy security that small businesses and public white vigilantes, culminating in lence for political gain. President Donald Trump on Crowds lined the barricaded blocked off the road, Trump safety programs. an incident in which a 17-year- “Trump failed once again to the issue. streets where the President’s visited a burnt-out store where “We’ll get Kenosha back in old militia enthusiast, Kyle Rit- meet the moment, refusing to “We do believe that a con- motorcade passed, with Trump he told the owners “we’ll help shape,” he said. tenhouse, allegedly shot dead utter the words that Wiscon- centration on the economic supporters on one side and you rebuild.” “These gentlemen Trump had suggested in two people and badly injured sinites and Americans across development side would Black Lives Matter protestors did a fantastic job,” he said, in Washington that a meeting with another. the country needed to hear produce progress,” the advisor on the other, yelling at one reference to law enforcement the Blake family was possible Democrats and police- today from the president: a con- told reporters, on grounds of another from a distance and in units that quelled the violent during his high-profile trip, but reform advocates view Kenosha demnation of violence of all anonymity. sometimes tense face-to-face protests. it did not materialize. as a symbol of institutional kinds, no matter who commits But coming two months encounters. “This is a great area, a great A microcosm of the racial racism. it,” the Biden campaign said in before the US presidential “Thank you for saving our state,” Trump said, adding later and ideological tensions of the They see Rittenhouse, a a statement after the visit. election and without a major agreement promised, the summit has the feel, some Brazil’s anti-graft think, of a show to display US sanctions ICC prosecutor over war crimes probe Trump as a master of prosecutor quits diplomacy. AFP — WASHINGTON to target Americans, sadly,” he before US elections, in which Dutch shores a possibility. Although Brussels has led AFP — BRASÍLIA said. Trump is running in part on his But the investigation into negotiations between the two US Secretary of State Mike He added that visa restric- record of standing up to inter- alleged wartime atrocities in sides for nearly a decade, the The prosecutor leading Brazil’s Pompeo yesterday announced tions and broader sanctions national institutions which Afghanistan possibly involving US recently sought a role biggest-ever corruption probe, sanctions on the prosecutor of could be applied to those don’t bow to US demands. US military and civilian officials under Richard Grenell, a “Operation Car Wash,” said on the International Criminal helping Bensouda and But Washington’s move also has turned Washington’s low- special envoy appointed by Tuesday he was stepping Court, Fatou Bensouda, Mochochoko. added to the broader pressure level opposition into a con- Trump. down for family reasons, after objecting to an investigation of The move came after Pres- on the ICC to shore up its legit- certed campaign against the While Grenell has been six years putting some of the US soldiers for alleged war ident Donald Trump authorized imacy, 18 years after it was institution. The United States accused of complicating the biggest names in politics and crimes in Afghanistan. sanctions on the Hague-based founded to prosecute war argues that it has its own pro- EU-led process to bring Bel- business behind bars. Also added to the US sanc- tribunal on June 11 for probing crimes, crimes against cedures in place to investigate grade and Pristina to an Deltan Dallagnol, 40, the tions blacklist was Phakiso and prosecuting US troops. humanity and genocide. accusations against troops. accord, he succeeded in coordinating prosecutor on the Mochochoko, director of the Pompeo at the time referred The United States — like Trump, however, used his arranging for the two sides to investigation, said in a video ICC’s Jurisdiction, Comple- to the ICC as a “kangaroo court” Russia, China, Israel, Syria and executive powers last year to meet. on Twitter that his 22-month- mentary and Cooperation and warned that if US soldiers a number of other countries — clear three military members A first meeting planned in old daughter had been diag- Division, for “having materially are investigated by it, those of is not a member of the ICC, and over war crimes, including in June was aborted after Kosovo nosed with developmental assisted Prosecutor Bensouda,” US allies in Afghanistan risk the its opposition to the court is Afghanistan. President Hashim Thaci was delays that “will require our Pompeo said. same threat. longstanding. Also underpinning Wash- indicted for war crimes arising very intense dedication as Pompeo said other ICC offi- US Attorney General Bill In 2002 the US Congress ington’s enmity is the ICC’s from the 1990s conflict by parents.” Attorney General cials have already faced denial Barr said in June that the ICC even passed the so-called investigation into alleged war special prosecutors in The Augusto Aras later announced of visas to the United States has become “little more than a “Hague Invasion Act” allowing crimes by US ally Israel against Hague. he was renewing Operation over the investigations of US political tool employed by the US president to authorize Palestinians in the West Bank Both sides agreed last Car Wash for another year, military personnel. unaccountable international military force to free any US and Gaza. Last year the Trump month to reschedule, with ending doubts over its future. “Today we take the next elites.” The sanctions were personnel held by the ICC, in administration revoked Ben- economic issues at the center It will be led by Dallagnol’s step, because the ICC continues announced just two months theory making an invasion of souda’s US visa. of talks. longtime colleague Alessandro Hoti said they would Oliveira. discuss “major projects that The operation has upended will change the economic per- Brazilian politics and business End of a dynasty? Joe Kennedy spective of Kosovo and the since it was launched as a region.” The Trump advisor money-laundering probe defeated in US Senate primary said that the US role has been based out of the southern city to bypass politicians and focus of Curitiba in 2014. AFP — BOSTON Kennedy. The 39-year-old on the issues of business- Using an aggressive Kennedy said he called Markey people, who want to expand strategy of arrests and plea Congressman Joe Kennedy, long “to congratulate him and to commerce. bargains, it steadily pried the seen as a rising star, crashed to pledge my support” in the “Companies are frus- lid off a massive corruption defeat on Tuesday in his bid for months ahead.” With votes still trated,” the advisor said. The scheme in which politicians a US Senate seat, the first time being counted, Markey was political communities on both and business executives plun- the storied American political leading around 55 percent to 44 sides “have largely failed to dered billions of dollars from dynasty lost a state election in percent. The race pitted two move us forward.” Washington state-run oil company Massachusetts. well-liked progressives against wants to see if more Petrobras. Incumbent Senator Ed each another, but it was Mar- investment and job creation The investigation led to the Markey, a political veteran who key’s organizational energy and “could somehow change the US Democratic Senate candidate and current US Representative jailing of some of the biggest re-cast himself as the fiery appeal to the ascendant left that dynamic of the situation.” The Joe Kennedy III, speaking at his primary election rally in Watertown, names in Brazil, including liberal in the race, harnessed won out over Kennedy. advisor cited recent agree- former president Luiz Inacio the state’s progressive energy “Tonight is more than just a Massachusetts, US, on Tuesday. ments on opening road, rail Lula da Silva. to handily turn back a primary celebration of an election, it is and air links, though the latter Convicted participants’ challenge from Joseph Kennedy a celebration of a movement,” attorney general Robert F. political torch, entering the has yet to result in an initial tell-all confessions in III, the grandnephew of assas- Markey wrote on Twitter. Kennedy is part of the family’s House of Representatives in flight between Belgrade and exchange for lighter sentences sinated president John F. The grandson of slain fourth generation to carry the 2013. Pristina. also sent tremors around Latin America, as it emerged that a laundry list of presidents and other powerful politicians had Canada, US, EU & UK mulling taken huge bribes from one of the main players in the sanctions against Belarus scheme, the construction company Odebrecht, in REUTERS — OTTAWA rights investigators say they exchange for juicy public have received reports of hun- contracts. Canada, the United States, the dreds of cases of torture, But critics accuse the oper- European Union and Britain are beatings and mistreatment of ation of playing politics, par- discussing possible sanctions anti-government protesters by ticularly after internal com- against Belarus over its police. munications were leaked to crackdown against protests “There have been a number the media that appeared to following a disputed election, of things that have happened show investigators conspiring a Canadian source directly since the election that are rep- to keep Lula, a leftist icon, familiar with the matter said rehensible,” said the Canadian from staging a come-back in yesterday. source. Brazil’s 2018 presidential race. If sanctions were imposed, “We’ve made it clear the Dallagnol, an Evangelical they would come “in the not too situation cannot stand and Christian and amateur surfer, distant future”, said the source, that’s precisely the reason we was one of the most visible who requested anonymity are looking, with other faces of the investigation, given the sensitivity of the partners, at some sort of sanc- along with the federal judge situation. tions we could put in place.” who presided over it, Sergio Protests erupted after an US Secretary of State Mike Moro. August 9 election that the Pompeo said yesterday that Moro left the judiciary to Panama drug seizure opposition says was rigged to Washington and European become justice minister under prolong President Alexander partners were reviewing A member of Panama’s National Border Service stands guard in front of seized packages of marijuana far-right President Jair Bol- Lukashenko’s 26-year rule. imposing targeted punitive at the Gamboa Senafront base in Panama City, Panama, on Tuesday. Panama’s military seized 785kg sonaro after the latter won the Lukashenko denies electoral measures against anyone 2018 election. However, he of the drug during an anti-narcotics operation in the maritime border with Colombia, authorities said. fraud and has shown no sign of involved in human rights quit the government in April. backing down. UN human abuses in Belarus. 20 HOME THURSDAY 3 SEPTEMBER 2020